Hornby R30270 LNER Class A1 4-6-2 4478 Steam Loco Hermit Big Four Centenary Collection Era 3

Nigel Gresley's A1 Pacific class emerged in the twilight years of the Great Northern Railway, a result of an idea that Gresley had nurtured since 1915. The First World War put his plans for new express passenger locomotives on hold but he applied his new three cylinder, conjugated valve gear designs to the O2 and K3 freight locomotives before returning to his plans for an express passenger Pacific in 1920, producing his 4-6-2 A1 design.

4478 Hermit was among the first 10 of the class to be built, rolling out of Doncaster works in July 1923 and into revenue earning service with the LNER. Just over halfway through its service life the locomotive would be rebuilt into the improved A3 Class with the conversion being undertaken in November of 1943. 

Withdrawal for the locomotive would take place in 1962, with all members of the class bar one being scrapped. Hermit, then 40109, was not the preserved example, with Flying Scotsman being saved and passing into railway legend due to its post-service career.

This Hornby model of 'Hermit' not only boasts a five pole skew wound motor but also a diecast running plate which adds increased weight for improved traction. Also worthy of note is the addition of a flickering firebox which illuminates the fully detailed cab.