Hornby R30541 RailRoad EWS Class 47 Windsor Castle 47787 Diesel Locomotive - Era 9

Add one of Britain's most recognisable diesel locomotive classes to your collection with the Hornby RailRoad EWS Class 47 No. 47787 “Windsor Castle”, presented in distinctive EWS red and yellow livery and reproduced in OO Gauge 1:76 scale.

Built by Brush, the prototype enjoyed a remarkably varied career spanning several decades, numerous running numbers and multiple names before becoming 47787 “Windsor Castle” as part of the EWS fleet.

This Hornby RailRoad model faithfully represents the locomotive during its EWS period, combining the unmistakable appearance of the Class 47 with additional durability for regular layout operation.

The locomotive is supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin decoder socket, making it straightforward to upgrade for digital operation. Hornby's HM7000-21TXS Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder is listed as the primary compatible decoder for enthusiasts wanting to add digital control and sound.

Whether you're recreating the EWS era or expanding a collection of classic British diesels, 47787 brings plenty of history and character to an OO Gauge layout.

Key Features

• Classic Brush Class 47 diesel locomotive

• Running number 47787

• Named Windsor Castle

• EWS operator

• Distinctive red and yellow EWS livery

• Part of the Hornby RailRoad range

• Detailed 1:76 scale

• OO Gauge

• Durable design suitable for regular layout operation

• DCC Ready

• Factory-fitted 21-pin decoder socket

• Compatible with HM7000-21TXS Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder

• NEM tension lock couplings

• Moulded plastic buffers

• Minimum recommended curve: Radius 2

• Approx. 25.1 cm long

• Officially licensed

• Recommended for ages 14+

The Class 47

The British Rail Class 47 became one of the most important and widely used diesel locomotive classes on Britain's railway network.

Used across passenger, freight and mixed-traffic duties, the class could be found throughout the country and remained an important part of railway operations for decades.

Its versatility and long working life resulted in numerous modifications, sub-classes, liveries and operators, making the Class 47 a particularly interesting subject for railway enthusiasts and model collectors.

The Story of 47787 “Windsor Castle”

The locomotive that eventually became 47787 “Windsor Castle” began its career as D1757.

Built by Brush, it entered service at Cardiff Canton in September 1964.

With the introduction of the TOPS numbering system, it became:

47163 – 1974

Between 1976 and 1979, the locomotive received a variety of modifications.

In April 1984, it was reclassified as a Class 47/4 and renumbered:

47610

Another change followed in April 1989 when it became part of the 47/8 group and received the number:

47823

Later, as part of the EWS fleet, the locomotive became:

47787

It was subsequently named:

Windsor Castle

Over the course of its long career, the locomotive also carried the names:

• SS Great Britain

• Victim Support

• Windsor Castle

In February 2007, the locomotive became part of the West Coast Railways operation at Carnforth, adding another chapter to its extensive railway career.

EWS Red & Yellow Livery

This Hornby model depicts 47787 during its EWS period.

The distinctive red and yellow colour scheme became one of the most recognisable freight-era liveries on Britain's post-privatisation railway.

Combined with the classic Class 47 body shape and Windsor Castle identity, the EWS presentation gives this model excellent visual presence on both operational layouts and display shelves.

Hornby RailRoad Range

Hornby's RailRoad range offers recognisable locomotives with a focus on durability and enjoyable model railway operation.

This makes the model particularly suitable for:

• Newer OO Gauge enthusiasts

• Regular operational layouts

• EWS-era railway layouts

• British diesel collections

• Expanding model railway fleets

The RailRoad construction makes 47787 an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a locomotive designed to be enjoyed regularly on the track.

DCC Ready – 21-Pin Socket

The locomotive is supplied DCC Ready with a factory-fitted 21-pin decoder socket.

This provides a straightforward upgrade path for enthusiasts wishing to convert the locomotive to digital control.

DCC Status: DCC Ready
Decoder Socket: 21-Pin
Primary Hornby Decoder Compatibility: HM7000-21TXS

Hornby's HM7000-21TXS Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder (21-pin) is listed as the primary compatible option for adding digital and sound functionality.

Decoder sold separately.

Dimensions

Length: Approx. 25.1 cm
Width: Approx. 3.5 cm
Height: Approx. 5 cm
Scale: 1:76
Gauge: OO

Specifications

Manufacturer: Hornby
Range: RailRoad
Locomotive Class: Class 47
Running Number: 47787
Locomotive Name: Windsor Castle
Original Number: D1757
Operator: EWS
Livery: Red/Yellow
Scale: 1:76
Gauge: OO
DCC Status: DCC Ready
Decoder Socket: 21-Pin
Hornby Decoder Compatibility: HM7000-21TXS Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder
Minimum Curve: Radius 2
Buffer Type: Moulded Plastic Buffers
Coupling Type: NEM Tension Lock
Length: Approx. 25.1 cm
Width: Approx. 3.5 cm
Height: Approx. 5 cm
Licensed Product: Yes
Recommended Age: 14+

Perfect For

Ideal for EWS collectors, Class 47 enthusiasts, British diesel fans and OO Gauge railway modellers.

The locomotive's long history makes it particularly interesting for collectors, having appeared under several identities during its working life:

D1757 → 47163 → 47610 → 47823 → 47787

Its history also provides excellent crossover potential for layouts representing different periods of British railway operation.

In its 47787 “Windsor Castle” EWS configuration, the locomotive is a natural choice for late-1990s and 2000s railway scenes.

Pair it with suitable OO Gauge passenger stock, charter coaches or freight rolling stock to create an impressive British diesel formation.

Collector Information

Recommended for ages 14 years and over.

This is a detailed OO Gauge model railway locomotive intended for model railway operation and collecting.