1947-Hornby Dublo A4 Pacific "Sir Nigel Gresley"
The locomotive was first released in 1938-39 and again post-war in 1947 to 1953.
Throughout this time there were various alterations, mostly internal technical, which help to date the model. Mine has EDL1 stamped under the cab roof and open valanced skirt, dating the model illustrated here to be about 1949-1950. Later variants had black wheels.
The open valanced skirt allows us to see the Walschaerts valve gear. The pre-war variant had a deep skirt which only allowed us to see the bottom half of the wheels. This was within keeping with changes to the real locomotive then still in use.
The model kept this blue livery and name until April 1953, when it was replaced by a new name and British Railways livery.
A view of the top of the locomotive, and right, a view of the diecast body from the inside, showing the fixing split-pins for the outer railings.
Whistle in front of chimney and number 7 above the front hook.
Rear view of the Tender, showing the corridor used for changing crews during the long haul between Scotland and London.
Lovely view of the name plate, some variants had rounded corners.
The Walschaerts valve gear.
Early variants had red wheels
The coal load has warped over the years
Note the Hornby label between the wheels
View of the centre pick-up
Two views of the chassis
