1952-1958 (R50) Triang "Princess Elizabeth"- Black Livery

The first Princess Elizabeth in black livery had already been produced by Rovex in 1950 (already covered in the database) and although the body shell remained the same when Triang Railways were launched in May 1952. The chassis went through major changes by autumn 1952. The chassis was now metal as the original had been plastic and far too light. It also had problems with warping which caused the locomotive to pull to one side. The wheels were now metal and picking up power directly from the track, doing away with the brass plungers which had limited power pickup. The motor had been improved and could now be removed with ease without having to disasemble the chassis. The body shell however, was still made of cellulose acetate causing warping and this was not put right until about 1956. Compared to the 1950 model, the 1952 model was a great improvement, with more changes to come by 1958.

Left, front view of the locomotive in its early form.

An early variant, well play worn, with a major repair to the buffer beam. Note the number "46201", this was removed a few years later and replaced by a blank plate to allow other names and numbers to be used on future variants. After a couple of years the front bogie was fitted with a coupling. The locomotive was fitted with the early open hook type Mk2 coupling. It was never fitted with the closed D (Mk3) coupling because by 1959 the locomotive had been renamed "Princess Victoria" and that locomotive will be covered in a later Database article.

Brass safety valves were fitted from 1956 and a new tender was retooled in 1955 and below you will see both tenders side by side to compare. Polystyrene came into use by 1956 and the locomotive had a matt finish by this time.

The wheels are now metal, although not yet the see-through type, but a vast improvement on the 1950 plastic wheels from the first Princess locomotive.

The early plastics tended to warp, this can be seen on the chimney area where over the years the retaining screw has been screwed too tight.

Top view showing the four plastic safety valves which were replaced with two brass safety valves in 1956. 

Underview showing the pickups and driving cog, all made from brass in those days.

The X02 or X03 motor  was used in the model. (the later X04 motor had two oiling pads). The connecting rods are smooth, later models had fluted connecting rods. 

The cellulose acetate has warped in the middle causing the shell to have a tight fit on the chassis. clearly seen is "Tri-ang" and "Made in England".

The early name plate with raised letters. People have asked why the green Princess that came out in 1953 was not given a different name? Perhaps the raised lettering on the mould and the number on the firebox door, made a different name impossible. Later the name plate was smooth, allowing for stickers for different names to be used. The early smooth connecting rods can clearly be seen.

Early R number under the body shell. After the green locomotive had been released for a while, this would be changed to "R.50/53".

Early numbers were heat printed in white, later this would be changed to decals with a nice lining that made the locomotive much more attractive on the cab area. Above the number the "7P" classification can be seen.  In the 1950s British Railways changed the classification to 8P and Triang followed suit several years latter.

Early Tender 1950 to 1955. Although replaced by a new tooled tender in mid 1955, it was a shame they did not keep the closed axle boxes, which did not look too bad.The Mk2b coupling dates this tender from mid 1953.

The new tooled tender made from mid 1955 onwards. As polystyrene was used from 1956, this tender is one of the few produced in cellulose acetate, which dates it firmly in the first year of production.

Left is the early tender 1950-1955 and right is the retooled tender 1955-1974. Note the details that changed on both variants.

Left the early tender with no detail at the rear. Right, lots of rear detail added. Both are made from cellulose acetate and both have Mk2b couplings.

1957- Triang Catalogue

1958- Triang Catalogue

Although a princess locomotive in black livery would remain in the catalogue, it would be as Princess Victoria, which will be covered at a later date.