Of all the locomotives we never thought would become a ready-to-run model, the unique LMS ‘Turbomotive’ was high on the list, but now you can add it to your ‘OO’ collection. MIKE WILD inspects this exciting new release from Hornby.
The moment Hornby revealed it would be producing the unique LMS ‘Turbomotive’ 4-6-2 we couldn’t believe it. This locomotive was one which we never thought would make it to the world of ready-to-run, but now it is here for ‘OO’ gauge from Hornby and with new features to boot.
The real locomotive was built in 1935 as an experimental design. It used the standard Stanier ‘Princess Royal’ 4-6-2 frame, but rather than conventional valve gear, it was built with steam turbines where high pressure steam spins blades to generate energy. The output of the turbine blades is then converted to movement.
Above: The powerful design of the LMS ‘Turbomotive’ has been captured superbly by Hornby in both its LMS and BR era condition.
This fascinating locomotive had an 18-blade turbine used in the forwards direction (a smaller one was used for reversing) and delivered 2,400hp with the added advantage that the continuous drive meant the ‘hammer blow’ effect delivered to the rails by conventional reciprocating
