The Gresley ‘A1’/‘A3’ 4-6-2s are a longstanding part of the Hornby range, but this year they have been upgraded with newly tooled components and firebox flicker. MIKE WILD checks out the first two arrivals.
The Gresley ‘A1’/‘A3’ 4-6-2 is one of the London and North Eastern Railway’s finest locomotives. The first was introduced in 1922 with a total of 52 being built to the ‘A1’ specification by 1935. Between 1928 and 1949, 51 of those locomotives were rebuilt as ‘A3’ 4-6-2s with longer travel valves, higher pressure boiler, increased superheating and improvements to the lubrication. An additional27 locomotives followed to this specification bringing the class total to 78 in ultimate ‘A3’ form.
Hornby’s association
