It’s here! Hornby’s brand-new model of the unique Gresley ‘W1’ 4-6-4 in original condition arrived in December, and is already in short supply. MIKE WILD inspects one of the most eagerly anticipated models from Hornby for 'OO' gauge. Read our full review and watch our video showcasing the model in action on Topley Dale.
A MODEL LIKE this would have been unthinkable not that long ago –a model which represents a class of one with a working life span of just six years. That locomotive is Sir Nigel Gresley’s outstanding ‘Hush-Hush’ 4-6-4 10000 – the only 4-6-4 tender engine ever to run on the British railway network.
This engine was an experimental design to test the capabilities of using a high pressure steam boiler in railway applications. It was completely different to a conventional steam locomotive boiler and had a working pressure of 450psi – nearly twice that of contemporary railway boilers of the late 1920s.
The finished locomotive emerged in 1929 - five years after construction had started - and the distinctive lead grey painted engine with its bulbous cladding went to work on the East Coast Main Line.
The ‘W1s’ career in high-pressure boiler form was short as it was withdrawn in 1935 before being rebuilt in conventional form.
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