DIGITAL CONTROL
The ‘Britannia’ 4-6-2s were the largest fleet of ‘Pacifics’ in the BR Standard series. MIKE WILD installs a Doehler & Haass 8-pin decoder loaded with Locoman Sounds’ new ‘Britannia’ sound file in the Hornby ‘OO’ gauge model with the addition of extra lighting functions.
Above: Fitted with its new Locoman Sound Doehler & Haass decoder, ‘Britannia’ 4-6-2 70013 Oliver Cromwell steams away from Quorn Magna – Hornby Magazine’s 2021 Yearbook layout project – with a rake of BR lined maroon Mk 1s.
THE first BR Standard steam locomotive designs to roll off the production line were the ‘Britannia’ class ‘Pacifics’. These handsome locomotives were powerful, but whereas most 4-6-2s had been designated for express duties, the ‘Brits’ were seen as mixed traffic locomotives from the start.
Crewe Works built 55 of the class between 1951 and 1954 and their 6ft 2in driving wheels made them useful on a range of duties as well as being fast enough for express work. The wide firebox and free steaming boiler was a great bonus while crews were treated to an ergonomic cab which made driving and firing a more comfortable experience.
The ‘Britannias’ have long been firm favourites in model form and Hornby…
