The National Collection in Miniature just got bigger with the arrival of the exclusive Bachmann-made model of LNWR ‘Improved Precedent’ 2-4-0 790 Hardwicke. MIKE WILD runs the rule over this historic steam locomotive.
At a time when interest in diesel traction seems to be at an all-time high it is refreshing to see one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives of London &North Western Railway (LNWR) parentage on our review desk.
The locomotive in question is Locomotion Models’ new ‘OO’ gauge model of the LNWR ‘Improved Precedent’ 2-4-0 790 Hardwicke. This compact locomotive was one of 158 in the class which were officially rebuilds from the ‘Newton’ and ‘Precedent’ classes completed between 1887 and 1901.
Hardwicke was rebuilt in 1892 (it was built as a ‘Precedent’ in 1873) and rose to fame in 1895 when it set a new record for the journey from Crewe to Carlisle. During that trip it averaged 67.1mph and reached a maximum speed of more than 90mph while completing the journey in 2 hours and 6 minutes non-stop. So significant was this record that it remained in place until 1936 when Stanier ‘Princess Royal’ 6201 Princess Elizabeth outpaced the Victorian 2-4-0’s attempt.
Detailing of the model is exquisite and ca…
