Hornby – BR, InterCity APT-U Ex-TS Development Vehicle, Sc48204/977527 (R4970) OO Gauge

In mid-1984, TS Sc48204 was withdrawn from Set 370 004 and was sent to the Engineering Development Unit (EDU) at Derby RTC for conversion to an APT-U test vehicle, with extensive rebuilding of the underframe being undertaken in order to incorporate tilting double bogies based on the BT12 units.

Following the completion of the vehicle some static testing was undertaken at Derby, as well as dynamic testing on the West Coast Mainline in an APT formation, where the coach was inserted between the TBF and NDM vehicles. The APT-U project evolved into the IC140 project which, once tilt was dropped from the specifications, became the IC225 Class 91/Mk IV rollout on the East Coast Mainline.

Renumbered as 977527 in Departmental use, the coach seems to have retained 48204 while testing, the number being painted out once it had been withdrawn from the APT dynamic testing some time during mid-1989. Stored at the RTC yard in Derby, the vehicle was finally scrapped in October 1989.

Understanding Scale

The scale of a model is its size as a proportion to the real-life item. For instance, a 1:18 scale model means that every 1 unit of measurement on the model equals 18 units on the real item. If you divide the real item's size by 18, you'd get the size of the 1:18 model. Please note that models can vary slightly in size, as not all real-life items, like cars or planes, have the same dimensions.

Model Cars:

• 1:12 scale: ~38 cm or 15 inches
• 1:18 scale: ~25 cm or 10 inches
• 1:24 scale: ~18 cm or 7 inches
• 1:43 scale: ~10 cm or 4 inches
• 1:64 scale: ~7 cm or 2.75 inches
• 1:76 scale: ~6 cm or 2.3 inches

Model Trucks:

• 1:12 scale: ~75 cm or 29.5 inches
• 1:18 scale: ~50 cm or 19.7 inches
• 1:24 scale: ~38 cm or 15 inches
• 1:43 scale: ~21 cm or 8.3 inches
• 1:64 scale: ~14 cm or 5.5 inches
• 1:76 scale: ~12 cm or 4.7 inches

Model Bikes:

• 1:6 scale: ~30 cm or 12 inches
• 1:10 scale: ~18 cm or 7 inches
• 1:12 scale: ~15 cm or 6 inches

Model Trains:

• HO scale (1:87): ~22 cm or 8.7 inches
• N scale (1:160): ~12 cm or 4.7 inches
• O scale (1:48): ~38 cm or 15 inches

Model Airplanes:

Fighter Jets:

• 1:72 scale: ~20 cm or 7.9 inches
• 1:100 scale: ~14 cm or 5.5 inches
• 1:144 scale: ~10 cm or 3.9 inches
• 1:200 scale: ~7 cm or 2.8 inches

Civilian Aircraft:

• 1:72 scale: ~40 cm or 15.7 inches
• 1:100 scale: ~28 cm or 11 inches
• 1:144 scale: ~20 cm or 7.9 inches
• 1:200 scale: ~14 cm or 5.5 inches

Model Ships:

• 1:144 scale: ~150 cm or 59 inches
• 1:350 scale: ~62 cm or 24.4 inches
• 1:700 scale: ~31 cm or 12.2 inches

Model Tanks:

• 1:16 scale: ~97 cm or 38.2 inches
• 1:35 scale: ~44 cm or 17.3 inches
• 1:72 scale: ~22 cm or 8.7 inches

Delivery:

• Orders placed before 14:00 (Monday-Friday) are dispatched the same day. After 14:00, they're dispatched the next working day.
• Delays may occur during high order volume. Any significant delays will be communicated via email.
• We ship globally, with specific rates for different zones:
• UK: Standard - £3.50 (Free over £75), Express - £4.99.
• Europe: Starting at £14.99.
• North America: Starting at £17.99.
• Other zones vary. Surcharges apply for international rates depending on item size/weight. Shipping calculator available in cart for accurate rates.
• Delivery confirmation and tracking number provided post-dispatch.

Returns & Refunds:

• 30-day return policy. Items must be unused, in original packaging.
• No returns on hazardous or flammable items.
• Start returns by emailing [email protected]. Do not return to the manufacturer.
• Returns address: Model Universe, 3 Hagley Court North, The Waterfront, Dudley, West Midlands, DY5 1XF, UK.
• Refund processing times vary; contact us if delays occur. Sale items may have different refund terms.

For detailed info on shipping zones, lost/damaged shipments, duties, and our full return policy, click here.