Hornby – LMS, Fowler 4P, 2-6-4T, 2300: Big Four Centenary Collection (R30271) OO Gauge

Henry Fowler, like LMS Chief Mechanical Engineers before him, was constrained by the company’s desire to stick by its small engine policy. This policy was left over from the Midland Railway, the largest constituent company of the LMS, and resulted in some iconic steam designs such as the Fowler 3F Jinty, however ignored the reality that rail operations on a national level would bring.

Suddenly entrusted with lines running from London to Scotland, the LMS would not have large express engines that it could call upon such as the LNER’s A1 Pacific. While this was a policy that Fowler would eventually overcome with his Patriot design, his 4P tank engine had its DNA within the policy.

The order for the Fowler tank engine was placed in March 1927, with the first engine being delivered from Derby works on the 9th December of the same year, number 2300. This new tank engine was a behemoth, the engine had a total wheelbase of 38ft 6in, with a driving wheel span of 16ft 6in resulting from the company’s idea to reuse existing coupling rods measuring 8ft and 8ft 6in respectively. The 86 ton heft of the locomotive would be spread over the six driving axles, two trailing axles and the single leading axle.

The locomotives would find themselves spread around the LMS network, finding roles on both ends of the spectrum including operating on express suburban services around cities as well as operating banking duties around Shap summit.

Locomotive 2300 was the first of the class to be delivered, rolling out of Derby works on the 9th December 1927. The locomotive would receive the number 42300 on the 26th June 1948, with withdrawal from BR service coming on 26th November 1960. For its entire career, the locomotive would be assigned to the St Albans shed.

The locomotive would not be preserved, no example of the class would be however in 2013 it was announced that a new build project was under way to bring the class back into existence.

The Hornby Fowler 4F is fitted with a 5 pole motor resulting in strong performance from this large engine, aided by the weight from its diecast chassis. The model is also 8 pin DCC ready, for those who may wish to run the model on a digital layout.

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.

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