In partnership with our friends at Dapol, we are pleased to reveal the return of the incredible 'Black Label' LNER Class A4 4-6-2 in OO Gauge.
Originally released in 2016, this revolutionary model featured significant diecast construction as well as an advanced steam generator system synched with a realistic digital sound profile. We have worked with Dapol to update the Black Label A4, making numerous major improvements to the steam and sound systems.
Make sure to check out our video below to see the latest decorated samples being tested on the 'Gotham' layout by Matt Dawson. These premium OO gauge models beautifully replicate this icon of the steam era and we're sure you'll agree when you see them action.
Our new batch comprises a whopping 9 variations covering all popular LNER and British Railways livery variations - with numerous different running numbers and names available to choose from. Several of these new liveries have never been produced in the range before.
We currently expect these to arrive during Q4 2024. A deposit of £50 is required at the time of preordering, with the remaining balance taken when the locomotives arrive into stock.
PROJECT UPDATE
We are pleased to announce two additional models have now joined the range and will release alongside the previously announced models in Q4 2024. These two new versions depict 'Capercallie' and 'Peregrine' - both in LNER garter blue.
NEW LNER Garter Blue Additions
Previously Announced models
Please note the valanced Mallard version has been withdrawn from the current production and not available to pre-order.
Launch Video
Product Features
Highly detailed model with many separately fitted parts including handrails, pipework, headlamps, lamp irons, whistle, numberplates and more
Fully detailed cab including separate fittings and cab doors
Digital & Sound capability - Pre-fitted Zimo 21-pin decoder with pre-fitted twin speakers in the tender and locomotive body
Entirely diecast construction
Dapol’s Innovative Loco to tender easy coupling
Powerful and Smooth 5 Pole skew wound motor with flywheel
Loco driving wheels and tender wheels pick up
Working front lamps
Dynamic firebox flicker effect
Hi-fidelity sound project recorded from Bittern
Chuff sounds also operate in DC mode
User-configurable RealDrive with working brake for prototypical driving experience.
Smoke generator controlled via decoder
Valanced and unvalanced bodies
Three tender variations
Single and double chimneys
Prototype Information
Following on from the success of the A3, and at the insistance of the LNER publicity Department, Nigel Gresley revealed his next class of high speed express engine in 1935. They were introduced, like the A3's, for the long distance, high speed, runs on the ECML to which they settled in very quickly.
They were an almost instant success, building on the foundations laid by the A1 and A3 classes with the added streamlining both of the outer casing of the engine and a lot of internal components. In 1938 Class A4 4468 'Mallard' set the world steam speed record of 126.4 mph on Stoke Bank south of Grantham while running on a trial service with a dynamometer car (for recording speed etc) and 6 standard coaches.
During the war years it was found that the valances covering the main running gear was hampering quick maintenance that on other classes would be relatively easy. The decision was taken to remove the valances completely to aid general servicing with the intention of restoring them at the end of hostilities, however this never happened and for the rest of their lives they ran without them.
The only other major change to the look of the locos came with the fitting of double chimneys, although with the abundant streamlining this was less obvious than on other classes. The A4 locomotives started to be withdrawn in 1962 with the final members lasting until 1966. Luckily 6 have been preserved, including Mallard and 3 others in the UK, 1 in the USA and 1 in Canada.