'Flying Scotsman': 100 years and counting (2024)

Welcome to the latest edition of Engine Shed.In this most special edition we look into the history of Hornby's relationship with one of the most famous steam engines to ever be built, LNER A1, then A3, 'Flying Scotsman'.

Hornby’s association with ‘the world’s most famous locomotive’ started in 1927, some four years after GNR Class A1 No.1472 left the Doncaster Locomotive Works and only three years after ‘Flying Scotsman’ made its celebratory appearance at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park, London, in 1924 and where it remained until 1925. The name chosen was no accident but a successful public relations exercise as L&NER locomotive No. 4472 was named ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the well-established express service between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley.

It can be surmised that by 1925, the magnificence of Nigel Gresley’s signature locomotive had probably reached a high level of celebratory status which no doubt had come to the attention of Frank Hornby and his ever-growing range of ‘0’ gauge trains. In those early days of ‘toy’ trains the fascination and demands of today for 100% accuracy did not even occur to the Hornby ‘0’ gauge train enthusiasts of the 1920s. All they really cared about was that their model was in the correct colour, or as close as possible and was accurately named and numbered on each side; the fact that it was short of a set of driving wheels and not nearly long enough in scale terms did not matter at all. In those days Hornby Trains used a common 4-4-0 chassis which was adaptable so that an extra pair of wheels could be attached to the rear, converting the chassis into a 4-4-2 after which an appropriate body was simply bolted on.

The Hornby ‘0’ gauge replica remained in the range in one livery form or another until the early 1940s when due to the Second World War restrictions, production of all Hornby Trains ceased at the Liverpool Meccano Works.

Image Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum – National Railway Museum

In 1968 Tri-ang Hornby announced the new R850 BR Class A3 ‘Flying Scotsman’ model in BR Green. The model featured a corridor tender and firebox glow, plus engine driver and fireman. The following year ‘Flying Scotsman’ appeared in LNER Apple Green and a year later ‘Flying Scotsman’ first appeared in a train set. This particular suite of tools served Hornby well but were replaced in 1981 with a totally new LNER Class A1 model, complete with a ringfield motor situated in the tender. Two years after the launch, the model was included in a new 1983 train set complete with an oval of track and three pseudo Gresley LNER teak effect coaches.

Image Courtesy of Gary Archer

By 1993 the demand for more accurate detail by the model railway enthusiast spurred the Hornby Development Team into creating a fresh suite of tools which would allow for a variety of different ‘Flying Scotsman’ models. These models included variants that spanned the years between 1924 – 1928, 1928 - 1936, 1961 – 1963, with the final version being that of the Alan Peglar who owned ‘Flying Scotsman’ that featured two tenders and which bridged the period from 1966 – 1973.

Image Courtesy of Sara Evans

Over the following years ‘Flying Scotsman’ was a familiar model in the Hornby range both in sets as well as solo. In 2005 ‘Flying Scotsman’ was once again retooled with even greater detail and a suite of tooling that allowed for most, if not all variants of the ‘Flying Scotsman’ from its first build right up to and beyond private ownership. These new models were fitted with a powerful 5 pole, skew wound motor mounted in the locomotive’s body. In the same year Hornby released as part of its amazing ‘00’ scale Live Steam range an LNER Class A3, ‘Flying Scotsman’ and in 2008 a limited edition double tendered variant, with both models now being highly collectable.

In 2007 Hornby launched the RailRoad range of locomotives and rolling stock. One of the reasons for the creation of the range was to provide less detailed and easily handled models for those who were looking to extend their train set. Obviously, a range such as this would not have been complete without an LNER Class A1, ‘Flying Scotsman’ which has remained in the range from the very start. Later an alternative ‘Flying Scotsman’ was added but this time it was complete with digitally controlled sound. Both models are very much part of the Hornby RailRoad range as is the Hornby branded train set that carries the name, ‘Flying Scotsman’.

Image Courtesy of Michael Collins

Since 2005 the complete set of tooling that makes up the different variations of ‘Flying Scotsman’ have over the years been subjected to numerous changes and refinements but as the centenary of ‘Flying Scotsman’ got ever closer both the Hornby Marketing and Development teams believed that something special was required to allow Hornby and those in the model railway fraternity to commemorate ‘Flying Scotsman’s’ momentous anniversary. It was felt that had Frank Hornby lived and seen the launch of Hornby Dublo in 1938 he would more than likely have included ‘Flying Scotsman’ as part of the developing range of diecast locomotives. With this thought in mind and with the Hornby Dublo brand once again available it was believed there was no better way to celebrate such an occasion than to introduce just 500 each of six limited edition models that traced several of the locomotive’s key periods and builds through its 100 year life.

Consequently, a superb selection of finely detailed Hornby Dublo models were carefully crafted to celebrate the locomotive’s centenary. The assorted models track the six major stages of both structural and livery changes of ‘Flying Scotsman’ from the time it was first outshopped in 1923 to when the locomotive returned to traffic after a full restoration in 2016.

This fine collection of models, all of which are presented in special limited edition centenary packaging, include a dedicated, model specific brass effect medallion together with a numbered certificate.

However, the celebrations do not stop there. As a fitting tribute to ‘Flying Scotsman’ centenary, a very special and unique production run of just 100 each of five variants of the centenary locomotive are being produced and will not only include a numbered certificate, plus a brass effect medallion calling out the relevant year and railway company but also each of the external metal parts, including the wheel rims will be plated in 18ct gold.

Image Courtesy of Michael Collins

This collection must be the ultimate in Hornby’s long association with ‘Flying Scotsman’ dating from 1927 right up to the present day and simply acknowledges the heritage and respect that Hornby has for what is after all ‘the world’s most famous locomotive – ever’!

New Arrivals & Coming Soon

Lions and... TIGERS!

'Tiger' is in stock and available now! Build or start your L&MR collection with this elegant locomotive with coal wagons included, all of which come complete in a bespoke pack. Don't miss out - order yours now!

Happy Centenary, 'Flying Scotsman'

The railway icon, Flying Scotsman' celebrates it's official centenary TODAY! What better way is there to commemorate the centenary than with one of the special centenary 'Flying Scotsman' models.

All 'Flying Scotsman' limited edition locomotives will be included in a bespoke box, along with a medallion featuring the 'Flying Scotsman' centenary logo, operator, running number and year.

These limited edition locomotives are available to pre-order now! But, those left are expected to sell quickly so be sure to place your order before they sell out!

R30206 Hornby Dublo LNER, A1 Class, 4-6-2, 1472 'Flying Scotsman' - Era 3 - Limited Edition

R30207 Hornby Dublo: LNER, A1 Class, 4-6-2, 4472 'Flying Scotsman' - Era 3 - Limited Edition

R30208 Hornby Dublo: LNER, A3 Class, 4-6-2, 4472 'Flying Scotsman' - Era 6 - Limited Edition

R30209 Hornby Dublo: LNER, A3 Class, 4-6-2, 4472 1963 Alan Pegler - Era 5 - Limited Edition

R30210 Hornby Dublo: LNER, A3 Class, 4-6-2, 103 'Flying Scotsman' - Era 3 - Limited Edition

R30211 Hornby Dublo: BR, A3 Class, 4-6-2, 60103 'Flying Scotsman' - Era 11 - Limited Edition

To view the full ‘Flying Scotsman’ centenary collection, please click here.

Scenic and realistic!

No layout is complete without those scenic and realistic touches! So for those looking to develop their layout with buildings and maybe some walling, check out the below and click here to explore the full Skaledale range.

R7359 Rose and Crown Pub

R7361 Parkers Newsagents

R7387 Mid Stepped Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Engineers Blue Brick)

R7373 High Level Arched Retaining Walls x 2 (Engineers Blue Brick)

R7374 High Stepped Arched Retaining Walls x 2 (Red Brick)

R7375 High Stepped Arched Retaining Walls x 2 (Engineers Blue Brick)

R7384 Mid Level Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Red Brick)

R7385 Mid Level Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Engineers Blue Brick)

R7386 Mid Stepped Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Red Brick)

R7372 High Level Arched Retaining Walls x 2 (Red Brick)

R7388 Low Level Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Red Brick)

R7389 Low Level Arched Retaining Walls x2 (Engineers Blue Brick)

Electric delivery

We have some new electric models to die for - especially if you are a 'City of Glasgow' or 'City of Birmingham' fan!

R30030 BR, Class 87, Bo-Bo, 87006 'City of Glasgow' - Era 8

R30031 BR, Class 87, Bo-Bo, 87009 'City of Birmingham' - Era 7

If you're looking for something unique and memorable to run on your layout then we have the R30166 VTEC, Class 91, Bo-Bo, 91110 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' - Era 10. This electric locomotive was the final one of the original ten Class 91s to be built. With such meaning behind the livery, this model is sure to stand out on any modern image layout.

Available to pre-order here.

R30166 VTEC, Class 91, Bo-Bo, 91110 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' - Era 10

Looking for Class 31 Diesel locomotives? You’re in the right place… we have two new BR, Class 31, A1A-A1A available to pre-order!

R30120 BR, Class 31, A1A-A1A, D5500 - Era 5

R30158 BR, Class 31, A1A-A1A, 31139 - Era 6

Message from the team

Join the Collector Club today!

Are you a Collector Club Member? If not, what’s stopping you?!

Sign up today for a year’s membership and receive enhanced Hobby Rewards points, our much-loved quarterly magazine, exclusive club models and lots more!

As a club member you will also receive amazing offers including:

That’s not all! There’s so much more to enjoy in the exclusive Members' Area on our website.

So, if you’re interested in taking advantage of these amazing discounts and exploring our other exciting offers, sign up to the Collector Club today!

To find out more information and to sign up, please clickhere.

'The Good Listening To Show: Stories of Distinction & Genius' is a podcast channel hosted by Chris Grimes. Chris invited Montana ho*ren, Head of Brand at Hornby, to join him as a guest for - 'A Life in Miniature!

In this episode, Montana talks about Series 2 of Hornby: A Model World as well as her personal life and journey working at Hornby!

If you're interested in listening to the full episode, please visit here.

TV Flash

Hornby also featured on Monday's episode of The Antiques Road Trip on BBC1 as Catherine Southon talks to Simon Kohler about the history of Hornby

For more information or to catch up on the episode, please click here.

Hornby: A Model World. Series 2 – EPISODE 6: 9F Evening Star steam locomotive

We hope you have been enjoying watching the TV series so far.

In the last episode Hornby attempted to replicate the legendary 9F steam locomotive. Using new design technology their aim is to produce their most detailed model yet. The hope is the addition of scale figures of the driver and fireman, alongside a glowing firebox will add to the sense of realism and attract customers.

We are pleased to be releasing three new 9F models to the range this year!

R30132 BR, Class 9F, 2-10-0, 92002 - Era 4

R30133 BR, Class 9F, 2-10-0, 92097 with Westinghouse Pumps - Era 5

And with that, we reach the end of this special edition of Engine Shed, but the celebrations for 'Flying Scotsman's' centenary continues! If you have any special memories of 'Flying Scotsman', whether that feature the full size engine or a model version, we would love to hear them! Send them through to marketing@hornby.com and we look forward to reading them!

Be sure to follow Hornby onFacebook,Twitter,TikTokandInstagramto be kept up to date on all the latest news and product updates. Don’t forget to subscribe to theHornby YouTube channeland tune in to our Beyond the Buffers Podcast.

Happy Modelling!

The Engine Shed Team

Return to Engine Shed homepage