Bachmann 32-279

Class & Prototype

The GNR Class H4, later LNER Class K3, was Nigel Gresley's ground-breaking 1920 design that revolutionized British mixed-traffic locomotive operation. These distinctive 2-6-0 "Jazzers" featured unprecedented 6-foot diameter boilers, innovative three-cylinder layout with conjugated valve gear, and exceptional versatility handling both express passenger and heavy freight services. Built between 1920-1937 with 193 examples constructed, they proved capable of hauling 20-bogie passenger trains during the 1921 coal strike while maintaining economical operation. The syncopated exhaust beat from their three-cylinder arrangement earned the affectionate "Jazzers" nickname, reflecting the jazz music era of their introduction. Tragically, the entire fleet was scrapped 1959-1962 with no survivors, though a new-build project announced in 2018 promises their return to steam. These historically significant locomotives influenced all subsequent Gresley designs and remain popular subjects for OO gauge modelling through excellent Bachmann reproductions.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The London & North Eastern Railway emerged in 1923 as Britain's second-largest railway company, combining seven major railways including the Great Northern, North Eastern, and Great Eastern into a 6,590-mile network stretching from London's four terminals to the Scottish Highlands. Despite serving economically challenged industrial regions, the LNER achieved worldwide recognition for engineering excellence and speed records that remain unbroken today.

Under Chief Mechanical Engineers Sir Nigel Gresley, Edward Thompson, and Arthur Peppercorn, the LNER developed revolutionary locomotive designs characterised by three-cylinder layouts and streamlined aesthetics. Gresley's masterpieces included the A1 Pacifics featuring Flying Scotsman and the legendary A4 class, culminating in Mallard's world steam speed record of 126 mph in 1938.

The company pioneered luxury express services including the Silver Jubilee and Coronation streamliners, whilst investing in forward-thinking electrification schemes and massive marshalling yards. Notable achievements included operating the complete East Coast Main Line, introducing Britain's first regular 400-mile non-stop service, and commissioning Eric Gill's iconic typography that influenced railway design for decades.

Nationalised in 1948, LNER locomotives continued serving British Railways until the 1960s, with some A4 Pacifics working Scottish expresses until 1966. Today, the LNER's engineering legacy thrives through extensive preservation, new-build projects like Tornado, and comprehensive model ranges covering every major class in all popular scales, making LNER subjects essential for discerning railway modellers seeking authentic British steam-age atmosphere.