Hornby R1069

Class & Prototype

The North British Railway D Class were compact 0-6-0 freight locomotives designed by Dugald Drummond in 1879. Known affectionately as "Wee Drummonds," these versatile engines were built in two variants: 101 J34s (1879-1883) and 36 J33s (1883-1887) with improved level fire grates. Despite their modest size, they handled everything from suburban passenger services to demanding 175-mile freight runs between Glasgow and Newcastle. Their light axle loading enabled operation on weight-restricted branch lines and industrial sidings throughout Scotland. The last J34 was withdrawn in 1928, with final J33s lasting until 1938. None survived preservation, making them a significant gap in Scottish railway heritage. Currently no ready-to-run models exist in any scale, representing a major opportunity for manufacturers to fill this important niche in NBR locomotive representation.

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.