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Bachmann 35-160NRM

LNWR Improved Precedent Class 2-4-0 No.790 "Hardwicke"

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

Model Details:

• DCC Ready – 21 Pin Decoder Socket

• 00 Gauge

• LNWR Lined Black No.790 'Hardwicke'

• This model has been developed and produced exclusively for Locomotionmodels by Bachmann Europe Plc in a partnership with Rails of Sheffield

• 35-160NRM

Technological improvements prompted the LNWR's CME F.W Webb to replace 96 6'6" Curved Link 'Newtons' and 62 6'6" Straight Link 'Precedents' with locomotives featuring thicker frames and 150 PSI boilers. These emerged between 1887 and 1901 and became known as 'Improved Precedents'. Though new, an accountancy contrivance meant they were considered 'renewals' and kept the names and numbers of the locomotives they replaced.

Gaining the nickname 'Jumbos' or 'Big/Large Jumbos' because of their performance, withdrawals of the 'Improved Precedents' started in 1905 with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inheriting 76 at the 1923 grouping. The last was withdrawnin 1934.

No.790 'Hardwicke' was the only example to be preserved in 1931, having become famous during the 'Races to the North' in 1895. It ran between Crewe and Carlisle at an average of 67 ¼ MPH, a record which stood for 40 years.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann LNWR Improved Precedent Class 2‑4‑0 No.790 "Hardwicke" is a limited‑edition model produced exclusively for Locomotion Models. The model is supplied by Bachmann Europe Plc in partnership with Rails of Sheffield and carries the manufacturer part number 35‑160NRM. It is built to 00 gauge, finished in LNWR lined black livery, and includes a 21‑pin decoder socket making it DCC ready.

The prototype locomotives were introduced between 1887 and 1901 as “Improved Precedents”, a development prompted by CME F.W. Webb to replace earlier 96‑inch curved‑link “Newtons” and 62‑inch straight‑link “Precedents”. Featuring thicker frames and 150 psi boilers, they were colloquially known as “Jumbos” because of their performance. Withdrawals began in 1905, and after the 1923 grouping the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inherited 76 examples; the final unit was withdrawn in 1934.

No.790 “Hardwicke” is the sole member of the class to have been preserved, saved in 1931 after achieving fame in the 1895 “Races to the North”. It ran the Crewe to Carlisle route at an average speed of 67¼ mph, a record that stood for forty years. The model represents the pre‑grouping era of British steam locomotion.