Bachmann 35-160NRMA

LNWR Improved Precedent 2-4-0 No.790 "Hardwicke" with black cab roof

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

Prototype Era
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping

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 and professionally finished with a black roof by TMC

• 35-160NRMA

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

Bachmann LNWR Improved Precedent 2‑4‑0 No. 790 “Hardwicke” with black cab roof is a limited‑edition 00‑gauge model produced exclusively for Locomotion Models. It carries the manufacturer part number 35‑160NRMA and includes a 21‑pin decoder socket, making it DCC ready. The model replicates LNWR Lined Black No. 790 “Hardwicke”, and the black cab roof was professionally finished by TMC in partnership with Rails of Sheffield.

The prototype locomotive belonged to the “Improved Precedent” series introduced by LNWR chief mechanical engineer F. W. Webb between 1887 and 1901. These engines featured thicker frames and 150 psi boilers, and were recorded as renewals of earlier “Newton” and “Precedent” types, retaining the original names and numbers. Known as “Jumbos” or “Large Jumbos”, they entered service in the pre‑grouping era, with withdrawals beginning in 1905 and the final member withdrawn in 1934 after the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inherited 76 of them at the 1923 grouping.

No. 790 “Hardwicke” is the sole survivor of its class, preserved in 1931 after achieving fame during the 1895 “Races to the North”. It was recorded as having run between Crewe and Carlisle at an average speed of 67¼ mph, a record that stood for forty years. The model therefore represents a historically significant locomotive from the pre‑grouping period.