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Dapol 4S-024-005D

HL 0-4-0 NCB Blue Lined Straw (DCC-Fitted)

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

Prototype Eras
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)

Manufacturer description

Hawthorn Leslie and Company was formed by the merger of the shipbuilder A. Leslie and Company in Hebburn with the locomotive works of R. and W. Hawthorn at St.Peter’s in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1886. The company manufactured locomotives to order for main line companies and later had a number of standard designs including 0-4-0 saddle tanks and fireless locomotives.

In 1937 Robert Stephenson of Darlington amalgamated with the locomotive works at Forth Banks to form Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd. By this time Hawthorn Leslie had built 2,783 locomotives.

The newly formed Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns became a subsidiary of the Vulcan Foundry in 1943 and Hawthorn’s 137-year connection with Forth Banks ended.

The Dapol model is based on the 0-4-0 saddle tanks built between 1899 and 1924. They were produced in large numbers and continued in a variety of industrial uses (included iron works, collieries and power stations) until the early to mid 1970s. Over 10 locomotives have made it into various states of preservation.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

The Dapol model of the Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Blue Lined Straw NCB steam tank locomotive is a highly detailed and accurate representation of a classic British steam engine. The model is built to a scale and features a finely moulded body with many separately added details. The locomotive is based on the real-life steam tanks built by Hawthorn Leslie and Company between 1899 and 1924, of which over 2,783 were produced.

The model features a die-cast chassis and all-wheel pickup, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The locomotive is DCC-fitted, with a NEXT-18 socket located in the lift-off dicast saddle tanks. The wheels are cast with fine relief and colouring, adding to the model's realistic appearance. The model also includes a powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor, making it suitable for use on small-radius curves.

The locomotive is finished in a pristine condition, with a beautifully rendered NCB Blue Lined Straw livery. The model is built to a high standard and includes a number of features, including NEM pockets and a spare parts bag. The model is a great addition to any railway layout, particularly those featuring British steam engines from the early 20th century.

The Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 steam tank locomotive was a popular design, with many examples being used in industrial settings until the early to mid-1970s. Over 10 examples have been preserved and are still in existence today. The model is a great way to own a piece of railway history, and its DCC-fitting makes it easy to control and operate.