Hornby R30474SS

LNER - Thompson - Class A2-3 - 500 'Edward Thompson' (With Steam Generator)

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

For the first time Hornby are offering an LNER Thompson A2/3 with the latest steam generator technology, as running number 500 ‘Edward Thompson’ in LNER lined apple green. This highly detailed model, adorned with numerous separately fitted parts, also comes sound fitted to offer the ultimate model for collectors of LNER locomotives.

Model Specification:

• High detail OO gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
• Die-cast chassis, pony truck and trailing truck
• Die-cast connecting rods and valve gear
• High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
• Large number of separately fitted parts
• Separately fitted simulated coal load with fully detailed tender bunker
• Powerful 5 pole skew wound motor
• Electrical pickups on main drive wheels and tender wheels
• 8-way locomotive to tender drawbar, with integrated electrical connection for easy coupling and decoupling.
• Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing
• Brass main drive bearings
• Sprung metal buffers
• NEM coupling pocket
• Accessory bag
• Minimum 2nd Radius curves

Steam Generator:

• Pre-fitted Gen 2 steam generator system featuring an optical sensor for accurate chuff rate synchronised with the wheel speed. Steam output is created using piezo element technology. This is a cold water-based system (no heating element).
• Water reservoir large enough for 20 minutes of continuous steam running
• Adjustable steam output settings via the decoder

Electronics:

• Pre-fitted 21-Pin HM7000 decoder and speaker. Compatible with NMRA DCC controllers and HM7000 system
• HM7000 Power Bank compatible

DCC Sound:

• Pre-installed LNER Thompson A2/3 sound profile for accurate locomotive sounds, synchronised with the chuff rate and steam effect.
• Tender speaker

Livery:

• LNER Apple Green
• Gold lettering with red shading
• Named ‘Edward Thompson’
• Accurate typefaces and colours
• Era 3

Hornby recommends:

• LNER Gresley coaches

History

Edward Thompson succeeded Gresley as the LNER’s CME in 1941, but his plans for a new series of standard locomotives were frustrated by WWII. Instead, he tested some of his ideas by rebuilding Gresley’s ‘P2’ 2-8-2s as ‘Pacifics’, which became ‘A2/2s’. Eventually, he was authorised to build 30 new 4-6-2s in 1945. 

Only one, No. 500, was completed before Thompson retired in 1946 and was named in his honour. A further 14 ‘A2/3s’ were completed in 1947, but the rest were built to an improved design by his successor Arthur Peppercorn and became ‘A2s’. As BR No. 60500, the locomotive was retired in June 1963.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Hornby LNER Thompson Class A2‑3 No 500 “Edward Thompson” is a detailed OO gauge model of the 4‑6‑2 locomotive built by the London and North Eastern Railway. The model is fitted with a Gen 2 steam generator, HM7000 DCC decoder and sound system, and runs on a five‑pole skew‑wound motor.

The die‑cast chassis includes a pony truck and trailing truck, brass main drive bearings and metal sprung buffers. It measures 295 mm in length and uses a NEM coupling with an eight‑way drawbar that incorporates an integrated electrical connection. The model is capable of negotiating a minimum 2nd radius curve (438 mm). A separate simulated coal load and a fully detailed tender bunker are fitted, and the locomotive is supplied with an accessory bag.

The steam generator system employs an optical sensor to synchronise chuff rate with wheel speed and uses piezo‑element technology to produce steam from a cold‑water reservoir sufficient for approximately 20 minutes of continuous operation. Output settings are adjustable via the decoder.

Electronics comprise a pre‑fitted 21‑pin HM7000 decoder, speaker and tender speaker, making the model compatible with NMRA DCC controllers and HM7000 power banks. The sound profile reproduces authentic locomotive noises and is linked to the chuff and steam effects.

The locomotive is presented in LNER apple green livery with gold lettering and red shading, bearing the name “Edward Thompson”. Hornby recommends pairing the model with LNER Gresley coaches.

Edward Thompson succeeded Sir Nigel Gresley as CME of the LNER in 1941. Only one A2‑3, No 500, was completed before Thompson’s retirement in 1946; it entered British Railways service as No 60500 and was withdrawn in June 1963.