Hornby R30497SS

GWR - Saint Class - 2980 'Coeur de Lion' (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

We are delighted to present the next run of OO Gauge GWR Saint Class locomotives in this months range launch, with this particular example being No. 2980 ‘Coeur de Lion’ in Great Western lined green. Utilising the same highly acclaimed tooling used on the first run of Saints last year, this latest release takes the model one step further by the inclusion of a DCC Sound decoder and speaker, 2nd generation steam generator, and revised cab footplate for improved running.

Model Specification:

• High detail OO Gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
• Die-cast Chassis and Running Plate. Model Weight is 341 grams
• High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
• Etched metal nameplates
• Powerful 5 Pole Skew wound motor
• Quick release locomotive to tender connector
• Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing
• Electrical pickups on main drive wheels and tender wheels
• Die-cast Piston Rods & valve gear
• Fully decorated crew figures
• Prototypical size metal handrails with brass stanchions
• Brass main drive bearings
• Sprung metal buffers
• Front and Rear NEM coupling pocket
• Separately fitted lamps. Lamp code can be changed
• Separately fitted simulated coal load
• Improved cab footplate design

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:

• 21-Pin DCC Sound decoder pre-fitted
• HM7000 Power Bank compatible
• Illuminated flickering firebox

DCC Sound:

• Pre-installed Saint Class sound profile for accurate locomotive sounds, synchronised with the chuff rate and steam effect.
• Assembled using live recordings of Saint Class locomotives
• Tender speaker

Tooling:

• Tall Chimney
• Later safety valve with Top Feeds
• Later curved footplate
• Fluted piston rods
• Superheated boiler
• Collett Tender

Livery:

• GWR Lined Green
• Great Western tender lettering
• Accurate colours and fonts
• Era 3

History

George Jackson Churchward tested three prototype locomotives between 1902 and 1905, the third of which, No. 171, became the basis for his new ‘Saint’ Class. Initially, a further 19 locomotives based on No. 171 were delivered in 1905, known as the ‘Scott’ series. Thirteen of these were built as 4-4-2s, including No. 180, which was named ‘Couer de Lion’ in 1907 after the subject of the Ivanhoe novel by Sir Walter Scott. 

The locomotive was converted to 4-6-0 in January 1913 and remained in service until withdrawn by British Railways from Gloucester Horton Road soon after nationalisation, in May 1948, after a service life of just over 43 years.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Hornby GWR Saint Class locomotive No 2980 “Coeur de Lion” is an OO‑scale model representing the Great Western Railway Saint Class of the early twentieth century. The model is finished in the GWR lined green livery with accurate lettering and period‑appropriate detailing.

The locomotive is equipped with a 5‑pole skew wound motor and a pre‑fitted HM7000 DCC sound decoder with speaker, providing synchronised chuff and steam sounds. It includes a second‑generation steam generator that uses a piezo element and an optical sensor to match chuff rate to wheel speed, with a water reservoir capable of about twenty minutes of continuous steam. The die‑cast chassis and running plate give a weight of 341 g, and the model features metal sprung buffers, NEM couplings, brass main drive bearings, die‑cast piston rods, fully decorated cab and backhead, crew figures and separate lamp and coal load fittings.

The prototype Saint Class was developed from Churchward’s 1902‑05 prototypes and the first batch entered service in 1905. No 2980 was originally built as a 4‑4‑2 in 1907, converted to a 4‑6‑0 in January 1913 and remained in operation until withdrawal by British Railways at Gloucester Horton Road on 05/05/1948, giving it a service life of just over 43 years. The model represents the “Big Four” era of British railways.