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Hornby R30559

BR - Castle Class - 5071 'Spitfire'

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

Prototype Era
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

This locomotive entered service with the GWR at Newton Abbot in June 1938, initially named ‘Clifford Castle’, but this was changed to 'Spitfire' during the Second World War following the aeroplane’s pivotal role in the Battle of Britain during 1940. 

It then spent most of its career shedded in the West Country, though after nationalisation, it had spells in the late 1950s at Gloucester and Worcester. The locomotive was fitted with a double chimney and four-row superheater in June 1959, before moving to St. Philip’s Marsh, Plymouth in February 1962, from where it was withdrawn in October 1963. 

This detailed OO gauge model depicts 5071 in its original form, with a smart green livery. It also features sprung metal buffers, NEM tension lock couplings and a 21-pin socket, ready for upgrade to HM7000.

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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.

Hornby BR Castle Class 5071 ‘Spitfire’ is an OO gauge model. The manufacturer part number is R30559 and it represents the British Railways Early Crest period.

The prototype locomotive entered service with the Great Western Railway at Newton Abbot on 6 June 1938, originally carrying the name ‘Clifford Castle’. It was renamed ‘Spitfire’ during the Second World War in recognition of the aircraft’s role in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Throughout its working life the engine was based mainly in the West Country, with later allocations at Gloucester and Worcester in the late 1950s after nationalisation. Modifications included a double chimney and a four‑row superheater fitted in June 1959, a transfer to St Philips Marsh, Plymouth in February 1962 and withdrawal in October 1963.

The model depicts 5071 in its original smart green livery and is equipped with sprung metal buffers, NEM tension‑lock couplings and a 21‑pin socket, allowing an upgrade to the HM7000 system.