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Hornby R30560SS

SR - Merchant Navy Class - 21C4 'Cunard White Star' (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

The popular Bulleid Pacific Merchant Navy is back in OO gauge with a brand new livery and steam generator technology. This highly detailed model represents the air-smoothed 'Spam Can', also known as 21C4 'Cunard White Star' in Southern Railways' malachite green.

A must-have model for Southern Region collectors, this feature-packed locomotive is pre-fitted with HM7000 control, for the most satisfying model railway experience yet.

Please Note: This model requires a DCC controller or the HM7000 App to control. 

Detail features: 

• Highly detailed OO gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings 
• Highly detailed cab with fully decorated backhead and decorated instrument dials 
• Opening cab roof vent 
• Removable simulated coal load with fully detailed tender bunker 
• Accurately modelled Merchant Navy Bullied-Firth-Brown wheels 
• Modified 21C4 'widows peak' front end streamlining and chimney arrangement 
• 5000 gallon tender with rear access ladders. 
• Cast trailing truck 
• Separately fitted nameplate, number plate, and company ownership plate 
• Circular smokebox door company plate 
• Sprung metal buffers 
• Heavy die-cast chassis, pony truck, and trailing truck 

Electronics and traction features: 

• Pre-fitted 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). 
• Pre-fitted 21-pin HM7000 decoder and speaker. The decoder is compatible with NMRA DCC controllers and HM7000 app control. 
• Pre-installed Merchant Navy sound profile for accurate locomotive sounds, synchronised with the chuff rate and steam effect. 
• Adjustable steam output settings via the decoder 
• Water reservoir for up to 20 minutes of continuous steam running 
• Die-cast connecting rods and valve gear 
• Powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor 
• Flywheel with cardan shaft arrangement for smooth running 
• Oilite main drive bearings
• Wheel pickups on tender and driven locomotive wheelsets 
• Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing 
• 8-way locomotive to tender drawbar, with integrated electrical connection for easy coupling and decoupling. 
• Front and rear NEM coupling pockets, with narrow tension lock couplings 
• Optional fit rear flanged wheelset (only recommended for larger layouts with sweeping curves or display purposes). 

History: 

Built in October 1941 at the Sothern Railway’s Eastleigh Works, ‘Cunard White Star’ was the fourth of Oliver Bulleid’s exciting and radical new 30-strong ‘Merchant Navy’ Class, designed for top-link express passenger work. The new locomotives had many innovations, such as chain-driven valve gear that was lubricated by means of an oil bath, electric lighting, one piece Firth-Brown driving wheels, and the distinctive air-smooth casing. The unusual French-style number 21C4 was replaced by the BR number 35004 in October 1949, following nationalisation of the railways. Rebuilt in July 1958, it was eventually withdrawn from Bournemouth shed in October 1965 and scrapped by Cohens at Eastleigh shed in 1966.

Product videos

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  HM I DCC - Advanced Control System Arrives!

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Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Hornby SR Merchant Navy Class 21C4 “Cunard White Star” (with steam generator) is a highly detailed OO gauge model of the Southern Railway locomotive built by Oliver Bulleid. The model replicates the original 30‑strong class designed for high‑speed express passenger work and includes a pre‑fitted 21‑pin HM7000 decoder and speaker, requiring a DCC controller or the HM7000 app for operation.

The model features a fully decorated cab, opening roof vent, removable simulated coal load and a 5000 gallon tender with rear access ladders. Mechanical details include cast trailing truck, die‑cast chassis and pony truck, sprung metal buffers, and accurate Bullied‑Firth‑Brown wheels. Electronics comprise a cold‑water steam generator using a piezo element, wheel pickups on both locomotive and tender, a powerful 5‑pole motor with flywheel and oilite main drive bearings, and an 8‑way drawbar with integrated wiring. Optional rear flanged wheelset is available for layouts with large curves.

Historically the locomotive was built on 04/10/1941 at Eastleigh Works, originally numbered 21C4, and entered service for the Southern Railway’s express passenger fleet. It was renumbered 35004 under British Railways in October 1949, rebuilt in July 1958, withdrawn from Bournemouth shed on 10/10/1965 and scrapped at Eastleigh in 1966.