Hornby R40437

L&BR, No. 2 'Queen Adelaide's Saloon' - Era 1

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

Prototype Era
Era 1 (1804 to 1874) Pioneering

Manufacturer description

Queen Victoria’s aunt, Queen Adelaide, was the first member of the British Royal Family to travel by train from Nottingham to Leeds in 1840. In the same year, a carriage for her exclusive use was constructed by London & Birmingham Railway. The overall design was based on an 1837 coach that was intended for first-class passengers. The under frame of ‘Queen Adelaide’s Saloon’ No. 2 was constructed at Euston Works and the body was constructed by a coach builder based in Gough Street in London.

Described as a ‘bed-carriage’, it was purpose-built for Queen Adelaide so she could travel overnight and at long distances. Poles, webbing and stiff cushions were utilised to make up a bed at nighttime.

To suit a member of the Royal Family, the coach was finished in an elaborate red livery with gold-plated handles and a hand-painted coat of arms insignia on the exterior panels. The bodywork was completed by Hooper, who was later known for its connections with luxury car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce and Daimler. ‘Queen Adelaide’s Saloon’ is the oldest surviving royal carriage and is housed at the National Railway Museum in York.

A regal coach suited for a Queen, this L&BR coach is a perfect replication of the preserved example. The accessory bag contains two chain couplings.

© SCMG - SCM01- Hornby - Rocket

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