Rapido Trains UK model of the LNER C12 4‑4‑2 tank locomotive No.1519, part number 989005. The model represents the “Big Four” era (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR) and is supplied in 1:76 scale for OO gauge track.
The locomotive is finished in museum‑quality lined black paint and includes a short chimney, dome, as‑built safety valves, round tank edges and tapered buffers. Detail variations are offered, such as different chimney, dome, safety‑valve, bunker and tank‑corner styles, and optional condensing apparatus with brass destination plates. Technical features include an ESU E24 DCC decoder socket, MoPower stay‑alive capacitors, factory‑fitted speakers, dynamic firebox flicker with fire‑draw effect, sprung buffers and NEM 363 front and 362 rear coupler pockets. The model runs smoothly on 2nd‑radius curves of 438 mm (approximately 17.2 in) or greater and is supplied with a die‑cast running board.
The prototype was originally built for the Great Northern Railway as the C2 class, the first ten emerging from Doncaster works in 1898. Production continued in batches of ten until the 60th unit was completed in 1907; the final fifty were fitted with condensing apparatus for use on the Metropolitan Widened Lines in London. Following the 1923 Grouping the locomotives were re‑classified as LNER C12 and were redistributed across the former GNR network and beyond, serving locations such as Leeds, Peterborough, Grantham, Bradford, Hull and the Manchester district. Withdrawals began in 1937‑38; after nationalisation on 01/01/1948 British Railways inherited 49 examples, and the last survivor, No.67397, was withdrawn at the end of 1958. None were preserved.
The OO‑gauge model will be released in a range of liveries covering pre‑grouping, grouping and nationalisation periods, with each unit featuring unique part selections so that no two models are identical. The package includes a smooth‑running mechanism, die‑cast running board, factory speakers, DCC decoder socket, MoPower stay‑alive and firebox flicker, delivering a highly detailed and operational replica of the historic LNER C12 tank locomotive.
