SECR H Class 161 Steam Locomotive

SECR H Class 161 Steam Locomotive

1:76 scale model produced by Hornby. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Features:

• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in SECR company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves

Details

The SECR H class was a class of 0-4-4T steam locomotives designed by Harry Wainwright for the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR). Introduced between 1904 and 1909, a total of 66 locomotives were built at Ashford Works and by Sharp, Stewart & Co. The H class was primarily intended for suburban and stopping passenger services across the SECR network, including routes in Kent and outer London.

The design of the H class was based on the earlier R1 class but incorporated several improvements, including larger side tanks and increased coal capacity, making them better suited for longer journeys and more demanding services. These locomotives were reliable, simple to maintain, and became a common sight on commuter lines well into the Southern Railway and British Railways eras following the 1923 Grouping and 1948 nationalisation.

Most of the class were withdrawn between the 1950s and early 1960s as diesel and electric multiple units replaced steam in suburban operations.