GWR Saint Class 2980 'Couer de Lion' w/Steam Generator

GWR Saint Class 2980 'Couer de Lion' w/Steam Generator

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.

Details

Experience one of the Great Western Railway's most influential steam locomotive designs with the Hornby GWR Saint Class No. 2980 'Coeur de Lion', beautifully finished in GWR Lined Green. Building upon the highly acclaimed Saint Class tooling introduced by Hornby, this latest release combines exceptional detail with modern technology, featuring a factory-fitted DCC Sound decoder, Gen 2 steam generator system, illuminated firebox effect, and improved cab footplate design.

Based on extensive research and original works drawings, this highly detailed OO gauge steam locomotive faithfully captures the elegant appearance of the Saint Class, a design that helped shape the future of Great Western locomotive development. Complete with etched nameplates, decorated crew figures, scale metal handrails and a detailed cab interior, Coeur de Lion is an outstanding addition to any GWR or pre-nationalisation model railway collection.

The integrated Gen 2 steam generator produces realistic cold-water steam effects synchronised to wheel speed and sound, while the factory-fitted DCC sound system delivers authentic Saint Class audio recordings for a truly immersive operating experience.

This premium model features a die-cast chassis and running plate, giving a substantial model weight of 341 grams for excellent traction and smooth performance. A powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor drives the locomotive, while electrical pick-ups on both locomotive and tender wheels ensure reliable running. The model also includes die-cast piston rods and valve gear, brass main drive bearings, sprung metal buffers, and front and rear NEM coupling pockets.

The highly detailed cab features a fully decorated backhead with instrument dials, while separately fitted lamps, a simulated coal load, and prototypically sized metal handrails with brass stanchions further enhance realism. The Gen 2 steam generator uses advanced piezo technology and an optical sensor to synchronise steam output with wheel speed, with a water reservoir capable of providing up to 20 minutes of continuous operation. Additional features include a tender-mounted speaker, HM7000 Power Bank compatibility, quick-release locomotive-to-tender connection, and adjustable steam output settings via the decoder.

Features:

• 1:76 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in GWR company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves
• GWR Lined Green livery with etched 'Coeur de Lion' nameplates
• Factory-fitted DCC Sound decoder with authentic Saint Class sound profile
• Integrated Gen 2 steam generator with synchronised steam effects
• Illuminated flickering firebox and decorated crew figures
• Die-cast chassis and running plate with improved cab footplate design

Historical Background

The Great Western Railway Saint Class was developed by renowned locomotive engineer George Jackson Churchward, whose pioneering designs transformed British steam locomotive development in the early twentieth century. Following trials with several prototype locomotives between 1902 and 1905, Churchward used No. 171 as the basis for the new Saint Class, creating a highly successful mixed-traffic locomotive design.

An initial batch of nineteen locomotives, known as the Scott Series, entered service in 1905. Among them was No. 180, later named 'Coeur de Lion' in 1907 after the legendary King Richard I, a prominent character in Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. Originally built as a 4-4-2 locomotive, Coeur de Lion was converted to the more successful 4-6-0 wheel arrangement in January 1913.

The locomotive enjoyed a long and productive career across the Great Western network, helping to establish the 4-6-0 configuration as the standard for British express passenger locomotives. Following nationalisation, it continued in service under British Railways before being withdrawn from Gloucester Horton Road depot in May 1948, bringing to an end more than four decades of service. Today, the Saint Class is recognised as one of the most important locomotive designs in British railway history.