HORNBY R30445 BIRTH OF THE RAILWAYS 200th ANNIVERSARY TRAIN PACK

When set upon their impressive wooden display plinth, the three highly detailed, intricate locomotive models of the Birth of the Railway train pack can be showcased in all their glory. Each one is an incredible replica of a historical icon, with chain couplings and meticulously painted liveries.

The accessories pack comes with magnetic couplings if you prefer, as well as driver and fireman figures to bring the finished display to life. 

History

Representing the formative years of steam-powered railways, these models represent three locomotives built between 1825 and 1838. 

The first is ‘Locomotion No. 1’, designed by George and Robert Stephenson. It was built at their factory in Newcastle for the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, where it became the first steam locomotive to pull a passenger train on a public railway. In doing so, it became the first steam locomotive to both operate and haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway in September 1825. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary.

With the experience they gained, Robert Stephenson & Co. entered a design for the 1829 Rainhill Trials, held to find suitable motive power for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway. Their entry, ‘Rocket’, was the clear winner and formed the basis for future steam locomotive design on the L&MR, which opened the following year.

By 1838, locomotive design had already moved on, and 0-4-2 No. 57 ‘Lion’, was one of a pair of ‘luggage’ locomotives built to a Stephenson patent by Todd, Kitson & Laird of Leeds, also for the L&MR.

Please note:

Locomotion No.1 comes fitted with a Next 18-pin socket, but due to the locomotive's size limitations, sadly it cannot take an HM7000 Next 18-pin decoder.

The 'Rocket' locomotive comes fitted with a 6-pin socket.

The 'Lion' locomotive comes fitted with a Next 18 socket (NEM 662).