Hornby to produce OO gauge "Lion"

Hornby has confirmed that a OO gauge ready-to-run model of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion, is under development. The model was originally due to be announced as part of the 2022 range, but has been announced early.

Built in 1838, Lion was ordered from Todd, Kitson and Laird of Leeds for use on goods traffic. It was subsequently rebuilt in 1841 with a longer boiler and remained in traffic with the London and North Western Railway until 1857. It was later sold to Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, while in the late 1920s it was handed over to the Liverpool Engineering Society for safekeeping. In 1953, Lion went on to achieve celebrity status in the classic movie, The Titfield Thunderbolt, and was renamed Thunderbolt for its starring role.

Marketing and Product Development Director, Simon Kohler, explained: "After the success of Rocket, Lion was most definitely on the list, especially given the public demand. We were intending to announce it later this year or early next..."

Prices, delivery timescales and the specification of the new model will be confirmed in due course.