Sonic Models ventures into 'OO' with reveal of A5 4-6-2T

Sonic Models is to manufacture RTR models of the Robinson GCR / LNER A5 4-6-2 tank locomotives for 4mm:1ft scale. Promised to be offered in eight variants, covering original GCR, later LNER and BR versions, models have already passed first engineering prototype stage, with at least one decorated livery sample received for assessment. Models are expected to arrive late-2021/early-2022.

The specification of models promises a heavy die-cast chassis, flywheel, Next-18 DCC socket hidden in the cab, sugar cube speaker, NEM coupling pockets and sprung buffers. Models are expected to be supplied with an accessory pack to include a coal shovel, rake and dummy screw-link couplings.

A hand-decorated sample of the locomotive with LNER branding as No. 5167 (S4101-04)

Variants of the Class are to be portrayed too, and detail differences include GCR or LNER domes, whistles and smokeboxes, three- or five-rail coal bunkers, single or split cab front windows, cab-sides open or with windows and smooth or riveted sandbox wrappers.

Livery promised are GCR lined green, GCR lined green with 'L&NER' lettering, LNER lined and unlined black, and BR mixed-traffic lined black with 'British Railways' lettering, early emblem or late crest, and BR mixed traffic lined black with early emblem.

Designed by the Great Central Railway’s Chief Mechanical Engineer John G Robinson to tackle suburban trains operating from the company’s London terminus at Marylebone, 44 of these powerful locomotives were built over a 15 year period from 1911-1926 and the last was withdrawn in 1960. Yhey were originally designated Class 9N, however after grouping the LNER reclassified them A5.

The last-built locomotives, constructed after grouping, were assigned to north east England and under the LNER other members of the class were used more widely – on suburban services from King Cross, around Bradford and on the former London Transport lines between Aylesbury and Rickmansworth.

Following nationalisation those A5s still on Marylebone trains were transferred to Lincolnshire and on to Darlington and Hull.  The last was withdrawn in November 1960.

For further details, including pricing and availability, visit the Rails of Sheffield website.