Hornby to make models of purple locomotive

Hornby has revealed plans to produce 1,500 limited-edition models of No. 70 Elizabeth II, the temporary name and number to be applied to SR West Country Class locomotive 34027 Taw Valley, based at the Severn Valley Railway.

The Hornby OO gauge model (R30231) HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee West Country No. 70 Elizabeth ll will be issued in a strictly limited edition of 1,500 and is available to pre-order online from the Severn Valley Railway shop, Hornby website and leading Hornby stockists. An arrival date for the new models has yet to be confirmed.

On the day HM The Queen celebrates her 96th birthday, the Severn Valley Railway has revealed it is to partner with leading British model company Hornby to produce a limited edition collector’s model of the locomotive with a special royal connection.

SR West Country Class 34027 Taw Valley, will soon appear in a unique purple and silver livery in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, renamed as Elizabeth II.

The heritage railway sparked worldwide excitement in February this year when it revealed its plans for the head-turning repaint. The name Elizabeth II was selected by public vote, and has received royal approval via the Cabinet Office. Additionally, the locomotive will be renumbered as '70’ to reflect the seven decades of Her Majesty’s reign.

'Elizabeth II' in the Severn Valley Railway's locomotive yard at Bridgnorth. JACK BOSKETT

“We knew we’d cause a stir by painting this wonderful heritage locomotive in such a striking colour,” said the SVR’s head of visitor experience Michael Dunn.

“It’s a huge seal of approval that Hornby now want to reflect this bold move and we’re delighted to be working with such a prestigious partner. There’s already a huge amount of interest from visitors who want to see the ‘purple loco’ for themselves and we can’t wait to welcome them to the railway so they can travel behind it.”

Hornby’s marketing and product development director Simon Kohler added, “Hornby has had a strong relationship with the Severn Valley Railway for a number of years, and the opportunity to produce this model is the absolute pinnacle of our association. We’re thrilled to be doing this, and are certain this will be a hit with model railway enthusiasts and collectors and also those who simply want to celebrate such a momentous event in royal history. On a personal level, I’m thrilled to be producing a model that’s not green or black, just for a change!”

The locomotive will be officially renamed as Elizabeth II on Thursday, June 2 at the start of the SVR’s Platinum Jubilee weekend event. It will run in its purple livery, carrying its new name and number for a limited time, after which the SVR will return it to its original name, number and livery. The SVR and Hornby will donate a proportion of the profits from the sale of Elizabeth II to The Patron’s Fund, which supports the charitable organisations across the UK and the Commonwealth for which Her Majesty acts as a Patron.

For further information, visit the Severn Valley Railway or Hornby website, or see leading Hornby stockists.

Are you subscribed to our weekly e-mail newsletter? Don't miss the latest news, reviews, modelling advice and competitions.