Visitors to Doncaster in 2019 will be hoping to see some progress on this magnificent A4 in 1:8 scale by T Bickerstaffe photographed here by Roger Froud in 2018. It is being built from LNER works drawings and detail from A4 4498, Sir Nigel Gresley, which is being overhauled at the National Railway Museum. LNER Pacific locomotives are among the best known of all British steam locomotives today. Of those, pride of place must go to the A4 streamlined version, which holds the world speed record for a steam loco at 125.88mph, achieved by Mallard in July 1938.

The A4 class was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1935, instantly recognizable with their streamlined casing. Thirty-five were built for passenger service on the East Coast Main Line out of Kings Cross, via York.

The original Gresley design was for a complete streamlined train called the Silver Jubilee to run between Kings Cross and Newcastle, in celebration of King George V’s quarter century on the throne. Those original trains were finished in silver-grey. A4s were finished in many colours during their lifetimes. No less than six of the 35 built have survived into preservation.

Michael Breeze has produced a detailed design for A4 Sir Nigel Gresley in 5” gauge, along with many other classic locos from the LNER. Castings are available.