Hornby R2218 BR West Country Class Wilton steam locomotive

(Larger Photo)

This highly collectable and very powerful item is one in a series of Battle of Britain or West Country Class locomotives that we will be selling over the next few weeks.  All are MIMB and some are very rare indeed. These large and popular engines are extremely sought after and we only have one of each item.  This auction is for the R2218 model of the BR Battle of Britain Class locomotive ’Wilton’.  This item is in mint factory fresh condition and has been shelf stored since new.  It remains in the original factory despatch tissue and has never seen, or been, on a layout.  This model is the very high quality Super Detail version made by Hornby in China.  This rarely available 4-6-2 locomotive is finished in BR matt green livery with orange markings on the streamline casings.  Complete with the single chimney, intricate valve gear and the correct, black driving wheels, it is absolutely stunning.  Only available for I year in 2001 and never re-released, this item is constructed in the modern manner.  This locomotive, numbered 34041, is just as good as the day it was first made and it would be impossible to obtain a better condition item.  We removed the model from the box for the digital scan and the model has all detailing exactly as it should be.  Blackened finish wired handrails, etched valve gear and brass whistles are just 3 of the instantly recognizable features of this item.  The model is just a beautifully made evocative item.  This is a locomotive powered model and the 5-pole armature motor gives excellent smooth and powerful running.  The gold lettering on the scarlet nameplate is easily legible and the pennant underneath is just as good.  The 6-wheel none corridor tender is in just as mint condition and is clearly marked with the BR icon.   It is fitted at the rear with the correct Hornby tension lock coupling and both the tender and the engine feature operating hydraulic buffers.  Both items are highly detailed and represent the pinnacle of Hornby standards to date.  The original box is in a bright, sharp, unfaded and fully intact condition.  The box is correctly labelled for the contents it protects and inside the box a white undamaged, moulded polystyrene surround protects the locomotive.  Remaining with this model are the original instructions numbered R22183901 and the full colour, full-length graphics card that protects the item whilst it is still in the box.  The still sealed packet that contains the driver, fireman and other super detail items remains with this model.  The condition of the whole model is as good as you could ever hope to obtain and you are unlikely to source a better item.  It predates DCC but should be an easy conversion with the correct Hornby digital chip.