Hornby R317 BR Schools Class Westminster steam tender locomotive

(Larger Photo)

This highly collectable model is the original and extremely hard to get hold of Hornby R317 British Rail, BR, originally a SR, Southern Region, model of the Schools Class locomotive ‘Westminster’. Toplink is the name selected by Hornby to represent their top of the range model and this example is no exception.  The model is in factory fresh mint condition and has been shelf stored since new.  This rarely available 4-4-0 locomotive is finished in BR matt green livery and with the correct black spoked wheels, is absolutely stunning.  Only available for a 1-year period from 1996 and never re-released, this locomotive, numbered 30908, 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.  Wired handrails, orange boiler bands and brass whistles are just 3 of the instantly recognizable features of this item. The model is just a beautifully made evocative locomotive.  The 6-wheel none corridor tender is in just as mint condition and is clearly marked with the BR icon.   It houses the motor and, like the front of the engine, is fitted with the correct Hornby tension lock coupling.  The original Toplink box is in a bright, unfaded and sharp condition.  It only has minimal storage scuffs and is correctly labelled for the contents it protects.  Inside the box, an undamaged and sculptured polystyrene surround protects the locomotive.  The original instructions numbered R31791096 remain with this model as does the still sealed packet that contains the original fireman and driver figurines and the additional super detail equipment.   In all respects this item is just as good and complete as you could ever hope to obtain.  It predates DCC but should be an easy conversion with the correct Hornby digital chip.