Hornby R2204 BR Merchant Navy class ‘Bibby Line’ steam locomotive

(Larger Photo)

This highly collectable and powerful item is the extremely hard to get hold of Hornby R2204 model of the BR Merchant Navy class steam locomotive ‘Bibby Line’.  This model is in mint factory fresh condition and has been shelf stored since new.  It has never seen or been on a layout.  These large and popular engines are extremely sought after and we only have one of each item.  This Oliver Bullied designed locomotive first ran in 1945 and, after a rebuild in 1956, remained in service until 1965.  Bibby Line is the only Merchant Navy class loco to have succumbed to BR’s breakers torch.  Unlike the original, this item is in mint factory fresh condition and has been shelf stored since new.  It has never seen, or been, on a layout and is a high quality Super Detail version made by Hornby in China.  This rarely available 4-6-2 locomotive is finished in BR green livery with orange boiler bands.  Complete with the single chimney, intricate valve gear and the correct, black driving wheels, it is absolutely stunning.  Only available from 2001 and never re-released, this item is constructed in the modern manner.  This locomotive, numbered 35020, 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 and 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 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.  Both items are highly detailed and represent the pinnacle of Hornby standards to date.  The original inner main 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.   Also remaining are the original instructions numbered R22040792001 and the full length, full colour Super Detail graphics card that sits between the model and the clear undamaged acetate front of the box.  To complete the ensemble the still sealed packet that contains the additional super detail items also remains with this model.  The whole model is as complete as you could ever hope to obtain and you are unlikely to source a better item.   This item predates modern digital control but should be an easy conversion to be DCC ready with the correct Hornby chip.