Sonic Models has unveiled the subject of its first 4mm locomotive - the Robinson GCR/LNER 9N/A5 4-6-2T.
Designed by the Great Central Railway’s Chief Mechanical Engineer John G Robinson to tackle suburban trains operating from the company’s London terminus at Marylebone, 44 9N 4-6-2Ts (later reclassified as the A5 Class after grouping ) were built over a 15 year period from 1911-1926.
Locomotives built after grouping, were assigned to north east England and under the LNER, while other class members were used more widely – on suburban services from King Cross, around Bradford and on the former London Transport lines between Aylesbury and Rickmansworth. Following nationalisation those A5s still on Marylebone trains were transferred to Lincolnshire and on to Darlington and Hull, with the last withdrawn in November 1960.
The Sonic model will be offered in both original GCR and later LNER versions and features a heavy die-cast chassis, flywheel, Next 18 DCC socket hidden in the cab, sugar cube speaker, NEM coupling pockets, and sprung buffers. All models will be supplied with an accessory pack including coal shovel and rake and dummy screw-link couplers. Detail differences include GCR or LNER dome, whistle and smokebox, 3-rail or 5- rail coal bunker, single or split cab front window, cab-sides open or with windows and smooth or riveted sandbox wrapper.
Eight liveries/identities are planned; No. 373 GCR lined green; No. 6 GCR lined green with L&NER lettering; No. 5167 GCR lined green with LNER lettering; No. 5045 LNER black with white lining; No.5024 LNER black with red lining; No. 69814 in BRITISH RAILWAYS lined black; No. 69804 BR lined black with early emblem; and No. 69820 BR lined black with late crest.
Priced at £149.95 each (subject to any changes currency and conditions between now and production), the models will be available via by Sonic Models exclusive retailer Rails of Sheffield.
Tooling is complete, with the first decorated model has been received for assessment. Expected delivery is late Q4 2021 / Early Q1 2022.
For further details, including how to order, go to:
