Introduction
Welcome to my review of the Hornby Mallard Train. A bit of general history about this locomotive – The Mallard is a steam locomotive that was built in Doncaster, England on 3rd March 1938 and was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. It is famous for breaking the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph (203 km/h) on 3rd July 1938, a record that still stands today.
The Mallard is a LNER Class A4 4-6-2 locomotive and has a wind-tunnel tested streamlined, aerodynamic body which allowed it to reach high speeds of over 100 mph. After traveling an impressive one and half millions miles in its service life, it was eventually retired in 1963.
Today, the Mallard is on display at the National Railway Museum in York, United Kingdom. Naturally, Mallard is one of the main attractions and the sheer splendor of this famous locomotive is a delight to young and old visitors alike. There have been many versions of the Mallard in OO gauge scale, and the latest version of this fantastic train is very impressive.
Quick Summary
This model is the BR A4 Class 4-6-2, and carries the number ‘60022’. Painted in BR lined blue, It is one of the most detailed models we have seen, and certainly when you compare it with the original older hornby trains from the 80s & 90s you will agree the build quality is simply stunning, with amazing attention to detail.
This locomotive is ‘DCC Ready’ – this means that out of the box it will work on a standard DC controlled layout, but it does contain the DCC decoder 8 pin socket which when a DCC chip is installed & activated, this model will only work on a DCC controlled layout. The 8 pin socket is also compatible with a TTS decoder chip.
Just like previous versions of the A4s, metal buffers are fitted as well as handrails and brake rodding. Again, the attention to detail is certainly impressive with the addition of various BR crests, the commemorative plaques, builder & 34A shed plates, plus King’s Cross lettering located on the buffer beam.
Tech Specs
- Item Length: 36.2
- Designer: Sir Nigel Gresley
- Model Scale: 1:76 Scale OO Gauge
- Finish: Painted
- Gauge: OO
- Class: A4 Class
- Livery: Blue
- Miniumum Curve (mm): Radius 2
- Wheel Configuration: 4-6-2
- Motor: 5 Pole Skew wound
- DCC Status: DCC Ready 8 pin socket
Pros
- Incredibly detailed model
- Looks great in BR Blue
- Powerful motor ensures smooth running
- DCC Ready
Cons
- None
Conclusion
This version of the Mallard is probably one of the most impressive Hornby have ever released, with the attention to detail it looks simply stunning in classic BR Blue livery. On the track it does not dissapoint with that powerful skew wound motor which ensures a smooth running expereince that will compliment any model railway.
I went with my adult children to the train museum in Lancaster a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed our visit and learning more about earlier train models. I would certainly have loved to see the Hornby Mallard Train, and maybe one day I’ll get to the United Kingdom to check it out. Thanks for your thorough review. I certainly learned a lot!
Thanks for your comment. Yes, the real life Mallard is very impressive, and I think the model I reviewed captures alot of the detail from the real thing.
Hi there, Hornby is such a classic company when it comes to model railways, so it is great to see the release of the Mallard. The attention to detail is just amazing, which makes Hornby stand out from other model railway products. I do like the blue of the Mallard.
Thank you for sharing some interesting history about the Mallard.
Hi Line,
Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated!
Hi there Tim,
I believe you have been thorough about the history of the Hornby Mallard in the sense that you have enlightened us about the roots of the train. I have a question though does the Hornby Mallard train only come in blue colour or there are other colours ? If there are other colours it would be nice to know about them due to the fact that people have got different taste when it comes to colours, so the knowledge about the existence of other colours on the Hornby Mallard will be greatly appreciated, thanks.