{"product_id":"hornby-oo-scale-railroad-br-early-duke-of-gloucester-71000-r30520","title":"Hornby OO Scale Railroad BR Early Duke Of Gloucester 71000 [R30520]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Hornby OO Scale Railroad BR Early Duke Of Gloucester 71000 [R30520]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt as the replacement for ‘Princess Royal’ Class 4-6-2 46202 ‘Princess Anne’, which was destroyed in the Harrow and Wealdstone rail disaster of 1952, the Riddles-designed ‘Pacific’ was intended as the first of a new batch of modern locomotives that would serve BR for many years to come. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompleted at Crewe in 1954, plans to build more were turned down by the Railway Executive because the design was too expensive and complex. As a result, ‘Duke of Gloucester’ remained unique, with its three-cylinder configuration and Caprotti rotary cam-driven valve gear. It had an operational life of just eight years, being withdrawn in 1962. One of its cylinders was saved for display in the National Railway Museum, while the other was removed to balance the locomotive before going for scrap in South Wales. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was, however, saved in 1974 and a restoration lasting 13 years ensued, including building new cylinders from scratch. When it returned to steam it became a regular on the main line and during 2025 returned from its latest overhaul, once again hauling steam specials to the delight of enthusiasts. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring the spirit of 'Duke of Gloucester' back to life with this OO gauge Class 09 RailRoad model locomotive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hornby","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42218680844323,"sku":"HORR30520","price":329.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/2115\/8947\/files\/hornby-oo-scale-railroad-br-early-duke-of-gloucester-71000-r30520-1233527868.jpg?v=1776828741","url":"https:\/\/hobbytechtoys.com.au\/products\/hornby-oo-scale-railroad-br-early-duke-of-gloucester-71000-r30520","provider":"Hobbytech Toys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}