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Meccano model of NZR Kb loco by Neil Pluck
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Hornby `Nord` locomotive. Based loosely on actual French locomotive type. As can be seen Hornby omitted one driving axle.
The earlier Hornby locos did not have smoke deflectors.
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Hornby`s `Nord` loco (as in photo above) was introduced in 1926, loosely based on a French type. A year later
the same body style, but with different fittings, was made and these four other types were given the names of prominent
British locos. Appropriate colour schemes and British style tenders were used. Although quite non-scale these locos
(known as No.3`s) were popular. Made in both clockwork and electric versions. Production ceased after the start
of WWII and did not recommence after the war.
Simon from Invercargill has followed Hornby`s methods by refurbishing a Hornby No.3 (20 volt AC) and
renaming it `Kingston Flyer` to represent an Ab class loco of New Zealand Railways. Ab locos are currently in
use on the Kingston Flyer tourist train near Queenstown.
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Meccano locomotive and happy children at a display.
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Metropolitan locomotive
In 1925 Meccano Ltd introduced a Hornby which was a good model (in its time) of an actual locomotive. Initially with
a high voltage (as here) 110 volt motor. Compare with the actual loco above. Not too noticeable that the Hornby had only
four wheels instead of eight! Soon lower voltage and clockwork versions were made to replace the dangerously high voltage.
But children did not require much molly-coddling then!
Inside a Hornby No.2 Engine Shed. All prewar items.
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Pennsylvania Railroad of the USA - Some toy trains representing that famous company. At left
are two Japanese Sakai brand locomotives, based on the PRR K4 class. Then a GG1 electric, this model made by the Williams
company. Finally at right is a Lionel version of the K4, this model dating from 1947. The Engine shed however
is English Hornby, this one was made in 1933. The light tower was made by Marx of the USA.
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Rather unusual is that Lionel of the USA produced a British style locomotive. The popularity
of the Harry Potter films was the reason. Thanks to Dave J..... for photo.
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We have gone to America but whether it is North or South is not clear! The station building is Skyline brand, made about
1950, the Signal box is one with a transformer inside for the Argentine market. The train is an American style Hornby but
the loco started life as a Hafner & has been modified to represent the USA Hornby type. The gondola behind the loco may
puzzle some viewers!
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