Skip to content

TOYS & MODELS

🎉 Welcome to Our Brand-New Website! We've completely rebuilt our site to offer you a faster, smarter shopping experience Learn More →

Hornby R30270 LNER Class A1 4-6-2 4478 Hermit: Big Four Centenary Collection

UP TO 50% OFF
Skip to product information
1 of 1

SKU: R30270

Shop All Hornby

Hornby R30270 LNER Class A1 4-6-2 4478 Hermit: Big Four Centenary Collection

£148.99
£218.99 £148.99
Sold out

Sorry, Currently Not in Stock

But don't worry we've got you covered! Enter your email below, and you'll be the first to know when this product is back. Stay ahead of the crowd and secure yours as soon as it's available again!

UP TO 50% OFF

View Product Details

FREEDELIVERY - on all orders site wide

Collect 1489 J-Points Or £5 Off Next Order

Exclusive loyalty rewards for collectors and fans → Learn more

Secure checkout with
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa
  • Klarna Logo
View Product Details
Select:

Description

Nigel Gresley's A1 Pacific class emerged in the twilight years of the Great Northern Railway, a result of an idea that Gresley had nurtured since 1915. The First World War put his plans for new express passenger locomotives on hold but he applied his new three cylinder, conjugated valve gear designs to the O2 and K3 freight locomotives before returning to his plans for an express passenger Pacific in 1920, producing his 4-6-2 A1 design.

No.1470 'Great Northern' was the first to enter service on the 11 April 1922 and Gresley confidently claimed that his A1 class could pull 600 ton trains which in September 1922 no.1471 'Sir Frederick Banbury' did. Compared to the similar LNER design by Vincent Raven, Gresley's A1 consumed less coal and water and was considered the better design, consequently the LNER chose the A1 design over the LNER A2.

The original eleven engines were built to the generous loading gauge of the GNR and after grouping in 1923 had to be modified to fit the loading gauge of the LNER with the chimney and dome both being reduced in height, plus the fitting of shorter safety valves.

The A1s quickly showed their ability to haul heavy loads on the East Coast Main Line but coal and water consumption was inefficient which was highlighted during the 1925 Great Western Exchange Trains with the A1s comparing unfavourably with the Castle class design. Consequent alterations to the steam lap settings and valve travel showed a reduction in coal consumption and this was adopted on all of the A1s by 1931. The piston valve rings were also replaced by the Knorr type piston valves which reduced steam loss.

Gresley had experimented with a different superheater to improve the A1s performance further but lacking significant results decided that he would increase the number of flues in the existing Robinson superheater. This coupled with an increase in boiler pressure led to improved performance and five of these new boilers were ordered in 1927 and were fitted to No.2544 'Lemberg' and No.4480 'Enterprise' later that year.

Trials on these two A1s proved successful and so between 1927 and 1947 all of the A1s were rebuilt as Class A3 with the exception of No.4470 'Great Northern' which was eventually rebuilt by Thompson in 1945 as Class A1/1. Due to the wider header on the A3 boilers the ends projected slightly through the side of the smokebox and so cover plates were fitted to hide these projections becoming the main external distinguishing feature between the A3 and A1 locomotives.

4478 Hermit was among the first 10 of the class to be built, rolling out of Doncaster works in July 1923 and into revenue earning service with the LNER. Just over halfway through its service life the locomotive would be rebuilt into the improved A3 Class with the conversion being undertaken in November of 1943.

Withdrawal for the locomotive would take place in 1962, with all members of the class bar one being scrapped. Hermit, then 40109, was not the preserved example, with Flying Scotsman being saved and passing into railway legend due to its post-service career. This Hornby model of 'Hermit' not only boasts a five pole skew wound motor but also a diecast running plate which adds increased weight for improved traction. Also worthy of note is the addition of a flickering firebox which illuminates the fully detailed cab.

Rewarding every enthusiast

You can earn and redeem Jadlam Rewards across our entire range of products. Every purchase brings you closer to your next reward.

View Rewards
Jadlam Rewards Card

Detailed Delivery Information

UK Economy Delivery

We use Royal Mail Tracked 48 as our main economy delivery service for all parcels. (Items classified as Large Letter by Royal Mail will be sent by Royal Mail 48).

This service aims to deliver within 2-3 working days and is tracked to the delivery point. SMS or email notifications will be sent to you if you have filled in the contact details on your order. This will allow you to view your delivery options prior to delivery and have advanced notice of a delivery day.

We aim to dispatch your order the same day if paid for before 2pm (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). Please note that if your order contains an item with a 1-2 day handling time your item will take longer to dispatch.

Once dispatched you will receive a notification and the item will then be delivered in the next 2-3 working days.

Delivery charges will be automatically calculated at the checkout page.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT.

Please note that we cannot accept orders billed to or addressed to PO Boxes.

UK Express / Next Day Delivery

We will supply your email address and/or mobile number to the courier, they will use this to send you notification emails and SMS to let you know when your parcel will arrive.

*Where our Express/Next Day delivery service has been selected we aim to dispatch your goods from our warehouse in less than 1 working day of you placing your order (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). We will send you an email confirming when we have dispatched your order. Delivery will normally take 1-2 working days from the moment you place your order.

Please note that Express/Next Day delivery is a trackable service.

Delivery charges will be automatically calculated at the checkout page.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT.

Please note that we can't accept orders billed to or addressed to PO Boxes.

Non-Mainland UK Shipping Information

Applies to: Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle Of Man, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Scilly Isles.

Free on all orders under 5KG.

If your order weighs more than 5KG we will need to ship this via DPD which will incur a delivery charge of £9.99.

Please note this is only on orders over 5KG and most orders will come to less than 5KG.

Orders will be shipped on a 2 Day Service regardless of shipping option selected.

International Delivery

Shipping to Europe currently suspended due to changes with Brexit. More information due soon.

Shipping to Non European Countries

Shipping to Non European destinations is charged based on order value & order weight. In certain cases extra shipping charges may be required.

We aim to dispatch your goods from our warehouse within 2 working days of you placing your order (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). We will send you an email confirming when we have dispatched your order. Postal delivery will normally take a further 5 working days.

Delivery times and charges vary by country.

Multiple delivery addresses in the same order will result in multiple delivery charges.

When ordering goods from Jadlam Toys & models for delivery overseas you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches the specified destination. Any additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by you; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country, so you should contact your local customs office for further information. Additionally, please note that when ordering from Jadlam Toys & Models, you are considered the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the country in which you are receiving the goods.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT (Value Added Tax). VAT on non EU deliveries cannot be reclaimed.

Important Note on Delivery Times

We do everything we can to meet the delivery times specified in this section. However, occasionally delivery times may be affected by factors beyond the control of Jadlam Racing and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Key Information at a Glance

The most important points from our returns policy.

 Return unwanted items within 30 days (unopened).

 We provide free return shipping for any faulty, damaged, or incorrectly sent items.

 All returns must be initiated by completing our official Returns Form for efficient processing.

 Ensure items are returned in 'as new' condition with original packaging to qualify for a full refund.

Can I return my item?

Not Wanted

An unwanted product can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of delivery as long as it’s still in its original, unopened packaging.

In accordance with your rights when you purchase goods online, unwanted items can be returned even if you have opened them for inspection as long as you let us know within 14 calendar days from the day after delivery. You can examine the goods as you would in a shop but to obtain a full refund you must not use them. The goods must be returned in ‘as new’ condition and in their original packaging. The packaging must not be ripped or damaged or we may refuse the return.

Returns and exchanges can only be processed with proof of purchase. Please provide your order number when you return a product.

You will be liable for the cost of returning the goods to us and must ensure that they are returned in protective packaging.

Faulty or Damaged

If you have received a damaged or faulty item from us you can return it for a repair, replacement or refund.

If the item is faulty or damaged we will cover the costs of the return shipping. Please contact us prior to returning so we can arrange a free returns label or resolve the fault you are experiencing.

Please make it clear what the issue is on our returns paperwork, as some minor issues may not be very clear to our returns department.

Some manufacturers prefer to deal with faulty items themselves, so returns may be sent directly to the manufacturer. This helps you get a replacement or repair faster.

Incorrect

An item received incorrectly can be returned for a refund or replacement. Please make it clear on the returns paperwork which action you would like us to take. If you do not complete this section, we will automatically issue a refund.

If the item is incorrect, we will cover the return shipping costs. Please complete a returns request form by clicking here and we will provide a returns shipping label for you.

What is your Returns Period?

You can return an item up to 30 days after the date of delivery.

EXTENDED CHRISTMAS RETURNS (covers all orders placed in November & December 2024) ends 31st January 2025.

How do I cancel my order?

If you choose to cancel an order that you have not yet received, please contact us via phone or email. Have your order number ready for quicker processing. Use "Cancellation Request" in your contact message.

We do our best to cancel orders quickly, but it's possible the order is dispatched before we process your request.

If your order has already shipped, you'll need to return it after receiving it. This will be treated as an unwanted return, and you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs.

What are my cancellation rights?

You may cancel an order from the moment it's placed until 14 days after you receive the goods.

Please contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

How do I start a return?

You need to complete our Returns Form. A member of our Returns Department will contact you with full instructions.

How do I return my item?

Please complete our Returns Form. We will contact you with instructions.

If you're arranging your own return, please use a tracked courier service. We cannot be held liable for undelivered returns. Reuse original packaging if possible, or make sure the item is well protected and dry in transit.

Check Royal Mail or parcel services like Parcel2Go for competitive rates.

How much does it cost to return an item?

The cost depends on the return reason:

  • Unwanted item: You cover return shipping costs.
  • Damaged/Faulty item: We cover the return shipping.
  • Incorrect item: We cover the return shipping.

For self-paid returns, we recommend Royal Mail or Parcel2Go. A small tracked parcel via Royal Mail should cost around £5; courier options may range £7–10.

When we cover return shipping, we’ll send you a returns label. Complete the form by clicking here.

A restocking fee may apply for returns due to customer error or if items are returned in a condition different from what was stated.

Once your return is approved, you have 14 days to send the item. After that, the return is cancelled and no refund will be issued.

When will I be refunded?

We process refunds or replacements within 3–5 working days of receiving your return. If you used a tracked courier, you can confirm when the item was received. If you don’t hear from us within 7 working days, please get in touch.

How should I package my return?

We recommend reusing the original packaging. You must ensure the item is returned in protective packaging. Items returned damaged or without proper care may not qualify for a refund.

Description

Nigel Gresley's A1 Pacific class emerged in the twilight years of the Great Northern Railway, a result of an idea that Gresley had nurtured since 1915. The First World War put his plans for new express passenger locomotives on hold but he applied his new three cylinder, conjugated valve gear designs to the O2 and K3 freight locomotives before returning to his plans for an express passenger Pacific in 1920, producing his 4-6-2 A1 design.

No.1470 'Great Northern' was the first to enter service on the 11 April 1922 and Gresley confidently claimed that his A1 class could pull 600 ton trains which in September 1922 no.1471 'Sir Frederick Banbury' did. Compared to the similar LNER design by Vincent Raven, Gresley's A1 consumed less coal and water and was considered the better design, consequently the LNER chose the A1 design over the LNER A2.

The original eleven engines were built to the generous loading gauge of the GNR and after grouping in 1923 had to be modified to fit the loading gauge of the LNER with the chimney and dome both being reduced in height, plus the fitting of shorter safety valves.

The A1s quickly showed their ability to haul heavy loads on the East Coast Main Line but coal and water consumption was inefficient which was highlighted during the 1925 Great Western Exchange Trains with the A1s comparing unfavourably with the Castle class design. Consequent alterations to the steam lap settings and valve travel showed a reduction in coal consumption and this was adopted on all of the A1s by 1931. The piston valve rings were also replaced by the Knorr type piston valves which reduced steam loss.

Gresley had experimented with a different superheater to improve the A1s performance further but lacking significant results decided that he would increase the number of flues in the existing Robinson superheater. This coupled with an increase in boiler pressure led to improved performance and five of these new boilers were ordered in 1927 and were fitted to No.2544 'Lemberg' and No.4480 'Enterprise' later that year.

Trials on these two A1s proved successful and so between 1927 and 1947 all of the A1s were rebuilt as Class A3 with the exception of No.4470 'Great Northern' which was eventually rebuilt by Thompson in 1945 as Class A1/1. Due to the wider header on the A3 boilers the ends projected slightly through the side of the smokebox and so cover plates were fitted to hide these projections becoming the main external distinguishing feature between the A3 and A1 locomotives.

4478 Hermit was among the first 10 of the class to be built, rolling out of Doncaster works in July 1923 and into revenue earning service with the LNER. Just over halfway through its service life the locomotive would be rebuilt into the improved A3 Class with the conversion being undertaken in November of 1943.

Withdrawal for the locomotive would take place in 1962, with all members of the class bar one being scrapped. Hermit, then 40109, was not the preserved example, with Flying Scotsman being saved and passing into railway legend due to its post-service career. This Hornby model of 'Hermit' not only boasts a five pole skew wound motor but also a diecast running plate which adds increased weight for improved traction. Also worthy of note is the addition of a flickering firebox which illuminates the fully detailed cab.

Rewards

Rewarding every enthusiast

You can earn and redeem Jadlam Rewards across our entire range of products. Every purchase brings you closer to your next reward.

View Rewards
Jadlam Rewards Card

Delivery

Detailed Delivery Information

UK Economy Delivery

We use Royal Mail Tracked 48 as our main economy delivery service for all parcels. (Items classified as Large Letter by Royal Mail will be sent by Royal Mail 48).

This service aims to deliver within 2-3 working days and is tracked to the delivery point. SMS or email notifications will be sent to you if you have filled in the contact details on your order. This will allow you to view your delivery options prior to delivery and have advanced notice of a delivery day.

We aim to dispatch your order the same day if paid for before 2pm (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). Please note that if your order contains an item with a 1-2 day handling time your item will take longer to dispatch.

Once dispatched you will receive a notification and the item will then be delivered in the next 2-3 working days.

Delivery charges will be automatically calculated at the checkout page.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT.

Please note that we cannot accept orders billed to or addressed to PO Boxes.

UK Express / Next Day Delivery

We will supply your email address and/or mobile number to the courier, they will use this to send you notification emails and SMS to let you know when your parcel will arrive.

*Where our Express/Next Day delivery service has been selected we aim to dispatch your goods from our warehouse in less than 1 working day of you placing your order (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). We will send you an email confirming when we have dispatched your order. Delivery will normally take 1-2 working days from the moment you place your order.

Please note that Express/Next Day delivery is a trackable service.

Delivery charges will be automatically calculated at the checkout page.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT.

Please note that we can't accept orders billed to or addressed to PO Boxes.

Non-Mainland UK Shipping Information

Applies to: Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle Of Man, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Scilly Isles.

Free on all orders under 5KG.

If your order weighs more than 5KG we will need to ship this via DPD which will incur a delivery charge of £9.99.

Please note this is only on orders over 5KG and most orders will come to less than 5KG.

Orders will be shipped on a 2 Day Service regardless of shipping option selected.

International Delivery

Shipping to Europe currently suspended due to changes with Brexit. More information due soon.

Shipping to Non European Countries

Shipping to Non European destinations is charged based on order value & order weight. In certain cases extra shipping charges may be required.

We aim to dispatch your goods from our warehouse within 2 working days of you placing your order (excluding weekends and UK public holidays). We will send you an email confirming when we have dispatched your order. Postal delivery will normally take a further 5 working days.

Delivery times and charges vary by country.

Multiple delivery addresses in the same order will result in multiple delivery charges.

When ordering goods from Jadlam Toys & models for delivery overseas you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches the specified destination. Any additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by you; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country, so you should contact your local customs office for further information. Additionally, please note that when ordering from Jadlam Toys & Models, you are considered the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the country in which you are receiving the goods.

All product prices quoted are inclusive of VAT (Value Added Tax). VAT on non EU deliveries cannot be reclaimed.

Important Note on Delivery Times

We do everything we can to meet the delivery times specified in this section. However, occasionally delivery times may be affected by factors beyond the control of Jadlam Racing and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Returns

Key Information at a Glance

The most important points from our returns policy.

 Return unwanted items within 30 days (unopened).

 We provide free return shipping for any faulty, damaged, or incorrectly sent items.

 All returns must be initiated by completing our official Returns Form for efficient processing.

 Ensure items are returned in 'as new' condition with original packaging to qualify for a full refund.

Can I return my item?

Not Wanted

An unwanted product can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of delivery as long as it’s still in its original, unopened packaging.

In accordance with your rights when you purchase goods online, unwanted items can be returned even if you have opened them for inspection as long as you let us know within 14 calendar days from the day after delivery. You can examine the goods as you would in a shop but to obtain a full refund you must not use them. The goods must be returned in ‘as new’ condition and in their original packaging. The packaging must not be ripped or damaged or we may refuse the return.

Returns and exchanges can only be processed with proof of purchase. Please provide your order number when you return a product.

You will be liable for the cost of returning the goods to us and must ensure that they are returned in protective packaging.

Faulty or Damaged

If you have received a damaged or faulty item from us you can return it for a repair, replacement or refund.

If the item is faulty or damaged we will cover the costs of the return shipping. Please contact us prior to returning so we can arrange a free returns label or resolve the fault you are experiencing.

Please make it clear what the issue is on our returns paperwork, as some minor issues may not be very clear to our returns department.

Some manufacturers prefer to deal with faulty items themselves, so returns may be sent directly to the manufacturer. This helps you get a replacement or repair faster.

Incorrect

An item received incorrectly can be returned for a refund or replacement. Please make it clear on the returns paperwork which action you would like us to take. If you do not complete this section, we will automatically issue a refund.

If the item is incorrect, we will cover the return shipping costs. Please complete a returns request form by clicking here and we will provide a returns shipping label for you.

What is your Returns Period?

You can return an item up to 30 days after the date of delivery.

EXTENDED CHRISTMAS RETURNS (covers all orders placed in November & December 2024) ends 31st January 2025.

How do I cancel my order?

If you choose to cancel an order that you have not yet received, please contact us via phone or email. Have your order number ready for quicker processing. Use "Cancellation Request" in your contact message.

We do our best to cancel orders quickly, but it's possible the order is dispatched before we process your request.

If your order has already shipped, you'll need to return it after receiving it. This will be treated as an unwanted return, and you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs.

What are my cancellation rights?

You may cancel an order from the moment it's placed until 14 days after you receive the goods.

Please contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

How do I start a return?

You need to complete our Returns Form. A member of our Returns Department will contact you with full instructions.

How do I return my item?

Please complete our Returns Form. We will contact you with instructions.

If you're arranging your own return, please use a tracked courier service. We cannot be held liable for undelivered returns. Reuse original packaging if possible, or make sure the item is well protected and dry in transit.

Check Royal Mail or parcel services like Parcel2Go for competitive rates.

How much does it cost to return an item?

The cost depends on the return reason:

  • Unwanted item: You cover return shipping costs.
  • Damaged/Faulty item: We cover the return shipping.
  • Incorrect item: We cover the return shipping.

For self-paid returns, we recommend Royal Mail or Parcel2Go. A small tracked parcel via Royal Mail should cost around £5; courier options may range £7–10.

When we cover return shipping, we’ll send you a returns label. Complete the form by clicking here.

A restocking fee may apply for returns due to customer error or if items are returned in a condition different from what was stated.

Once your return is approved, you have 14 days to send the item. After that, the return is cancelled and no refund will be issued.

When will I be refunded?

We process refunds or replacements within 3–5 working days of receiving your return. If you used a tracked courier, you can confirm when the item was received. If you don’t hear from us within 7 working days, please get in touch.

How should I package my return?

We recommend reusing the original packaging. You must ensure the item is returned in protective packaging. Items returned damaged or without proper care may not qualify for a refund.

Your Hobby, Our Passion

We're a family-owned business passionate about inspiring play and creativity for everyone, from hobbyists to young builders. Our team is here to help you find the perfect toys, models, and RC vehicles. Let’s create special memories together!

Satisfaction Guaranteed Icon

Your Satisfaction Guaranteed

We stand behind every product we sell with a 30-day, no-hassle return policy. Shop with confidence knowing that your happiness is guaranteed.

Passionate Experts Icon

Passionate Experts

Our team in Glastonbury lives and breathes models, RC, and toys. We're here to share our knowledge and help you find the perfect toy, model, or gift.

Unmatched Selection Icon

Unmatched Selection

Immerse yourself in a world of possibilities with our extensive collection of top-tier models, RC vehicles, and toys, handpicked from the best brands to ignite your passion and creativity.

Decades of Experience Icon

Decades of Experience

With a legacy spanning 25 years, we're proud to have served generations of hobbyists, families, and kids, helping them discover the joy of building, playing, and creating.

Recently Viewed