Hornby have made an announcement in advance of them attending Model Rail Scotland this coming weekend. Whilst a new liveried HST pack in Scotrail livery and a class 66 named HMS Argile have an obvious Scottish connection, the latest original Merchant Navy to be announced with their Smoke and steam generator onboard less so.
This announcement adding to the 2026 range, the first part of which was announced in January, is one of a number that will take place throughout the year.
R30560SS SR Merchant Navy Class Cunard White Star Line 21C4 – Steam Generator in Malachite Green livery with original front end as running between her introduction in Oct 1941 and June 1943 when she gained wartime black livery. Due June 2026.
Meanwhile at last weekend’s London Festival of Model Railways, Hornby had not only a 3D print of the new Rebuilt Merchant Navy that was announced in January, see left, of which the first versions are due to be available in April 2027, but also a 3D print of an all new original Bulleid Light Pacific that they had already hinted at being in development, for a likely full announcement in 2027. Behind the scenes I have been pleased to be providing some assistance with both projects.
The two projects will incorporate many tooling options for both the locomotives. The Rebuilt Merchant Navy will include: Smoke deflectors fitted with/without inner step, Cab sides and interior with/without AWS, five tender options: 5250 Gallon with one Water Filler, 5250 Gallon with two Water Fillers, 6000 Gallon Briquette, 6000 Gallon TIA, and 6000 Gallon rebuilt for Clan Line, Cast/fabricated trailing truck, original/revised-style pony truck, two buffer options, three front panel options and with/without speedometer. 
The new original Light Pacific will also likely include a wide range of tooling options including but not limited to: both narrow/wide original and modified cabs, safety valve positions, smoke deflectors and both 4500 or 5500 gallon tenders with either high sides or cut down.
More details of the new Light Pacific will be available in due course.
You can pre-order the newly announced models in the Hornby 2026 range here.
Many thanks Graham both for the post and your work in bringing the WC/BB to the market. I’m really looking forward to seeing them in the flesh
Great info. Graham, well done on your part.
Looking forward to the Light Pacific, West Country?