In the fiercely-fought "Race to the North" in the nineteenth century, the London, North Western's "Improved Precedent" 2-4-0s (affectionately known as "Jumbos") distinguished themselves with epic express performances over the West Coast mainline, including the infamous 1 in 75 Shap incline. Number 790, "Hardwicke" is preserved in the National Railway Museum, along with Patrick Stirling's No.1 8 foot single, its adversary on the East Coast line. This is spirit-fired gauge 1 model, single cylinder with slip eccentric valve gear, displacement lubricator mounted in the cab and centre flue copper boiler fed by a hand pump in the tender. Built as one of a batch of three locomotives by a professional machinist with many engines to his credit (including a super 3 inch Burrell I had in some years ago), it is new and unused having only been run on air. It is well-engineered and nicely detailed, turned out in handpainted and lined LNWR Blackberry livery. Length: Locomotive 10 inches Tender 9 inches
