Hornby LNER Class A4 4466 ‘Sir Ralph Wedgwood’ – WWII 80th Anniversary Model

The Hornby LNER Class A4 4466 ‘Sir Ralph Wedgwood’ model, presented in a black wartime livery, has been released as part of the WWII 80th Anniversary Collection. It represents one of Sir Nigel Gresley’s most notable locomotives during a significant phase of its operational life. This 00 gauge model includes advanced features such as a flickering firebox and a 21-pin DCC socket, which supports digital upgrades for improved control and sound. With its iconic A4 streamlined design and wartime appearance, the model offers a historically rich and visually striking addition to any steam-era railway layout.

Originally constructed at Darlington Works, the locomotive entered service on 26 January 1938 under the name ‘Herring Gull’. The name ‘Sir Ralph Wedgwood’ had previously been assigned to A4 No. 4469, which was destroyed during an air raid on York on 29 April 1942. Following this event, the name was transferred to No. 4466 on 6 January 1944. By that time, the locomotive had already been painted in plain black to comply with wartime austerity protocols.

In January 1946, the locomotive was renumbered to 605, and later, in May of the same year, it was designated as No. 6. It underwent repainting into its original Garter Blue livery in April 1947. Ultimately, the locomotive was withdrawn from service in September 1965 under the number BR green 60006.