Hornby Dublo LNER Class A4 2512 ‘Silver Fox’ – 90th Anniversary Collection

The Hornby Dublo LNER ‘A4’ Class 2512 ‘Silver Fox’ is released as part of the 90th Anniversary Collection, paying tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic streamlined express locomotives. Precision-engineered and meticulously detailed, this diecast model replicates the original locomotive’s aerodynamic design and polished finish. It features a flickering firebox and is DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket for straightforward digital conversion. Powered by a 5-pole motor, the model delivers high tractive performance, making it capable of hauling long rakes of coaches with ease. An accessories pack including crew figures and detailing parts further enhances realism, making ‘Silver Fox’ a standout model in the collection.

The real ‘Silver Fox’ entered service in the mid-1930s as part of the prestigious ‘Silver Jubilee’ A4 fleet. Initially painted in silver/grey, it was later repainted in LNER Garter Blue in 1937. During the Second World War, the locomotive received a plain black livery in line with austerity policies. As part of the LNER’s 1946 renumbering scheme, it was allocated number 17, and following nationalisation in 1948, it was designated 60017—officially applied in April 1949.

Subsequent livery changes included a repaint into BR blue in 1950, followed by BR lined green in December 1952. In May 1957, a Kylchap double-chimney was fitted, a configuration it retained until its withdrawal. ‘Silver Fox’ was retired from New England shed (Peterborough) in October 1963.