Hornby has had a 9F in its portfolio since 1971, when, according to Pat Hammond, it was ‘the most complex model Rovex had ever developed’. It was the first in the range to be fitted with a Ringfield tender drive, which, having traction tyres, meant high haulage capacity. Various manifestations of the type (usually Evening Star) carried on through the ‘Silver Seal’ range - occasionally in high-gloss until, in the first decade of this century, a locomotive-drive Hornby 9F emerged. This ran beautifully, but was lacking in detail, particularly with brakes on the locomotive chassis. It was more ’Railroad’ in concept and far inferior to the Bachmann competitor. This, its latest and all-new 9F, is wonderful!
The prototypes, of which 251 were built between 1953 and 1960, at Crewe and Swindon,, we had the last steam locomotive for British Railways when it was named at Swindon on the March 18, 1960. Turned out in lined green and with a copper-capped double chimney, it was a fitting tribute to all the builders of steam locomotives in this country.
