Next Build - LMS, BR-LM & ScR Coronation/Duchesses

The LMS, BR-LM & ScR Coronation/Duchesses Pacific’s – Stanier magnificent machines; are our next model.  A limited edition of 111 was commissioned in July 2009 and will be delivered autumn/winter 2010.  Our builder is working from masses of General Arrangement and other drawings together with plenty of good quality, relevant photographs to produce accurate model engineering drawings.  We anticipate full sets of drawings late 2009/early 2010 for our advisers to evaluate.

These will be our largest models so far but built with the same accuracy and attention to detail as our Castles and Kings.  Our research will be just as thorough.  We are fortunate to have Bob Meanley (shed master at Tyseley and responsible for re-streamlining the mighty “Duchess of Hamilton” on behalf of National Railway Museum) as an adviser.  What Bob doesn’t know about Coronations and Duchesses, isn’t worth knowing.  He is also author of ‘The Coronation Class’ – part 11 of Wild Swan’s LMS magnum opus.  We are delighted Ted Talbot, author of that excellent book ‘The Coronation Scot’ is also advising. Ted has a comprehensive knowledge of this complex class of locomotives and his wise words of wisdom are much appreciated.  Our technical adviser is Geoff Holt, that renowned modeller who has scratch built Duchesses in 4mm, 7mm and 10mm scales, and a past Chairman of the LMS Society.  Geoff focus will be primarily on Coronation/Duchesses as model locomotives, to ensure performance on the track matches their appearance.  With such a large locomotive negotiating reasonably tight curves, the front bogie swing requires careful attention otherwise it could rub against the cylinders; similarly brake hangers might foul the rear bogie wheels on curves.  Geoff will be carefully looking at these and other performance aspects.   Reliable performance will be a vital part of the build process.

Indeed it is essential to have such a talented team because as one expert put it “this is one of the most difficult of ‘modern’ locomotive types to represent accurately in model form”.  With their guidance, we are going to great lengths to ensure our Coronations and Duchesses are superb models, which will be pleasure to admire and own.

As with previous Masterpiece models, there will be a limited edition of just 111 Coronation/Duchess locomotives, produced in three main series :-

  1. LMS streamlined Coronations finished in LMS blue and silver or red and gold.  37 Coronations will be built in this series; including five models of 6220(9) exhibited at the 1939 New York World Fair, with working headlight and removable bell.
  2. LMS non-streamlined Duchesses in the unique LMS crimson lake with gold lining specially developed for 6230–34; and also the 1946 LMS lined black.  There will be options for single or double chimneys and later with smoke deflectors.  24 in total of this series will be built.
  3. British Railways Duchesses will have the option of three BR liveries (green, blue and crimson lake). This period is the best remembered with Duchesses in their final form dominating the West Coast main line.  50 will be built, all with double chimneys and smoke deflectors, together with other BR modifications.

It wasn’t our intention to breach the £3000 price barrier.  But not only are Coronations/Duchesses significantly larger than Castles and Kings but with three different series (our builder considers streamlined and non-streamlined as separate builds!) plus no fewer that seven livery options and three tender types, there are certainly more variations and complications than Castles or Kings.  All of this will bring the price to £3150.

A reservation deposit of £150 reserves a specific Coronation/Duchess for you – as with our previous builds and apart from a few exceptions, each model will be unique depending on its condition and livery.  Once reserved; it will not be available again - guaranteed.  Your reservation is fully refundable if you don’t think our 1st pre-production model lives up to expectations.  After the first pre-production model has been displayed at exhibitions or via our web site, you’ll be asked to pay £1500 to confirm your reservation.  The balance will be required before shipping to UK in autumn/winter 2010.

Go to our availability list to see Coronation/Duchesses remaining unreserved (you can make reservations on-line) and for details of build options available.

Go to ‘Latest News’ to keep fully informed of developments as they occur.

Or write, phone or e-mail if you have any questions or queries.