Hornby R30384 Railroad Plus Gwr Bo-Bo No34, Steam Locomotives Era 3

Hardy Railmotors Limited was a subsidiary of Associated Equipment Co. Ltd and offered manoeuvring locomotives with petrol and diesel engines. CF Cleaver, a engineer employed at Hardy Railmotors, has realized that a successful 130HP AEC 6-cylinder diesel engine, used on London buses, would be suitable for driving a light wagon. The first wagon was the 1 prototype and the body was based on the popular DB diesel unit called Flying Hamburger. After testing in the wind tunnel, the body has been streamlined, so they have become the name of flying bananas. The car was purchased by GWR and soon number 1 was listed at the International Automobile Transport Exhibition in Olympia in November 1933, causing big fanfares and great notorrage. GWR ordered more wagons and a total of 38 diesel cars were built in 1933-1942. These cars were used for a variety of purposes, from branches to twin wagons handling calls from Birmingham to Cardiff. These cars were unique to the main line. Finally, wagons were withdrawn from service between 1955 and 1962. Three wagons have been preserved: No. 4 at the National Railway Museum, No. 20 on Kent & East Sussex railways and No. 22 at the Didcot Railway Centre. The 34 car was an express car that came into service in 1941. The wagon had a load capacity of 10 tonnes override. Double hinged doors were a feature of the wagon. Number 34 ran in Southall until it was recalled in 1960 and was considered a powerful wagon because of its ability to pull the trailer. GWR Expedited Wagon Model No.34 is finished in cream and brown GWR.

• About Hornby: As a British model railway designer, Hornby has fascinated model making enthusiasts for over 100 years; since 1920; whether you are an experienced model maker, or just starting your miniatures, you will find a whole range of trains, track accessories, scenery sets and more at Hornby