Duchess of Atholl train set EDP2 (Hornby Dublo)

Exhibit
Duchess of Atholl train set EDP2 (Hornby Dublo) Duchess of Atholl train set, boxed, detail (i)
location:
Arch Four , Area 37 Hornby Wall (display)
Shelf 9

Original loco details:

LMS	No.6231	4-6-2
Originally built:		1938
Version modelled:		1951

The Duchess of Atholl, featured on the cover of the 1939/40 issue of the Hornby Book of Trains [image info]

Launch of the Hornby Dublo "Duchess of Atholl" train set, 1939 [image info]

A Hornby Dublo EDP2 passenger train set, including a dark red LMS Duchess Class 4-6-2 "Duchess of Atholl" locomotive, running number 6231, LMS tender, and two 1st/3rd class carriages, numbered 4183 and (28135?).

Hornby Dublo Duchess of Atholl loco 6231, from the 1939 Hornby Book of Trains

Historic significance

This was one of the most famous early Dublo sets, partly because it was one of the first "large" Hornby Dublo locomotives, but also because its unfortunate timing ("the train that waited") probably made it one of the most anticipated train sets, ever.

The set was originally announced and advertised in Meccano Ltd.'s publications in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War Two, but it didn't quite manage to go into production before the shutdown in toymaking at the commencement of WW2, with the result that people who wanted to buy the train set didn't get a chance to see one until a few years after hostilities had ended, nearly a decade later.

By this time, some of the original would-be buyers would have been grown-up, and others would have been casualties of the fighting.

It might seem surprising that Hornby Dublo didn't get back into its development stride until 1948, considering that WW2 had ended in '45, but after WW2, industry then faced further metal shortages and war work because of the Korean War.

1939 launch text:

"LMS EXPRESS PASSENGER TRAIN hauled by the "DUCHESS OF ATHOLL" LOCOMOTIVE" / "EDP2 HORNBY-DUBLO ELECTRIC PASSENGER TRAIN SET, L.M.S"

" This wonderful Train Set represents the highest degree of realism ever attained in Gauge 00, both in general design and extent and perfection of detail. The components comprise the locomotive and coaches of a typical express train in its characteristic red livery. The Locomotive, "Duchess of Atholl", is a splendid reproduction of one of the non-streamlined "Duchess" class. These powerful and attractive-looking locomotives are employed mainly in the working of the principal fast and heavy trains between London and Liverpool.

The Coaches are modelled on the very latest LMS standard corridor stock used for main line working. One of them is a first-third, and the other a brake-third with guard's and luggage accommodation at the rear end. These Coaches are particularly attractive; they have real cut-out windows glazed with celluloid inside. Another feature that adds to the realism is a corridor partition inside each coach. Automatic couplings are fitted.
The Locomotive is not supplied with Clockwork mechanism.

EDP2 Electric Passenger Train Set, L.M.S., contains Locomotive "Duchess of Atholl" (automatic reversing), Tender, first-third Corridor Coach, brake-third Corridor Coach, seven Curved Rails, one Curved Terminal Rail and two Straight Rails. The set includes Dublo Controller No.1 for use with Dublo Transformer (for A.C. mains) or D.C. convertor (for D.C. mains). Transformer or Convertor not included. Price 92/6

For districts where no electric supply is available

EDPA2 Electric Passenger Train Set, L.M.S., (with Dublo Controller No. 1Afor use with 12-volt accumulators. Price 84/- "

The original locomotive

Although many of the Duchess class started out as streamlined Coronation Class locos, Duchess of Atholl was one of the first batch of five that were originally built as non-streamliners.

External links

• Duchess of Atholl, Hornby (hornbytrains.blogspot.com)
• Duchess of Atholl (4)6232 (LMS forum)
• Duchess of Atholl cutaway diagram, Eagle comic (mtrains.co.uk) (pdf)