For the first time modellers can add a ready-to-run Caprotti ‘Black Five’ to their collection with the arrival of the all-new Hornby model. BEN CHURCH finds out how good it is.
The Caprotti ‘Black Five’ is making its first-ever appearance as a ready-to-run model with the arrival of 44755 in BR lined black with early crests from Hornby. This new addition offers a radically different appearance to the standard Stanier ‘Black Five’, and will make it stand out from the crowd.
However, it isn’t the only new addition to the Hornby ‘Black Five’ collection this month, as 45157 The Glasgow Highlander has also arrived offering a standard Stanier 4-6-0 for Scottish Region modellers.
Above: New to the Hornby Stanier ‘Black Five’ collection is Caprotti valve gear 44755 in BR lined black. The distinctive cylinders and lower running plate have been modelled superbly.
The Caprotti locomotives came about after experiments in 1947 by LMS Chief Mechanical Engineer Henry Ivatt. The following year, under British Railways’ ownership, 20 ‘Black Fives’ were built with Caprotti rotary valve gear…
