35-160NRM LNWR Improved Precedent 'Hardwicke' LNWR Black No.790 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive

This model has been developed and produced exclusively for Locomotion models by Bachmann Europe Plc in a partnership with Rails of Sheffield.

Technological improvements prompted the LNWR's CME F.W Webb to replace 96 6'6" Curved Link 'Newtons' and 62 6'6" Straight Link 'Precedents' with locomotives featuring thicker frames and 150 PSI boilers. These emerged between 1887 and 1901 and became known as 'Improved Precedents'. Though new, an accountancy contrivance meant they were considered 'renewals' and kept the names and numbers of the locomotives they replaced.

Gaining the nickname 'Jumbos' or 'Big/Large Jumbos' because of their performance, withdrawals of the 'Improved Precedents' started in 1905 with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inheriting 76 at the 1923 grouping. The last was withdrawnin 1934.

No.790 'Hardwicke' was the only example to be preserved in 1931, having become famous during the 'Races to the North' in 1895. It ran between Crewe and Carlisle at an average of 67 ¼ MPH, a record which stood for 40 years.