Brighton Belle takes Hornby back in time
New launch of the Brighton Belle train packs
The Brighton Belle is one of the most famous “Belle” trains to operate on British tracks. The meticulously crafted model representation of this iconic train will be arriving into shops this month.
The Brighton Belle train is available in two iconic train packs with additional Brighton Belle Pullman Cars; 1934 Brighton Belle Pullman and the 1967 Brighton Belle Pullman.
The elegant Hornby models capture the opulence and style of the “Brighton Belle Pullman” with each car featuring illuminated table lamps as well as detailed interiors. Beautifully styled with correct shaped buffers, NEM couplings and DCC ready/fitted, the five pole, skew wound motored trains also feature directional lighting, diecast chassis and pickups on all wheels driving wheels.
The Brighton Belle’s rich history can be attributed to Winston Churchill, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer who announced in 1929 that the railway passenger duty on first and second class fares would be abolished, which paved the way for the Southern Railway to launch the newly electrified service from London to Brighton on New Year’s Day 1933.
Fast forward 76 years to 2009 and under the patronage of the 5BEL Transport Trust, a group was formed to see through the ambitious project to restore the Brighton Belle and bring it back into service under private ownership. The refurbishment, carried out by Pullman restoration specialists Rampart of Derby, of a five car set to exacting standards in effect has raised the bar for restoration of electric trains today.
Simon Kohler, Hornby marketing manager, commented: “The launch of the two Hornby Brighton Belle trains is incredibly exciting and I am incredibly proud of what we have produced. Linking this with the restoration and eventual running of the preserved Brighton Belle means that the train and service will be immortalised both as a model and as a working icon.”
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