SALE - Rapido 922002 Titfield Thunderbolt Train Pack

Rapido 922002 Titfield Thunderbolt Train Pack

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Rapido Trains UK is delighted to reveal a range of models inspired by The Titfield Thunderbolt that will be available in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the film’s release in 2023. These will be the most accurate The Titfield Thunderbolt models ever produced and are being developed with full co-operation of STUDIOCANAL, which owns the rights to this seminal railway film.

The film tells the story of group of villagers determined to save their branch line after British Railways announces its closure. When a rival bus company sabotages the newly acquired train prior to an official inspection, the villagers resurrect the line’s first locomotive, Thunderbolt, and, against great odds, obtain permission to keep their line open.

The story was inspired by the group of enthusiasts, led by Tom Rolt, who took over the 2ft 3in gauge Talyllyn Railway in 1951 and thus kick-started the railway preservation movement. The film was the first of Ealing Studios’ famous ‘Ealing comedies’ to be filmed in colour and it was released in March 1953.

This pack features the Titfield Thunderbolt train as seen in the film. Heading up the set is the stunning locomotive ‘Thunderbolt’. This was ‘played’ by the LMR locomotive number 57; Lion. Lion was built in 1838 by Todd, Kitson & Laird of Leeds, and was the sister locomotive to ‘Tiger’. It’s active life saw it running under ownership of the LMR until 1845 where it was amalgamated with other lines into the GJR which in turn became part of the LNWR, where it was renumbered to 116 on the northern division. It served here until 1957 when it was transferred to the Stores Department as Ballast Engine Number 14. 1859 saw it bought by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board where it remained until it was retired around 1874.

It's life continued from here as a pumping engine at the Graving Dock facility, where it remained until 1928. Members of the Liverpool Engineering Society rescued Lion when it was replaced by and electric pump at the pumping facility and renovated the locomotive at Crew works. By this point the tender had been scrapped, so a new one was built. Multiple other parts were also repaired and replaced. From here it was sent to stay as a static exhibit at several museums.

Its second life began in 1953 when it started as the titular engine in the Titfield Thunderbolt film, and also other smaller film roles. It was again restored in 1979, and in 2007 it found its final home in Liverpool, forming an exhibit in the Museum of Liverpool.

Alongside Lion, this pack also includes; ‘Dan’s House’, aka GWR ‘Loriot Y’ No. 41989 with fictitious Victorian coach body, and No. W68740, GWR Diagram AA20 ‘Toad’ brake van.