R3972 Hornby Dublo: LNER, A4 Class, 4-6-2, 4900 ‘Gannet’ – Era 3

The LNER A4 locomotive Gannet was among the last to be built, coming into service only two months before sister locomotive Mallard set the steam world speed record. Like Mallard, Gannet is one of many A4 locomotives named after a bird, allegedly due to Sir Nigel Gresley’s fondness for birdwatching. The locomotive was liveried in the iconic LNER Garter Blue colours until 1941 when it was repainted in wartime black. The locomotive was renumbered ’32’ in 1946 and later carried ‘60032’ under BR ownership, being withdrawn in Brunswick Green livery in 1963 after only a quarter of a century in service.