ELLIS CLARK’S ‘BLACK FIVE’ ARRIVES

It may have taken nearly five years to materialise, but the Ellis Clark Trains LMS ‘Black Five’ is finally here. This ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge 4-6-0 is a hefty beast, weighing-in at over 2kg, thanks to the widespread use of metal rather than plastic. The result is a solid-feeling, high-quality model with a wealth of separately fitted details, including the use of real copper wire to represent the exposed pipework.

Dealing with such a huge fleet of prototypes, with countless detail differences, offers a real challenge for model manufacturers. Wisely, the Ellis Clark team has chosen to concentrate on those ‘Black Fives’ built for the LMS by Armstrong Whitworth at its famous Scotswood works in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (LMS Nos. 5225-5427).

There’s still a good degree of choice among the models, with welded and riveted tenders being offered in LMS and BR liveries. Most models are supplied un-numbered, with decals provided. Ellis Clark kindly loaned us fully finished BR No. 45337, which emerged in 1937 and worked out of various Lancashire sheds until settling at Carlisle Kingmoor – a 12A shedcode is added to the smokebox door.

The real No. 45337 survived into preservation, so this version is bound to be popular.

As well as looking gorgeous, the model runs beautifully, the Maxon motor and ABC gearbox being a well-renowned traction package among ‘O’ gauge aficionados. While DCC sound-fitted models are offered, DC versions also include a 34-pin L-type decoder interface within the boiler and there’s even space to add radio control equipment if desired. The axles run in micro ball bearings and the oiling ports make servicing simple.

While ‘O’ gauge modellers have been spoiled in recent years with some superb diesels and smaller steam locomotives, it’s great to see a larger prototype offered in RTR form at a very reasonable price. We hope that further variations will follow.

❯ PRICE: from £949.00

W: www.ellisclarktrains.co.uk