GNR / LNER Gresley “A0” Pacific Locomotive Body Kits
Scale model body kits of the “A0” 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive design, originally drawn by Sir Nigel Gresley (1915–1920s).
Includes multiple fictional and experimental variants, with LOW, MID, and HIGH running plate configurations suitable for Hornby A1/A3 RTR chassis.
Features
3D printed in high-detail photopolymer resin
Designed for straightforward cleaning, priming, and finishing using standard model paints
Includes smokebox door, buffers, cab roof, outside steam pipe covers, reverser column, separate steam chest covers on certain versions, vacuum pipes
Designed to be compatible with multiple RTR chassis types (Hornby A1, A1/3, etc.)
LOW, MID, HIGH running plate heights allow fitting with various cylinder and valve gear configurations
Detailed Features
Wheelbase designed for several Hornby Gresley A1/A3 chassis to ensure maximum RTR compatibility
Steam chest covers provided in angular and curved styles for glue-in installation for certain variations
Valve gear modifications may be required when fitting Gresley or Black 5 cylinders to match running plate heights
Version Differences
A0 - 1915 Drawing: Original parallel boiler Gresley design
A0 - G1 LOW: Early redraft with Gresley cab and curved running plate front
A0 - G2 MID: Freelance Variant
A0 - G2 HIGH: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox Original: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox Original New Cab: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox A: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox A New Cab: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox B: Freelance Variant
A0 - H1 Firebox B New Cab: Freelance Variant
Available Scales
4mm / OO, EM, P4
2mm Finescale (2FS)
~2mm British N
2.54mm TT
3mm TT
3.5mm H0
4.76mm S
7mm / O Gauge
Photo Credits (with permission)
A0 - G1 LOW – Blue painted as Gordon – Sparkshot (Original Kit-Bash the 3D prints were based upon)
A0 - G2 HIGH – Blue painted as Gordon – Sparkshot (Original Kit-Bash the 3D prints were based upon)
A0 G2 MID – Blue painted as Gordon (Yellow stripe on cab) – Andrew Postlethwaite
A0 G2 MID – Blue painted as Gordon – Somethingtrainlover
A0 H1 Firebox B – Green painted as Henry – Rians Railway
Optional/Background Information
“A0” is a conceptual designation coined for identification; not historically assigned
May have inspired RWS / Railway Series characters Henry & Gordon based upon Wilbert Awdry's backstory lore in his book, The Island of Sodor: It's People, History & Railways
Real early drafts found in various publications and the National Railway Museum included parallel and tapered boilers; later drafts refined running plate curves and cab designs
Kit-bashing notes: cylinders, valve gear, and screw positions may need adjustment for certain Hornby RTR chassis
More Detailed Information on the A0 Range
The A0 is a 'what if' 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive design, originally drawn by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1915 with redrafts in the early 1920s.
“A0” is a conceptual designation and may have inspired Wilbert Awdry's RWS / Railway Series characters Henry & Gordon.
Wheelbase:
A0 1915 drawing: 6'3" + 5'3" + 7'0" + 7'0" + 8'0"
Gresley A1: 6'3" + 5'6" + 7'3" + 7'3" + 9'6"
The SCC A0 range is designed to match the A1 wheelbase for compatibility with Hornby A1/A3 RTR and kit chassis.
LOW, MID, and HIGH running plate heights allow fitting with different cylinder and valve gear configurations. Modifications may be required for Gresley or Black 5 cylinders, particularly above the Radius Rod and Expansion Link or when positioning screws for chassis fixing.
Historical/Design Notes:
1915 drafts: Parallel boiler
1920s redrafts: Tapered boiler, angular running plate fronts
Final draft: Curved running plate fronts, Gresley cab
Fictional 1939 rebuild: A0 - G2 MID and A0 - G2 HIGH
Steam Chest Covers: Supplied in angular and curved versions for glue-in installation
Kit-bashing & Fitting Notes:
Adjust valve gear and cylinders to match running plate height
Drill pilot holes for chassis screws where necessary; material is self-tapping
Recommended combinations:
HIGH: Hornby Britannia cylinders reshaped; Black 5 valve gear works well
MID: Slightly smaller Hornby Black 5 cylinders fit better, their designs of 20 years ago or so
LOW: Hornby A1 cylinders, will require some modifications to the valve gear
