Antics Limited Edition

We have placed an order with Bachmann for a limited production collectors model of 47835 Windsor Castle painted in the striking InterCity Swallow livery.

In 1985 Intercity continued a long Great Western tradition when HM the Queen named royal train locomotive 47620 Windsor Castle. This limited edition collectors model depicts the locomotive as 47835, fitted with extra fuel tanks and working from Bristol Bath Road shed during the early 1990's. Specially equiped and maintained in immaculate order for royal train duties, 47835 hauled cross-country InterCity trains across Britain, from Scotland to Cornwall.

The superb Bachmann model carries a powerful motor mounted centrally in a heavy diecast chassis to provide good haulage capabilities. The bodyshell accurately detailed as 47835 will including fittings and finishing touches, as befitting a royal train locomotive bearing the pride of both the depot and Intercity fleet.

Production limited to 500 models.
Release Update Oct 2008 Bachmann have advised us that the production of Windsor castle has been postponed. They have advised us to expect a further update early in 2009.

Please place your order with contact telephone and email details. We will contact you shortly before delivery to confirm your delivery address and payment details are correct.

Built at Crewe as D1654 and completed on January 23rd 1965 the locomotive which became 47835 Windsor Castle had a long association with the Western region, being sent new to Cardiff Canton shed. The locomotive remained allocated to South Wales sheds until moving to Old Oak Common (London) in 1970, returning to Cardiff Canton in 1975, now carrying TOPS number 47070. Briefly making it's first appearance as a Bristol Bath Road engine in 1983, a call to works for rebuilding and fitting of electric train supply was imminent. Returning to Old Oak Common in Spetember 1984, now known as 47620 the locomotive was chosen and prepared for royal train duty.

In 1924 the Great Western Railway had the newly completed 4082 Windsor Castle specially prepared for an inspection of their Swindon workshops by King George V and Queen Mary. His Majesty the King was invited to drive the locomotive into Swindon station and Windsor Castle became the Great Western's official royal locomotive. On July 26th 1985, as part of the GWR 150 celebrations, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II named 47620 Windsor Castle at Paddington station before departure along Brunel's Great Western mainline to Bristol.

In 1988 47620 was allocated again to Bristol Bath Road and, after being equiped with additional fuel tanks, was renumbered 47835, retaining it's Windsor Castle nameplates. One of three locomotives assigned and specially equiped for royal train duties the locomotive was operated by InterCity Cross Country.

The changing railway scene of the 1990's saw the end of many locomotive hauled passenger trains and the closure of Bristol Bath Road depot. 47835 moved to Crewe and the parcels business in 1994. Following a review of royal train working the locomotives were renamed and 47835, now numbered 47799 in the parcels locomotive series, became Prince Henry (perhaps better known as Prince Harry, 3rd in line of succession) in 1995. Currently the locomotive is stored unservicable at Ferrybridge.

Photographs generously supplied by and copyright  Mr. A. Turner.