BR, M7 Class, 0-4-4T, 30244 - Era 3

The M7 is a remarkable steam locomotive, possessing quick acceleration and good tractive power – making it well matched to Branch line workings, acting as station pilots and the demands of suburban workings alike. Designed by Dugald Drummond, the M7 Class locomotive entered service in 1897 before being withdrawn from fast passenger services a year later.

Ideally suited to the demands of suburban workings with frequent station stops, the M7 possessed quick acceleration and good tractive power, equally at home on Branch line workings or acting as station pilots. Unfortunately, following a major derailment at Tavistock in 1898, the Class were withdrawn from fast passenger services, the 0-4-4 arrangement proving inherently unstable at continuous high speeds. While two M7s still exist in preservation, 30244 sadly is not among them after being scrapped at Brighton. This particularly special Hornby model of 30244 comes uniquely liveried in the previously never produced Southern Malachite Green, a particular mark of rarity. Of the Class, only 38, 242, 243 & 244 were turned out in fully lined Malachite Green for Waterloo Station pilot duties after the Second World War.