[size=xx-large][font=Times New Roman]THE STIRLING SINGLE[/font][/size]

[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Designed by Patrick Stirling, the GNR A1, A2 & A3 classes were a collection of 53 4-2-2 (Single) steam locomotives built between 1870–1895 for express passenger work. They were built to haul sets of up to 26 6 wheel coaches at speeds of 47 miles per hour (76 km/h), being capable of reaching even 85 mph (137 km/h).[/font][/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']By the time the much more powerful Ivatt Atlantics had entered service these locomotives had already been outdated and withdrawn started in 1899. One member of the class was fortunately preserved, being no. 1, the first one built, however no tender as believed to had been left and, as such, when the locomotive was restored in 1938, for the fiftieth anniversary of the [/font][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Race to the North[/font][font=Arial, 'sans-serif'], it was given a much less attractive and smaller, modified Sturrock tender, [/font][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']previously used behind the Doncaster Carriage Shunter, Hawthorn 0-4-2, No 112A. It wasn't until 2014 when an original Stirlng tender was discovered, previously belonging to Stirling Single no.1002.[/font][/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Today both tenders are preserved, however no. 1 is coupled up to no. 1002's tender, as can be seen at the National Railway Museum in York.[/font][/size]
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[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']In 2015 Rapido Trains UK announced a brand-new model of the preserved no. 1, as seen with the larger tender, and when they were finally released in 2018 they were an instant success, winning numerous titles and still being considered by many to be the GOLD STANDARD in model railway design .... However there was a slight problem, not only was the model incredibly expensive upon release but, for people like me, the second-hand prices were just outrageous, frequently reaching figures of up to $1000USD! And so I think it's fair to say that it seamed as there was no way I was ever going to get my hands on, and after waiting for a while, my dreams finally came true, when Rapido announced a brand-new batch of the model in 2023, for an even lower price and also a non-exclusive variant, depicting no. 1 in her era 3 to 10 condition...[/font][/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']And after numerous delays the models finally arrived earlier this year![/font][/size]
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[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Now, before I start talking about all the insane features it has, I think it's important to talk about some of the issues with batch 2. Firstly the front splashers... these are optional, adjustable parts that you can fit with the help of 4 screws, but unfortunately the 1930's release is missing these parts, this issue was corrected on the NRM's model, however if, like me, you wish to fit these parts you'll just have to get in touch with Rapido, also on my model one of the rear splashers is missing on one side and so I have also filled a warranty form for that issue as well. Hopefully it won't be too long before I get the missing parts.[/font][/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Another key issue has to do with the front bogie's spring.... The second batch models have a much tighter and harder spring, causing the front drivers to be lifted of the track, causing a massive reduction in the loco's holing power. The fix for this is less fun as you either swap out the spring for a weaker one, or you could cut down the original, although you do have to be careful as to not cut it down to far! The locomotive isn't balanced well enough as to be able to do away with the spring, so BE CAREFUL![/font][/size]
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[size=medium]Now, this model is truly a museum quality locomotive. Firstly there is just SOO much metal on the model, as the base keeper, chassis block, smoke box, cylinders, boiler, firebox, wheel arches, cab, rear and main driving wheels, foot plate and tender body are all metal. This not only results in an incredible weight but also a breathtaking finish which looks gorgeous![/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif'] The model has so many detail, such as a firebox flicker, open frames with a representation of the valve gear an unbelievable cab with hinges molded on the window frames, complex brake rigging, sprung buffers (the large tender versions having sprung buffers even in between loco and tender) and just so much more![/font][/size]
[size=medium][font=Arial, 'sans-serif']Mechanically the model is also incredible: 10 wheels with pickups, a 5 pole motor with flywheel and driveshaft to reduce vibration from the motor, a snap-together drawbar and by far the most impressive part of this model, the hauling power... You see singles don't really work too well in model form as it's almost impossible to ensure a decent amount of weight is resting on the driving wheels, inevitably some of the weight will be resting on at least one more set of wheels, halving the pulling power, and though this model's weight rests on all of it's wheels unfortunately, Rapido still had a way to boost the hauling capacity..... By cheating.... This was done by not only driving the large wheels but also the smaller set of wheels behind, and even if the balance of the model let's it down slightly, the final release is still way more powerful, than the larger and heavier Hornby singles![/font][/size]
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