The Turbomotive was an experimental steam locomotive built in 1935 by the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (LMS) under the direction of Chief Mechanical Engineer William Stanier. Based on the successful Princess Royal Class design, the Turbomotive stood out for its use of a steam turbine instead of traditional reciprocating pistons. 

This turbine arrangement allowed for smoother, quieter running, and fewer mechanical parts, which theoretically meant reduced maintenance and greater reliability at sustained high speeds. It was especially efficient on long-distance, high-speed runs where constant power was required. 

However, the lack of a reliable reverse gear and reduced flexibility at lower speeds or for shunting limited its practical application. Despite promising performance, the complexities of turbine technology in rail use led to the project being discontinued. After World War II, in 1949, the Turbomotive was rebuilt as a conventional piston-driven locomotive, marking the end of Britain’s brief experiment with steam turbine propulsion in railways.

Specific to R30398:

• Replacement 40 superheater boiler with regulator housed in separate dome
• 4000 Gallon standard pattern Stanier Tender with roller bearings
• Reverse Turbine modifications added
• Model represents condition post 1936 modifications
• LMS Lake livery
• Separately fitted nameplate, number plate and company ownership plate

Princess Royal ‘Turbomotive’ Features:

• High detail OO gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
• Working headlamps with the option to fit standard lamp brackets
• Tender lamp operation controlled by touch
• 21 pin DCC socket in the locomotive, with pre-fitted sugarcube speaker
• Fully compatible with Hornby HM7000 control system with a meticulously crafted ‘Turbomotive’ sound available for download
• High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
• Fully decorated bespoke cab crew supplied
• Fully adjustable oil cooler radiator flap
• Powerful 5-pole skew wound motor
• Flywheel with cardan shaft arrangement for smooth running
• Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing
• Heavy diecast chassis, pony truck and trailing truck
• Very heavy diecast body
• Oilite main drive bearings
• Opening cab roof vent
• Sprung metal buffers
• Rear NEM coupling pocket, detailed front bogie
• Optional fit rear flanged wheelset. Only recommended for larger layouts with sweeping curves or for display purposes
• Wheel pickups on the main locomotive and tender wheelsets
• Separately fitted simulated coal load