Rapido Trains UK’s stunning LNER Dynamometer Car is now being scaled down to ‘N’ gauge!

This model will reflect the dyno car in the condition that it can be found in the NRM with differently spaced lettering, roof colour and recording wheel.

Built at Darlington Works by the North Eastern Railway in 1906, the North Eastern Railway Dynamometer Car’s role was to accurately and scientifically measure performance of railway vehicles. It originally entered service under the number 3591, painted NER Crimson Lake. However, in the 1923 Grouping, which saw the NER integrated into the LNER, it started to be used extensively by Chief Engineer, Nigel Gresley. In 1924, it was renumbered 3591Y and painted in a lined imitation teak finish, and in 1928, it was renumbered again to 23591, featuring updates with Gresley’s design of bogies.

On 3 July 1938, it became part of railway history, when it was used to record the speed runs on the East Coast Mainline, capturing the record-breaking 126mph run completed by Gresley’s A4 Pacific Class No.4468 Mallard.

Following many years of service, including being used in the 1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials by British Railways, it now lives in preservation as part of the National Collection at the National Railway Museum in York.

Prototype Factfile
Built: 1906 How long did it last? It was withdrawn in 1954 and pre- served as part of the National Collection.
Where did it work? Heavily rebuilt by the LNER in 1928, the Dynamometer Car recorded the LNER’s high speed trials of the 1930s which culminated in Mallard’s record run in July 1938. Tasks for BR included trials with Bulleid’s infamous ‘Leader’.
Can I see it? Yes. It’s displayed with Mallard in the NRM’s Great Hall.

Our ‘N’ gauge model boasts many features:

• Designed using original works drawings
• Highly detailed interior detail, including the testing equipment
• Highly detailed underframe including the test wheel
• Interior lighting
• Complex printing techniques to produce teak finish