The Lion locomotive of 1837 for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway is as iconic as any loco, a true celebrity. It is one of the most frequently modelled engines in all scales. It was particularly popularized by LBSC in the 1950s with drawings published about the same time as Lion starred in the classic film The Titfield Thunderbolt. Curly designed the model in 3.5” and 5” gauges, complete with the gab gear of the original, a predecessor of the more friendly link motion.

Many changes and improvements to the LBSC versions have been made available and the Old Locomotive Committee at http://www.lionlocomotive.org.uk/ is the first stop for more information for new builders. This example is by B Hatfield and was shown at Harrogate.

Lion, along with a similar engine, Tiger, was built by Todd, Kitson and Laird, with an 0-4-2 wheel arrangement and inside cylinders.

In 1859 Lion was sold to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and installed as a stationary pumping engine at Prince’s Dock. She was rescued by members of the Liverpool Engineering Society in 1928. After restoration at the Crewe railway works she took part in the centenary celebrations of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1930, pulling a replica train. Then Lion stood on a plinth at Lime Street station until 1941.

Lion appeared in three films, Victoria the Great (1937), The Lady with the Lamp (1951) and, most famously, The Titfield Thunderbolt (1952).

Lion was stored at the Crewe works and in 1967 she was loaned to Liverpool Museum  by the Liverpool Engineering Society, which became a gift in 1970.

In 1980 Lion took part in the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway at Rainhill under her own steam. Afterwards she made a number of working appearances at railway heritage centres and museums until 1989 when she was withdrawn from steaming.