Hornby TT:120 Pullman Third Class Brake Car No. 54 – A Timeless Symbol of Luxury Rail Travel

Step aboard the golden age of British railway prestige with the Hornby TT:120 Pullman Third Class Brake Car No. 54. Meticulously recreated in 1:120 scale, this newly tooled model captures the elegance and refinement of Pullman travel—synonymous with luxury, fine service, and first-class style.

Richly finished in the iconic Pullman umber and cream livery, this coach features exquisite lining, crisp lettering, and the classic Pullman coat of arms, evoking a time when even third-class passengers could enjoy a travel experience far beyond the ordinary.

Model Highlights:

• Authentic Pullman livery with high-definition printing and fine detailing

• Fully tooled design for accurate proportions and realism

• Ideal pairing with other Hornby TT:120 Pullman coaches or locomotives from the steam and early diesel eras

• Reflects the elegance of 1920s rail travel on Britain’s premier routes

A Legacy of Excellence

Pullman carriages first appeared in Britain in 1874, with luxury coaches imported from the United States and operated by the Midland Railway between Bradford Forster Square and London St Pancras. By 1882, the Pullman Car Company had been established in the UK, offering lavish travel experiences complete with steward service, fine dining, and unrivalled comfort.

While initially reserved for first-class travel—with cars often named using classical Greek conventions—third-class brake parlour cars like No. 54 also became part of the fleet, allowing more passengers to experience Pullman luxury, albeit in a more modest but still refined setting. These vehicles were identified by numbers rather than names, as seen on this preserved example.

Built in 1923, Brake Car No. 54 operated on the East Coast Main Line, serving passengers travelling between London and the north. Today, it continues to tell its story as part of the collection at the Bluebell Railway, where it stands as a testament to a bygone era of style and sophistication.

Pullman’s Influence on British Railways

By the time of nationalisation, Pullman services had become a fixture on Britain’s principal lines, with contracts in place across the Big Four companies—including the traditionally resistant Great Western Railway. In 1954, the Pullman Car Company was acquired by the British Transport Commission, and efforts were made to modernise the ageing fleet with new stock and diesel/electric haulage under the 1955 Modernisation Plan.

Despite these efforts, Pullman services declined, and by 1972, the last of these celebrated trains had been withdrawn under British Rail. Yet their legacy lives on—in preservation, in memory, and now, in Hornby’s TT:120 range.

Whether you're modelling a classic express, recreating a luxury mainline service, or simply adding a touch of historical prestige to your layout, the TT:120 Pullman Brake Car No. 54 is an essential and elegant addition.