Hornby A4

[Phipps]

I have to say that I'm quite appalled at Hornby's Quality Control.........
I got a replacement A4 Falcon from hattons yesterday & the EXACT same problem had occured with this that had been on the original,even down to the same wheel.What's more,the bogie on this one was way-too loose.
I'll have to contact Hattons AGAIN,then see if I can work something out,or perhaps get a completely different engine....

[Phipps]

The lad at Hattons was a superstar........
He was disgusted that I've had two duds & agreed it was quite unacceptable,even if the A4 was a "budget" item.
Looks very likely I may get a different engine & give the Falcon A4 a wide berth......

[Phipps]

Keeping in mind this is a thread about Hornby A4(s),has anyone heard if there have been any more details about their intended release of the Limited Edition 2509 Silver Link? I've contacted a guy about trying to get one & he's hoping to get one for himself,even though he sells Hornby stuff through his website.I hear that they only intend to produce a 1000 of them,so it may prove to be swine to get hold of,as a thousand doesn't really stretch that far

[Bigglesof266]

Pre-order and keep your fingers crossed?

1000 units maximises demand and keeps the street price high. Conflict in Hornby's objectives versus ours.

Desire in appreciation of the aesthetic whispers 'I really want this', but the voice of reason on the other shoulder says 'looking at it practically, without being issued as a train pack a la "Rare Bird" followed up by an accompanying coach pack in matching livery, it's limited in deployment and is essentially a showcase display model"....ie: one for the 'box collectors'. This in conjunction with a top dollar/quid asking might contain its popularity, although I suspect there'll be sufficient of the BCs and impulse driven buyers to soak up 1000 units quickly enough. Mind, the A4 "Sir Nigel Gresley" in LNER garter blue livery took quite a while to sell its 'limited to 2008' units with a much easier to match suspension of disbelief coach livery and of equitable detail doing its own justice. Perhaps one of the reasons why Hornby is limiting their exposure with this liveried release to just 1000 units?

I suspect that if demand proves high and it does figuratively continue to run off the shelves after the initial sales wave, they'll not miss an opportunity to rapidly follow up with a second albeit rebadged "Quick/Silver Fox/King" et al release.

[RAF]

I had a similar problem with the front pony truck of my 'County of Caernarfon' class locomotive.

There was a flat brass piece that was designed to push the pony truck down onto the track. When I removed this, so that the pony truck was more free, it didn't derail, and negotiated tighter curves.

[Phipps]

You're probably right Biggles,so I'm not going to get my hopes up or get worked up about it.........
If I miss-out,I just have to lump it.At least I could get something else instead

[Phipps]

I've decided that long-term,I'm going to do for myself an A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" to finish off a quartet of those in preservation.Could anyone direct me towards a suitable donor engine(must be loco-driven),as I have got the nameplates/numbers & also I was wondering if anyone knows a good supplier for the "coat of arms" crest that 60009 wears on each cabside?
Thank you

[Phipps]

I've decided that long-term,I'm going to do for myself an A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" to finish off a quartet of those in preservation.Could anyone direct me towards a suitable donor engine(must be loco-driven),as I have got the nameplates/numbers & also I was wondering if anyone knows a good supplier for the country's "coat of arms" crest that 60009 wears on each cabside? I have a feeling Fox transfers do the crest,but not sure?
Thank you

[Bigmet]

There must be several older releases that are suitable, you simply need need a d/c standard corridor tender A4 combo in whatever livery is required. The Woodcock release of some years ago, R2353, in BR late crest would be a likely choice. But since Hornby actually have 60009 down as an edition, I think you might do well to watch and wait, just in case market softening leads to a discount. Hornby do seem rather determined to milk the A4 for the highest possible price...

My fingers are still crossed that Bachmann decide to renew their A4. Because nice as the Hornby body mouldings are, the loco chassis leaves quite a lot to be desired. (It is not a patch on later Hornby releases like the Brit and Castle.)

[Phipps]

I thought rather than just plonk this anywhere,that this should be in here,as all but one of them are Hornby anyway....

My finished 60009 Union of South Africa

Spencer sneaked into shot for the rest of them(apologies for non-TTTE fans)





Still got to add some small detail on the front of "9" with the A4 HAYMARKET logo.
BTW-The "ghost" behind Mallard is 60025 Falcon with a single chimney from the Heart Of Midlothian set.
Seem a pity if that wasn't allowed in for this unique opportunity........

[kennyGWSR]

nice line up just need 60008 and 60010 to complete the preserved collection.

[50035 Ark Royal]

Very nice now just admit you are as bad as me with class 50's

[Phipps]

Kenny-It's a lovely idea,but I think I have enough now.
Ark Royal-Indeed,I will have to admit it,although there are also 5 Britannias up there too:
70000 "Britannia"that I made from Hereward The Wake,
70008 "Black Prince" in my Norfolkman set(incredible detailing!),
70013 "Oliver Cromwell" from a Robin Hood,
70035 "Robin Hood" itself and then
70045 "Lord Rowallan" which was the first that I got pre-owned from a Forum member.
Add to this 4 x 9Fs & I seem like a collector rather than enthusiast,but they were bought to RUN,not just look at

[ngresley]

What a lovely lineup! (even with Spencer as light relief )

How about similar photos of your Britannias and 9Fs?

[Phipps]

What a lovely lineup! (even with Spencer as light relief )

How about similar photos of your Britannias and 9Fs?

Nice thought & I probably will do just that at some point.Britannias first & then the 9Fs another time