|
Hornby Model Railway Locomotive Reviews -
Class 08 (Shunter)
(New and Old Versions)
 Hornby
08 Shunter
(R2595)
Rating 10/10 Hornby have done it again with this
fantastic little model.
The new retooled Hornby 08 shunters is a vast
improvement on their previous model in both detail and function.
This new model has NEM couplings, realistic optional display
couplings, is DCC ready, has a detailed cab, sprung
buffers, and detailed pipe work.
Function:
This model has the smaller NEM couplings, which are removable
and can be replaced with a set of more realising display
couplings.
It is powered by a sealed long
life 5-pole, skew wound motor fitted with a flywheel to reduce
stalling and improve the smoothness to its control. This motor
should be low maintenance but may need to be replaced after a
log of running. This model can be operated at extremely slow
speeds and has a much more realistic (slower) top speed compared
to the older Hornby model.
Unlike the older model the
0-6-0 wheel configuration does not have or require traction
tyres. When tested pulling a heavy train, this model performed
very well without any wheel slipping. The model is slightly
heavier than the old model something that may be helping
traction
Detail:
Just like the new class 60 the detail on this model is
fantastic. The model is significantly more detailed than the
previous Hornby model. This model has detailed pipe work, sand
pipes, handrails and door handles. The positioning and spacing
of the wheels (0-6-0) has been changed to be true to the real
locomotive.
Inside the cab you can see the locomotives dials and controls,
which are all fully painted. The only down side to the cab is
that it does not have a crew although in some cases this may be
preferred. The windows have flush glazing and both the cab doors
are operational and spring loaded. I believe this is so you can
place a man in the door without him falling out.
Overall: This is a massive improvement on
the old model. In fact I cant think of anything that needs improving. I suspect
this model has greatly reduced the sale value of old 08 shunters. Anyone that
had the old version will know how bad it was at stalling on points and how jerky
it was and prone to derail. I don't think I will ever run my old 08 model
(intercity livery) shunters again.
Hornby Class 08
Features:
DCC Ready.
NEM Coupling.
Display Parts.
Spring Buffers.
Painted and detailed cab interior.
All wheel drive.
[back to the top]
Old Version
 Class
08 Shunter (R156)
Rating 3/10
A lot of maintenance and stalling on points, brings this model down.
Works very well at slow speeds although top speed is limited (it is a
shunter after all). Track handling is good at slow speeds but a bit unstable
at full speed (full speed is more than its true top speed). It has great
traction due to the design of its chasse being able to out pull much larger
faster locos. It is perfect at the job it is intended for so don't try and
use it as a main line express. Model detail is again good, but could have
been better.
Works very well at slow speeds although top speed is limited (it is a
shunter after all). Track handling is good at slow speeds but a bit unstable
at full speed (full speed is more than its true top speed). It has great
traction due to the design of its chasse being able to out pull much larger
faster locos. It is perfect at the job it is intended for so don't try and
use it as a main line express. Model detail is again good, but could have
been better.
Design has not changed much in over 10 years although there is now a new motor
and pickups to reduce stalling on points, but I have not noticed an improvement.
It still has a problem with points, usually due to dirty wheels. I have had to
do quite a bit of work maintaining this locomotive more than others, but it is
also the locomotive that has had the most grief from me. Every layout needs one.
[back to the top]
Available Liveries:
Diesel and Electric Review List
  
Steam Locomotive Review List
 
 
Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends
|
