Hornby make attempt at World Domination

[Bigmet]

Hornby's biggest 'all new tooling' annual release list in a long time - possibly the biggest ever? - I am not much of a Hornby expert. Something for everyone I should think.

Headline item is the expected renewal of the Princess Royal pacific, and they are also renewing the GWR large prairie tank and SR Terrier 0-6-0T, both well advanced and expected to beat the previously announced Dapol productions to market. There's a Peckett 0-6-0ST to fill the 'smaller 0-6-0 industrial than a J94' gap, and the ultra cute Ruston 48DS which they are wisely packaging with a shunter's truck to help with pick up.

Loads of new coaches, some wagons, and all sorts of relivery jobbies.

Even a reissue of their Arnold 'Brighton Belle', so clearly their first probe at N gauge stock was successful enough for a re-run. Which is interesting information, I feel many of us saw Hornby's going no further with this as a sign that there would be no more N gauge introductions from Hornby. Perhaps not...

[Mountain]

Wow. I have not seen the list but who can say they have not put everything they can into the new range? Very nice. I want to look at the little Ruston for potential for 7mm narrow gauge use, but it depends on price. If too expensive then probably not for me, but others will no doubt.

[BrightonMan]

I want to look at the little Ruston for potential for 7mm narrow gauge use, but it depends on price.

RRP £79.99 Loco & match truck.

[GeoFF03]

I haven't been able to see the full list yet but for me the 0-6-0 Peckett in NCB livery is a must have. Not only will it fit in with a shunting puzzle layout I've been planning, but it was based not far from me.

[dubdee1000]

Lots of nice stuff, fair play to them for coming our fighting. The Scottish HST looks lovely, but on the pricey side. The mk2's in NR and ScotRail look winners.

[GWR_fan]

The Belmond Pullman Train Pack R3750 does seem excellent value at Hattons (GBP203.50), given that the standalone Belmond class 67 is GBP144.00 each. Thus making the Pullmans rather inexpensive or has a big mistake been made? Could the train pack class 67 be the ex-Lima tooling with plastic chassis and not the super detailed model? I foresee a price rise before release.

That said, the R3697 Northern Belle train pack at GBP216.00 is way overpriced. The additional coach pack is available for GBP94.50, making the Railroad class 47 rather expensive at around GBP121.50. Last time offered the loco had a very dumbed down corporate livery. Perhaps licencing fees has driven up the price??????? Way over the top for a Railroad class 47 and new tooling Mk2F coaches and this is a discounted price. Credibility issue here.

I am not a fan of little locomotives, however, the B2 Peckett in NCB livery is calling me. Could be room for a couple in the stable.

[Dragonfly]

Well that's a few more pennies pre-spent on pre-orders for me then

One WD Ruston diesel and two B2 Pecketts (Sherwood and NCB - I'll narrow it down to one but not sure which yet). A couple of other tempting items too, but nothing that stands out as much as those two new ranges, which are both very welcome.

[Bigmet]

First of their new Terriers now arriving. Not so finely detailed with some subtle prototype features missing. On the other hand, significantly less money than many competing similar size locos. Could this be the style of the somewhat simpler and more robust model for less money, that some have long maintained is what they really want?

[alex3410]

I hope so, i have the SECR one on preorder and if its like you say a balance between detail, being able to touch it and cost i will be very happy

[Bigmet]

Not having actually handled one or seen it other than by online images, no way of knowing if the detail stays put! Does it look like a Terrier? Yes. Is it an improvement over the earlier RTR model? I think so. Is the price right? Probably.

How does it compare to the Hattons' P class which has had a good reception? Over to the customers who will buy the item, for their assessments based on real experience. Unless it has a design or build quality problem, my gut says it will prove popular.

[Bufferstop]

It shouldn't be beyond the capability of any manufacturer to turn out a solid reliable 0-6-0, just don't try to incorporate any gimmicks.

[Bigmet]

If it is a match for what Hornby did for the J50, then it's sunshine all round. I have a couple of these bought four years ago, good runners straight out of the box and completely trouble free to present. Just what's wanted.

[bobsson]

With the price Hornby are asking for their locos and coaches I would say they are making an attempt at plundering peoples wallets as well

Dave.