All That Glitters is Gold.
It is official, we are now well into autumn with winter not that far away and just to underline that fact the clocks were turned back last weekend as confirmation. We are now facing days when it is more dark than light, certainly for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Add to the shorter days the looming prospect of lockdown, or at best restrictions on our movements, so maybe now is the time for many of us to take a good look at our layouts and see how we can improve things a little. Maybe it is that small area of track that keeps causing issues. It has always needed sorting but because it is in an awkward position you never really got round to it, so maybe now is the time. Then there is that area which requires a little bit of redevelopment. Maybe the buildings are looking a bit ‘tired’ or perhaps they need relocating because you really do need those extra sidings. One thing you can be assured of, if you have a layout there is always something that can be done. So no excuses, leave that TV remote alone, get into your railway room and start modelling!
As for the model progress situation at Hornby, we have plenty to show you in this month’s Engine Shed and as was stated last month, we will keep the words to the minimum and let the pictures do the talking.
LNER/BR Class W1
In September’s Engine Shed we highlighted the original build W1 models and in this month’s issue it is the turn of the rebuilt variants. Looking every bit as impressive as the original builds, these locos certainly give the air of an A4 on steroids. Although these models look ‘finished’ there is still work to do on the front which is shown clearly on the 2:1 mould where it can be seen the radius of the front of the loco continues around to the very bottom edge of the casing. This small but equally important radius is missing off the models shown but will certainly be present when the locomotives go into production. A relatively small detail and easily missed but one that is important to address.
As mentioned last month there is background information on both the original and rebuilt versions of the LNER/BR Class W1 models on pages 104 – 106 in the Hornby 2020 catalogue.
LNER, Rebuilt Class W1, 4-6-4, 10000 - Era 3, R3843
BR, Rebuilt Class W1, 4-6-4, 60700 - Era 4, R3844
BR Standard Class 2MT
The latest images of these eagerly awaited models show how tantalising close we are to entering full production. There are still one or two niggling details that need correcting before being signed off for production, for example the lack of blacking on parts of the valve gear but we are close.
Again, for a more in depth look at the Class and in particular the background to the locomotives that we have chosen to model, please refer to page 87 of the Hornby 2020 catalogue.
BR, Standard 2MT, 2-6-0, 78047 - Era 5, R3836
BR, Standard 2MT, 2-6-0, 78010 - Era 4, R3838
BR, Standard 2MT, 2-6-0, 78000 - Era 5, R3839
R3824 BR Merchant Navy Class, ‘Clan Line’ 35028
As a contributor to the Hornby Collector magazine emailed to us recently, ‘You don’t celebrate being 100 every day’, and therefore when we started to choose the various models to commemorate each decade of our 100 years, the very first model listed had to be ‘Clan Line’. The reason for this was because that particular model heralded the reinvigoration of Hornby and marked a major sea change in Hornby’s future developments. ‘Clan Line’ in one major step catapulted Hornby back into being a meaningful model railway company. From that very model can be traced the DNA of every new locomotive, wagon and coach designed and produced since that amazing locomotive hit the model shop shelves in 2000.
The Centenary Year ‘Clan Line’ certainly gives credit to the model’s major significance to Hornby. From the superb packaging, to the 18ct gold plated metal parts of the locomotive, this celebratory model simply highlights the importance of ‘Clan Line’. Then there is the wooden plinth complete with commemorative brass plaque and fitted with the 18ct gold plated track, making this limited edition locomotive of just 1000 a fitting tribute to a model that was instrumental in forming Hornby’s future evolution.
BR 35028 'Clan Line', Centenary Year Limited Edition - 2000, R3824
R6990 & R6991 Hornby Retro 100 three wagon packs.
When compiling the selection of models most suited to celebrate each of the decades that made up Hornby’s 100 years, we came across little gems which were considered but put to one side in favour of a more suitable subject.
The wagons that make up the R6990 and R6991 Hornby Retro 100 wagon packs were under such consideration but when they were rejected it was felt that really such great nostalgic liveries, harking back to the golden years of Hornby ‘0’ gauge could not be ignored.
Specifically aimed at the collector, the models in these packs do reflect a different time, scale and period in Hornby’s history and it would have been in our opinion reckless to ignore such nostalgic period pieces.
Hornby 'Retro' Wagons, Three Pack, Crawfords Biscuits, Seccotine Tanker, Coleman's Mustard, R6990
Hornby 'Retro' Wagons, three pack, United Dairies Tanker, Jacob's Biscuits, Palethorpes, R6991
…and a reminder from last month’s Engine Shed
Alzheimer’s Awareness:
We continue to be pleased in supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK during World Alzheimer’s Month. Our memories are what make us who we are and to coincide with our Hornby Memories series we would be pleased to hear how Hornby has helped you with your own experiences with dementia.
To share your story email marketing@hornby.com or post below and be entered into our competition with a chance to win a bundle of Hornby products! The winner will be selected at random and announced on 30th September. Finally, if you can, please donate here https://justgiving.com/campaign/hornby to help fund vital dementia research. Thank you.
Message from Montana
Hornby x Adventures on Trains Virtual Event
On Sunday 25th October we brought to you the ‘Adventures on Trains’ virtual event, celebrating the partnership with Macmillan Publishers and more specifically two wonderful books all about trains and adventure; The Highland Falcon Thief and Kidnap on the California Comet. The event which is available to watch here includes a draw-along with illustrator, Elisa Paganelli, an interview with the authors, readings from the books, a competition and lots more!
Hornby Christmas Plans
Exclusive update! Our Christmas campaign goes live on 2nd November at 10am. Think festive product hampers, fun family activities, seasonal videos and lots more! All will be published to the Hornby website.
Live Q&A
In the very near future we will be holding a live Q&A with Team Hornby on our YouTube channel. If you have any questions you’d like to put forward to the team send them over to marketing@hornby.com and keep a look out on our social media channels for updates on when the live session will be.
Customer Model Shots
As part of our 2020 Christmas Plans, we are looking for the ‘Best Model Shot’ of the year! The image can include any Hornby product from any year and must be submitted via email to marketing@hornby.com by 12pm GMT on Friday 20th November 2020 . All images will be judged by the Hornby Team and five will be shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be shared via the Hornby social media channels and it will then be down to all of you to decide on the winner. We can’t wait to see all of your images!
Be sure to follow Hornby on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to be kept up to date on all the latest news and product updates. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Hornby YouTube channel too!
……….and finally
…..this brings to a close October’s Engine Shed and thank you for taking the time out to read the latest news from Hornby’s development team. Do please remember that the models you have seen, other than ‘Clan Line’ and the Retro 100 wagon packs have not as yet been cleared for production. Also, please remember sharing information is a major part of our hobby so do email or drop us a line if you have something to share, either from what you have seen in this month’s Engine Shed or just an observation. Email engineshed@hornby.com.
This brings to an end, my editorship of the Engine Shed. Next month and every month after that Hornby’s new researcher, James Bryant will be taking over the role so for now, thank you for reading, thank you for your continued support and please stay safe and well.
Simon Kohler.
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