Azuma long the East Coast

Hello and welcome to this month’s edition of Engine Shed, the development blog that takes a look behind the scenes at Hornby’s latest developments. This month we are going to be looking at a selection of new models including the Hitachi Class 800 in LNER’s Azuma colours, the upcoming Class 91, as well as the engineering samples of the Maunsell Dining Saloon which unfortunately couldn’t quite fit into last month's edition.

LNER Class 800 AZUMA

With the impact the Hitachi Class 800 high speed multiple units have had on Britain’s railways over the last few years, it is easy to see why the LNER Azuma is one of Hornby’s most highly anticipated models and a regular request for a feature on the Engine Shed. This month we have finally been able to test a fully decorated rake of vehicles and it is not only a finely decorated model but also incredibly smooth in operation.​​

As the above images show the LNER livery with its dynamic lining is truly stunning in appearance.

Another area of interest is the roof and corridor areas which feature a plethora of highly detailed extra fitted parts, many of which feature exquisite decoration work, one example being the numerous warning panels found at the rear of the coach.

Class 91 Decoration Samples

The direct predecessor to the Azuma covered above, the Class 91 was for a long time synonymous with high-speed travel on the East Coast Mainline. Introduced as part of the InterCity 225 programme along with the modern Mk4 coaches, the Class 91 locomotives were for a long time the pinnacle of British Rail’s locomotive fleet and holds the speed record for the fastest non-multiple unit in the country.

Hornby’s model of the Class 91 accurately includes details that were not possible to include on the previous Hornby Class 91 model which  was released in 1988. The new model includes the distinctive locking buffers that could be retracted when the locomotive was running blunt end first to allow the smoother central coach buffer to absorb the forces. This feature was also often on display during the locomotive’s works visits.

The above images show the InterCity liveried Class 91 which would have been a common sight on the ECML from 1988 up to privatisation. As a result, this model can be paired with a rake of Mk4 coaches and DVT or with Mk3s and a surrogate Class 43 DVT which was also announced as part of Hornby’s 2021 range.

In addition to the original InterCity livery both the GNER and LNER liveries will be available. The GNER livery in particular is often ranked amongst one of the finest privatisation era liveries to grace the railways. The LNER livery is also sure to be of interest as there are still plenty of these locomotives to be spotted along the ECML. 

The collection certainly look good and between them and the Class 800 above it has been great to see so much of the East Coast Mainline’s history brought to life. As is common we will be looking to make a few further improvements before the models are shipped, particularly improvements to the overall paint finish.

Maunsell Dining Saloon Engineering Samples

Progress on the Maunsell Dining Saloons is continuing with engineering samples of each of the different variants having now arrived at Hornby which includes the four 2021 range releases; Southern Third Classes 1363 & 1366 and British Railways Composites 7841 & 7843. These coaches have been designed to operate with the Hornby Maunsell Kitchen coaches and so fill a gap in the Southern region modelling scene.

The design of the Maunsell Dining Saloons proved to be a challenge as reference material was limited. The only surviving member of the six original coaches was not suitable for viewing due to its deteriorated condition. The drawings that did exist were basic and despite providing key dimensions could not be trusted to provide the positions and sizes of smaller details such as rivets and vents.

Luckily Hornby’s experience with designing other Maunsell coaches could be drawn upon, as could written descriptions of some features. Finally, we were kindly provided with some excellent reference photos as well as historical information from renowned Southern Railway historian Mike King. Overall, this resulted in a very unique and satisfying design and research experience and a very satisfying final design.

The above image shows a Southern era coach in its Dining Third configuration as would have been used in tandem with a Kitchen First coach.

The above image shows a British Railways era coach which was configured with a composite seating layout. This coach is currently identifiable by the pipework visible on the roof and will later be identifiable by the curtains which are found only next to the First Class seats.

Latest Arrivals

Clan Class:

The British Railways Standard Class 6 ‘Clan Class’ locomotives are almost here. Each one is named after a Scottish clan, and they were a prominent feature of north English and Scottish railways in the later years of mainline steam. This latest production run features the highest level of decoration seen so far on the model.

R3995 BR, 'Clan' Standard 6MT, 4-6-2, 72004 'Clan MacDonald' - Era 4

R3996 BR, 'Clan' Standard 6MT, 4-6-2, 72009 'Clan Stewart' - Era 5

BR Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor (BCK):

The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help break the train.

R40021 BR, Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor, W 21083 - Era 4

R40022 BR, Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor, E 21106 - Era 4

R40023 BR, Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor, W 21178 - Era 7

Message from Montana

#HornbyHoliday Summertime Layout Challenge

The #HornbyHoliday Summertime Layout Challenge is well underway and we must admit, we are so impressed! Participants have passed one deadline so far, with the second one looming and the final deadline being 20th September. All image and video submissions will be judged by none other than Pete Waterman and Fuzz Townshend! Based on what we have seen so far it’s going to be a hard challenge to judge! To all our hardworking participants, keep up the amazing work and let your creative juices flow! We can’t wait to see the end results, but in the meantime check out some of the wonderful submissions so far!

Let’s Layout

Aside from our Summertime challenge and as the weather slowly begins to change here in the UK, we can’t help but think about cosy evenings/weekends at home enjoying the hobby – whilst it’s more than likely raining outside! Now if you’re looking to build your first layout this autumn or you’re after some inspiration or ideas for an existing layout, then check these out!

During lockdown Dave and Clare kept busy by creating this amazing Harry Potter layout! Dave was responsible for the track, electronics and train installation, while his wife Clare was responsible for all of the scenic areas! Clare was the main project manager as she is a massive Harry Potter fan and has been the driving force behind the whole design.

For layout building first timers we think Dave and Clare have done an incredible job! Why not embark on a Harry Potter layout journey this autumn, with the complete Hornby Harry Potter range – from the train set to buildings, railway structures to additional rolling stock, there is so much available to create the perfect Harry Potter scene!

Bundles

If you're browsing the site but you're not really sure what you're looking for and you're not keen on page scrolling then we have the perfect solution – BUNDLES! We are pleased to have recently introduced three new categories, including Mystery Boxes, Hobby Bundles and Value Packs! We have carefully selected products which work in unison so that you don’t have to try and match a locomotive with relevant coaches and vice versa! We have more being uploaded soon but for now, check out what we have available here!

Sorry in advance but… Christmas is coming!

For those of you who have started or are thinking about buying Christmas presents we of course have so much to offer! Over the next few months we’ll start sharing with you our top gifts for the season, however in the meantime we can’t help but share with you the perfect gift for any train loving children this Christmas – PLAYTRAINS! Flash the Local Express Train Set has arrived and is in stock now! Playtrains is run on a remote control, battery operated system and includes working lights, sounds, various speeds in forward and reverse and what’s better yet is that the train set can be easily expanded with additional trains, rolling stock and track packs, allowing children to create their first model railway world! Check out the range and the Playtrains Portal here!

Be sure to follow Hornby on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok 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!

Finally...

Thank you for reading this month’s Engine Shed. This is my final Engine Shed before handing over to the new Hornby Researcher Joseph. Interacting with people who have contacted the Engine Shed has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Hornby, so please feel free to reach out if there is anything in this month’s edition that you would like to discuss, either by e-mailing engineshed@hornby.com, commenting below, reaching out on social media or posting in the Hornby Engine Shed forum. We would love to hear about which of this month’s developments excite you the most and about any stories or memories you have of the real-world subjects.

I’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to produce the Engine Shed for all of the hard work that goes into the blog month on month, particularly the Media and Online teams who have gone above and beyond to ensure each Engine Shed is released on time. I know there is a huge amount of exciting Engine Shed content to come over the next few months and more broadly I know that Hornby has an extremely exciting future ahead so be sure to keep reading.

All the best,

James & the Engine Shed team

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