Final Samples

Welcome to another edition of Engine Shed!

Join us as we examine the final sample of a ‘Black 5’ variant and a diminutive 88Ds, look at our new ‘Locomotion’ No. 1 render that you may have eagerly spotted and find out about our new HM7000 products that are arriving imminently.

‘Black 5’ Final Sample

After we reviewed the decorated sample of the ‘Black 5’, all comments sent to the vendor were actioned and the handrail was straightened before final production. In this edition, we will examine the final sample of R30224 LMS, Stanier 5MT 'Black 5', 4-6-0, 5200 - Era 3.

We are really pleased with the final models that we have produced. They feature more enhanced detail and are moulded from new tooling. It is believed to be a tribute to Stanier’s genius in creating these mixed traffic locomotives that could be used for transport anywhere in the UK.

Directional lighting is available on the locomotive and tender with front and rear lights. For the lamps, the headcode is set up as Class H through freight train and the lamps are located on the smokebox door and the central footplate. Additional lamps are supplied in the accessory bag for creating other lamp codes.

The valve gear is highly detailed and enables smooth running on the track. A flickering firebox is another inserted feature to represent the prototypical locomotive for added realism.

With regards to the tender, it is closely coupled to the locomotive. One of our esteemed designers likes to refer to the coupling as a ‘click connect’. Both models can be connected in a single, smooth motion and vice versa to be removed.

A standard cab with external pipework is replicated on this model.

What’s in the accessory bag?

There are numerous modelling parts included in the accessory bag to enhance your model railway experience with this particular ‘Black 5’ variant. Two crew figures, the driver and fireman, can be placed in the cab to represent the real-life locomotive. A tablet catcher, front steps, two snowploughs, draincocks, a hook and bar coupling, and a bogie NEM pocket are also included.

‘Locomotion’ No. 1 Render

You may have noticed the new highly detailed image that has been added to the ‘Locomotion’ No. 1 product web page and wondered what the image could be. Alas, it is not a decoration sample, but a render completed by a talented member of our team.

This render has been created using the actual product design cell so even though it’s a render, it represents how the model will be decorated.

Comparing this to the engineering sample that was showcased in last month’s Engine Shed, you can imagine the detail replicated onto the sample. You will see key differences between both samples, for instance, in this render, the crew figures are repositioned. The fireman is seated on the opposite side of the tender with the second man also seated on the left-hand side.

This render with enhanced detail brings the preserved locomotive to life before your eyes. Now, we wait in anticipation for the decorated sample.

88DS Final Sample

We will now look at the latest little locomotive to run on the track. A final sample of R3894 North British Distillery Co. Ltd, Ruston & Hornsby 88DS, 0-4-0, No. 4 - Era 6 arrived.

Much earlier on in the development process of these models, the tooling for the cab was of a different variant which was seen on a 3D printed model. In its original form, the 3D print showed the cab as open-ended. More detail was added to the engineering sample and the cab was amended to include windows and a side door. These early samples can be seen below and in the linked blog from 2021: Great Gresleys, Stunning Shunters and Complex Coaches

It is wonderful to see the finished product after a long process of designing, receiving samples and sending feedback to the vendor. The model retains its sturdy status as the weight and solidity felt when holding the locomotive means that it has been created to a high standard.

The distinctive and vivid North British yellow livery represents the prototypical locomotive when it was built new for the North British Distillery Co. Ltd. It was delivered in March 1958 to their distillery in the Gorgie district of Edinburgh, around the period when the distillery was expanding to include the former Edinburgh Corporation Tramways depot. A closeup of the green lined panelling below the North British legend and the handrail can be seen below.

A lot of focus was given to an even more delicate and diminutive part on the locomotive: the horn attached to the cab.

Enjoy some scenic shots below of the 88DS on the track!

Pre-order your little loco now! R3894 North British Distillery Co. Ltd, Ruston & Hornsby 88DS, 0-4-0, No. 4 - Era 6 (hornby.com)

HM7000 Pairings

With HM7000, innovation is always a key word. Below, you will find two new HM7000 products that will make your modelling life easier.

R7326 HM7040: Bluetooth® Legacy Dongle

The Bluetooth® Legacy Dongle was created to enable the HM | DCC app to work seamlessly with older Hornby DCC Controllers. This includes the Elite and Select controllers.

The Legacy Dongle can be plugged into an XpressNet socket. All-non-Bluetooth decoders and HM7000 decoders set to 'DCC Mode' can be controlled via the HM | DCC app using the Dongle. Adapting your older DCC controllers for today has never been easier!

Find out more, and order yours today!

R7404 HM7090 Club Adapter

Leading on to the Club Adapter, this piece of innovative technology allows you to connect multiple Legacy Dongles to enable multi-user control via the new HM | DCC control system.

This can be utilised for running a selection of locomotives at the same time seamlessly – perfect for model railway clubs! A maximum of six Legacy Dongles can be connected to an Elite (R8214) or Select (R8213) controller with a maximum amount of five Club Adapters. Each player has a Legacy Dongle connected to their own phone/tablet and can control all DCC locomotives on a given layout using the HM | DCC app. Perfect for your DCC Club layout!

Below, you will find a handy diagram of the multiple control using the Legacy Dongle and Club Adapter together.

Share model railway control by ordering the Club Adapter! R7404 HM7090: Club Adapter (hornby.com)

We hope you enjoyed another exciting update of Engine Shed. Please email marketing@hornby.com for any questions or comments that you may have. See you next time!