Full Tilt!

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Engine Shed. Soon we will be changing the clocks, and somehow we are already a quarter of the way through the year. As always, this month’s edition of the Engine Shed will be following the development of our latest models, which this month includes decoration samples of the Advanced Passenger Train, cab changes for the Midland Pullman power car, new renders and samples of the BR Standard 9F and a sample of the new W1 photographic grey livery.

It has been quite an exciting month here at Hornby. Not only has product development been progressing well, but there has been the surprise announcement of our upcoming model of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway locomotive, ‘Lion’. This is a model that will inevitably appeal to all of you who have appreciated Hornby’s ‘Rocket’ models and hopefully help generate further interest in modelling the crucial early stages of British steam. While we are not quite ready to show off images of our CAD at this time, the model is already looking well developed and the Engine Shed will be following its progression in future editions.

APT-P:

The Engine Shed has followed the progression of the APT for quite some time now and the latest exciting development has been the delivery of the decorated samples. We can now see for the first time a physical representation of the APT’s livery. There are still a few small improvements which will need to be reported back to the manufacturers however on inspection the models are looking quite stunning.

This overhead shot of Driving Trailer 370002 shows off some fine detail on the model including the etched roof grill and the printed destination board displayed in the first window.  

Another photo of 370002 looking very sleek in its later livery which features a black ‘mask’ around the cab in a similar fashion to many modern-day airliners.

This image shows that the detail on the APT is not limited to just the front and sides. A distinctive feature of the APT was the use of articulated bogies which significantly reduced un-sprung mass, which not only allowed the APT to accelerate quicker, but also reduced wear on the rails. From a modellers perspective the articulated bogies also provide the added benefit of allowing impressively close coupling between coaches on the straights.

The power car of the APT, situated in the middle of the train, features impressive roof and pantogrpah detail. Of particualr note is the prototypically correct way in which the pantograh is fixed to the bogie rather than the body of the car allowing it to stay central and level while the body is tilting around bends, a feature that allowed the patograph to maintain better contact with the overhead powerline.

Midland Pullman HST Power Car:

In 2020 it was announced that Locomotive Services Limited would begin to operate a Midland Pullman service from St Pancras to Manchester Piccadilly along the Midland Main Line. This exciting new service, offering amazing views of the Derbyshire Peak District, combines the historic Midland Pullman with the Iconic Class 43 HST featuring a new Nanking Blue livery replicating that of the original Midland Pullmans.

Hornby announced the Midland Pullman as part of the 2021 range, and we can now confirm that this model will feature more than just a new livery. One of the identifying features of the actual modern day Midland Pullman Class 43 power cars is the inclusion of a central headlight at the top of the cab which the Hornby model will replicate as shown:  

The additional of the headlight may only be a small change, but the process is far more complicated than simply drilling a new hole, instead involving new wiring, assembly processes, tooling inserts and the new CAD shown above, along with constant communication with the factories. I am sure you will agree that the effort is worth it as the headlight undoubtedly adds a uniqueness to the new modern day Midland Pullman power cars.

BR Standard Class 9F:

The BR Standard Class 9F is another model that is quickly becoming an Engine Shed regular and this month we can show you some renderings as well as the first physical 3D printed sample. We have included CAD images of the 9F in past editions, but they did not really do the 9F justice in terms of conveying the complexity of detail belonging to these models. These renders provide a much more realistic impression of how the final model will look, albeit without any artwork applied.  

Alongside the renders we can also show the first stereo 3D printed sample of a generic 9F. This model has been produced to check that the overall proportions look right at 1:76.2 00 scale, something that can be difficult to assess in a virtual environment. Comparing the model below to the above renders you will spot that there are many missing features including smoke deflectors, handrails and steps along with other intricacies which are not needed at this early stage but will be evaluated in future samples.

This model shows a single chimney as opposed to the double ones that appear on our 2021 releases. This model does not intentionally relate to any particular sub class of the locomotive.

When designing the new 9Fs it was important that we should incorporate as many tooling inserts as is necessary to cater for future variants.  Some of the options include various ATC/AWS set ups, early and late ash-pans, plus a plethora of regional variations for the Western Region 9Fs, and of course the different tender options covered in last month’s Engine Shed.

Gresley LNER W1:

This year Hornby announced it would produce a model of the LNER W1 ‘Hush Hush’ in the fictitious, but nevertheless mesmerising, photographic grey. In the years before colour photography the often dark, or even black liveries of steam locomotives made them very hard to photograph, particularly when looking to capture the engineering splendour of the locomotive for media promotions. Painting a locomotive in a mid-grey made it far easier for cameras to pick up this detail, and additionally different shades of grey could be used to draw attention to particularly impressive areas or to compensate for shadowed areas. A final common step was to paint over the background of a negative so that the locomotive was presented without distraction.

The practise of painting locomotives photographic grey was widely used up until the 1920s when more sensitive film allowed cameras to see the required detail without a special livery being applied. The Hornby model of the LNER W1 in Photographic Grey helps to capture those days resulting in a very unique but eye catching model.

This locomotive is available to pre-order now with deliveries expected later this year.

Latest Arrivals:

As we head towards Easter we have a host of new models that have either just arrived or will be arriving very soon. Highlights of the new arrivals include Coronation Scot coaches, the Valley Drifter Train Set, LNER A2/3s, a new Merchant Navy Class, 35024 ‘East Asiatic Company’ and the Network Rail New Measurement Train Mk3s. The innovative Maglight unit as installed into the new 4 and 6 wheeled coaches will also be available and certainly versatile enough to be fitted into almost any coach with a degree of care. All of the below products are available for pre-order on the Hornby website or through your local Hornby stockist.

R1270M Valley Drifter Train Set

R3833 – LNER, Thompson Class A2/3, 4-6-2, 514 ‘Chamossaire’ - Era 3 & R3832 – LNER, Thompson Class A2/3, 4-6-2, 500 ‘Edward Thompson’ - Era 3

R3632 – BR, Merchant Navy Class, 4-6-2, 35024 ‘East Asiatic Company’ - Era 4

Coronation Scot coaches – Era 3 

R4988 – Network Rail, Mk3 Lecture Coach New Measurement Train, 975984 - Era 11 & R4989 – Network Rail, Mk3 Standby Generator Coach New Measurement Train, 977995 - Era 11

R6969 – LNER, Extra Long CCT Van - Era 3 & R6970 – BR, Extra Long CCT Van - Era 5

R7338 – Maglight for 4/6 Wheeled Coaches

Message from Montana:

Happy early Easter to you all! Spring is definitely close by now so hopefully you’ll be preparing and running your outside layouts again very soon!

As always, it’s been a very busy month at Hornby HQ with lots of exciting plans being worked on and in addition to those we have some updates for you – let’s start with the CAT!

'Cat' Out Of The Bag!!

You’ve more than likely already seen the news, but if you haven’t or you’ve just heard purring whispers, we can confirm it’s true – we will be producing a model of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion, to complement the recently-introduced all-new 4mm scale model of Stephenson's Rocket. The model was originally due to be announced in our 2022 range launch, but here you have an early teaser!

Built in 1838, Lion was ordered from Todd, Kitson and Laird of Leeds for use on goods traffic. It was subsequently rebuilt in 1841 with a longer boiler and remained in traffic with the London and North Western Railway until 1857. It was later sold to Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, while in the late 1920s it was handed over to the Liverpool Engineering Society for safe keeping. In 1953, Lion went on to achieve celebrity status in the classic movie, The Titfield Thunderbolt, and was renamed Thunderbolt for its starring role.

The news was confirmed on March 8 and our Marketing and Product Development Director, Simon Kohler, explained: "After the success of Rocket, Lion was most definitely on the list, especially given the public demand. We were intending to announce it later this year or early next..."

This is all the information we can share with you at present - prices, delivery timescales and the specification of this new '00' gauge model have yet to be confirmed. We will of course keep you updated!

HM|DC Launch

Model railway control has just got a whole lot more exciting – on 6^th April we will be officially launching and releasing stock of the HM6000 AND HM6010!

Launched in 2020, the HM|DC App development does literally put train control in the palm of your hands. The App operates via a smart phone or most tablets and is capable of using up to 4 App base units to control 8 independent analogue circuits. The simple on-screen display offers simple slide control for each circuit allowing for the varying of speed, direction, acceleration as well as deceleration, plus a brake function for those small emergencies. Also included in the software are typical sounds associated with steam, diesel and electric locomotives.

But that is not all, with the addition of three HM6010 accessory base units, up to twelve electrical accessories can be operated no matter where they are situated on the layout, be it the lights, colour light signals, operating accessories or point motors - they can all be operated via the App.

We will be sharing all the finer details on 6^th April including our launch video, video tutorial and we will also be holding a live demo soon after the launch. Be sure to mark your diaries!

Hornby Collector Club

Our Spring Edition of the Collector Club Magazine will soon be arriving and as ever our editor has done a superb job of highlighting all the exciting Hornby news and updates, as well as producing wonderful features and articles. We have a section of brand new and exclusive club offers included from the likes of Pen and Sword Publishers, Buckingham Covers and Nene’s Design Studio, featuring their unique railway facemasks and merchandise. Plus so much more!

In advance of the magazine arriving and because it’s Easter we will be sending personalised Easter cards to all new members or those who renew their membership between 29^th March to 12^th April. All you have to do to receive your personalised card is call us on 01843 233512. Additional details about the club can be found here.

Playtrains

The countdown is on for the arrival of the Playtrains range! Finished samples are arriving and they’re looking good – we’ll be sharing some pictures on them on our social channels very soon, so you can see the finer details of not only the models but the bright and sturdy packs they come in. In the meantime though, the Playtrains Portal is expanding! We have just introduced a range of Print & Stick buildings and features which are perfect for little ones who like their arts and crafts! Flash and Thunder have also been out on some adventures with our Playtrains Heroes – here’s a sneak peak of what they’ve been up to, but more images will be shared soon via the Portal.

To check out the Print & Stick buildings and features click here.

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!

Finally...

And so another edition of the Engine Shed draws to a close. We hope you have found this month’s edition interesting and enjoyable. All feedback is welcome and can either be e-mailed to us at engineshed@hornby.com or by commenting below, along with any other questions. As always there are lots of exciting developments on the horizon so be sure to check back again at the end of next month for the next edition. Until then, stay safe and keep on modelling!

All the best,

The Engine Shed Team

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