Marked Progress

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Engine Shed. It is amazing to think that we are already halfway through the year, and that from now on the days will be getting shorter rather than longer. The good news is that summer is here and things are looking on the up. As usual Hornby has had a busy month with design work beginning on several new projects whilst pre-existing projects continue to develop. This month we will be looking at some new Mk4 coach samples and the latest decoration samples of the re-introduced Clan Class as well as taking a look at the latest artwork relating to the 9F Cab interiors.

Mk4 Coaches

In the February edition of the Engine Shed we were able to show the first physical samples of the Mk4 DVT and two variants of the Mk4 Buffet/Restaurant Coach. Since then, we have received running samples of the entire family of Mk4 coaches which we are pleased to be able to show below.

The Mk4 end coach is particularly interesting featuring buffers at one end and no gangway, since this coach would usually be coupled to the Class 91 locomotive.

Special attention has been given the close coupling of coaches on this latest generation of models. A new coupling bar has been created which allows prototypical coach separation while still allowing 2^nd radius curves and pointwork to be navigated. This coupling bar simply fits into the NEM pocket allowing any other NEM compatible system to be used if preferred.

The latest DVT sample shows the original variation of the Mk4 DVT whereas the previous Mk4 DVT shown on the Engine Shed featured wifi-dome and antenna.

This image shows the full collection of Mk4 coaches including an older sample of the later Mk4 DVT. A full InterCity 225 set will surely be an amazing sight!

BR Standard ‘Clan’ Class

This year Hornby was pleased to announce the re-introduction of the popular ‘Clan Class’ locomotive. Designed by Robert Riddles, the BR Standard Class 6 was extensively based upon the successful ‘Britannia’ Standard Class 7 locomotives, however changes were made to allow greater route availability. The boiler and cylinders were reduced in size, naturally reducing power output, and various smaller weight saving measures were introduced. The result was a locomotive that despite preforming as expected, failed to win over drivers who often found themselves assigned to a Class 6 while still being expected to carry out duties that should have been assigned to the more powerful Class 7.  Due to a shortage of steel only 10 of the class were ever built, however there have long been plans to build a continuation of the class, 72010 ‘Hengist’ which would incorporate lessons learnt from BR’s one-off Class 8 ‘Duke of Gloucester’, just as BR would have done had they continued the class themselves. 

All of the Clan Class locomotives were named after Scottish Clans, replicating the then recently scrapped Highland Railway Clan Class and representing Scotland within the young British Railways organisation. Hornby’s choice of locomotives for the 2021 range included two of the most well know Scottish Clans, 72004 ‘Clan MacDonald’ and 72009 ‘Clan Stewart’.  Below are the latest decoration samples recently received by Hornby:

9F Cab Detail

When it comes to main range products, Hornby always strives to include as much detail on models as possible. This month we are pleased to be able to show off some of the cab artwork for the upcoming 9F model. These models will feature highly accurate fully decorated cab interiors including many extra fitted parts and minute paint details such as painted cab dials. As well as showing decoration details, they also highlight the complexity of the new 9F model which will be the most detailed ready-to-run 9F ever produced in 00.

Latest Arrivals

With both 2020 and 2021 accounting for two of Hornby’s biggest ever ranges it’s no surprise that we continue to have a raft of new model deliveries each month. This month is no exception so below we have listed a few favourite new arrivals which are expected in the coming weeks:

Kent & East Sussex ‘Terrier’

R30005 – K&ESR, 'Terrier', 0-6-0T, No. 3 'Bodiam' - Era 2

Hornby Dublo Merchant Navy Class

R3970 – BR, Merchant Navy Class, 4-6-2, 35016 'Elders Fyffes' - Era 4

R3971 – BR, Merchant Navy Class, 4-6-2, 35011 'General Steam Navigation' - Era 4

Summertime Coca-Cola Train Set

R1276M – Summertime Coca-Cola Train Set

Skaledale Items

R7267 – William Warne Jewellers

R7270 – Tin Tabernacle

Message from Montana

Hornby Collector Club

We are pleased to confirm that the ROW Collector Club is now back up and running, alongside an EU Club too. Due to Brexit there have been many issues we have had to tackle regarding international shipments, therefore there have been some changes, which have been listed below:

• UK Club – £30 -Package remains unchanged.
• ROW Club - £35 - No longer includes the complimentary annual locomotive. Instead, the loco can be purchased separately at £13 including P&P. Local taxes may be charged in certain countries upon delivery.
• EU Club - £35 - No longer includes the complimentary annual locomotive. Instead, the loco can be purchased separately at £13 including P&P. Local taxes may be charged in certain countries upon delivery.

The annual Club locomotive will be visible and available for international Club Members to purchase as of next week, here (One model to be purchased per membership).

We sincerely apologise for the delays regarding the ROW/EU Club, which has in many ways been out of our control. To show our thanks and appreciation for your patience though we will be running an exclusive Club promotion as of Monday 28^th June, whereby we will be sending a complimentary Centenary Pen to all ROW/EU members who join or renew their Club membership. This promotion will run for a limited time only. To join/renew any of the Hornby Club options click here or contact us via 01843 233512 or newclubs@hornby.com

To all existing Club Members, the Summer Edition of the Collector Club Magazine is going into production very soon and will be delivered to you in the coming weeks!

Global Beatles Day

Today is Global Beatles Day so of course we are celebrating with our range of Beatles wagons and the Yellow Submarine Train Set! Our four wagons, introduced earlier this year feature the iconic album covers including ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, the ‘Yellow Submarine’, ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ and ‘Help!’ and they’re all in stock!

Are you a Beatles and model railway fan – if so and the two have collaborated, send us some musical layout photos and we’ll share them socially next week! Images can be sent to marketing@hornby.com.

Licensing International Excellence Awards 2021

To coincide with Global Beatles Day we have more Beatles news! Our bright, iconic and vibrant Beatles ‘Yellow Submarine’ Train Set has been nominated as 'Best Licensed Product' in the Licensing International Excellence Awards 2021! Having gone up against many other iconic brands and products in the 'Toys, Games Novelties, Role Play (8+)' category, we are thrilled to have made it this far!

For more information on the awards click here.

Chester Cathedral - Making Tracks Exhibition

An exciting model railway event chugs into the Cathedral this summer. Created by railway enthusiast Pete Waterman OBE, and from the builders of ‘Leamington Spa’ this event will present a bespoke model railway that demonstrates the West Coast Mainline – a 74ft OO model featuring the work of Thomas Brassey.

The exhibition opens on 16^th July and runs all the way through to September, so if you’re looking for a superb attraction and a fun day out this summer be sure to check this out! Ideal for model railway enthusiasts and families alike!

The Making Tracks event is supported by:

Hornby

Chester Model Centre – Chester’s family-owned model centre

North Cheshire Community Rail

Further details can be found here.

#TerrierTravels

If you follow us on social media you may well have seen our recently introduced #TerrierTravels series, where we feature the well known Terrier in action, as it travels to various destinations on your layouts and around the world! It’s not all about the ‘00’ model though as we welcome any full size locomotive images, just like these ones from the recent Gala Weekend at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Join the series by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and if you have an image or video that you’d like to share, feel free to send them to marketing@hornby.com.

Playtrains

Don’t forget – Playtrains is on the water and coming soon! Our Playtrains Heroes are ready and waiting for their sets to arrive and we think they’re somewhat excited!

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive and vibrant train set for a little one who you know loves trains and would like to start a special Playtrains adventure, then explore the range here! For more information about Playtrains, head over to our Portal where you can find characters stories, educational activity sheets, details about the collectable Playtrains Tokens, videos, Kids Zone fun and lots more!

TikTok

We have joined the new social media craze and we’re now on TikTok – follow us here for exclusive content and videos!

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...

It has been a very busy year so far and slowly but surely attention is turning from this year’s range to the next, which means more time is being spent on the development of models you will have to wait a while longer to find out about.  Despite this the Engine Shed is expecting to have plenty to cover throughout the remainder of the year. As always, constructive feedback about the models featured, or the blog itself, are always welcomed either in the comments below or by contacting the Engine Shed at engineshed@hornby.com, or alternatively by reaching out to us on social media. Model, livery or any other suggestions are equally welcome although please keep in mind we will not be able to comment on our future releases. Thank you for reading this month’s Engine Shed blog and we look forward to welcoming you back again next month!

All the best,

The Engine Shed Team.

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