P2

The P2, being only just over a decade old has secured itself a place as one of our classic locomotive models. The early P2 was created to be part of the Railroad range and previous Railroad models the P2 was totally new.  

In July, the second engineering sample arrived at Margate, and as you can see below the development is going well.

It is pertinent to point out that this is the second engineering sample, and any errors on this model if indeed there are any will have been picked up on and amended.

The diecast chassis and running plate have resulted in an excellent performance, aided of course by the wheel arrangement of this powerful locomotive, although we cannot take too much credit for that!

Fine details have been added to all parts of the model, including inside the cab, along the running board and on the valve gear. Another feature that has been asked about is the secondary smoke deflectors as fitted to 2002 ‘Earl Marischal’ and yes, these have been tooled and will be added to that model. While we do not have a physical sample of that with us in Margate at the moment, I thought I would treat you to a CAD shot.
 

While we’re talking about variations, maybe it would be a good idea to include an image of ‘Lord President’, also from the CAD showing its later A4 style ‘Bugatti nose’. This is a build that is growing on many of you, and one that grew on the LNER in real life with earlier examples having this style of nose retrofitted after initial construction.
 

The new P2 models have specifications matching the power of the full-size counterparts, with a 5 pole motor being complimented by a large flywheel. The model also has pick-ups in abundance between the locomotive and tender and the option on the 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’ model of having the new steam generator fitted. While we still cannot share too many details of the steam generator and how it works in each model, a sample of this new unit has arrived in Margate and is very intuitive to use.
 

Class of 87

The Class 87 was a late British Rail icon with the class being one of the last high speed electric locomotives on the West Coast Main Line before being superseded by the Pendolino EMU units as covered in our previous edition.
 

R30031 BR, Class 87, Bo-Bo, 87009 'City of Birmingham' - Era 7

This sample is the newest to arrive from the 2017 re-tooling of the Class 87. This is not just a simple livery change, however, as this model is the first example of our Class 87 to be fitted with the 21 pin DCC Decoder socket, something that is becoming standard across the range as time moves on.

This is not the only Class 87 sample to arrive this month, with 87006 also being sent to us in the smart BR Grey livery. However, there is an issue with the build of this sample (not the livery) and as such it has not been photographed and comments have been sent back to the factory ensuring that production models will be top notch.

Figures with Vigour

We are very excited about this. Figures are not new to our range, with a wide variety of human and animal figures having been available for quite some time with the intention of populating scenes such as stations. Indeed, this is not even the genesis for crew figures with some being provided with some certain 0-4-0 train sets in the past. This is, however, the first time that correctly decorated figures, posed specifically for each model will be included in the accessory bag for each model.

These injection moulded figures are for the 9F as covered a few editions ago, however, we also have some planned for the A1/A3 with both left and right hand drive versions (and by extension the A4 due to their similar control layout), the Class 91 and the APT. Now, with the introduction of these accessories, cabs become ever more realistic with a combo of firebox flicker and figure.

Returning to the 9F model for a moment, while this is a sample you have seen before you may be able to see, due to the angle of this image that this example is fitted with a Barclay mechanical stoker. These operated in a similar fashion to an Archimedes Screw and drew coal from the tender into the firebox faster than a human fireman was able to. Due to the nature of operation of the equipment, however, the fireman was not replaced entirely, with their role to ensure that the stoker operated as intended.

Coming Soon

R30039 RailRoad SE&CR, 0-6-0 Tank Engine

New to RailRoad, the SE&CR, 0-6-0 Tank Engine is on route and ready to run on the layouts of those who are new to the hobby or are young model railway fans looking for an entry level model to run. The RailRoad range was specially built to accommodate for those entering the hobby and wanting models with not quite as much detail but still providing an accurate representation. Explore the full range here.

R30046 RailRoad Plus ROG, Class 47, Co-Co, 47812 - Era 11

The Class 47 is on the move and it’s safe to say we have been excitedly awaiting the delivery of this one. Featuring a livery that simply can’t be missed, number 47812 certainly won’t disappoint! Pre-order yours today and prepare yourself for an electric spark of blue on your layout this summer.

R30080 Railroad BR, Class 47, Co-Co, 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ – Era

R30079TTS Railroad ScotRail, Class 47, Co-Co, 47712 'Lady Diana Spencer' - Era 11

Exclusive to the Hornby website, these Class 47s which ran as part of the Staycation Express are sure to set heads turning while running on any modern image layout. With the associated Mk3 coaches due to arrive later this year, you can start building your very own Staycation Express in the imminent future.

R60074 Christmas Wagon 2022

Just over four months until…Christmas! There, I said it! One of our most consistently popular wagons is arriving in the next few weeks and if you haven’t pre-ordered yours yet be quick because the remaining stock will sell fast! Perfect for those who collect them annually, ideal stocking filler gifts or for running with the Santa’s Express around the base of any Christmas tree.

Message from Montana

Making Tracks 2

‘Making Tracks’ is back and it’s proving to be a great day out for all the family!

Pete Waterman OBE and the Railnuts modelling group have created a brand-new ‘OO’ gauge layout, once again based on the West Coast Main Line, which is available to see now at Chester Cathedral and throughout the summer, all the way through to 3rd September 2022.

Michael and Thomas, the creators behind 'Project Tilt', made the journey to enjoy Pete Waterman’s incredible layout at Chester Cathedral and they even took along their APT train to run across the 74 foot layout! See it in action over on the Hornby Facebook page.

Michael and Thomas went to the exhibition in 2021 and it was that which inspired Michael to start their model railway journey - and just like that, Project Tilt was born!

For more details about ‘Making Tracks’ click here and to see the developments of Project Tilt follow us on social.

Love your Railway

For the second year running, #LoveYourRailway has now started! As of this week, Heritage railways across the country are coming together to raise awareness of their importance, and we of course had to support this brilliant event!

Over the next six weeks, we will be sharing posts on weekly themes - history, conservation, partnerships, family, volunteers and education. We will be regularly posting on social about various heritage railways as well as Hornby’s connection to each topic

Want to get involved? Share your photos and memories of Heritage Railway visits with the hashtag #LoveYourRailway or tag us in them and we will share them on our social stories!

Delve into model railways with the Hornby Family Fun Project!

If you’re looking for a fun, family hobby to bring everyone together then look no further, as the Family Fun Project is designed for just that, while creating a complete, fun-sized layout along the way. With so many elements involved, there is something to suit all family members, from the design process to laying track, decorating and adding scenic materials to controlling the locomotive and rolling stock.

Start your special family hobby adventure today with the Hornby Family Fun Project!

Click here for all the details or contact your Hornby stockist.

Beyond the Buffers

Have you listened in to the last podcast episode of Beyond the Buffers yet? Join Mike as he goes on a trip to Cheshire, to visit Pete Waterman OBE along with his 74ft layout which is now on display at the Making Tracks exhibition at Chester Cathedral! Listen in on the conversation and get the inside scoop on all things model railways, Making Tracks 2 and of course, the incredible West Coast Main Line layout as produced by Pete and Railnuts Modelling Group.

Give it a listen on Spotify and Apple podcasts, or you can watch it on our YouTube channel.

Join the podcast conversations and send us your questions and suggestions regarding future topics to marketing@hornby.com

And with that, we reach the end of the line for this edition of Engine Shed, I hope you have found it interesting. It has been a good modelling month for me in 0 gauge, with layout number 5 now firmly under construction.

If you would like Engine Shed to cover a specific subject in a future blog or if you have any images of your locomotives and coaching stock in action, or maybe you have a suggestion of a particular model that you think we should produce in the future, please do let us know. We are always keen to receive all feedback.

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 and tune in to our Beyond the Buffers Podcast.

Happy Modelling!

The Engine Shed Team

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