P2 and Proud!

Welcome to this month’s Engine Shed which in this edition celebrates international Pride month by exploring a collection of models associated with the Pride movement. This includes our latest Class 66 livery, the Avanti Pride Pendolino livery artwork and the newly announced Pride wagon. In addition to these Pride themed models, we will also be taking a look at the latest renders for all three of the P2 variations announced by Hornby earlier this year including the greatly anticipated streamlined and new build locomotives. On top of this we will also be taking a quick look at a few models that will be shipping soon including The Beatles collectable wagons and new Skaledale buildings.

Pride of GBRf:

Along with some of our other new Class 66 liveries, including the GBRf ‘Forest City’, the Colas ‘David Maidment OBE’ and the GBRf/MSC ‘Sorrento’, this month Hornby received decoration samples for the Pride liveried GBRf Class 66 66773 ‘Pride of GB Railfreight’. The name was chosen for GBRf by columnist Mathew Paris of The Times and, along with the addition of rainbow colouring to its livery, recognises LGBTQ+ employees across the rail industry and GBRf’s commitment to diversity and equality. The model includes the Pride rainbow while maintaining the recognisable GBRf livery and branding making this model a great addition to the Hornby collection of GBRf or Class 66 locomotives.

Avanti Pride Livery:

Continuing this editions Pride theme we have the artwork for the upcoming Avanti Pride Pendolino and corresponding coaches which together allow the running of 9 of the 11 cars that make up the unit. Avanti West Coast unveiled this unique livery on the 25th of August last year. Billed as the biggest Pride flag the UK has seen on the side of a train, the new livery wraps the full length of the 11 carriages in the Progressive Pride flag colours. The first service of this newly liveried train was staffed by an LGBTQ+ crew with the train filled with literature, stories and colourful posters featuring Pride related information as well as fun facts during the onboard announcements. After asking the public to submit suggestions it was announced last October that the train would be named ‘Progress’.

When creating the artwork our designer found that the PRIDE lettering did not fit around the other Pride colours in the same way as they did in photographs of the real thing, this being despite having official artwork and fonts to reference. It was realised that inverting the E allowed all of the ‘PRIDE’ letters to be kept at the correct height while intersecting the rainbow lines in the correct places. At first the concern was whether the graphics for the letter ‘E’ had been mistakenly applied upside down on the real train however it appears that this was actually an ingenious solution to the black window surrounds fully covering the central bar of the ‘E’ when it was in the normal orientation, making the word ‘PRIDE’ unreadable.

Pride Van:

Rounding out our selection of Pride based model developments, as an extra special way of celebrating international Pride month Hornby has announced a new collectable wagon. Featuring the words ‘Pride’ and ‘love is love’ along with an artistically applied Pride flag, this unique wagon certainly sends a positive message. The wagon has just been launched exclusively on the Hornby website is available to purchase here.

LNER Class P2 Renders:

The announcement of Hornby’s new range of LNER Class P2 locomotives was without doubt one of the highlights of the 2021 range. It is always exciting to begin development on a large locomotive but to produce a class as unique as the 2-8-2 P2s is particularly so.

The last development update on the P2 was provided in the January edition of the Engine Shed along with other new range announcements. The CAD images shown featured P2 2002 ‘Earl Marischal’ in its later double smoke deflector guise. Since those images, the chassis of all P2s have been re-worked to introduce even more detail, and the other P2 locomotives announced, 2003 ‘Lord President’ and new-build 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’ have also progressed significantly.

The above renders show the latest updates to 2002 ‘Earl Marischal’. Changes to the chassis have included a re-work of the front bogie detail, changes to rivet detail, a re-work of the rear of the chassis to rectify an inaccuracy close to the rear steps and trailing wheel axle box, changes to the wheel faces, and a few non-cosmetic alterations designed to ensure quality Is not lost during the production process.

The above renders show the latest version of 2003 ‘Lord President’. Despite looking similar to the A4 and W1 Streamlined front, the P2s streamlined casing has its own unique geometry and a few unique details. It was often the case during this era that engineering drawings differed from the final locomotive as construction relied heavily on the skills of the workers building them. A particular feature of the original locomotives was the way the casing was forced around the cylinders which from photos appears to have resulted in different creases on each unique locomotive. The challenge for the Hornby designers was to design the model in such a way as to reflect an idealised pristine condition while still matching faithful to the real locomotive rather than the engineering drawings.

The other all new P2 locomotive announced was the new-build 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’ (shown above) which is currently being constructed in Darlington by the same team who built the Peppercorn A1 ‘Tornado’. 2007 features many unique design variations necessary to enable it to run on today’s mainlines and to enable it to share parts with ‘Tornado’, significantly simplifying building and maintenance. These range from easily noticeable changes such as the tender design and steam generators to much subtler differences such as the reduction of beading around the smokebox to fit within the loading gauge and the introduction of storage cupboards below the driving seats. An additional point of interest is that the locomotive features a modified version of the Lentz rotary-cam poppet valve gear originally fitted to the first P2 ‘Cock O’ the North’.

The images above not only show the high level of detail represented in the cab, but also the attention that has been given to ensure the cab for each locomotive is accurate. The locomotive on the left is 2003 ‘Lord President’ while 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’ is shown on the right featuring all of the contemporary modifications needed to meet today’s mainline running requirements as well as having changes related to the Caprotti valve gear.

All models feature removable NEM sockets on the front bogie to which any NEM coupling can be fitted.  As always the above images may not be perfect representations of the final model and any feedback is welcome.

Latest Arrivals:

This month we have a diverse selection of new models arriving ranging from a contemporary train pack to quaint Skaledale items. Listed below are a few particularly anticipated and interesting items, all of which are scheduled to have just arrived or arriving over the coming weeks.

Avanti West Coast Pendolino:

While we wait for the upcoming Pride Pendolino, the more common Avanti West Coast liveried Pendolino, liveried in Avanti’s eye-catching geometric livery can be bought right now. The train set features four cars while the additional coaches required to run a 9-car set are available separately and all of these models faithfully replicate the famous tilting mechanism found on the real thing. This is a must have for anyone interested in modern day railways, especially those modelling the West Coast Mainline.

R3952 - Avanti West Coast, Class 390 Pendolino Train Pack – Era 11

R40015  - Avanti West Coast Pendolino Pantograph Standard Buffet PTSR – Era 11

R40016  - Avanti West Coast Pendolino Trailer Standard TS – Era 11

R40017  - Avanti West Coast Pendolino Motor First MF – Era 11

R40018  - Avanti West Coast Pendolino Motor Standard (MS) – Era 11

R40019  - Avanti West Coast, Pendolino Motor Standard (MS) – Era 11

The Beatles Wagons:

Another set of highly collectable wagons, a selection of The Beatles vans each feature artwork related to The Beatles extensive and iconic collection of album covers. They will certainly add interest to any layout or alternatively make great display items for The Beatles fans.

R60008  - The Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' Van

R60009  - The Beatles 'Help!' Van

R60010  - The Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' Van

R60011  - The Beatles 'Magical Mystery Tour' Van

Skaledale Items:

Although I am sure for many of us our first experience of model railways consisted of a simple oval of track sat on the floor, it’s fair to say that no layout is complete without proper attention being given to the scenery. This month we are receiving many new additions to Skaledale range and below I have listed some of my favourite new models.

R7272 – Stone Bus Stop

R7269 – ‘The Offie’

R7266 – The Old Rectory

R7265 – Alms House

Ready to Play Track Packs:

Due to popular demand Hornby is pleased to be able to offer the following track expansion packs for the R1268 Remote Control ‘Hogwarts Express’ Train Set. For those who are not familiar with the set, it is a larger scale set produced by our friends at Lionel and an ideal introduction to model railways thanks to its durable construction and fun features such as sounds and lights.

R7332 - Ready to Play Straight Track Pack (12pcs)

R7333 - Ready to Play Curved Track Pack (12pcs)

R7334 - Ready to Play Right and Left Hand Manual Switches (2pcs)

Message from Montana:

We’ve just had a lovely long bank holiday weekend, the sun is shining in Margate and we have just launched a new wagon, so today is a good day! In addition to this we’ve got lots to look forward to over the next few weeks, plus lots of positive points to recap on!

#PrideMonth

Pride month has officially begun and to celebrate we have introduced a new van featuring a specially designed livery, affirming our continued commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the pride movement

This stunning '00' gauge model will be arriving imminently and is currently available to pre-order EXCLUSIVELY via the Hornby website! If you haven’t already do check out our other pride related models, including the Avanti West Coast, Class 390 Pendolino Train Pack, 390119 'Progress' and additional coaches, the GWR, Class 800, Trainbow Train Pack and the GBRf, Class 66, Co-Co, 66773 'Pride of GB Railfreight'.

#PrideMonth #LoveIsLove

Website Exclusives

Have you seen our range of website exclusive models? Launched earlier this year the ScotRail, Class 47, Co-Co, 47712 'Lady Diana Spencer' and BR, Class 47, Co-Co, 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ are available exclusively via Hornby.com, along with a selection of Mk3, Rail Charter Services coaches.

For all the finer details of each product please see the links below.

R30079TTS - ScotRail, Class 47, Co-Co, 47712 'Lady Diana Spencer' - Era 7 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R30080 - BR, Class 47, Co-Co, 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ – Era 7 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R40182 - RCS, Mk3 First Open, 11076 Coach A - Era 11 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R40182A - RCS, Mk3 First Open, 11091 Coach B - Era 11 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R40182B - RCS, Mk3 First Open, 11075 Coach C - Era 11 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R40182C - RCS, Mk3 First Open, 11077 Coach D - Era 11 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

R40183 - RCS, Mk2d, Crew Coach, 17159 - Era 11 – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

The Final Countdown!

There are just six weeks to go before we take delivery of the brand new Playtrains range and we can’t wait! We have a whole selection of marketing activities in the mix which will come to life in the coming weeks but in the meantime if you would like further information about the range click here. Or if you’re interested in obtaining a Playtrains brochure featuring all the finer product details email marketing@hornby.com and we will post you one free of charge.

Treat Your Dad This Father's Day

Sunday 20^th June – save the date and celebrate Father’s Day in ultimate model railway style with our Father’s Day Wagon! This bold and vibrant wagon will look great on any layout and it’s also an ideal collectable model! If your Dad or Grandad are partial to a fictitious livery then we have plenty more to offer, including Coca-Cola Wagons, a Happy Birthday themed Wagon, a 2021 Annual Wagon and plenty more! Check out our broad selection of wagons here!

New Family Fun Project Packs

Following the success of the previous Family Fun Project Packs produced in recent years, last month we introduced two new versions. The Family Fun Project is all about the family getting together to build a model railway layout, featuring all the trimmings – scenery, buildings, people and so much more!

The starter pack includes everything you need to a build your perfect '00' gauge scenic model railway layout, including useful literature, such as a set of instructions to help you and the family throughout every step, the Hornby Track Plans Book and the 2020 Catalogue to give you inspiration on other products which can be added. The instructions included provide guidance, but really there are no rules! The Family Fun Project is all about being creative, open-minded and having great family fun along the way! In addition to the Starter Pack there is also an Add On Pack, ideal for those who already have the nuts of bolts of a layout but are looking to add a new locomotive and rolling stock.

Click here to for more information about the Starter Pack and click here for the Add On Pack.

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...

As is quickly becoming the norm, what was intended as a shorter Engine Shed has ended up being as packed as ever so thank you for reading this far. I hope this month’s edition has demonstrated not only Hornby’s commitment to supporting diversity, but also the diversity of products that Hornby now produces. There has never been a greater variety of railway subjects to model despite recent trends towards standardisation of rolling stock in each region, often thanks to operator’s willingness to produce special one-off liveries and also due to the number of companies currently operating trains in Britain. Any feedback on the developments mentioned this month is always welcomed along with any other comments which can be left below, directed to our social media accounts or directed to the Engine Shed E-mail account at engineshed@hornby.com. As always, thank you for being such a great community.

All the best,

The Engine Shed Team

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