Welcome back,
Class 43 HST and Mk3 Coaches Zooming Ahead
Welcome to another edition of Train Terminal where we focus on the final samples of the Class 43 HST locomotives and their respective Mk3 coaches. We will also bring your attention to our highly anticipated 'TT' 2024 range launch and an exciting event organised by Key Publishing that Hornby will be attending in late April
Class 43 HST Final Samples
The iconic Inter-City and GWR Class 43 HST Train Pack final samples have arrived in Margate for us to review! The arrival of these models conveys a huge momentum for the ‘TT’ scale in the UK. Each sample incorporates a different livery: BR Blue and Grey, InterCity Swallow and GWR Green.
Key features for these highly detailed Class 43 models include a dual bogie drive, a dual flywheel, a five-pole skew wound motor and the locomotives contain a hefty, diecast chassis. For easy and close coupling between the Class 43s and Mk3 coaches, kinematic couplings have been utilised for the models. All pickups on the wheels ensure smooth running on the track and increased traction.
The cab features an intricate amount of detail, right down to the streamlined nose front. Cab lights and directional lighting feature on these models to represent prototypical running. There are also options to allow for both night and day running.
There are two versions of the Class 43 models: DCC Ready and Sound Fitted. These models are HM7000 ready and feature a sugarcube speaker for crisp sound. The DCC Ready models feature a Next18 decoder socket whilst the sound fitted models already have the HM7000-N18TXS: Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder (Next18-pin) fitted.
We showed the start of the Class 43 development with the engineering samples here in April 2023: Class 43 and Mark 3 Coaches: A Speedy Pair - Preview. The engineering samples incorporated basic detailing such as the etched grills, moulded head lights and a windscreen wiper.
Mk3 Coaches Final Samples
The latest, final Mk3 coach samples are also in three liveries to match the Class 43 locomotive models: BR Blue and Grey, InterCity Swallow and GWR Green. The coach samples shown below features BR Blue and Grey and GWR Green liveries.
Attention has been paid to the detail in the coaches. Some features to highlight are the accurate corridor connections at the end of each coach, door release catch and door lights that are only detailed on the model. Each coach has a fully detailed bogie and wheelsets. For an easier and close coupling between the Class 43 locomotives, kinematic couplings are also attached to the models.
In the same blog from April 2023, the Mk3 coach engineering samples were also shown. They incorporated minimal detail such as the windows and roof panelling.
Key Publishing - Model World Live!
Hornby and Airfix join forces at a new modelling show for 2024 brought to you by Key Publishing – the publisher for Hornby Magazine and Airfix Model World magazines!
Model World Live is a brand-new show that will bring together railway and scale modellers and will feature many exciting model railway layouts, scale modelling displays and trade stands, plus many more! The event will take place on Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April in Hall 12 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Doors open at 10am (9.30am for advance ticket holders) until 5pm on Saturday and until 4pm on Sunday.
- The Hornby stand will be displaying incredible development samples of locomotives and rolling stock, both a ‘00’ and TT:120 layout featuring HM7000 DCC controlled locomotives on the track, along with a great team. Join us in April to ask any questions you may have! You’ll be able to easily find us by the entrance, opposite the Key Publishing stand.
- Airfix will also be exhibiting some more wonderful development samples and will be situated opposite the Key Publishing stand. Join the Airfix team where they will be happy to answer any questions!
- Pete Waterman and the Railnuts take on a new challenge with the debut of Making Tracks: The Final Frontier! With the aim of making the biggest portable ‘00’ gauge model railway layout, Making Tracks debuted a combined layout from previous years which measured at 152ft and was exhibited at the Great Electric Train Show in 2023. This year, the team is going above and beyond to expand more than 100ft of new scenery by adding 56ft to the length and wrapping the scenery around the end to create a 208ft x 14ft layout!
- Key Publishing’s Twelvemill Bridge TT:120 layout using Hornby, Peco and other manufacturer’s models! The 10ft x 6ft layout made its debut at the 2023 Great Electric Train Show.
- Blair Atholl towards Drumochter which will be making its first exhibition appearance outside Scotland in its 35-year career. This stunning Scottish region layout will be one of the first that visitors see on arrival at the show.
Beyond the railway exhibits, you can expect stunning scale modelling displays, full size military vehicles, modelling skills demonstrations, hands on interactive exhibits, radio-controlled demonstrations and much more.
For more visitor information, please see here: Model World LIVE 2024 | Key Model World
Discounted advance and VIP tickets can be purchased here: Model World Live Tickets | Key Model World or you can buy tickets at the door on the day.
Join us, Airfix and the incredible Key Publishing at Model World Live in April to celebrate the enthralling and creative world of modelling!
Hornby TT:120 Range Launch in April…
Enjoy the best of Hornby TT:120, and turn BIG ideas into a fascinating small model world. We have a great selection of models arriving this year, and to make this amazing scale even better, next month we'll be adding to our range with a new Hornby TT:120 launch. Join us on YouTube at 9am on 2 April 2024 for the grand reveal!
