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But it's still in the packaging? Hope it's seen a layout. As a matter of interest, is this a sound fitted model?

Info above corrected - thanks

That is why (when converting to DCC sound), I have modified the firebox glow to be only on when coal shovelling. Extra wires and modification needed, but as Hornby mostly put the decoder in the tender, the track feed from the loco pick ups to the firebox LED is an easy is option for them.

50% of the promised waiting time (as specified at York show) gone 🙂 Only 3 weeks to go - soooooo excited. Yes, I am behaving like an impetulant child and proud of it!

Might get a 6 To 4 while I'm waiting for a 25. Clue: Chicago

I watch Sam's Trains, and although it is mainly 'for a bit of fun', he does take the trouble to do a detailed examination. Some of his thinking is not always logical, for example extra weight does not mean extra quality, and should not be equated to the cost. But he brought to light a number of points with this new Black 5 to consider: a) It is virtually impossible to remove the lamps without causing damage, and probably would need some remedial work. Easier if they were not included in the first place. For a 'basic' version (see below), It would have been better for Hornby to provide non-working correct size lamps in the detailing pack. Much the same as the crew. Adding oversize lamps is moving away from finescale, whereas extra detail is moving towards it. The directions are conflicting. b) The tender connection is non adjustable for the gap, and the design is vulnerable. Not robust enough. Clearly he had a damaged connection 'out of the box', so one has to wonder how long before others have the same issue. c) The glue marks appeared quite bad. It is no good having a 'finescale' loco with extra detailing if it is not carefully assembled. d) No flywheel. Sacrificed for the steam generator. Not needed for DCC, but it is a move away from what was becoming a common standard. I guess it is difficut for the likes of Hornby. They need to sell more locos, and the lamps / steam will attract many customers, but this could have an adverse response from modellers who were looking forward to a newly tooled, potentially more detailed loco until it is seen that the play value additions compromise the detailing and peformance. I think this was mentioned up thread. Perhaps there needs to be different versions so that the play value additions are at added purchase price. And don't add new tech ideas for the sake of it. For example, the older models had adjustable connections between loco and tender for a reason.

Or Ellis Clark Trains with a OO, to follow the very fine O gauge.

I am considering getting one of these fantastic models but a bit late to the party. The one I was after with sound is sold out, so wondering if the sound system (decoder / speaker) is available separately and how easy to fit?

Just watched Sams Trains review. Oh dear! Considering cancelling the two I have on order. Having fitted sound, stay alives and firebox flicker to 3 of the 'old' Hornby models, I see little point in the expenditure. The old design enables a large 55 X 20 X 10mm Rail Exclusive speaker to be fitted in the tender. Not possible with the new design. Lamps are too large, tender to loco gap is too large (and not adjustable), steam is just a gimmick, so out with the Brassmasters detailing kits to finish the ones I already have. Sam maybe has a point, that it is no good adding gimmicks or supposed upgrades if it comes at the expense of the fundamentals.

Don't forget to kiss the side of your Deltic 😍

We really need DCC Concepts to bring back the lamps that they once produced. I did speak to them late last year, and it was being considered. I hope this inclusion by Hornby does not put them off. Unfortunately I could not get the correct lamps, but at least a correct size. They still need to be dimmed with some amber tint on the A3 as below. Comparison of Hornby and DCC Concepts.

Congratulations 👍 Was that a sound fitted?

Just had this reminder from Accurascale. I've been waiting for a sound demo before making a decision. Is there one out there?

Sorry Michael, I should have better explained. This was the amount based on two other cancellations combined. And I did order from KRM directly, but unfortunately my knowledge re UK Law on this subject was lacking, otherwise I would have not accepted these terms at the time. The Clayton DHP1 could well be my last order with them as I am unwilling to pay full price up front anymore for models with such large slips to timescales . I also need to get off the lazy RTR bandwagon, when I have a DJH 'Big Bertha' kit on the shelf waiting to be built. I also have all of the kits and parts to build a GT3, after lots of research and collecting, but then the RTR model was anounced and put the brakes on the kit build. Thanks for your help and advice.

Thanks. Looks as though they are contravening UK Law and owe me £48.50. When they replied to me about the refund, no mention of the admin charge. It was only when I looked at the refund value, I went into the terms and conditions and noticed the minus 10%. Come to think of it. It was cancelled - not even returned. Now I have to balance the 10% claim versus the stress this is likely to incurred.