I’ve always thought it’d be an amazing model to have of a capprotti black five and I never thought one be available as a RTR model.
I remember years ago ‘crownline’ produced a conversion kit, but it was extensive remodelling of the original model, which was far beyond my capabilities.
I personally prefer the higher running board version of the capprotti black 5, but 44755 with the double chimney will hopefully be a good model. But from what I can gather from Simon Kohler in todays launch on YouTube the new tooling has been designed so additional versions of the black 5 can be produced relatively easily. So we might see a higher running board version at a later date.
44755 would be an ideal model though for me as it spent the last few years of its life at Stockport Edgeley 9b, so it would sit nicely with my other late 60’s 9b allocated locomotives.
The only thing that slightly puts me off ordering one is the fact that it’s a ‘web exclusive’ direct from Hornby and will it survive Hornby’s insufficient packaging and possibly get damaged in transit. Shame we won’t be able to purchase it directly from a retail outlet.
check out Phil Waterfield’s pic on Flickr of the prototype