Black 5 Bear

The fit/finish on this loco does bode well for the BR versions, which by all accounts (S+S excepted) are imminent.

I saw the LMS version 5200 displayed in the glass cabinet at Model Junction in Bury St Edmunds last Saturday. Despite the misgivings of many on here about the lamps, they actually look ok and don't overly detract from the overall look of the model. Maybe this is due to the them being black rather than white on the BR versions? Hopefully, the spare lamp irons as promised by Hornby will be included with these locos. IMHO, this model is a major step up from the previous incarnation. Looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered Caprotti and Steam/Sound versions whenever they may arrive.

R30224, the LMS version 5200 is shown as in stock.

I think Fran and Mc C both mentioned in previous posts that no money is required to be paid until the pre ordered items are in stock....

Still shown on the official OR website as £19.95 RRP for all variants, but I fully expect this will change. Rails of Sheffield for example have it listed for pre-order for £16.95!

Sounds as though it's a gearing problem. I recently had a similar issue with a loco drive A4 as you describe. Fortunately, Ian of Redgate Models (RM Web member) was able to help. Definitely worth a PM!

Tonight's tipple of delight from the Renegade brewery of Yattendon, Berkshire - Santa Claws Winter ale. A delightful dark amber ale, coming in at 4.3%. Currently on offer 12 for £19.50, with free postage on orders of £35.00 and over. Recommended!

It was my understanding from previous posts/Hornby that spare lamps and irons would be interchangeable to give the purchaser a choice. I get the distinct feeling the lighting issue will be the same as on the Turbomotive.

Who's moaning exactly? Not me as I won't be buying and will wait for one of the new manufacturers to produce a better representation of the 8F. I'm just pointing out the obvious!

But why should any prospective purchaser have to replace parts on a new loco costing £225 discounted?

An Accurascale Locomotion special edition.

Having seen this latest Hornby release today at my local model shop, I think I'll wait for one of the "New Kids on the Block" to produce an all new 8F. IMHO, very much an open goal!

Lendons is another spares emporium where you may source such items.

Bure Valley Models have the recently released Hornby 2MT in black/green, early and late crest on offer at between £164 and £172! "nlarge. Hornby - R3836 - BR, Standard 2MT, 2-6-0, 78047 - Era 5 £ 164" https://www.burevalleymodels.com/p/17214/R3836---BR-Standard-2MT-2-6-0-78047---Era-5#:~:text=enlarge.,£ 164.00

A similar experience to yourself Dan. I returned two 60009 Union of SA models from two separate sources with identical defects. The same response from Hornby as yourself, no spare parts and they were unable to repair the locos concerned. I cut my losses and am really glad I did, as I've received a perfect and free from defect 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower!

And especially now Mike as the newly tooled Bachmann 47's are being discounted. I might wait for the inevitable price reductions later in the year, before I add a FYE, green liveried 47 to supplement my collection.

Railtour D400/50050 Fearless please Fran!

A much better proposition compared to some variants of the latest Hornby Dublo GG releases. Enjoy!

Maybe Union of SA was a Friday afternoon loco lol? 😊😊

In contrast to the 2022 HD Sir Nigel Gresley, which arrived last year in perfect condition with no issues!

The change to packaging could very well be the reason for the QC issues on the new HD releases. According to the two outlets who supplied me with R30263, this is the primary cause.

Colin, I don't think the packaging is designed to accommodate brake rigging, which is the reason it's supplied as an accessory part.

Unfortunately for Hornby, they now have smaller competitors, who produce affordable/high quality models. More importantly and in complete contrast to Hornby, these new boys on the block produce a catalogue of spares to support their products should anything go wrong.

Personally, I'd return the model to Hornby as they may have spare PCB's in stock. Failing that, try Lendons or Peter's Spares. I'm on my second Union of South Africa, one has already been returned for defects/poor QC and the second will going back on Monday. Disappointing as you say for such an expensive model!

Collectability aside, I'm thinking go with the main range A4 Golden Fleece, which as far as I'm aware doesn't have these defects!