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Not like me to contradict ... but ... I actually hope they did get it slightly wrong ... and it is a twin blastpipe version they make - just looks much better - more appropriate for such a relatively vast locomotive. Something that size just looks 'wrong' with a single. Al.

I just can't wait to get my grubby little hands on it ... I'll have to, obviously!! As you say, I suspect all will have the double chimney / blastpipe - which I prefer. The marketing 'never existed' one looks great as well ... Just curious - is it longer, LoB, than a final Princess Royal ('Stanier tender')? My guess is it should be. Al.

Well I've bitten the bullet, and pre-ordered an 'original' and also a BR final edition - A4-style minus valances in dark green. I've 12 months to start squirrelling away .... !! I've not had any definitive confirmation wrt the blastpipes, but am suspecting they'll all be double. If information appears during this year to the contrary, then I'll have to see if I can transfer across to British Enterprise. Odds are it'll be tampo printed with plates, which I wanted to avoid. I've asked Fox if they do the plates - including Pegasus which I believe was a BR option. Al.

I'll have to be a very good boy ... Pre-order has been placed for a 60501 - it'll be interesting to see alongside the TTS 2001. Al.

For me, said by several above in various guises, the only 'change' required is changing the axles - giving the AB's more to purchase onto, and align correctly - whether the end is serrated, threaded or just plain, it'll stay as required. If the bogie sides are attached after insertion of the axles, this may be a limiting factor, but perhaps not - for me, I'd be talking about adding ~1.5mm to each end - 3mm total - of the axles. Al.

With the Bachmann, you still have the 'detailing' parts to fit, so being a 'modeller' of some description or other is a prerequisite - should at least have some form of competence, or know somebody who is. Al.

The green does look very nice, particularly with the contrasting grey / black. I still prefer the '1st rebuild grey' but all would be interesting purchases. I've sent a direct message to Hornby relating to my previous questions - single/double blastpipe and nameplates. I'll relate what I can if/when I receive a reply. Al.

With the nameplates, where would they be positioned: Above the centre drivers? Above the front, side handrails? Just below the fron, side handrails? Al.

That was precisely the point I was trying to clarify - it would save a lot of hassle. Perhaps the 'box art' is more specific, highlighting the named locomotive? Al.

Fantastic selection of a super-interesting locomotive ... been said before, and by me as well I think ... A few questions wrt the Hornby rendition: We all know the FIRST one should have a single chimney, namely R3840, but I suspect ALL 3 will have a DOUBLE chimney / blast-pipe - can anyone confirm this please? Are there any physical differences between the 3 'original format' Hornby models - R3840, R3841, R3842 - body, chassis? R3841 is said to be 'named' "British Enterprise". Will the nameplates be FIXED on the body, or left for the new owner to place if required? Assuming pre-orders remain, I'm trying to clarify these details before placing my order. Al.

I think the Q1 would be a great starting point for Steampunk options ... Al.

I posted on DD during July last year and had zero replies. Doesn't appear to be the most pro-active of forums. Al.

There are so many fantastic-looking new locomotives, it's difficult to select a favourite .... this would be one, naturally. It's so close to how I remember Duchess of Sutherland despite being a limited edition, I would probably rename / renumber her ... having ridden on the footplate several times at Bressingham in the 70's. Al.

They look too clean 'though .... !! Al.

I have a pink one on order. Are you sure that's something you want to tell everybody about .....

One would ask why order a pink one in the first place ...

Going by the 'poster' indicated, 100% villain - beautiful monster to absolute monstrosity!! Nevertheless, it'll be a very interesting addition to the model railways ... Al.

Interesting little locomotive and should make a nice and very useful addition to anyone's 'mixed era' layout / BR. Is it me, or does the cab look like 'next door's garden shed'? Just doesn't look right - and I mean the 1:1 as well. Al.

I think this and the Thompson A2's are fantastic additions to the scene - and totally unexpected. Mentioned earlier but not confirmed, do we know if all will be from '1st rebuild' with double chimneys, or will there be a single chimney version as per original? (My personal preference is the double anyway so I'll have to squirrel some funds away .... !!!) Generally, which is your preference - squashed sausage or A4-nosed rebuild? Al.

Basically means Cavalex get their act together, and get the 91 and Mk.4's out, and they should still be in a happy place. If they delay the coaches, as you intimate, Hornby probably won't be that far behind ... but that's only speculation. Al.

I'd be tempted if it's like the HD HST - central motor with 8-wheel-drive, and tilting as well. My Virgin HST is fantastic - smooth, quiet, very fast and powerful!! Al.

Keeping it clean, I want a Lion ...

I thought there's a Hornby video somewhere whereby they categorically confirm there's NO Mk.4 mooted for 2020 release? ... It's one of the 'enthusiasts' like Sam and Jenny - but it's not them - interviewing a Hornby employee. Al.

Rules are there to be ..... !!! Where there's a will ....

The 3D print / mock-up clearly indicates a double chimney. The original 10000 clearly had a single chimney, and for it's first rebuild received a double chimney. Back to the R3840, R3841 - both grey which keeps the prototypical originality of the beast, are these just going to have the double chimney already shown, or single? Will the green 'Publicity' locomotive have the double, and the 'greys' the single? In all initial photos and filming, I only see the double chimney, which suits me, but may not necessarily be correct ... I think this is one of those 'seen in the flesh' things - when a decision can be made, but for now, a preference would be grey with double chimney. Al.