Peter Kazmierczak

I'm old enough to remember the days when the MRC magaine did proper reviews; comparing dimensions of model vs prototype, running qualities, haulage power, finish, etc. etc. When all we had to go on were three magazines; MRC, RM and MRN. A far simplier time... I think we all agree that Hornby's latest Black Five certainly is the best appearance-wise, and (when it wants to) is a smooth and controllable runner. Just doesn't cut the mustard on quality control...

Do we know if Hornby (or their sub-contractors) look at returns to gauge any specific problems, or just put the models aside to either repair, sell as "imperfect" or bin? I wonder what other manufactirers do?

Was this really 47 years ago? Southampton Central - May 1977.

More reviews are appearing on YouTube. Just search "Hornby Black Five review" and you'll find 'em. That duff loco--to-tender connection appears to be cropping up in the majority of them. Is it time for Hornby to be proactive and do something about it? I suppose Hornby have to balance between cost of returns and a wholesale recall. I also wonder what the % of those buying the model will just it as a static display, or maybe not even take it out of the box?

Spot-on, Ian.

After sunset, taken 45 minutes ago, with the mist rising from the floodplain alongside the River Stour near Canford school.

Got my copy today; this is a book I've been wanting to see for a long time as it compliments Hugh's earlier tome on steam locos. Just had a cursory glance through it: noted a few typos - didn't know 50s were only 2000 hp... Anyway, purpose of this post is to alert you that it only covers British-built locos. So you won't find anything on 59s, 66s, 67s, etc. Fair enough, I suppose, though why there's no mention of the Brush-built class 92 electrics is very puzzling. PS It does include HST power cars though.

Why would they just dismiss RMweb? Surely it's in their long-term interest to get to the bottom of any concerns.

I thought "Little Wicket's" review was very fair. He seemed to have almost the exact same problems that Sam had on his second model.

"Had" to go clothes shopping with my wife into Poole. 🤪 However, I just chanced to go into one of the discount bookshops, and came out with a book on the LMS Turbo------ loco.

Still on a shipping theme. Just been having a chat with our neighbour. He's off on the maiden voyage of the new Cunard liner Queen Anne, leaving Southampton at 9pm tonight. He said he's doubled the budget for the firework display as they depart. I told him he'd be popular with dog owners in the city... I couldn't resist mentioning icebergs too, in rather poor ttaste. I said it must be a hard job, but he said someone had to do it.

Another quiet day at Aston-on-Trent...

On election nights I usually stay up and watch the results come in on the TV. But last night, as I knew there wouldn't be many results until today or tomorrow, I went to bed, put in my earphones and listened to the radio. Some interesting conversations; one even got a bit heated. The programme broke off for the shipping forecast just before 1am. Can't remember if I've ever listened to it all the way through. In a way it's quite melodic; I tried to visualise travelling clockwise around the coast, starting in the far north, as it was read out. When you think it's finished, then come the inshore water reports and then the forecast. I must have fallen asleep, then awoke at 3am still with the radio on and my earphones in... Called it a day after that.

And the lamps are just that; lamps not headlights. On the LMS the lamps were black. This continued on the LMR until c1961 when white ones became more common. This wasn't a hard or fast "rule"; white lamps could be seen earlier. It'll be interesting what colour they are on the BR versions of the Black Five. And will the earlier logo-liveried one be different from the ones with the later crest. PS Thanks to daltonparva for his review. Anyone else want to tell us about their model?

Three books arrived in the post today, and only one was about ----ways! The others were on canals and local history.