hornby 2020 Hornby A2/2 and A2/3 (2020 Range)

[davidw]

12 hours ago, Legend said:

i think if you browse through this thread you should come to your own conclusion . For what it’s worth this loco wasnt on my radar until released . Then I started seeing pictures of A2/2 running on folks railways I actually thought it quite a handsome loco . So when it appeared on Amazon at £134 I bought . I think perhaps because it was an impulse buy I am particularly enjoying it .

 

As I said , probably best reading through this thread and forming own conclusions .  My one arrived with buffer beam loose and reversing rod off . Relatively easy for me to fix but not everyone so lucky . There seem to be a few build quality issues with this model , so best inspecting it thoroughly on purchase . That said it’s mechanically sound . Mine is a beautiful runner . The shade of green to me is too light but it’s not disimilar to my 1979 Mallard . I suppose it just shows up badly to more recent painted examples  

 

13 hours ago, AHW said:

Afternoon all.

 

I wonder if the community now has a generally agreed position on these two models. As an ECML enthusiast, with currently nothing to show for it but a cupboard full of boxed stock, I had these on my wish list at our well known Liverpool supplier but didn't buy brand new. Since the deliveries began I have had about one email a week offering me a pre-owned version - normally with something wrong/missing.

 

I feel vindicated in holding off on a brand new model, but I feel I should have 1 or 2 eventually.

 

What's the general feeling? Is this model a success, and do I just wait until a good example turns up in my inbox, should I avoid it, or should I resign my self to expecting eventually to have to 'work on or update or correct' a brand new version if I see one I like?

 

I realise this is a can of worms type question but I guess I'm looking for a short 'snog, marry, avoid' type of answer.

 

Apologies if this bores the pants off you all.

 

Kind Regards

 

Al.

 Hi Al, l would agreed with  Legend. Mine were perfect from the box. But I asked the retailer to check before dispatch. Detail and mechanism is good. But livery application is poor green paler than other Hornby BR green models. Lining should be orange black orange, not red black red. Weathering can improve things but it should not be necessary. Hope this gives a balanced review. 

Edited June 5, 2021 by davidw

[zr2498]

On 29/05/2021 at 02:54, Mark Hamlin said:

My Steady Aim complete with Fox nameplates, Fox boiler lining transfers and a coat of Testors gloss varnish

Looks great with the correct colour boiler bands. Have received a set from Fox plus the nameplates.

Did you fit the bolier bands directly over the existing and did it need a gloss coat beforehand? This would be my first attempt so please excuse my questions. Were you able to fit each of the bands in on piece by sliding under the handrails. I guess Klear would do the same job as your Testors gloss varnish. Assuming the remaining lining is good enough to leave as is.

David

 

 

[Mark Hamlin]

On 29/05/2021 at 20:26, Oldddudders said:

There is something about a chap from Shakytown having a loco called Steady Aim. It looks the biz. 

I put my boiler bands straight over the top of the existing. It was my first time also. I then applied the gloss varnish over the top.

 

I spent a bit of time removing the printed nameplate as it was quite a bit wider than the Fox replacement that looks way better in my opinion 

[Timara]

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

[46256]

Tim a superb repaint lovely model

[landscapes]

17 hours ago, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Hi Tim

 

Words escape me, just truly wonderful.

 

Gilbert must be delighted with the finished model.

 

Regards

 

David 

[atom3624]

Meant in a good way .... he says, but it's hard to define what scale it is ... could be much larger scale.

 

Al.

[John Tomlinson]

19 hours ago, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Definitely the answer.

 

Looks a zillion times better than before.

 

John.

[MikeParkin65]

19 hours ago, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Now that is a model transformed - even pulls off the trick of appearing to be metal

[Timara]

Thanks everyone; I'm very humbled by your kind words!  I'm going to be honest here; back when these came out and the colour of green was (more than) "a bit off", I did wonder what one would look like if given a full repaint.  I jumped at the chance to do so when the opportunity arose.  On a loco costing in the region of £180, it really shouldn't even be necessary, but it is what it is.

 

My view, however, is that irrespective of the livery on the "BR Green" ones, the underlying model is absolutely superb, designed around both final assembly and the different variations chosen for both sub-classes.  The electrical side of it is especially good, with the wiring neatly hidden away.  I'm still pondering whether to get one myself and convert it to an A2/1, rather than carrying on with the Bachmann-based one I've had ongoing for a while (60509 Waverley, purely because I've travelled on the paddle-steamer of the same name!).

[mckinneyc]

I really hope those photos are fed back to Hornby! 

 

Amazing work Tim!

[Timara]

5 hours ago, mckinneyc said:

I really hope those photos are fed back to Hornby!

 

I'll be honest with you....I hope they are too!  I'm thinking of 60502 here, at the end of this year.....

[zr2498]

On 24/06/2021 at 18:45, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Tim

I was going to just put Fox transfers over the existing boiler bands, but now you have shown the way of getting a much better look. Presumably air brushed Phoenix. Any varnish used before loco lining. Love the weathering as well, as not needing to be overdone to 'bury' the Hornby colour. Looks like a hard working loco but well cared for. Did you base the weathering on a colour prototype photo. Would be interested to see if you found one.

Dave

[zr2498]

Just finished the sound and firebox flicker installations on A2/2 Thane of Fife, and A2/3 Suncastle using the same method and components as Mike Wild - Hornby Magazine. Superb sound as can be heard on his videos. The only differences were the use of a 1K ohm resistor with the LED to get a more visible but subtle / realistic effect when the layout lights were turned down, and a LaisDCC 2 pin micro connector for the extra wires between loco and tender which is useful when separating them for such as weathering.

 

 

The LED as shown below was subsequently moved further back so that the tip of the LED was flush with the firebox door. Visually more realistic.

 

This is the video from Mike:

 

And the sound demo:

 

 

Have also fitted the missing 3rd set of sandpipes which Hornby very kindlly sent and a screw link coupling on the front buffer.

Here is a list of components used:

Now to do transfers, plates and weathering. Slight change of plan now I have seen Tim's paint job above!

Dave

 

 

 

[Timara]

On 26/06/2021 at 08:34, zr2498 said:

Tim

I was going to just put Fox transfers over the existing boiler bands, but now you have shown the way of getting a much better look. Presumably air brushed Phoenix. Any varnish used before loco lining. Love the weathering as well, as not needing to be overdone to 'bury' the Hornby colour. Looks like a hard working loco but well cared for. Did you base the weathering on a colour prototype photo. Would be interested to see if you found one.

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

 

Only just seen this!  You're absolutely correct; airbrushed as per my comment on the photos above.  I lined it out before sealing it in place with a couple of coats of Klear (original formula).  What I did do, rather than using water to wet the carrier film of the transfers, was use MicroSet instead.  It helps get things over a few of the rivets which the lining has to go over the top thereof.  They're best left to fully harden before the Klear goes on, as the solution does slightly soften the transfers.  Thankfully, it doesn't affect the paintwork underneath.

 

With regard to photos, I used my late dad's b/w photo as a guide, as well as my knowledge gleaned over the years of how it would likely have looked after whatever works visits and where things were shedded.  Finding accurately dated photos for the desired condition is never easy, but occasionally one strikes lucky!

 

Cheers,

[Steam here!]

Chamossaire is back from Hornby (only arrived on Thursday, but didn't get to unbox her until Saturday) with a new loco chassis and Hornby are very kindly refunding my postage.

 

Since her return she has been ran in, in both directions and I can now have some enjoyment.

[Steam here!]

On 24/06/2021 at 18:45, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Wow Tim! What a transformation, full credit to you, it just shows what can be done with the Hornby Loco.

[Theakerr]

Just received my CotN.  Boiler lamp iron loose in box, no problem,  What is a problem is the 1mm gap on one side and .5mm gap on the other between the cylinder casting and the running plate.  A quick look suggests that the running plate is not sitting flush with the main frames and may be sitting high on the very front chassis casting.  I have done a quick run through the thread and I see a fair number of all versions with this gap but I could not find any specific comments or corrective actions (and the search engine is to say the least not especially good).  However, has anyone seen this issue and corrected it?

Thanks

[landscapes]

On 24/06/2021 at 18:45, Tim said:

For anyone wishing to bite the bullet and do a complete repaint and lining job, these images may be of help....

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Precision post-54 Green and HMRS loco lining.  I feel it really is worth the effort and the model reduces very easily into its component parts with very little ado, making the job less of a pain to mask up.

 

Hi Tim

 

May  I ask you who’s etched Nameplates you used for Tehran?

 

Regards

 

David

[landscapes]

On 28/07/2021 at 20:11, Willoughby Glen said:

TTCDiecast have all versions on special offer for £139.99 plus postage which seems to be cheapest I have seen these

 

https://www.ttcdiecast.com/Hornby-r3830-br-thompson-class-a22-4-6-2-60501-cock-o-the-north-era-4-oo-gauge-131138-p.asp

Absolute bargain 

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

David

[Captain_Mumbles]

Who else wishes they had done the A2/2 in LNER, Apple green! It would be perfect!

[davidw]

6 hours ago, Captain_Mumbles said:

Who else wishes they had done the A2/2 in LNER, Apple green! It would be perfect!

Hi Captain, I think this was discussed earlier in the thread. The versions that Hornby have currently produced are suitable for the BR period only. The reason (I think) is the shared commonality with the also produced A2/3 locos. Personally I hope that the earlier version is at some point produced. In that way 60503/4 will also be possible. Not available currently. But who knows what future plans there are with Hornby other manufacturers or even 3D print possibilities.

[Mallard60022]

On 11/07/2021 at 08:18, landscapes said:

Hi Tim

 

May  I ask you who’s etched Nameplates you used for Tehran?

 

Regards

 

David

I might have seen this at Peterborough North? If I did it looks absolutely superb in every way. If I didn't I saw another of Tim's repainted A2/2 or 3 Pacifics and it was as above.

Phil

[Captain_Mumbles]

On 19/09/2021 at 03:23, davidw said:

Hi Captain, I think this was discussed earlier in the thread. The versions that Hornby have currently produced are suitable for the BR period only. The reason (I think) is the shared commonality with the also produced A2/3 locos. Personally I hope that the earlier version is at some point produced. In that way 60503/4 will also be possible. Not available currently. But who knows what future plans there are with Hornby other manufacturers or even 3D print possibilities.

 

Would it be as simple as fitting an A4 cab? 

I really like the look of the A2 without those big smoke deflectors, in apple green.

[davidw]

23 minutes ago, Captain_Mumbles said:

 

Would it be as simple as fitting an A4 cab? 

I really like the look of the A2 without those big smoke deflectors, in apple green.

No. The A2/2s never had big deflectors. Big deflectors were present on the A1/1, A2/1 and A2/3. 

If you're referring to the A2/1 then the Hornby  model is not the best starting point. The earlier A2/2 pre BR period had different running plate  smoke box lengths and other details differences. 

To examine this carefully isinglass produce 4mm drawings that detail the differences