How much better is Hornby 60 than Lima 60?

[rob D2]

After a discussion with an RMW member about Lima at Doncaster, can I possibly clarify 2 points?

 

1. Out of the box, I would agree that the Lima offering is somewhat less sophisticated and in fairness I do need to make it clear that my vision of Lima is as a starting point for producing something better- that is not everyone's idea of fun.

 

2. I may disagree with other viewpoints but I can still respect most of them (though not all of them). All I really ask is that people make rational, objective observations (taking Mr SRMan's above). Writing comments such as "Lima is pants" (was that here or the 37 thread) and "Lima is only any good to those who can't afford something decent" are comments that really aren't overly helpful. If at any point my comments supporting the potential of Lima has been taken as a snipe at Bachmann/Hornby (save for objective observations of any faults they may have), then that is entirely un-intentional on my part.

Interestingly on eBay Lima class 60s seem to be in the £40-55 range. I can get a Hornby 60 for £80.

Now, if your primary fun is in upgrading models then you can do a lot to the Lima, but I guess you'll become close to that £80

 

And then when you run it, it won't perform as well as the Hornby and that can be a little disappointing when you've put all that work in.

[JDW]

I'll keep it brief, but I think that's fair, Derek.  I think your points were valid, I haven't seen the "pants" comment, but its maybe not helpful. As for "people who can't afford better", that is a tad insulting or condescending to those who either genuinely can't afford the latest version, or don't want to - this is a hobby, after all.  I bought a couple of Lima RfD 47s last year for a small depot layout I've been working on, I couldn't justify the price of a couple of Bachmann/etc ones, the Lima ones I bought run well and do the job of looking like RfD 47s, and with a few tweaks will sit fine alongside my Heljan and Bachmann examples.  "BritishRail60062" made a point about it being like comparing a Lexus to a Ford Focus, I think the better analogy is surely to compare The 2010 (or whenever the Hornby 60 came out) Focus to the 1990 (or whenever Lima released their version) Ford Escort, the newer version of the same car.  It has more kit, better quality, better features, more comfort, that doesn't mean the old one wasn't good for its time, nor that the old one can't still be used today. 

[rob D2]

I think that's a fair analogy JDW.

 

An older model - knowing what I know now though I'd still pick the Hornby even at full RRP, I'd just have traded my three Lima in to get the cash to buy one.

 

The poor running of most of my Lima stuff almost put me off the hobby entirely.

[PaulWarb]

Hi

 

Just to add a little to this thread - very subjective but the Hornby 60 is simply brilliant.  I have two (below) which run superbly.  They are amazingly detailed and I simply agree with the other positive comments that have been made.  One of the best Hornby models around at the moment.

 

The photos are on my old layout - I hope to have some on Chesterfield ....   http://www.chesterfielddcc.com/

 

soon on RMWEB.

 

 

 

[Derekstuart]

£40-55 is a bit steep for a Lima 60 IMO- though some that are in certain liveries/names are in greater demand. There can't be many Hornby 60's for £80 either, but I will agree that if you aren't in rush you can wait for good prices to appear.

 

As for the upgrade costs:

Lima 60 £ 38

Sprung buffers £7

Shawplan etches £8

Shawplan details £10

Shawplan etched wipers £3

DCC socket (not chip) £12

Gibson wheel set (P4) £18 (est)

Paint £10 (est)

Plastic sheeting and square sections £5 (est)

Buffer detailing pack £8

Lighting with associated wires £22

 

Total cost £141

 

If I want to bring it to a really high running standard (not done this yet)

Penbits etched bogies (using a Brush 4, but it's almost identical) £34

Motor, drives and joints £30-40 as a guess.

 

£215 in total, not including the DCC chip. So for those who suggest it is a skinflints way of proceeding, they are very wrong indeed. In fairness, you could add 20-30 quid onto a Hornby one just for the P4 wheelsets and some of the cost of materials above are overstated as only a small amount of the stuff is needed (ie plastic and paint- you don't use the whole lot).

 

Horses for courses, modellers for looney bins. But when that is completed, I suggest it would stand with the Hornby one without too much problem.

 

EDIT: I've just placed a bid on a H60. I shall see for myself how it looks when compared to the Lima rebuild.

 

Interestingly on eBay Lima class 60s seem to be in the £40-55 range. I can get a Hornby 60 for £80.
Now, if your primary fun is in upgrading models then you can do a lot to the Lima, but I guess you'll become close to that £80

And then when you run it, it won't perform as well as the Hornby and that can be a little disappointing when you've put all that work in.

[Derekstuart]

Excuse the double post

 

They do look good, Paul. I think your weathering brings out their features quite nicely.

[brittannia]

Not many for £80 on e bay, the Mainline ones are usually the cheapest, but these were heavily discounted many years ago,obviously a slow seller.

There is one EWS class 60  [60048] starting at £50, sound been taken out , lights not working , but possibly just bad contact and some bits missing, all usually cheap and easy to buy

[rob D2]

No, they seem to keep going up, probably in response to lack of supply.

I remember the first three could be had for £65 each from hattons,

Was that really only 10 years back !