Hornby B1

[robmcg]

Indeed the Bachmann B1 model is an impressive and attractive model considering its age.  The Bachmann version I have photographed is 61008 'Kudu' factory weathered. I have always liked factory weathering even if only as a basis for more specitic effects. One wonders if the Hornby B1 will be about as good as it gets for current 00 models which were under £100 retail.

 

I agree that Chris at TMC is doing superb work ... with a range of very good weathering effects, soot in the right places, rust also, and very good grime and or oil around underframes etc., and most importantly, coverage is even and very skillfully applied. They must have a well-designed production line system, and the amount of specialised work they do is considerable also.

 

Mind you, I would say that because I have recently bought a number of BR era steam engines from them! <g>

 

Rob

Edited May 9, 2013 by robmcg

[CUTLER2579]

Quote "

Mind you, I would say that because I have recently bought a number of BR era steam engines from them! <g>

 

Rob. "   Quote

 

Well you know it makes sense.

I have the pleasure of Knowing all three Chris's at TMC. Mr Yates (Senior), Chris Yates (Son) and Chris ?? (my memory lets me down --Again) and there all lovely people. Have purchased from TMC for nearly two decades now and always been very happy. My last two purchases were "O" Gauge  and I did not have the dogs dangly bits to have them weathered, but now got mixed feelings about that decision.However I can still have them done but I could not have the weathering removed.

 

Regards, Derek.

[hornbyandbf3fan]

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=R2998&style=main&strType=&Mcode=Hornby

 

I'm currently saving up for a B1 and reading through this I can't wait! Just need to sell some unused stuff and I'll have enough(and a bit more hopefully!) Gaugemaster have a sale on them at the moment. £103 for a DCC fitted one (which I'm saving up for) and about £90 for a DCC ready one.

[Horsetan]

Hattons offered a Hornby B1 as one of their periodic "Sixty-Nine" or "Seventy-Nine" quid specials last year. I seem to recall just about everyone on the Forum went out and bought one!

[hornbyandbf3fan]

Hattons offered a Hornby B1 as one of their periodic "Sixty-Nine" or "Seventy-Nine" quid specials last year. I seem to recall just about everyone on the Forum went out and bought one!

Well that would be perfect now!

[micklner]

Signal Box have them for £69

[hornbyandbf3fan]

Signal Box have them for £69

Wow! Thanks, that should save me a bit of money!

[The Black Hat]

Well Ive gone and done it. Ive attacked my model of 61138 as Im thinking what with delays and so forth any B1 with a Darlington type smokebox will be ages away. While I was thinking of modelling 61264 as it is at present my heart has won and Ive gone and done some modelling to back date the engine to its guise of around 2000-2008 before its last overhaul.

 

Ive used a Hornby D49 front to be the donor, and attached some plastic-card to add a lamp bracket and numberplate. The bracket is disgused with a headboard 'The Good Endeavour' my play on the Endeavour Explorer that the NYMR ran a few years ago. Considering the age of the previous model the front looks good and accurate. Im not going the whole hog of changing the smokebox door handles too, even if this was done in a recent model rail magazine article that spurred me into tackelling this challenge that has been on the to do list for a while.

 

What Im needing now are some electric lights to go onto the bufferbeam and the electric generator that sits on the running board next to the smokebox door. Can anyone suggest where to get these from? Thanks in advance...

[davidw]

Try DMR, alternatively, you can get lights/lamps e generator type from Bachmann. But I would tell them it for a Hornby B1

[The Black Hat]

Try DMR, alternatively, you can get lights/lamps e generator type from Bachmann. But I would tell them it for a Hornby B1

 

Actually following your idea, its Bachmann to the rescue. I have an old B1 model, oddly enough of a green 1264, one of two older Bachmann B1s with the split chasis that I had. One is sold the other for spares as it was damaged. I talked to a Bachmann rep at Shildon about how good their updated model is. To be honest given the pair the body still holds up well. What swayed it for me was the decoder socket in the tender in Hornbys model as it makes fitting sound to it a lot easier. I was disapointed when the Hornby model brought out the North British and Doncaster style smokebox. Its one of the clearer signs of an engines past but it seems all traces of North Eastern heritage are removed or discounted. No doubt, after all my efforts wanting a Darlington style smokebox on my B1, 61264 will be done by Hornby. It happened with by 46115 that I altered and then they announced. For the western fans, Ive just done 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe so expect that to be out too.

 

So, back to my B1, and the spares off the old model for the dynamo and the electric lights will be added in due course. Will update with photos when I get the chance.

[the penguin of doom]

Hi David.

 

Any chance of some piccies of your work? 61264 is one of my preferred choices to model and I'd also recommend a DMR price list for any future projects.

 

I used some on my K1 and L1 conversions a few years back and found them invaluable.

 

Cheers.

 

Sean.

[gordon s]

Indeed the Bachmann B1 model is an impressive and attractive model considering its age.  The Bachmann version I have photographed is 61008 'Kudu' factory weathered. I have always liked factory weathering even if only as a basis for more specitic effects. One wonders if the Hornby B1 will be about as good as it gets for current 00 models which were under £100 retail.

 

I agree that Chris at TMC is doing superb work ... with a range of very good weathering effects, soot in the right places, rust also, and very good grime and or oil around underframes etc., and most importantly, coverage is even and very skillfully applied. They must have a well-designed production line system, and the amount of specialised work they do is considerable also.

 

Mind you, I would say that because I have recently bought a number of BR era steam engines from them! <g>

 

Rob

 

You may find this of interest, Rob.  Very much a work in progress, but here's Kudu with a Comet chassis that I was working on last year.  It's gone back in the box for now, but hopefully will run again once ET gets into shape...

 

[Horsetan]

Don't forget detail parts are available from Dave Bradwell. The only B1 part he doesn't make is the Darlington smokebox door that 61264 carried until recently.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

... One wonders if the Hornby B1 will be about as good as it gets for current 00 models which were under £100 retail...

 Of Hornby tender locos perhaps, but Bach still have headroom within this price point. The very desireable J11 for example, hopefully maintaining the standard of the 3F and C. Fingers crossed for lots more in this vein, cannot have enough small, characterful, black, rusty and grubby freight power...

[The Black Hat]

 Of Hornby tender locos perhaps, but Bach still have headroom within this price point. The very desireable J11 for example, hopefully maintaining the standard of the 3F and C. Fingers crossed for lots more in this vein, cannot have enough small, characterful, black, rusty and grubby freight power...

 

All true, but more so if 00 gauge finally gets north of York and us in the North East finally get an engine for our long lost region.

[The Black Hat]

Hi David.

 

Any chance of some piccies of your work? 61264 is one of my preferred choices to model and I'd also recommend a DMR price list for any future projects.

 

I used some on my K1 and L1 conversions a few years back and found them invaluable.

 

Cheers.

 

Sean.

 

 

Hello Sean

 

I took soem photographs but did the work at night and used the camera on my phone so will endeavour to get some better ones.

 

Here the doors are to be replaced.

 

 

I attached the Darlington smokebox off the LNER D49 I have that has been sitting idle for years as its not DCC and not sound chipped. Its unlikey to run again, its not boxed so was almost volunterring to surrender its box door. The other donor, a Replica B1 of 1264 in LNER Green was in a similar state and was already used to repair another one whos chassis had siezed.

 

 

The new door is attached and on the Hornby body. Some black plasticard has been added to make a smokebox door numberplate, which has been cut down a bit more since.

 

 

 

The locomotive back on the frame of the running chassis. The tender has been removed so that the crests can be changed to the BR Late crest that 61264 had before its recent overhaul.

 

At the moment the smokebox door is changed and the crests changed. I will get more pics later and update when the numbers and transfers have done. DCC sound is also getting fitted.

[Michael Delamar]

i think when i get one ill renumber it as 61010 Wildebeeste as my uncle always mentioned he saw it a few times at Walton on the hill shed Liverpool, not sure of modifications required, if any to do this to the new Hornby model as im not well up on the b1s.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16749798@N08/3024226265/

Its been over 2 years since I posted this, Ive only just got one, id still like to do Wildebeeste if its possible. Does anyone know where is best to get nameplates please?

Mike

[the penguin of doom]

Try Fox Transfers or 247 developments Michael.

 

I got some "Impala" nameplates from Fox. I picked "Impala" since I've eaten one alfresco in Africa...... Not a full one of course.....!

 

Cheers.

 

Sean.

[31A]

After the excitement of a certain big green 2-8-2, today I was able to collect something more mundane but much more suitable from my local model shop - the long awaited (by me, anyway!) B1 61270 (R3114 - BR late crest), for which I had placed an order getting on for 2 years ago.  I was interested to see how it would differ from the other Hornby B1s that I have; both of these started life as R2999 61138 (early crest), although one has now been renumbered and weathered, etc.

 

 

This engine carries representations of the electric lighting equipment fitted to a large number of B1s - as far as a model is concerned, this consists of the electric headlamps front and rear (with lamp irons on top), and a representation of the steam driven generator on the right hand side of the smokebox.  There is also a pipe or conduit running horizontally along the right hand side of the boiler, from the cab to the generator.  On the model, these are present with the conduit being moulded as part of the boiler.  Unfortunately, it stops at the join between the boiler and the smokebox and consequently doesn't reach as far as the generator!

 

 

 

 

On the rear of the tender, the lamps / lamp irons are present and correct as is the conduit which connects them   These items all seem to be separately added details, and on mine there is no section of conduit joining the left hand lamp with the middle one - which I assume there should be; not sure whether this item is missing or broken from my specimen, or is absent by design?  It should be possible to replace with a piece of blackened wire.  Also on the tender, the rear coal plate is in the 'forward' position adopted for these tenders from the 1950s, and is of the later higher type.

 

 

I had wondered whether this model would have AWS fittings, but this is not the case.  I don't know when (or if) the real 61270 was fitted with AWS, but I may add these fittings myself using a battery box (attached to the fireman's side step) 'robbed' from one of my now-withdrawn Bachmann B1s and a reservoir on the running plate from a piece of rod.  Nevertheless the bag of bits to add does include an AWS deflector plate to fit under the front buffer beam; I don't think this was included with the R2999 models.  However the NEM coupling pocket on the bogie protrudes so much that it would be impossible to fit this!  This model has a screw coupling fitted at the front; however the NEM coupling pocket fouls this even if it is stowed onto the draw hook.  I think I'll be taking a hacksaw and files to the bogie casting to get rid of the coupling pocket.

 

Other bits supplied to be attached by the purchaser include vacuum and steam pipes for the buffer beams, cylinder drain cocks, brake rigging for loco and tender, and front footsteps.  None of these had been added when I took the photographs, and sadly I've so far been unable to fit the front steps to B1s, as the footplate narrows towards the front and consequently I find they foul the bogie wheels.  The bag also includes an optional screw coupling for the tender, and an auto coupling for the front.

 

Otherwise, the model is well finished with the livery beautifully applied, including a 32A (Norwich) shed plate on the smokebox door.  The engine runs smoothly straight from the box, and on testing, all pick ups on the loco and tender make good contact with their wheels.  The tender drawbar gives alternative 'wide' and 'close' positions; on previous experience I should be able to run the loco on the 'close' setting if I trim back the tender buffers.  The electrical connection is by pre-fitted plug.

 

The three letter code on the box is 'REF'.  I see there is also an R3114A version to come, advertised as 61267.

[Market65]

Hi, 31A. I like how you've reviewed the B1 61270 from Hornby. I think, having looked, just now, on my layout, at the 'Scottish' B1 61243, from the first batch, I think what may have happened is that Hornby have used the 'non-electric light' smokebox on this latest B1. The horizontal conduit is indeed missing, and also the conduit which goes from the electric light generator up the side of the smokebox to the top electric light is also absent. Also there is another conduit which curves down from the generator to power the lower electric lights, which is missing on this model.

 

Also I notice that Hornby have not put on the brass surround to the spectacle plate windows. I must add that these things will not put me off from making a purchase, for they are all correctable by those who wish to do so, using 0.4mm wire and glue.

 

All the best,

 

Market65.

[31A]

Hi, 31A. I like how you've reviewed the B1 61270 from Hornby. I think, having looked, just now, on my layout, at the 'Scottish' B1 61243, from the first batch, I think what may have happened is that Hornby have used the 'non-electric light' smokebox on this latest B1. The horizontal conduit is indeed missing, and also the conduit which goes from the electric light generator up the side of the smokebox to the top electric light is also absent. Also there is another conduit which curves down from the generator to power the lower electric lights, which is missing on this model.

 

Also I notice that Hornby have not put on the brass surround to the spectacle plate windows. I must add that these things will not put me off from making a purchase, for they are all correctable by those who wish to do so, using 0.4mm wire and glue.

 

All the best,

 

Market65.

Thanks Market65!  I must admit I did wonder whether something like that may have happened, as the conduit finishes abruptly at the smokebox.

 

I wondered whether the 'Scottish' one was the same or not; I don't have one myself although I did consider getting one.  I thought they might be the kind of thing that might be 'remaindered' cheaply, and noted that two of the real ones were reallocated to English sheds (although not sure whether they correspond in other details to the model); however before I found one going cheap 61270 was announced so I've waited for that instead rather than be too greedy!

 

I may consider adding the missing bits with wire; after all I added all the conduits to the Bachmann ones as they didn't have any of it modelled!

 

I've just had another look at 61270 and the front spectacle frames are there, part of the cab front moulding, they just haven't been picked out with 'brass' paint.  To be honest I think I prefer them like that - I don't suppose they stayed shiny long in reality - but it would be possible to pick out the mouldings with paint and some care.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

...  I was interested to see how it would differ from the other Hornby B1s that I have ... the model is well finished with the livery beautifully applied ...runs smoothly straight from the box, and on testing, all pick ups on the loco and tender make good contact with their wheels.  ... The three letter code on the box is 'REF'...

That's very positive, one of their best past introductions   developed with Sanda Kan now restored to production with one of their new manufacturing partners, and generally passing muster.

[The Black Hat]

Looks like an NER type smokebox door too but cant be sure. The model does look good and I especially like the electric lighting lamps on the bufferbeam. Well done Hornby.

['CHARD]

I will use this as a (not really required) excuse to call into HobbyRail and see one in the flesh this coming weekend, all being well.  

 

About time I supported my local retailer.  Assuming that he received stock, of course.

Edited September 23, 2014 by 'CHARD

[31A]

Looks like an NER type smokebox door too but cant be sure. The model does look good and I especially like the electric lighting lamps on the bufferbeam. Well done Hornby.

 

I did wonder whether they would do the 'other' kind of smokebox door, but it seems to be the same as the one on 61138.

 

I noticed Rails have photos (rather than catalogue images) of the other late B1 model on their web site (R3114A, 61267), and unless my eyes deceive me this seems to have the more angular type of dome cover:

 

https://railsofsheffield.com/Hornby-br-4-6-0-thompson-b1-antelope-class-br-late-b1-61267-r3114a-JJJA27060.aspx