Black 5 Bear

IMHO, the Bachmann close coupling clip is far superior to that of the Hornby offering and certainly more robust.

Thanks for the update Ian,my sentiments entirely! I trust you're judgement and like yourself, will be keeping my pre-orders.

Unfortunately Mike, I can't see that happening any time soon, that is unless they've been working on it for some time. It may well be that the Hornby BR versions - Glasgow Highlander, the Caprotti and the S+S versions will be better finished. The irony is that the new close coupling function doesn't improve the loco to tender gap, when you actually compare it with the outgoing model. I think many people will now bemoan the passing of the devils plug!

Still currently available to order on the Hornby website. If It's not up to scratch or not what you want, return it. A win win situation!

TBH, on the second run, that's the closest you're going to get me thinks.

D9000, Royal Scots Grey in current preservation condition is being produced, one of which I have on pre-order.

Ian, if my pre-orders are not up to scratch, they'll be going back end of. Purchasers need to send manufacturers a clear message and return expensive models, which are substandard or don't hit the mark!

What's the betting we'll seeing improvements on the highlighted concerns/issues on both the steam/sound and Rails variants due for release later in the year?

I don't blame you Mike. Personally, I'll keep my two pre orders going with Hornby, as the Caprotti version isn't currently in the main range and the S+S version was secured for a very good price, which will be even better with spending a few points. If I encounter any of the reported problems with these models, they will be returned for a replacement or refund.

Maybe an opportunity for some enterprising individual(s) from smaller suppliers to produce working replacement lamps? At least we still have the option of their removal and the fitting of the lamp irons from the accessory pack.

The fit/finish on this loco does bode well for the BR versions, which by all accounts (S+S excepted) are imminent.

I saw the LMS version 5200 displayed in the glass cabinet at Model Junction in Bury St Edmunds last Saturday. Despite the misgivings of many on here about the lamps, they actually look ok and don't overly detract from the overall look of the model. Maybe this is due to the them being black rather than white on the BR versions? Hopefully, the spare lamp irons as promised by Hornby will be included with these locos. IMHO, this model is a major step up from the previous incarnation. Looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered Caprotti and Steam/Sound versions whenever they may arrive.

R30224, the LMS version 5200 is shown as in stock.

I think Fran and Mc C both mentioned in previous posts that no money is required to be paid until the pre ordered items are in stock....

Still shown on the official OR website as £19.95 RRP for all variants, but I fully expect this will change. Rails of Sheffield for example have it listed for pre-order for £16.95!