Physicsman

I'd like to think the "massive summer discounts" will materialise but I have my doubts!

Jeff

Hello Peter,

How I've missed your thread with over 100,000 views is beyond me. BR blue is not my favourite, but I've just spent a very happy half-hour scanning through the posts. Some wonderful stuff here - I did a double take at the photo you posted in # 1306, so real did it appear!

I shall follow proceedings with intent from now on.

Jeff

 

The decision was the Bachmann model, in the LNER livery.

So whilst I am more than happy to say the Hornby B1 is the better overall model, it's not better by enough that I have changed my mind on the factor of cost.

 

I did say right at the start that economics would play a big part in my decision as to what to buy this time around, and I'm content that I am getting models I will be happy with, whilst also saving a few quid.

 

But that is not my current situation, hence my decision to stick with the still really rather good Bachmann alternative.

 

Good for you. It's nice to see a man who sticks to his principles!

Thanks for divulging!

Jeff

Gilbert, your pics have helped me make my mind up. So much so, I'm preordering my choice now.

 

Just waiting on a response from David Bradwell RE castings, and the intended small fleet of 3 should be finished by April.

 

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and photographs of the two models. Has helped enormously with the choice.

Well, Simon, after all your umming and aarrghing... would you care to tell us which model you decided upon?

I know it was initially the Bachy, but has the swingometer moved to Hornby?

Best wishes,

Jeff

Thanks great northern - superb hi-res pictures. Agree with your comments: Hornby very good, chimney not-withstanding, Bachy a true competitor. I think I'm biased, but it certainly stands the test of time. Even the smokebox door doesn;t look too small.

 

Is this post a red herring?

 

In response to Pennine... maybe GN's pictures have s-kippered many people's ability to choose between the two models. Just buy both!

Jeff

Many thanks to spamcan and XF. Once an idea gets into your head it's hard to reject it.

Cheers,

Jeff

I had to salmon up all my reserves of courage to post that too...

 

Dave.

Drat! You beat me to it Dave. I was re-reading the last 5 pages of this thread and was just about to ask SAC if he was going to salmon-up the courage to buy the Hornby, rather than the Bachmann.

Nevermind, maybe the current humour just goes to show we are running out of things to say about these turbot-charged models?!! Ouch. No more fish jokes from me - I will just sea hello and wave goodbye...

Jeff

Is the mazak chassis problem restricted to the 31 270 vintage or has anyone reported more recent problems?

My 2010 green D5511 still seems ok, but it makes you wonder if the metal contamination was limited to the early models.

Jeff

I've haddock up to here with these cheap-skate jokes!

You all must B - one of those comedian types!

Sorry (not really!).

Jeff

The Hornby one is nice but for some reason it just doesn't quite do it for me. It just somehow looks too nice and "ornate" for such an anonymous class of locomotive. Might just be the weathering but the Bachmann one looks a lot more rugged and workmanlike.

Agree with you there bluex5. I found the same kind of thing with the 4MTs a few years back. The Hornby 4MT had the finer detail, but seemed a bit "clinical" with its shiny valve gear etc. Maybe the same thing here - VERY subjective! The dirtier Bachy looks the biz.

Got a few of each version of 4MT and will get at least one of each B1, so it doesn't really matter I suppose.

In the end as long as both types perform and chug round my layout I will be a happy chappy.

Jeff

Does it really matter which version you buy as long as you are happy with it?

Personally, I prefer Bachmann locos. But I've got a Bachy 31-716 and a Hornby R3000 on order and I shall enjoy "playing" (am I allowed to make a statement of such gravitas in esteemed company?) with both when they arrive!

Jeff

I've been told due 5th December. Usual caveat exemptor

Hope you are right David, as I have one on pre-order. With all the potential new releases it's looking like an expensive Christmas!