I bought the Hornby "The Tyseley Connection" for less than £130 inc p/p knowing I would be modifying the loco and coaches. I have now removed the ejector manifold without damaging the body, phew TG. I can understand Mr Leigh reluctance to remove said manifold as I am now down to the piping running along the frame, this is the tricky bit. The body finish is self colour probably a Hornby cost saving measure but once its lightly weathered I won't be able to tell the difference. The coaches are quite good needing IMO only the end and roof pipes to replace with wire.
I do have a Bachmann Guild Hall and its its not perfect by any a long way. The smoke box dart is moulded, the boiler piping is missing other than the manifold. Although DCC ready fitting a sound chip was a trial. There is no fall plate supplied loose or fitted. The tender has moulded handrails all round and is very chunky and worst of all its a terrible runner. The lining is oversize, but I'll stop there. Compared to the Hornby Pitchford Hall its a 50-50 situation, but the Hornby Hall runs so sweetly. So chaps get your craft knife out and start cutting, that's what modellers do, isn't it?
Mike