84A

Quite randomly, i've just stumbled across the pre-owned section on Hatton's website and they are certainly some real `jems', including this one. I appreciate they sell for a tidy sum on eBay anyway, but if major retailers are hyper inflating pre-owned stock to these levels, its no wonder the likes of Hornby and Bachmann keep increasing the initial RRP value of models when the second hand market appears to be stronger than the new one in places! Not eBay I know, but still madness in my opinion.

Without doubt the best looking rake of R222 Kellogs Vans from Hornby i've ever seen: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAKE-OF-7-Hornby-MODEL-TRAIN-OO-GAUGE-R183-R222-KELLOGGS-LWB-VANS-SMOOTH-RUNNERS-/321619192065?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item4ae1ff6901

Shrink wrapped for that long that the box has started to collapse on itself! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tri-ang-Hornby-R871-LMS-7P-4-6-2-Loco-King-George-VI-Still-factory-sealed-MIB-/400824708833?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item5d5303aee1 The shrink wrap is only coming undone at the one end, and it doesnt have the cardboard sleeve. What price would you be looking to pay for a completely shrink wrapped cardboard included version that you'll never be able to use?

I have exactly the same problem. My understanding is that its particularly noticeable with NEM couplings. I loaded up my P2 on a scale 1 in 40 with 13 coaches (after initial tests with 7, 9 and 11) - it started to struggle, but still a brilliant performance. That being said, as it crested the hill, the front wheel on the second coach had derailed somewhere at the bottom and was dragging along. This also happened when I bought Hornby's Golden Arrow set +2 coaches - making 8 in all. Got to the top, second/third coach would derail. No matter how I gapped the wheels, or re-arranged the rake, the same still happened. I cured it (with this rake at least) by removing all of the coach weights. The tension on the front couplings is still there, but there isn't such a weight hanging off them now. 13 coaches is too much for my layout anyway, so i'm going to look further, but nice to see it put through its paces. That being said, the angle at which some NEM couplings point is also worth looking into, as I know this has been an issue for me in the past. I kind of fudge it by re-arranging the rake, or couplings within the rake, but i'd be interested to see the behaviour of through piped stock. Would also just like to add my appreciation for the images - I especially like the first one!

Thanks Roy for the update, good to hear you got one safely. I would have bought one on Saturday, but was just a bit short money-wise, hence why I held off until yesterday when I could justify it. I haven't received mine yet, but from what i've read/heard about it I think the price of around £100-£140 is actually pretty good for the model that you get (if anything, I think Hornby may have undersold it). Admittedly, there are a few areas that could be improved on, but I think it would certainly cost most people a great deal more in both time and money to build one from a kit (such as Proscale) and get it to look anywhere near as good. For anyone else interested, six were listed on eBay yesterday: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/R3207-LNER-2-8-2-Cock-O-The-North-P2-Class-INSTOCK-NOW-STOCK-IS-LIMITED-/251648754256?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3a976f4250 The price though is a little inflated and probably the most expensive i've seen to date. EDIT: 5 Sold, 1 left.

Thanks for the concern, but the model I bought wasn't from Jadlam - sorry, I probably should have made that clearer. It was from another eBayer who had 100% feedback, as it was 95p cheaper. Either way, i'm hoping it turns out OK after seeing various write-ups on here and elsewhere. The Jadlam ones all now appear to have vanished off eBay - not sure if withdrawn or all sold?

Thanks for the info - must admit I hadn't seen that as i've no real interest in the Sentinel. Could very well be 6i rather than 6 then (mathematically speaking :-) )

Yes but how can a Hornby dealer be showing so much stock yet Hornby themselves are showing out of stock? I appreciate your comments regarding negative feedback, and would suggest that this may very well be the case here - I could imagine 1 or 2 floating around, but not 6. I'd have liked to have bought it from my (not so) local shop, but was told they didn't receive many and are completely sold out. (I think I bought something from Jadlam Racing a couple of years ago. To the best of my knowledge I had no issue with the service provided - maybe standards have slipped recently?). EDIT: Another one listed here (with better feedback): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/R3207-Hornby-Loco-LNER-Class-P2-Cock-O-The-North-DCC-Ready/311095580442?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083358%26meid%3D098c3c8c9bfe43fca96e32cae0a2958e%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140107083358%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D400774596264

Please forgive me if i've missed something insanely obvious here. I saw four R3207 models listed on eBay on Saturday @ £130.00 including the post and alerted other members to it. Also, there was one for £135.00 which had already sold. There are SIX (yes SIX!) listed on there now for £115.95, see here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-Loco-R3207-LNER-Cock-O-The-North-Class-P2-/390932866950?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item5b056a2786 My question is how on earth are they available on eBay when big name shops don't have them yet (and can't even guarantee orders)? I saw one on this morning for £115.00 all in which I snapped up right away as i'd got a £20 voucher to spend :-).

If its of help to anyone, four have just been listed on eBay @ £130.00 inc post: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-LATEST-RELEASE-R3207-LNER-P2-CLASS-2-8-2-Cock-O-The-North-/201169821500?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2ed6a7df3c

Interesting item to go in with your Hornby/Bachmann catalogues I guess: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOM-JONES-TOUR-PROGRAMME-/161418375450?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item259548f11a

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/O-gauge-Springside-4808-0-4-2-tank-in-GWR-livery-Buy-it-Now-Spares-or-Repair-/181511630054?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2a42eface6&nma=true&si=Jk14IyZAybMR325w27aPxafjq%252Bo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 A couple of weeks later: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/O-GAUGE-GREAT-WESTERN-14XX-TANK-LOCOMOTIVE-/201166452334?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2ed674766e You can still see the join in the boiler!

The King is a poor choice of model for Hornby in my opinion. Admittedly, the existing model has its flaws, but examples can be readily found on eBay for circa £40, even less in some instances - i've bought at least two at that price. The market is reasonably saturated with examples over the years - are people really going to be prepared to pay at least a ton on top of that knowing that the same loco is being released by a competitor? Extremely doubtful if you ask me! Seems like Hornby really does need a new `Researcher'! To have really put the cat amongst the pigeons, Hornby should have certainly looked into a Thompson Pacific. With Bachmann still clambering to release models from circa two years ago, it would have been the perfect complement to the Gresley P2, regardless of which A2 (or even A1) was produced. Not only that, it would have sold perfectly alongside existing Hornby Gresley 61ft 6in models and also forthcoming Bachmann Thompson stock. Yes, its another Eastern pacific, but you only have to look at the market to see the success they bring. In comparison, the King can be complimented with the Castle models, the forthcoming Hall and existing Hawksworth coaches. The market is flooded with Castles, admittedly not new ones, but flooded all the same - many sold cheaply on eBay. Hall's generally dont sell well, with many examples found fairly cheap second hand, with the same said for Hawksworth coaching stock. People will of course be interested in a King, but Hornby should really be looking at the bigger picture - why just sell a loco when you can sell a loco and a rake of coaches to match? All of this coming from someone living a stones throw away from 84A!

I'm guessing this is supposed to be hooked up to a Hornby Elite, or any other DCC control system: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/playstation-driving-wheel-/301300605478?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item4626ea6226

Sorry about this - I was trying to quote based on the original post, and just clicked reply on your post to use as a template for editing. It seems like it remembered where I got it from though! Yes, but its hardly like the H2 is anywhere near close to appearing on shelves. I'd have just recapped on what hasn't already been released in the hope that people will have forgotten!

As much as I am pleased to hear this annoucement from Bachmann, I can't help feeling it is a knee-jerk reaction to ward off the naysayers and the negative feeling emanating from the main annoucement a month ago. My personal feeling is that it is completely illogial for Bachmann to have annouced a new model at this time. My understanding was that a reduced catalogue was delivered as a direct consequence of various delays in production/shipping. Therefore, why have Bachmann sought to heap more pressure on theirselves by throwing another model into the ring? By Bachmann maths, 18 months will equate to a hopeful date of 2 years (but more realistically 2 and a half), so the question has to be asked - why not just wait until next March? Its hardly like there is a lack of models to come from the company, and with the increase in prices it will come as no suprise that certain models will sit on shelves for longer than they should. Not only that, the model would be at a stage whereby a more firm release date could be given. I'm prepared to predict many grumbles in circa 18 months time when there clearly won't be any sign of the model. I just cannot understand at all the reasoning behind this annoucement at this time and in this manner. Needless to say though, i'm looking forward to owning one!

Offers around the £700 mark for anyone interested: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-apt-advanced-passenger-train-emu-14-car-unit-very-rare-offers-accepted-/111446647686?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item19f2bce386

Just picked up a model of the Compound myself. Its a nice model for the price, but nothing to write home about really. Various boiler details are annoyingly moulded - i'd hoped to re-use them on a damaged Bachmann example I have. The steps should work out great though, and the tender can be adapted and used (moulded coal looks rubbish on this model though and probably should be replaced). I'm probably being a bit biased, as I think we were spoilt a bit by the Jinty, which in my view has been the best GBL loco to date. This model did have various separate boilder fittings, as well as other useful goodies. Its a shame the Compound hasn't followed suit in this regard, but like I say you can't really moan for the price. Based on Bachmann's recent price hike, you'd probably be looking to re-mortgage your house for a spare body moulding anyway, so its worth it for that alone.

Thank you for the information - thats made things a lot clearer! I imagine though that the livery it is carrying is completely incorrect for a loco of 1944? (unless it was done up in that way for a particular reason). EDIT: Scratch what I wrote - i've just found this useful info from the railuk site: http://www.railuk.info/members/steam/getsteam.php?row_id=16122 a) Loco 62000 (LNER No. 4075) was rebuilt with side window cab in 1944 for hauling officers' saloons, painted green and specially renumbered 1 for photographic purposes. When it first emerged from Doncaster late in September 1944, it was painted shop grey and numbered 1, but within a few days it was repainted green. It was not renumbered in the 1943 renumbering scheme although No. 2119 had already been allocated for it. In 1950 it received BR No. 62000. This loco was only one of two to carry the LNER official coat of arms (the other being Class A1 - later Class A3 - Pacific No. 4472 Flying Scotsman for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924-25) between the N and E on its tender. That's my `new thing for the day' learnt!

I'm interested in this recent listing by Rails: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OO-GAUGE-KIT-BUILT-NE-GREEN-CLASS-D3-4-4-0-LOCO-2000-/201150604866?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2ed582a642 The price is a bit stupid and am not really interested in buying it - basically, i'd like to know what it is. Its clearly not a D3 - I own two of them, and a D2, and the cab is obviously not correct. I've had a quick trawl through lner.info to see if I could identify it, but with no luck i'm afraid. My guess is that it is a D2, but that its been fitted with an incorrect cab - the boiler looks more like a D2 than a D3, but the chimney looks suspct as it doesn't seem high enough. Also, i'm pretty sure this isn't DJH: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OO-GAUGE-KIT-BUILT-LNER-CLASS-W1-HUSH-HUSH-LOCO-10000-/201150604865?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2ed582a641 It looks like someone has tried to copy an existing kit (possible SEF)??

I bought one from the Brum store last Saturday (2nd) - there were about eight in there at that time (by the door with Sainbury's metro opposite). I was lucky that I had such a choice, so chose one I thought was in the best condition. I don't normally bother with GBL (after Mallard), as there hasn't been anything produced i've had a use for, but the Jinty was based on the Bachmann model and so caught my eye. I mainly bought it with a view of stripping useable bits, and then weathering up/scrapping the remainder for a shed road on my layout. Not really bothered with the Castle, but am certainly interested in the Compound as I bought a Bachmann model recently second hand with a step (and a couple of other bits) missing.

Certain locos from the Great Gathering/Goodbye sets appear to be hitting saturation. That being said, i'm hoping no-one pays £950 for this lot: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-GREAT-GATHERING-/221517756677?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item33937cb905 Many are damaged (top lampiron and others missing) - and one needs the wires repairing. Plus, all of the cabinet vouchers have gone.

A cheeky selfie with the item for sale? Why not... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-00-Gauge-Gner-Mark-3-1st-Class-Coach-/141360444286?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item20e9bd337e I've noticed a pair of legs in the photo too - what a strange way to take a photo of an item! EDIT: Seen the other items - more serious face in this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-00-Gauge-2nd-Class-Coach-/141360445227?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item20e9bd372b `Thinking' face: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-00-Gauge-Gwr-Pannier-Tank-/141360431747?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item20e9bd0283 Just the legs: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-00-Gauge-Shell-Petrol-Tanker-/141360436111?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item20e9bd138f Failing to hide: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-00-Gauge-Lms-Brake-Coach-/141360843278?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item20e9c34a0e&nma=true&si=odn6aYyTcZ1t%252BpUZLJxaU1t1JRc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 I can't work out why the items arent just put on the floor (or chair, etc) to take a pic of them there?!?

I'm pretty late reporting back on my Garratt, which I received about a month ago now, but thought i'd just say a few words to contribute to what others have written. I ordered the BR Early Crest version, no weathering. The first loco to arrive kind of didn't - I got an annoying red card through the postbox as i'd just popped to the shops. Anyway, after collecting a couple of days later all was not well. Filler cap was loose (as noted elsewhere), but main issue with this model was a crack in the left upright of the cab (the associated glazing was rolling round in the box). I didn't run the model, and unfortunately the crack was too noticeable for me to be tempted to try to repair myself, so I contacted Hattons to request a replacement. They were perfectly happy to receive the loco back, and to send me a replacement out - this all happened very quickly. Second loco to arrive actually did arrive this time. Unfortunately, this model was also damaged and again the major issue was the cab. This time, there was a hairline crack running along the back of the cab, meaning that it didnt actually sit down as it should and was floating around all over the place. One of the bogie brake blocks was also broken - same as before, I didnt run it and felt a repair would be noticeable. Got back on to Hattons, who once again suggested I return the model and sent me a replacement. Third time lucky? Well, in my case i'm glad to report yes. The third model was in much better condition to the previous two, with no cracks or missing components - its a fantastic machine! I've run the model for about an hour or so, and its pretty good - perhaps a bit stiff in one direction, but nothing running in wont sort (any excuse to play trains!). I am very glad to have finally got a decent example of this model, and also thankful that I was able to deal with an excellent retailer in Hattons, who on both occasions were quick to help me. Having heard of the problems others faced with this model, I initially thought having received the second model that I would have to settle for a substandard loco, but would suggest to others to contact Hattons if your model has issues, as (in my case anyway) there were more than happy to help and am very glad now that I didnt stick with the original model.

Interesting - i'll keep an eye out for it. Whilst I am happy to see this model in RTR form, I am well aware that it won't pull the skin of a rice pudding so don't think its worth the asking price IMO. I own a D11, and its incline haulage capability is near enough nothing. Truro is better, but not by a great deal (three coaches as opposed to two) - incline is 1 in 40. Its a model i'd have liked to see Hornby have a go at instead, at least then traction tyres might have featured as opposed to not even entertaining the idea a-la Barwell.