DaveClass47

Looks great Calum. Where did you get the spear fencing from? and what was the colour exactly?....humbrol?, I wish I had your width of layout, my scaled down Waverley is great find to operate, but your full scale one will give you hours of operating/shunting fun! Dave

Hi, thanks for your feedback. Really helpful comments. Can I suggest you put your suggestion directly to Hornby via their 'contact us' section of their website. The more people who directly contact Hornby the better! I would love to see Hornby upgrade this model, but it will only have a small chance of happening if we all get in touch with Hornby - or in time another manufacturer! Thanks again. Dave

With respect...if you are not interested in this model then why are you even bothering to make an issue of the poll? Sadly, I am not a professional 'poll maker'. This poll was a simple way of me gauging the opinion of my fellow modellers who do/do not want to see a new 91. I agree, The poll is not perfect, but does that detract from the over all feedback I have received and from the fact that over 80% have consistently said that they would like to see a newly tooled example (whether they have a direct interest in the class or not). Your argument surrounding invalid data is not entirely relevant. One example I have had so far is of a modeller who sent me a message saying that whilst he has no direct interest in this class of locomotive he does feel that it needs to be updated. He was also able to give me feedback on the liveries he thought suited this class of loco the best. If you wish to add your constructive feedback on the current Hornby offering then please feel free to do so. However pointing out the very minor flaws in my poll is not going to bring about a newly tooled 91.

Hi, thanks for your feedback. Really helpful comments. Can I suggest you put your suggestion directly to Hornby via their 'contact us' section of their website. The more people who directly contact Hornby the better! I would love to see Hornby upgrade this model, but it will only have a small chance of happening if we all get in touch with Hornby - or in time another manufacturer! Thanks again. Dave

Excellent work 60800! This is a promising lead. I have had word back from Hornby on this topic, but just to say they consider all requests made to them. However I have made them aware of this thread! What sort of numbers would Dave Jones be looking for the funding target?? Dave

I dont think the MK4 coaches need retooled. They just need NEM couplings, I would be happy with that. The Class 91 chassis was updated to accommodate DCC ready versions, proving it is possible to make changes to existing models without starting from a clean sheet of paper.. As for a new DVT, if they can do it for the MK3 to such a high level of detail then they can manage it for the MK4. Only time will tell. If not enough people want it then it wont happen, that's fair enough. However to try and fail is better than doing nothing (or worse still, just moan about the current offerings without speaking out). Hornby might fob me off with excuses but I will keep hoping!!

Hi, I have already notified Hornby of this running thread and made the case in a lengthy email to their product development team. I can do no more at this stage. If they come back to me and say its 100% a NO GO for them then I will look to make similar suggestions to other manufacturers. However its no good just one person contacting Hornby. If their is indeed an appetite for this locomotive then other people have to do their bit and voice their desires to Hornby and failing that other producers of 00 gauge models.

Yes I agree, I have one of these locos. Its the best detailed paint job I have ever seen on a model loco. But every time I look at it I think "Oh I wish it had working lights!" And etched grilles, sprung buffers.....and so on!!

Another brand B?....Mmm, I wonder who that is?! lol Yes I agree. I dont know why anyone would be satisfied with the current offering, other than those who dont like detailed locos.

Hi Dapol's catenary is good, affordable and easy to fit. However I am STILL waiting for them to introduce twin arms, double span etc, that were announced in 2013, but we are still all waiting, with growing impatience! Dapol are also bringing out cables to go with it, but only in bizarre lengths! I wouldn't use wiring anyway as it gets in the way of cleaning/train recovery etc As for the 91,please vote if you wish. I fully intend to bring the results to Hornby's attention, if nothing happens there then perhaps rapido's etc, I just want a re tool 91 and dvt. Its about time!

To be honest, I just want it made...Hornby are best placed to develop the model they have as opposed to some one else (like Rapido etc) having to start from scratch, which would be more of a barrier financially! Hornby do get their modern image diesel stuff is done well, the 50, 56,60 and the retooled HST. However they focus far too much on steam, and no focus at all on Electrics!

Rob, We live and learn....the poll caused me a whole raft of problems, including refusing to allow me to edit it! Then the next time I tried it let me edit it...drove me mad! The poll asks all of the right questions, but not necessarily in the right order! lol Cheers. Dave

The HST was the flag ship of the ECML from around 1977 - 1989/90. Then the Class 91 came along and became the flagship of the fleet. Is took on more services than the HST. It superseded the HST as the front line, flag ship locomotive of the ECML fleet, as I did say in my previous posting. The HST still operates from Scotland to England daily (I should know, it passes my office several times a day). Therefore as far as I am concerned the 91 dominates and rules the ECML. The HST is still an awesome locomotive which I hope continues for many years to come.

The Intercity 225 sets have been the flag ship of the most famous railway route in Britain since 1989. That's 26 years (and counting) of front line service on the ECML. This locomotive and rolling stock have 'ruled the rails' on the East Coast Mainline for longer than the A3 Flying Scotsman, longer than the A4 Pacifics and even longer than the iconic HST 125. Therefore it DESERVES to be properly represented in model form with modern features and moudlings. All of the other three locos mentioned have received a 'super detail' make over from Hornby, so it surely must be the 91's turn to take its place alongside these iconic locos. Agree with me? Add you comments and fill in the poll! Thanks.

Hi, Thanks for your insight. I see your point and agree in part about Hornby's attention turning to the new IEP trains. However, Bachmann are tooling the cl90, which is also at the same stage in its life to the 91 and Bachmann tooled the 85 back in 2011 long after that loco had gone to the scrap yard. I still think there is scope for this iconic intercity train. Hornby just need to realise that a rapidly increasing number of their customers are now of an age that they grew up in the era of the HST, Class 90, 91 etc, not the steam era they seem obsessed focussing on! Yes a Mallard and a Flying Scotsman are all very nice to recreate the ECML in the 30's - 50's, but who alive today (and who models) remembers these locos in service?, I am glad to say there must be a healthy number, but not as many as remember the HST/91s ruling the east coast mainline! The 91 may not be sexy or a stunner to look at, but are some of the run of the mill steam locos and early diesels any more attractive? ;-)

Hi, Yeah but the Class 91 power car is from the original Hornby 1989 moulding. It lacks detail, no matter what livery you dress it up in. The mk4 DVT car at the back is just as 'toy like' and needs brought up to modern standards.

Thanks Sorry about the limitations of the poll. I am new to putting polls together and arent even sure if you can terminate the poll after one question. I will see if I can alter the poll. Dave

Hi mate, Well all we can do is suggest it! If we get a lot of replies to this thread and a good result in the poll I have then I can forward this information to those at Hornby to chew over the results!! I am determined to get a replacement for the out dated Hornby offerings of the 91 and DVT! The MK4 coaches are actually a decent product, so we have a good basis for improvements with the rest of the 225 sets!

Hi, thanks for your support. You'll see ive been a bit of a wally and started two posts, but one has a poll attached. I had issues with getting the poll to also allow replies! And now it works, aargh! lol

Hi Paul, I chose Hornby as they already have the MK4 coaching stock and an basis to re tool their existing 91 and DVT. I think it is unlikely that any other manufacturer would take on a project if it meant starting the 91 from scratch, and then have to research and develop the MK4 coaching and DVT stock! The easiest way is for Hornby to stand up to the plate and go for it! They need to show faith in the modern image modeler. Also, their past record in re-tooling the HST has shown that they can do a great job when motivated to do so. The current 91 tooling can remain in the range as a Railroad model. That would satisfy that market, but after being on the market since 1990 I think its time Hornby gave us an electric for the 21st century! Feel free to join the campaign. ;-) Dave

The Campaign Starts Here! A NEW CLASS 91 Hi guys. In light of the newly unveiled Virgin East coast liveried Class 91, MK4 stock and DVT I am starting to gather support to kindly 'persuade 'Hornby in to re tool its ancient Class 91 loco, MK4 stock and DVT. The current class 91 is really only a 'Railroad' model!! I have made requests for this to Hornby on numerous occasions. However without large scale support I fear Hornby will continue with or re tooling Steam loco after Steam loco and largely forget about the modern image 'Electric' modeller. If you wish to see a re tooled 91/DVT to modern standards with new motor, fully DCC compliant, up-rated 'super detail' and working lights etc then please add your views to this thread. If I get enough support I will send a link for to this thread to Hornby to show that there is a market for the 91, and MK4, newly tooled, detailed DVT, just like the excellent Hornby MK3 DVT! There is a growing list of possibilities for liveries in this loco and rolling stock: Intercity Swallow GNER NXEC East Coast and now Virgin East Coast! As the 91 is relegated to lesser duties in the years to come I am sure more operators will take these locos and their rolling stock, so more liveries will surely be in the pipeline! I've added this profile of the Intercity 225 (Class 91, DVT and MK4 coaching stock): The Intercity 225 sets have been the flag ship of the most famous railway route in Britain since 1989. That's 26 years (and counting) of front line service on the ECML. This locomotive and rolling stock have 'ruled the rails' on the East Coast Mainline for longer than the A3 Flying Scotsman, longer than the A4 Pacifics and even longer than the iconic HST 125. Therefore it DESERVES to be properly represented in model form with modern features and moudlings. All of the other three locos mentioned have received a 'super detail' make over from Hornby, so it surely must be the 91's turn to take its place alongside these iconic locos. Agree with me? Add your comments and support! Also, what liveries would you like to see the Hornby 91/MK4's produced in? Thanks in advance! Dave

Hi, Your layout is truly inspirational. I saw it in the flesh at Perth Model Rail 2014 and spoke with you guys about how you went about making such an incredible layout. Thanks for all of your tips. I like the sub-station you have, surrounded by green fencing. Its at the end of the layout. Can you tell me, is this a scratch build sub station or a kit/ready to use model? I would very much like one like it for my layout! I hope you can help. Thanks. Dave

Hi, Oh I wish someone would re-tool the 91. I have a small fleet of the 1990 moulded 91 from Hornby and while it is a decent looking model it can do with a revamp. Working lights, side grilles, couplers, pantograph etc. The Hornby MK4 coach is good, but the MK4 DVT is not in the same league as the Hornby MK3 DVT. I would love to see Hornby steal a march on Bachmann (who are starting to tread on Hornby's turf a bit with this latest CL90!) and give us an all signing, all dancing Class 91, MK4 and new DVT in Swallow livery. Iconic livery for an iconic British Loco! I would also love to see a newly tooled 87!