Black 5 Bear

Hopefully not as I've got one of those on order as well. Just a bit annoying having paid upfront and the release date keeps being put back.The Crosti's are obviously in production as we have photographs from the Australian ebay site.

Hornby now show arrival in the UK on their website as 23/09/15. I really can't understand why this item is available in NZ and OZ (both versions) in plentiful supply it seems and not released in the UK. I hope this is not another repetition of the "Exeter" fiasco, had I not already paid in full over a year ago I would be now be hitting the cancel button !!!

A previous posting in regard to this model actually shows both versions in OZ .They are featured on eBay. The picture which you refer to is a pre-production picture which has been in existence since mid 2014. I think the seller is trying to create a bit of panic buying suggesting it has been sold out in the UK and will be collectable.Nice as it is, it's still a Railroad model !

If that's the case,maybe Dapol shouldn't show the pre-production models when the general release date for this item is expected to be next month.

Apart from the livery and headlamp issue's, this 73 just doesn't look right to me. Think I'll be keeping hold of my old Lima versions (remotored) for some time !!!

I was aware of this with the recent Blackmotor release, however I was under the impression that the majority of their warehousing was in the UK and that stock would be shipped far and wide from there. Obviously not the case any more, I think the e-bay seller maybe hyping things up to get a sale. He can keep them at £200 + !!!!!!

After waiting such a long time for this loco to be released,I will be somewhat miffed if my pre-order is not forthcoming.How come NZ and OZ now get new releases before the UK and since when has this been common practice ??????

I'm not knocking Hornby for one moment, but when I went onto the Hornby site to look at the production photos of R3234, it shows a Late BR KI 62024.

Oh no, taboo subject, please don't mention the cost of models on this website as it really angers some folk, lol....

Scope for someone to produce an aftermarket pony truck, I think someone mentioned Comet for etched brass steps. With a bit of heavy weathering, Job done.....

From photographs it appears to be the former super detailed tender from the 7MT's, the chassis should be good as it is by all accounts a total redesign and will be used on the other 9f models in the range. Hornby are now quoting a date on their website for the late crest version as 3/08/15 whilst the early crest version is still mid November. It changes by the day, lol. Just looked again, both versions now shown as 18/08/15 !!!!

Callum, Kernow Models stated this morning that it "should" arrive within the next two weeks, however as this has now been given the 16/11/15 date by Hornby I somehow doubt it. The dealers now have no way of checking as the website for deliveries is now defunct and all info contained on the database is out of date. Seems interested parties still have a bit of a wait for this release....

From various source's, the general consensus is that the early crest has no side smoke deflector whilst the late crest version does have this component fitted.

Personally I think that the main picture we have on the Hornby website is a pre-production version, the photo shot of this loco in action at the Scotrail exhibition appears to be somewhat better detailed. Has anyone actually seen the finished product as yet ?????

You are 100% correct Sir, there is no justification for the some of the price hikes we have seen and that is the view of many a retailer. Many concur that they will not stock certain items from certain manufacturers in the future. It will be interesting to see what would happen to pricing should we (God Forbid) have another recession !!!!

Gareth, Having been a customer of yours in the past, I consider your pricing structure to be very fair with good customer service. This is a welcome contrast from some other retailers I could mention. I fully understand that you are in business to make a living and have overheads, please take it as read that my comments do not apply to Trains4U. Unfortunately price hiking does happen on old stock and has been clearly evident recently. Would a car dealer be able to sell an old model at the RRP of a new model ??? I think not !!!!

And why shouldn't people discuss and compare the price of products from different suppliers, certain shops have got previous for hiking costs on old items that they have in stock and increase it when the manufacturer increases the RRP. We are told today by the UK Government that CPI is now 0% and RPI is 1%.The pound is strong and has been for some time so imports should be more competitive, this does not reflect in the pricing of model railway products, so are we being taken for a ride ???? Some on this site take it as a personal affront when others criticize pricing, as I've said before each to their own people are entitled to their own opinion. Please respect the views of others before launching at them.

Kernow Model Shop also confirm that this model will be available within the next 7 days, so I suspect this is not a "False Dawn".

For all who await this loco, my local dealer states that it is due for release on Tuesday the 14th.

Callum, you might not be waiting too long,Hornby website now shows anticipated delivery as 1/07/15. In due course (holidays permitting) I look forward to a full review by yourself.

I bow to superior knowledge, in any case whether it is early or late BR totem, it will I suspect given Hornby's resurgence be a popular choice.

According to a very good source in the trade, one of the Spam Can Merchant Navy class will be Clan Line in Brunswick Green with early BR totem. Think this was the final livery before being rebuilt. Let the frothing begin!!!!

So much so Ian, I'm thinking of changing my pre-order from the late BR version. Absolutely stunning model.

Personally this loco has been on my wishlist for ages, I think it will sell in sufficient numbers due to it's rarety value. Maybe someone will then update the Black Five and Hughes Crab which although good are in need of a makeover and revamp.

On my RR Hall, Olton Hall, the loco chassis did have brake gear fitted and yes you are correct, no brake rodding. This however was easily remedied by purchasing the main range accessory pack from Peters Spares. Despite this being a RR model, even the Scotsman in this range has these features. I would be very suprised if Hornby release this loco without this level of detail, they have otherwise gone to a lot of trouble fitting both sprung buffers and a 5 pole motor which doesn't add up. Perhaps this is why production of this loco has been delayed ?????