Black 5 Bear

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 ?????

In that case Gents, it looks as though we may have a new chassis complete with brake blocks and separately fitted rigging as per Railroad P2 !!!!!

Another excellent review Callum, well done, I'm patiently waiting for my late crest 700 to appear. I look forward to your next feature.

From what I have seen so far, the 700 Blackmotor is definately on a par with the K1. I cannot wait for my Late BR version to arrive.

Hereford Model Centre have 18 of the early crest weathered version shown as available on their website.

On a slightly diiferent tack, just seen a "pre-owned" Maroon BR version on sale at Hattons for an eyewatering £80 !!!!

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, personally like many others I like this particular loco, It's been a long time in coming considering the only other representation was a very poor Lima effort. A good choice on Hornby's part I think which will sell very well !!!

What an absolute beauty, I'm really glad I pre-ordered two of them.This will without doubt be a very pleasing addition and a timely Christmas present, fingers crossed that it arrives in December !!!!

I agree, just wait a few months and the box shifters will reduce these models substantially.I bought two green liveried 40s with the centre headcode for £77 each from Hatton's.They really are brilliant!

At the price we are being asked to pay for this model, is it not reasonable to expect it to be a perfect runner straight from the box ????

Which one will I buy now, will it be the DJ or the Hornby version. Decisions, decisions ?????

Does anyone know whether or not the Crosti will come complete with fitted brake gear as in the case of the P2 ???

July cannot come quick enough for me to get my hands on both the early and late crest versions, lol.

Spot on Sir, I couldn't agree more.