jonnyuk

yes a 55 would be amazing, like you say fits in really well with transition era Eastern stuff Hornby are doing

you can change the draw bar to bring them closer, but you maybe compromised on R2 curves. this is not new tooling, things have changed in the last 2 years, and indeed Hornby with their new tool stuff does have close coupling.

never really paid much attention to these, out of location although in my steam era. They are stonking coaches and the detail does look to be there, its all going to be in the livery application. Its really good to hear the designer talk about them, sounds like he knows what he is talking about and almost given free rein to make them the best possible coaches which is refreshing from Hornby. i might come to eat my words on this but who says Hornby can't produce things to the quality of say AS. its an expensive train though, deep pockets required.

just had a quick, some nice items, good find

Would not waste your breath, it’s the same members spouting the same rubbish, any excuse on any thread to have pop and knock it. id welcome AS doing a tt loco, a 92 with some mk5 coaches would be very nice, can’t see it happing though, as some one else has said some of the AS wagons and mk2 coaches would go nicely, why bother when their OO stuff is doing so well, I wonder if the figures are abit of fun though

I’ll tell you why, because it does not suit the narrative of the new boys doing a great job, fault free, 100% accurate, fully detailed, unsurpassed new features products, supporting the retailer by not giving great rewards schemes and discounts on multiple buys on direct selling 👍. i should say those who push the narrative also have no problem buying direct rather than at the retailers they so dearly cherish, funny eh. ill step away before I’m burnt to a crisp on sight as that seems to be the done thing if you do not subscribe to said narrative.

fair point on the signals, i do think the range is starting to get joined up, it was never going to be joined up at the start, they needed stuff that sells and that's well recognised loco's, hence the a3 etc, its starting to come together

how can you say that, j50's coming this autumn, new container wagons to go with the 66's, signals might look abit bland but they are needed. all useful stuff

really, you think steam is a gimmick? all manufacture's are been asked to push the boundaries with detail and features. Hornby have done that with various products/features over the last 12 months but get slammed by a few for doing that, they really can't win. Does a double or single chimney really make a difference when its going round the layout with steam coming out of it? i think not.

but they have all sold out and run 2 is not for some time. take your point though allot of cost for what would be a high risk return

i got an email from Rails yesterday saying the blue ones are in stock

sorry for the rubbish quality but here is my hst in all its glory

Excuse me, it’s my opinion not a fantasy, I’m going on what a local shop has said to me and my own observations. It’s forum members like your self that jump on anyone saying anything even remotely against AS that stifles debate, opinion and comment. I was not rude, aggressive and clearly stated it was my opnion. I even said I was looking forward to receiving product from AS, they make great stuff and I’ve always said that. You will not stop me posting my opinion, only the forum admins will do that.

hi Fran, thank you for the response, you say all the right things, proof will be in the pudding as they in the longer term. the coaches look fab and i'm looking forward to them, as to the other stuff mentioned, i see it slightly differently but that's just my opinion, anyway back to coaches ta

Your statement about non steam modellers might of held true for some models designed years ago (but still been released such as the 87) but the new non steam stuff coming through with 21 pin sockets are fine, the newer hst point in case.

all my coaches came in seperate boxes but on the same day, quick email to Hornby and all the postage has been refunded. this has been covered lots on here.

pics sorted of the mk3 coaches. fitted the hm7000 decoders to the power cars, i take it back what i said about the bogies, these hst's are stunning in everyway. Hornby really have produced some fine models here, to all the tt bashers, do one.

well those big black images are not revealing much...let me try again

Some pics of the mk3 coaches, overall I’m really really impressed. Livery is good, detail is good, glazing is good. I can’t comment on prototype accuracy but they look like swallow mk3 coaches so I’m happy. hopefully tomorrow I can pull the layout out and get them all running.

payment taken and shipping notice received for all my mk3 coaches, should be here in the next couple of days

mine arrived on friday. had a quick to make sure all was present before putting back in the box. i'll have a proper look tomorrow and post some pics. first impressions, very good livery application, just the right amount of detail, good weight to the both cars, i would say the bogies could be better but then given the size maybe the seperate detail is not needed, swings and around abouts.

My hst set is on the way and the coaches are been picked, so fingers crossed should have the set by Monday, train pack by Friday .

i've been thinking that for some time, go for it and let me know if it starts smoking! on a serious note, i thought the prodigy did not use xpressNet?

You are correct, I changed the addresses to lower numbers and it’s all working, I do need to look at how I can upgrade the firmware though. in terms of the dongle, it’s a brilliant bit of kit and is a game changer for me for controlling locomotives, only down side is still having to have a DCC system to amend non hm7000 decoders

that would explain allot then, although i did try resetting to 3, will give it another go tonight.