wappinghigh

Sure if you are talking about the lineside one that's a "batch one"... I've already asked 😀 Looking forward to a "batch two" cropping up (or a Hornby re-release) (Batches here refer to the Hornby "fixes" and better construction of the model after it's initial 2013 release) nothing to do with the history of the actual locomotive development Cheers

Thanks for all the help Mike. I didn’t know that about the previous CEO of Hornby. Geez. And to think the 72XX and indeed all the other Great Western large tank class (versions) before them that they were derived from, are such iconic steam engines and were so common in and around Wales and south west England. And with all the other trouble with Hornby getting these models right (and constructed properly!) -yes it seems there was “batch one”, then “batch two”- to rectify the manufacturing issues of batch one - you’d think after all these years with a Welshman at the helm they would have had a few diecast tools of these by now! Heck even a retooling (it’s been a decade since the last) and a few more versions of the vagaries of these wonderful and varied engines. Not to mention some likely different preserved versions. Yes the actual preserved large GW tank locomotives are few and far between. I get that. Which is a darn shame because they are such awesome machines and amazing examples of living history - but what can you do?! Your absolutely correct. I also get there would be commercial decisions Hornby would have to make. I don’t understand why these tanks aren’t say as popular as a Manor (for example) - and look how many versions there are of those! Now two different manufacturers! But thanks for explaining how there is a way to get around this issue modelling whilst we wait. So thanks to you and everyone for explaining what to do. Cheers.

We need a Welshman to take over Hornby! (And retool the 72XX) Just MO! 😀

Second question. I can't find a source that sells an individual part of the Collett style motion plate. in OO. Anyone know of one? Thanks

When it came to Hornby models of other models in this thread (42XX/52xx) there is a comment elsewhere about the upgraded batches. Later batches (models were better put together, and had brass bearings etc).. the comment was "all the R322X batches had these features (were better) The R312X are the originals without brass bearings and with inferior motors." My question is were there two batches of 72XX and is there any way of telling the difference before actually receiving one (and taking it apart)?

^Hey thanks so much. Sorry for annoying you all - but clearly understanding these plates is a major focus on getting the important history of the Collett over Churchward re-build of various locomotives in these classes correct. And Hornby got that part of the detail of R3127 and R3128 right!!

I'm daft (learning newbie) kindly point to the actual motion bracket/plate. thanks! 😀

Revised description of the currently preserved 72XX locomotives (how they appeared at the time they left service) : 7200 curved drop end, raised running plate over the cylinders, Collett (later) pattern motion bracket. Started life as a later built 42XX (which had become 5275 before conversion into 7200 ) 7202 curved drop end, raised running plate over the cylinders, Collett (later) pattern motion bracket. Started life as a later built 42XX (which had become 5277 before conversion into 7202) 7229 retained the square drop end, straight running plate over the cylinders, and Churchward motion brackett from an earlier built 42xx (which had become 5264 before conversion into 7229) 😀? LOL

Those motion brackets look exactly the same to me? @The Stationmaster will be able to tell us. He wrote a piece - like a decade ago on the differences between the Churchard and the later Collet motion brackets but the pictures from the thread (now archived) are no longer available 😔

Some of the older pictures to illustrate variations are no longer available. What are the main differences between the Collet and Churchward motion brackets? Thanks.

^ Sure. We all live in hope Love these iconic tank engines!

Are there any other options of an OO or O 72XX out there other than the 2013 Hornby tooling? thanks

This is why I want to model a preserved engine as it is now At least I know what it should look like Cheers

Re 72XX Any visual signs between the two batches? Is there any way to tell the Batch one from revised Batch2 (with the bearings) other than taking it apart? How then do I buy one of these on ebay?! 😀

Here is Jenny Kirk talking about the baseplate issues ..quality control seems it was way worse with the curved (raised) plate versions

Sure.. Have I been getting my "raised (curved) footplate" vs raised base plate confused? I am referring to the part of the baseplate under the boiler directly above the cylinders. 7200 and 7202 are definitely "raised" in recent pictures of the locomotives 7229 is flat According to wikipedia *all* these engines started out as 5205's, though they were originally all 42XX's Though all this is a moot point as I'm just after a model that looks like the current 72XX locomotives now.. Cheers

So the Hornby models (2013 tooling) or thereabouts have the basics of plate correct (in principle) The model of 7202 is raised The model of 7229 is flat They botched the manufacturer of the model of 7202 thats all.. bending the plastic "to try make it fit" to "look raised". This can be corrected but involves pulling the model apart and shaving bits/cutting cyclinder steam pipes as in this thread :

^ yep...Further research and after reading the thread by StationM.. It appears there remain 3 of the 72XX class left "Preserved" All seem to be (slowly) being restored 😀 All of these 3 "preserved" 7200 class originally came (were rebuilt) from 5205’s (these started out as 42XX) during 1930's ie pre war. First two from a previous converted Curved baseplate (ie raised over the cylinders) 5205 and the last (7229) from a Straight plated (unraised) over the cylinders 5205 ie 42XX>5205>5275 > 7200 finally converted in August 1934 Curved plate 42XX>5205>5277> 7202 converted in similar time Curved plate 42XX>5205> 5264>7229 in 1936 Straight plate

Wonderful thread - alas archived @The Stationmaster Now 10 years on.. 1/ How do you think this Horby model has played out.. ie fared? 2/ Do you think they will ever do a re-tool (that sorts out the obvious issues? thanks

Thanks for that. just tracked one down. A bargain!

Hi Out of all the Hornby and new Dapol OO Large Prairie models available right now, are any of these models ready to go in a version of one of the "As preserved" large prairie locomotives currently either running, or on static display? Thanks!

Very cool.. thanks for adding that video 😀

Hey @Silver Sidelines how is yr model of 5239 going? I think what you did was awesome - to correct these defects. It's great you could revisit this thread.. (though not great the model was defective in the first place!) As an avid tank engine model enthusiast I really appreciate what you showed here.. Thanks 😀

So back to the original post. Let's face it - if you have paid for an accurate scale model of a locomotive - particularly one in preservation - where the actual locomotive can be seen - is it good enough that a purchaser has to "shave off bits", cut and refit other parts to straighten (an otherwise bent) footplate?! No it is NOT! Come on Hornby - where is the re-tool to set this right?

^ 7202 both model and real are with the raised running plate over the cylinders 😀 Just looked at 7229 - I think you'll find that is with the squared footplate and straight running plate Thanks