Johan DC

At least the price went up... 😬 But no news so far. I really like the J27, looking forward to this one too.

As a fan of quite a lot of their products (not so much of their feline policies...) I frequent the Hornby section almost on daily basis and absolutely don't mind seeing Rapido, or anybody else, advertising their products, EP or not. With the Dynamometer car, GPV's and J70, you have nothing to prove in my book. So please, no breaks for me! Only one thing is a bit strange however, for one reason or another, the Rapido advertisement of the Stirling Single Rerun doesn't appear for me, in any section... Must be a bug or something! 🤔 😇

Aren't these tooling samples, and not the final product? Maybe decals are easier to use at this stage?

I don't think that many, if you see that all new HST's are about to come around the same time. Since it's a 'what-if', also no need to change tooling or so. I don't model diesel trains (otherwise this would be on my list!), but I imagine there will be some changes made over the years on the Class 43? So it will be more a case of making more of the same tooling, or even the same numbers if pre-sales were less than predicted, and just adding a new paint scheme.

I'm afraid a lot of businesses work like that.

Wednesday a second hand one (Mint condition) was sold in a couple of hours, I think for around £385. TTC is selling one for £499... I really would like one, but not at that price. So one vote in favour of a re-run!

Just bought the Rapido J70, and what a beauty! I hesitated to buy one because of Brexit-related extra costs to have it send over, but glad my father could bring it over. It's one of the best, if not the best 0-6-0T out there. Looking forward to some W&U coaches!

Maybe that some amongst us have to use R1 or R2 curves because a space limitations, and we would like to use those new fancy couplings too?

I don't get it. If you don't like it, don't buy it, or return it. Don't complain that the next set is better. I think it's a good thing they listen to customers, and try to improve. Should it've been right first time? Sure. But that's not a reason to complain if they try to right a wrong, is it?

The next episode is now online:

Enter Hornby with the Jubilee HST 😜

I think it is, it is mentioned as such in the latest edition of The Engine Shed. 'These models are supplied with re-purposed destination boards commemorating the Platinum Jubilee on top of a striking double silver and blue livery. Each coach number follows the same format, ER0052 through to ER0022, standing of course for Elizabeth Regina followed by the year of her Coronation and each Jubilee that followed. The locomotive numbers also adhere to this pattern, 43052 and 43022.'

Here's a very Nice video from 'Neville Grove'. A couple of the new Autocars and An Atlantic C1 went through the professional hands of Steve, and he made the following clip. Can't wait to see them in the flesh! It's certainly worth to have a look at his other videos, high quality work, both weathering and filming.

Is it not the VAT they did not add, I suppose you're a UK resident? If I order in the UK and have it send to Belgium, most shops don't add VAT since this is collected in the country of destination. (Because the UK left the Customs Union and single market).

Hornby W1 in Carter Blue for €144 (about £120). And a lot more bargains at Modellbahnunion. https://www.modellbahnunion.com/Spur-H0-00/Dampflok-Rebuilt-Class-W1-4-6-4-10000-LNER.htm?a=article&ProdNr=Hornby-R3843&p=802

I haven't seen the latest products yet, (even in Brazil not easy to find) they are said to be better and DCC ready, at about £100, I would put those at Railroad Plus level, but most of the Frateschi stock is really cheap in feel and look. They are cheap, £40 for a 2-8-0 tender engine. I gave my niece a Hornby City of Gloucester set, and I almost had to drag away her father, so she had some time to enjoy it. Both the (not lighted) pullmans and the loc where something he hasn't seen here. I can not compare like for like, because I don't have Railroad Diesel engines. Maybe they're not so good as the steam ones?

Yes, but both quality and detail are not up to modern standards. For me, all model railways are toys, from Accurascale to LGB, but Frateschi really is on the cheap. With AS, LGB and others, you can see that they really try to bring a smaller version of the real thing to life. FR is more about 'looks like it is good enough' filosophy. Hornby Railroad is finer in detail than those, and better quality as well.

They only announced it today, I think it's the first one that will be produced in the UK.

The new Airfix 1/24 Spitfire is made in the UK, in the new podcast they talked about working with 3D printers. Who knows what else will follow?

When did you order? I ordered in august, and both were send last Thursday, to a UK adress. I did not have them send straight here to Belgium, my father will smuggle them back home for me, saves on customs duty.

Thank you, yes, I missed that part (my fault, shouldn't listen at work!). Listened to it again, I didn't know the Black 5 was so divers. As an asside, how difficult would it be to also work on a 8F or Standard Class 5 model while preparing for this? Do they have anything useful in common?

I'm not a fan of the marketing team either, but listening to Phil, the designer, is not too bad. A tad on the long side? Maybe, but I only listened to the first part.

I did as well. Wondering what the locomotive Phil is currently working on might be? Over 800, all different... 🤔😀

It's also on Spotify if I'm not mistaken. Haven't checked that nor YT music yet, but I think it's meant to be mostly audio. I think they also use YT because they already have a well known and used channel there.

For those interested, there is a new youtube-podcast series by Hornby This first episode is mostly about the Class 91 and '70' Queen Elizabeth II.