Steam here!

No: 488 and it’s detailed cab, plus Bachmann C class no: 583, Hornby H class no: 308 and Hattons P class no: 27.

The SE&CR grey D class no: 726 with the Bachman Wellington brown birdcage coaches.

The tool that comes with the loco for undoing the nuts to change the front wheel sets. All three of the D class have had their traction tyres wheels swapped for metal ones.

Thanks for the info Nile, something new I’ve learnt. It may be possible to remove the two extra lamp irons, the next task would be how to hide the holes and how to blend it all in. As for the loco, there’s a high chance I will run it with the other SE&CR green locos.

Thanks Graham, that’s a great help. It’s given me food for thought and will certainly come in handy.

A question regarding the SE&CR grey version no: 726, regarding the lamp irons, there are six at the front and only four at the back. Was this prototypical? It just looks odd, I could understand, four at the front and four at the back. or six at the front and six at the back. A couple of things to ask as well, when was this loco painted into SECR grey? When was was it painted into Southern Railway livery? Many thanks for your help. Callum

I’ve seen those photos before on that website, “Tweedmouth” now there’s an idea for a layout.

Thanks for the info Jason, the photos have given me food for thought.

All three SE&CR versions are now here. Having received the 2nd replacement from Locomotion Models yesterday and having received my grey version today. I’m well chuffed, despite their niggles, these are lovely. I originally ordered all three versions, I cancelled the grey version and then decided a couple of days ago I should get it.

Wow Tim! What a transformation, full credit to you, it just shows what can be done with the Hornby Loco.

Chamossaire is back from Hornby (only arrived on Thursday, but didn't get to unbox her until Saturday) with a new loco chassis and Hornby are very kindly refunding my postage. Since her return she has been ran in, in both directions and I can now have some enjoyment.

Love the packaging.

Hi Cofga, I've just done a haulage test with no: 488 and can confirm it can pull 9 SE&CR Bachmann birdcage coaches from the bottom of a 2% gradient start, followed by Hornby 2nd radius curves. There is some wheel slippage, but once it has momenton its fine and I've replaced the traction tyre set with the metal wheel set. I've also fitted no: 19 kadees Overall I'm very pleased with the model only arriving yesterday and just can't believe how good it is.

SE&CR no: 488, is on its way, not long now.

Oliver, these are looking fantastic, really looking forward to both the SE&CR green ones. Thanks for keeping us updated, could I ask what are in the optional extra details (the accessory pack)? Callum

Hi Robert I have the Hornby 6224 double chimney (the one that came out a year or so ago). Do you know which LMS rolling stock would be suitable for her to haul?

Here they are again on the Hornby 4th Radius curves.

Here are 2 of the coaches on Hornby 3rd radius.

You'll also be pleased to know out of 9 ice block packaging boxes, I've managed to modify/edit 7, bit of trial and error is needed, but it can be done

Sadly not, due to being restricted to 2nd radius curves for the time being, thr trailing bogie (under the cab) hangs to far over the rails and this would most likely cause the loco to derail. However at some point in future I will be fitting it, I think as far as I know it can only be used on 3rd Radius or above and with medium/long streamline points? It doesn't appear to slide left and right it just sits in the cradle for the authentic appearence.

Cheers Al, thanks for letting me know, I see what you mean, I might do some more experimenting. No Decorum, it sounds as if the ice block packaging may need modifying (I will have make a hole in each end, file it to create a smoothe edge and then try and if I can get the packaging to shut tight once more).

I see what you mean now No Decorum, regarding the front handles on the smoke box door. I took some photos last night and I don't think they look too bad, I suppose the holes could have a smaller diameter, but would reauire some extra work. (A step too far for me). Was it the same on the previous tooling locos?

Ah Al, that was one of my concerns, I heard of buffer locking, regarding with experiments of Kadees. I have too admit the Coronation Scot coaches on a long straight peice of track do look reasonably close and I'm happy to accept this (bear in mind these are now fitted with the extended door ends and the close couplings for fixed rakes that come in the accessory pack). As for the curve, they are on Hornby 2nd radius, I've got some spare 3rd and 4th radius track to hand, so will see how they look on them.

Well folks, I've just done the trial and error with the suitable LMS steam locos and the following failed: Bachmann LMS Jinty Bachmann Midland 3F (LMS livery) Hornby 3F S&DJR livery Hornby 5mt "Black 5". Only "Coronation" could set off from the bottom of the gradient and keep going. I know it may not be accurate, but I may as well get "Coronation" to be the "Coronation Scot" train's pilot as well as the express. Its a compromise I can live with. I'm also pleased with the close couplings and the extended corrodor connectors, creates a more acceptable gap when on a straight line. Not sure about the cornering though?

No Decorum, you mentioned the machine gun holes, do you mean the two front holes between the buffers? If so, that for the steps that come in the detail pack, hope that helps.