Class 158 productions

Yes! The running quality from the box was one of the smoothest I’ve experienced, even without running in! I’m interested in seeing when one gets fully detailed and weathered compared to a detailed and weathered existing tool. The underframe is incredibly more detailed, but on all black models is hard to see. (Not really a problem as so many previous Bachmann duffs had underframes like Christmas trees). But it does mean that at distance you do not appreciate the work Bachmann have done on this area. The general increase in finesse is much appreciated but expected after so many years and an expensive time in development. The only thing that seems to be a problem if one can call it that, is the snowplough and separately fitted front steps. But those can be easily swapped and changed. Like with most things, it’s perspective. Did the lack of differing eth fittings annoy you on the old model? The placement of the tailights and buffer cowling thickness? If these didn’t really upset you on the older model and you aren’t fussed about the DCC functionality, the older model does look like a good bargain atm. Will be interesting to see how the Heljan model compares! Cheers

A few shots of a bog standard DC model, just a few snaps and test run till the big day. First impressions, excellent rendition of the class, detail is superb. Quick test run showed it out the box to be smooth and silent, a welcome surprise against recent Bachmann models (DMUs in particular). Now can’t wait to see more liveries and variations, however I can’t see a fleet wide replacement being needed, other than early 47/57 Hybrids being modded.

The renumbered pair of Hoovers! From 004 and 020 to 031 and 038!

It is an interesting turn of events. I’ve seen rumblings from accurascale and remember one of their chaps who used to be at Hornby said they had no plans for a new MK3 other than the SD whilst he was there. I personally think Hornby are going about the wrong way if they want to compete with a new model. Just cut the price of the current super-detail one, or release a smattering of popular liveries with the railroad tooling. I don’t think a tiny retool that doesn’t fix the main issues, Cab rake angle, slats and lack of variations (bogies+lights etc) will not convert people over from a new model. A new MK3 has got to be on the cards. I own a few Hornby Hst rakes, think 15 pairs of powercars now and I really enjoy them, but the Limby Mk3s really stand out like a sour thumb now. The only way I can really see them clinging on, is if Hornby do a load of exclusives. Maybe someone has already talked to locomotion and done 43 102? Although I expect to see that soon. As for the consumer it’s great to see. More competition is better for us and we might even get a 41 out of it! Fingers crossed

Hi all! Few new additions this month from Chris’s Crafts, tractors! Also received a Bachmann 40 to do up as D200. As well as this there is progress on two large logo 50s. 004 and 020 into 031 and 038. Both midway through the process, will update later! Also received Bachmanns new 150/2 in Provincial, a nice model but the painting flaws are disappointing. That said I didn’t notice them till looking at the forum! Cheers! And some photos from the layout!

Do we know how much of this new model is going to go into the 00 gauge version? The 45s and 25s seemed to carry over similar problems as their larger cousins. Hopefully the main problems can be altered and the new detail looks very nice. The faults pointed out with the shape are disappointing, I thought this was the point of the retooled model, to correct the previous one?

Normally I’d agree. But with a £94 rrp as well as the lack of painted piping etc, it does seem like this batch was rushed. Still happy with mine and as you say the issues aren’t really that noticeable.

New video up on the layout! Just wondering about changing the era of the stock, packing up the modern stuff and getting some other things out. Think 1976/1979 or 1985-1987 Any preferences?

Again this is the problem with the new announcement strategy. Now, I’m not saying return to the policy of old. I don’t want the be waiting 7 years like for the 158, but simple errors like this could’ve easily been snagged or queried. Going this way could result in a lot more simple errors which is a real shame. Although I think they are a record in time for a model from Bachmann. Just over a week from announcement and in stock on layouts? Pretty good in today’s climate.

this is a pain, but I’d argue the worse is seeing an older 150 that I remember being £54 at hattons now be able to go for double if not triple that on a good day. But sadly prices are rising and have been rising for the last decade, it is inevitable. At least with these rising prices Bachmann have actually done some work. The motor retool, toilet window and now front glass mod. Just wish they’d tool up another interior. Kinda annoyed of having multiple 150 216s in GWR/FGW. Received a provincial one this morning, works well and looks great. Without passengers the price is high but more reasonable.

I must say they look and sound fantastic from those videos. However it is a real shame to see the bare copper pickup in the Hornby video though. Really not a good look and does throw off all the good work done on that area of the model. Hopefully an easy fix but this should’ve been picked up a while ago.

Hi all, a few jobs actually on the layout this time. Added some people on Sandford. Given it’s namesake there are 2 police officers and a swan. “Any luck catching those swans? it’s just the one swan actually…” Cheers for the kind words, really lovely to hear!

The last FGW batches didn’t have these either. But later GWR ones do, maybe they will be added? Also noted that they still don’t have the little silver Brush plates added after refurbishment, a shame as the GWR ones have these fitted

And a buffet with roof vents! Huzzah! Actually looks quite good, to me the blue looks less washed out than 036/070 even in the bright lights it’s probably under.

XC Hst powers through to the north!

Noticed the APT is meant to take centre stage in next weeks Hornby programme. Will be interesting to see the process and if they offer any insight.

Whilst not identical it looks like a similar system fitted to the units of late (158/9,117). I agree it is chunky I've found it an excellent system. It is reliable and offers absolutely no flickering of the lights on a unit. Personally I’d be happy with a more chunky reliable system then a dainty coupling fitted to the 150 that seems to fail constantly. Then again I’m coming at it from a Unit perspective. Maybe it’ll act different in steam, but in my experience it’s a good reliable connection. Hope that helps

Latest addition of 6 accurascale MDVs, along side a Kit built one. Lovely things and an awesome amount of detail. Hoping to have some Bachmann 47s arrive soon, although it looks like the Blue and IC ones are later. Hoping to see the blue 47 435 in Novembers announcements! Cheers

I run on DC and have 2 on order, with a fleet of 11 old Bachmann ones and a few Heljan, I will be really looking to scrutinise these and seeing if they are worth it. Especially if you don’t get any of the ‘gimmicks’ and just a new 47 with normal glazing.

This is quite a shame though. This is one of Hornbys flagship models and has a price to match. Yet they are stuck in the Stone Age when it comes to electronics. Even Bachmann units from 10/11 years ago were more advanced than this. I’d argue the Hornby VEP, despite all its failures managed to have inter car connection years ago. It’s truly a shame, even as a DC user it looks poor. This with the added wait, price rise and fear of quality from Hornby is really sad. If they can’t be bothered to go the extra mile on a flagship legacy model, what will they do on others. Rant over, it will be nice to see a well detailed set on peoples layouts at last though. Just a shame it’s not as good as it could’ve been. Just think of a western Pullman Vs this, light years apart…

Received our 6 today, got them running. Great looking models and extremely detailed, however one had it’s kinematic coupling system unclipped on both ends, an easy fix. Really lovely runners! Compared with a Kit built MDV. Some HTVs stuck on the back of the train, just in case you were struggling with wagon ideas… Thanks again to the team for a wonderful addition to the collection and a nice gap plugged!

I fully agree, normally these issues were allowed as the mk3s were often quite cheap. Whilst I love the Hornby models, have a fair few HSTs, someone really needs to give the HST justice, or at least a MK3. Most of the Hornby/Lima MK3 failings could be avoided with its low price and decent paint job. But with rrps of £40 and Hornbys failure at QC in recent years, it really is starting to look poor. Just hope the likes of accurascale and Cavalex are watching. Will be interesting to see the samples of the FGW one, Hornbys history with blue isn’t great!

New upload!

Hoods always seem to be a hard thing to do, we’ve seen the Tea Cosys on the Bachmann clay hoods, these ones on the coil As look fantastic. Now that I mentioned clay hoods… (or clay liners). Top work as always.