Mr Lizard

Have a look at the image of Lode Star on the Facebook page linked below, which was posted quite early on in the Hornby announcements thread although I've only just dug up the link: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151201311613207.457639.176420418206&type=1 The inside cylinder casing is correct for 4003 and I see no reason to suspect it won't be the same for 4018 also.

Yes, I believe that the HMRS pressfix or methfix GWR/BR loco lining sheet has the appropriate section of lining. It looks to be a superb model. I'm currently in the process of repainting an old one but it's tempting to not bother and splash out on one of these! Mike

Sure, I would think they'd need a whole new body moulding to allow for the boiler and cab differences. I was suggesting that the chassis could be reused - the only major alteration would be to shorten the frames under the cab by 4mm. Still, much as I'd like to see Hornby do it, I don't think it's very likely so I'll shut up.

Mikkel has already posted a link to my thread on the old RMweb - where I used parts from a Hornby Saint body to kitbash a model of a Star. These are a few of the more major problems I found with the Hornby Saint body moulding: Over long smokebox Too short firebox Safety valve cover in the wrong place Splashers too shallow and incorrectly spaced Front buffer beam is way too high Cab shape is somewhat dodgy Most of these fundamental dimensional errors seem to be due to the body being designed to fit the old Tri-ang chassis with its incorrectly spaced (and sized?) driving wheels. I think it would be simpler for Hornby to do a Star than for Bachmann to do a Saint - the Star and Castle's chassis are almost identical - whereas the Hall has the smaller driving wheels, 6' as opposed to the 6' 8 1/2" of the Saint, Star and Castle. Some of my favourite prototypes these, but there's never been decent RTR Saint or any RTR Star ever - even though all were fairly long lived, successful and survived into BR ownership. Just overshadowed by later, more famous locos I suppose so they get overlooked. I still need to finish off the tender for my Star - one day I will when I get the time!