Legend

Sorry didn't mean to sound like that The original poster seemed to want a recall because the motor is cheap and nasty. But Hornby haven't made any secret of the fact that this loco is made to a price and that it has a three pole motor. To me it does exactly what it says on the tin, so I can't see need for recall on that basis. If models don't work then of course that's different , but I don't think that's what the OP was complaining about

No , because it's quite deliberate. It's not perceived as a fault so why rectify it. My own one runs very well

Have they actually got a shop in Helensburgh? If they do , might take a wee trip out. Used to visit Helensburgh regularly when MAC was there.

I'm genuinely puzzled by this need to fork out £20 and have considerable hassle changing the motor. Maybe I'm just lucky , but my CotD runs absolutely fine. Yes I have noticed it takes a bit more juice to get it running. It does purr along the track, so there is a bit of noise , but frankly these are no great issues for me. I think it just looks great , runs well and ran straight from the box (unlike my previous 4 Hornby locos that all had issues). So for me price point achieved, good runner, great decoration and good QC. My only quibble, that I wouldnt have picked up on except for postings here, is that it does seem a cheap motor, so will it last? But it hasn't happened yet , so I'm still basically happy. And if it does knock £25-£30 off a new model (eg an A3) I'm all for it

I'm not dcc just operating analogue. I get the point on the above motor being cheap, but for me its doing the job so far. A little concerned now that it wont last long , but we will just need to wait and see . It maybe is a bit noisier than my latest Bachmann models, but to be honest theres not that much of a difference. I have noticed the jerk into life, but it is at relatively slow speed . For me its still miles ahead of the old tender drive locos

I've got R3207, been running her for a few hours today. No issues over points . I have a few Hornby short points , in my day R612 and R613, and the peco equivalents. No issue with either. She also rides through diamond crossing without any problems. I did away with Hornby Curved points so I can't comment on that. A really nice loco. I'd love to see the Railroad A3 with same level of decoration.

Arcadia has it at £110. Why pay more

Got a call from Hereford enquiring about my preorder. Good for them , obviously second batch arrived. Unfortunately I had to tell them that I got mine last week from another source. Gentleman was very pleasant, I think he had no problem finding an alternate home for my P2. For those who think may have missed out, try Arcadia. No connection other than it's the shop I got mine from last week and he carries a good stock of most things at same price level as Hereford, Hattons etc

Isn't it just as simple as NRM/Bachmann overestimated demand , so they've done a deal where Bachmann utilise some of remaining stock. Personally I think this loco is just too expensive at £140 ( also the main range Bachmann one at about £113 discounted). I would like one but not prepared to spend that. By comparison I just picked up a main range P2 for £110 , so I don't perceive the compound as value for money. A pitch at £95 (below the magic £100) for main range and £115-£120 for limited edition might have been more successful. Add to that that the loco is in as preserved condition , further limiting it's usefulness, and I'm not surprised it's a slow mover. Bring the price down and it will move , as evidenced by people buying them split from sets @£89. I take the point on being limited edition suddenly more widely available. I would be really hacked off if after just spent even more money on the Atlantic , £180 if I remember correctly,if this was to suddenly become available at cheaper price. However I think the Atlantic is a different beast , being significantly different from other locos on the market and the only rtr 4-4-2 until Bachmann produce the LBSCR one

Yes after extensive running yesterday I can confirm it is a stunner! I think in fairness more comfortable on third and fourth radius curves than second, but it will go round them. Just less forgiving of imperfections than other locomotives . It is my track work though , so overall very happy! Just thinking wouldn't it be great if they could produce a V2 or even A3 to this price point and detail.

Yes , I really like the loco in crimson lake, but didn't appreciate this is a bit of an odd livery. As I understand it the loco is in current preserved Midland livery but paired with period 1 LMS coaches. As such the set is inaccurate and the loco is not appropriate to run alongside my other LMS stock. Really I would also have liked a compound in LMS crimson lake, but even if Bachmann announce one next March it'll probably still be a further year away. So , still swithering. May wait to see if any locos split from sets turn up at exhibitions at a reasonable price. Not paying £140 for one.

Just been running my r3207 P2 that I got from Arcadia on Wednesday. What a beautiful model. Runs very well. Got some problems with front drivers coming off on curves, but not everywhere, so suspect it's my dodgy track. But she goes round main circuits with ease . I've been pretty critical of Hornby in the past, but this is a brilliant model with no QC issues I can see . More like this please.. With the steady stream of models now coming on line, I hope you've finally turned the corner!

Yes as mentioned in the P2 thread , visited Arcadia at Shaw today. terrific model shop, very welcoming. In the course of buying P2 I noted that he had just got into stock the Thames Clyde express. He opened the box for me to look at the coaches. Can confirm they have simplified lining. In fact looked not dissimilar to my Mainline ones from 1979. Good price at £148 ish, which is better value than the loco alone from Locomotion at £140. I know you are supporting the museum but frankly would rather support a great model shop like Arcadia. Didn't buy, but only as a Scotsman I couldn't stomach the thought of Parting with £250 at the same time, having just succumbed to a Full fat P2. Gives me an excuse to go back!

Finally made it to Arcadia in Shaw. What a fantastic model shop. It's the type of place you could spend hours browsing in. Was even offered a cup of tea. But the stock they have is fantastic , All UK outline and continental too. Anyway long and the short of it is that I picked up an R3207 Cock of the North. At a good price of £110. Plenty left in stock and more coming, so if anyone is looking for R3207 at a good price Arcadia has them. Really this is the type of model shop that deserves support. Heartily recommend it.

Yes really nice Richard. That water looks superb

Mmm interested in the Thames Clyde mainly for the loco. At the time of announcement the price for the set was about £9 more than buying the loco individually from Locomotion, so I held off. Will wait to see what discounted price at retailers is , after postage.

Yes very nice indeed. Despite reservations on the price ,I've placed an order for one. If my cunning plan works , this will be next years model purchase.

I'm puzzled , anytime I've looked at Hattons for R3207 I can't find it, so I assumed it was all sold out to preorders and that this particular variant was replaced by the TTS one. I could have had one from Locomotion over the weekend, and in fact my finger hovered over the buy button. But I've elected to go for Hereford models because they test models before despatch, hopefully avoiding the experience Ian's just had. They are saying the second batch is due at Hornby end of this week. There's no rush, this is a bit of an impulse buy, my first this year ( aside from second hand). Although I feel a second one coming up with that Bachmann Thames Clyde express.

I have a pre order in with Hereford Models. I use them because they test models before despatch. I understand that all their first batch of R3207 have sold out but they are expecting a second batch which should be arriving at Hornby next week.

Yep does look like there's a fair number of models on their way. Looks like they've turned corner

Not so sure which will arrive first. But it's irrelevant. Surely the sensible thing to do is wait for both, see informed comment then make decision. I know people will be tempted to pre order to avoid missing out , but there are still plenty P2s about if you know where to look, and even if it sells out there's bound to be a second run. Why rush?

Hey I was spot on. As predicted the Hornby King undercuts the DJM/Hattons one by £10. I wonder how much it would have cost had there not been competition?.Not really in the market for a King , but then I said that about P2 and I'm sorely tempted. I think in this case there is room for both models. Of the two , I really hope the DJM one is successful as I see this as a route to more new models appearing rather than the pot pourri that is Hornby. However fair does to them, although they will never acknowledge it , it must be clear now that they know a lack of brass bearings, moulded handrails darts etc were a bad move . Interesting times

Saw the Model for sale at Maclaren models at swap meet in Falkirk. Looks very impressive especially for £72.50. What's the difference between this one and the full fat version. It looked to me that the Railroad one had white black white lining on boiler but not tender, so I take it the full fat version will have a fully lined tender?

The thing is, that if there has to be duplication, the King is probably one of the few models that can support it. No different from late 70s/80s when you had Lima and Hornby. Hornby don't seem to have a great track record with Kings with the 1978 version (with boiler skirt even though motor was in tender) having to be replaced by the upgraded 1980 one! I can quite see the DJM/Hattons one appealing to modelers and the Hornby one to collectors of red boxes.

I think the price of Hornbys big engines is a tad north of £150. 7013. However I wouldn't be surprised if when fully costed the Hornby model matches Daves price or under cuts it by a tenner! I think you are correct though, what will distinguish the models is input from the modeller , particularly rmweb where Dave clearly does listen. Hornby says it does and makes all the right noises, but I still don't see huge interaction. Certainly Hattons/Dave are offering a huge variety of models , whereas I suspect Hornby will only offer 2 or 3 at most. So this is going to be interesting . My feeling is that Hornby are too late and that smaller more agile suppliers are the way of the future. But who knows. Hornby do seem to have done rather well with their Railroad P2. Suppose the King is made to the same standard and price point? That might stir it up a bit. Truly fascinating! Maybe I should get out more