7013

OK dont get at me for expressing an opinion, and no it is not modelling when one buys a product 'Ready to Run' and it does run properly until you fix it , would you buy a car,camera etc. that you had to take a tool kit to before you could use it? I think the L1 is a superb looking model but there are enough instances of the pony truck derailing for (as far as I am concerned) it to be a problem/flaw or at least a poor design. When it happened with the Bachmann N1 they acknowledged it and fixed it, I was offered a full refund or redesigned model. We are in a period where models are getting better and better (and prices are rising) and I can understand folks being reluctant to criticise the manufacturers who are doing us proud, however if I purchase a model I expect it to be fit for purpose without having to drill, glue, reposition etc. if by bad luck I get one that derails, I would love an L1 but I am not prepared to spend money on a model that may or may not run well.

Oh dear having to modify brand new models is really not on, thats one crossed off my list, Really poor show Hornby.

From reading the review am I right thinking that the pony truck is attached differently from say pony trucks on the large majority of 2-6-4s we have in the market place? If so my question would be why change something that has given no problem before to something that is in danger of becoming a major gripe and cause a lot of anger if it is down to the design? I do not want to be gloomy but my heart sinks when it is becoming a regular occurence that there are problems with new models, and we just hope that it is a minor glitch or just bad luck. Trouble is when it is ones own bad luck it rankles. QC has clearly suffered in recent years, and faulty bogies, pony trucks etc. are not down to us modelers being more demanding or discerning it is down to poor QC. I sincerely hope that the L1 pony truck problem is nothing more than the screws needing to be reattached, but if it will not go through certain points then I for one will not buy it. Bachmann had a similar problem with its Southern N class which derailed, they quickly changed the design and replaced the locos. Lets hope that Hornby do not have to go down that route.

Someone has mentioned that on MREmag, they had derailing problems similar to the MR test. As soon as he replaced the screws in the chassis the problem was resolved. So if this was indeed the problem it is easily sorted and anyone who has a worry about the loco can be assured that it was minor.

Seems like poor Model Rail get the duff ones to test, they had problems with their 28XX which have not materialised as a general fault.

I wonder if those who have purchased L1's could comment on the Model Rail finding that the loco derailed on certain points, It would be useful if those who have run them on their layouts could let us know if they have noticed any problems.

Looking at the side on photos my observations as follows, the coal is wonky as hell, the cab on 528 looks to be sloping down, indeed the end of the cab looks closer to to the tender top level than on 537 It looks like 528s rear drivers are closer to the running plate than on 537. I may well be wrong but it looks like 528 has been subject to heat damage.

Hi Rob I am not an expert on these things I am just looking for an excuse (as if one was needed) to include the L1 on my layout based in North Oxfordshire, In the History of the Railways of Oxfordshire Part 1: The North by Bill Simpson there is a photo of 67789 leaving Banbury on the 12.18 for Woodford (p22). In the same publication on page 132 Eddie Smith, Fireman and Driver from Woodford Halse recounts driving L1s 67716-9 amongst other GC/LNER locos on the shuttle between Woordford Halse and Banbury. I quote from the book and have no reason to believe that driver Smith is mistaken. Hope this helps. I should have said V2s not V1s but I believe V1s and indeed A3s worked the Port to Port but were changed before Banbury for a GW loco. on their Southward journey.

67716-9+67789 all worked between Banbury and Woodford Halse, Also GC Atlantics, Dierctors and V1s worked between Banbury and Woodford.

L1's regularly worked from Woodford to Banbury, I believe there were four locos that regularly did the run, I will look them up and post the numbers.

By the looks of it they have improved the slurry spillage on the sides, looks far more convincing now than the first examples.

Another Brick in the Wall...Pink Floyd

Highway to Hell.............. AC/DC

On My Own--Patti LaBelle

How did you add the smoke and steam Rob?

Looks like it will be Christmas/January in reality, all indications are that it will be worth it.

Yes, all this writing about plates etc. is very interesting but I would like to know when the model is scheduled for release? Is it imminent i.e. are we likely to be able to pick one up at Warley say?

Not wishing to stray off subject but the Robert Darlaston photos are sublime, Freight train departing Whitchurch Shropshire is one of the most stunning railway photos I have ever seen, this gentleman obviously knows his photography, exposures, composition, everything spot on.

Saw R4404 and R4405 at Banrail 2010 today, they do look superb.

When I saw the L1 preproduction models at Swindon the paint work looked a tad darker in tone than the photos posted by Andy. However there are so many variables with photos and electronic media that the best way to judge is to pick up a production model and scan it with the MK1 Eyeball .

There used to be a train running from Cardiff to Newcastle The Ports to Ports Express. It stopped running before Hawksworths were around, but in a 'What if' world the Ports to Ports Express will have meandered from GWR to LNER lines may well have been made up with a train that consisted of Hawksworths, Gresleys, Thompsons, MK1.s etc. Its fun to dream.

Hi Gareth Have you ever chipped a Hornby Pug? I know room is at a premium to say the least, I would like to have a go but wondered if anyone had already done it and if so were there any particular problems other than space. Thanks.

I was going to get maroon examples but seeing the crimson/cream example I'm not so sure now, IMO the curtains do not look at all obtrusive on these examples, a stunning coach.

My Apologies R4411 Brake 3rd R4410 Coridor 3rd R4412 Composite R4413 1st/3rd Brake R4409 Full Brake