Lochnagar

Latest addition to the fleet. .

It's stupid. Picked up the last three for my FGW rake today, buffet, TGS, and the final coach B. Complete rake is nice, but the buffet needs fixing as per the last few releases as it's got a duff roof! Also, picked up the Executive and MML power cars today. Executive. . 43021 and 22 should both have guards windows, but this is easily fixed by renumbering 42022 to a higher numbered one without guards windows, not an issue for me as I was planning on renumbering them anyway. The Intercity 125 lettering however is sadly incorrect, being silver rather than white (it's white on the box!!) also it's over scale. Ordering some transfers from Fox tomorrow to correct this. MML power cars.. on the whole, nice effort. The entire rake suffers from the incorrect roof colour, it should be dark grey, not black. I might not bother correcting this as it'll be lost with weathering anyway. But at least the tooling is correct for 43043/44. Printing is slightly hit and miss, wonky nameplate, and the difficult livery application around the cab roofs is passable but not great. It's worth mentioning that the EMT light configuration has gone, both of these have the standard light clusters and light pattern which is correct. (MML only lasted a year or two like this though before receiving new clusters as per EMT). Running wise, totally fine and up to the high standard of the older ones. Good effort Hornby, but you can do better.

New FGW dynamic lines MK3s are now out, Hornby have seen sense and produced a full set A-H to go with the re-released TGS and buffet. All are now out with the exception of the TGS, buffet, and one second which will hopefully follow shortly. The printing isn't as good as previous attempts, (one of mine was returned with the printing at almost 45 degrees on one side!!) but the build quality is much improved over last years releases with ill fitting windows and under frames. The biggest difference is that the new set has tinted glazing, something which has made me sell my old set in favour of these new ones as they just look better IMO. Also the blue/grey four window HST TRSB is out, R4603. This being the same as the wrexham & shropshire buffet made a few years back, modified ex-Lima tooling with the slightly dodgy/modified roof vent arrangement. (if anyone wants one of these I have one spare)

My four Jouef buffet roofs have arrived off ebay, bargain at £7.99 free p+p. They're dead easy to remove, they just press out from behind as they don't use glue. I predict a rush on Jouef buffet cars! Or at least a shortage of ones with the roof vents still intact...lol

Yes it's a real shame, my arranged help pulled out on me despite being booked a year in advance. My reserve workforce from the club are all busy with Aberdeen Kirkhill and Farkham at the same show, usually I can get someone at late notice but not this time! I'll still be at Stafford, it's a great show. But probably behind Kirkhill instead. Thanks for the comments, it went down very well at Warley with lots of comments and questions. Even if I found help at the show, I'd still need another person loading and unloading at home so that's the problem. First show I've had to pull the plug on, a real shame it's my favourite one.

Hmmm. Sounds like the buffet tool, and the TGS seating tool are still the property of Sander Kan and Hornby haven't paid to release or purchase them (or whatever version of tooling ownership arrangement exists). Therefore they've produced a new buffet tool from the single generic MK3 tool. It's still weird, the roof itself must be a tooling slide. .(which they haven't got). Not the most reassuring reply from "the best toy and hobby company in the world" or whatever slogan their website says. Q.C is there so we don't have anything to moan about, and stupid things like this don't happen.

That's what I've done, as soon as I realised buffets were going for up to £300.

Fantastic, maybe that should be a testimonial for the next one!

Pictured exactly as I found it. They've modified the roof so the toilet windows and drop lights are separate. (and have to be removed to get the seating out, as they lock it into position) unless you remove the floor. The HST power cars are superb and in my eyes can't be bettered. Supply is an issue though, there aren't enough. I just buy them when they come out, even if I can't afford it, as I know once they're gone things go to silly money if you can find them at all. On the plus side, any surplus HST stock sells very well. I've managed to accumulate 11 full accurate matching sets so far, which wasn't easy. I'm still awaiting the FGW buffet/TGS which will hopefully come this year. Also the exec and MML power cars.

Yes same issues, evidence of glue on the paintwork too. Thankfully I had the opportunity to pick and choose from a selection of each coach when buying, although I have to say the fit of the windows is pretty much spot on compared to the re-released batch of FGW dynamic lines coaches last year, they were terrible, windows only glued along the bottom so none were fitted fully 'home'. The plastic quality itself is different to older examples too, I detect recycled plastic. Not wanting to take sides, as all manufacturers have different models I want, but Bachmann don't suffer from any of the issues on these MK3s. Hornby need to obtain some Bachmann coaches, and take note on how a quality model is put together, and the quality and thickness of materials used. Looking down the sides and roofs of all the latest Mk3s, they're not level, undulating at random places. The older models don't suffer from this, and appear to be made of better plastic which is more solid and holds it's shape.

Just discovered another problem last night with the latest batch of MK3s. . the Intercity Executive liveried TGS. Holding it up to the light I could see 'something' inside, obscuring two windows on one side only. On opening it up, the problem was rather obvious. . and made us laugh So my TGS has a Lima/Hornby 4 window buffet interior, great! LOL In all seriousness, this is getting daft. Someone at Margate or China needs firing, idiotic errors like this are indicative of people who have no idea what they're making or can't be bothered to do any research at all. Or simply no quality checks whatsoever on the tooling stage. Fair play, normal viewing doesn't give it away due to the tinted windows, but the coaches with lighting you'll definitely see it! Either way it's wrong and would annoy me. I've checked my MML TGS, which is as normal. But I'm guessing this will affect all executive TGS, and possible some of the newer blue/grey, Arriva, and weathered ex-Virgin models. So if anyone wants to report back on here if their model/s are affected maybe we could all approach Hornby with a list of required TGS interiors. As it happens I had a TGS interior lying around so I've swapped it, but I'm guessing I'm in the minority. Also the ex Lima Mk3s are quite difficult to crack open without causing damage, took me a good 10 minutes to open it up and get the seating out. Slide a knife/plasticard between the cantrail roof join and pull the bodyside away and outwards from the windows, the windows act as clips for the roof and come out as one. Not impressed, another pointless Homer Simpson style 'D'oh' moment from a company apparently trying to disappear up it's own behind with silly mistakes. I don't like saying that, because the products of 5 years ago were superb, such a shame.

This missing roof vent issue on the buffet cars is bizarre. I've just noticed it and this thread appeared after some poking around on the issue. I have to say, I don't understand this one! The only possible explanation in my eyes is that the buffet tooling for the 2000 Hornby origin model has been damaged, and replaced with the roof vents mistakenly omitted. I wonder this because some of the more recent offerings (royal train buffet was one) had some examples appearing severely bowed and distorted. Pretty much banana shaped and it couldn't be fixed. The only other explanation I can think of is that the roof vents are a tooling 'slide' which has been mistakenly omitted. But It doesn't look like a slide to me as they'd be some sort of evidence of it on the mould. And why make a roof slide when the buffet needs a mould of it's own anyway. So I doubt it's that. If indeed it is a new tool, then someone at Hornby shouldn't be there and needs a final warning about quality control because things are starting to get silly. Dodgy production issues down to workers, yes it happens and it can be sorted. But taking a step backwards messing up an existing tool and spoiling a perfectly serviceable product, no. I mean come on, they've already got models to look at because they make them, and failing that, drawings, google images, or maybe go crazy and find a real one to look at!!! 30 seconds on google images will show anyone that the buffets have a different roof unless they're blindfolded. Rant over, but my rant will be shared with Hornby via email, as they need to know that whoever is making silly bloopers like this needs sorting out as it's causing and will indeed continue to cause serious if not terminal damage to their reputation if it's allowed to continue. For example, this has given any other company out there a little extra prod to make a 'spot on' MK3. Snowball principle. Let's hope they don't 'mess up' other existing good products in the range. Dare I even mention the words 'product recall'. I can make roof vents and add them, but shouldn't have to on a brand new item.

Thanks for the comments, glad you're all finding it a good read. The content level wouldn't be sustainable for a monthly issue as a lot of work went into the yearbook by a lot of different people, but there will be more issues, rest assured of that!

Just had chance to look at this. I saw the swallow Mk2Es on the saturday morning at warley, but by the time I'd gone to buy them they'd all gone. So I bought some on eBay on the saturday night as I was quite impressed looking at them in the boxes. However on opening the boxes, I assumed that they'd been damaged in the post and the chassis had unclipped from the body. Oh. Apparently not!! I'm not one to moan, but. . Seriously, in 2014 we have a model that doesn't fit together properly. Someone in the tooling department in the UK or China must have noticed this. . a fundamental problem that would show up on the very first test samples. Not impressed, and I'm really shocked this has been allowed to pass into a production model. Even if someone thought Mk2s had a sole bar, when you pick the coach up the whole thing can flex and flop up and down by several mm which is a bit of a giveaway that somethings wrong. I'll be doing the same as Brian and chopping mine up to fix the sole bar issue, as that's so huge a problem It has to be fixed. Other issues aside, the roof vents are a work of fiction. Even the USS Enterprise doesn't have roof vents like that. After all, the first thing you usually see on a model is the roof. Wrong style of vent and/or in the wrong place I can live with, but big square things that don't exist is a silly mistake and should have been spotted. Especially as Hornby have an existing MK2 to compare it with. However if viewed at platform level the vents look spot on as you can only see the side! Hopefully the Bachmann one will be spot on, in the meantime I'll make do with these as I still think the overall 'look' is very good. Also worthy of note is that so far I've not seen any dodgy paint finishes and 'touch ups' on the new MK2s as per most new Hornby stuff I've bought this year. So thumbs up for a decent paint job, even if the lower bodyside executive light grey is a bit out. Although I have to say, if I'd have known about these two issues I wouldn't have bought any as I could do without the extra faff sorting them out. Alex

Good pics! I'm still surprised at how many comments we get operating it. I take the layout for granted sometimes but Warley was quite an eye opener, as usually not many people will actually take the trouble to comment on the layout. We genuinely lost count, lots of people asking who's sound I use aswell. Surprising how many haven't heard of Legomanbiffo yet. . maybe I need a bigger sign!

They're usually pretty quick. If it's not turned up tomorrow give them a buzz.

It's been very well received, thanks to everyone that's bought a copy so far. We did actually sell out at Warley!

Thanks for the comments chaps! Glad you like it, got a steady stream of positive comments both days and it pulled a good crowd. We counted 5 deep at one point during the saturday, but hey it's Warley! Two more exhibition invites under the belt too, one in Suffolk and more unusually, Holland. I'm guessing this is the Utrecht show but I'll post up with more details when I know. Totally forgot to update this thread pre Warley!

Thanks for the comments chaps, good to hear it's going down well. Just a heads up for those who are having trouble finding it at WH Smiths, we hope to have enough copies to satisfy demand at Warley this weekend! So feel free to pop along to stand B55 and meet the team.

Agreed, we have more ideas in the melting pot. If the yearbook/bookazine is a success, there will definitely be more to come.

Hi all, just to confirm. . yes the yearbook will be available from the larger branches of WHSmiths. The date confirmed on their stock system for release is the 21st November. Also to confirm that yes, it's all new material and includes layout features, modellers guides, 2/4 and 7mm detailing articles across the eras. So hopefully something for everyone! The Diesels in the Duchy article is a new feature, nothing has been 're-run', the plan is to keep it fresh and produce a 'stand alone' Rail Express Modeller magazine if you will. It'l also be available from Ian Allan bookshops, selected model shops, and of course feel free to pick up a copy from the Rail Express stand at Warley on the 22/23rd of this month. We should have enough to meet demand. Myself and Simon will be there to answer any questions so feel free to pop along for a chat. Lots of featured models from the yearbook and magazine will be on display. Anyway, hope everyone likes it! A lot of work has gone into it from a fair few people and it shouldn't be the last. Thanks to everyone that has made it possible including you guys on this thread! Alex

Glad it's ok now Ian. Identical issue as the DoG, the two brass pickups on the chassis and chassis keeper plate make contact with the metal chassis and cause a dead short. No insulation at all, but simply fixed by inserting some small strips of electrical tape to the chassis block around the area of contact. Theres detailed pics of what I did on the DoG thread, but heres the main ones again below. I have to say I'm surprised Hornby haven't sorted this after the DoG feedback and having so many returns due to shorting. It's a failure timebomb on all these models in my opinion, especially to those who don't know what's wrong and are left in the dark. Anyway, hope this helps folks who've got a 'dud'. And I'm more than happy to do it for anyone that doesn't fancy taking it to bits. Alex Before insulation; After; slightly more tape required on the P2 though.

Next show is the Derby 175 Etches Park depot open day on Saturday 13th September. Come along and take a look. Some of my Derby related stock will be displayed on the Rail Express stand too.

Thanks, was a good show. Rather annoying as I was only able to attend on the sunday morning for a couple of hours, but it was a good show. Big thanks to Alan, Jack and Richard for helping out, it wouldn't have been there without them!

Track plan will appear on here when I get chance! And a 'general' view of the whole layout as it stands. I don't use drybrushing, but every weathering job usually starts with spraying on dirt with the airbrush and wiping off with acrylic thinners, which basically is a wash. Water won't work but acrylic thinners does. Just as long as you don't leave it for ages and apply it too thick in the first place, it's a case of building it up rather than in one go. Basically without thinners you can't use them for weathering.