No. It's just how I call the mk3s which have had all the mods done (gwr, scot rail and cross country)
Primarily 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 steam outline models that have been part of the range for at least thirty years, so you'd hope they'd be comparatively cheap.
I didn't realise until you mentioned it that Hornby are producing those: Good to see that they're still blazing a trail when it comes to producing contemporary HST models, as they were the first to release a model of the Intercity 125 in 1977 and have done a good job of keeping up with developments ever since. I suspect that Hornby will achieve full production of theirs before Wabtec do with the real ones!
That seems more sensible. I know that Hornby have put a lot of detailing onto their Peckett tanks but £100 for an 0-4-0 seemed a bit crackers to me.
Yeah, I suppose modern day prices don't seem so outlandish when compared against inflation, and new models typically come with a wealth of detail and level of accuracy that was lacking on the eighties standards.
Yes, the cost of continental models always seems astonishingly high compared to even the modern standards of the UK market.
Not to mention that the people in the Chinese factories that assemble them might want to be paid a reasonable wage!
Especially at the prices asked.
Believe it or not, it's probably too realistic. The curves and imperfections on a model track usually scale at something far, far in excess of what is permissible in real life. If the model has super fine flanges, limited bogie movement, etc., it will look the part but will suffer with typical model track.
Very true. You need really good trackwork these days (which is an art form in itself), I find that 3rd radius curves as a minimum, with corresponding gently curved points are the only way to go with modern models.
Must agree, Railroad stuff is pretty good, a lot of it is old Lima but with decent glazing, printing etc.
I had a Dapol Pendolino back when they were newly released (Still do in fact, in a box under the spare bed) that used to consistently derail on one corner of my layout travelling in one direction only, no matter how gingerly I attempted to ease it over the offending turnout. It was hardly surprising to be honest, as the long and fairly stiff wheelbase wasn't fond of second radii curves and the slightly compromised curve radii that I had in place on that corner of the layout. That seems to me to be around the time that railway models began to move away from 'toy train' sensibilities with the ability to negotiate most set track curves within reason, and towards a greater degree of realism and cost, but with limitations on where you could run them.
That's why I tend to stick to second hand purchases of generally slightly older models: I've no interest in masses of detailing, as long as it looks 'right' to me and captures the essence of the original then I'm quite happy.
Very true. Many of the Lima models were pretty well proportioned and looked right (especially the 31, 37, 40, 47 and 73). The main problem with them was the fairly course motors.
I always thought that my Lima Deltic sounded quite prototypical.
I've always liked that coarse note that the Lima pancake motors had/have: Better than the anemic whine of the older Hornby Ringfields.I was a big fan of the Lima class 37s and 60s, and of course their 47 was streets ahead of the ancient Hornby moulding.
Yes, I've always felt that this approach is beneficial: Produce the basic model to a good standard for a sensible price and those that want to can add extra detail to their hearts content.
