Hornby 2009: the speculation and the truth...

Well, chaps, it's almost that time of the year when we get rather excited about Christmas presents (even though I know exactly what I'm getting, the selfish git that I am!), which invariably includes a Hornby locomotive or two from members of the family (in my case 32662 and 30450 Sir Kay). But it's also almost the time of year when Hornby makes their announcements for next year's range. So gentlemen (and ladies!), what do we think will be the state of play come 1 January (I hope someone uses this post to nail up the actual range announcement when the time comes) ? :-k :-k :-k

 

I'll hazard a half-arsed guess:

I reckon an A1, more numbers of models already been created, coaches and wagons. There has to be an anniversary model somewhere.. Dunno what. Lol..

I'm hoping for more numbers to the Schools, maybe even a Q6/Q7?

 

Must be about time for them to look at doing a Western loco. An upgraded 28xx maybe. Which could lead onto the larger cab 2884...

After hammering southern and midland locos out for the past few years, it must be about time to make something for western fans, and proberbly a good time to do something of LNER origin...

 

That isn't a top link pacific, a Q6 & A8 would be very nice indeed! [-o<

 

Yes... I'm not an LNER fan as such, but it isn't hard to notice whilst looking at the catalogues that if it isn't 4-6-2, it isn't there...

 

Considering they have proved outside frames are doable with 08's, lets have a Dukedog please.

 

That would be nice...

 

As ever when a new year draws near and i wonder what Hornby will bring out i pray for City of Truro. Or any of the early double frame 4-4-0's.
Looking forward to some decent 4-4-0's since the release of the improved schools and the T9 have given me hope of more 4-4-0's.

My wish list goes something like this:
City
Bulldog
Star
Dukedog
D49
Standard 3 Tank
Hall
64xx Pannier
Unrebuilt Merchant Navy
Improved large Prairie

 

Hall? Bachmann do both types of hall, although the modified one is a little old now. This would be yet another case of model duplication.

 

One day I would like to see an S15...

 

Scratch that. I though they only did the modified type till i looked at there website and now i feel a little silly for not noticing that they had introduced the Hall class.

 

I think it will be a quiet year for Hornby, they need to work on their DCC system and International brands. If we see anything new then I predict that it will be the GWR's turn in the steam era and perhaps a 25kV OHL locomotive for modern image (assuming that Peco tipped them off about the catenary early enough).

Regards,

Dan

 

Maybe a WD 2-10-0? I would definately buy it first off regardless of price! Or an LNER N class?

 

Quite surprised Bachmann havn't thourght about doing a WD 2.10.0 yet. I mean they've got the wheels and tender from the 2.8.0, an exallent 2.10.0 chassis from the 9F. All they'd need to do is extend and modify the 2.8.0's boiler and running frame components...

 

Well seeing how bachmann have just bought the hornby factory can we ask will there be a new range?

 

given the £ has tanked...

I reckon its going to get a whole lot more expensive.

Given Bachmann holds the reigns on Hornby's production line.. whats the chances Hornby return to the UK ? Got to be a big risk having your supplier owned by your competitor !

 

I know what I want- a USA tank, an andrew barclay (4 wheeler or 6 wheeler don't mind), some NER stock, and anything as long as it's not BR. I hope the success of the super D (which i believe sold out nationwide in 2 weeks) has shown that it doesn't have to be a big name, top link express engine to jump off the shelves

 

As A Southern nut I would like to see a 'C', 'O1', U.S.A., 'K', '02' and 'Atlantic'.
That will do for 2009 and I can think of a few more for the year after!

Now Bachmann have bought the Hornby factory; perhaps they would like to buy Hornby as well and that would save all this nonsence of producing the same prototypes.

 

To be honest, the detail on Hornby models is slightly better than the Bachmann counterpart, although the factory finish can leave much to be desired (the radius link support bracket on my 34045 was not glued onto the underside of the running plate, and one of the links on my 70052 doesn't move as freely on one side as it does on the other. It's still a good hauler, though). With my Bachmann 73110, the speedo has broken off. I'll have to replace it with wire, methinks.

 

I would also like a Maunsell push-pull carriage or several!