The big news during the summer was the release by Hornby of its Royal Scot locomotive models. All four are now available and have been well reviewed in the model railway press. Hornby continue to strive to improve the detail on each new model and it is getting very difficult to think up new touches to appeal. The models have the sprung buffers (in this case reproduction of the forged steel buffers on the real locomotives), great cab interior detail, cab doors, sliding roof panel, fitted sanding pipes, brake rods and pipework beneath the cab in a brass colour. The three BR versions are fitted with cinder deflectors on the cabside windows. The models all come in either 'DCC ready' or 'DCC fitted' condition. Each model comes with a bag of additional detail to attach (not fitted in our photos).
The only LMS version so far is 6133 'The Green Howards' (R2631) which is in post-war black with maroon and straw lining which has been very nicely applied.. This version has the earlier top feed on the boiler with a flat top, rather than curved as on the other three models.
The next oldest in livery are 46102 and 43140 which both have BR Brunswick green paintwork and carry the earlier yellow lion astride a wheel insignia on their tenders. 46102 is 'Black Watch' (R2628) and is in pristine condition . It has small nameplates on the leading splashers and its armorial shields on the face of the splashers. 46140 is 'The King's Royal Rifle Corps' (R2629) and is in the same livery as 'Black Watch' but has a lightly 'weathered' finish. It nameplates have extensions on top to take armorial shields but they were never fitted to the locomotive and so are left blank on the model.
The final version of the Hornby Rebuilt Royal Scots is 46146 'The Rifle Brigade' (R2630) which is in BR Brunswick green with the later red lion insignia which both face to the left. It also has warning flashes at the usual locations.
We look forward to seeing what new versions of this model Hornby have in store for us next year. Almost certainly we can expect an LMS version in Crimson Lake livery - can't we?
Model Railway Express
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