The model was released by Lima in 1980 but had an inaccurate chassis. So, when Hornby took over the model they tooled up a new and more accurate chassis for it, to GWR design. The model was released in the autumn of 2007 and was an immediate success. So much so that there was only a limited supply of models to circulate for press reviews. We received only the Aplin & Barrett version at the time and the other two designs could not be sent for review until a new batch of models had been made and sent from China. This explains our late reference to models you will have already seen.
Here then are pictures of United Dairies (R6379) and Express Dairies (R6378), neither of which was illustrated in the 2007 catalogue as they were surprise releases. They are not in the 2008 catalogue either as, for the current year, three new liveries have been adopted.
The six-wheel milk tank wagon was the only Hornby wagon nominated for The Model of the Year Awards run by Model Rail magazine in association with RMweb and MREmag and it missed being voted best 00 wagon of 2007 by just 7 votes!
Model Railway Express
Run by model railway enthusiasts, Modelfair is an online shop specialising in new, pre-owned and collectable model railways. http://www.modelfair.com for friendly and reliable service.
For Hornby and spares for Hornby, Electrotren, Lima (HO), Jouef and Rivarossi visit www.hornbyspares.co.uk
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