Hornby 'Duchess' with Sound R2782XS
Although Bachmann were the first to release an British 00 scale proprietary model with sound, Hornby are the first to place a sound fitted British steam outline proprietary model on the market and for this they have chosen their super-detailed version of the 'Princess Coronation' Class as City of Sheffield.
We have already given much coverage to the basic model and all attention to date has understandably been on the sound system with which it has been fitted. Not being an expert on the sounds that the real locomotives make I can only repeat the responses of others.
While there has been little criticism of the overall sound, plus praise from some quarters, the error of leaving in the sound of an air pump (which would not have been present on a locomotive of the age modelled) has been the centre of criticism. This naturally offends those who are familiar with the different sounds but there will be many customers that share my ignorance of such things and will be unaware of the error. However, Hornby have acknowledged the mistake and in response to criticism in this magazine, Marketing Manager, Simon Kohler, made the following comments:
"...the oversight concerning the air-pump was just that. We were so impressed with the various sounds and the extra dimension that sound can bring to this hobby that we missed the obvious! What we can offer, should there be modellers who are offended by the sound of the air pump, is for the sound decoder to be reprogrammed so that the air pump is no longer functioning. If those who wish to avail themselves of this service please return the model to Hornby marked for my attention and I will arrange for the reprogramming.
"Secondly, as many of your readers are aware, Hornby have worked very closely with ESU and have been led by them in the development of the sound locos. This includes their recommendations in respect of speakers and the need or not of sound boxes. They are the experts and we have been the willing pupils. The sounds are genuine and were recorded 'live' in October. Prior to the 'Duchess' being released onto the market, the sounds of the Hornby 'Duchess' were heard at various exhibitions and I am unaware of any criticisms of the sounds. As a point of interest, no one mentioned the air pump!
"Finally, it appears that several of your contributors have been disappointed with the 'Duchess' which does surprise me as the feedback I have received over the last few months has been positive and I wonder if perhaps the sound decoders in the models in question have been corrupted in some way and I would be very interested in having them back so I can listen to them. I will leave this with those who have written to contact me should they wish to let me have a listen.
Sound is a major addition to the realism of a model railway layout and we are keen to progress the development of this dimension and we continue to do so."
The model shows the locomotive 46249 City of Sheffield as it would have looked in the late 1950s and very early 1960s. It is consequently in Brunswick green with late decals and no warning flashes. It is also in ex-works condition.
Model Railway Express
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