Hornby BR Standard 4MT R2714
The Hornby Class 4MT has been awaited with great expectation, especially after Hornby's release of early photographs that showed the level of detail we could expect.
One question I put to Hornby's Marketing Manager, Simon Kohler, was why this subject
had been chosen? He replied that at the time they chose the subject and started the long
process of developing the model, they were unaware of Bachmann's plans to replace their
model which was the old Mainline Railways one, first released in 1976. Hornby recognised
the need to produce steam subjects more typical of the later years and this seemed a good
choice. 
What potential buyers wanted to know is how it would compare with the new Bachmann model released last year. This is answered in the September issue of Hornby Magazine (published by Ian Allan and completely independent of Hornby Hobbies plc) when the two models were examined 'head to head'. Despite being £15 more expensive, The Hornby model was the reviewer's clear choice.
The sample received is No.75005 and is in BR lined black with early decals on the BR2 tender. The locomotive was a Western Region allocation and so the model carries a 'D' route code on the cab sides. It even has Swindon builder's plates. Certainly the detail is outstanding, with plenty of pipework and valves, all correctly coloured - copper, brass or grey lagged. In the cab, the detail is superb, with the 'glass' gauges and readable dials. The firebox doors appear to have all the mechanism in place and look as though you could open them. This must be the most detailed mass produced 00 scale locomotive British model currently on the market.
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.
You too could advertise here. E-mail me
at Pat@mremag.com for details.