Being inexperienced in correct locomotive sounds, I searched back through all the principal model railway magazines to see what others had said about the quality of the sound produced in the latest steam sound releases from Hornby - but I could find no reviews.

A general view expressed is that the sound of a steam locomotive is difficult to identify for a lot of the time as, unlike diesel locomotives, there is no motor sound. The noises one hears are those of smoke and steam being forced out, the escape of steam through leaking valves, the clanking of rods and the squeal of brakes. A person's 'sound' memory of a particular locomotive is often more associated with the whistle fitted, than the running sound of the locomotive itself, although the number of cylinders an engine has will determine the exhaust beat.

Four sound fitted steam locomotives have been released so far this year. These are: 'Black 5' 45377 with late insignia (R2895XS), maroon 'Duchess' 46240 City of Coventry also with late insignia (2894XS), Class A4 LNER 4466 Herring Gull in Garter blue (R2805XS) and A4 60001 Sir Ronald Matthews in BR green with late decals (R2896XS).

The 'Black 5' model dates from 2002 and was the third version of the class attempted by Hornby, the first being released back in 1973. Over 20 variations of the current model have been produced so far. The model depicts the class in the late 1950s with mixed traffic lining and no warning flashes. 45377 was built in June 1937 and survived in service right through to December 1967, but missed out on preservation.

The Current model of the 'Duchess' also dates from 2002 and replaced an earlier one of 1977. It is surprising that with so many of the class having been modelled by Hornby down the years, City of Coventry has not featured before. Like the 'Black 5' the livery suggests the late 1950s. The real locomotive was built at Crewe in March 1940.. It was withdrawn from service in September 1964 and scrapped.

The Class A4 model currently in use dates from 2004 and is one of five versions of the class tooled by Hornby, the earliest was launched in 1979. Of this 2004 version, more than 20 have already been releases and several more are expected this year - such is the popularity of Gresley's iconic design. 60001 started life in April 1938 as No.4500, in LNER Garter blue, and named Garganey. It was renamed Sir Ronald Matthews, after the chairman of the LNER, in March 1939. The locomotive in BR green as 60001 survived until 1964, being decommissioned in October and cut up in December.