Hornby GWR Classes 28xx & 38xx 2-8-0
The Great Western Railway Class 28xx 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive was first modelled by Hornby in 1991 and made use of some of the parts originally tooled for the LMS 8F. As part of the company's upgrading of its locomotive range, it was the turn of the Class 28xx to be retooled in 2010. The opportunity was taken to produce a suite of tooling which would also allow Hornby to market locomotives of the 38xx Class. The main difference between the two classes was the design of the cab which on the 38xx was of a later design and offered better protection for the crew in bad weather. However, there were several other differences, such as splashers, whistle and lamp bracket positions, which Hornby have faithfully included.
Three of the models of these locomotives are reviewed here. Class 28xx No.2818 (R2915) is in Brunswick green with 'Great Western' on the tender; this is the NRM special edition for 2010. Class 28xx No.2812 (R2916) is also in Brunswick green but has the GWR 'shirt button' monogram on its tender sides . Finally, Class 38xx No.3803 (R2918) is in green with 'GWR' on the tender and, of course, has the larger cab with windows and other detail differences.
