UKModelrailways Reviews
2009's most impressive model railway release has to be Hornby's exquisite 'Devon Belle' Observation car.
This model was announced as part of Hornby's 2009 plans and the first batch of models was released in time for Father's Day in June.
Only two of these vehicles were built for use on the 'Devon Belle' Pullman service between London Waterloo and the West Country and operated on the Ilfracombe portion.
Both of the observation cars were rebuilt from LNWR ambulance carriages, and were numbered 13 and 14.
Hornby's model is just superb. The quality of the moulding is exceptional, and faithfully replicates the distinctive design of the real coaches.
The most striking aspect of the coach is the vast expanse of glass. This has been beautifully rendered with incredibly fine window frames printed as part of the moulded bodyshell.
The lower bodyside is correctly matchboarded with larger upper panelled sides towards the rear of the coach around the bar area. Inside, the detail is exceptional too ... look at that handbrake wheel..!
The underframe is also incredibly finely detailed with intricate trussing, vacuum cylinders, battery boxes and other minute detail. The bogies feature fine metal four-hole disc wheels, and are again superbly moulded. Wiper pick-ups on the bogies supply power from the track to the interior lighting. This is in the form of a strip of LEDs inside the passenger saloon.
The printing on the whole model is crisp and legible...from the 'Pullman Observation Car' legend through the Pullman Crest to the makers plate under the rear door step (which is perfectly faithful to the prototype!)
Sprung metal buffers are fitted and a bufferbeam detailing pack is included to accurately detail the rather plain front end. Incidentally, NEM coupler pockets are not fitted to the observation end of the coach, which means these pipes etc won't hinder the movement of the bogie - and enhance the overall appearance!
The interior moulding is faithful to the prototype and features seats at angles ... (the 'real' seats were supposedly manufactured to be 'uncomfortable' to dissuade passengers from spending too much time in the car(!)) .. despite the model seats being plastic, they certainly appear inviting! All that's required is a few '00' passengers in various poses placed within...
Overall, then, this is a wonderful piece of kit - and well-worth the RRP! No wonder it's proven a popular model and many retailers have reported their stocks selling fast. The coach is also available as part of the 'Devon Belle' train pack, which also features 2 pullman cars and West Country loco ' Wadebridge '.
RRP: £48.49 www.hornby.com
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More Dapol FEA-B spine wagons have been released. The latest models are as per the previous releases, but with new numbers. Item Nos B724E / F are in Freightliner Green livery, numbered 640235/64026 and 640221/640222 respectively. 
The spine wagons are in pairs and feature incredibly fine pipework and small details. They are possibly the most intricate 00 model available on the market right now. Printing is also perfecly legible with ID nos and logos all beautifully rendered.
Running quality is superb. The wheels used by Dapol run incredibly smoothly and give a positive performance when running, either loaded or empty.
In addition, 2 GBRF versions have also been released. Item Nos B740 C/D are available in the operator's blue livery, numbered 640619/640020 and 640601/640602 respectively. 
These must rank as one of the best RTR modern outline 00 wagons available, especially at a retail price of less than £20 a pair!
B724E/B724F/B740C/B740D RRP £19.95 each www.dapol.co.uk
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Hornby's long-awaited 'Schools' 4-4-0 is here... and well worth the wait!
Hornby introduced Maunsell's 'V' Class loco into their range in the early 80s and at the time it was considered a lovely model, which also came with a 'smoke' unit! In recent times it's shown it's age up against more modern releases.
As a result, an entirely new model has been produced to the latest standards with incredibly fine detail and smooth running.
This model is of 30915 'Brighton' in BR Green with late crest. ( A BR Black model with early crest - 30932 'Blundell's' is also available) The overall character of the loco has been captured well, face-on the loco looks just right, and the intricate detail shows how much time and effort has been put in to produce this model.
The boiler and firebox are cast in metal to aid adhesion on the track, whilst the rest of the body is plastic, including the smoke deflectors.
The Cab has glazed windows and the attention to detail within has to be seen to be believed! The gauges, regulator, reverser and water gauge glasses are just about the best I've seen modelled on a 4mm rtr locomotive. You can even read the calibrations!
The tender is equally well modelled. The handbrake lever and water tank filler are incredibly fine and just add to the 'quality feel' of the overall package.
For those who run 'DCC' locos - the DCC socket is in the tender, which is easily accessed by removing the two screws located underneath. (The loco is also available DCC-fitted)
Perfomance of this loco was exemplary and showed plenty of haulage capability, helped no doubt by the rubber traction tyres on the leading drivers. The five-pole skew-wound motor runs smoothly and quietly through a range of speeds. The RP25 wheels ran positively through my somewhat complicated pointwork without stalling or derailing!
The paint and print job on this loco is also very good. The shade of green used looks right, and the lining is excellent. The various numbers, emblems, plates and nameplates have also been crisply applied. The loco also comes with a pack of detailing parts which includes brake rodding, buffer beam pipes and footsteps.
Overall, then, a worthy addition to any Southern / BR SR loco stud, and worth the wait!
R2743/R2743X* BR Green 4-4-0 'Brighton' Schools loco. RRP £108.25 / £124.49*
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Hornby's Class 60 is considered to be the 00 'benchmark' diesel model on which others should judged! The latest version (R2780XS) is a DCC Sound-Fitted loco and is, simply, superb!
This latest version is available as 60 048 'EASTERN' in EWS livery.
Performance is smooth and positive, as per previous releases, with a large five-pole motor providing all-wheel drive. Decoration is equally impressive with sharply printed detail ... add this to the highly detailed cab with opening doors, and etched metal grilles through which you can see the moulded engine detail, and you have a very nice package indeed.
However, it's under the bodyshell, where the 'magic' lies. This model is supplied with an ESU DCC Sound chip and enclosed speaker accomodated within the chassis. The 'real' prototype Class 60 loco was clearly a 'tired' example, and this has been fully replicated on the sound chip.
Start-up begins with a klaxon and engine build-up. Once up to idle speed, the loco is ready for the 'off'! There are 14 functions to choose from to enhance the driving experience...(incidentally, I have a Hornby Elite so have only tried the first 12 functions so far!)... ranging from various horns to engine notching! These functions can be operated via the function keys on your DCC controller.
F0 Lights on/off
F1 Sound on/off
F2 Airhorn 1
F3 Airhorn 2
F4 Coupler
F5 Compressor
F6 Shunting mode
F7 Brake release
F8 Diesel Notch Up
F9 Diesel Notch Down
F10 Ventilator
F11 Airhorn short 1
F12 Airhorn short 2
F13 Train brakes
F14 Conductor's Signal
Unlike other 'sound-fitted' diesel locos on the market, the brake release needs to be performed via a function button before setting off.
Prior to this model, my favourite DCC Sound-fitted loco was Bachmann's Class 24. However, when combining looks, performance and sound....'is this Class 60 the best overall package on the market? I should 'Co-Co'!!
R2780XS DCC Sound Fitted Class 60 RRP: £193.49 www.hornby.com
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Hornby's first 'new' 00 DMU since the Class 142 was introduced 20 years ago is here!
The Class 153 has been released in a plethora of liveries, and it's a stunner!
Ideal if you operate a small layout, these models are the modern day equivalent of the Class 121/122 DMUs previously employed on branch lines in the past.
This Class 153 is an all-new production and shares nothing with the ex-Dapol Class 155 DMU which has been part of the Hornby range for a number of years. The bodyshell is highly-detailed and includes the distinctive rivets which feature so prominently on the prototype.
The variations between the cab ends has been reproduced accurately including different light cluster positions and variations in design of the gangway connecting doors.
The model is flush-glazed and incorporates a full interior, thanks to a novel positioning of the unit's circuitry! The motor bogie cleverly fits in the toilet/stowage end of the unit, and the circuit board is raised above the seats at ceiling height in the unit, so as not to obscure the internal detail - a nice touch!
Whilst the motor bogie isn't up to the latest fly-wheel spec as used on the Class 31/50/56/60 locos, it's still a nice little mover and runs incredibly smoothly, particularly on DCC. All variants are available as DCC Ready and DCC Fitted.
The bodyshell is a tight snug-fit, but easy to remove if you keep your nerve and gently unclip the lugs beneath the bodyside (I used some thin card to prevent the lugs clicking back into place as I worked along the edge).
Directional head and tail lights are excellent and really enhance the appearance of this model. All, except the Regional Railways liveried model, come with a yellow obstacle deflector at each end. These are fixed to the underneath of the bogie rather than the chassis, allowing the couplings to move as necessary without fouling on corners. Whilst not prototypical, it's a compromise I can live with. If you have the time and ability, it wouldn't take long to find an alternative way of fixing them to the underside of the unit. Isn't that why we're 'railway modellers' after all?!
Livery-wise the printing on all models is superb, with crisp lining and logos giving the overall package a good-quality feel. For me, the ex First North Western blue unit with Gold Star is my favourite!
For the price - it's a steal!
R2756/X Central Trains
R2757/X Northern Rail
R2758/X NWT with Northern Branding
R2759/X Regional Railways
R2792/X East Midlands Trains
Later in the year, expect a Wessex Trains liveried model!
RRP: £68.49 DCC Ready / £84.49 DCC Fitted . www.hornby.com
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Flangeway Models has released the first of it's new 00 scale models of the BR Independent Snowplough. These can still be found at various locations across the UK today. Many have been refurbished in recent years and currently carry Network Rail logos.
As modelled, the initial 6 releases cover both BR liveries and the more modern post-1996 scheme:
IS1 DB 965237 - BR Black with white running nos & yellow striping (65-96)
IS2 DB 965230 - BR Black with white running nos & yellow striping (65-96)
IS3 ADB 965209 - BR Black (post 1996 livery)
IS4 ADB 965203 - BR Black (post 1996 livery)
IS5 ADB 965208 - BR Black with yellow striping - Grey plough base & Highland Stag logo
IS6 ADB 965220 - BR Black with yellow striping - with Eastfield 'Scottie' Dog logo
** Note - The initial batch of IS5 was mis-numbered as ADB 965203 with above livery spec. This has since been changed to the correct numbered model. IS6 features an incorrect 'dog' logo. It should feature a West Highland Terrier, as opposed to a 'Scottie' dog! This is easily remedied, courtesy of the appropriate Replica Railways / Fox transfers over the top.
The model has been nicely tooled by Dapol. The complex shape of the plough has been captured well. The chassis is screwed-in separately and fitted with 00 scale wheels. The centre axle of the three has some sideways play to allow it to negotiate sharper than scale curves! The model is also fitted with an NEM coupling box, which allows easy replacement of the tension lock coupling provided. (The use of a Kadee No 17 buck-eye allows very close-coupling with an appropriate loco) A separate 'ice breaker' is included for fitting once out of the box. Each plough retails at £24.95, plus postage and packaging, and available direct from Flangeway Models, 10B Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY10 1QG. Also available from their stand at various model railway exhibitions (see magazines for details)
More variants are planned including the 'Tinsley Duo' - "Snow Queen" and "Snow King" in their unique Railfreight Grey liveries!
More info on these and other planned model releases are available at www.flangeway.com. RRP £24.95 + p&p
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Model Rail magazine's latest Limited Edition model is here. It's an 00 Scale model of Class 57 diesel 57 601 in it's distinctive West Coast Railways maroon livery.
Bachmann has done a superb job in replicating the colour scheme on this locomotive. The colour, logos and small printed details are crisp and simply stunning! The model features sprung metal buffers, working LED head and tail lights , wire handrails all round, a 21-pin DCC socket (DCC Ready), switchable tail lights (via a switch underneath the fuel tanks) and all-wheel drive and pick-up.
This locomotive will suit all modern layouts and would not look out of place alongside a steam loco or two , as it can be seen on charter trains and empty stock workings across the country.
You can order this loco via the order form inside the latest copies of Model Rail magazine. RRP £87.95 inc p&p
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The Signalbox in Rochester has recently commissioned some interesting limited edition models from the RTR manufacturers. One of the latest releases is this 00 Class 08 shunter based on one of the locos operating at Laira Depot, in Plymouth back in the late 80s. The loco was used to shunt coaching stock operating on the 'West of England' Waterloo-Exeter services.
The model has been produced by Bachmann, and the livery on 08 641 is superbly rendered. It carries the revised version of Network SouthEast livery (no upswept lines) and has the unofficial name 'Dartmoor' printed on each side, along with all the other NSE brandings that were prevalent at the time. The loco number is also repeated in black on the bufferbeam.
As well as the fine livery embellishments, the marker lights are picked out in orange, the coupling rods are finished in red, and there's even a silver exhaust cover!
Despite the popularity of the Hornby version, the Bachmann Class 08 is still a lovely little loco. It's DCC ready with an 8-pin socket, and there was plenty of room for a TCS DP2X-UK decoder, which in turn gave super slow running qualities. Couplings are in standard NEM sockets.
Other NSE models available include a limited edition GUV, and soon-to-be-released BG, all in the sector's attractive livery.
This loco is available from The Signalbox, 382-386 High Street, Rochester, Kent. ME1 1DJ. RRP £59.99 plus p&p www.thesignalbox.co.uk
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