I’m sure that many of you know by now that today Hornby announced their 2013 range today. This is a few days earlier than in previous years. In the past, the forthcoming range was announced on Christmas Day, although printing timings of the Model press often meant that details were leaked early. When media embargo’s were successful, it meant many of us logged on to Hornby’s website at the same time and saw very little! Presumably all this was taken into consideration and it was decided to move the date forward.
More importantly… what have Hornby announced? The new range has a few surprises! There are winners and in this case they are GWR and LNER fans steam fans. However, for me the real shock is not just the models announced, but more interestingly the market’s they are pitched at. There are four new steam models available, but only one of them is a standard super-detailed model (the GWR Star). The others are the rather remarkable LNER P2 (2-8-2 tender engine), the unique BR Standard (8P) 71000 Duke of Gloucester and a GWR Hall; with different versions of these sitting in either Hornby’s Railroad or standard ranges (with improved decoration and finish). To reduce costs and supply issues Hornby have looked to making production simpler, with models ‘Designed Clever’ – the result being tooling that can be used for both budget and standard ranges. If this is a step towards battling inflating production costs, this can be seen as a very good thing, but the proof, as they say will be in the pudding!
The items of Southern Interest have been examined in much detail by Graham Muz (click here to view). As for the GWR items, we have Simon of Brookes Castle (click here to view). And of course, there’s also the Hornby website (click here to view)!
Personal highlights of the new range for me are the NRM’s LSWR liveried M7 tank 245, preserved GNR liveried N2 1744, the GWR Star class and 71000 Duke of Gloucester. I’m also very curious to see the P2 2-8-2 (it’ll be massive!), the true model of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express – red liveried 5972 Olton Hall and the BR Blue liveried Tornado. A mention needs to be made of the fact that all six preserved A4’s will be modeled; tying in the A4’s record breaking 75th anniversary celebrations in York. Who will be able to afford many, or any of these models is another matter, with each model selling in the region of at least £136 a piece (and that’s online). The slideshow above shows some pictures of some of the prototypes (or at least similar versions thereof) to give you a flavour of the 2012 range.
Finally, it seems advanced DCC control is coming to the masses – Hornby have a new system – e-link. It appears this is a relatively simple piece of hardware that link’s control of a DCC layout from a PC using the railmaster software; without needing the advanced stand-alone controller that is the Hornby Elite. I will very interested to see how well this is received. For those who have a PC or laptop to-hand it could be just what they need. It makes absolute sense and I have to admit of being put off purchasing expensive advanced DCC systems that; despite costing as much, couldn’t possibly be as powerful in data handling as my PC. Hmmm, food for thought!
Loco Yard 