Tag Archives: Maunsell Coaches

Kernow Models, Model News, Talking Stock

Talking Stock #39 Catering for Southern travellers by Hornby

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As we are talking Southern Railway catering vehicles it might be worth sitting down and having some light refreshment to go with the read as things are going to get a little confusing and complex!

The Southern Railway even with its relatively short distances involved, when compared with some of the other railway companies, still provided full dining services by pairing a Kitchen dining car with a dining saloon on many of its services such as Waterloo – Exeter, Waterloo – Bournemouth / Portsmouth and Weymouth, Southampton boat train services and the Brighton to Plymouth, and some Victoria – Dover services. They could also be found on the though Cardiff, Newcastle and Birkenhead services off the Southern. These paired vehicles would either be inserted within the middle of longer coaching sets, especially for the through services off the Southern; or within a train made up from multiple shorter coach sets, such as on the West of England line.

The Southern Railway (and subsequent the Southern Region) contracted out its catering services: on the South Eastern and Central Divisions it was The Pullman Car Co, and the South Western Division was originally Spiers & Pond (the LSWR contractor) superseded by Frederick Hotels in 1930.

Hornby Southern catering vehicles since 2018

The R4816 Diagram 2656 Kitchen Dining First

The first newly tooled Southern Railway Maunsell catering versions were first introduced in by Hornby in 2018 and the subsequent ‘A’ versions currently available from Hornby are:
R4816 SR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First to Diagram 2656, No. 7869 and R4816A 7865 in unlined SR Green; and R4817 BR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First to Diagram 2651, with post 1939 / 1939 modifications, No. S7861S and R4817A No. S7858S in BR(s) Green.

Read my review of these models here.

The Diagram 2656 cars were built in 1932 and a later batch built in 1934 and other than the cooking equipment fitted were similar in body style to Diagram 2650. Hornby have chosen to produce these models in unlined olive-green which is totally correct for post 1940s condition.

One of these 1932 built vehicles No. 7864 (not to be confused with the Diagram 2652 Dining Saloon Thirds R40030 Number 7864 with the earlier use of the number being produced by Hornby in 2021 see below) is preserved at the Bluebell Railway and funds are actively being raised for its full restoration see here for details on how to contribute. 

The Diagram 2651 in BR(s) green represents one of the six, originally built in 1927, coaches post rebuilding around 1935 to include the characteristic recessed double doors. There were some slight bodyside differences between these and the subsequent 20 similar cars built in 1929 and 1930.

These catering vehicles would usually have been paired in service with Maunsell Diagram 2005 Open thirds numbered 1369 to 1400 such as R4537 Number 1400 or R4833 Number 1375 in SR Olive Green and R40101 number S1338S in BR(s) Green.

Hornby 2021 releases

The Hornby 2021 range sees the introduction of new tooling for two more Southern / BR(s) catering vehicles.

A Diagram 2652 Dining Saloon Third

[Edit] The as originally announced Maunsell Diagram 2652 Dining Saloon Thirds R40030 and R40030A as numbers 7864 and 7867 respectively representing them original condition in SR lined olive green. Six of these dining salon thirds were built in 1927 and they were in service actually paired with the first Maunsell Kitchen / Dining Firsts to Diagram 2651 that were also built in 1927 and numbered 7858-7863. Modellers licence would have been required  as this Diagram in original its 1927 form has not been produced by Hornby and therefore will have to be incorrectly paired with the Diagram 2656 Kitchen Dining First instead.

The main difference between the two diagrams is that the earlier Diagram 2651 did not originally have external door or the vestibule at the dining saloon end and have smaller kitchen window adjacent to the double doors. The first batch of the Diagram 2651 were later modified to include the end doors and vestibule (although the smaller window remained) these and the subsequent later builds, with differing sizes of windows, were built with vestibules were confusingly all to the same diagram number.

The six Diagram 2652 Dining Saloon Thirds only lasted in this from until 1930 when they were reclassed as Open Thirds and renumbered in the range 1363 to 1368.
[Edit] Hornby advised at the end of January that the models R40030 and R40030A to be numbered 1363 and 1366 respectively to the longer and more flexible usage 1930 to wartime period.
During the war all except No. 1367 were converted for Ambulance Train use during WWII. (see comments below).

Just to add to the complexity and confusion with the SR catering vehicles the Diagram 2656 having been built post 1932 took over the numbers 7864 to 7869!

A Diagram Third / Composite Dining Saloon

[Edit] Four of six, now reclassified Open Thirds were converted in July 1947 to Third / Composite Dining Saloons branded as ‘Restaurant Car’ to Diagram 2658 and numbered 7841-4 . These conversions have also been announced by Hornby as R40031 Maunsell Dining Saloon Third / Composite to diagram 2658 Number S7841S and R40031A Number S7843S in BR(s) Green.

These four were actually paired with the Kitchen / Buffet cars to Diagram 2659 that themselves were converted in 1947 from Diagram 2656 Kitchen / Dining firsts and not yet available in ready to run form. So therefore will have to be incorrectly paired with the Diagram 2651 Kitchen Dining First in BR(s) green instead. The other two were now fitted with 48 loose  2 +1 chairs and classified as First Class diners and numbered 7846/7 were were paired with newly converted Diagram 2661 Buffet cars for use on the reinstated ‘Night Ferry” service.

S7841S, previously numbered 7841, 1365 and 7866, is currently surviving awaiting full restoration at the Bluebell Railway.

Also announced for 2021 are further versions of the Kitchen / Dining Firsts as R40029 to [Edit]  Diagram 2655 Number S7998S and R40029A to Diagram 2656 Number S7955S in BR crimson and cream livery. These would be suitable to be paired with the Maunsell Diagram Open Third R4835 Number S1346S in crimson and cream that was released by Hornby in 2018! This version is still, at the time of writing, thankfully available from retailers such as our friends at the Kernow Model Rail Centre.

Hornby 2022 releases

The Hornby 2022 range sees the introduction of new tooling for two more Southern / BR(s) catering vehicles.

Two more Diagram 2658 Composite Dining Saloons, firstly  R40221 SR No.  7844 in SR green as approximately between 18th November 1947 and mid 1949. She was outshopped Crimson and Cream livery 4th February 1955, however the SR style lettering was likely to have been amend to BR style before the end of 1949 .
Secondly,  R40222 BR, Maunsell Dining Saloon First [sic] (actually a Composite Dining Saloon), S7842S in Crimson and Cream livery as carried in between 7th December 1954 and being outshopped BR(S) Green 12th August 1957.
These Diagram 2658 Composite dining saloons numbered 7841-4 were paired on West of England services with Diagram 2659 Kitchen & Buffet cars numbered 7864/5/7 and 7999, that themselves had been converted from Diagram 2656 Kitchen Dining Firsts. Modellers licence will be required as these converted Diagram 2659 vehicles have not been produced by Hornby and therefore will have to be incorrectly paired with the Diagram 2656 Kitchen Dining First instead.

I did say it was a bit confusing, I hope this post has helped to clarify in some way…

Model News, Model Reviews

The Maunsell Kitchen Dining cars arrive, are they 1st Class…

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Only announced as being part of the Hornby 2018 range in January this year the  Maunsell 1st Class Kitchen Dining cars have now arrived and yes they are pretty much 1st Class and certainly up the standard that we have come to expect from Hornby for coaching stock. Often coupled to the Maunsell diagram 2005 Open 3rd coaches these will complete Southern / Southern Region express passenger rakes.

R4816 – SR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First Number 7869 Diagram 2656, in SR Green.

The versions being produced initially by Hornby are: R4816, SR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First Number 7869 Diagram 2656, in unlined SR Green; and R4817, BR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First Number S7861S Diagram 2651, in BR(s) Green.

Kitchen Diner First Diagram 2656 No 7869 c1940 image copyright and courtesy M King

The Diagram 2656 cars were  built in 1932 and a later batch built in 1934 and other than the cooking equipment fitted were similar in body style to Diagram 2650. There has been much debate that Hornby have chosen to produce this model in unlined olive-green which is totally correct for post 1940s, as seen in the picture, left,  courtesy of friend and SR coach guru Mike King. Evidence also exists of members of the 1934 built batch having been introduced when new in unlined livery (See Gould, Oakwood Press; Maunsell’s SR Steam Passenger stock 1923 to 1939)

A 3/4 view of R4816 No. 7869

The Diagram 2651 in BR(s) green represents one of the six, originally built in 1927, coaches post rebuilding around 1935 to include the characteristic recessed double doors.

The other end of R4816 No. 7868 the representation of the lead weights on the solebar can be seen in in this picture

There were some slight bodyside differences between these and the subsequent 20 similar cars built in 1929 and 1930 which is one of the reason why after some discussion between the Hornby team and a number of contributors that the originally announced number of S7946S was changed, to suit photographic evidence, especially related to the size of the window next to the double doors.

A view of R4817 No. S7861S to Diagram 2651 in BR(s) green

The pictures of the models accompanying this post speak for themselves, and as stated above meet the standards we have come to expect to from Hornby for coaching stock especially with respect to the other Maunsell coaches they have produced.  The bodyside feature the relevant panel lines, hand rails on the ends and are nicely flush glazed, frosted where appropriate. Clip on corridor connection end doors are fitted but these can be removed, to reveal the closed inner doors, if required.

Another view of R4718 No. S7861S note the smaller window by the double doors

The interior is well moulded and the tables painted to represent white table clothes and includes the swan neck table lamp, although unlike the Pullman range these do not illuminate.
Curtains are printed on the inside of the glazing, which again has been an area of debate especially as they are uniform on each window, some may wish to remove these, and if doing so use only good quality methylated spirit on a cotton bud, do not use anything like enamel thinners or similar as this is likely to fog the glazing.

A view of the underframe

The Underframe is well detailed with sprung buffers and the nicely moulded delicate end bottom foot steps on each corner and also all the additional tanks and equipment associated with dining cars and the excellent Hornby standard SR 8ft Bogies are used. The lead weights that were located on the solebar, which were necessary to even up the wight distribution of the prototypes is also moulded.

A higher angle view of R4816 No. 7869 to show off the roof and its various vents and water tanks

The roof mouldings include the relevant water tanks and variety of vents needed especially over the kitchen area.

An accessory pack is included with each coach containing blank roof boards and Roco style close couplings, I will be using Kaydee No. 19 buckeye couplings as per the rest of my Hornby Maunsell coaching stock.

In  reality and to most eyes the Diagram 2656 and rebuilt Diagram 2651 cars are pretty similar and in many ways it is a shame that perhaps the tooling for the original Diagram 2651 cars has not been done, although perhaps this is still a future option? One very pedantic further point is that on the boxes Hornby have called these ‘Kitchen/Dinning coaches’ not sure where the additional ‘n’ comes from…

Overall these are a good and long-awaited additional to the range for Southern Modellers, one should hope that a SR lined green version will be announced in due course as although Hornby have publicaly stated that their tooling does not allow this, I like a number of others do not believe this to be the case.

Note: I have of course referenced Mike King’s excellent book in writing this post: An illustrated history of Southern Coaches, OPC  ISBN 0-86093-570-1 and David Gould: Maunsell’s SR Steam Passenger stock 1923 to 1939, Oakwood Press, that should grace any SR / BR(s) modellers book shelf.

General, Model News

Hornby announce 2018 range includes brand new Lord Nelson class and Maunsell Kitchen Dining First catering coaches [updated 12/01/18]

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Hornby have today announced their full range for 2018 hot on the heals of yesterdays Bachmann announcement.  For this year’s range Hornby have gone to a single announcement rather than new toolings announced over the last few month either at Warley or via their Engineshed blog, possibly as a result of new broom(s) at the helm. The highlights  from a Southern Railway perspective being the brand new tooled Maunsell Lord Neslon class 4-6-0 and Maunsell 59ft Kitchen / Dining First catering vehicles. The now outdated Bachmann Lord Nelson will be easily surpassed by this new tooling that will incorporate variations to chimneys, smokeboxes, saddles and tenders. Last years H Class 0-4-0t also makes an appearance with revised tooling for the flat sided bunker.

Hornby’s Lord Nelson 851

The range also sees a welcome reintroduction of the 5Bel Brighton belle Set, in the 1960’s livery with small yellow warning panels, the model has also been updated with revised electrical connections between the cars. Also back in the range is the Devon Belle observation car.

The aim of this post is to round up the announcements that are of a Southern Railway / Southern Region interest and new for 2018, I have purposely not relisted those item previous announced and or still to actually appear. An indication of the planned release date via the Quarter system (eg [Q2] is also provided.

Locomotives

  • R3634 – SR 4-6-0 ‘Sir Francis Drake’ No. E851 Maunsell Lord Nelson Class in pre 1931 SR Lined Olive livery without Smoke deflectors, with snifting valves, original chimney and tender. [Q2]
  • R3635 – BR 4-6-0 ‘Lord Rodney’ No. 30863 Maunsell Lord Nelson Class in BR Brunswick Green with early crest,  Lemaitre chimney, short smokebox, piano front (Maunsell cylinders) smoke deflectors and high sided tender. [Updated]  [Q2]
  • R6303TTS – BR 4-6-0 ‘Lord Nelson’ No. 30850 Maunsell Lord Nelson Class in BR Brunswick Green with late emblem,  Lemaitre chimney, extended smokebox (Bulleid cylinders) smoke deflectors and high sided tender. DCC and TTS sound fitted [Q3]

    TTS Sound fitted 30850

  • R3617 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Elder Dempster Lines’ Rebuild Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific number ‘35030’ in BR Brunswick Green with late emblem as she ran post rebuilding in April 1958. [Q2]
  • R3618 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Observer Corps’ Rebuilt Bulleid West Country Light Pacific number 34050 in BR Brunswick Green with with late emblem as she ran post rebuilding in August 1958. [Q2]
  • R3631 – ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 31265, representing one of the 15 members of the class with flat side bunkers (revised tooling new for 2018), BR early crest. [Q3]
  • R3632 – BR 4-6-2 ‘East Asiatic Company’ ‘35024’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Line Blue, early crest representing the condition she ran in between May 1949 and June 1951 when she gained Brunswick green. [Q4]

    Merchant Navy Pacific 35024 in BR Blue livery

  • R3638  – ‘Bideford’ Number 34019 Bulleid Battle of Britain Light Pacific – cut down 4500 gallon tender,  BR Green late emblem Post 1956 condition. [Q4]
  • R3507TTS – S15 Class number 30832 BR Black with early emblem DCC TTS sound. [Q2]
  • R3658 BR Class 50 Number 50033 ‘Glorious’ in Network South East livery. [Q4]

The ex SECR H Class  tank makes an appearance as an Exclusive model in the delayed Hornby Collectors Club now launched, R3648 Number 263 as preserved condition on the Bluebell Railway due July 2018. A big clue was of course her appearance on the Hornby Stand at the Warley show last month.

In addition to the Lord Nelson Hornby’s new locomotive tooling for 2018 comprises of LMS 4-6-2 Streamlined Princess Coronation Class and ex North British Railway, Holmes Class C/ LNER J36 0-6-0.

Train and Coach packs

  • R3606 – Pullman 5Bel Brighton Belle ‘Train Pack’, Unit 3053, Driving Motor Brake Parlour Third Car No. 92 and No.93.  1960s Umber and Cream, with small yellow warning panel [Updated] [Q3]
  • R4871  – Pullman 5Bel Brighton Belle ‘Coach Pack’, Unit 3053, Trailer Parlour First Kitchen ‘Gwen’, ‘Mona’ and  Trailer Parlour Third Car No. 85. 1950s Umber and Cream, early crest [Q3]

Coaches

  • R4816 –  SR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First Number 7869 Diagram 2656, in SR Green. [Updated] [Q4]
  • R4817 – BR Maunsell Kitchen Dining First Number S7946S Diagram 2651, in BR(s) Green. [Q4]

    Kitchen Diner First Diagram 2556 No 7869 c1940 image copyright and courtesy M King

  • R4860 – Pulman ‘J’ Type Devon Belle Observation Car Number 13. [Q4]
  • R4717A – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Eight Compartment Brake Third Class Non-Corridor, SR Olive Green, Diagram 99 No. 2636 that formed set 42 with R4719A. [Q2]
  • R4718A – S R 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Third Coach, SR Olive Green  diagram 98 No. 2625 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q2]
  • R4719A – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Composite Coach, SR Olive Green, Diagram 418 No. 6401 that formed set 42 with R4717A.  [Q2]
  • R4720A – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Nine Compartment Lavatory Third Class Coach, SR Olive Green, Diagram 31 No. 364 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q2]
  • R4833 BR Maunsell Open Third, Number 1400 Diagram 2005 SR Olive Green . [Q4]
  • R4835 BR Maunsell Open Second, Number S1346S Diagram 2005 Crimson and Cream livery. [Q4]
  • R4836 – BR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR(s)Green – High window style to diagram 2102, Number S2763S,  branded as set 230. [Q4]
  • R4838 – BR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR(s)Green – High window style to diagram 2102, Number S2764S,  branded as set 230. [Q4]
  • R4839 – BR Maunsell Corridor 7 Compartment composite  Coach – BR(s)Green  – High window style to diagram 2301, Number S5673S,  part of 3 coach set 230. [Q4]
  • R4840 – BR Maunsell 4 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR(s)Green – Low window style to diagram 2101, Number S3232S,  branded as set 399. [Q4]
  • R4841 – BR Maunsell 4 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR(s)Green – Low window style to diagram 2101, Number S3233S,  branded as set  399. [Q4]
  • R4842 – BR Maunsell Corridor 7 Compartment composite  Coach – BR(s)Green  – Low window style to diagram 2301, Number S5145S,  part of 3 coach set 399. [Q4]
  • R4834 – BR Maunsell Corridor 8 Compartment Corridor second Coach – BR(s)Green  – High window style to diagram 2001, Number S1113S. [Q4]
  • R4837 – BR Maunsell Van B S261S in BR (S) Green. [Q4]

Wagons

  • R6839 – BR ex SR Cattle truck –  Bauxite livery, No. S53904, – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Updated]  [Q2]
  • R6839A – BR ex SR Cattle truck –  Bauxite livery, No. S53908, – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Q4]
  • R6840 – BR ex SR Cattle truck –  Bauxite livery, No. S52345 – Bulleid diagram 1530. [Q3]
  • R6858 – 3 plank wagon SECR livery No. 10756 [Q3]

Hornby’s new wagon tooling for 2017 comprises of a LNER 20 ton  ‘Toad’ B and E brake van.

The full Hornby 2017 range can be found on the Hornby website here or RMweb here

General, Hornby MN, Model News

Hornby announce full 2017 range; a Southern Railway / Southern Region related roundup [updated 16/01/17]

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Hornby have today announced their full range for 2017. As with the range for 2016 new tooling announcements fro 2017 have already been made during the last year via their informative Engineshed blog and a presentation /launch at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. These from a Southern Railway perspective has already included the announcement last September of the ex SECR 0-4-4T H class Tank.

[Updated 13/01/17] R3566 – BR 4-6-2 ‘British India Line’ Rebuild Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific number ‘35018’ has been changed to be 35014 ‘Nederland Line’ due to the unique detail differences of 35018 as the pioneer rebuilt of the class.
[Updated 16/01/17] Confirmation that R3568 – BR Class 71 ‘E5018’ will be in BR Green Livery with plain green ends.

Hornby H Class EP

The range also sees a welcome reintroduction of the Bulleid 0-6-0 Q1, Light Pacific Classes; both Air Smoothed and rebuilt, and reverse SR / BR liveries for the two excellent Diagram 1529 and Diagram 1530 SR Cattle wagons introduced last year.

Hornby livery samples of 21C1 and 21C3 together

The aim of this post is to round up the announcements that are of a Southern Railway / Southern Region interest, it should be noted that as I advised here a number of the 2016 range announcements have already been moved into the 2017 range for release, Including the original Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacifics (detailed in my post here) and these items are highlighted below by a Red [*]. An indication of the planned release date via the Quarter system (eg [Q2] is also provided.

Locomotives

  • R3515 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Kenley’ ’21c168′ Bulleid Battle of Britain Light Pacific – 4500 gallon tender – SR Malachite Green. Part of Hornby’s ‘The Final Day Collection’ Marking the 70th Anniversary of the end of the ‘Big Four’. Represents the condition she ran in between introduction in October 1947 and September 1948. The Final Day Collection range also includes a GWR King Class, LMS Royal Scot Class and LNER A3 Class. [Q3]
  • R3521 – BR 0-4-4T Drummond ex LSWR M7 Class number ‘30129’ long frame, pull push fitted in BR Lined black with late emblem, as she ran between April 1960 and November 1963. [Q2]
  • R3524 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Trevone’ Rebuilt Bulleid West Country Light Pacific number 34096 in BR Brunswick Green with late emblem representing her condition between April 1961 and September 1964. [Q3]
  • R3525 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Sir Archibold Sinclair’ Bulleid Battle of Britain Light Pacific number ‘s21c159’- 4500 gallon tender – Malachite Green with s prefix to number and Sunshine ‘British Railways’ on tender. Representing her condition between Feb 1948 and March 1949. [Q2]
  • R3527 – SR 4-6-0 ‘Camelot’ Urie N15 Class number 742, Urie style tender – Post war Bulleid black with ‘Sunshine’ lettering representing her condition between June 1942 and August 1946. [Q2]
  • R3528 – ex LBSC A1X ‘Terrier’ Class – Number 4 in Weston, Clevedon and Portishead green livery.[Q3]
  • R3538 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 308 in full SECR lined green.  No.308 was built at Ashford Works in June 1906, entering traffic at Slades Green and was repainted to Maunsell Dark Green in 1925. [Q4]
  • R3539 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 31518 BR late crest (with Overhead Electric warning flashes) lined black and pull push fitted. As she ran between post 1956 to January 1964. [Q4]
  • R3549 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 1324 SR post 1931 Maunsell Olive Green. 1324 I believe also made it through the war still in olive green! [Q4]
  • R3559 – SR 0-6-0 Bulleid Q1 class number C24 – Post war Bulleid black livery. [Q4]
  • R3559 – BR 0-6-0 Bulleid Q1 class number 33032 – BR Unlined black livery late emblem. [Q4]
  • R3566 – [Updated 13/01/17] BR 4-6-2 ‘Nederland Line Rebuild Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific number ‘35014’ in BR Brunswick Green with early crest and black backed nameplate representing her condition between May 1956 and December 1960 (when a speedometer was fitted. [Note: This replaces the originally announced 35018 due to the unique detail differences of 35018 as the pioneer rebuild of the class]. [Q4]
  • R3568 – BR Class 71 ‘E5018’ [Updated 16/01/17 to reflect confirmation of the livery as being with plain green ends] – BR Green, with Plain green ends. [Q2]
  • R3569 – BR Class 71 ‘E5005’ BR Blue. [Q4]
  • R3577 – Not Southern related,  but included on this post just because…,  Sentinel 0-4-0 diesel shunter Oxfordshire Ironstone Co, red livery with connecting rods named ‘Graham’. [Q3]
  • [*] R3412 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30842’ Maunsell S15 Class, flat sided tender – BR Black early crest. [Q1]
  • [*] R3422- SR 4-4-2T ‘3125’ Adams Radial 0415 Class – Bullied post war black and Sunshine lettering. [Q1]
  • [*] R3423 – BR 4-4-2T ‘30583’ Adams Radial 0415 Class –  BR lined black late emblem. [Q1]
  • [*] R3434 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Channel Packet’ ’21C1′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) represents her very early condition from when first introduced in February 1941 and May 1941. [Q1]
  • [*] R3435 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Mail’ ’21C3′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) is as introduced in September 1941 condition again and when she was painted in wartime black livery in May 1943. [Q4]
  • [*] R3436 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Clan Line’ ‘35028’ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green. early crest. Modelled without the fairings between the front of the cylinders and the buffer beam and with safety vales in the forward position representing the condition she ran in between June 1953 and December 1954. [Q3]
  • [*] R3445 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Camelford’ ‘34032’ West Country Class – BR Early – Air Smoothed representing the condition she ran in between January 1951 and October 1954 when safety vales were resited. [Q2]
  • [*] R3457 – SR 4-4-0 ‘116’ Class T9 – Post 1931 lined Maunsell olive green [Q1]
  • [*] R3458 – SR 4-4-0 ‘Shrewsbury’ Schools Class number ‘921’ – SR Black with Sunshine lettering, Lemaitre large diameter blast pipe and chimney as her condition between  April 1944 and January 1948. [Q1]
  • [*] R3468 – BR 4-6-2 ‘603 Squadron’ ‘34077’ Battle of Britain Class – Rebuilt – BR Lined Brunswick Green with late emblem as her conditon between July 1960 and August 1967. [Q2]
  • [*] R3373 – BR Class 71 ‘E5001’ NRM – BR Green. [Q1]
My version of how R3525 s21c159 will look (but not weathered).
Although not 742 ‘Camelot’ as per R3527, this is my weathered version of her sister 744 ‘Maid of Astolat’

In addition to the ex SECR 0-4-4T H class tanks Hornby’s new tooling for 2017 comprises of LMS 4-6-2 Modified Princess Coronation Class, BR Class 87 Electric locomotive (including R3582 number 87010 ‘King Arthur ‘) and the latest Hitachi soon to be introduced on the UK network IEP Bi-Mode Class 800/0 units.   Although the 2017 range includes a number of post war Southern liveries, suiting the period I model, I would add that as far as I am aware that has not been due in any way to my influence.

Twin Track Sound (TTS) fitted Locomotives

  • [*] R3382TTS – BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland-Afrika Line’ ‘35023’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest with TTS Sound representing the condition she ran in between gaining Brunswick green in March 1952 and the fairings being removed in  May 1953. [Q2]
  • R3507TTS – BR 4-6-0 ‘30832’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – BR Black early crest representing the condition she ran in between March 1951 and June 1957. [Q3]

Train and Coach packs

  • R3512 – H Class Pull / Push Train Pack – Limited Edition, comprising of Wainright ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class tank number 31551 in BR Lined Black with late emblem livery and BR ex Maunsell Pull Push set number 602 –  coaches S1318S (SO) and S6681S (BCK) in BR(s) Green. Set 602 was unusual in that the outer end of the SO also had the set number applied, which will be correctly recreated by Hornby. [Q4]
  • R4534E BR ex Maunsell Pull Push Coach pack  set number 601 – coaches S1315S (SO) and S6687S (BCK) in BR(s) Green. [Q2]
  • [*] R3398 – Lyme Regis Branch Line Train Pack – Limited Edition, Comprising of Adams 0415 radial tank number 30583 in BR lined black with early crest and two coach set No. 42 made up from Brake Third No. S2636S and Brake Composite No. S6401S in BR Crimson [Q1]

Coaches

  • R4792 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Eight Compartment Brake Third Class Non-Corridor, SR Green, Diagram 99 No. 2638 that formed set 44 with R4794. [Q3]
  • R4793 – S R 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Third Coach, SR Green  diagram 98 No. 2628 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
  • R4794 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Composite Coach, SR Green, Diagram 418 No. 6403 that formed set 44 with R4792.  [Q3]
  • R4795 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Nine Compartment Lavatory Third Class Coach, SR Green, Diagram 31 No. 320 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
  • R4746A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Eight Compartment Brake Third Class Non-Corridor, BR Crimson, Diagram 99 No. S2646S that formed set 46 with R4748A. [Q3]
  • R4747A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Brake Third Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 98 No. S2627S used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
  • R4748A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Composite Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 418 N0, S6405S that formed set 46 with R4746A. [Q3]
  • R4749A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Nine Compartment Lavatory Third Class Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 31 No. S280S used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
  • R4768 – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3778,  branded set 243. [Q2]
  • R4768A – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3779,  branded set 243. [Q2]
  • R4769 – SR Maunsell Corridor 8 Compartment Third Class Coach – SR Olive Green  – High window style to diagram 2001, Number 1224,  part of 4 coach set 243. [Q2]
  • R4770 – SR Maunsell Corridor 7 compartment First Class Coach – SR Olive Green –  High window style to diagram 2501, Number 7412, part of 4 coach set 243. [Q2]
  • R4796 – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3777,  branded set 247. [Q2]
  • R4796A – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3794,  branded set 247. [Q2]
  • R4797 – SR Maunsell Corridor 7 compartment First Class Coach – BR Crimson and Cream –  High window style to diagram 2501, Number 7212, part of 4 coach set 247. [Q2]
  • R4798 – SR Maunsell Corridor 8 Compartment Third Class Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2001, Number 1187,  part of 4 coach set 247. [Q2]

It is good to see that Hornby, with a little advice, understand and acted upon the need to produce SR / BR(s) coaching stock to make up suitable set formations. The sets chosen by Hornby for the Maunsell high window style being 243 and 247 in SR and BR liveries respectively were two of the seven four coach sets 241 to 247 formed between March 1932 and April 1933 for use on the South Western section. A further release of the high window version of the Maunsells has been very often requested and these are the most logical sets to choose of that type of restriction 4 coach (as opposed to the narrower Hastings line stock of the same period) as other sets of that type comprised of a greater number of coaches so this creates correct and easily achievable sets.

Hornby’s new coach tooling for 2017 comprises of BR Mk 1 Brake Standard Open (BSO) and First Open (FO) coaches  neither of which are being produced in BR(s) green this year.

Pullman Coaches

As is expected the Hornby range always includes a number of Pullman coaches, due Q1 2017 in 1950’s style livery, they are as follows:

  • R4738 – First Class Parlour Car ‘Minerva’
  • R4739 – Second Class Parloour Car ‘Car No.34’
  • R4740 – First Class Kitchen Car ‘Argus’
  • R4741 – Second Class Kitchen Car ‘ Car No. 58’
  • R4742 – Second Class Brake Car ‘Car No. 162’

Wagons

  • R6827 – SR Cattle truck in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery, number 553767 – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Q4]
  • R6827A – SR Cattle truck in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery, number 3768 – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Q4]
  • R6826 – BR ex SR Cattle truck –  Bauxite livery, number B891313 – Bulleid diagram 1530. [Q4]
  • R6826A – BR ex SR Cattle truck –  Bauxite livery, number B891214 – Bulleid diagram 1530 (Note: this appears to be an incorrect running number as listed by Hornby and is possibly a typo that should perhaps be B891314, I am checking this with Hornby). [Q4]
    Note: the 2017 Hornby Catalogue has incorrectly transposed the diagram numbers in its headings for these cattle trucks but the illustrations are correct.
  • R6802 – SR ex LBSC Brake Van in post 1936 Small lettered SR livery. [Q2]
  • R6775 – SR Vent Van in in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery. [Q2]

Hornby’s new wagon tooling for 2017 comprises of a GWR 20 ton Diagram AA15 ‘Toad’ brake van.

Railroad range

The Hornby Railroad range contains models from older tooling to suit a lower costs market segment and includes the following SR related items:

  • R3586 – BR 4-4-0 Schools Class V number 30935 ‘Sevenoaks’ in BR Brunswick Green early crest livery
  • R3591 – BR Class 73 number E6002 in early BR Green livery
  • R4743 and R4744 – SR ‘generic’ Composite and Brake Third respectively in SR malachite green livery

The full Hornby 2017 range can be found on the Hornby website here. The issues affecting Hornby over the last few years has been well publicised and discussed elsewhere but this range, including items carried over from 2016 and the slightly fewer new tooled models for this year shows the practical and conservative approach being taken by the new management team. I hope that this and their apparent positive re-engagement with the retailers will hopefully lead to a prosperous 2017 for all.