Hornby is to release a Grand Central liveried High Speed Train (HST) in the RailRoad Plus range as well as a new version of LNER ‘W1’ 4-6-4 10000 with a factory-fitted steam generator and digital sound. The models were revealed in a series of new mid-year ‘OO’ gauge model announcements in June.
Above: A Grand Central HST is joining Hornby's RailRoad Plus range with a pair of power cars and a full set of five Mk 3s being made available.
The manufacturer’s expanding ‘OO’ gauge RailRoad Plus portfolio gains a new HST power car pack in Grand Central’s striking black and orange colour scheme (R30375) modelling power cars 43465 and 43484 Peter Fox 1942-2011 Platform 5. The power cars use Hornby’s former Lima HST tooling, which also gains a higher specification paint finish for its latest appearance, together with etched metal nameplates for 43484. Each pairing includes a powered (43465) and a dummy car (43484).
Above: A full compliment of Grand Central liveried Mk3 coaches are set to join the two power cars. Hornby.
The Grand Central power cars are accompanied by a set of matching BR Mk 3 carriages including Trailer First 41206 (R40440), Trailer Restaurant Buffet 40424 (R40444), Trailer Standards 42401/42402 (R40441/40442) and accessible Trailer Standard 42403 (R40443). These vehicles make use of the previous tooling to the current high-fidelity Mk 3s and feature enhanced decoration too, including window droplight labels. Due to limitations of the former Lima tooling, the power cars are representative of the Grand Central sets, rather than faithful replicas which had buffer beams and buffers. Release is anticipated in August.
Above: Gresley's unusual W1 4-6-4 high pressure steam locomotive is set to benefit from the addition of a smoke generator. Mike Wild.
Hornby’s latest version of LNER ‘Hush Hush’ 4-6-4 10000 in LNER grey (Cat No. R30352SS) will feature the manufacturer’s recently developed steam generator technology together with factory-fitted HM7000 Triplex Sound with pre-configured sound profile. This eye-catching locomotive was developed in secrecy in the 1920s, hence its nickname. Hornby’s sound and steam generator fitted model is set for release during August.
Above: The IIA-D 102tonne DRAX biomass hopper is also set for a re-release. Hornby.
Hornby is also re-issuing its ‘OO’ gauge IIA-D 102tonne Drax biomass hopper wagons. Two further twin packs are being produced in Drax Northern Powerhouse livery (R60176A/R60177A) to complement the previously released twin wagon packs released in December 2022. More than 200 of the distinctive bogie hopper wagons were built by WH Davis for use on biomass traffic to Drax power station in Yorkshire. Delivery is currently slated for September.
Above: The RailRoad range also sees a new version of the PVA van finished in Procor livery. Hornby.
Finally, a new version of the PVA van is set to join the Hornby RailRoad range finished in Procor livery (R60267). This latest version of the curtain-sided four-wheeled wagon is expected to arrive during September.
These latest announcements form part of Hornby’s drive to reduce the waiting time between announcement and release of models in its ‘OO’ gauge range.
• Visit www.hornby.com for more information.
