In-depth look: Hornby TT:120 model samples
Hornby Magazine's Key Model World Live event at the NEC on April 25-26 provided an opportunity to visit the Hornby stand and study samples of its new recently unveiled TT:120 range. Discover more about these models below from our images taken at the event, and follow the links to secure your pre-order, with our optional customisation.
Livery samples – Class 37s
Class 37/4, 37413 was one of a few of the class to be repainted into triple grey and brandished with post-1995 Transrail logos. The locomotive was renamed in 1997 to 'The Scottish Railway Preservation Society' when it gained EWS maroon/gold livery. Suitable for a two-year window of operation, it's one of the most-photographed – and most-interesting – of eras, when the railway was undergoing wide-scale transformation.
TT3044M Hornby TT Gauge Class 37 37413 Loch Eil Outward Bound in Transrail Grey
RRP:£159.99 Our price: £143.99
In its heritage retro repaint livery, 37254 regained its short-lived Intercity livery (the only one with 37251 to see this livery applied) in 2013 – a livery it retained into the 2020s!
TT3045M Hornby TT Gauge Class 37 37254 Driver Robin Prince M.B.E. in Intercity Swallow
RRP:£159.99 Our price: £143.99
The split-headcode Class 37 – a widespread staple for 1970s and 1980s passenger and freight traffic. Though proposed as 37086, there are ample renumbering options we'll provide if you require fleet variety and value the idea of more than just one of these machines!
Roof detail remains impressive. The large single fan, so distinctive of the class is a detail that can't be ignored behind the fine mesh and its surrounding bolts. Truly impressive!
TT3057M Hornby TT Gauge (1:120 Scale) BR Class 37 37086
RRP:£159.99 Our price: £143.99
Class 30s/31s – first prototypes
3D printed from computer-aided design, these early physical samples of Hornby's design give a rough sense of the volume and 'feel' of how the finished models will likely look. Not all detail shines through with 3D-printed models, and fit and finish is often a work in progress – expect far more from the finished models, with all detail subject to change as revisions take place!
Turning the model over, it's clear that its designer is a passionate individual with a real interest in the project! Traction motor casings and inner bogie frames have been created – detail not even present on many 'OO' models!
An early 'skinhead' version of the Brush Class 30, so-dubbed for their smoothed cab roof fronts. Boiler filling port steps and grab rails were notorious for gathering dirt in reality – ample opportunity to benefit from our custom weathering service... simply add on checkout.
TT3071M Hornby TT Gauge Class 30 D5502 in BR Green
RRP:£159.99 Our price: £143.99
TT3071TXSM Hornby TT Gauge Class 30 D5502 in BR Green - DCC Sound Fitted
RRP:£229.99 Our price: £206.99
Plated boiler ports, removed buffer cowling and plated 'domino' headcode box make this version of the Brush tooling a 'must' for modellers of the 1980s and 1990s, and potentially even into the 2010s if more-recent liveries emerge with time...
YGA/YGB 'Seacows'/ YGH 'sealions'
These were very impressive models to explore on the stand. Note the use of wire handrails to end platforms and door wheels, with brass air pipes and etched platform covers for strength and detail, too. A necessary compromise has been the end steps given the required swing of bogies – a small detail that modellers can change if they have more generous track curves.
With the last 'Sealion' 40T capacity hoppers delivered in 1974 it was a further seven years before BR decided to augment the bogie hopper fleet and eliminate some of the lower capacity four-wheel ballast hoppers with a new build of YGB 'Seacow' wagons. With vacuum brakes being old technology by the 1980s, the 245 wagons ordered were all air-braked but fitted with through-vacuum pipes to keep some flexibility for the engineers. Towards the end of their careers in the late 1990s, a number were recoded YGA as the redundant vacuum pipe was removed.
The first 'Seacows' built in 1971 had riveted plate bodywork and only numbered 28 vehicles (DB 982540 to DB 982567). The new build had a much more refined appearance being fitted with welded bodywork and better quality French Y25 bogies (pictured below).
The order for 245 vehicles was split between Ashford and Shildon BREL Works and these were the last hoppers built new for BR service. The order was increased in 1981 by six vehicles taking the total to 251. The final batch being built at Shildon to lot No. 4010 (numbers DB 980245 to DB 980250).
HEA/HBA hoppers
Crisp detail that looks 'just right' – the best way to describe our impressions of these newly-tooled forthcoming hoppers. Though available as individual items, it's in rakes of 20 plus wagons where the true effect and benefit of the smaller scale comes to life. Secure triple-packs of these wagons to quickly bring an impressive freight rake to life! We're here for all your customisation needs.
MEA hoppers
The humble MEA coal wagon – an unsung hero of coal operations. Pair with Hornby's new Class 66s or Class 37/7s for the ideal coal operation from the Valleys!
