5735guy

"a can of worms regarding detail" Indeed the Britannia Class underwent several noticable changes in appearance during production. Different Smoke Deflectors (three that I know of) Different Cabs during later production to cut down on draft. The Speedo Cable was not fitted to the first few produced including 'Britannia' 70000 itself, however I think I am correct that they were fitted at a later date. 'Britannia' certainly had a Speedo Cable fitted by the time it was hauling the Royal Train. The Hornby model is exquisite and perhaps the best RTR Locomotive seen to date. Furthermore in the range it covers the variants mentioned above. Hornby should be commended for this.

I know the detail of the Locomotives produced by Hornby and the competition surpasses of any previous generation models. BUT I raise doubts regarding the motors used and their longevity. From what I can gather many are 'sealed units' therefore making maintenance impossible. Will they still be running like the Hornby Dublo/Wrenn motors for many years to come.

Graskie said: The original locos were all loco drive before tender drive came along in an attempt, I think, together with the awful grey plastic valve gear as well, to keep prices down. What goes around comes around, for the better in this case. Indeed I remember the first Triang Hornby Britannia I had was Locomotve Drive.

Tender Drives have serviced many of us well over the years however since Locomotive Drive has come along several weaknesses have been cured such as noise, locomotive gear locking up and stalling. Locomotive Drive is the way ahead and to revert to Tender Drive in any way would be a retrograde step.