new lad on block

Photos of open set.

Hi Brian, Photos of my R556 sets, one sealed with 8 window coach,other open with 7 windows.Both same number, both have R439 on base. Numbers on front of cab in white, even though shown in black on set lid. Numbers on side in black. If I have time later in week will try and find my R401 train pack to compare. Both photos are the sealed set.

Hi JJ, I would go for a small lift out unit, 600 mm square or there about, my layout is a crawl under, what a pain even with cushioning on the floor. What it did not account for where to put the cup of tea, or plate for sandwiches etc.Take my advice leave room for a small workplace/table for rolling stock etc.

Hi Brian, I have never heard, seen or read of your particular variant. Would it be possible to upload photos of the two locos that came in the train pack. Also if possible also a photo of the note/certificate that states it is a special livery. It could be a factory livery error, wrong numbers of locos are known to exist in other Hornby locos. Also if you inherited the train pack it is possible that the previous owner may have had more than one train pack or other class 43s and the one you have is in the wrong box. Lima made a class 43 in IC executive livery, and yes the running number was 43125 / 43126. Model numbers are L205180 & L205184. May be worth checking if your locos are the same, or a hybrid of Hornby/Lima models. I once bought what was said to be a Hornby special edition HST, in presentation case, of Virgin, HMS Penzance, that too was a Lima model.

Hi Roger,checked my catalogue 16, picture not in there. Catalogue 16 is landscape. I have found the same layout without the top white part. It is in the Story of Rovex Volume 2 on page 8. There is no acknowledgement, re the photo of the layout photo.

I wonder if you can put a ‘D notice’ on other social platforms or other forums.

Hi moderators, could you please explain why photos have been censored/deleted. I would have thought (1) I could have been told, and (b) photos may be of use to other forum users, as too identifying and what to do if it occurs again. Moderator reply: After an internal discussion, it was felt that the overall content of the thread may have given too much intelligence away to potential spammers on how to maximise future forum disruption. The images were in essence providing an example of the type of SPAM attack that caused Hornby an issue to resolve. The choice was to either remove the whole thread completely or edit it to focus on the actions taken to minimise its impact. We chose to edit it instead, which is covered within the forum rules [2nd one up from the bottom].

Hi Chris, Thankyou for the reassurance, and quick reply. I am not having a go at anyone especially moderators. It is just as a novice with technical/digital stuff. Thought whatever it was may infect other devices.

Went onto Hornby website this morning, went to Forum but noticed something, but did not log into the forum. Pictures below show what I saw. Immediately phone Hornby technical department to report possible fault on there system, or perhaps could have been my iPad. At first was told there was nothing wrong with there website, but then told, he had logged into the forum and saw the same as what I photographed. Perhaps someone from Hornby should reply to this post, and inform us what we should do if we encounter this occurrence again. If we log into the forum, can some sort of malware be uploaded? Moderator message: Images redacted. Told by Hornby possibly Korean, and possibly a spam attack.

Hi peter, my model came today also, at a close look it is based on the double vent van, originally dapol tooling. As per the reliant van, Oxford diecast did a 00 gauge version, Hornby have produced lowmak wagons, so would make a suitable model to go with the railway van.

Hi Luke, as you may be interested in planes as well trains, have you considered attending model railway exhibitions. Also collectors/ toy fairs which also may have model planes, if that is also your interest. At the moment because of covid they have been suspended, but seem to be reopening late summer/autumn. I have been attending collector fairs for over 30 years, and yes you do have to pay for admission usually £2 upwards, but there can be 50 to 500 stall holders.Usually model railways is well represented, prices are very competitive.Lots of new and used items. There are pitfalls, no guarantees some times, most times not able to test model. For me it is a enjoyable day out as I get to speak to knowledgable, like minded people. Regards

Hi fishmanoz, Thankyou for the extra information.Worth looking into either just using one set and run all elink locos with the one system. Checking collection, R1184 also is a elink set. I think Hornby only made 3 elink sets. Also available as a separate unit is R8312 elink package. At the moment cheaper than a new licence.

Hi Chris, Thankyou for taking the time to give such a concise answer. I think I will look for other locos to run as it seems it could be a tad complicated. Regards

Hi Chris, Thankyou for the quick reply, unfortunately my knowledge of DCC is zero. I did not know railmaster and elink were related. To confirm, If I buy second hand, I cannot use it on dcc. Possible to alter wiring and run locos on DC. New unused, use straight from box, after computer set up. Do I take it that if you upgrade your computer, then you cannot use it on the new computer. I have new unused versions of both sets for the collection, but were looking at second hand to run, hence my query. regards

Hi all, may have been asked before but cannot find. If I buy second hand sets R1172 or R1173 both eLink, can I run them straight from the box once set up. Do I need any extra kit, or upgrades etc. If I have a new never used version of both sets, will those needed to be updated, or extra kit? Thankyou for your help and advice.

Hi gwr14, I just google ’which Diesel locomotives worked on the western region of br’, one hit will take you to wickipedia.org. There is a wealth of of further links to give information which locomotives, and various types 1 to 4 which worked on western region. regards

Hi Andrew, I have had a look at the 1973 catalogue I have, and after a quick look at the perceived track layout, I think that Rana is right and the picture is a diorama, rather than an actual layout. If you go to last page of the catalogue page 39 it shows R166 track plan booklet 2nd. Edition. There may be a plan in there. Picture of what I think the track layout is, as can be seen a lot of loose track ends going nowhere.

Hi Peter, you would have to ask the seller, some model shops/ retailers in UK do send items vat free. As the van is £19.99, the vat element would be £3.33. Unsure whether you can claim vat refund on postage costs. Regards

Another photo from 2007 Hornby Catalogue.

Hi Richard,Photo from Story of Rovex,book 2.Shows general colour of the one in R2610. Body mainly same but that model dating from 2007 had a revised chassis.

Hi all, received email from seller, and they stated that there as been a initial run of 500, upto another 500, making a total production of no more that 1000. No certificates with van. It appears that both sellers are the same. The link above the van van is £19.99 plus postage, Ebay £22.99 postage included.

Hi all, for sale on Ebay, Hornby Fools and Horses Ltd. Ed. Van.Van is a railway van, not a Reliant van. No R number given or production figures. It seems only one outlet at the moment selling it. Emailed seller and Hornby for production numbers. Regards

Hi Dave, both packs mentioned are quite rare as only 250 of each made, and as you say only available through Kernows. One single coach split from the pack of three, for sale on EBay, look for Gwr sleeper coach. Regards

Hi JJ, planning permission for a loft conversion to a storage / testing facility for model railways. Normally, you could convert under permitted development rights.Goggle to see what you are allowed to do, without planning permission. I gather from your posts you live in or near Buxton, you are therefore in a National Park, that may complicate maters, but if the house is not listed, or you do not intend to change the look of the property.I would think you would be Ok. Fire point of view, I would have thought as it is not a bedroom, or other habitable space, a hard wired fire alarm would be exceptable. There are building regs. You may have to adhere too.Thats another matter. I would get in touch with you local planning Dept. And ask them to outline their objections/concerns. Regards