Hornby TT – model prototypes examined

Hornby Hobbies revealed to the public this afternoon (October 10) its new TT:120 range of model railway products. Read the full list of items announced, with anticipated arrival dates, here.

Invited to attend a press preview last month, we were granted access to samples of the new range, under various stages of development, with some items already manufactured. Here, we share images of what was to be seen. Some pre-production samples are subject to change, and aren't necessarily representative of production models. 

Related: We interview Hornby's Simon Kohler, about the manufacturer's new range of products for TT 1:120 scale.

Locomotives

Class 08

Early and later batches to be produced – note changes to tooling highlighted in blue, plus early and later cab doors.

Class 43 HST power cars

As-built (left) and face-lift (right) versions planned for production.

LNER A3 Class 4-6-2 'Pacific'

LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 'Pacific'

DB Köf II with open cab

Two of these compact ex-DB shunters have been used in the UK following use on Channel Tunnel construction, and have survived into preservation on heritage lines. Hornby's model from existing tooling under its Arnold range was on display.

Train Sets

The Easterner

Train set comprising LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 'Pacific' locomotive 60004, with three Mk. 1 coaches.

The Scotsman

Train set comprising LNER A3 Class 4-6-2 'Pacific' locomotive 2550 Blink Bonny, with three Pullman coaches.

Rolling stock

HAA and 21T mineral wagons

Engineering prototype samples of forthcoming HAA 'merry-go-round' (left) and 21T mineral (right) two-axle hoppers, demonstrating the advanced nature of both projects.

Two-axle 'Toad' brake van

LNER Dia. 034 'Toad B' brake van (era 3). A version of the later Dia. 064 (era 4) variant is also planned.

Seven-plank, 12T tank and BR ventilated van 

Decorated samples of all three models were on display, indicating that these items of rolling stock will be among the first to arrive in stock with the manufacturer.

Pullman coaches

Decorated samples of these were also proudly displayed, and being fitted with interior lights, should make viewing the interior detail present a little easier.

BR Mk. 1 coach

Decorated sample of a Mk. 1 CK – despite being a little rushed to take photographs, the level of underframe detail was very comparable to its main range equivalent. For now, its Mk. 1 coaches will be fitted with BR1 bogies, though we know from its Mk. 2 E&F samples present that tooling of B4 bogies is planned – one no doubt for a future release? 

LMS coaches

57ft (and 50ft full brake) coaches were shown at an advanced stage of development, yielding much detail and finesse to underframe trusses and brake apparatus.

Mk. 2 coaches

Though a little further behind the previous two coach ranges (though only, just!), its planned Mk. 2 E&F coach variants have reached tooling stage, as the below shots demonstrate. The first illustrates the nature of the largest sub-assembly components, with construction similar to its OO gauge main range. We expect to see the main shell unclip from the chassis for easy access to detail interiors.

Mk. 3 coaches

This sample of a Mk. 3 buffet car was also shown, its tooling visibly completed, too. Even a coach as long as this, in TT measures 189mm, allowing space-starved OO gauge modellers the opportunity to construct a more ambitious layout in the same space.

 

Buildings

Dent station

A very modellable subject, the Settle and Carlisle has long-attracted modellers to its scenery and architecture. To be retailed as part of its Skaledale range of structures, this two-part ready-to-plant, painted, cast resin model was available to preview...

...as was the accompanying S&C waiting room.

S&C Signal Box 

Meanwhile, this signal box (minus a finial – not my fault, honest!) was proudly displaying its colourful decoration. Though based on S&C architecture, I can see a few modellers less concerned about architecture repainting it to suit other regions on a layout... 

Footbridge

All passengers must cross the line by... the footbridge... As with its OO gauge main range, Hornby has thought about that, too, with this resin-cast model.

Track

We were told that its track range had been tooled for some time, and indeed is in stock with the manufacturer now. Hornby's choice to wait to announce it as a part of the full TT:120 range of products has made sense, though. An initial range of the most commonly-used components is available, and we expect to see further additions, as the range progresses. Pictured from left to right is its re-railer, two diamond crossings in left- and right-hand, a right-hand turnout, and left-hand turnout.

The number of products at an advanced stage has come as a surprise, and we're looking forward to seeing the range develop further.

For further details on the above models, visit the Hornby website.