12 April 2023
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Hot on the heels of its 'The Scotsman' train set, this second train set offering for TT:120 from the manufacturer is examined by Tony Wright, ahead of his review for the May 2023 issue of BRM.
Following on from the TT:120 ‘The Scotsman’ Pullman train set depicting early LNER days, complete with its Gresley A1, we received ‘The Easterner’ train set depicting a BR steam period ECML express comprised of a Gresley A4 and three BR Mk. 1 carriages from Hornby.
The track configuration is the same, as is the provision of buffer stop for the siding, the railing ramp and power controller. Ahead of our review for the May 2023 issue of BRM, here are our initial impressions for this set:
What we like
1.
The chosen A4 is Haymarket-allocated (64B) 60004 William Whitelaw, representing the period from the end of 1957 (when a double chimney was fitted) up to 1961 when electric warning flashes appeared.
2.
Overall, the body shape on the A4 is perfectly-captured – something not always achieved with RTR models down the years. The livery application is exquisite, even down to the blue-backed nameplate.
3.
As befits a Haymarket-allocated A4, it tows a corridor tender; in this case, correctly, a 1928-type, complete with flat back and beading.
4.
Running-wise, with this example it was first class on test – super-smooth, quiet and powerful.
5.
There’s even a representation of the lubricator drive off the rear right-hand coupled wheel’s crank pin – something only ever provided RTR by Hornby in OO, and now in TT.
Related: Tony Wright has more to say on this new set in the May 2023 issue of BRM, on-sale from World of Railways from April 20 in print, or, April 14 as a digital edition. Or, get a copy free, with a World of Railways Plus membership.
What we noticed
1.
One ‘error’ of note is the ‘V’-front of the cab being raised higher than the top of the firebox – it should be level, as is apparent on the box artwork. This could be a manufacturing issue, because the firebox and cab appear to be separate components.
2.
The buffer shanks are too short, more as in the original A4 style, and the spectacles are too small.
3.
Pragmatically, the flanges on all the wheels are a trifle ‘coarse’ because these sets might well be laid out on the floor by some users! They should enable good road-holding and running at all times.
Tony Wright has more to say on this new set in the May 2023 issue of BRM, on-sale from World of Railways from April 20 in print, or, April 14 as a digital edition. Or, get a copy free, with a World of Railways Plus membership.
