Yes, it's a good approach to consider older models, as Hornby have been making Black 5s for decades. I'd suggest buying something slightly newer from the Super Detailed era. One of mine is R2257, running # 5055 and really looks the part. I paid £70-odd for mine. The next iteration after mine is probably the best, and can be bought for under £100. I also have an example where those pesky wires have detached: it'll be my lunchtime activity today to re-attach them.
You're right, the random wire will need to be re-soldered on to one of the copper plates on the tender draw-bar. The wires are very thin and after time break due to metal fatigue as they are connected to a moving part. I have had to repair this on a few of my locos.
Excellent overview of these Railroad Black Fives. Hornby have made some small tweeks here and there which has improved the finished look. However, for me I cannot reconcile myself to the Tri-ang B12/Hall wheelbase which detracts from the overall look of the model. The spacing of the driving wheels between the centre drivers and the rear drivers is essential to the look of a Black Five. The rest of it I can readily put up with and smaller details are easily added if required.
As suggested elsewhere here, Hornby's Super Detailed versions are a big step up from these Railroad products in terms of valve gear sophistication and separately-fitted parts and they can still be found for decent prices. And, if you're comfortable adding even more realism, you can buy excellent exterior detail upgrade kits from the likes of Brassmasters and Comet.
Yet still people will buy them, it’s just the mentality of some of the collectors, by the way it’s £230 not £229. So you purchase it then you “ repair it “ lol 😂
Hornby super detailed steam locos from early 2000s are excellent and new models not worth the hype and the money
Only issue is the tender wires breaking
As mentioned above, the release inbetween these and the new one was a great model. Smooth running and well detailed.
Yes, it's a good approach to consider older models, as Hornby have been making Black 5s for decades. I'd suggest buying something slightly newer from the Super Detailed era. One of mine is R2257, running # 5055 and really looks the part. I paid £70-odd for mine. The next iteration after mine is probably the best, and can be bought for under £100.
I also have an example where those pesky wires have detached: it'll be my lunchtime activity today to re-attach them.
You're right, the random wire will need to be re-soldered on to one of the copper plates on the tender draw-bar. The wires are very thin and after time break due to metal fatigue as they are connected to a moving part. I have had to repair this on a few of my locos.
Excellent overview of these Railroad Black Fives. Hornby have made some small tweeks here and there which has improved the finished look. However, for me I cannot reconcile myself to the Tri-ang B12/Hall wheelbase which detracts from the overall look of the model. The spacing of the driving wheels between the centre drivers and the rear drivers is essential to the look of a Black Five. The rest of it I can readily put up with and smaller details are easily added if required.
As suggested elsewhere here, Hornby's Super Detailed versions are a big step up from these Railroad products in terms of valve gear sophistication and separately-fitted parts and they can still be found for decent prices. And, if you're comfortable adding even more realism, you can buy excellent exterior detail upgrade kits from the likes of Brassmasters and Comet.
There are photetch kits that can upgrade your basic locos available for a few ££££ to a standard not far of the £220 loco
Are you the locomotion guy?
There are links to this channel in the community bit of locomotion motion so either we have a huge conspiracy or yes.
@ ok thanks, I thought he sounded familiar
Yet still people will buy them, it’s just the mentality of some of the collectors, by the way it’s £230 not £229. So you purchase it then you “ repair it “ lol 😂
The old model was ok, no gimmicks and well built, have 5...no need for this expensive con..