Hi jenny I am 71 now my brother had a silver king set i had a N 2 goods set in 1957 good memories, I’ve just decided to sell my two rail collection bachmann and mainline hornby I have started to build a three rail layout bought loads of three rail Locos off eBay A 4 duchess Castle standard class 4and 8 F west county class joined the o Hornby HRCA Club to find parts that I need to service them purchased Ronald Dodds magnetiser these machines are so easy to work on once I’ve been serviced hand remagnetised they work like new after over 50 years old . thanks for sharing your memories of your beloved silver king. Many thanks, Colin.
Hi Jenny, coincidently I've just discovered dublo, I was a Triang boy in the sixties and still love them, but I recently I bought a three rail layout for fifty pounds , with twin roads and turntable etc unused for fifty years. I've bought some engines and rolling stock etc and I'm up and running . I love the fact that there is no plastic involved and that they are a fantastic British made product. I plan to build a loft layout , time and God willing. Thanks for all your videos and have a happy Christmas.
3 Rail Dublo A4. That brings back memories of my childhood. Many years later I purchased the same model in 2 rail form, but as re released by “Wrenn.”. I ran it alongside the plastic bodied Hornby version of the 1980’s. Thanks for the memories.
I had a 3 rail hornby layout and at 6yrs old I had Silver King pulling a variety of different livered coaches! I didn't know any better so it was called Gordon to go along with an 0-6-2 tank engine called Thomas of course! I also had a Class 20 called Duck the Diesel! Oh the innocense of youth!
A very balanced comparison. Thanks Jenny. My pride and joy and still giving much pleasure is my HD Duchess of Atholl. This was a Christmas present to my late wife in 1948! It was sent to Meccano Ltd in April 1964, just b4 we were married and converted at Binns Road for 2rail operation. It was fitted with Romford driving wheels and replacement plastic ones on the two bogies and the tender. As it was originally supplied in a 3 rail set the modified loco was returned to us in the definitive ‘buff’ coloured ‘repair dept.’ box with its repair No on a sticker on one end. I never cease to be amazed by the construction of the working valve gear, given the limited resources of the day. As with all d-cast models of the HD range it has considerable weight and hence traction and still hauls a rake of 5 tinplate HD coaches with ease. A tip gleaned from the HRCA Journal was to fit a small ‘spider’ magnet in the centre of the front bogie. It was intended to increase adhesion on the tinplate HD 3rail track. In my case this minor mod. improves running through my Peco Code 100 points, due to the added weight and keeps the bogie on track when ascending inclines fitted with ‘Powerbase’ steel strips. I’ve recently acquired a 3 rail version of the Duchess and a test track just for fun. By following Ronald Dodds excellent servicing guidance and a re-mag I hope to see another interesting comparison. The robust nature of these models, manufactured as toys, has enable them to survive the years, giving pleasure to thousands. I doubt if today’s fine models will still be in regular use in 70 years, but let’s just enjoy our hobby in whatever form it takes. Thanks for your entertaining videos - Happy Christmas and A Happy Modelling New Year. T
Tony Hill I also have my original Hornby Dublo. Mine is the Silver King. Nowadays, with grandchildren, I have added “play worn “ Sir Nigel Gresley, Duchess of Montrose and Bristol Castle engines, all from the 50’s and all still going strong. I agree with the Ron Dodd note too, excellent videos.
Gosh is that your music creation too? Absolutely brilliant! I started my collection of Hornby Dublo in 1954 👍 I just make Fender Strats and gauge 1 locos in my retirement. Will have to make a proper Hornby Dublo 3-rail layout soon - before I get far too old. Lovely videos thanks so much! John Stephens
I have a 2 rail Hornby Dublo metal Cardiff Castle that was bought for me for Christmas in London in 1960. Beautiful heavy engine which I loved using with the dining car that came with it, would run at all speeds that I dialed in. Not into model rail anymore so they are sitting in their boxes under the bed, just take them out occasionally to enjoy the sight and feel.
There is a charm to the Hornby Dublo. The Dublo BR green is richer and looks more accurate than the more pastel green of modern Hornby and Bachmann. Decades ago I had a Dublo Stanier 2-8-0. The middle pairs of coupled wheels were not only unflanged but hung a millimetre above the track. It couldn't go up a gradient or pull the skin off a cold rice pud.
Leslie Gilpin Still got my Triang Southern Railway two car commuter train to Victoria set that I got for Christmas 1958. Maybe worth a bob or two now still in the original packaging.
@@kevinh5218 I only ever had the carriages and being from the north wouldn't have known a southern region emu - although did know what electric trains of a different species were at Morecambe.
I had a slightly later version of Silver King with a ringfield motor which protruded deep into the driver's cab in a most un-prototypical manner. It was driven by a Meccano A2 controller in die-cast case with regulator type throttle arm. The valve gear was easily damaged but a nearby specialist model shop was able to replace the entire unit at minimal cost.
This interesting comparison shows just how far ready-to-run model locos have come in recent decades. Like 'Liquid Fuel' below, I also had some Wrenn diecast locos but to me they looked and worked like toys compared with the models available now so I replaced them.
Been bitten by the Hornby Dublo bug, sold all my new models and been steadily buying the Hornby Dublo steam locos produced. Yes, they don’t have the detail of the new models but they have a charm and when running with a long train is a sight to be seen. Hornby Dublo wins for me hands down. ;)
I had a BR green Wrenn A4 Pacific Mallard in the 1970s which was cast metal and a nicer model I thought than the plastic Hornby Princess Elizabeth I also had at that time. The Princess had come with a train set for Christmas and had a smoke generator installed which needed oil dropping down the funnel. They both ran well but I liked the weight of the Wrenn offering.
Jenny, my first electric train was the "Hornby Dublo A4 Sir Nigel Gresley" in Garter Blue with maroon tinplate coaches from my paternal grandfather's collection in about 1955ish. I agree with your assessment of it. It brought me much pleasure but I don't have an A4 at the moment as I have never seen one "in the flesh" and I prefer the less high profile locos and work horses, like the black five and class 47 etc. I loved you in the GMRComp. and your videos and take on railway modelling. Happy New Year. Alan.
Thanks for this great comparison, Jenny. Like you, Dublo was my first introduction to model railways (at a similar time period too), and after many years dreaming I have recently built a good sized 3 rail Dublo layout. I have a number of these A4s - many renumbered and repainted into different liveries. They are absolutely bulletproof, as you say. But what impresses me is how much detail and finesse they managed to achieve. These locos are literally as old as the real thing. Yes, there has been progress in recent years, but many models of the 60s-90s were a considerable step backwards from Dublo. I would be very interested in a comparison of the current destreamlined Coronation with the later Dublo City of London/Liverpool. Unlike the A4, Hornby completely retooled the Dublo 1930s Duchess in the late 50s, and much of the detail and quality standard wasn't surpassed until the 1990s with Triang-Hornby products.
I have a Hornby Dublo Silver King that I can run on my 'vintage' 3 rail layout. I made a controller that uses pulse width modulation with feedback and that gives quite good slow running. I have heard some comments that this can cause overheating, but I haven't found this. I'm not having the locos crawl all the time though. The A4 pulls six coaches with ease, this is about the maximum that can be run on the vintage layout. Thanks for posting this, it's interesting to see the two compared.
Considering how long ago the Hornby Dublo model was made, it's incredible that Silver King still performs as it did when new. Really fantastic models, though the more modern Hornby loco does have a lot more fine detail. Personally, I kind of like how the Dublo one is a smidge smaller overall, not sure why though. Excellent video!
@@muir8009 No mention of the fact that the Dublo A4s had grossly underscale driving wheels. They were only about scale 5' 8" in diameter. My father had a huge model railway in the 50s & 60s using Dublo loco's. I fitted 2 of his A4s with correct scale driving wheels, a vast improvement. I was unable to do this with his "Duchess" because they fouled the vertical motor. It was close on the A4s but I got away with it.
Hi Jenny Another good video. As an idea, not actually on this video but for another if you have the resources... what about a Wrenn West Country class loco versus current Hornby model? I have a Wrenn "Dorchester" - my first-ever tender engine, a present from my dear wife in the 1970s but to date only a Hornby original "Combe Martin" (part of the Pines Express set) - a present from my oldest son after I saved him more than that cost by buying under his budget a motorcycle on Ebay.
Good comparison . No doubt the later models are much more accurate. But the older models still have charm. Brought up in the 60s/70s I am now going back and acquiring models I couldn’t afford at the time . So I’ve got Wrenn Duchess and Castle and buying up some Triang models , like the L1 . As you say they are toy like by comparison but nevertheless still give enjoyment
Wonderfully done. One question. Which model would last longer in the hands of a 10 year old?? I have some older model engines in both HO and Double OO. And newer ones. I really dont thi k I could let a 10 year old handle some of my more expensive models because of their price and delicate details. Any thoughts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
You raise a good point. Always the feedback to the manufacturers has been that the customer wants more detail on the models, but there is a fragility that comes with getting some details to scale size. There is almost two markets for two different versions. A robust, less detailed one for the younger operator, with heavy layout use, and a more finely detailed for the rivet counter.
Would be interesting to throw a 1970's version into the comparison mix. A bit of a low point, with the Ringfield tender drive on 2 axles only, and the rear (4th) wheelset of the tender was missing altogether. I don't think the loco had current pickup on the driving wheels either - to assist the tender. So, the tender drive on 2 axles only would be stopped very quickly, as soon as some dirt got on the wheel treads. The diesels, also from another manufacturer had, at the time rubber tyres, so current was only picked up on one side of each bogie. And the characteristic wobble. There is no comparison to the modern diesel models I have, with all 8 and 12 wheel current pick up and drive. And a twin brass flywheel - equipped motor.
My Dublo A4 Golden Fleece will out pull any new engine I use my tin plate coaches from 1960 and it still runs well with the original brushes. I own 34 different A4s.
You shouldn't refer to British Rail steam locomotive livery. British Rail was a marketting name for British Railways from 1964. British Rail did not exist until 1964. Before then it was British Railways. You're not old enough to appreciate the difference, but those of us who were adults at the time would not make that mistake. Your green A4 is in British Railways Express Engine lined Green. British Rail liveries started with the Corporate Mucky Blue with mucky blue and offwhite coaches and the double arrow symbol, all of which were detested at the time. The biggest error with the Hornby Dublo A4 was the underscale wheels. I changed mine for wheels from the HD Castle, which made an enormous improvement in appearance. I did the same thing with Duchess of Montrose. It was an easy conversion. I was disappointed that your video didn't compare the performance of the old and new models.
size difference is more the difference in the driver diameter. Why surprised at no casting deterioration? Meccano had it sorted during world war 2, never seen one with casting issues. yes, they can do slow speed running quite well actually, even the prewar ones. interesting when you rolled the recent production on its side and you express careful handling in not damaging it. do also remember that the dublo model was sold as a toy - a quick look at my 1938 W&H catalogue 29/6 for electric A4, same catalogue 26 15 pounds gets you a hyper detailed brass 14 pounds would get you basically everything in the new A4 detail wise. great review by the way, the new A4 is just gorgeous. isn't it funny that the new A4 is a celebration of the best of long vanished vintage steam, and the dublo gresley was a celebration of the ultimate in current loco development at the time :)
One is the real thing in one's hand (scale diameter wheels, correct Cartazzi trailing truck, finescale wheels (in comparison, at least), etc, etc). The Wrenn is, by modern standards, a toy. Even the loco itself is about 6' under scale length...
As a representation of the real thing, the 3-rail A4 is objectively worse but subjectively charming and evocative. To my eyes there's little difference between the latest model and those from the early 2000s, except the price - which is eye-watering!
Hi Jenny! Love your channel! Question if I may. I have a mallard that has the back bogie screwed up like that - is it as simple as unscrewing it and adding flanged wheels if I want it to touch the track? My layout is mainly 2nd and 3rd radius with standard points. Thought I’d give it a shot and ask! x
You didn't mention the most obvious difference ......the wheels on the Hornby Dublo version are way under-scale, as on all their locomotives. You can fit Hornby Dublo Castle driving wheels to the A4 and the Duchess, and it makes all the difference.
try to find old trixexpress rails or marklin, marklin is the only one who has 3 rail system now , but you can not see it, in the past it was "lll" now it is " l:l"
The latest Hornby A4 isn't the best A4. The Dapol Black Label A4 is absolutely suburb, but at about £400 you get what you pay for. It to is die cast metal, so really a modern era Dublo replacement. It has sound, smoke and lights which work on DC and DCC. I also own a mint Dublo 2-rail Golden Fleece with tin plate blood and custard carriages as The Talisman train set, bought for me new in 1964 just after Hornby ceased production.
Standards of accuracy have risen so much in British outline 00 in the last few decades that it's much more likely that the new one is correct 00 1:76.2, and the old one isn't.
I've read that the scale of pre-war Dublo was originally strictly imperial at 5/32" to the foot (1:76.8), which you'd struggle to tell apart from 76.2. An alternative theory is that the original A4 and N2 models were drafted to the "Trix-Twin" 3.75mm-to-the-foot scale.
Memories of Xmas 1955 when I received a Hornby "Silver King". Rather disappointed that it would not pull as much as the year older 0-6-2 tank, which still runs today.
Not sure what the point is in comparing the two...they're miles apart purely owed to technology in manufacturing. One thing for sure the HD models are far noisier.
Jenny, when you shoot something, particularly something a dark colour, against a white background, the reflection of the light from the white background destroys the image you're trying to show. It's very irritating. Please use a dark background, particularly dark green, your shots will show the model much better.
Hi jenny I am 71 now my brother had a silver king set i had a N 2 goods set in 1957 good memories, I’ve just decided to sell my two rail collection bachmann and mainline hornby I have started to build a three rail layout bought loads of three rail Locos off eBay A 4 duchess Castle standard class 4and 8 F west county class joined the o Hornby HRCA Club to find parts that I need to service them purchased Ronald Dodds magnetiser these machines are so easy to work on once I’ve been serviced hand remagnetised they work like new after over 50 years old . thanks for sharing your memories of your beloved silver king. Many thanks, Colin.
Hi Jenny, coincidently I've just discovered dublo, I was a Triang boy in the sixties and still love them, but I recently I bought a three rail layout for fifty pounds , with twin roads and turntable etc unused for fifty years. I've bought some engines and rolling stock etc and I'm up and running . I love the fact that there is no plastic involved and that they are a fantastic British made product. I plan to build a loft layout , time and God willing. Thanks for all your videos and have a happy Christmas.
3 Rail Dublo A4. That brings back memories of my childhood. Many years later I purchased the same model in 2 rail form, but as re released by “Wrenn.”. I ran it alongside the plastic bodied Hornby version of the 1980’s. Thanks for the memories.
I had a 3 rail hornby layout and at 6yrs old I had Silver King pulling a variety of different livered coaches! I didn't know any better so it was called Gordon to go along with an 0-6-2 tank engine called Thomas of course! I also had a Class 20 called Duck the Diesel! Oh the innocense of youth!
A very balanced comparison. Thanks Jenny.
My pride and joy and still giving much pleasure is my HD Duchess of Atholl.
This was a Christmas present to my late wife in 1948!
It was sent to Meccano Ltd in April 1964, just b4 we were married and converted at Binns Road for 2rail operation.
It was fitted with Romford driving wheels and replacement plastic ones on the two bogies and the tender.
As it was originally supplied in a 3 rail set the modified loco was returned to us in the definitive ‘buff’ coloured ‘repair dept.’ box with its repair No on a sticker on one end.
I never cease to be amazed by the construction of the working valve gear, given the limited resources of the day.
As with all d-cast models of the HD range it has considerable weight and hence traction and still hauls a rake of 5 tinplate HD coaches with ease.
A tip gleaned from the HRCA Journal was to fit a small ‘spider’ magnet in the centre of the front bogie. It was intended to increase adhesion on the tinplate HD 3rail track. In my case this minor mod. improves running through my Peco Code 100 points, due to the added weight and keeps the bogie on track when ascending inclines fitted with ‘Powerbase’ steel strips.
I’ve recently acquired a 3 rail version of the Duchess and a test track just for fun. By following Ronald Dodds excellent servicing guidance and a re-mag I hope to see another interesting comparison.
The robust nature of these models, manufactured as toys, has enable them to survive the years, giving pleasure to thousands.
I doubt if today’s fine models will still be in regular use in 70 years, but let’s just enjoy our hobby in whatever form it takes.
Thanks for your entertaining videos - Happy Christmas and A Happy Modelling New Year. T
Tony Hill
I also have my original Hornby Dublo. Mine is the Silver King. Nowadays, with grandchildren, I have added “play worn “ Sir Nigel Gresley, Duchess of Montrose and Bristol Castle engines, all from the 50’s and all still going strong. I agree with the Ron Dodd note too, excellent videos.
Gosh is that your music creation too? Absolutely brilliant! I started my collection of Hornby Dublo in 1954 👍 I just make Fender Strats and gauge 1 locos in my retirement. Will have to make a proper Hornby Dublo 3-rail layout soon - before I get far too old. Lovely videos thanks so much! John Stephens
I have a 2 rail Hornby Dublo metal Cardiff Castle that was bought for me for Christmas in London in 1960. Beautiful heavy engine which I loved using with the dining car that came with it, would run at all speeds that I dialed in.
Not into model rail anymore so they are sitting in their boxes under the bed, just take them out occasionally to enjoy the sight and feel.
There is a charm to the Hornby Dublo. The Dublo BR green is richer and looks more accurate than the more pastel green of modern Hornby and Bachmann. Decades ago I had a Dublo Stanier 2-8-0. The middle pairs of coupled wheels were not only unflanged but hung a millimetre above the track. It couldn't go up a gradient or pull the skin off a cold rice pud.
I'll admit liking to see dublo layouts at exhibitions. I was always jealous as a kid of the rich mates who had Hornby and I had Triang.
Leslie Gilpin Still got my Triang Southern Railway two car commuter train to Victoria set that I got for Christmas 1958. Maybe worth a bob or two now still in the original packaging.
@@kevinh5218 I only ever had the carriages and being from the north wouldn't have known a southern region emu - although did know what electric trains of a different species were at Morecambe.
I had a slightly later version of Silver King with a ringfield motor which protruded deep into the driver's cab in a most un-prototypical manner. It was driven by a Meccano A2 controller in die-cast case with regulator type throttle arm. The valve gear was easily damaged but a nearby specialist model shop was able to replace the entire unit at minimal cost.
This interesting comparison shows just how far ready-to-run model locos have come in recent decades. Like 'Liquid Fuel' below, I also had some Wrenn diecast locos but to me they looked and worked like toys compared with the models available now so I replaced them.
Been bitten by the Hornby Dublo bug, sold all my new models and been steadily buying the Hornby Dublo steam locos produced. Yes, they don’t have the detail of the new models but they have a charm and when running with a long train is a sight to be seen. Hornby Dublo wins for me hands down. ;)
4:00 If there was a case where you put links into a video.. this is where you would put that link.
I had a BR green Wrenn A4 Pacific Mallard in the 1970s which was cast metal and a nicer model I thought than the plastic Hornby Princess Elizabeth I also had at that time. The Princess had come with a train set for Christmas and had a smoke generator installed which needed oil dropping down the funnel. They both ran well but I liked the weight of the Wrenn offering.
Jenny, my first electric train was the "Hornby Dublo A4 Sir Nigel Gresley" in Garter Blue with maroon tinplate coaches from my paternal grandfather's collection in about 1955ish. I agree with your assessment of it. It brought me much pleasure but I don't have an A4 at the moment as I have never seen one "in the flesh" and I prefer the less high profile locos and work horses, like the black five and class 47 etc. I loved you in the GMRComp. and your videos and take on railway modelling. Happy New Year. Alan.
That could possibly be my very own Silver King :-) Looks as beaten up as mine was - also with a couple of tin plate carriages.
Thanks for this great comparison, Jenny. Like you, Dublo was my first introduction to model railways (at a similar time period too), and after many years dreaming I have recently built a good sized 3 rail Dublo layout. I have a number of these A4s - many renumbered and repainted into different liveries. They are absolutely bulletproof, as you say. But what impresses me is how much detail and finesse they managed to achieve. These locos are literally as old as the real thing. Yes, there has been progress in recent years, but many models of the 60s-90s were a considerable step backwards from Dublo.
I would be very interested in a comparison of the current destreamlined Coronation with the later Dublo City of London/Liverpool. Unlike the A4, Hornby completely retooled the Dublo 1930s Duchess in the late 50s, and much of the detail and quality standard wasn't surpassed until the 1990s with Triang-Hornby products.
I have a Hornby Dublo Silver King that I can run on my 'vintage' 3 rail layout. I made a controller that uses pulse width modulation with feedback and that gives quite good slow running. I have heard some comments that this can cause overheating, but I haven't found this. I'm not having the locos crawl all the time though. The A4 pulls six coaches with ease, this is about the maximum that can be run on the vintage layout. Thanks for posting this, it's interesting to see the two compared.
Had a second hand A4 Silver King 3-rail as a boy in late 1960’s. Regret passing it on.
I've got a freight set no2 still in its box from meccano.
Considering how long ago the Hornby Dublo model was made, it's incredible that Silver King still performs as it did when new. Really fantastic models, though the more modern Hornby loco does have a lot more fine detail.
Personally, I kind of like how the Dublo one is a smidge smaller overall, not sure why though.
Excellent video!
"00" vs "H0" ?
@@Lindsay5137 Could be - Personally I wish UK HO had taken off!
@@Lindsay5137 it's just the difference between scale accuracy rather than scale. you'll note the difference in driver diameter.
@@muir8009 No mention of the fact that the Dublo A4s had grossly underscale driving wheels. They were only about scale 5' 8" in diameter. My father had a huge model railway in the 50s & 60s using Dublo loco's. I fitted 2 of his A4s with correct scale driving wheels, a vast improvement. I was unable to do this with his "Duchess" because they fouled the vertical motor. It was close on the A4s but I got away with it.
Very enjoyable. Very different review
Hi Jenny
Another good video. As an idea, not actually on this video but for another if you have the resources... what about a Wrenn West Country class loco versus current Hornby model? I have a Wrenn "Dorchester" - my first-ever tender engine, a present from my dear wife in the 1970s but to date only a Hornby original "Combe Martin" (part of the Pines Express set) - a present from my oldest son after I saved him more than that cost by buying under his budget a motorcycle on Ebay.
Good comparison . No doubt the later models are much more accurate. But the older models still have charm. Brought up in the 60s/70s I am now going back and acquiring models I couldn’t afford at the time . So I’ve got Wrenn Duchess and Castle and buying up some Triang models , like the L1 . As you say they are toy like by comparison but nevertheless still give enjoyment
Wonderfully done. One question. Which model would last longer in the hands of a 10 year old?? I have some older model engines in both HO and Double OO. And newer ones. I really dont thi k I could let a 10 year old handle some of my more expensive models because of their price and delicate details. Any thoughts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
You raise a good point. Always the feedback to the manufacturers has been that the customer wants more detail on the models, but there is a fragility that comes with getting some details to scale size. There is almost two markets for two different versions. A robust, less detailed one for the younger operator, with heavy layout use, and a more finely detailed for the rivet counter.
Chaz Walsh yup, it’s the difference between a ‘toy train’ & a ‘model railway’
Would be interesting to throw a 1970's version into the comparison mix. A bit of a low point, with the Ringfield tender drive on 2 axles only, and the rear (4th) wheelset of the tender was missing altogether. I don't think the loco had current pickup on the driving wheels either - to assist the tender. So, the tender drive on 2 axles only would be stopped very quickly, as soon as some dirt got on the wheel treads. The diesels, also from another manufacturer had, at the time rubber tyres, so current was only picked up on one side of each bogie. And the characteristic wobble. There is no comparison to the modern diesel models I have, with all 8 and 12 wheel current pick up and drive. And a twin brass flywheel - equipped motor.
My Dublo A4 Golden Fleece will out pull any new engine I use my tin plate coaches from 1960 and it still runs well with the original brushes. I own 34 different A4s.
That's one of each !
@@alanbrookes8716 there are 43 with all the name changes but I'm getting close. When I get all 43 I'm gonna leave them in my will to the A4 Society
@@michaelcampin1464 Well you're counting some of them twice, of course.
Are you aware that Hornby are about to produce a W1?
I take it the original 4469 isn't represented then - she was damaged beyond repair during an air raid...
@@paulcaswell2813 I've got a model of Gadwell. Which was the one that was renamed to keep the name William Whitelaw in service.
And after Midnight! PVA Jaycloth Alan. :o)
You shouldn't refer to British Rail steam locomotive livery. British Rail was a marketting name for British Railways from 1964. British Rail did not exist until 1964. Before then it was British Railways. You're not old enough to appreciate the difference, but those of us who were adults at the time would not make that mistake. Your green A4 is in British Railways Express Engine lined Green. British Rail liveries started with the Corporate Mucky Blue with mucky blue and offwhite coaches and the double arrow symbol, all of which were detested at the time.
The biggest error with the Hornby Dublo A4 was the underscale wheels. I changed mine for wheels from the HD Castle, which made an enormous improvement in appearance. I did the same thing with Duchess of Montrose. It was an easy conversion.
I was disappointed that your video didn't compare the performance of the old and new models.
size difference is more the difference in the driver diameter. Why surprised at no casting deterioration? Meccano had it sorted during world war 2, never seen one with casting issues. yes, they can do slow speed running quite well actually, even the prewar ones. interesting when you rolled the recent production on its side and you express careful handling in not damaging it. do also remember that the dublo model was sold as a toy - a quick look at my 1938 W&H catalogue 29/6 for electric A4, same catalogue 26 15 pounds gets you a hyper detailed brass 14 pounds would get you basically everything in the new A4 detail wise. great review by the way, the new A4 is just gorgeous. isn't it funny that the new A4 is a celebration of the best of long vanished vintage steam, and the dublo gresley was a celebration of the ultimate in current loco development at the time :)
British steam loco's are among the most beautiful in the world. Do you know if there are any versions of this unit in 3 rail o-scale?
One is the real thing in one's hand (scale diameter wheels, correct Cartazzi trailing truck, finescale wheels (in comparison, at least), etc, etc). The Wrenn is, by modern standards, a toy. Even the loco itself is about 6' under scale length...
As a representation of the real thing, the 3-rail A4 is objectively worse but subjectively charming and evocative. To my eyes there's little difference between the latest model and those from the early 2000s, except the price - which is eye-watering!
Hi Jenny! Love your channel! Question if I may. I have a mallard that has the back bogie screwed up like that - is it as simple as unscrewing it and adding flanged wheels if I want it to touch the track? My layout is mainly 2nd and 3rd radius with standard points. Thought I’d give it a shot and ask! x
Rob Arnold thank you for that info Rob!
Still have my Silver KIng 3 rail
Enjoyed the clip, but treat yourself to a tripod for the next feature
Can yuo also do this with the black 5 old hornby black 5 vs New black 5
Both my Dublo A4s will run just as slowly as a modern hornby. Ok they are a lot noisier but they still run perfectly acceptably.
You didn't mention the most obvious difference ......the wheels on the Hornby Dublo version are way under-scale, as on all their locomotives. You can fit Hornby Dublo Castle driving wheels to the A4 and the Duchess, and it makes all the difference.
try to find old trixexpress rails or marklin, marklin is the only one who has 3 rail system now , but you can not see it, in the past it was "lll" now it is " l:l"
'Old'? Mine was blue and was called Sir Nigel Gresley.
The latest Hornby A4 isn't the best A4. The Dapol Black Label A4 is absolutely suburb, but at about £400 you get what you pay for. It to is die cast metal, so really a modern era Dublo replacement. It has sound, smoke and lights which work on DC and DCC. I also own a mint Dublo 2-rail Golden Fleece with tin plate blood and custard carriages as The Talisman train set, bought for me new in 1964 just after Hornby ceased production.
Re the difference in size, perhaps the old one is 1:76.2 and the new one is 1:72
Maybe it's the difference between 00 and H0 ?
@@Lindsay5137
HO is 1:87 so no
Standards of accuracy have risen so much in British outline 00 in the last few decades that it's much more likely that the new one is correct 00 1:76.2, and the old one isn't.
@@FYCH45
Certainly, but in that case the older one must be at 1:>76.2
I've read that the scale of pre-war Dublo was originally strictly imperial at 5/32" to the foot (1:76.8), which you'd struggle to tell apart from 76.2. An alternative theory is that the original A4 and N2 models were drafted to the "Trix-Twin" 3.75mm-to-the-foot scale.
No coal in the new model's tender?
Comes as an addition. These days tenders come with fully detailed interiors. They are no longer toys.
Memories of Xmas 1955 when I received a Hornby "Silver King". Rather disappointed that it would not pull as much as the year older 0-6-2 tank, which still runs today.
Will the fancy A4 still be running in 60 years !!
Dublo every time for me.....😊
You could have picked a 2 Rail Golden Fleece at least! And don’t even get me started on the condition! X
Silver King looks metal,Miles Beaver what it is, plastic. Ian Dee.
Theres a Dublo A4 in a porn brokers near me for£85.00 looks in go nick
I hope you mean pawn broker, otherwise it could need a very thorough clean...
Looks ‘Plastic’ and probably sounds ‘plastic’ and if dropped Will break !
What a pity? Take the things apart and show the motors in detail! What any reasonable viewer would expect by you title! :-)
Not sure what the point is in comparing the two...they're miles apart purely owed to technology in manufacturing. One thing for sure the HD models are far noisier.
Jenny, when you shoot something, particularly something a dark colour, against a white background, the reflection of the light from the white background destroys the image you're trying to show. It's very irritating. Please use a dark background, particularly dark green, your shots will show the model much better.