Hornby R4646

Discussion in 'Reviews' started by smleonard55, Apr 5, 2016.

  1. smleonard55

    smleonard55 Full Member

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    It’s a BG thing
    My first recollection of these vehicles was that produced by Hornby Dublo as one of their super detailed tin plate models. At the time model coaches were rarely made to scale length. Ironically the shorter length of the model made it appear the correct length! Next would come Lima who made a brave attempt in producing a range of full-length MK1 coaches although on a generic chassis with minimal detailing. However, covering all the traditional BR liveries as well as some early BR sectors. In this case the BG was too long as it was based upon a 63ft under-frame used for the rest of the range! Triang also produced a passable model for its time, although on their own generic chassis
    The next incarnation would come courtesy of Replica Railways. Although with a somewhat chunky feel they were ideal for the time and could be easily improved with weathering and the replacement of the plastic wheels with metal. The models were also mounted on commonwealth bogies. They also featured rubberised bellows gangways giving a slightly more authentic look when coupled together
    When Bachmann entered the frame they would usher in a new ear of quality and detail not previously seen in the UK RTR market using modern tamper printing
    technologies. This would lead to the ability to produce numerous limited editions sold as exclusives by shops who would commission specific vehicles including the extremely popular Derby RTC series in their striking blue and red livery produced for the former Modelzone chain. They wood produce a comprehensive range of MK1s featuring high detail, scale wheels, NEM couplings, separately applied hand rails and rain pipes, accurate under frame equipment, flush glazing and in some cases internal lighting for their Pullman coaches faithfully reproduced in chocolate and cream, BR inverse blue/grey to mention but a few. Among this cornucopia of new coaching stock would appear a BG produced to the same high standards in a goodly selection of liveries. One of these humble workhorses would reach some notoriety as it was one of those produced for Modelzone representing Lab 23. Originally selling for around £30 it was seen on a popular auction site fetching three figures!
    The most recent BG to arrive comes fresh from Hornby. The model is presented in corporate blue/grey with Express parcels markings. This example is mounted on standard MK1 bogies, representing vehicle E80828. The model is flush glazed with good general decoration including the legend “emergency lighting point” crisply printed at sole bar level and instructions for loading below the running number. Detail such as handrails and buffers are moulded. However the model is fitted with NEM pocket type couplings and is supplied with metal wheels. A set of steps has been added to allow a guard to get from track level into his van. These are fairly flimsy adding to an overall “plastic feel” in my view.
    There has been some discussion around the printing of “Express Parcels” on a blue/grey vehicle. I am no expert on the subject but my feeling tells me that given the hundreds of vehicles running around at the time there must have been some diversity and interpretation around liveries. Thoughts and comments welcome.
    With a RRP of around £25 its going to be a viable alternative to the Bachman equivalent weighing in at almost double the price. Whilst some of the super detail is sacrificed such as brass painted door handles and separately applied details; with judicious weathering it would, in my view be a more than acceptable addition to any layout. My overall feeling is that it is reasonable value for money. However for one reason or another I am left with the sense it hovers some ware between the premium and Railroad ranges, not quite knowing ware to fit in! In the interests of impartiality I have include shots of all three makes
    Excerpt taken from Wikipedia

    The Brake Gangwayed or BG coach (also known as a Full Brake) is a type of British Railways Mark 1 passenger brake van. It has a guard's compartment in the centre and two large areas either side for storing luggage. They were a very versatile type of coach and could be found all over the British Railways network and some are still in use today - although not in conventional use. The British Railways Mark 1 BG was shorter than most other types of Mark 1 coach – the BGs being 57 feet (17.37 m) whereas most other designs were 63 feet (19.20 m). This was so the BG could go everywhere unlike their other Mark 1 counterparts which were banned from some station platforms because of their length.”


     
  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Great post. The replica railways version looks particularly good.
    nicely done
    cheers
    toto
     
  3. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Great post Shaun

    Think I have most of all the old versions :avatar:

    I have bought the South Eastern Finecast flush glazing for the Replica and Lima BG's, hopefully will get round to fitting them and post up pictures.

    Paul
     

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