Hornby R3347 Class 92 92019 'Wagner' Review

My latest purchase for the ongoing project of building a 'OO Gauge' diesel/electric depot is a Class 92 from Hornby. One of two announced in December 2014, I was surprised to see them both hit the shelves so fast considering the delays that have plagued Hornby (and the other manufacturers) in recent times.

The two models are

• R3346 92009 ‘Marco Polo’ DB Schenker traffic red

• R3347 92019 'Wagner' EPS Grey with EWS 'Beasties' sticker

46 Class 92 locomotives were built between 1993-1996 primarily for use within the Channel Tunnel. They are quite simply the most powerful electric locomotive ever built for BR and were by far the most technologically advanced loco they had ever introduced. Being dual voltage, they are as at home on DC third rail as they are drawing power from AC overhead wires. The bodyshell is similar to the Class 60 diesel introduced by Brush a couple of years earlier, and in terms of internals, most of the electrics are duplicated. This was a key requirement for the Channel Tunnel to reduce the chance of failure. But while this class of loco ticks all the boxes in terms of performance and ability, its a class that has never ever been utilised anywhere near its true potential. The Channel tunnel has never come close to the kind of volume of traffic that was expected when the project was announced and traffic even declined in the early 2000's due to issues with asylum seekers in Calais. The ill fated 'Nightstar' project was another disaster and the proposed sleeper services between the UK and the continent predictably never materialised.  Currently the Class are operated by DB Schenker and GBRf Europorte.

The subject of my review is R3347, 92019 with the EWS branding. This loco is one of ten active Class 92's currently in use with Britains largest freight operator. It is also one of the Class that has received signalling equipment for use on High Speed 1 (HS1). With rumours that DB Schenker are to scale back on Class 92 operation within the UK, due to expensive running costs, this batch of locos could potentially be the last ones to survive. DB Schenker has exported examples to both Bulgaria and Romania, where they have been able to at last fulfil some of their potential. With the above in mind, more are expected to be sent abroad in due course with duties in the UK taken on by Class 66's and pairs of Class 90's.

Upon removing the loco from the box there are a couple of things that stand out, sadly these are mainly bad things. The roof colour is wrong, it is painted black but it should actually be blue as per the Eurostars. The Class 92's received the two tone EPS grey livery but instead of gaining the grey roofs as applied to the EPS 37's and 73's, the 92's received blue roofs from the start. The first recipient being 92001 in 1993. Granted these days the accumulation of dirt and grime gives the roof a black appearance however it is still incorrect. What makes this slightly frustrating for myself is that Hornby have produced Class 92's in the EPS two tone grey before (without EWS yellow sticker) and got the roof colour correct. It's another example of shoddy research from them, which may class as passable for something in their Railroad range of products, however the 92 isnt. It sits in the middle of that and the 'Super Detail' range. However, it does appear that somebody in Hornby was expecting the roof to be blue, as the blurb on the back of the box describes the model as having a blue roof. Ooops..

The Hornby model is the foreground next to the Lima version allowing a comparison of size of the running numbers and BR arrows on the two versions, plus the differences between the pantographs

Also the running numbers and BR arrows on the cab sides appear to be oversized. These are problems that I can resolve myself with a few hours work, but I'm not sure if people are forking out £80 for a loco that they should have to for such basic things. 

With my two main concerns out of the way, the loco is more or less as expected. Utilising the Hornby tooling of the 92 (Lima also did a version) the loco comes fitted with headlights but no tail lights The loco features the revised chassis introduced a couple of years ago with a 5 Pole Skew Wound motor and an 8 pin DCC socket. The loco has two plastic pantographs which are obviously non working. They don't look that great today but we have to remember when the tooling was introduced in the 90's it was superior to anything previously produced. 

A general view of the roof and pantograph detail

Moving on to the face and the look of the 92, its OK. I think generally it looks like a Class 92, a bit plasticy in areas but on the whole not bad. I've always thought that the Hornby 92 looked a bit 'chunky' and when I place it next to the Lima Class 92 I believe this does stand out. Whilst the chassis and internals are better on the Hornby model, the body of the Lima version is more convincing.

The face of the Hornby model.

Hornby Model (Left)next to Lima version (right)

In conclusion then its a welcome release, with an interesting livery that the class has carried for some years now. Whilst I have highlighted some slight issues with the model, notably the roof colour and running number size, most people could probably live with these. For me personally as an electric modeller, I have to try and remain realistic. It is highly unlikely that we will see a retooled super detailed Class 92 released, certainly not anytime soon. It isn't bad straight out of the box, but also could be perfect for a modelling project. Indeed when time permits it will be on my work bench for some improvements. Feeling generous, I'd give the model a 7 out of 10 rating. This isn't an £80 loco, it'd be better priced in the £60 range. 

Hornby 2015

With starting a new job last month, the annual Hornby new releases announcement slipped my mind. This seems quite appropriate though, as the range seems somewhat forgettable this year. It seems to be another year for 'Steam Modellers' whilst the Diesel and Electric releases seem somewhat light.
In terms of  'all new' then Hornby have announced a Class 71 electric which should be available in 2016. This model of course had already announced several months back by DJ Models.

So whats good...

EWS Class 67's

It's been 2 years since Hornby released a 'Skip' in EWS livery. Sadly then the number chosen, 67001, was a loco that had since been painted into Arriva livery, therefore limiting it's period of operation. 67016 and 67024 are the choices this time around and they are certainly wise one's as both still carry the livery 15 years after introduction.

Class 08's in BR Blue and FGW Blue.

The Class 08 in BR Blue has been in short supply as of late, with both Hornby and Bachmann not having any available for sometime. Olivia's trains are likely to be pleased as well as they have suffered from the shortage of blue 08's for conversion in to Class 13's.

The FGW livery is a good choice as well, with plenty of rolling stock available to put this Gronk to use with.

Class 92 in EPS grey with EWS Beastie logo.

Perhaps the model is not up to today's standards in many ways, but the Hornby 92 isn't too bad a model and this livery choice is different but common.

Class 66 in Freightliner 'Powerhaul' livery.

Not a model I thought I'd ever recommend, the ex Lima Class 66 was a good model back in it's day. Totally eclipsed by the Bachmann model (which itself is far from perfect) released in 2005, the Lima model (which once commanded high prices on auction websites) seemed confined to the scrapheap. However with Bachmann slow to release liveries (no EWS/Freightliner 66's (Bread and Butter items) in it's latest catalogues, it is somewhat pleasing that Hornby have decided to produce this livery. It may not have today's modern features such as directional lighting and separately fitted parts, but the price of the item reflects this and offers great value for money.

Sentinel Shunters

Released last year, these small shunters have proved popular and have sparked an increase in small shunting/industrial layouts. Liveries such as Balfour Beatty and Wabtec will surely add to this.

Also pleased to see another Network Rail Class 31 appear, and although the real thing may be coming to the end of its Network Rail career in 2015, these models will provide years of pleasure for modellers. Network Rail items have generally always been strong sellers.

Not phased by the Bachmann's summer announcement of an all new Class 90 electric, the veteran Hornby tooling gets a run out in DB Schenker livery, and again I think this livery will sell well.

So whats missing?...

Class 60 in DB Schenker 'Traffic red' and Colas

The obvious omissions this year (at least for me) are no more obvious than Class 60 Diesels in both DB Schenker Red and Colas Rail Freight. Lets start with the DB example. DB Schenker is currently the UK's biggest rail freight operator and runs a large fleet of diesel and electric locomotives. Over the past couple of years it has invested heavily and put numerous Class 60's through heavy overhauls. The majority of these overhauled locomotives have been released in DB Schenkers 'Traffic Red' livery and is currently the most common livery on the active fleet. There is probably an argument for Hornby to have released a couple of different number options on this livery but I would have settled for at least 1 in this years catalogue.
Again, Colas have in 2014 become an operator of overhauled Class 60 locomotives and for modern day modellers would have seemed an obvious choice.

Pendolino

Where the hell is the Hornby Pendolino? Last released in a train pack about 5 years ago, it was offered both DCC ready and DCC fitted and flew off the shelves. Sure it has been released in a train set since, but people shouldn't have to fork out for a complete set when it seems perfectly obvious that Hornby would not struggle to sell them in a pack.

Class 56

Not a single one in the release programme this year. There are several liveries that could be produced still, Dutch and Transrail, two that stand out. In terms of liveries already produced, Romanian BR Blue Class 56's fetch silly prices on eBay so justification could have been given for another one. What is to come from last year is two versions of Colas Rail, one standard and one sound fitted. Also the long awaited BR large logo, on the wishlists of modellers for a few years. Despite the relatively high prices of these models, these should be popular releases for D+E modellers.

Cheap Electrics

I have to say that I believe Hornby are missing a trick slightly this year. It might sound mad to say, but I think the Hornby 86, 87 (ex Lima) and maybe a couple more versions of the 90 would have been a good move. What you have with the Hornby 86 for example is a model that is below todays standards, but has a price that reflects this. With Heljan seemingly not to give the model another run, the Hornby 86 has a market. A couple of years back, Hornby released 86637 in Freightliner Powerhaul livery (R3058) and priced around the £40 mark proved to be a good seller. From a personal point of view, a Freightliner grey liveried 86 (as far as I know never produced?) and another version of the Freightliner original green would be good.
The 90 is perhaps a bit more understandable, with the Bachmann version to be released in the near future you can understand Hornby perhaps not diving in. But again, with a relatively low RRP reflecting the limitations of the model, Hornby have a chance to produce liveries unlikely to be produced the Bachmann for a number of years at a reasonable price. Liveries off the top of my head include DRS, EWS, Freightliner Grey (again, never produced?) and RFD European.
Electrics have never perceived to be great sellers, but as I've said above, my own view is that at a reasonable price that reflects the standards of the models, there is a market there.

Intercity Swallow HST

Just saying.....

Conclusion

Well, every modeller is different, for some this will be a great range and seen as a good year, for others it wont. My own personal view is of disappointment. As I've pointed out, there are some good releases in there and I will certainly be buying a few of the items announced. My issues with the range are highlighted above, the omissions I have mentioned and just a general lack of 'va va voom'.

"Hopefully next year will be better...."

Bachmann announce Class 90 Electric!

Bachmann announces Class 90 Electric locomotive! - will this spark a revival for modern image electric modelling?

This morning I awoke to the news that as part of Bachmann's 2014/15 catalogue, the Barwell based firm are to produce a Class 90 electric locomotive. This is a significant announcement to me personally, as a fan of Class 90's and electric locomotives in general. The last electric locomotive produced by Bachmann was the Class 85 'AL5' which was released some 3 years ago now. In general this locomotive sold well, although it does depend on who you speak to. Indeed the electric blue version sold out not long after release, and the TOPS BR Blue version has been a steady seller without any significant discount from retailers.

Model Electric Locomotives

The problem with electric locomotives is generally seen as being the lack of a good overhead line/catenary system. Indeed it does look somewhat silly to have a locomotive with a pantograph running with no wires (unless it's a Class 92!). With the way the hobby has gone in the past decade or so, with the improved quality and specifications of models it is perhaps a glaring omission. But then again, perhaps a bigger question, have we been spoilt in the past few years? With expectations ever increasing, are we just too demanding? Indeed working lights, etched parts, opening cab doors have all been well received, and generally now are to be seen as the 'standard' or bare minimum expected from new releases - but they have to come at a price. Ever increasing RRP's and production delays, not just down to the higher specifications but the ever increasing problems in China. Are the older models that bad?

Hornby 86 + 90 Models

To answer this question, I refer to the Hornby Model Railways Class 86 and 90 models. Now the tooling of these models are well over 20 years old, but how do they fare up today? Well let's start with the 86. Generally the shape of the 86 is well executed, it sure looks like an 86! Areas that don't scrub up so well are the pantograph and the crude painting of details on the front ends such as lights and cables. In the case of the Pantograph, it is operational so the emphasis when designing would have been something that worked as well as looked passable. It's shown up however, when placed next to a Bachmann Class 85 and it's fine detailed pantograph.
The 90 is a similar story with the same pantograph and a generally good overall shape. The thing we have to remember is the age of the tooling, expectations and technology were much different 20 years ago. These models can be picked up quite cheaply on the second hand market and an advantage of the age of these models is the vast amount of liveries available. Hornby have re-motored both models in recent years, including a DCC socket and a NEM coupling socket to bring them closer to today's standards. The price of these models now is also reasonable when bought new, and reflects their age and specifications. I've recently added a pair of Hornby 86's (soon to be joined by another) and a Hornby 90 to my fleet. The models are what I would consider fine and passable representations. They certainly wont be getting retired when the Bachmann 90 eventually is released.

A Danish attempt

The Heljan 86 is another electric model released in recent years. Announced back in 2008, it offered promise of being the 'Definitive' Class 86. When released it received mixed reviews. My own opinion is that it is a good looking model of an 86. There are some people who say the Hornby model is still better, but this is simply not true. While there are undoubtedly some errors with the model, the model is finely detailed and oozes quality. A good spec from new with DCC and working lights, and a detailed underframe the model is already ahead. Some people have criticized the cab windows, which they are fully entitled to do. This for me, is not a problem with the model, it looks like an 86 to me and that's the main thing. The pantograph is the issue with this model, being horribly oversized and thus taking away from the overall good feel to the model. However unlikely it is, I'm sure that with a half decent re-designed pantograph the 86 could make money for Heljan. I can dream anyway....

The Class 90's 

So the subject of the new Bachmann model is the British Rail Class 90. A truly mixed traffic locomotive, a 90 is as at home at the head of a train of car carriers as it is a top a rake of Mark 3 coaches. I've always liked the Class 90's, perhaps its because they were being built as I was being born. I'm 27 years old this year meaning that the oldest example of 90 will also be. 50 locomotives were built, and 50 locomotives remain today, although many are stored. DB Schenker is the largest operator of 90's with 25 on it's books, Abellio Greater Anglia with 15, and Freightliner 10.
Growing up in South Liverpool, I've been subject to West Coast 90's all my life, through Intercity West Coast/Virgin, RFD/EWS at Allerton and the Garston FLT which today see's daily 90 action. My main interest at the moment is around the Freightliner operations involving the Class 90 and also 86 electrics.
So producing a 90 seems a smart move for Bachmann. Seen all over the country 'Under the wires' (and sometimes with no wires - 90039 Llandudno Junction in 2005 anyone?). There are plenty of liveries to choose from from a nearly 30 year career.

Coats of many colours

I truly hope that the 90 turns out to be a successful model for Bachmann. I believe it will be, and the first three liveries to be produced are,

90023 Intercity

90137 Railfreight Distribution

90042 Freightliner Powerhaul

Three good choices in my opinion, although I perhaps would have gone with either 90045/9 for the Powerhaul one seeing as 90042 has only just this week been released to normal traffic from LNWR in this livery.
On my own personal wishlist, in the future I hope to see releases in DB Schenker 'Traffic Red', Freightliner original Green/Yellow, EWS Maroon/Gold and RES (a simple classic that suited the profile of the 90's).
I will most likely create a Freighliner grey loco from the RFD offering but one must not get too carried away at this early stage!

The price and delivery dates are still to be confirmed, but this is sure to be the best 90 ever produced and the specification will have at the minimum of working lights and DCC. 'Silly gimmicks' such as opening cab doors and working pantographs thankfully done away with. Now while the price is likely to be higher than the veteran Hornby offering, so too undoubtedly is the quality bound to be. If like me, you like electrics, support this project and who knows what we'll see next. A top spec '92' or how about the unique 89....

Thank you Bachmann.

All views on this blog are those of myself and do not necessarily represent the views of my family, friends, dog or employers.