Hornby 2007 Information - Steam Locomotives

2007 sees a raft of releases from Hornby to bolster their steam fleet. Back are old favourites in new guises allowing an increase in options for people already possessing members of those classes and more importantly there is promise of brand new models. Most of the new models for 2007 are DCC Ready or DCC Fitted.

The new models promise a wealth of opportunity for the LMS and BR (LMR) modeller. First up is the Rebuilt Patriot class 4-6-0 locomotive. Originally designed by Sir Henry Fowler, the Patriot class had a redesign by the then Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS railway Sir William Stanier, gaining the LMS family appearance in the process. Early and late BR liveried locos are promised, though there may be some scope for a late LMS liveried loco making an appearance at a later date.

Next in line is the Royal Scot class 4-6-0 locomotive, another type originally designed by Sir Henry Fowler and later given the Stanier treatment. There seems to be scope for most variations of this loco class in one guise or another as Hornby have had the presence of mind to produce a version without the smoke deflectors - a late addition to the prototype. In the list of upcoming models we have a late LMS livery, 2 early BR liveries and a late BR livery. Plenty of scope for those into renumbering their collection.

The 3rd brand new loco is another London Midland region design. Stanier's 2-6-4 tank locomotive was a suburban workhorse throughout the LMS network, 206 of the type being built. On offer are 3 different options; LMS livery, early BR and late BR liveries. A useful addition to any London Midland based layout.

With the range of Locomotives Bachmann have available these new additions by Hornby really start to fill in the gaps and make the LMS and BR (LMR) modeller almost spoilt for choice.

(comments by Richard Lloyd)