Hornby unveils its 2018 range and Dapol proposes two GWR classics.

Top link pre-war steam power dominates Hornby’s 2018 range… but a humble 0-6-0 goods design gives the expresses a run for their money. The Maunsell ‘Lord Nelson’ 4-6-0 completes Hornby’s hold of Southern Region passenger power. The 16 ‘Lord Nelsons’ were the pre-war Southern Railway’s biggest locomotive design, a giant four-cylinder 4-6-0, introduced in 1926 for west of England expresses. Modified by Oliver Bulleid to improve steaming, they were not withdrawn until 1962. Class pioneer No. 850 Lord Nelson survives as part of the National Collection. The new model looks set to consign Bachmann’s 1990s take on the ‘LN’ to the annals of model railway history. Tooling changes enable original condition ‘LNS’ to be produced, as well as later versions with Lemaître blastpipes and original and later 5,000-gallon tenders. Having produced an all-new non-streamlined ‘Princess Coronation’ for 2017 (MR243), the stage was set for a re-tooled streamlined version. And Hornby hasn’t disappointed. Three versions of the streamlined ‘Coronation’ are planned but liveries have yet to be confirmed. Early computer design images suggest that Hornby’s designers have captured the distinctive ‘bathtub’ casing perfectly. Hornby has become the first manufacturer to offer a purely Scottish design to 21st-century specifications. It has chosen the North British Railway ‘C’ 0-6-0 (LNER ‘J36’), introduced in 1888. It’s a logical choice, given that 25 were used in France during the First World War, and they should be available just as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the conflict. The ‘J36s’ were also the last pre-grouping Scottish locomotives in service, and the final two were not withdrawn until 1967. Hornby hasn’t forgotten coaching and goods stock either. The extensive range of Maunsell coaches will be complemented by a Kitchen/dining First. Southern Railway (7869) and BR green (S7946S) options will be available (RRP £47.99). Both should be available in October 2018. Last but by no means least are two LNER 10ft 6in brake vans. The Diagram 034 ‘Toad B’ was introduced in 1927 and was inspired by North Eastern Railway practice. Hornby’s model will feature a planked ducket. It will be joined by the Diagram 064 ‘Toad E’, introduced in the early 1930s. The body would essentially be incorporated into the more familiar 16ft ‘Toad D’, which would become BR’S standard brake van. Prices for both ‘Toad B’ and ‘Toad E’ are £21.99, with an estimated delivery of August 2018.