Hornby GWR Mk.3SD
Model features
IN the first of two reviews of Hornby’s brand-new ‘OO’ gauge Mk.3SD (power sliding door) HST stock, which has been released in number with three different liveries, the four GWR ‘Castle Class’ trailers are introduced.
The models share the same level of detail and features as Cross-Country Trains and ScotRail ‘Inter7City’ stock which will be reviewed in detail in the next issue of Rail Express Modeller to allow more time to investigate the models thoroughly.
When compared to the recently released GWR slam-door Mk.3 stock, which is a considerably older tooling compared to the latest models, the differences in tooling and the level of detail becomes immediately apparent. The Mk.3SD trailers are better researched with fewer one-size-fits-all approach to roof and underframe fittings. Moulded detail including the window frames, roof ribs, water tank hatches, gangways and underframes is considerably finer, although the lift loops on the roof hatches remain as nondescript plastic ridges.
Bogies are also new tooling with a finer appearance and better definition of detail and less bulk creating a little more of a see-through effect. They are fitted with the correct end spacers and wheels with brake disc inserts. Couplings are fitted to close coupling cams mounted to the frame under the vestibule area of the coaches allowing the bogie end detail to be better represented. Not having a coupling arm swinging around with the bogie upon entering curves has allowed additional detail to be fitted to the ends including electric train supply (ETH) sockets. Underframe foot steps are also located adjacent to the doors.
The overall shape of the model has been replicated well. Detail includes the additional equipment relating to power doors. Staff-operated door release panels and door lights alongside passenger door control buttons are moulded instead of being applied as printed detail.
Each body shell of the review models was closely examined and
Each
Castle Class set has a Trailer
Guard Standard (TGS) with the guard’s area at one end, largely unmodified from its original Mk.3 slam-door trailer format. Note the antennae on the roof and the sliding door at the far end. No. 49103 of set No. GW03 is shown.
were found to be straight when viewed along the bottom edge. Some very slight irregularity in the roof line of a couple of trailers became apparent when photographs were examined. The bodyshells are correctly proportioned and generally free of finishing flaws except the roof ribs of TS No. 48112.
Number confusion
Hornby has produced sufficient trailers to make up two complete four-car Castle Class trains which will go well with its crop of GWR liveried Class 43 power cars (those numbered as power cars compliant with door interlock equipment).
Whilst the trailers are generally formed in fixed formations, allowing for maintenance, power cars float between the sets making any combination of the available GWR power cars in the Hornby range suitable for the stock – provided they are one of the type fitted with power sliding door interlocking including No 43005 and 43041 (R3685); No. 43016 and No. 43093 (R3696) and one power car from the recently released heritage pack which contains GWR No. 43198 (R3770).
A list of HST power cars, including those operated by GWR in ‘Castle Class’ HST sets, can be found on the 125 Group web site at www.125group.org. uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/
Small details are moulded instead of being printed, including the door control buttons, staff-operated door controls and the door indicator light. Bogie detail is also refined and fitted with wheels with disc brake inserts.
fleetlist04012020.pdf along with technical detail records.
Hornby appears to have followed the temporary formations of sets Nos. GW03 and GW04, as operated in the summer of 2019. Records indicate that set No. GW03 was formed with TS No. 48112 instead of No. 48109 for a short time whilst set No GW04 included TS No. 48131 in lieu of No. 48112 which was vice No. 48109 in Set No. GW03. Some records also suggest No. 48131 was used in set GW03 during this time.
Since the summer of 2019, the formations have been reformed with their correct trailers. Currently, set No. GW03 is composed with of TGS No. 49103 (R4896), TS No. 48107 (R4915), TSD
No. 48108 (R4895) and TS No. 48109.
Set No. GW04 has TGS No. 49104 (R4896A), TS No. 48110 (R4915B), TSD No. 48111 (R4895A) and No. 48112 (R4915A). The TGS trailer is Coach A in each formation.
The odd-ball trailer in the range is TS No. 48131 (R4915C) which is not now used in either set. Consequently, there are only sufficient trailers in the range to make up a current Set No. GW04. Such are the risks of producing models of stock at the time the full-size trains are still being converted. As of July 2020, not all of the Castle Class trains are in
Trailer Standard or TS trailers are the most numerous, as represented by No. 48112.
The trailer requiring the most work to convert it for the new service is the Trailer Standard (Disabled) (TSD), with one end modified to provide facilities for passengers with mobility impairment. Hornby has tooled each trailer correctly with no one-size-fits-all components.
Each trailer is fitted with close coupling cams which allows additional detail to be applied to the ends. Coach letters match the trailer number and position in the train.
THINGS WE LIKE
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■ service. An additional set has been sent to Wabtec Rail, Doncaster for conversion, arriving in mid-June. The trains will work in Devon, Cornwall and between the West Country, Bristol and South Wales when in full squadron service.
Early findings
In this first part of the Mk.3SD stock review, our early findings are positive, with the GWR Castle Class trailers being generally well finished and matching the livery applied to the models of power cars Nos. 43016 and No. 43093 well. They were the first power cars to work with a Castle Class set, being involved with early testing of the new formation trains.
There are a couple of minor issues with the new models which will be expanded upon when the ScotRail stock is reviewed including sticking close coupling cams, eccentric wheel sets and some finishing issues. Overall, the models are competitively priced for a new coach tooling; they incorporate vehicle specific details instead of the use of standard toolings to save money and look very impressive when formed in a complete train set.