First impressions of Hornby’s new Princess

WHEN Hornby’s all-new No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth model was carefully unboxed, we uttered one word:‘wow!’the new tooling’s high quality finish was immediately apparent.

For added interest, Pete brought along his BR blueliveried No. 46208 Princess Helena Victoria, an example of a previous generation of Hornby Princess Royal Pacific.

The principal difference between the models of Nos. 46208 and 6201 is that the latter is loco driven, while the former is tender driven.

We were struck by the significantly enhanced level of detail across the new No. 6201. Starting at the front, we noted the crisper number and shed code plates, along with the guard irons, handrails, vacuum pipes and proper polished metal buffers.

The motion is more delicate on No. 6201 and likewise the reversing gear – that on No. 46208 had a bright, chrome finish, whereas No. 6201 looks more delicate. Another welcome addition to No. 6201 is the finely detailed lubricator pipework.

The safety valve quartet is more to scale on No. 6201 – that locomotive also features a top feed and dome, while No. 46208 has a feed to the dome.

No. 6201 also features better trailing truck details, with the addition of pipework.

The level detail inside the cab almost has to be seen to be believed – it truly is something else! While the backhead on No. 46208 is impressionists and moulded on, No. 6201 includes gauges picked out, complete with white background and tiny print. The regulator handle is highlighted in polished metal, and the copper and brass pipework is painted in the correct colours. Even the screw reverser has parts painted in correct red and black. No. 6201’s concertina cab doors are fixed in place in the folded position. The plate between the cab and tender is also picked out in silver.

The cab roof actually slides open, enabling the enhanced cab detail to be appreciated from above.

The rear of the tender on

No. 6201 benefits from more refined finish, including printed on plates, such as that denoting its 4000 gallon capacity – plus separate handrails.

A separate detail pack is provided, which includes cab footsteps, brake rigging and a pony wheel.