Hornby Mk 1 buffet cars
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL R4971, R4971A, R4972, R4972A BR Mk1 RB R4973, R4973A, R4974, R4974A BR Mk 1 RBR ◆ PRICE £34.99 each ◆ PERIOD 1960-1990s ◆ REGION Various ◆ AVAILABILITY Hornby stockists Web www.hornby.com
Hornby has been producing BR Mk 1 coaching stock for as long as I can remember, despite other manufacturers also including the once-ubiquitous vehicles in their ranges. For ‘OO’ modellers, Bachmann Branchline’s range is still the undisputed champion in the detail and fidelity stakes, but Hornby’s most recent raft of Mk 1s – dating from 2014 – is not too far behind. Moreover, the Margate firm’s approach has been different to Bachmann’s, offering a slightly cheaper product with fewer ‘bells and whistles’, which is helpful to modellers on tighter budgets.
The latest addition to Hornby’s Mk 1 fleet is the RB/RBR Buffet/restaurant which, despite the prototype’s longevity, hasn’t been available in RTR form since the days of Lima and Mainline. Readers of a certain age will recall the Lima Mk 1’s failings, but the Mainline Mk 1 RB (released in 1981) was an exceptional model for its time.
Eight models have been released in Hornby’s initial batch, with two number options for each of the four main liveries carried during their BR careers: maroon (W1739/43), Southern Region green (S1757/65), blue/grey (M1657/1712) and Intercity (IC1653/67). The latter two liveries portray the carriages in their post-1980 refurbished condition with air brake equipment.
As with Hornby’s previous Mk 1 releases, the profile and overall appearance captures the look of the prototypes faithfully, although there are a few areas where the technical specification has been tempered in order to keep the cost down. Most notably, there are no sprung close-coupling units (although NEM coupler pockets are fitted to the bogies), nor are there any wire handrails, separate lamp brackets or a painted interior moulding. However, the underfloor equipment, including gas tanks, battery and electrical equipment boxes and dynamo is all present and correct, with an admirable amount of moulded relief. The metal disc wheels are of decent quality and performance is smooth and reliable.
THEM’S THE BRAKES
In terms of brake gear, vacuum cylinders are provided on the
maroon and green versions, while air valves are fitted to the refurbished blue/grey and Intercity models. More knowledgeable carriage aficionados may know whether the air valves alone are correct for the RBRS, as I believe most – if not all – were dual-braked, with both vacuum and air equipment. The Commonwealth bogies have featured on previous Hornby Mk 1 coaches and, while they consist of a single moulding, the outer frames feature lots of detail and are only let down by the brake shoes being well out of alignment with the wheels.
The bodyshell is attractively rendered, with crisply moulded detail to the sides, ends and roof. The modified pattern of end footsteps has been well observed and, although the handrails are solid mouldings, they look convincing from a distance. The glazing is worthy of praise, being super-clear and flush-fitting. The interior moulding features the correct seating layout and access is easy enough, with the body simply unclipping from the chassis. That said, we did find that the clear plastic locating tabs were easily broken.
Most of the improvements afforded by BR’S refurbishment plan of the late 1970s were internal. Therefore, aside from the brake cylinders and liveries, the only other visible difference between the RB and RBRS is the blanked-out kitchen door droplight on one side, which Hornby has achieved by painting the glazing panel.
Livery application is, universally, to a good standard. The various legends and numerals are neatly printed, as are the no smoking emblems in the windows of the refurbished carriages. The Intercity versions feature jet black roofs, which some modellers may feel is incorrect. I seem to recall a good deal of variation on the real things, so am unwilling to pass an absolute judgement on this aspect. The lower element of the Intercity bodysides is a notoriously difficult colour to ‘nail’ and Hornby’s interpretation is pretty good in this instance, to my eyes at least.
Overall, this new Hornby Mk 1 is a handsome model with a very attractive price tag and it’s great to have such an important catering vehicle available again after such a long hiatus. The refurbished versions will be greatly appreciated by modellers of the later BR years, in particular, and will really look the part among a rake of ‘air con’ Mk 2s or Mk 3s, hauled by a Class 47/86/87, or even a ‘90’. (GD)