Hornby Mk 1 BCK
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Hornby R40020 ◆ PRICE £34.99 ◆ AVAILABILITY Hornby stockists Web www.hornby.com
Hornby’s revamped range of BR Mk 1 coaching stock was launched in 2014, and since then a steady stream of new variants has emerged. Most recently, the RBR buffet car (MR283) appeared earlier this year, which has now been followed by the Brake Corridor Composite, or BCK to use BR’S official description.
Built at various works between 1954-64, the BCK fleet offered 12 First and 24 Second Class seats spread across five compartments, with a relatively short guard’s compartment at one end. The BCKS were far less numerous than the similar, all-second Class BSKS, but it’s an important variant nonetheless, making this a welcome arrival from Hornby.
Five livery options are being produced, from original BR maroon to WR chocolate/ cream, blue/grey, Intercity and Network Rail yellow. Apart from the paint schemes, different bogies are also provided to suit the two latter offerings, with B4-type units fitted beneath the NR coach while the Intercity version rides on Commonwealth bogies.
The Intercity version is under assessment here, rendered in the ‘Swallow’ iteration of this livery and sporting a white roof. This combination suits the carriage particularly to railtour or special train use in the late 1980s and early 1990s era.
As with Hornby’s other Mk 1 stock, this is a model made to a budget-friendly price point, so the level of detail and specification is comparatively modest. However, it’s a very attractive package, with a decent amount of finesse to the underframe and bodyshell. What it may lack in separately applied wire handrails and tank filler pipes, it makes up for in the level of finish and overall build quality.
There are no pivoting close-coupler units, but the bogies do sport NEM pockets and the interior moulding correctly depicts the difference between the First and Second Class seating. The underframe includes only vacuum brake equipment (but this version should really be air-braked). However, these minor compromises can be overlooked at this price and the overall package feels like great value. Hornby’s range of Mk 1s certainly fills a gap at the more affordable end of the hobby, so its existence – and continuing expansion – are to be applauded. (GD)