Newsdesk: Hornby Mk. 4 DVT

Good progress on the ‘OO’ gauge Mk.4 Driving Van Trailer (DVT) and livery application for the brand new APT-P is reported by Hornby. A small but important tooling change to the HST power cars is also revealed.

LIVERY samples of the forthcoming APT-P model were received by Hornby recently for assessment, and pictures offer the first impressions of how this exciting model will appear.

The company has identified a few areas in need of improvement, but the colours sit on the model well from what we can see.

Noteworthy is the fit of the pantograph on the power cars, with the correct through-body linkages to the bogie which held the pantograph head level when the train tilted into curves.

The articulated bogies between the trailers also have coupling kinematics built in to allow close coupling of the model on straight track, while the pictures also show a high level of detailing through the fitting of small components and etched metal parts.

Interior detailing is also just visible through the tinted flush glazing applied to the passenger coaches, while a detailed cab interior is visible through the cab window. Delivery of what is a much anticipated model is expected in July, with five-car train packs priced at £394.99 and seven-car trains at £484.99. Single power cars are also being offered at £109.99.

Mk.4 stock

First engineering prototypes of the Mk.4 Driving Van Trailers (DVT) came to light during March, with pictures of the model in undecorated form being circulated by Hornby. They capture the essence of the 32 Mk.4 DVTs well, including the roof dome of late condition DVTs as applied to the sample model.

Running lights and close coupling cams are part of the design, expected to be released in December 2021 in several liveries including GNER, InterCity, LNER and Transport for Wales (TfW). The DVTs are priced at 69.99 and will be accompanied by an InterCity Class 43 HST power car DVT (R40162) to complete the

ECML set.

SR luggage van

Production of the SR gangwayed luggage vans draws closer, with liveries now being tweaked and improved. The pair of models finished in BR maroon may be of interest to D&E modellers, with the type surviving into the diesel and electric era. They are numbered as No. S 2467 S (R600021A) and No. S 2477 S (R60021).

The photographs of the samples suggest they will enhance Hornby’s reputation as a coach builder, at least as far as more period stock is concerned.

The detail and the use of intricate detailing parts is not reflected in a higher price, compared to models of more modern coachingstock (£36.99). The underframe is detailed in appearance,

Livery sample of the forthcoming Hornby ‘OO’ gauge APT-P train, available in five and seven-car train packs together with additional trailers and power cars.

Hand assembled samples of Mk.4 push-pull stock has also arrived at Hornby for review and refinement during March.

while the body has well-defined planking and correctly detailed doors. Arrival is imminent, with deliveries to model shops expected in April.

Engineering prototype of the new Mk.4 DVT modelled with fittings for a later version of the vehicles as operated by GNER, Virgin East Coast, TfW and LNER.

A view of the roof and cab fronts of the Mk.4 DVT. Of interest to early D&E modellers is the BR maroon SR gangwayed luggage van due for release in April.

The APT-P pantograph is mounted in the same manner as those on the full-size trains to keep them level when the train tilts into curves.

APT-P power car No. 49003 named City of Derby.