MK.4 COACHES
COMPLETE sets of Mk.4 stock were produced as part of Hornby’s big retool of its InterCity 225 models, with numbers and coach letters matched to vehicle types. One of the GNER
First Class coaches for each train set is correctly marked with restaurant branding for when the catering car was turned round in the sets.
Retooling of the models included close coupling systems and NEM pockets. Modellers have the option of adding a battery-powered LED lighting system, something Hornby produces as an add-on accessory (R7305).
Glazing is flush, showing a glimpse of the interior and seating, which as far as possible, has been checked and found to be correct for the reviewed coaches.
Mk.4 bodyshell
The wedge-shaped Mk.4 coaches are well represented by Hornby’s tooling and have the correct shape to the roof shoulders (A) and roof profile (B) along with the ribs. Window frames are a touch rounded and too proud, but neatly fitted with tinted flush glazing (C). Vehicle-specific features such as the wide access toilet compartment are represented in the body tooling where appropriate (D) and the wide passenger doors are the correct shape (E). Check your models for the fit of the bodyshell sections at the coach ends (F).
Below the tumblehome
END fairings are fixed to the underframe and not ‘floating’ as seen on the original model (A). Bogies are one-piece mouldings and no current collection system is provided (B). The bracket strip above the bogies is present (C) and the underframe box correctly modelled too (D). Wheels are of blackened metal and are to RP25/110 profile (E).
Vestibule end features
INNER end detail includes a crisp gangway moulding (A), moulded marker lights (B) and hand rails (C). Printed details such as passenger information are well researched (D) and printed. Close coupling cams are fitted at each end (E).
Printing and glazing
AN example of the printed GNER badge and the fit of the tinted flush glazing.