[berth44]

Hornby are producing this loco as well, even in their 'Railroad' stuff, so now those wanting a cheap version can have one, even in Brunswick green!!..........Dave

[SkyFire]

Nice. Wonder if it has a dcc chip in it. ?

[berth44]

8 pin DCC decoder socket in the tender Anthony, that does not mean to say that it wont be DCC fitted at a later day. Initially Hornby say there will be 3 versions, first up a train pack named the 'Tornado Express', it'll be BR lined green, early BR crest (the real one will be in this guise later this year when it re-appears in traffic)
secondly, a 'solo' model in Apple Green, full spec inc etched nameplates and lastly as a cheaper 'Railroad' version retailing around the 75 dollar mark. The first batch is available round the halfway mark of this year...A B1 4-6-0(LNER) will also be available later as well,(does not say when, but this year) that'll be worth a goosy goosy gander......Dave

[bluedot0]

Is the B1 a Bachmann or Hornby model Dave......Phil

[berth44]

Originally the B1 was a Mailine loco Phil (I've got 2, ones buggered) Backmann took them over and re-released the loco with a better motor but still retaining the 'split chassis'. This is a completely new model by Hornby,it should be a stunner!!!..........Dave.

[bluedot0]

Cool, I have a Bachmann one with a dicky drive wheel, the plastic core buckled for some reason and I'm looking to buy a new loco, will be patient and see what Hornby offer.....Phil

[berth44]

that's what happened with mine as well Phil!!...Dave

[bluedot0]

I wonder if it's a fault with the materials Dave....very unusual, I was going to repair her, but I think it would be easier to just replace it and keep the old one for spares......Phil

[berth44]

This 'fault' has obviously came accross from the old Mainline version, and when I think of it Phil, it's not the only loco that I've had from this stable that has 'failed' in this way!....Dave

[bluedot0]

That's interesting to know Dave, it's the only loco I have that's done this, my other Bachmann's are ok, I remember a motorized replacement chassis for the B1 was on sale for a while, but I haven't seen one about for quite a while now, I'll stick to the plan and buy a new one......Phil

[berth44]

I remember the replacement chassisssssss, they occasionally pop up on eBay. I stripped an offending Mainline loco down and found that the plastic wheel axle had actually broke in half!! I tried 'superglue' to no avail......Dave