Introducing the Hornby 2012 range…

This year’s programme of ‘OO’ gauge diesel and electric releases planned by the well-known Margate-based manufacturer includes a good selection of items complimentary to our previous projects. With this in mind are delighted to offer a ‘limited time’ opportunity to reserve items from the 2012 in advance, at very competitive prices. Read though our preview here and click on the ‘Hornby 2012 shop’ buttons to pre-order online.

The highlight for contemporary diesel enthusiasts amongst the Hornby announcements is a brand new Class 67 locomotive, replacing the previous model, which was originated by Lima over a decade ago and is showing its age. The new item is to the latest specification with die-cast chassis, directional lighting and etched metal grilles. We are sure many of you, who run Royal Mail trains or Wrexham & Shropshire sets, will wish to upgrade to the new 2012 version due out towards the end of the year. The standard EWS livery is one of three liveries to be issued along with WSMR & DB Maple Leaf.

WHILST RAIL EXCLUSIVE has no intention of becoming a general model railway retailer, it became obvious - whilst looking through Hornby’s plans - that our friends and regular customers would be interested in purchasing many of these products for their collections from a trusted source. This became especially apparent when we realised a considerable number of the new releases complement our previous special editions or products. For example, Isambard Kingdom Brunel & Teenage Spirit Class 60 owners could be attracted to the TATA steel or DB ‘Switch on to Safety’ liveries. Collector’s who took advantage of our DB Schenker Bachmann Class 37/5 may be keen to obtain the Class 60 & Class 92 in the same bright red livery whilst customers running the WSMR or EWS management trains might like to upgrade to brand new Class 67 motive power.

There has been a resurgence of interest in the Class 60 heavy freight machines after freight operator DB Schenker found it could not cope without them and started a programme of ‘Super 60’ overhauls. Hornby makes use of its superb base model to provide an example of the latest DB red colour scheme, in this case a named example with additional safety initiative branding. The model of the Brush Type 5 is also offered in the TATA steel customer livery as No. 60099.

To keep it simple, we’ve looked through the new catalogue and ‘cherry-picked’ a selection of what we feel are the most attractive of the new diesel and electric era items. Through our association with Hornby, we’ve placed an early trade order for a significant number of these products. This means that you can pre-order from us (via our online shop, the PDF order form or by telephone) and we will despatch the products to you as soon as they come into stock.

The Brush-Built Class 92s are similarly back in the news with the type being passed for use on High Speed 1 line continental gauge freights running alongside Eurostars. GB Railfreight, now part of the Eurotunnel empire, has returned several of the dual-voltage electrics to service and repainted one in the attractive Europorte version of its livery. Hornby is also producing No. 92042 in DB red matching our previous Bachmann Class 37/5 limited edition. Original Hornby tooling is being employed with improved motor bogies.

To reward your support, extremely competitive pricing has been adopted. There’s no need to go anywhere else - just make your selection and leave the rest to us! Because we have had to initially estimate demand, please place your order as quickly as possible to be safe in the knowledge your specific items are reserved. No monies will be taken until items are ready for despatch.

Train packs have been a traditionally popular product line from Hornby. One of the most colourful items listed for production this year include an impressive looking East Coast IC225 set in purple and silver-grey with the Class 91 electric and Mk. 4 DVT given the distinctive ‘Flying Scotsman’ branding as used on this flagship Anglo-Scottish high speed service. Additional matching Mk. 4 Standard, First and Buffet carriages are also being made available to enable a scale length set to be formed.

If demand outstrips our stock (we expect some items to be extremely popular), there is no guarantee that we will be able to supply items if you notify us too close to the delivery date. This, and the fact this offer is time limited, is why we recommend placing your order as soon as possible. Don’t forget, some items are expected before March and we don’t want to disappoint anyone!

How about a high profile excursion on your layout? This ‘Northern Belle’ charter set could fit the bill and is competitive priced combining, as it does, an ex-Lima Class 47 locomotive with former Airfix Mk 2d coaches in the always attractive Pullman umber and cream colour scheme. A three-coach extension pack is also offered along with a second Class 47 to replicate double-headed and top ‘n’ tail workings.

Have a look through and see if anything takes your fancy...  As always, we are committed to giving you the best possible personal service so please feel free to contact us if you have any. Remember, we can also arrange DCC fitting or sound chips as additional extras as well as offering staged ‘payment plans’ to spread the cost over a number of months if required - just give us a call.