Hornby's M7 0-4-4T locomotive
image by Hornby |
| Hornby have once again excelled themselves with their completely
new tooling for the M7 which more than replaces the original Triang/Hornby
version that was on the market from 1967 to 1986. For full details of the
earlier variations, see the first table in the Hornby
model variations. For details of the prototype see the overview of the prototype.
During 2006 Hornby have produced 4 versions incorporating both the short and long frame versions (all the long frame versions are of Pull push fitted versions). Like recent releases from Hornby the model includes fine details such as:
The short frame version has under footplate sandboxes, and correct for the its early Southern livery it also has: wingplates, correctly shaped smokebox door, open coal rails, the front smokebox side lamp irons mounted on the smokebox rather than on the smokebox door as latterly applied; on the bunker rear are LSWR type lamp iron sockets fitted with irons, a representation of the reversing crank is also visible (omitted from the BR liveried versions as they represent locomotives fitted with steam reverser, although it should be noted that the steam reversing lever in the cab on these versions is therefore the incorrect tall lever type!) |
| The Long frame versions have front sandboxes integral to the
front splasher and, as they are pull push fitted, have a beautifully modelled
Wesingtinghouse air compressor pump and associated pipework. The air reservoir
is clearly part of the chassis and is designed such that the centre section is
removable should the NEM coupling socket and front coupling be required.
Supplied loose for owner fitting are the front pull push buffer pipes and a
dummy screw coupling (these can not be fitted if a tension lock or Kadee
coupling is fitted.
Contrary to some printed reviews the front spectacle windows are not missing but are modelled in the open position, swung inwards and latched up to the underside of the cab roof! They come very tightly packed (especially the long frame versions) in the current style of Hornby packaging and must be removed with care not to damage the buffers and the very fine whistle, which is a delicate plastic moulding rather than turned brass. It is understood that the 2007 issues will have redesigned packaging to overcome this issue. Historical details of each particular model are included which even correctly points out that 30031 was originally a short frame version but after a visit to the works in January 1961 came out with the frames from 30128 as a long frame version. Curiously the parts list sheet refers to locomotive and tender! Mechanically a horizontally mounted cam motor sits between the bogie and the driving wheel, with a weight included over the front driving axle. Electrical pick up is from all wheels including the bogie wheels. Although a DCC socket is included, very little space for the actual decoder is allowed and some removal of plastic under the tanksides might be needed to fit some decoders. For more information about fitting a decoder, see the Bromsgrove Models instructions. Again it is understood that a slight moulding change has been made for the 2007 releases to provide increased space for decoder fitting. NEM sockets are provided and these appear to be at the correct height and suitable for a KadeeNº18 coupling if required. |
return to model railway product review index
This page was created 8 June 2007
