There's also some very interesting wagon loads that follow that.

Thanks for the link. Interesting also to note the number of new models of German prototypes in the Rivarossi range. Has anyone had experience with Hornby International items - particularly the models grouped under the Lima and Rivarossi ranges? I would be interested to hear what others thought of them. Thanks, Richard

Hi Richard; I've only limited experience with new production Lima/Rivarossi, having bought the V36 diesel from both ranges - not surprisingly it's the same basic model, but it is improved on the "old" Lima offering. What they've done is put in LED lighting to replace the old bulbs, and this has freed up enough space in the cab to fit a decoder - there's also a decoder socket on the PCB. Otherwise the model is virtually unchanged - ie it looks convincing and runs reasonably well. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the dreadful camouflage versions of the V36/V20 that have been announced - must rank as the most unconvincing camouflage interpretation ever - also note that Hornby have come in for some criticism over accuracy of markings on some coaches and the BR58 is reputably prone to self destruction of the drive train after a few hours' use... and obtaining spares has caused me a lot of frustration with Hornby UK Hornby Italia and Hornby Deutschland all passing the buck to each other when you actually need to order spares. So a bit of a mixed bag... undoubtedly most of the models are attractive, and satisfactory in terms of quality and accuracy, but they do seem prone to throwing a curve ball in now and then with regard to accuracy of markings or quality of mechanisms...I can't help feeling a little circumspect about ordering or buying until I've seen the models myself or have read reviews first.

Interesting new Hornby Products
As of May 1st, Corgi joined the Hornby family.

Hi Andrew and Pierre, Thank you for that information. What forum members may be interested to know is that Simon Kohler, who has been Hornby's Marketing Manager for its British outline range, has just been promoted to Group Marketing Manager for the entire Hornby range - including Hornby International. I can say without any reservations that Simon is the most customer friendly model railway manufacturing executive that I have ever been aware of. I also have an interest in (and yes - another oversized collection of) British steam locos and follow what is happening at Hornby quite closely. Simon will always take on board any queries personally and respond quickly and in the nicest way. I also know of circumstances where someone has complained about a Hornby item and perhaps returned it (rare these days in their British range - because the quality control is so high) - Simon has taken it personally on himself to follow the whole issue through to a quick and satisfactory resolution. I think he would be very open to ideas and responsive to communications from members of this forum, as he seems very much a person who is prepared to seek advice from modellers. I think it's a good thing that he is taking over here. The Hornby International website was, for its first year or so, not updated in accordance with releases that were being made available to the press. The availablity of models in both the U.K. (I am using the lack of dealers advertising the range in Continental Modeller as my reason for the above statement) and elsewhere was less than desirable and - like Bachmann-Liliput - they are virtually impossible to find here in Australia. In fact, and I think the other Australian members of this forum may agree with this, that other than Marklin and Fleischmann it is becoming more and more difficult to find retailers stocking any new European models here now - whereas twenty years ago there were many. Prices no doubt have had an impact, but I think also periods where nothing was coming into the country, when distributors were changing, started local modellers buying from overseas. Hopefully, Hornby International will now become more available everywhere. The issue of spares will hopefully also improve. I guess because I still have a lot of older models from the 1960's onwards still going around faithfully - but with detail below today's standards - I can live with some inaccuracies in new models if they are minor or if they are something I can rectify. However, the thing I find inexcusable is poor running on a new model - so it's interesting about what you say concerning the BR58 (lucky I have two Roco models of this loco). When you hear about a drive problem like this - you naturally wonder if it extends to say the BR10 or Maffei BR18 - and it creates some trepidation about buying from an overseas retailer where it is not easy to return a faulty product. This same concern deters me from buying Bachmann-Liliput from overseas, and as I can't get them locally I have to do without them (not that I have heard bad things about Bachmann-Liliput, but some of the old Liliput locos were performance wise atrocious and I have one British outline Bachmann loco which should never have been allowed to leave the factory). I think Hornby International is a brave venture going up against the traditional European major manufacturers, but they do have the advantage of outsourced production runs according to demand (rather than maintaining a complete range). The fragmentation of having German, Italian, French and U.S. prototype ranges can actually be a good thing as they can plan manufacturing runs according to individual demand for each group. Hopefully with sensible pricing and attention to issues such as those raised by Andrew they can become a new and positive face on the European outline market. I guess if the improvements to their British outline range over the last eight years is any guide, then this is entirely possible and there might be some very good things to look forward to over the next few years. Hornby is essentially a very progressive company and with the same management of its very successful British arm taking over we may well now see this in its International range. Thanks and very best wishes, Richard

Hornby-Rivarossi and Hornby-Lima DB models
The Rivarossi BR 58 is an excellent model, though on its limit of adhesion with 40 2-axle wagons on the level. The same applies to the Roco model, which is a 30+ year-old design with tender drive but not a great weight above it. The Hornby version has appreciably finer detail; a very good start. A friend and I have compared the Hornby-Lima and Roco "Rheingold 1962" coach sets, where Roco comes out on top, though not by a great margin. The flush-windowed versions were among Lima's best models. David