Hornby L1 arrived ?

[Autocar Publicity]

Thanks for posting photos coachmann; it does look rather nice....

[Atlantic 3279]

Nice pictures, I agree. Do you think that those with a taste for scale appearance beneath the running plate as well as above, plus track laid to a standard to suit, will want to reduce the generous cut-outs in the frames above the pony wheels? The steps appear to conceal these a little when fitted but will some owners want an even better appearance?

I have an observant friend who will, I hope, be very pleased to see the lifting holes in the front ends of the frames. A nice detail.

[coachmann]

I did the dirty deed today and made it suitable for circa 1953 with a few years of hard labour behind it.....

A minimum of work was entailed.....moving the smokebox door lamp bracket up 2mm, and making a smokebox numberplate.

1.10.10) I've since fitted Markits bogie wheels, which are more the part......

[S.A.C. Martin]

Thompson L1 Pics







Not as good as coach's pics, but you get the picture. The split-footplate model is an absolute stunner!

[CVR1865]

Great L1's. I see the LNER version is OOS in a few places now. After the initial "whats the L is that" (nice pun there) I guess simon K is laughing all the way to the bank. This is another ugly duckling.

[coachmann]

The bogie and pony wheels were replaced with 13mm wheels, although I am awaiting correct size LNER wheels from Markits. The model has been renumbered as Gorton's 67782. This model really is a delight. Minimal weathering as this one is going to be kept clean....

[mick b]

Have the replacement bogie wheels improved the "handling" of the Loco ? or is your one behaving itself ?

[coachmann]

Have the replacement bogie wheels improved the "handling" of the Loco ? or is your one behaving itself ?

I am aware of the pony truck issues mentioned in another place, but I haven't a layout at present (demolished last year). Here is the loco with the replacement Markits 20mm LNER bogie wheels. They make all the difference to the looks and character of the L1. I must say the same bogie is on the 2-6-4T's and Stanier 8F and they were never any problem on points (2' radius slips and 3' and 5' radius points).

[2512silverfox]

I am not sure why the bogie/pony wheels on both Bachman and Hornby locos are not more faithful to the original. For some years now I have changed all bogie wheels and most pony wheels to the respectively correct Gibson wheels and it makes so much difference, especially on ECML Pacifics, but also on the few Stanier locos I own.

[coachmann]

I am not sure why the bogie/pony wheels on both Bachman and Hornby locos are not more faithful to the original

Unfortunately corners are also cut with driving wheels, usually by Hornby. The 'Patriot' has Stanier bevel-rim drivers (and Stanier cylinders) because it uses the chassis off the 'Jubilee'. I realize some Patriots had Stanier drivers. The Hornby Stanier 2-6-4T has Fowler drivers because it uses the Fowler Tank chassis.

[Blink Bonny]

Got mine from the Wolverhampton exhibition. Superb looker, good runner. In fact, we ended up using it to check the electrics on Old Mills because Rob's loco drive Hornby 28xx didn't like the curves.....

[PGBerrie]

This is all too much, I want one in "N" ...

Peter

[Atso]

This is all too much, I want one in "N" ...

Peter

Peter,

I've got a body on the go for someone else at the moment - I might be able to help here but you'll have to find your own chassis!

[strang steel]

I got my early crest L1 from Santa, but getting into Fort Knox would probably be easier than getting the loco out of its box.

I proceeded to break off two buffers before realising that there were two metal tabs stuck into the foam packaging and these were screwed to the underside of the loco.

As a recent Bachmann purchaser I am not used to this level of 'security' and I find the Bachmann plastic fold-over packaging to be quite adequate.

Despite this, and with buffers superglued back on again, the L1 is excellent and I shall buy more and re-number them when I have the cash.

Thankyou Hornby for providing a loco class that I have wished for since year dot.