Hornby to produce model of 'Lion'

[darkscot]

Apparently Hornby is working on a OO gauge ready-to-run model of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion. This was the engine that was featured in the Ealing comedy 'The Titfield Thunderbolt'.

In other (and totally unrelated) news:

'Rapido Trains announce they have signed the worldwide exclusive rights to manufacture a range of models to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the iconic film ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ in 2023'.

[dtb]

oh yeah Lion, that was the one Rails were going to announce tomorrow

[Steve M]

Not the first time Hornby have tried to spoil someone else’s party. Becoming a bit of a trend.

[Stese]

plenty of unmade models out there that would be a great addition to their range... They won't be able to match Rapido on model quality so why make an inferior model, other than to produce it cheaply and undercut Rapido. shame really.

[Walkingthedog]

Bit strange if Rapido have exclusive rights but Hornby are making the loco. Obviously their loco is nothing to do with the film. Does sort of follow on from Rocket though and people have been asking for more early locos. Bit unfair to keep knocking them, guess it has become a type of sport. Don’t know why they bother.

Stese why do you say inferior.

Now the quality of a model that doesn’t exist is being criticised.

Please don’t turn this into the Hornby forum.

[Paul-H]

I see it as only good for the Hobby that Hornby keep doing this.

It gives two price points for the same model, want a High Fidelity model then go with the Rapido version, Just want something that looks like the real thing and save enough money to buy something else, go with the Hornby Version.

As we saw with the Class 66 and Terrier, not as good as the Hattons (Ignoring the falling off bearing caps and wobbly running) or Rails/Dapol but a fraction of the price for those who are less fortunate financially (Not every one is on above average salary or a final salary pension).

Paul

[Walkingthedog]

Absolutely Paul and why should the Hornby one be sub standard. They don’t stand a chance do they.

[Stese]

Bit strange if Rapido have exclusive rights but Hornby are making the loco. Obviously their loco is nothing to do with the film. Does sort of follow on from Rocket though and people have been asking for more early locos. Bit unfair to keep knocking them, guess it has become a type of sport. Don’t know why they bother.

Stese why do you say inferior.

Now the quality of a model that doesn’t exist is being criticised.

Please don’t turn this into the Hornby forum.

Unfortunatly hornby's past record preceeds them, and in many reviews of their models I watch, the theme is the same... too costly for the quality. As a modeller who has practically £0 to spend, I want to get models that at least represent the price being paid. This isn't unique to hornby, as there have been similar issues with other manufacturers, but it doesn't excuse the practise.

While I agree it does follow on from the rocket, but it still makes no sense to me why they'd decide to make 'Lion' when I'm sure there are other locos of that era that would be just as sought after. imho its simply to steal Rapidos thunder (pun intended).

i'm all for a mixed market, with differing price points, it does help the market overall... but the timing of the announcement is a little too suspect imho...

just to prevent me being accused of hornby bashing... i'm still a fan of many of their products... i'm still waiting (mostly) patiently for the HM6000 to be released, as I beleive its a massive step forward in DC control.

[sandy]

I was dissapointed when they released the Rocket both by the price and there was not enough to go around. By by the time I had saved enough to buy one they were sold out. Then they started showing up on Ebay at silly prices. I hope I can get one of these when they are released.

[Walkingthedog]

Fair enough Stese. I just think it is unjust to criticise nothing.

All of the model railway producers make bad products. You should read about Heljan and Dapol on the O gauge forums.