Choosing a locomotive: Simon Kohler on Hornby's W1 'Hush Hush'

Howard Smith visited Hornby's HQ in Margate to see a running sample of Hornby's forthcoming LNER 4-6-4 W1 'Hush Hush'. Simon Kohler, Marketing and Development Director at Hornby Hobbies Ltd explains the reasons for choosing the locomotive and what the manufacturer looks for when selecting a prototype to model.

[Calvertfilm]

Thanks to Howard and the BRM team for sharing this. Every year I (& others) used to suggest this one as a product suggestion, and Simon explains why now is the time to produce it. Interesting insight as the the thought processes on selecting the liveries. Can't wait to see the loco in my hands.

[simonbaker]

Pre ordered this months ago, last January. I have a 1960s era layout but this looks so different (like a submarine on rails) that I had to have it.

[neilsansom]

Not a steam fan but I have to tip my hat - absolutely stunning model, especially in the grey. Bravo!

[JamesSmith-mvfp]

Very nice addition to the range. But there are more pressing problems that need addressing. The problems of Hornby tender locos lacking in adhesive weight, which means many can't pull the equivalent of their real life counterparts. The frequency of assembly faults, particularly steam outline items. And the fact that 30 year old Japanese ranges had far higher levels of technology and innovation, than the best of current Hornby OO scale ?

Such as: When will we get 5 pole skew armature motors ? When can we expect the reversing gear on steam models to change position according to direction (mechanically, it doesn't need digital assistance) ? When can we expect illuminated rotating destination blind/route indicators on Multiple units ? And when will you stop messing around with silly little flywheels that do nothing but smooth the motor slightly, and give us large diameter flywheel(s), that allow the loco to cruise gently and smoothly to a halt over a good 18 inches or more. When will you realise that "flexi-couplings" can remove the gap totally between coaches, and can be applied to tender locos with similar benefits, and it can be done even more simply than your current method ?

And if the Japs could have scale working real life type couplings on their N gauge models 30 years ago, why can't such innovations be provided on Hornby models, instead of that absurd toy train set "thing" you seem to think is a coupling ?

You really should keep your eyes on your foreign (Asian) competitors. Your current blindness is the reason the Marklin Family went Bankrupt, and I warned their Directors they would be bankrupt in two years, and that's exactly what happened

[davew]

I somehow doubt if my retailer will get this for me even though it has been preordered from the start. Seems to be a lottery as to whether Hornby will supply

[chmc]

Living in Darlington and being a LNER fan I have been longing for a model of the iconic Hush Hush, well done Hornby. Can we please have a j 21 next !!!

[spankflaps]

I pre-ordered 2 of these, can’t wait!
As a designer, I would rank Nigel Gresley right up there with Classical Greek Architects Ictinus and Callicrates (designers of the Acropolis). 👍

[Madonsteamrailways]

The Hush Hush was one of the better looking locomotives, and the one you’ve got there, Simon, is an absolutely gorgeous model, which looks and CAN sound, gorgeous!!

[chrisuddin]

If only he was that bothered and paid the same attention about other stuff they have made, like the "oh that will do" class 82 Mk3 DVT in Intercity livery with the light bleed.

[stratman]

my preordered model is hopefully now being shipped to me...i'm looking forward to the testrun...:-D

[stephensmith]

Simon is a gent with a good instinctive grasp of his customers. I’ve tried to persuade him to produce a BR Standard Class 3MT 77XXX 2-6-0 but alas no….

[wally]

Beautiful locomotive. However I doubt I will get a chance to buy one brand new in Australia :(

[johnb]

Keep up the good work Simon and don't let Huddart lose in the car park again 😉

[robertmclaren]

There is only 3 locos I have always wanted a RTR model of, the P2 the W1 and the U1... c'mon hornby let's do it :)

[derf]

Please could you make GER Locomotives In GER blue. Just like the loco at NNR.

[duck]

How about a display model? no on board electrics etc, just a dead loco?All the inards could become spare parts?

[AdiPullen]

About 3 week til they are at hornby
It been ago wait

[flippop]

This is a brilliant prototype to tackle, and is good news for 00 modellers, even gauge 1, 1: 32 modellers can/could buy an example as has been produced by Laurie Loveless Models. So when is Hornby going to produce its first gauge one model? Perhaps a BR Type 2 Sulzer? Class 24, 25?
Why? Gauge 0 is too small for the garden, too large for in the house. Wake up Hornby and do something creative and bold.

[tryffan-ddu-layout]

Yes it does cry out. But your quality is gone to the dogs but your prices have gone too high. Also your tier system is failing everyone. Hornby has gone greedy and WILL FAIL because of it.

[warnz]

And they still can't model a working rear pony truck like a real scale model would have.