Latest Hornby (Well Actually Triang) Purchase

Ok, well this model is one I've been after a 'clean' version of for ages, although it was produced again about 10 years ago its one that hasn't appeared in the Hornby range so often. But this one is one of the original Triang (the name used before Hornby bought them) back in around the mid-60's - yes this means this model is around 50+ years old!!

Anyway here it is the R354 Triang GWR 'Lord of the Isles'. I found this for sale in the shop at the Helston Railway I visited yesterday and got it at a very good price (well below that of good versions on eBay)...

[Super]

Oh my....that is beautiful, such detail and what are the odds that you would get one on holiday or even be in the right place to be able to see one that you have been looking for. Congratulations Nigels, this is sure turning into a better holiday than you expected, right?

Sure is a beauty Super and as I said one that I've been after a good example of for ages. It's also one that there is no point hanging on to get a chinese made sample of as even the recent (I say recent, I mean like 2006) 'train pack' had a model that was made using the same machine tools as the original. Whether they ever will make a new chinese 'super detail' version I don't know, but I'm happy with what I've got. Despite its age it does have superb detail and it is not missing anything or suffering any broken parts.

I'm looking forwadrd to giving it a test run to see how a 50+ year old engine runs, but I know in the past any triang models I've come across have been pretty good runners and are often made of metal rather than plastic. They also had some interesting features in some of the older triang models. For example I've seen models offered that have factory fitted smoke units and/or 'glowing' fireboxes. In fact when I get home I should have an example of one of the models with a smoke unit waiting