From Miniature to BIG

[Super]

Marvelous details Nigel, especially the under carriage and wheel trucks on those coaches 👍

I totally agree Super, every time I get a new Kato model I think it can't get any better than this, but they still seem to manage to improve with the next one. The detail on those bogies is indeed superb as is the printing on the carriage sides. However the bit that blew me away was the push-rods on the locomotive. They have gone to the effort of painting the inset on the push-rods red whilst leaving the raised outer edges in the base metal colour. I would have thought this incredible on an O or even OO gauge model, but to do this so perfectly on an N gauge is just phenomenal, I know this is a limited edition set (I forget what it is to commemorate) but even so it is an achievement

[Super]

It would be neat to see a video on the machine that can paint the inside of the pushrods.

Ok, so we've had O, OO and N, so it's only fair I share with you the latest addition to my engine shed which arrived today.  This is the first ever TT120 gauge set I've ever owned (well technically any TT gauge but they are a different scale to this version of TT - long story).  This is the brand new release from Hornby from their brand new TT120 range and is the 'Scotsman Train' set (note: Scotsman as in the service rather than Flying Scotsman as in the locomotive).  I decided to pre-order this as I was very interested to see the models from this new gauge as I wondered how good (or bad) they would be.  So I can tell you I'm pleasantly surprised to say they are way better than I had even hoped, the level of detail is on a par with the bigger OO gauge models right down to even having the cab detail painted - I've tried to capture this in a picture or two, but its not so easy as they are fairly small models even if not as small as N gauge.  The loco and coaches come in at around 7" in length which is nearly half the size of an OO gauge equivalent.  Anyway, enjoy, I can see myself getting more of this range as they get released (this set is the first release and likely only TT120 release this side of Christmas).

Very impressive for how small they are! I was expecting to see the motor in the cab

[Super]

LOL...just what we need...another scale size 😁

Technically TT is not a new scale size Super, Hornby back when it was 'Triang Railways' had a range of TT models around the 1950's, however at the time they didn't really adhere to the true TT scale and the loco's were nearer to 1/116 I believe (I'm sure Chris will correct me if I'm wrong).  At the time it was a very popular scale as being smaller it suited the homes in the UK which typically are a lot smaller than those in the USA so space is always a premium.  However after a number of years the Triang TT range was scrapped, much to the pity of many people and has since become massively collectible.  Things are different in Europe though and TT in the correct 1/120 scale has been available ever since and is very popular apparently, especially in Eastern Europe where Piko is one of the main supporters of the format.

As this new version from Hornby is 1/120 (hence why they call it TT120 to distinguish it from the older incorrect scale Triang TT) so will be compatible with the Piko and other brands out there in Europe which gives them a ready made market.  All being equal this should result in a successful new range worldwide rather than just in the UK.

Anyway if I find any other scales I'll let you know - maybe 009 would be a good one as there are some lovely little small holder loco's in that scale

Well folks, I just took delivery of my 2nd Hornby TT120 set, this time 'The Easterner' featuring a BR liveried A4 locomotive and 3 red BR (ex LNER) coaches.  Another very impressive set with some unbelievable quality models bearing in mind the small footprint of TT120 rolling stock.  Anyway, here's some pictures to whet your appetite;

[Super]

Love those big wheels 😃

Me too Super, along with that very intricate and fully working running gear