[John H-T]

Quite surprised to see no thread yet on the new Hornby Range for 2013 so will try to fill the gap!

Pleased to see two locos on my wish list: Lode Star and 28XX 2807.

Will be very interested to see how Hornby's new "Design Clever" technique pans out. Will it be a revision too far or will modern techniques allow them to get away with more moulded on detail with modern design and printing? Certainly Cock O' The North and Duke of Gloucester for under £100 each (Hatton's Prices for the super detail versions) will make them worth a second look. They will not have a superior Bachmann Model to compare with as in the case of Tornado.

Good to see the Sentinel 4w DM in Industrial liveries. An area much neglected so far. Again available for under £50 (Hattons).

Another EMU for the Southern.

Will be interesting to see the new Mk1 coaches, fairly limited range: BSK,SK, CK, which will come in cheaper than the more comprehensivre Bachmann Range, but how will the detail stand comparison?

Disapointed to see the Hall, already produced by Bachmann in both original and Modified Form (due next month). There is some suggestion that this is principally to update Hogwart's Castle.

GWR Shunters Truck, LMS CCT and BR Fish Van are all welcome additions.

The new DCC eLink to run off a PC is an interesting development and could blow the DCC Market wide open at under £85 (Full Price.) If it works well it could make many other DCC systems look very expensive!

For those with loads of money a full set of preserved A4s and the usually crop of renumberings. Good to see the preserved GNR N2.

Not much for modern image but it has nearly all been done - how about a Fell someone!

Looks like Hornby are on the way up again after a difficult couple of years. It will be interesting to see the reaction to "Design Clever." When locos and stock are viewed from a distance on a layout a lot of the fine detail is lost. It could be, as long as the overal shape and scale is right, that Hornby might be going the right way. Certainly will be interesting to see DoG and Cock O' The North in the "flesh!"

Add in an GNR O2 from Heljan and Bachmann's announcements for 2013-14 in March and it all looks very good except for the Wallet!

Happy New Year to you all.

John H-T.