The Barry J Freeman Collection from Hornby Options

[Doug]

From the 2010 Hornby Catalogue, we see the Barry J Freeman Collection from Hornby. A series of 3 train packs, each limited to 1000 pieces, each with box art from a famous Barry Freeman painting. The train pack also includes a print of the painting that you van frame and add to your collection.


Inspired by the sheer elegance and latent power that emanates from the dynamic design of Gresley's A4 this picture depicts BR No.60024 "Kingfisher" heading into Peterborough pulling a rake of Gresley teak coaches. The fact that the coaches have not been painted the crimson and cream of early BR days it can be surmised that the subject date of this picture is probably 1951.

A4 4-6-2 Kingfisher and 3 LNER Gresley teak coaches




Barry J. Freeman only saw one streamlined "Coronation" and this was when he was a young boy eagerly train spotting one sunny afternoon, however the image remained with him when he was asked to create a painting depicting "City of Chester" in the LMS lined crimson lake livery under a full head of steam as it tackled the long climp up to Shap summit he jumped at the chance. The time period for this painting is Autumn 1939 only a month or so after the locomotive had first entered traffic.

Streamlined Princess Coronation 4-6-2 City of Chester and 3 LMS maroon Stanier coaches




The Somerset & Dorset had a rather complicated history but after1948 the line basically remained unchanged until closure in 1966. In 1951 which is the subject of the painting, one of "Bullied's "West Country" Class pacifics ran a series of trials over the line. Chilcompton Tunnel was the back drop for this painting where "Dorchester" can be seen pulling a rake of exLMS coaches out of the tunnel avoiding a grass fire that had started on the nearside. A group of permanent way workers can be seen waiting for the train to pass so that they can asses the situation.

Bullied West Country 4-6-2 Dorchester and 3 BR maroon Stanier coaches



For more info on Barry Freeman's railway paintings, click here www.barry-freeman.co.uk.

[Bullhead]

It looks as though the teak Gresley coaches still have the incorrect graining on the lower door panels (the grain should run horizontally rather than vertically).

[windsor lad]

No doubt more will follow...very nice.

Jules

[rb277170]

From the catalogue they all retail @£200 which is a bit pricey for me. However I note Hattons are offering them for £160 which makes it a bit more palatable. They are all the same price which does rather make a mockery of Hornby Coach pricing which has the Teak Gresleys retailing at a higher price individually but not in the pack!

Hattons also have the new coaling tower to pre order @ £40 which doesn't seem bad

Russell

[edzmen]

Apparently 'The Rare Bird' set is proving to be by far the most popular for retail pre-orders and is selling out fast!

Just reserved a set for myself from a limited stock at Model Railways Direct. My advice to anyone who wants one is to order ASAP to avoid disappointment...
(Or else chance your luck in the ridiculously overpriced examples which will surely pop-up on Ebay once the retailers are all sold out! )

[rb277170]

Its in the nice to have category, but certainly not desperate, so I'll wait and see. Possibly the "Rare bird" is selling because its the first time the new A4 has appeared in BR Blue.

Russell

[Steve Cook]

Just ordered my "Rare Bird" from Ontracks who say they are expected into the country any day now !!!

[Henners10]

Apparently 'The Rare Bird' set is proving to be by far the most popular for retail pre-orders and is selling out fast!

Just reserved a set for myself from a limited stock at Model Railways Direct. My advice to anyone who wants one is to order ASAP to avoid disappointment...
(Or else chance your luck in the ridiculously overpriced examples which will surely pop-up on Ebay once the retailers are all sold out!

I ordered mine from eHattons not long ago, and they still had a fair amount of stock! They told me it will be around the 13th September before they get the overdue product in stock.

[patrick draper]

I must have led a very sheltered life as I have never heard of Barry J Freeman. However, I have heard of limited editions and some are a bit pricey for what is on offer, I cannot comment on this one other than the models look good.