[kristopher1805]

Looking magnificent is the new A5 (GCR 9N) the pacific tank built by Robinson for the heavier London suburban traffic, more were later built by Gresley, the model shown is a GCR version in pre grouping livery and will be magnificent, This will look good with the GCR liveried D11's that I have and for a sum of £149.95
This is produced by new entrant Sonic Models so I'll deffo give them a chance and fork out the money, delivery looks to be after Christmas and it is being advertised by Rails of Sheffield due in 1st Quarter 2022.

So anyone also interested

http://imgur.com/EiEK7eY

Gives a flavour of the livery of the GCR A5

 

[34C]

Always in for a punt when a suitable model of a subject never previously available appears. One fewer subject to attempt a kit build or kit bash in order to have an example on the layout. I'll be after a BR black version, and will probably have to renumber it to 59814 which was definitely on KX shed for a while, unless further evidence of other members of the class in the area turn up.

Very good choice of subject from Sonic: handsome loco, no previous RTR OO model of this or any other GCR tank engine so it fills a gap, and there is a range of attractive liveries. And also it is roomy within, so with a good mechanism design and plentiful weight balanced over the centre of the coupled wheelbase, the new manufacturer has every chance to deliver good performance on track. Nothing like having a winner from your first OO product. (Go on, outdo Bachmann's Fairburn 2-6-4T which is my current reigning champion among large tank loco models.)

 

[kristopher1805]

I think an N5 would go well with this, an older MS&L 0-6-2tank these got around a bit, lasted a long time and some were sold to allies of the GCR/MS&L so they had a wider appeal than might be thought likely, also they were a sort of generic loco and the size and type of loco that might serve pretty much anywhere a C14 would make up the group

 

[34C]

An update from Rails on the Sonic A5 model.

Sonic Announce OO Robinson LNER Class A5

Sonic Models have shared box images of their forthcoming OO Gauge Class A5 Locomotives. Production is progressing very well and new decorated samples are expected in shortly after CNY. Pre-Order Here Sonic Models has announced their first 4mm locomotive: the imposing and stylish...

railsofsheffield.com

Moved arrival back to Q2 2022. Given that the livery samples are expected after the Chinese New Year celebrations, which probably means late in Q1, that may be achievable if the livery samples are perfect and the 'production go' button can therefore immediately be pushed. Watch this space...

 

[kristopher1805]

China has serious multiple issues, energy supply, shutdowns, bad weather, unemployment, pulling out of China of thousands of foreign company so delays are to be expected and I take this notice with a pinch of salt.

 

[butler-henderson]

Plus the issue of a glut of shipping containers in Europe and a shortage in the Far East. Someone is goung to have to bite the bullet and start shipping them back there but no doubt that will be passed on in through further price increases.

 

[34C]

I have heard it suggested that fabricating new containers as close as possible to the loading point is economically viable; compared to retrieve container in faraway location to port, load on ship, arrives in China up to a month later, rail/truck to loading point.

Whatever, we'll leave that to the logistics wizards, and meantime cross our fingers that the goods get made in a reasonable time scale. Given that the man behind this is ex-Kader, I am interested to see if he brings the best of what has been seen in Bachmann's OO to the party, especially in the mechanism arrangement.

 

[kristopher1805]

The A5 (9N in GCR money) is now appeared on the Rails website as below and this is the one I'll buy, if its any good I'll have a late BR with side window cab

ROBINSON A5 (GCR CLASS 9N) 4-6-2 TANK LOCOMOTIVE IN GCR GREAT CENTRAL GREEN NO.373

• Sonic Models
• OO Gauge Scale
• S4101-01

• PRE-ORDER

• £149.95 £149.95
• Deposit £30.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Availability: Available to Pre-Order
Quantity

 

[34C]

Rails of Sheffield information.

Robinson Class A5 Tank Update

Sonic Robinson A5 Tank Project Update We are pleased to report that production of the eagerly awaited Sonic OO Gauge Robinson Class A5 locomotive is now complete and they are on the way! The models are now loaded and the ship has departed heading towards the UK!We expect delivery to us to be...

railsofsheffield.com

Sounds hopeful, but as always the achieved time of arrival is subject to so many factors. Everything I have seen so far of this model says 'good first effort in RTR OO' , and that's to be encouraged.

 

[kristopher1805]

If it is any good I'll buy a late BR one to add to the GCR version on order. heavy die cast chassis, flywheel, next 18 decoder, cube speaker, NEM couplings, sprung buffers and an accessory pack, detailed variations appropriate to the model, £149.95 each but not sure if this is correct, but for now is the information I have, I look forward to seeing it asap.
- do you think Sonic might actually be listening to us?

 

[Ighten]

For the price (if they hold it) it looks excellent

 

[34C]

The running performance also looked 'useful' in a video of samples taken over a year ago.

Have to say my interest was piqued by the guy responsible being ex-Kader. Was this a subject Kader looked at but then didn't proceed with? It is such a logical fit with their well chosen range of GCR tender locos: D11, medium size express loco, J11 medium goods, O4 heavy goods. Add this large passenger tank loco and a shunter such as the N5 mentioned above by Kristopher1805, and that probably covers 95% of the GCR lines and subsequent LNER and BR(ER) operation.

 

[kristopher1805]

Just to say I'm still awaiting my A5 so nothing from Rails at all, I suppose it'll come one day!

 

[34C]

Latest report from RoS is that the production models are on board ship, so realistically can be expected February/March (this year). Really looking forward to it, what with it being a handsome machine, and also curious to see the design and construction from a new entrant.

 

[kristopher1805]

Hmmm slow ship from China methinks, one day Rover ....one day!