[Gary]

The price of Gold is at an all time high so it will probably be melted down.

The fact that 5000 examples of this all sold when produced must give you some indication of the size of the collector market. These are unlikely to have seen track time even though the loco will have improved pick up as a result of the gold wheels.

Its not too clear what the next Hornby gold model will be as production is normally linked to some anniversary.

They could do a gold Evening Star in 2010 (50 years).

And there is the diamond jubilee of the formation of British Railways coming up next year.

There have been a number of Hornby/Triang gold models.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

Definitely in melting down territory!

Could the highish prices being paid for these gold models be linked to the price of gold?

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

I wonder if anybody has fitted a decoder to an example and operated it with DCC?

After all surely all 5000 are not destined for display only or are they?

There is bound to be some rich billionaire who has one who is not too bothered about the gold wearing off the wheels.

Would that billionaire please own up so that I can get the begging letters in!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

This is a very good discussion for the collector area of the board.

What a collector dilema....

Do you or don't you?

With anything other than Hornby I generally do.

Hornby limited editions are a very rare breed however and they are considered something special by the Hornby faithful.

I am glad I do not have to make that decision as my policy is not to tamper with Hornby limited editions although they do get a run.

What you have to do is ask yourself why you bought it and would you feel worse not tampering with it or tampering with it.

Whichever makes you feel bad the most is what you don't do!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

They announce them on the 1st January with their annual product announcement if there is going to be one produced that year. Then its a case of doing what has to be done to make sure you get one. In the case of the gold Princess there was enough of a production run to fill all pre-orders so they did go on general sale however by the year end all were sold.

In the case of the gold Hogwarts Express there were many dissapointed customers.

Happy modelling
Gary