[Gary]

This new loco from Hornby sets a very high standard:-

Hornby Class 09 "Dick Hardy" Review

It is very difficult to see how Hornby could top this and in terms of the value that Hornby are offering with this new model they must now be the number one manufacturer in Europe.

If any of you have purchased one of the new Class 08/09 locos then you are invited to share your thoughts as the review seems too good to be true!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Doug]

Very interesting to read and to look at. A wonderful model

I'm hopefully getting one of these - if my boss gives me the go-ahead. I'll try and add a decoder to it to see how it performs under DCC.

There are more photos of GRONKS here. With a photo of 09012 here.

 

[Dennis David]

At first I could have sworn that the proportions were all wrong. That was till I scrolled down a little further.

Has the looks only a mother would love but then what do I know.

 

[Doug]

Thinking about these locos, which end is the front and which way is the back?

Is there a front and back anyway?

Sure there is one end that goes forwards when pulling a train on a mainline - that has the chevron and identification disk hooks. The other end has the radiator though...

When installing the DCC chip, I noticed that the chevron end was by default the front for standard forward movement. I switched it using CV29, but now I'm not certain anymore.

Perhaps someone more knowledgable can enlighten me.

 

[Branchliner]

I don't know about me being more knowledgeable but I think you will find that the windscreen end complete with wipers is forward, I must admit it looks odd with the "bonnet" at the back, but as you say you can please yourself which end you want as forward.

I bought one from a train fair last weekend, chipped it and am awestruck by the speed control available.

Branchy

 

[Gary]

You have to bear in mind that these are used mainly for slow speed shunting duties and so there is not much to be gained from having the radiator forward. The slow speed purpose for the loco is probably why they have such a big radiator for the size of the loco in the first place.

It will be interesting to have a look at a few prototypical images on the web and see what they suggest. From memory whenever I see these the bonnet seems to be facing towards the mainline end in a shunting yard (thinking of the EWS ones at Walsall depot).

This actually makes sense when you think about it as the driver can then see the approaching parked wagons that he is driving towards.

I guess that if the loco is used frequently on a mainline then cab forward would be preferred.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Scooter]

Hi Doug

>Thinking about these locos, which end is the front and which way is the back?

>Is there a front and back anyway?

>Sure there is one end that goes forwards when pulling a train on a mainline - >that has the chevron and identification disk hooks. The other end has the >radiator though...

F.Y.I. on Diesel Electric Locomotives, No. 1 end is the Radiator end . Therefore, on Class 08/09 Locos, the cab is at No.2 end.

Ref. B.R. Drivers Manuals 1978/79/80 etc.

Regards

 

[Tropi]

A first class review of what looks to be first class model.
It's not a locomotive that I want or need but, I can certainly appreciate the quality displayed here.
Full marks to a huge improvement by Hornby!

 

[Rail-Rider]

I'd have to agree, on all counts!

Again, this illustrates the quandary between a manufacturer trying to satisfy the demand for fine detail, balanced against the sturdy utilitarian lumps rquired for clumsy kids! I much prefer this beautifully detailed model myself. It's not something that I would normally have been attracted to in the least, but the attention to detail and the reportedly fine low speed running qualities have made me prick up my ears alarmingly.

Just a couple of practical suggestions for reviews. It would be very useful to include two other factors, particularly where direct comparisons are made.

1. The manufacturer's recommended retail price (B'mann £49.95. Hornby £54.99)
2. The date of the review (to match the RRP)

I feel both of those must be very very high on a potential customer's knowledge requirements. RRP is the only way to fairly compare value for money - discounts can be chased after by customers later.

Other than that, a most informative review, well done!

 

[Doug]

Good idea - I'll add Dates and prices.

 

[hoonsou]

Just lost my first post, so hope it doesn't come up twice.
Great review, covered just about everything. This Loco's a bit too modern for me, I'm Steam to Diesel era (that's a change innit) so an 08 in green would suit me better. Does anybody know if that's on the cards?
What a nice looking Model it is, I wonder if the speedo works as well

 

[Rail-Rider]

This is a very 'overlap' type post, largely triggered by this review but also very strongly related to my consideration of buying a Northumbrian Train Pack or similar in the next few days or so and ALSO to the information available on manufacturers' websites and catalogues! It's nice when things fall together like this.

I assume (perhaps falsely and if so please put me straight) that the motor in 'Dick Hardy' is the same motor that is used in most of Hornby's current locos. It's hard if not impossible for me to know that with any certainty and hence the overlap with needing relevant info available on websites and in catalogues so that a buyer CAN be sure which loco has exactly which motor. If the motor IS the same, then it's fair to assume that Dick's improved smoothness and slow running is probably due entirely to the addition of the flywheel. To someone who has never experienced a good flywheel loco before, the improvement would naturally come as something of a revelation!

But to get things into perspective, flywheel locos have been around for many years - I have a Roco V160 Bo-Bo that performs absolutely impeccably and it it's more than 20 years old. So, the review statement
QUOTE "This sort of performance has simply not been seen before in a British outline locomotive and probably has never been seen before in any model locomotive worldwide!needs to be taken with a teeny pinch of salt. It could well be so in UK, but "worldwide" is definitely stretching things!

Putting that to one side, the first important question that leaps into my enquiring mind is this,
"Is this Hornby's only flywheel loco?"
The second is,
"When flywheels make such an obvious, known improvement, is it reasonable to expect other locos in their range to eventually become flywheel enhanced in the same way?"

In other words, because it seems such a logical and very likely step to take, perhaps I would be wise to wait until that happens. In the throes of excitement at the thought of owning an A4 and those gorgeous coaches, I probably won't be able to hold myself back anyway!
But it's a niggling thought that won't quite go away . . .

 

[Cameron]

A good revue of what looks like an excellent model. I am thinking of buying one and this revue has convinced me. I would like to see a 09 in Green or Blue.

 

[Casey]

It's been a long time since the posted review and very good it was too. I own a number of these wonderful locomotives(Gronks, Jockos) and I am very impressed with their performance and looks. My oldest "Jocko" is approaching its fifth birthday and runs just as well as when first run in. My latest "Jocko" I have had for a week and it is in the process of being run in. These are still brilliant locomotives. Some of Hornbys finest.

 

[Casey]

Well, I've just taken delivery of another Gronk, this time the sound version. What another brilliant locomotive. I've just spent the evening running it in. I'm very impressed with the sound.