The Hornby R2437 Serco Railtest Train Pack is now starting to appear down at your local stockist. This pack should be of interest to all modern outline operators as the train has been used all over the rail network. The loco and rolling stock are unique to this pack.
According to the Hornby catalogue Serco Railtest is a licensed Train Operator able to run test trains on all of Network Rail's tracks and examine different aspects of the railway infrastructure, including overhead power line alignment, track quality and track gauging. The rolling stock used for these tests are a general mix of both modified and unmodified vehicles, some of which may have come from the BR Research Department, Derby, the forerunner to Railtest. This Serco Railtest train pack was inspired by a test unit seen in Wales during the summer of 2001.
If anybody has any more prototype info relating to this interesting offering from Hornby then feel free to pass this on.
Also appearing on the shelves of local stockists over the next few days is the BR corporate blue version of the brand new Class 08 diesel loco. In modelling terms there is a time overlap between the green and blue versions and those who cover the early 1970's will be lucky enough to be able to operate both of the new Hornby Class 08 examples on their layout, which will make for some very interesting shunting operations as a result of the excellent slow running qualities of these locomotives, arguably better than any exhibition layout operator or modelling club could achieve! Its an interesting thought that you can now have exhibition standard locomotives at home... :-
Happy modelling
Gary
