[randolph]

A few weeks ago I e-mailed Hornby asking for the release dates of these two locos, I got no answer; so at Warley I asked the Hornby rep and he said early December. Today I received an e-mail from Hornby apologising for their delay in reply and informing me that both models would be available towards the end of December and they could not guarantee before Christmas.

Anyone else have any info on this?

 

[Dinwiddy]

Much the same info, the Schools should be out first.
Regards
David Y

 

[72C]

Latest update quoted 23rd Dec for release for the T9. Does this mean the date that they depart Margate or when the dealers will have them? Either way, no chance for Christmas

 

[RA & FC]

Shame. I thought the T9 was actually out...

 

[barrymx5]

Was there ever so much anticipation for a loco as the T9? I have been asking questions about this loco since this time last year and none of the expectations have been realised.

 

[S&D Stephen]

I have seen a model T9 on the Hornby display at the High Wycombe exhibition. SHOCK HORROR it is fitted with Traction Tyres. I was also told that the re-released Hornby Bristol Castle loco with a new chassis has also been fitted with traction tyres. I do so hope that Hornby will be able to supply new traction tyres as a spare part as they wear out quite quickly so when you buy your new loco you should also order some spare sets of traction tyres at the same time.

I have no idea what the Schools Class V will be fitted with.

Happy modelling Stephen.

 

[rb277170]

They've resorted to Traction tyres because of haulage issues with such a lightweight loco. The Hornby Mag (Dec) has a review of the T9. While not keen on traction tyres I would prefer this to a nice loco with very limited traction, such as the M7.

Hornby obviously reacting to some criticisms as to haulage power of some of their smaller, and ex- Lima locos

Russell

 

[72F]

Yup - the spares diagram, which is already on the Hornby website, shows traction tyres on the leading drivers.

It also shows a 6-wheel tender, as well as the Watercart...

Tony

 

[dwb]

QUOTE The Hornby Mag (Dec) has a review of the T9.

You can just make out the traction tyre in one of the photos.

David

 

[72C]

QUOTE I have no idea what the Schools Class V will be fitted with. Err, traction tyres?

What is wrong with everyone? It seems that every person seems to have an opinion about the T9/Castle/Schools before even trying or testing it but oh no, let's jump on the bandwagon and start whinging.

I am going to wait and see, only then decide once I have tried and tested it for myself, I suggest that you do the same because no matter how good/bad it is, I sincerely doubt whether many who have started gobbing off have the ability to do any better.

 

[Richard Johnson]

*** I have no doubt it will be a nice model overall as there's no reason to think not.

But... Based on the tyres being mentioned I think it fair to comment on that issue:

I certainly don't like the use of traction tyres, and wonder why they are needed when the body is supposed to be cast metal... So I hope Hornby will do as many manufacturers do and include an alternate set of drivers without tyres in the box.

I'd certainly never allow a traction tyre fitted loco on my layout.

Richard

 

[randolph]

What is a traction tyre?

 

[pedromorgan]

A traction tyre is a small rubber band that fits around the driving wheel in a small recess.

its one of those marmite issues. people either dont mind them or hate them. they do provide extra traction but they are ugly and people are still haunted by the very poor tyres that were found on Lima and Hornby models in the 90's.

modern traction tyres such as those fitted to roco engines are hardly noticible and do add a massive ammount of pulling power.

its really up to the purchaser weather to tolerate them or not.

Peter

 

[34C]

I am another in the 'traction tyres verboten' camp. A prime cause of track dirt, quick to deteriorate with running; and often both of unsightly appearance and a cause of poor pick-up.

Except: the one maker that had traction tyres right, from decades ago; Rivarossi, now owned by Hornby. Their tyre is transparent and near invisible when in position, doesn't cause track dirt, is very long lasting, and Rivarossi's pick up arrangements were typically so good that there is no problem there either. Perhaps we need to make Hornby aware of the useful know-how they own?

 

[John H-T]

Just received the December Issue of Model Rail. Rave review of T9. Performance wise it managed a 25 coach train with its combination of Metal boiler and traction tyres.

When I talked to Simon Kohler at York at the end of May he explained that part of the delay on the T9 was lack of pulling power and that traction tyres were going to be fitted on the leading pair of drivers. Hornby certainly seemed to have sorted the problem!

The detail is stunning. Probably the best RTR loco yet. Given an overal score of 94% (The Bachmann Patriot, also reviewed, only just behind on 92%!)

As far as delivery is concerned we might get it for Christmas but don't hold your breath was the message at Warley.

 

[Torrington]

NO! NO! NO! traction tyres !!! why have they done this

, Bachmann have never put them on ,even their 04 have none and can pull a house down . I thorught by making it with a metal bolier they had sorted it out. Having them on the model means the wheels with the traction tyres is a bigger diameter wheel ,and the older hornby one that had traction tyres used to shake like mad. i have two on order and now i think i will not get them.
NOT HAPPY

 

[Torrington]

PS
And putting traction tyres on you lose pick up from one set of driving wheels!!!!

 

[Richard Johnson]

QUOTE (John H-T @ 1 Dec 2008, 22:35) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Performance wise it managed a 25 coach train with its combination of Metal boiler and traction tyres.

**And the point of pulling far more than the real loco ever was asked to do (more than double really) is what?

is there any point in it at all... especially as with most UK home layouts shortened trains are the norm, and larger layoiuts are often more prototype oriented so wouldn't want to pull that many anyway.

It seems very strange to me that a production loco can't be built to haul a prototypical load without adding the horror of tyres to the wheels. All it takes is reasonable chassis accuracy and reasonably proper weight distribution... If I can do it with an average brass kitbuilt loco which is far lighter than the T9, why can't Hornby with this particular many wheeled metal bodied loco?

(after all the Hornby Duchess, 8F etc etc have no problem with good sized trains)

Having said that overall it is an excellent model, let down only by this abberration. I have emailed them to see if a non-tyred driver set will be made available. I hope so.

Richard

 

[Sol]

While it may look a first class model, I will not run on my layout any locos with traction tyres as I use Wahl oil for track cleaning & adhesion properties ( & we will steer clear of that subject on this topic) & Wahl Oil & traction tyres are not a match - the tyres get soft reasonably quickly.

 

[Torrington]

UP DATE ON THE T9

Just got off the phone to hornby and was told that the T9 would all be sold with traction tyres and would not have new wheel sets.
I have now stoped my order for the two i wanted!!! How come bachmann can make all thier locos with out loctraction tyres , it seem to me Hornby have gone back to the 80's when the put traction tyres on all their locos.
Have been waiting a long time for them to bring out the T9 and now they go and do this , i agree with Richard why the hell do you need to pull 25 choaches !!!!.
So why did they bother to put a metal body on in the first place , also having traction tyres will mean that the T9 will bounce along and how long will they last before you have to order new ones .
Hornby have let them self down big time on this loco