Hornby Live Steam

[statistician]

Hello,

Does anyone have firsthand experience with the Hornby live steam range in OO scale?

For the longest time, I've wanted the Little Engines of California O gauge Hudson kit, however the high price, lack of machined hardware, and concerns over possible explosions prevented me from ever buying it.

I was recently bit by the live steam bug again upon seeing the new Hornby D.D. Eisenhower A4. However the engine, controller, and set of 6 nice coaches will run me just under $1000.00 (not at all a cheap toy) even from eBay discount sellers.  

Have there been notorious problems with the Hornby range? Does anyone own one to comment?

Thanks in advance, 

[Anonymous]

It does get good reviews and not many appear on E bay which i guess says someting. It just seems a lot  to get a locomotive  that although steam powered is rather clinincal and to me lacks the real appeal of steam..Ok it generates steam but so does a steam iron and a coffe maker , personal opinion but it does come across as a technical triumph but without soul.

[BR60103]

I know a couple of people who have them. They do take time to learn how to run. Also, the control system is unique and not compatible with any other trains.

Hornby supply insulated gloves for picking the locomotive up if it derails.

Some speculation in the UK that the system may not last due to poor sales and dedicated control system.

 

[FJ and G]

From what I gather, Hornbys were built so people who run their trains indoors can have a "live" steam locomotive like the garden folks, but one that is safe for indoors, since it doesn't use combustible fuels.

[statistician]

Thanks for the comments.

I received my A4 live steam model from a UK Hornby dealer today, and let me tell you that I am very pleased with the level of detail and quality of workmanship/materials of Hornby. Being a Lionel buyer, I wasn't sure what to expect from Hornby, especially since it costs the same as a high-end Lionel O gauge model and is only half the size. However the engine and matching Orient Express cars are stunningly beautiful and well crafted.

Everything I've mentioned is well and fine if you want a pretty-looking shelf queen. While I have no doubt that it will run, my concern is that any live steam model (by design) will eventually need parts. True, very few used models are turning up on eBay (a possible good sign of performance) but it may just be that Hornby collectors are gobbling these up as shelf queens given that they may be discontinued.

I love the Hornby set as a live steam, indoor, operating novelty item (albeit a pretty one), but an Accucraft Ruby may be the route to go if you have the space for an outdoor setup. Hats off to Hornby for the technological advancement, but will they follow-through with supplying parts? Time will tell.