I thought I’d try something new out and review Hornby’s latest industrial locomotive offering - the Peckett B2 class. It was a nice surprise to see this model as part of Hornby’s 2019 announcement. I’ve personally been wanting more RTR industrial locos for some time now, especially those that would fit in with the later days of industrial steam which is what I plan to model…eventually!
As the two above images show the model comes in the standard Hornby box, with a sleeve that shows off an image of the model. Once the sleeve is removed the model can be viewed inside a clear plastic shell housed within the cardboard box. I quite like this setup, the model is housed really securely inside the box meaning it avoids damage.
I don’t yet have a layout to pose this on so a short stretch of track in my garden will have to do. ..for now! My first impressions are that is a fantastic little model packed full of detail. The livery application is really crisp. I especially like how the name has been applied to the tank side. Another nice touch is the wasp stripes on the buffer beams. You don’t see that to often on RTR steam locos. This probably means the loco wore this livery in the later days of industrial steam, presumably the 70s-80s.
The model is rather clean for an industrial loco and does not feature any weathering. The confident modeler may wish to address this and give it some weathering. There is also the option to add additional detailing parts such as a driver or fireman and things like oil cans and buckets, which can be purchased from places like RT Models, who I highly recommend.
The cab is well detailed, but sadly I don’t think the above picture does the level of detail justice.
Of course this isn’t the first RTR industrial loco. In recent years from Hornby we’ve had the Sentinel diesel and the Peckett W4 class 0-4-0. Dapol/Model Rail have produced a VB sentinel and a Yankee tank. We’ve also had some Austerities in various industrial liveries from the now departed DJM models. Finally we’ve had the Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST and P class 0-6-0T from Hattons. The AB is pictured with the Peckett above to show the similarities in quality and they are both similarly priced.
I welcome the introduction of these models as it now makes modelling industrial railways more accessible and it gives the modeler a choice of several different prototypes from various eras. I look forward to seeing what industrial themed models are announced in the coming years.
Of course the Peckett isn’t restricted to working on an industrial themed layout. Many industrial locomotives have been preserved and returned to steam on heritage railways. The above image shows Peckett B3 class No.2000 at Beamish museum in the North East of England. Modelling such a line would mean you’d be able to keep the model in pristine condition, although you may still wish to detail it further.
If you’d like to see more on preserved industrial locomotives and railways then please check out my book " Preserved Industrial Railways Of the North East & Cumbria".