Welcome to #MeetTheFleet! Starting today, and continuing daily(ish) until done, I am going to be showing you my model train collection. There's a quite a lot to get through, and you'll have to shout at me should I forget to keep this up 😂
#MeetTheFleet The Holiday Express
Seeing as it was recently Christmas I thought I'd start here, a little festive 0-4-0 with presents and reindeer rolling stock - also note the lil santa hat my mum made for it 😂
I actually have 2 of this set, but you don't need to see both 😛
Seeing as it was recently Christmas I thought I'd start here, a little festive 0-4-0 with presents and reindeer rolling stock - also note the lil santa hat my mum made for it 😂
I actually have 2 of this set, but you don't need to see both 😛
#MeetTheFleet Pocket Rocket 1
Keeping with theme of yesterday, we're gonna go through my 0-4-0 locomotives over the next few days, most of which are Hornby collectors club models I got as a child, including this one which is in BR Black!
Keeping with theme of yesterday, we're gonna go through my 0-4-0 locomotives over the next few days, most of which are Hornby collectors club models I got as a child, including this one which is in BR Black!
#MeetTheFleet Pocket Rocket 2
Bit late with this one as I was spending the day with family, but I present to you arguably the most famous Hornby 0-4-0, the one that that no layout or collection is complete without... Smokey Joe!
Bit late with this one as I was spending the day with family, but I present to you arguably the most famous Hornby 0-4-0, the one that that no layout or collection is complete without... Smokey Joe!
#MeetTheFleet Pocket Rocket 3
Another 0-4-0 (I promise we'll be done with these eventually) however I was a member of the collectors club for a few years and so I did end up with quite a few of these, and this has to be my favourite one
Another 0-4-0 (I promise we'll be done with these eventually) however I was a member of the collectors club for a few years and so I did end up with quite a few of these, and this has to be my favourite one
#MeetTheFleet Pocket Rocket 4
Yep, I know, another one, but I can't help but adore these locos, they are simple, reliable and start lifelong hobbies, and this one's in a lovely red!
Yep, I know, another one, but I can't help but adore these locos, they are simple, reliable and start lifelong hobbies, and this one's in a lovely red!
#MeetTheFleet Pocket Rocket 5
Oh yeah you're getting 2 locos today because why the hell not! We're rounding out the basic locomotives with what has to be the quirkiest combo ever... the Class 06 in Virgin Trains livery 😂
Oh yeah you're getting 2 locos today because why the hell not! We're rounding out the basic locomotives with what has to be the quirkiest combo ever... the Class 06 in Virgin Trains livery 😂
#MeetTheFleet The Sentinel
A little loco that captured the hearts of many, including mine! It's just got its own charm, plenty of detail and is a powerful thing too
A little loco that captured the hearts of many, including mine! It's just got its own charm, plenty of detail and is a powerful thing too
#MeetTheFleet The P
When the SECR P Class was announced, I was excited, but when I saw they were representing "Pioneer II" from the Bowaters Paper Railway, I just had to have it - as a huge fan of the SKLR, I wanted to own a small piece of its history, and what a stunner she is!
When the SECR P Class was announced, I was excited, but when I saw they were representing "Pioneer II" from the Bowaters Paper Railway, I just had to have it - as a huge fan of the SKLR, I wanted to own a small piece of its history, and what a stunner she is!
#MeetTheFleet The Terrier
One does not simply live in the south and not own a terrier, especially when a beautiful SECR green livery version is available - this uniquely worked on the Isle of Sheppy back in the day, much like the P Class before it, so they make quite the pair!
One does not simply live in the south and not own a terrier, especially when a beautiful SECR green livery version is available - this uniquely worked on the Isle of Sheppy back in the day, much like the P Class before it, so they make quite the pair!
#MeetTheFleet The Ruston
I mean when Hornby announced this, I just had to, how can you not say yes to such a cute little thing?
I mean when Hornby announced this, I just had to, how can you not say yes to such a cute little thing?
#MeetTheFleet Janus Shunter
Another rather small loco that came in a bundle with 3 matching wagons, I literally got this because it was a good deal and has a tiny little Welsh dragon on the side, I'm not fussy when it comes to deciding what I wanna get 🤷♂️😅
Another rather small loco that came in a bundle with 3 matching wagons, I literally got this because it was a good deal and has a tiny little Welsh dragon on the side, I'm not fussy when it comes to deciding what I wanna get 🤷♂️😅
#MeetTheFleet Devious Diesel
Yeees, before we get serious I think it's best we get my Thomas models out the way, starting with Diesel. I have fond memories of running this one, I also remember when it broke once and my grandad fixed it for me, added a nice personal touch to it
Yeees, before we get serious I think it's best we get my Thomas models out the way, starting with Diesel. I have fond memories of running this one, I also remember when it broke once and my grandad fixed it for me, added a nice personal touch to it
#MeetTheFleet A really useful engine
The 2nd, 1st locomotive I ever got (there's a story there lol) but yes, I came home from school one day to find a Thomas train set running around on the floor, and my collection has steadily grown ever since!
The 2nd, 1st locomotive I ever got (there's a story there lol) but yes, I came home from school one day to find a Thomas train set running around on the floor, and my collection has steadily grown ever since!
#MeetTheFleet A cheeky little engine
Not only did the trainset come with Thomas, it also came with Percy, and jointly they are the Hornby trains I have owned for the longest time! It's mad to think what these two have started, and how much fun I've had through the years.
Not only did the trainset come with Thomas, it also came with Percy, and jointly they are the Hornby trains I have owned for the longest time! It's mad to think what these two have started, and how much fun I've had through the years.
#MeetTheFleet The fastest engine
He's old, he's a little beaten up, he's tender driven 🤮, but I'm glad to have Gordon as part of my collection. I got him when I was 7, and I remember being fascinated by watching all the coupling rods go around 😂
He's old, he's a little beaten up, he's tender driven 🤮, but I'm glad to have Gordon as part of my collection. I got him when I was 7, and I remember being fascinated by watching all the coupling rods go around 😂
#MeetTheFleet Let's get serious
Thomas and all the tiny locos are out the way, let's move onto the big bois (don't actually have a Big Boy)... but I do have this, the GWR 5205 Class in BR Black!
Thomas and all the tiny locos are out the way, let's move onto the big bois (don't actually have a Big Boy)... but I do have this, the GWR 5205 Class in BR Black!
#MeetTheFleet The Flying Dutchman
Nothing says old school like a single wheeler, and this example is the GWR Dean Single paired with a rake of clerestory coaches. This is one of many ebay bargains I've got lucky with over the years 👍
Nothing says old school like a single wheeler, and this example is the GWR Dean Single paired with a rake of clerestory coaches. This is one of many ebay bargains I've got lucky with over the years 👍
#MeetTheFleet The train that lived
The Hogwarts Express, a train that's stoked my imagination for years, I got it cheap at an event once and loved it since, but I am tempted to get the new one some day. I also have a gold-plated version but we'll save that story for another time
The Hogwarts Express, a train that's stoked my imagination for years, I got it cheap at an event once and loved it since, but I am tempted to get the new one some day. I also have a gold-plated version but we'll save that story for another time
#MeetTheFleet The Tyseley Connection
From a Hall, that isn't a Hall, to an actual Hall, no. 4953 Pitchford Hall, which came in a train pack with 3 coaches. This is one of those locos where I'm scared to pick it up for fear of half a dozen fragile pieces launching across the room
From a Hall, that isn't a Hall, to an actual Hall, no. 4953 Pitchford Hall, which came in a train pack with 3 coaches. This is one of those locos where I'm scared to pick it up for fear of half a dozen fragile pieces launching across the room
#MeetTheFleet Earl of Mount Edgcumbe
One cannot own a Hall without owning a Castle, and this is a fine example indeed, I cannot wait to get her running with a big train one day!
One cannot own a Hall without owning a Castle, and this is a fine example indeed, I cannot wait to get her running with a big train one day!
#MeetTheFleet Old girl
This is without a doubt the oldest loco in my collection, if I'm not mistaken I think this model dates back to the 1950s & is a Princess Royal Class(?) I got her for £5 at a model railway show! The craft behind these locos has really come leaps & bounds 😀
This is without a doubt the oldest loco in my collection, if I'm not mistaken I think this model dates back to the 1950s & is a Princess Royal Class(?) I got her for £5 at a model railway show! The craft behind these locos has really come leaps & bounds 😀
#MeetTheFleet Yes I know one axle is off the rails
This is a very recent addition to my fleet, in fact I struggle to even call it mine still, 'twas given to me by a friend and I will always remember it as such. She's a loco in need of some work, the tender won't attach to it.
This is a very recent addition to my fleet, in fact I struggle to even call it mine still, 'twas given to me by a friend and I will always remember it as such. She's a loco in need of some work, the tender won't attach to it.
#MeetTheFleet The Orient Express
The Rebuilt Merchant Navy has to be one of my all-time favourite locomotives, and they look their absolute finest when at the head of a Pullman train 😍
The Rebuilt Merchant Navy has to be one of my all-time favourite locomotives, and they look their absolute finest when at the head of a Pullman train 😍
#MeetTheFleet The Trespass Express
I think most people who are into model trains end up owning a Flying Scotsman at least once in their lives, and I am certainly no exception, it's just a classic!
I think most people who are into model trains end up owning a Flying Scotsman at least once in their lives, and I am certainly no exception, it's just a classic!
#MeetTheFleet To the States!
Was too bedridden to post yesterday so here's one of 2 locos I shall share today. It is indeed Flying Scotsman again but looking very different - this is how she looked when sent on a USA tour in 1969 (minus the gold, that's just Hornby being fancy)
Was too bedridden to post yesterday so here's one of 2 locos I shall share today. It is indeed Flying Scotsman again but looking very different - this is how she looked when sent on a USA tour in 1969 (minus the gold, that's just Hornby being fancy)
#MeetTheFleet The 1:1 Collection
Double tender madness this evening and this one is 4464 Bittern, a lovely looking and preserved LNER A4 that currently lives down in Margate.
Double tender madness this evening and this one is 4464 Bittern, a lovely looking and preserved LNER A4 that currently lives down in Margate.
#MeetTheFleet This is getting out of hand, now there are two of them
Yes, I own another Hornby A4, got this one for a bargain several years ago and it remains quite a striking member of my fleet, especially in that lovely express blue!
Yes, I own another Hornby A4, got this one for a bargain several years ago and it remains quite a striking member of my fleet, especially in that lovely express blue!
#MeetTheFleet Yeeeeeah, another one 🤷♂️
Okay gimme a break, sure I am a guy who owns 3 A4s, but this one is a Bachmann one and the one I've had the longest, I went into a lil model shop years ago and turned into a seagull when I saw I could afford it 😂
Okay gimme a break, sure I am a guy who owns 3 A4s, but this one is a Bachmann one and the one I've had the longest, I went into a lil model shop years ago and turned into a seagull when I saw I could afford it 😂
#MeetTheFleet The P2 - Mikado Boogaloo
Probably one of my favourite locomotive designs of all time, the almighty LNER P2. Yes, it's only the railroad version so some finer details are missing, but that doesn't bother me, just owning such a masterpiece is enough for me!
Probably one of my favourite locomotive designs of all time, the almighty LNER P2. Yes, it's only the railroad version so some finer details are missing, but that doesn't bother me, just owning such a masterpiece is enough for me!
#MeetTheFleet Weathered boi
Normally I prefer having pristine locomotives, I know, judge me all you want, but this filthy LNER K1 just really has its own character about it, you can tell it's had a rough day 😂
Normally I prefer having pristine locomotives, I know, judge me all you want, but this filthy LNER K1 just really has its own character about it, you can tell it's had a rough day 😂
#MeetTheFleet B17 Beauty
I'm a fan of kettles all shapes and sizes, and the LNER B17 is notable class indeed, it just looks pretty lol, and with that, we round out January with the final steam locomotive in my collection! We shall kick off with diesel locos very soon...
I'm a fan of kettles all shapes and sizes, and the LNER B17 is notable class indeed, it just looks pretty lol, and with that, we round out January with the final steam locomotive in my collection! We shall kick off with diesel locos very soon...
#MeetTheFleet Class 31
And so we begin with the diesels, starting with this Class 31, it's rather basic but that doesn't bother me, the Railroad range is a nice way to bulk out a fleet without breaking the bank - no depot I build in the future will ever seem quiet!
And so we begin with the diesels, starting with this Class 31, it's rather basic but that doesn't bother me, the Railroad range is a nice way to bulk out a fleet without breaking the bank - no depot I build in the future will ever seem quiet!
#MeetTheFleet Class 42
It was relatively cheap, it bridged a gap in my GWR collection, that's about all I have to say really 🤷♂️😂
It was relatively cheap, it bridged a gap in my GWR collection, that's about all I have to say really 🤷♂️😂
#MeetTheFleet Deltic
Who can say no to owning the workhorse of the ECML? Well, people who aren't fans of them probably, but I am not one of those, and it's nice to have some Napier goodness 😁
Note to self, must get the prototype one day...
Who can say no to owning the workhorse of the ECML? Well, people who aren't fans of them probably, but I am not one of those, and it's nice to have some Napier goodness 😁
Note to self, must get the prototype one day...
#MeetTheFleet Grid
Another bargain and fine addition to my collection, Hornby really can release an amazing loco when they want to, and the 56 is no exception; plenty of weight and loads of neat details, I think even the cab doors open!
Another bargain and fine addition to my collection, Hornby really can release an amazing loco when they want to, and the 56 is no exception; plenty of weight and loads of neat details, I think even the cab doors open!
#MeetTheFleet Shedload of Sheds Pt. 1
I love the look of Hattons' 66s, I really do, but locomotives such as these look good in bulk, so for now I've bought Hornby ones to lessen the financial blow! Maybe I'll get a Hattons one some day, but for now here's 66789 in Large Logo 😁
I love the look of Hattons' 66s, I really do, but locomotives such as these look good in bulk, so for now I've bought Hornby ones to lessen the financial blow! Maybe I'll get a Hattons one some day, but for now here's 66789 in Large Logo 😁
#MeetTheFleet Shedload of Sheds Pt. 2
Now.. how could I own 789 without picking up 783? GBRf are one of my favourite freight operators just because of how diverse their liveries are, more companies should branch out into unique schemes!
Now.. how could I own 789 without picking up 783? GBRf are one of my favourite freight operators just because of how diverse their liveries are, more companies should branch out into unique schemes!
#MeetTheFleet Shedload of Sheds Pt. 3
Last but not least..ish is 66731 in a more traditional GBRf guise. I say ish because I also own 2 static models of the 66 in Eddie Stobart livery, I plan to have these painted and use them just to populate a freight yard one day
Last but not least..ish is 66731 in a more traditional GBRf guise. I say ish because I also own 2 static models of the 66 in Eddie Stobart livery, I plan to have these painted and use them just to populate a freight yard one day
#MeetTheFleet The Pullman
Having seen this train fairly regularly throughout my life, either sat in London Victoria or racing along the Chatham Main Line, I just had to have it, and with the previous Orient Express I can make a premium Pullman train that's 6 coaches long!
Having seen this train fairly regularly throughout my life, either sat in London Victoria or racing along the Chatham Main Line, I just had to have it, and with the previous Orient Express I can make a premium Pullman train that's 6 coaches long!
#MeetTheFleet Wrexham duo
I wass gonna 'skip' this one as I wanted to sell it, but there were no takers! Nevermind, I'm happy to keep this as part of my collection for now, don't have any coaches for them but I'm sure they'll get up to their own random mischief 😂
I wass gonna 'skip' this one as I wanted to sell it, but there were no takers! Nevermind, I'm happy to keep this as part of my collection for now, don't have any coaches for them but I'm sure they'll get up to their own random mischief 😂
#MeetTheFleet Chiltern Express
Speaking of locomotives I don't have any coaches for, the Class 68, hellfire in every right but odd without anything to run it with... I'm tempted to get a TPE one and the Accurascale Mk5s but they are expensive af
Speaking of locomotives I don't have any coaches for, the Class 68, hellfire in every right but odd without anything to run it with... I'm tempted to get a TPE one and the Accurascale Mk5s but they are expensive af
#MeetTheFleet Toothpaste debut!
It's taken quite a while, but here we are at last with a model in Network SouthEast livery! Hornby's BR Class 50 is an absolute stunner, and I'm tooootally not looking to get another one in GBRf livery... 😛
It's taken quite a while, but here we are at last with a model in Network SouthEast livery! Hornby's BR Class 50 is an absolute stunner, and I'm tooootally not looking to get another one in GBRf livery... 😛
#MeetTheFleet GBRf EDs
More GBRf locomotives, and this time it's a pair of Class 73s! This duo was purchased solely to accompany Hattons' RHTT wagons, I cannot wait to have a layout so I can seem them running around as such
More GBRf locomotives, and this time it's a pair of Class 73s! This duo was purchased solely to accompany Hattons' RHTT wagons, I cannot wait to have a layout so I can seem them running around as such
#MeetTheFleet Shifting gears...
It's time to give some units their time in the spotlight, starting with this Hornby Class 101. I've always loved the heritage DMUs, and when I saw this at a local model shop I just had to have it!
It's time to give some units their time in the spotlight, starting with this Hornby Class 101. I've always loved the heritage DMUs, and when I saw this at a local model shop I just had to have it!
#MeetTheFleet Bubble Car
Another heritage DMU, this time a Chiltern Class 121! I got this for my birthday last year and it compliments both my 101 and my other Chiltern trains 😁
Another heritage DMU, this time a Chiltern Class 121! I got this for my birthday last year and it compliments both my 101 and my other Chiltern trains 😁
#MeetTheFleet One Car Wonder
The Class 153 has to be one of the best DMUs that Hornby have ever produced, the amount of detail packed into these is precisely the reason why I own one, and it's a decision I don't regret! (Although I'd prefer GWR livery, anyone wanna trade? 😂)
The Class 153 has to be one of the best DMUs that Hornby have ever produced, the amount of detail packed into these is precisely the reason why I own one, and it's a decision I don't regret! (Although I'd prefer GWR livery, anyone wanna trade? 😂)
#MeetTheFleet Super Sprinter
A birthday present from long ago that I still adore to this day, the Class 156 in the colourful One livery! At some point, I would also like to get the RAF 156 because the design on that just looks amazing!
A birthday present from long ago that I still adore to this day, the Class 156 in the colourful One livery! At some point, I would also like to get the RAF 156 because the design on that just looks amazing!
#MeetTheFleet Thumper
Bachmann certainly know how to make a good Southern Region unit, and the Class 205 is an amazing example, the classic Connex livery just looks so good on them as well 😍
Bachmann certainly know how to make a good Southern Region unit, and the Class 205 is an amazing example, the classic Connex livery just looks so good on them as well 😍
#MeetTheFleet Leafy boi
A modern scene wouldn't be complete without an MPV, so I just had to get one! My only gripes with it are A, it's Railtrack not Network Rail and B, the equipment on them doesn't fit perfectly which is a shame
A modern scene wouldn't be complete without an MPV, so I just had to get one! My only gripes with it are A, it's Railtrack not Network Rail and B, the equipment on them doesn't fit perfectly which is a shame
#MeetTheFleet The HSTs
We're onto the HSTs, of which I have a few, the one I've had the longest is this classic Virgin set. The red/black scheme just screams childhood, as while I never saw it irl I have had this thing do many miles around the kitchen table 😅
We're onto the HSTs, of which I have a few, the one I've had the longest is this classic Virgin set. The red/black scheme just screams childhood, as while I never saw it irl I have had this thing do many miles around the kitchen table 😅
#MeetTheFleet The Classic
The HST looks great in many liveries, but you can't quite beat the original (well, apart from executive 😛) and when they turned 40 I got myself these power cars and enough Mk3s to make a full rake, and I can't wait to see it on a big layout one day!
The HST looks great in many liveries, but you can't quite beat the original (well, apart from executive 😛) and when they turned 40 I got myself these power cars and enough Mk3s to make a full rake, and I can't wait to see it on a big layout one day!
#MeetTheFleet The Legend
Having seen it up close at the Old Oak Common open day, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get 43093 in model form! I currently have some modified MK3s on pre-order so this pair can form a Castle set one day 😁
Having seen it up close at the Old Oak Common open day, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get 43093 in model form! I currently have some modified MK3s on pre-order so this pair can form a Castle set one day 😁
#MeetTheFleet HST 2.0
The Hornby Class 800 is a fine model, especially this 800002 with its intricate livery which was applied during testing. I got this for cheaper than average on ebay which is great, and I can't wait to get the additional coaches to make it a 5-car set!
The Hornby Class 800 is a fine model, especially this 800002 with its intricate livery which was applied during testing. I got this for cheaper than average on ebay which is great, and I can't wait to get the additional coaches to make it a 5-car set!
