4mm scale mass-produced ready to run EMUs- Hornby Class 373 Eurostar

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	First produced in 1996 and a version is still currently available, Hornby's Eurostar models are more towards the toy end of the market than the scale model sector. That is not to deny that parts of the body mouldings are finely done and the paintwork is to a high standard. However, the trunking along the centre of the roof is heavily done and the articulated bogies with corridor connections are large to accommodate train set radius curves. Additionally only three car types have ever been produced - Hornby did once say they would consider more car types but none have ever emerged - so modelling a realistic formation, at least without recourse to Hurst Models conversion parts (see contacts list), is not possible. However, these models provide a useful basis for such conversion projects. These models are sold in trainsets or outer car four car packs (top three pictures) and inner car two car packs (lower two pictures) or even a six car pack. The model is powered on two axles in one power car only by a small motor within a bogie. This results in it being underpowered if working as a six car set, most unlike the real thing! There are various solutions to under powering, one of which is to obtain the relevant spare parts to motor a bogie in the second power car.

	Released in April 2015, deferred from the previous year presumably to avoid being ahead of the real thing, was Hornby's aged Eurostar model in Eurostar's mid-life refurbished livery. This issue consists of R3215 Driving Motors and Motor Second Opens pack and R4580 "divisible saloons" (Trailer Brake First Open) pack. The model has been mildly upgraded by the addition of a DCC socket and, unlike early Eurostar model releases, interiors in the MSOs, otherwise it is still more toy-like than an accurate scale model. It is therefore surprising it has not been issued as part of Hornby's Railroad range. Application of the new livery is, however, to Hornby's usual very high standards. The reviewer has yet to see a picture of this new livery on anything other than the Driving Motors so cannot comment on the accuracy of the livery on the trailer cars, however it appears to be spot-on on the Driving Motors.