- Reviews Index
- Bachmann 4Bep
- Bachmann 2EPB
- Bachmann 2Hap
- Bachmann 4Cep
- Bachmann MLV
- Bachmann Class 159 new version 2020
- Bachmann Class 450 Desiro
- Dapol Class 73
- D J Models Class 71
- EFE Isle of Wight Underground Stock
- Halling Croydon Tramlink Tram
- Heljan Class 07 Dock Shunter
- Heljan new Class 33/0s
- Hornby 2Bil
- Hornby 2Hal
- Hornby 4Vep
- Hornby Brighton Belle
- Hornby Class 71
- Hornby Class 395
- Hornby Refurbished Eurostar
- Kernow 2H
- Kernow 4TC
- Kernow Bulleid Diesel Locomotives
- Replica Motorised Chassis
Hornby 2Hal
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The 2Hal model is just new bodies and interiors on top of the 2Bil model floor and running gear so I do not intend to do a full review. Suffice it to say that Hornby have produced another 2 car EMU to the same high standard, and with the same features (and same small flaws), as their 2Bil model. A plus point about the Hals is that the bogie sideframes with pickup beams on the driving trailer are correct (below left), whereas on the 2Bil models power bogie sideframes have been used on the driving trailer (below right). Despite Hornby now producing a standard bogie sideframe with pickup beams they have perversely not used it on the latest issue BR blue livery and BR green with small yellow warning panels 2Bil models. An opportunity to rectify a flaw on the 2Bil has been missed. |
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| A negative point about the Hals is that despite it being produced under their “design-clever” regime, which amongst other factors involves less separately applied detail and more moulded on detail, the roof conduit is separately applied. Good, you think? Except it is so delicate that it is prone to break and/or distort and many modellers have encountered on this (see below). However, fortunately not all roofs are affected in this way. On their 2H models for the Kernow Model Rail Centre Bachmann controversially chose to mould on roof conduit. Personally I think it looks all right, and now unintentionally Hornby have proved this decision was sound. |
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There was concern expressed in one modelling circle that the shades of green applied to the 2Hal models is different to that on the 2Bils, so making a joint formation looking patchy and putting together one of the hybrid Bil/Hal units requiring a repaint. If one goes by the box art then the greens are significantly different, but I have put a Bil model and a Hal model side by side in good daylight and confirm that whilst the Bil model has a very slight sheen on them that is absent on the Hal, the shade of green used is, to my colour vision, the same.
then in 2015: To come in 2016 is: In summary, whilst I have always been ambivalent about 2Hal units this is another very good model from Hornby of a popular prototype. |
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| The 2015 releases - (above) R3340 unit 2603 and (below) R3341 unit 2677. |
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