I wasn’t going to miss this. The limited edition Hornby Merton.
When I saw the announcement about Hornby’s 100th anniversary year range, one particular item stood out.
The Hornby R3823 LB&SCR 45 Merton.
The details and background as to why it features in Hornby’s centenary year range are explained on the Hornby website so I won’t repeat it here. It’s significant to me because I grew up in Wimbledon, which is in Merton, and it’ll look lovely trundling around my Merton themed layout – Wandle Valley.
After a short wait, it’s finally arrived from Hattons and I’m now the proud owner of production number 873 of the 1000 produced.
The loco is a lovely model of a DCC Ready 0-6-0 Terrier and runs beautifully.
The packaging is also a treat, with box artwork replicating elements of the Hornby packaging style from that period, a fold open box and a limited edition card. It screams quality and is a huge leap from Hornby packaging of the era it emulates.
Although Wandle Valley layout is set in the early 80s with Network South East rolling stock, the Merton now holds pride of place in the fleet, serving as a Heritage day trip special service.
