On a December morning a slim Brown package from Hatton’s of Liverpool arrived at my home containing one of the newest releases from Hornby. This was the rather well presented model of the former LNER Buffet in blue and grey livery. I am no expert on these coaches but as I understand the situation they were in service until the early 80s having seen service on the Cambridge Buffet expresses as well as cross country routes. As an aside I can certainly recall a similar vehicle at York. The legend “Bar” was observed and a brief glance inside showed this to be the case. The model comes from the maker’s stable of high quality Pre-Br range. No. E9131E appearing in corporate BR colours. Details are crisp including door handles and overhead electric warning flashes. I am told by those who specialise in this area of interest the blue/grey version is not quite accurate in that some of the windows should have been plated over by the time it attained corporate colours. Perhaps somebody could clear this one up for me? The interior of the model is clear to see with the counter and display cabinet on view. It is also good to see some of the windows open for those baking hot summer Saturdays! Conclusion At £44 this is by no means a cheap model but based on the existing superb quality of hornby’s pre-BR stock it is well below the RRP. It is always pleasing to see something a little different among those much loved if slightly bland rakes of BR standard stock. For those unable to build kits or paint them to a reasonable quality this has to be a welcome addition to their fleet. Time for me to climb aboard for mince pies and something a little stronger!
Nice little review and good photos Thanks for posting I could probably even getaway with one of these Buffets, 2 Mk1's and a 37 on the front Mmmm
Might not be fully accurate, but still looks a nice model. Nice review you never know a maroon one may find its way to viccy road one day Paul
