HORNBY’S ‘OO’ gauge Class 20 Bo-Bo diesel is the latest model to receive the manufacturer’s Twin Track Sound (TTS) treatment.

Finished as 20163 in BR blue with ‘domino’ headcode panels, Hornby’s RailRoad model utilises the former Lima tooling which has previously been upgraded with an 8-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder socket and small tension lock couplings in NEM pockets. Indeed, it is the 8-pin DCC

Class 20 gains soundHORNBY’S

socket which has enabled Hornby to install its latest TTS diesel sound project for the English Electric Type 1. Other neat touches include separately fitted wire handrails and flush-glazed cab. It also retains traction tyres.

Decoration is simplified for Hornby’s RailRoad models and in this case, is limited to a BR blue body with full yellow ends, black

bufferbeams and headcode panels, running number and a pair of BR double arrow logos. Interestingly, the locomotive numbers appear a little smaller than standard on this model.

As with other models in the TTS range, the decoder and speaker are pre-fitted and a comprehensive operating manual is included

Twin Track Sound decoder and speaker

REVIEWS

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Class 20 gains soundClass 20 gains sound

with details of sounds, functionality and driving techniques, which is certainly worth a read.

With 26 function assignments, there is plenty to take in with a choice of horns, brake sounds, wheel flange squeal, fan sounds, couplings, door slams, guard’s whistle and much more. Selected CV settings and volume levels can be adjusted, and details are included within the manual.

Turning the engine sounds on is via function 1 (F1) and a choice of normal or cold starts is offered. For a cold start, you also need F9 depressed which results in the locomotive taking longer to fire up properly. On our sample, both sounded as we thought they should. In fact, the sounds have that definite Class 20 clatter, which becomes higher-pitched as the brakes release and the locomotive moves off. A quick blast of the air horn (F3) reveals a rather work-weary sounding horn, while F2 has an altogether

much more healthy sounding example!This decoder also includes notch up (F5) and

notch down (F6) options for the prime mover sounds which are particularly useful. A technique that worked well was to increase speed steps with the regulator until the engine sounds changed, then press F6 to notch down – the spool-down sounds kicked in and the model appears to coast - then switch F6 off and notch up one speed step, so the revs pick up again, and so on.

Sounds can be toggled up and down with F5 and F6 while a ‘thrash’ button (F8) effectively provides the top-end sound of the locomotive working flat out.

Running sounds are convincing with idle and three subsequent notches with

transitions between each. Start-up and shut down also sound the part.

While there are no lights fitted to this particular model, allowance for them is included on the decoder (F0) while an additional auxiliary function is also available on F25.

Hornby’s TTS Class 20 is another exciting addition to the budget range of digital sound-fitted models and certainly sounds as we would expect. It offers an attractive package for the price and is due to arrive with Hornby stockists during May. (MC)

Class 20 gains soundClass 20 gains soundClass 20 gains soundClass 20 gains soundFIRST REVIEW

EXCLUSIVE

All-wheel drive chassis with centrally mounted motor

NEM coupling pockets with small

tension locks

8-pin socket and wire harness to decoder

THE DETAILS

Manufacturer: www.hornby.comCat No: R3394TTSDescription: Class 20 20168, BR blueScale: ‘OO’Price: £109.99Era: 7/8DCC: DCC sound fitted, Twin Track SoundCouplings: Small tension locks in NEM pockets

20168 is turned out with ‘domino’ headcode boxes placing it in post -1973 period.

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