THE NORTHERN BELLE   MODERN LUXURY DINING Models of Pullmans & Engines On the 18th of February 2005, The Northern Belle was to call at Chester station, for a North Wales dinner outing. We were asked to take a number of photographs by the owners, Sea Containers, looking to pass on livery specifics to Hornby. Surrounded by those in their finery and best frocks, enjoying superb dining fare in plush panelled double glazed warmth, we undertook the research. By October Hornby had finished a special train set: Duchess of Sutherland as pre-2002 Golden Jubilee (no maroon lamps), Two Mk2 First Class Pullmans as "GLAMIS" 3174 and "WARWICK" 3182, Mk2 Brake generator "CAR No 17167", also in the maroon and cream livery. It's modern traction, such as an EWS livery Class 67 like the former Lima model which Hornby updated in 2006, which had most often hauled the train, until in May 2011 one Class 47 engine was specially painted to take over the job - to be followed in that August by another: 47790 and 47832 with large "Northern Belle" lettering on the sides in a cream band against a crimson lake body - those engines were to haul the train in a top and tail formation, until mid 2014 when 47832 blew up! Direct Rail Services (DRS) who operate the contract to provide the haulage painted up a pair of Class 57 engines to take over from October 2014 - 57312 taking on the "Solway Princess" name from 47832, and 57305 becoming "Northern Princess", both Dellner coupling fitted engines, as per Bachmann models. The real train formation also includes four other Mk2 First coaches, each named after famous castles: "CHATSWORTH" 3247, "BELVOIR" 3267, "ALNWICK" 3273, "HARLECH" 3275. In addition there are some other unique conversions for kitchens and support staff which always run in the real rake: Mk3 Sleeper "CREWE" / "CAR No 10729" alternating with Mk3 Sleeper "BALMORAL" / "CAR No 10734", Mk1 RBK "CAR No 1566" kichen / boutique alternating with Mk 1 Restaurant "CAR No 1953" kitchen / larder. Hornby put the "CREWE" coach in the 2006 general range, "BALMORAL" could be created by renaming it or by repainting earlier Lima Mk3 Sleeper releases. The RBK, we are told, is a similar pattern to kit B20 in the Comet range - available as a complete kit or just sides. The "CAR No 1953" is a close match to Bachmann's RU coach - e.g. 39-105 in early BR carmine & cream, needing then 36-037 B4 bogies. The kitchen cars carry advertising panels with details of the web site for bookings, and some windows are plated or painted over. The original Hornby train set was sold through a company called Clifford James, available to order on-line, all now long sold out. We were delighted to be presented with one of the first Hornby train sets, in recognition of our assistance with the project. Thank-you Simon Kohler, we will treasure it. The generally available sleeper coach remained on sale, if not in the catalogues, for some years. Announced in 2012 and finally to be released in 2014, Hornby have a new train and coach pack, plus a Railroad range release of the latest Class 47 engine in simplified form. That makes six current Mk2 coaches, with three having the same names as in the original train set. In the new train pack: 47790 Galloway Princess, Two Mk2 First Class Pullmans as "CHATSWORTH" 3247 and "BELVOIR" 3267, and again, Mk2 Brake generator "CAR No 17167". Separately available a coach pack: "HARLECH" 3275, repeating "WARWICK" 3182, and again "GLAMIS" 3174, And to the Railroad standard: The non-existent 47862 - in the style of Solway Princess 47832 but with no name, We were given permission to go ahead with appropriate decorating labels and decal sets, and there are some very interesting detailing features that can be added to complete a rake. We have label packs L90A, L90B and SL22, with decal sets D90-*, all available now: Window frostings for the brake and VSOE logo etched toilet windows, Label panels or decals for the unique buffet car adverts, VSOE monogrammed headboard, VSOE monogrammed carpets for the platform, Re-naming panels for the full set of names, Decals for 47832 or 47790. A year before being replaced by Class 57's, the 47's had their cooling systems upgraded to visually match the Class 57s with new grills. A new black and white simple arc headboard has also appeared, which we've added to our L90A pack. Vi-Trains in conjunction with RAIL Magazine advertised a limited edition of the two engines using specially revised body tooling. Inside the real Mk2 coaches there are unique and beautiful mosaic wood panels representing the namesake castle. It's things like that, quite apart from the magnificent culinary skills, which stay with you. As was famously said by the founder of the original Pullman Car company: "The Quality of Service is Remembered Long After The Price is Forgotten". The Hornby models accurately captured the special maroon (a rather brown shade of maroon) and cream livery, with gold lining, handrails picked out in silver and black, and some of the smallest readable printing we have ever seen for "Emergency Coach Lighting Point" legends. To find out more about the future Northern Belle outings, including menus and schedules, see the web site: Link: northern-belle.co.uk                     This photograph I.D. Jackson.