I am thrilled to get my first tinplate clockwork set - which should arrive from overseas in a few weeks. Does anyone know anything about the number 20 set?
I'm just curious -- I've browsed the HCA website but haven't uncovered much.
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The Hornby M20 goods set (and M21 passenger set) were introduced in 1954 to replace the previous M0 sets. The M20 and M21 had locomotives in British Railways livery, which was "exciting" news then. These are Hornby simplest trains (but still nice, I think), only made in non-reversing clockwork. You can see my M20 set in the video at about 1:36; before that are two M0 sets.
Regards
Fred
The distance these trains seem to cover is always amazing to me. I think back to the wind up toys I had and how most were limited to about 10ft. But on occasion, you'd find one with more "stamina" (usually old), and wear it out running it, because they ran so long between windings.
Hopefully you'll post again here when you get her rollin'.
"Congrat.s" 
Thanks very much Fred! What a cool layout in the garden. I love the fourth rail too.
Adriatic, I look forward to sharing more when it arrives.
Fred, was the 60985 loco used in any other sets. I find the Hornby set designations to be a little over my head. I usually catalog the sets using the loco number designation. 2528, 3435, 5600, 7040, 45746, 50153, 60985, etc.
Jim O'C posted:Fred, was the 60985 loco used in any other sets. I find the Hornby set designations to be a little over my head. I usually catalog the sets using the loco number designation. 2528, 3435, 5600, 7040, 45746, 50153, 60985, etc.
Jim,
The 60985 locomotive was the only small M-series locomotive in British Railway livery. It was used in the M20 goods set and the M21 passenger set only.
Regards
Fred
NB: I do not know of a source where all Hornby sets with contents are listed, but it should be there somewhere.
For what it's worth - from a newbie to British tinplate - I found these links to be personally helpful. The TCA gave a pretty good summary: http://www.tcawestern.org/hornby.htm and http://www.hrca.net/ - especially this: http://www.hrca.net/2-uncatego...d/11-o-gauge-history and this: http://www.lickeyincline.co.uk...y-company.htm#hornby
I appreciate the wisdom I've found browsing this forum.
