Dal nostro agente in UK

[Giorgio]

il nostro "agente" inglese Howard ha mandato un reportage dal Visitors Centre Hornby di Margate.
Ecco il testo:

I visited the Hornby Visitors Centre at Margate last Friday 15/10/2010 principally to see the display and collection of the vintage Rivarossi models locomotives transferred from the Como Museum.
It was clear that the Visitor Centre is still very much in its infancy and there is much room for expansion in the near future. The presentation of models were extremely effective and professionally exhibited with the displays located in glass sealed rectangular portals. Each was manufacturer clearly represented and model type and year of production identified.
Model Railway displays included Rivarossi, Lima, Jouef, Electrotren, Lionel, Hornby-Dublo, Triang, & Hornby. Other model car displays included Airfix, Scalectrix, Corgi, Rivarossi, & Pocher.
There were three model railway layouts, two large Hornby 00 gauge incorporating DCC systems displaying steam and diesel traction. The third layout was a Rivarossi N gauge representing a mountainous Italian scene.
A large Scalectrix display was also presented where motor racing could be participated between fathers and sons !
Regarding the vintage OO/HO gauge Rivarossi models I was somewhat disappointed over the number of exhibits, however proportionally in relation to other continental (European)manufacturers Rivarossi was the most prominent. On a more positive note, I was assured that as the Hornby Centre expands so the number of exhibits would be made available; this remains to be seen.
From a pure personal prospective it was good to see some very early models i.e those produced in the old factory days in Como from between 1946-1952. There was an interesting variation of the B&O Switcher with Bakelite wheels and pick-up shoes 18v ac. This must have been one of the first produced without any connecting rods. Furthermore there was a number of the early Rail Cars again 18v ac plus two Diesel Rail Cars all with similar spur gear motors. Two Hiawatha locomotives were also displayed one of which was in kit form.
There of course were models from a later time period which I am sure you will identify from the photographs.
Well I have tried to give you a synopsis of the Centre without being too detailed if you wish to ask me any question s please don't hesitate to contact me.

Ne farò una pagina da mettere sul Sito.

[Giorgio]

Per inciso, la loco Hudson carenata (Dreyfuss) bianca, blu e rossa nei colori del bicentenario USA non l'avevo mai vista prima.
Credo sia solo un (brutto) prototipo.