The 1925 Hornby set operating on 220-240V AC
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Are you saying the track voltage is 220volts?
I've seen these sets running. You are strongly advised not to touch the track when these sets are in use. They do generally run really well though, and can produce beautifully authentic looking sparks. 
I have seen videos of these running and it's like I am on the El Platform of my youth and when they say watch out for the third rail in this case, they really mean it. Wonderful lithography.
Bruce
Its a cool set, but I think I would just park it on a siding where it would look pretty.
It is not so much "dangerous" as different. Tubular track was designed to carry this voltage and with a modicum of respect you can run it safely.
As amazing as this may seem, it's true. Here's a great link to our Hornby club's archive on this frightening toy.
Thanks for posting that article, Dave. It will make for interesting reading!
I love the "Victorian " look of the controller
Thinking about derailments just boggles the mind!
Thanks Dave..What a great article. Fills in a multitude of blanks.
Bruce
Dave, thanks for that link. What a wealth of information there!
Don't tell Gomez Adams or Willy E about this set!
It is not so much "dangerous" as different.
I don't know about you, but I would consider any train set where you could electrocute yourself by touching the track "dangerous."
Originally Posted by PGentieu:
It is not so much "dangerous" as different.
I don't know about you, but I would consider any train set where you could electrocute yourself by touching the track "dangerous."
That is why I said "with a modicum of respect".
Originally Posted by gptom:
Are you saying the track voltage is 220volts?
I think the 220 volts were reduced to 40 by some kind of rheostat, with light bulbs, when the engine was running. Not only the 220 was dangerous. The whole thing was connected literally to the electric light, as that was the only electric source in the early years.
So you had to take out a bulb and screw in a kind of plug.
Things were forbidden in 1926 in Germany, other countries soon to follow.
Dave, that was an outstanding article. This set is an interesting piece of model RR history, and should be viewed as such. Dangerous? Heck yeah, but obviously some adult supervision was assumed, just like with gas-engine model airplanes, model rocketry and other hobby activities with elements of danger. Please don't start all the harrumphing about safety hazards, I'm pretty sure we all know about high-voltage AC.
Originally Posted by Jerry Nolan:
This set is an interesting piece of model RR history, and should be viewed as such. Dangerous? Heck yeah, but obviously some adult supervision was assumed, just like with gas-engine model airplanes, model rocketry and other hobby activities with elements of danger.
I am glad someone gets it.
