Bachmann Press Statement
DCC Operation of GWR ROD 2-8-0
The following press release has been received today (13/12/11):
Over the past few days it has been brought to our attention that purchasers of item 31-129, the Great Western liveried version of the ROD 2-8-0, who are using DCC operation are experiencing difficulties after the decoder has been fitted.
In this event we suggest that the item be returned to our Service Department at the address shown on the paperwork enclosed with the model so that our service team can check and resolve the problem.
Please note:
1 - There is no need to return this locomotive if it is intended only to use DC analogue operation.
2 - Only the GWR liveried version (31-129) is affected - the LNER or BR (ER) versions are not.
3 - Any further release of the GWR or BR liveried versions (31-127 and 31-128) will be delayed until each locomotive has been tested under DCC conditions to establish if it is affected.
David Haarhaus, Bachmann's European Sales & Marketing Manager said "we can only apologise to DCC users who are experiencing difficulty with this item. We will rectify those models returned to us and in this case will refund 2ndclass recorded postage.
We will endeavour to get the model back to the customer at the earliest
opportunity although the forthcoming Christmas / New Year holidays need to be
factored in to these arrangements. I would ask customers to bear with us during
this period".
More at www.bachmann.co.uk (13/12/11)
Hornby 2012 - revealed 03/01/12...
At the recent press briefing in Margate for Hornby's 2012 product range, Simon Kohler revealed that the 2012 release plan will be revealed on the 3rd January. This will allow retailers to be briefed ahead of the announcement and also allow Hornby to have staff on-hand to answer queries about the announcements (3rd Jan is the first day back for Hornby after the Christmas break). Full details will be available on their website, and a full report will appear here at UKmodelrailways.com, together with an audio interview with Simon.
Some news not subject to the embargo, Simon told us that the planned release of the LNER B17 model has been delayed until the middle of next year due to issues at the factory in China, where this particular model is being produced.
The first of the LNER B1 locos should be at retailers now. The stunning Brighton Belle EMU is just weeks away, expected in January, and looks set to be a solid performer. This will be followed by the Railroad Class 31 and Class 42 (ex-Lima) locomotives. The 2P and 4F models are expected before the end of December as well as the Railroad 4-4-0s.
There is plenty to excite you in Hornby's 2012 plans, with a fair few surprises! We also got to handle an impressive number of new models at an advanced stage in their development. Not only that, the whole programme should be completed and released within the year!
Keep an eye out for all the details from 3rd January 2012.
Kernow LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set
Kernow Model Railway Centre has announced another exclusive Limited Edition!
The retailer has commissioned Dapol to produce the much-requested LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set in 00 gauge. Four versions of the 1914 Stock will be available . Each twin-pack will contain the Driving Brake Composite (which was downgraded to Driving Brake Third during 1939) and Third coach and will be priced at £99.99 including postage and packaging to UK addresses.
The commission of this model follows many requests for LSWR stock to run with the recently-released Beattie Well Tanks and the forthcoming Adams O2 ...as well as forthcoming projects which have yet to be announced! Delivery is expected in late 2012 / early 2013.
Models planned include:
- K1001 Dapol 1914 LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set No. 363 SR lined Maunsell Green
- K1002 Dapol 1914 LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set No. 373 SR unlined Maunsell Green
- K1004 Dapol 1914 LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set No. 374 BR Crimson
- K1005 Dapol 1914 LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set No. 373 BR (SR) Green
Find out more at www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com
(02/12/11)
Bachmann GWR ROD 2-8-0
Following a number of enquires regarding the recent release of the above model, Dennis Lovett, Bachmann's Public Relations Manager, has been in touch with the following:
"We are being inundated with complaints that the GWR version of the ROD 2-8-0 released to dealers recently does not contain vacuum pipes. The reason for this is that the real locomotives were fitted with steam brakes only and did not have vacuum brakes. To produce the GWR version required a new boiler and running plate tooling to reflect the difference between the types as there is no vacuum ejector pipe present either. We would be grateful if you could bring this to the attention of your readers."
Dennis Lovett, Public Relations Manager, Bachmann Europe Plc.
(01/12/11)
REALTRACK Models - Latest!
REALTRACK models, has updated us on it's current projects.
Jointly formed by Charlie Petty (DC Kits & models) and Arran Aird (C-Rail Intermodal), they launched their first model, the Freightliner FLA Intermodal twin-set to high-acclaim.
Currently, work is progressing well on their next project, the all-new '00' Class 143 and Class 144 series of two-car DMUs. These are expected to arrive around Easter 2012.
Design work on the livery PDFs has been completed, and Northern liveried samples have arrived for evaluation in the UK (see photos). Once these models have been evaluated fully and 'signed-off', then production can get underway. The Metro/Arriva Silver & Red livery PDFs are pending shortly.
The Class 144 units based in and around Yorkshire will be the first of the models to arrive, with the Cardiff and Bristol-based Class 143 units expected to follow on around September 2012.
The DMU models planned include:
- 144-114 Class 144 009 in West Yorkshire 'Metro' Red/Silver livery (Arriva branding)
- 144-113 Class 144 003 in West Yorkshire 'Metro' Red/Silver livery (Nothern branding)
- 144-112 Class 144 007 in Northern Blue livery (Metro & SY branding)
- 144-111 Class 144 012 in Northern Blue /Serco/Abellio livery (Metro & SY branding)
- 143-211 Class 143 609 in ATW livery 'Sir Tom Jones'
- 143-212 Class 143 610 in ATW livery
- 143-213 Class 143 611 in First Great Western 'Local Lines' livery
- 143-214 Class 143 620 in First Great Western 'Local Lines' livery
A new wagon project is also underway. This project is at the early stages to produce a '00' scale PCA Ribble Cement Wagon. The plan is to produce the wagon in Ribble Cement and Ketton Cement liveries. Expected delivery of this model is in Summer 2013.
Finally, another ALL-NEW DMU project is underway - expected inn 2013 - watch this space!
(01/12/2011)
Bachmann Blue Pullman - Latest
Bachmann Europe Plc took the opportunity to unveil the engineering prototype samples of it's forthcoming Midland Pullman at the Warley Model Railway exhibition in Birmingham.
This stunning 00 scale model captured the look of it's full-size counterpart despite being in grey plastic.
The model is based on the iconic luxury train , which was designed and built by Metro Cammell of Birmingham. The real-life prototype catered for the high end of the Manchester - London business market while services on the West Coast Main Line were disrupted during electrification.
The Bachmann Branchline six car unit includes directional lighting, etched fan grilles, a highly detailed underframe, and table lamp lighting (which, incidentally looked superb illuminated in the display cases at the NEC!). Both power cars are driven with a new style dedicated close coupling concept giving less thsan 1mm running gap on straight track.
The model will be available as 31-255DC in Nanking Blue livery and 31-256DC in Nanking Blue livery with yellow ends. Both models come with DCC decoders fitted as standard (one in each power car) and will be able to run on DC without problem.
(30/11/11)