Hattons' Heljan Commissions
Liverpool retailer Hattons has unveiled details of a selection of special commissions from Heljan to be produced exclusively for them, as follows:
All models will be limited to 500 pieces and prices range from £74 for the pristine Class 33 & Class 47 models to £79 for the weathered versions.
The Class 53 'Falcon' models will retail at £99 each.
More details at www.ehattons.com
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Dapol's DEMU Announcements!
Dapol chose the DEMU Showcase exhibition in Burton on Trent as an opportunity to announce a plethora of '00' scale modern-image releases!
By the end of June / early July the following NEW items will be available from your local model retailer:
Dapol also announced that they are also to produce the MSW masts and gantries as used between Manchester and Sheffield and also currently still to be found on the BR Network around Manchester and also in East Anglia. These are expected to be available around the time of release of the proposed Heljan model Class 76.
In addition, Dapol also announced that it is to release the following wagons in '00' gauge over the coming months. Metal has already started to be cut for the first two single models below:
Finally, the following are in the final stages of research and CAD/CAM:
Weathered examples of both are expected to be produced in conjunction with the standard clean versions.
www.dapol.co.uk (12/10/2010)
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Realtrack Sets the Pace(r)!
New kid on the block, Realtrack Models, has unveiled plans for it's next ready-to-run model following production of it's '00' scale Freightliner FLA wagons.
The Class 143 / 144 Alexander/Barclay family of DMUs!
The first model to be produced will be the 2-car Class 144 DMU. As you can see CAD drawing work is already well advanced on the bodyshell, with design work on the drive unit also now underway (provisional design below).
This new model promises to meet today's exacting standards of detail and reliability, with the intention that the 2-car unit will feature a single powered car, powerful enough to pull a 3-car set. All windows will be see-through without internal cast blocks spoiling the overall appearance and balance of the train.
The spec for this (and subsequent DMUs / EMUs / locos *) is impressive:
The Class 144 will be introduced in a range of current modern liveries suitable for operation during the period 2000 to 2012:
These models will then be followed by the Class 143 . The spec of this 2-car DMU will be identical to the Class 144 but will include a new bufferbeam with early footsteps, repositioned battery boxes and electrical equipment and a redesigned seating layout to suit the Class 143, which differs from the later-built Class 144 DMU's in their current day operations.
The Class 143 will also be released in a range of current modern liveries suitable for operation during the period 2005 to 2012:
It is anticipated that the Class 144 models will be available during Q3 2011 followed by the Class 143 during early 2012.
Prices will be set in due course. More info can be found at www.realtrackmodels.co.uk.
(* note intention of future models...)
(12/06/2010)
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'Research' goes N Gauge for Modelzone
Retail chain Modelzone has announced some new limited edition models in 'N' Gauge.
Firstly, a Farish Class 24 Diesel loco 97201 in the BR Research Technical Centre livery of Red & Blue. This model was produced some years ago in '00' gauge for the chain as a limited edition, and is highly sought after. This 'N' gauge model will be limited to 504 pieces and is being produced exclusively for Modelzone. Delivery is anticipated to be 3rd/4th quarter this year. Price has been set at £89.99 (372-975Z)
To complement the loco, a pair of Farish 'N' gauge Mk 1 coaches are also being produced. These will also feature the Red/Blue RTC livery. The pack of 2 coaches will consist of Test Coach 5 and Lab 12, and will be on the new Farish Mk1 tooling. Again these are being produced exclusively for Modelzone (in similar vein to their previous '00' counterparts) and limited to 504 packs. These are also anticipated for delivery during the 3rd/4th quarter this year. The price for this pair of coaches has still to be confirmed. (374-000Z)
Finally, Modelzone's latest limited edition arrival is their exclusive '00' scale model of the Hornby Class 466 Networker EMU in Network SouthEast 'Kent Link Networker' livery. This 2-car unit is limited to just 1,000 pieces and is priced at £94.99 (R2893). Available instore and on-line at www.modelzone.co.uk now!
(11/06/2010)
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Bachmann IPA emerges!
The first painted sample of Bachmann's new '00' scale Branchline model of the IPA Twin Double-Deck Car Transporter has been received in Barwell for approval, prior to production.
The model is packed with features including etched hinged bridging plates, articulated axle boxes, close coupling system and highly detailed underside equipment. The end ramps on the top deck can also be raised or left in the lowered position.
Item No. 38-250 will be released in the STVA red livery and will be priced at £30.25.
www.bachmann.co.uk (11/06/2010)
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Kernow's Warship on the horizon!
One of the UK's most prolific retailers of limited and special edition models, has announced that orders can now be accepted for it's next special edition locomotive.
Kernow Model Rail Centre's forthcoming '00' model of the D6xx Warship is progressing well, after taking a back seat to other projects such as the Beattie Well Tank & Class 205 DEMU. These models had overtaken the Warship due to the fact they were laser-scanned, which saved a considerable amount of time and allowed them to progress quicker.
CAD/CAMs for the D6xx are currently under production and should be available shortly. Much work has been done from original drawings and other source material.
Five versions are being produced by KMRC, as follows:
K2600 - D600 "Active" in BR Blue livery with full yellow ends, headcode boxes and mesh grilles
K2601 - D601 "Ark Royal" in BR Green livery with no yellow ends, headcode disks and louvres
K2602 - D602 "Bulldog" in BR Green livery with small yellow ends, headcode boxes and mesh grilles
K2603 - D603 "Conquest" in BR Green livery with small yellow ends, headcode disks and mesh grilles
K2604 - D604 "Cossack" in BR Green livery with no yellow ends, headcode disks and mesh grilles
The models will be priced at £129.99 each (subject to VAT remaining at 17.5%), and delivery is expected during 2011. The models are being produced by Dapol on behalf of KMRC using tools owned by the retailer. Each model will be a certified limited edition of 750 and will feature etched nameplates , working directional and cab lighting, 5-pole skew-wound motor with flywheels and will be DCC ready.
More details at www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com (08/06/2010)
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Another Southern Electric approaches...
The latest images of Bachmann's Branchline '00' model of the forthcoming Class 416 (2-EPB) Electric Multiple Unit have been revealed. The images show the engineering evaluation sample for assessment.
These models follow-on from the superbly detailed 4-CEP EMU released at the turn of the year, and promise a veritable cornucopia of detail, including full underfloor equipment, illuminated headcode panel and internal lighting.
Four versions will initially be available, one of which is a limited edition model for Welsh retailer, Lord & Butler:
RRP for each of the standard models is £99.90. (check with L & B for the expected price of their Limited Edition)
Finished models are expected to be released around December/January.
The prototypes were stalwarts of suburban services on the former Southern Region of BR, and the Bachmann model is based on the BR-built Class 416/2 2-car units .
More at www.bachmann.co.uk
(05/06/2010)
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Realtrack FLA - almost here!
Samples of Realtrack models' all-new '00' gauge FLA Freightliner wagons are in the UK, and will be available to view at the DEMU Show in Bretby (Burton-On-Trent) this weekend.
Finished stock should be here in late September, just in time for the modelling season!
Also, watch this space at the weekend (12/13 June), as Realtrack will be unveiling details of their next projects at the DEMU Showcase event in Burton-On-Trent (see exhibition diary page for more details).
(05/06/2010)
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More Model Rail Limited Editions
Model Rail magazine has announced details of another tranche of Limited Edition Bachmann '00' scale models.
Following the announcement of a Class 150 'Sprinter' DMU in the now-extinct Scotrail 'Swoosh' livery, the next models in the programme of releases includes:
In addition, Model Rail's latest limited edition wagon, the ZDA S&T wagon has just been released. The model is based on Bachmann's '00' gauge OCA open wagon and carries S&T red/yellow livery with InterCity Great Western Engineer's departmental markings. Price per model is £19.99 incl p&p.
More at www.modelrailoffers.co.uk
(06/06/2010)
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Dapol's Class 22 CAD/CAM's complete
Dapol has finished the design work for it's first '00' scale locomotive in many years, the Class 22.
The delay in producing this model has been down to a combination of factors including lack of plans and a desire to include as much detail as possible. This detail includes lots of separately attached factory-fitted bogie details and the creation of lower bodyside valances (and assorted detail behind them) for customer fitting which will allow you to fit them in all positions or be selective - and with a little modelling at various angles, just like the real thing!
The CAD/CAM has now progressed to the tool-room. In addition, the new 5-pole skew-wound '00' gauge 'super-creep' motor is currently undergoing factory testing prior to being fitted to a test chassis for destructive and endurance testing.
More at www.dapol.co.uk
(06/06/2010)
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Hattons announce another Special Commission...
Liverpool-based retailer Hattons has announced it's next exclusive Special Commission following the success of it's '00' gauge Class 14 project, produced by Heljan.
This new project will take the form of the Metropolitan-Vickers Class 28 Co-Bo locomotive!
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20 of these locos were produced in the late 1950's and were well-known for being the main locomotives to haul the new 'Condor' Freightliner service for BR in 1959 - hauling this in pairs from London to Glasgow.
There will be 7 variants produced initially:
RRP is set at £125 for pristine finish and £132 for weathered finish models. Quantities produced of each version differs (see www.ehattons.com for more details)
The spec for this new commission is impressive, and each loco will feature all-wheel drive and pick-up, sprung buffers, flywheels, see-through roof grille, directional LED lighting, 8 open and 8 closed headcode discs, NEM couplings, 8-pin DCC socket and much more!
Delivery is anticipated during the first quarter of 2011.
The commissioning of this loco type is significant because Hattons bought the remaining stocks of the old Hornby-Dublo Co-Bo's (as well as other models) when the manufacturer went out of business . They had thousands in stock for many years and customers were directed to Hattons if they were looking for one of the Class 28's.
More info at www.ehattons.com (17/05/2010)
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..and another - from Rails of Sheffield...
Rails of Sheffield, in partnership with Bachmann Europe plc, has also announced that they are planning to develop and release brand new '00' gauge models of the pioneer LMS-designed prototype diesels , 10000 and 10001 , the LMS Twins!
Much thought is being given to the initial limited-edition releases, likely to be of both locos in BR Black with the additional fittings they carried for their last year on the Southern Region and for the following 12 months after their return to the London Midland Region.
Following that, consideration is being given to releasing versions in BR Brunswick Green with eggshell blue waistbands and grey roofs.
Locos will be available separately or as a pair.
A significant investment is being made to develop and produce these locos, which will also cater for the subtle differences between the two locomotives. Confirmation of the planned releases and prices will be revealed fully soon on a new dedicated website, once costings have been finalised.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director for Bachmann Europe, commented, "We were approached by Rails of Sheffield earlier this year with a view to producing these popular locomotives in partnership with them. Our response was a very positive one and following recent detailed discussions with the production facility in China, the first release could be available in early 2012."
More info can be found at www.railsofsheffield.com (17/05/2010)
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..oh..and more... also a Class 76 and Blue Pullman!!...
Sheffield retailer 'Olivia's Trains' has announced it's intention to produce Class 76/77 EM1 & EM2 DC Overhead Electric locos in '00' scale... and a 'Blue Pullman' in 4mm scale too!
The EM1 & EM2 specification will include sprung buffers, all-wheel drive, 5 Pole motor with flywheel, 21 Pin DCC Socket (is this a first on Heljan-produced models?), Pre-fitted speaker, LED lights - including a red lens to cover over a lamp as per the real thing!
The first run of EM1 liveries includes:
Estimated RRP of the basic locomotive is £149 each.
The first run of EM2 liveries includes:
Estimated RRP of the basic locomotive is £154 each.
Expected delivery date for the EM1 / EM2 locos is August 2011.
The retailer is teaming up with Heljan on the above projects, and more info will be available soon from a dedicated website. For more details go to www.oliviastrains.com . (17/05/2010)
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First sighting of 'Ugly Duck'.....
Bachmann Europe Plc has just revealed the first images of the forthcoming '00' Class 70 Freightliner diesel locomotive. The first engineering prototype pictures of this impressive (some would say 'ugly'..) beast show the wealth of detail we can expect. The locos will feature multi-function lighting controls, 21 pin decoder socket and will be available DCC Sound enabled.
The two versions for general release are:
Given that the full-size locos only arrived in the UK in the last 12 months, the turnround time in getting work progressed this far is amazing when you consider how long some models can spend in development.
RRP for each loco is £94.95
More images at www.bachmann.co.uk (07/05/10)
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Bachmann '00' Additions
Bachmann has unveiled an addition to it's 2010 range of Scenecraft 00 scale model buildings, based on a preserved railway prototype.
Item no 44-087, Bluebell Waiting Room, has been created to celebrate 50 years of the famous Bluebell Railway in East Sussex. The model is based on the waiting room which can be found on platform 2 at Sheffield Park station.
The Scenecraft model will feature transparent windows, period posters and intricate hand-assembled canopy supports.
RRP is £39.95
In addition, a number of alterations have been announced regarding a few items in the Bachmann Branchline 2010 catalogue. Running numbers have changed, whilst liveries will remain as previously announced:
Finally, first images of the painted samples for the 00 gauge Robinson O4 locos, due around June/July have been posted on Bachmann's website.
The models will feature a 21-pin DCC socket in the tender, detailed cab interior and adjustable draw-bar length. Three models are initially being released:
RRP for all models is £128.75
More at www.bachmann.co.uk
(05/05/10)
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Limited Edition Update
The programme of Limited Edition models continues unabated, with more models unveiled for release in the coming months.
Model Rail magazine is to commission a number of new Bachmann models including a BR Black Class 08 diesel shunter D3052. The loco will feature factory-applied heavy weathering as per the prototype, as well as black/yellow warning stripes on each end, which was unusual for the period, and was one of at least two so adorned.
Also approved for production is a model of Network Rail yellow Mk2a dormitory coach DB977337. The prototype accompanies the ultrasonic test train UTU2 across the rail network, and will act as an ideal accompaniment for the magazine's previously released Network Rail liveried Class 37 loco. Delivery of this limited edition is expected in late summer.
Whilst on the subject of Mk2 coaches, the magazine has also just revealed artwork for a set of 4 coaches in Regional Railways livery. This much-requested livery looked superb on the prototypes, and the models should prove popular. They will be supplied in two twin-packs of coaches, one featuring 2 x TSO coaches, the other featuring a BSO & TSO to make up a 4-coach rake. Artwork images can be seen here . These coaches are expected to be available during the autumn.
Finally, the latest model to be announced by the magazine is a Class 150 Sprinter in the popular Scotrail 'Swoosh' livery, in conjunction with Edinburgh retailer Harburn Hobbies. Based on the recent Bachmann 00 scale model, this limited edition should also prove popular, and follow on from the recently released Class 107 3-Car DMU in Strathclyde PTE livery.
Bachmann has completed the artwork design and models are expected to be available later this year. You can see the artwork here . More info on these (and others...) will follow in the next edition of Model Rail magazine (MR 144) later this month.
(05/05/2010)
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Bachmann's Eastern Delights!
Bachmann Europe has revealed the latest CAD images for the new Eastern Ventilated Vans with all-new tooling.
The vans feature a highly-detailed chassis as used on the steel open wagons, and are typical of van construction favoured by the LNER.
Item 38-380 will be released in BR Early Bauxite livery with corrugated metal ends and 38-381 will be in late BR Bauxite livery - also with corrugated metal ends.
Two distinctive fruit vans are also included featuring roof ventilators and 'louvre' ends. Item 38-385 will be in early BR Bauxite livery and 38-386 will carry the late BR Bauxite livery.
For the version with planked ends, item 38-375 will be released in LNER Oxide livery and 38-376 will come in early BR Bauxite livery.
RRP for all wagons is £8.65 each
More CAD images and info at www.bachmann.co.uk
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Bachmann Derby Lightweight Livery Change
A subtle livery change has been made by Bachmann to the descriptions of the Branchline Derby Lightweight DMU models, as follows:
32-515 Derby Lightweight DMU BR Green Half Yellow Ends
32-516 Derby Lightweight DMU BR Green Speed Whiskers
32-517 Derby Lightweight DMU BR Blue Full Yellow Ends
www.bachmann.co.uk (16/04/2010) #
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Latest Kernow Limited Edition Arrives!
Kernow Model Rail Centre in Camborne has just received it's latest Bachmann '00' Gauge Limited Edition model. This new arrival is a Class 57 Diesel loco No. 57 605 'Totnes Castle' in the latest First Great Western blue livery. (Item 32-752Y)
Timing couldn't have been better given the recent HST and Mk III coaches released by Hornby in the same livery!
Whilst many have been pre-ordered, there are still some available for general sale at £94.99 each.
More at www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com
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ViTrains New Releases announced
The next new '00' releases from ViTrains have been announced by the HobbyCo for release during May and June as follows:
V2065 47 810 'Captain Sensible' in Cotswold Rail silver livery
V2096 47 839 'Pegasus' in Riviera Trains blue livery
V2097 47 237 in Advenza Freight blue livery
V2074 37 415 in EW&S livery
More vitrains info at www.hobbyco.net
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