New '00' scale Compound 4-4-0

 

The National Railway Museum has once again teamed up with Bachmann Europe Plc to produce it's 'third' exclusive limited edition model.

 

Today, (4th October) the NRM unveiled it's latest model, the Midland Railway 4-4-0 Compound locomotive No. 1000, having been shrouded in secrecy, in the Gibbs Theatre at the museum in York.

 

 

The standard model (2,500 pieces) will be available from 11th October at £140.00 each whilst the exclusive edition (500 pieces) will be available from November, which also includes a Platinum box, acrylic plinth and numbered certificate at £170.00 each .

 

The model has been produced exclusively for the National Railway Museum and is only available through the NRM at York and Locomotion at Shildon ...or online at www.nrmshop.co.uk .

 

Each sale supports the NRM in preserving Britain's railway heritage, and providing public access to the National Collections.

 

(04/10/2011)

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Belle Beauty

 

 

 

 

  Decorated sample of Hornby's new Brighton Belle electric multiple unit, which is currently in development, and was on view at Folkestone Model Railway Exhibition. The power car (with motor bogie) features a heavy diecast metal chassis with full interior detail including illuminated table lamps ... (Incidentally, it appears the motor bogie has been designed to be self-contained within the guard's van area and won't overlap into the passenger saloon)

 

 

(03/10/11)

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Heljan Update

 

HELJAN's forthcoming UK projects are continuing apace. The '00' Class 23 'Baby Deltic' has been further delayed due to corrections being required to the livery samples received by the company. The latest estimate is that models should be available for release towards the end of September. This initial batch of releases is already 'sold-out' from HELJAN, however, a further series of releases is planned for December. More details from your local HELJAN stockist.

 

The first running samples of the '00' gauge Waggon & Maschinenbau railbus have arrived for testing. The first releases are expected to be available in November. The '00' AC railcars vehicle has now proceeded to tooling.

 

For '0' gauge modellers, the Class 55 'Deltic' locomotives are expected to be shipped to the UK later this month, while the Class 31 CAD is now complete and it has proceeded to the tooling stage. Incidentally, due to the limited production of the Class 31, HELJAN will now be including a numbered certificate with each one.

 

Finally, news reaches us that Liverpool retailer 'Hatton's' has unveiled details of another exclusive limited edition commission, namely a '00' gauge model of the LMS/BR Beyer Garratt 2-6-0 0-6-2 locomotives! 12 different versions are planned initially, and more details can be found here. This will be the first foray into UK steam outline for the Danish firm.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Bachmann Update

 

Bachmann recently held it's annual Trade Open Days at it's Barwell HQ in Leicestershire.

 

 

Visitors were able to see development work on a number of projects which are due to be available over the coming months. Amongst the items on display were the 00 scale Class 3F 0-6-0, Class 105 Power Twin DMUs, Derby Lightweight DMU, GWR ROD 2-8-0, Class 85 electric loco, OTA Timber wagon and the BAA/BZA steel coil carriers.

 

 

In N scale the A1 Class 4-6-2 has now reached final decoration stage and four new Mk1 coaches have been tooled and will see the addition of General Utility Vans (GUV), Full Brake (BG), Brake Corridor Composite (BCK) and Miniature Buffet Car (RMB) coaches to those released last year. They'll be available in various liveries.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Midland Railex - August 13th and 14th


With Summer well and truly here, railway modelling traditionally takes a back-seat until the exhibition season kicks-in again in September. However, a brand new show debuts over the weekend of 13-14th August at Butterley Station on the Midland Railway.

 

Midland Railex will open it's doors both days between 10am and 5pm, and is sponsored by Bachmann, the Bachmann Collectors' Club, HMRS, Hornby Magazine and BRM.

 

More than 20 layouts are already booked to appear including:

         Widnes Vine Yard (00)

         St Minions (EM)

         Glenuig (EM)

         Hoglington (N)

         Anston (N) 

         Moorton Bottom Yard (OOG)

         Bay Street (00)

         Idregehay (00)

         Fairdale (H0)

         Barental (HOm)

         Woodside Lane Stabling point  (00)

         ...plus more

 

Admission is £10 for adults, £9 for over 60s, £5 for children and £25 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)

 

Trade will be well represented including Bachmann, Signalbox ,JLRT, Book Law, Penketh Models/Grimy Times, Shawplan Model Products, Squires, M & B Models, Gee Dee and others...

 

In addition there will be demonstrations and train rides on the standard gauge exhibits (included in the admission price).

 

All-in-all, a great day planned for all the family at:

 

Midland Railex

The Midland Railway

Butterley Station

Ripley

Derbyshire

DE5 3QZ

www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Blue liveried versions of Class 416 EPB (31-375)

 

 

Following the release of Bachmann's new Class 416 2-EPB in BR Blue livery, the following statement has just been received from Dennis Lovett on behalf of Bachmann Europe Plc:

 

"It has come to light that the numbers on the Blue EPB model (31-375) have been incorrectly numbered with the running numbers transposed between the two vehicles.

 

Bachmann Europe Plc is arranging for replacement bodies to be produced by the factory so that they can be changed over by those who wish to do so. Please note that these will take some weeks to produce and ship to us. In the meantime please retain your dealer receipt (or proof of purchase) so that replacement bodies can be obtained from us free of charge. We regret that we cannot provide these without proof of purchase.

 

The error was made here in the UK and not as hinted by our factory in China. Despite a rigorous checking procedure that is in place for all our artwork this one slipped the net and we can only apologise.

 

Customers should note that no other Class 416 2EPB models are so affected. The running numbers are the correct ones for each vehicle type on the green (31-376) and blue/grey (31-377) versions. Likewise commissioned models are not affected either.

 

Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said today "we can only apologise for this error which was purely human. We appreciate the disappointment but we have reacted quickly to put replacements in hand following all the emails and comments we have received since it was discovered on Thursday. Whilst we have rigorous checking arrangements in place these will now be reviewed"."

 

www.bachmann.co.uk   (24/05/11)

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hornby's New Tool!

 

Following criticism of the connection between loco and tender of it's latest DCC compatible steam locomotives, Hornby has produced a rather nifty new tool, designed to help the fiddly task of connecting the plug and socket .

 

 

Measuring just under 5cms in length, this simple but effective new tool will be available soon through Hornby dealers or direct from Hornby Customer Care.

 

 

In time it is Hornby's intention to factory-connect the locomotive and tender together, but until then this small tool should make life much easier for those who've been experiencing problems.

 

(21/05/11)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Realtrack's DMU breaks cover..

 

Engineering Prototypes of Realtrack Models' new Class 144/143 family of DMU's have arrived in the UK for evaluation. The amount of thought that has been put into this project is reflected in the level of detail already evident in the images below:

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the specially-designed low profile motor means a fully-modelled interior can be produced without motor intrusion, plus provision for DCC sound has also been made. Add in the rest of the impressive spec for this model and at £100 per 2 car set, it promises to be another great value product from this fledgling manufacturer.

 

·  5 Pole motor and Low profile gearbox and gear train.

·  Individually moulded seating & partition layout.

·  Dummy BSI Standard coupling in NEM pocket.

·  Bi-Directional head & tail lights.

·  Full Cab detailing.

·  Interior handrails & detailing.

·  Constant DC Internal lighting.

·  Flush glazed bodyshell.

·  Live coupling between carriages for pickups and DCC.

·  DCC Ready.

·  DCC Speaker aperture.

·  High Quality decal and paint finish

 

Liveries have now been finalised and the first batches are listed below for 2012 delivery:

 

VERSION:  1  REALTRACK models Part Number: 144-114 Class 144 Two Car 'Pacer' 144009  RRP £100.00

 

West Yorkshire 'METRO' Red & Silver livery.  ARRIVA Branding  144009   

 

Driving Motor Second DMS                      (No Toilet) 55809

Driving Motor Second Lavatory DMSL  (Toilet)        55832

 

VERSION:  2  REALTRACK models Part Number: 144-113 Class 144 Two Car 'Pacer' 144003  RRP £100.00

 

West Yorkshire 'METRO' Red & Silver livery.  NORTHERN  Branding  144003   

 

Driving Motor Second DMS                      (No Toilet) 55803

Driving Motor Second Lavatory DMSL  (Toilet)        55826

 

VERSION:  3  REALTRACK models Part Number: 144-112 Class 144 Two Car 'Pacer' 144007  RRP £100.00

 

Northern Night Blue livery with Metro & SY Travel logo's

 

Driving Motor Second DMS                      (No Toilet) 55807

Driving Motor Second Lavatory DMSL  (Toilet)        55830

 

VERSION:  4  REALTRACK models Part Number: 144-111 Class 144 Two Car 'Pacer' 144012  RRP £100.00

 

Northern Night Blue / Serco & Abellio Joint Venture livery with Metro & SY Travel logo's

 

Driving Motor Second DMS                      (No Toilet) 55812

Driving Motor Second Lavatory DMSL  (Toilet)        55835

 

RELEASE DATES PLANNED FOR Q1 2012

 

The Class 143 models will follow in Q2 2012, provisionally as follows:

 
143-211 Class 143 in the Current Arriva Trains Wales Branding: Set number to be announced  £100.00


143-212 Class 143 in the Current Arriva Trains Wales Branding. Set number to be announced  £100.00


143-213 Class 143 in First Great Western 'Local Lines' Branding. Set number to be announced  £100.00

 

143-214 Class 143 in First Great Western 'Local Lines' Branding. Set number to be announced  £100.00


All Class 143 units will have different running/fleet numbers.  They will be limited to 300 of each and these running numbers will not be repeated.


 

Also Realtracks' NEW FLA Twinsets now in stock, four types available:

 

FLA003 Freightliner FLA Twinset Unloaded. (Empty)  @£29.99

FLA003M Freightliner FLA Twinset: (MAERSK-EVERGREEN)  @£39.99

FLA004 Freightliner FLA Twinset (2 X EVERGREEN 40' Hi-Cubes) @£39.99

FLA004S Freightliner FLA Twinset: 1 off each SAFEMARINE-EVERGREEN 40ft Hi-Cubes  @£39.99

  

NEW Hi-Cube 40ft Containers & 20ft Tanktainers & 40ft Refrigerated Containers 'Reefers'

 

 

 

K.LINE 40ft Hi-Cube Containers  £15.50 Per Pair

HAPAG LLOYD 40ft Hi-Cube Containers.  £15.50 Per Pair

BULKHAUL 20ft Tanktainers.  £18.00 Per Pair

 

 

MOL 40ft Refrigerated Containers.  £19.98 Per Pair

MAERSK 40ft Refrigerated Containers.  £19.98 Per Pair

 

(The above containers will be available at the forthcoming DEMU exhibition in Burton On Trent over the weekend of 11/12th June 2012)

 

REALTRACK New Wagon - French PCA

 

Realtrack Models next '00' scale model will be a French-built PCA four-wheeled cement wagon.

 

These will be in 8 different liveries/running numbers, and packed in a Twin Pack.

 

More at www.realtrackmodels.co.uk

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Bachmann first past the post!

 

 

Bachmann Europe Plc has made a clean sweep in the 00 section of the annual Model Rail / RM Web Model of the Year competition and been named Manufacturer of the Year in N scale.

 

Bachmann is the first British model railway manufacturer to win all four sections of the 00 awards in the same year by winning the steam locomotive, diesel/electric, rolling stock and Manufacturer of the Year awards. Bachmann was also named N scale Manufacturer of the Year and also received the winning entry in the diesel/electric category.

 

Bachmann also took 64% of the vote in the overall Manufacturer of the Year award.

 

Merl Evans, Bachmann's Design Manager has been responsible for many of the company's OO products over the years and says he's honoured to become the first ever recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc says "we are overwhelmed by the support for our 00 products which has resulted in the first ever clean sweep in the 00 section since the competition began. Last year I was disappointed with the N scale results but this year we have taken 50% of the awards so we are clearly moving in the right direction. Our N scale Graham Farish range has been busy re-establishing itself as the leading UK brand and with many new products coming on stream over the next 12 months, I am confident that we can do even better next year. I am delighted for our team here at Barwell and also for our parent company Kader in China, that our joint efforts have been so well rewarded. I am particularly pleased for Merl Evans who has been behind many of our award winning models since he joined us in 1992. Merl was also the chief designer of the former Mainline Railways range for Palitoy from its inception until closure. My thanks to all those who took time to vote and to organise this poll - as a manufacturer this is the best possible feedback you could ask for".

 

(22/03/2011)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Rebuild for Heljan '00' 33/0!

 

Well-known for it's limited and special edition commissions via Rail Express magazine, and more recently on it's own as a standalone company following the sale of the magazine to another publisher, Rail Exclusive has announced details of it's next special edition model.

 

 

The Company is to commission a 'rebuild' of Heljan's '00' Class 33/0 model.

 

When the model was originally released, there were concerns over a number of inaccuracies to the body of the locomotive, which affected the 'look' of the model. This new 'remastered' model of the Class 33/0 will be available in two versions representing the significant differences between 'as-built' and 'late-life' machines, including original and later roof styles.

 

The 'spec' for the retooled model is impressive, featuring:

 

  • Correct roof profile from prototype dimensions
  • Finely etched metal roof fan and radiator grilles
  • Separate roof detail (original exhaust silencer)
  • Redesigned bufferbeams with etched chequer plate pattern footsteps
  • Accurately positioned and dimensioned cab windscreens and side windows
  • Painted metal lamp irons
  • Metal-headed sprung 'Oleo'-style buffers
  • Radiator aperture with distinctive 'A' framing visible through separately fitted side grilles
  • Bogie improvements including optional front bogie frame cross-beam
  • Improved detailing and scaling, including cab ventilators and marker light lens twists
  • Working illuminated headcodes (selection supplied) and directional head/marker/tail lights
  • Supplied with stainless steel nameplates, plaques, arrows, worksplates, headboards etc (where applicable)

 

Whilst much of the Class 33/0 model is being re-worked, the reliable and proven diecast chassis with twin-flywheel fitted central five pole motor will remain. In addition, a dcc-sound option will be available making use of the NEM 652 8-pin circuit board-mounted socket. The Sound option will incorporate factory-installed latest 2011 spec ESU Loksound version 4.0 decoders and 4-ohm speakers mounted under the roof grille..

 

In recent years Heljan has produced the Class 33/2 and Class 33/1 variants, which have been accurate and faithful reproductions ... but has refused to retool it's Class 33/0 - until now!

 

The new Class 33/0 models will be available as 'Special edition' twin packs in a selection of liveries, spanning  5 decades ! They will be presented in Rail Exclusive's 'Signature Series' boxes, retailing at £199 for standard models and £399 for dcc sound-fitted models.

 

Livery options include:

 

  • Pack 33A 'Early Escapees' D6501 / D6578 BR plain green livery
  • Pack 33B 'Superliner Superpower' D6547 / D6554 BR grn yellow panels 
  • Pack 33C 'Brighton Blues' 33014 / 33062 BR Blue livery with TOPS nos
  • Pack 33D 'Tunnel Twins' 33050 / 33056 BR Railfreight Construction livery
  • Pack 33E 'Double Dutch' 33046 / 33047 Civil Engineers' Dept livery
  • Pack 33F 'Minimodal Motivators' 33 025 / 33030 DRS Minimodal livery

 

For more details and ordering information, visit www.railexclusive.com 

 

(21/03/2011)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

More Modelzone Models unveiled!

 

Model retailer Modelzone has unveiled plans for a raft of new Limited Edition releases for later this year. These models are being produced by Bachmann Europe plc and will be available from it's stores nationwide or online at www.modelzone.co.uk

 

All releases are '00' unless otherwise stated:

 

  • BC32-425X   Class 24 Diesel loco 97201 in RTC Red/Blue livery (£71.99)
  • BC39-175Z    Mk1 BG Coach 'Lab 23' 975547 in RTC Red/Blue (£29.99)
  • BC32-150V   Southern 'N' Class Mogul 1860 in SR Black with sunshine 'Southern' lettering (£99.99)
  • BC32-102U   WD Diesel Shunter 878  'Basra' in LMR Blue (£69.99)
  • BC39-001Z   Pack of 2 BR (ex Pullman) Open First coaches in Blue/Grey E353E / E347E (£71.99)
  • BC37-950Y   Pack of 3 BR Conflats & Containers - weathered (£31.99)
  • BC37-081Z   Pack of 3 Berks & Bucks wagons   (Huntley & Palmers Ltd / Isaiah Cadd & Co Ltd / Thomas & Green Ltd  (£28.99)
  • BC37-075L   Pack of 3 Midlands Coal wagons  (Kynoch / N Hingley & Sons Ltd / E R Gell)    (£28.99)
  • BC37-500Y   Pack of 3 Iron Ore Hopper wagons - weathered (£27.99)

 

The above models will be limited to 512 pieces (locomotives) or 504 pieces (coaches / wagons)

 

Interestingly, a Class 24 model in RTC livery was subject of a Limited Edition run for Rail Express magazine a few years ago from Bachmann. It remains to be seen if the livery differs on this model.

 

More at www.modelzone.co.,uk

 

(18/03/2011)

 

Bachmann 2011 / 2012

 

Bachmann Europe plc has unveiled it's plans for the next 18 months. Highlights for the Bachmann Branchline range of '00' models for 2011/2012 include:

 

  • 3200 GW Earl Class 4-4-0 (BR Black/GWR Green)
  • C Class (Wainwright) SECR 0-6-0 (SECR Green / SR Black / BR Black)
  • Class 419 EMU Motor Luggage Van (BR Green /BR Green SYP /BR  BlueGrey)
  • Mk1 SLF Sleeper coaches
  • Mk1 SLSTP Sleeper coaches
  • Mk1 POS Post Office Sorting Vans
  • Polybulk Bulk Grain Hopper wagons
  • SR 25ton Pill Box Brake Vans
  • LMS 57ft Porthole / LMS 60ft Porthole coaches

 

The company's new catalogues (Bachmann Branchline '00' & Graham Farish 'N') were revealed to members of the Trade and Press at the Model & Hobby Show in the RICOH Arena in Coventry on Sunday (6th March).

 

Looking at the main items in a little more detail, the Class 419 MLV EMU was a surprise, given it's imminent appearance as a ready-to-run model from Replica Railways (it's already available in 'kit' form). However, it makes complete sense given it's operation with 4-CEP units on Channel Boat Trains, primarily to Dover Western Docks and Folkestone Harbour,  and the sharing of tooling elements with the forthcoming 2-EPB & the 4-CEP. Plus, it'll make a great prototypical short train on it's own!

 

The units were built at Eastleigh between 1959 and 1961 and were built with the intention that they could also operate 'off the juice' at Dover & Folkestone by using their on-board batteries and moving forward alongside the ship to ease loading/unloading of luggage and mail etc. They lasted until the opening of the Channel Tunnel rendered them redundant. There was no corridor connection , so drivers had to climb in and out of adjacent cabs when changing ends when coupled to corridor stock. They were also occasionally seen coupled to specially-converted Trailer Luggage Vans (TLV) for extra flexibility when operations required more luggage capacity.

 

Three versions will be available initially in BR green livery (31-265), BR green livery with yellow panel (31-266) and in BR blue /grey livery (31-267). Recommended retail price is £76.95 (powered vehicle).

 

 

Keeping the 'Southern' theme, a '00' scale model of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway 'C' Class 0-6-0 locomotive is also planned.

 

These locomotives were introduced in 1900 and ran until withdrawal of the last of the Class in 1966. A total of 109 were built between 1900 and 1908 and one, No. 592, is preserved on the Bluebell Railway.

 

Three versions will be available initially as 592 in South Eastern & Chatham Railway livery (31-460), 1256 in Southern Railway livery (31-461) and 31086 in BR black livery with early emblem (31-462). Recommended retail price is £85.05 for all versions.

 

 

The third 'new' model unveiled by Bachmann is an '00' scale 3200 Great Western or Earl Class locomotive, better known as 'Dukedogs'.

 

They were rebuilt using the frames of former Bulldog Class locomotives and the boilers from the Duke Class, hence the adoption of the nickname. These were particularly useful on the former Cambrian Railways routes in Wales as they had a yellow route classification, enabling them to be used on many lines that could not accommodate heavier types. The Class numbered 30 in total (although one was different from the other types) and the first examples were named after Earl's. The Earl's were not particularly happy with their names being associated with the Class and demanded that they were allocated to something more prestigious. The names were transferred to new Castle Class 4-6-0s and removed from the older looking engines.

 

Three versions will be available initially as 9017 in BR black livery with early emblem (31-086), 9022 in BR weathered black livery with early emblem (31-085) and 3203 in GWR green livery (31-087DC). The recommended retail price is £133.95 for 31-085, £127.55 for 31-086 and £144.60 for 31-087 with DCC ON BOARD.

 

Other notable new release items include a healthy line-up of '00' scale coaches and wagons over the next 18 months.

 

 

The range of BR Mark 1 coaches will be complemented by a Sleeping Car (SLSTP and SLF). This is a much requested vehicle and is sure to prove popular. These will appear in both BR maroon and blue/grey liveries. Recommended retail price will be £26.75.

 

Also appearing for the first time will be LMS 'Porthole' 60ft coaches. Corridor 1st, Corridor Third, Corridor Composite, Open Vestibule, Brake 1st and Brake 3rd versions will be produced. These will appear initially in BR crimson / cream livery*. Recommended retail price will be £28.60.

 

The Mark 1 Travelling Post Office vehicles will also appear in the main catalogue for the first time, having been available as Limited Edition items for the model chain ModelZone. These coaches will carry new numbers from those already available. Recommended retail price will be £36.25.

 

New wagons include a Southern Railway Pill Box brake van, the long-requested Polybulk and COVHOP hopper wagons.

 

These new items supplement the already announced new products unveiled last Summer, namely the Blue Pullman Unit, GWR ROD and LMS 10000/10001 'Twins' (in conjunction with Rails of Sheffield). Unexpectedly the 'Twins' will appear in the general range in 3 variants of BR Brunswick Green in addition to the already-announced 'Limited Edition' versions available exclusively from RoS.

 

With the continued take-up of DCC, Bachmann is at pains to stress that they have plans to upgrade all their 'non-compliant' models over the next few years. Over the coming months, three LNER locomotives (A4, B1 and V2 Classes) will be upgraded to accommodate DCC sockets for the first time as part of this on-going programme, that last year saw the Collett 2251 Class and 3F Jinty locomotives receive the same treatment. Having asked the question, it looks likely that the more complicated models to upgrade such as  Class 158/159, Class 170 & Class 220/221 DMUs may be towards the end of the programme in future years...

 

A significant increase in the range of Bachmann Scenecraft buildings is planned for 2011/12... and a list of these is shown below, together with a few images of early samples in the 'New Products Gallery'.

 

 

 

Finally, Engineering Prototype samples of forthcoming models were on display at the stand including the 'stunning' Class 350 Desiro Electric Multiple Unit with pantograph and third-rail collection shoes! These will be available in London Midland livery in due course ...surely at class 450 in South West Trains will follow in due course...?! Images of some of these are also available in the New Products Gallery. 

 

In N scale a further nine new locomotives will be added to the Graham Farish range! These include the LNER A1 Class (including 'accurate' Tornado new-build variant), Class 411 4Cep EMU, Class 350 EMU, WD 2-8-0, an original build Class 08, LNER J39 0-6-0, Midland Pullman, BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 and a totally retooled Class 20. Additionally the previously announced Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 will also appear during the year.

 

The recently introduced range of new tooling Mark 1 coaches will see further vehicle types added including BCK, FK, RFO, RMB, BG and GUV.

 

New wagon types include a 10T meat van, SR 'Pill Box' brake van, LNER high sided open wagons, LNER vans, JJA auto-ballaster, PCA cement, Presflo cement, FNA nuclear flask and SPA coil carriers.

 

These models will be released over the next 18 months.

 

Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said today "we are excited by the 2011 announcements and feel sure that they will be welcomed by many railway modellers. They represent the confidence that our owners Kader have in our ability to deliver during the current economic downturn. It would have been very easy for us to sit back and do very little this year but those who know us will appreciate that is not the way we do things here at Bachmann Europe".

 

It should be noted that the catalogues now state '2011/2012' on the covers for the first time, although it's always been the case that the announcements each year are based on an 18 month gestation period.

 

Below are the new '00' items for 2011(some existing tooling with livery or running number changes). Items in blue represent new tooling since the last catalogue.

 

*This model has been previously announced but not included in a previous catalogue

 

Branchline

 

Train Sets

 

30-007            Jack the Saddle Tank (Digital)

30-052            Western Rambler

 

Great Western Railway / BR Western Region locomotives

 

31-085            GWR 3200 Class No. 9022 in BR black with early emblem

31-086            GWR 3200 Class No. 9017 in BR black with early emblem

31-087DC      GWR 3200 Class No. 3203 in GWR green DCC ON BOARD

31-128*          GWR 3000 Class (ROD) No. 3099 in GWR green livery

31-127*          GWR 3000 Class (ROD) No. 3023 in BR black with early emblem

31-129*          GWR 3000 Class (ROD) No. 3036 in BR black with early emblem

32-083            56xx Class No. 6658 in BR green livery with late crest

32-130            45xx Class No. 4507 in BR lined green with late crest

32-205            Hall Class No. 4962 'Ragley Hall' in BR green with early emblem

32-209            8750 Class No. 3711 in BR black with early emblem

32-216            57xx Class No. 8732 in BR black livery with late crest

32-217            57xx Class No. L89 in London Transport maroon livery

32-210            2251 Class No. 3217 in GWR green with ROD tender

32-311            2251 Class No. 2259 in BR black with early emblem

 

Southern Railway / BR Southern Region locomotives

 

31-165DC      N Class No. 31869 in BR lined black with early emblem, weathered and DCC ON BOARD

31-460            C Class No. 592 in SE&CR lined green

31-461            C Class No. 1256 in Southern black livery

31-462            C Class No. 31086 in BR black livery

 

 

London Midland & Scottish Railway / BR London Midland Region locomotives

 

31-121DS      Patriot No. 45504 in BR lined green with late crest and

DCC SOUND

31-426DS      G2A Class No. 49402 in BR black with early emblem and

DCC SOUND

31-457            Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-2T No. 41310 in BR lined black with early emblem

31-479            G2A Class No. 49404 in BR black with late crest and weathered

32-181            Crab No. 13000 in LMS crimson lake livery

32-231            3F Jinty No. 47394 in BR black with early emblem

32-232            3F Jinty No. 47500 in BR black with late crest

32-581            Ivatt Class 4MT No. 43038 in BR lined black with early emblem

32-875DC      Fairburn tank No. 42085 in BR black with early emblem and

                        DCC ON BOARD

 

London & North Eastern Railway / BR Eastern Region locomotives

 

31-004            O4 Class No. 63598 in BR lined black with late crest weathered

31-005            O4 Class No. 3547 in LNER black

31-952            A4 Class No. 4468 Mallard in LNER garter blue

31-964            A4 Class No. 62004 'William Whitelaw' in BR lined green with early emblem

32-551DS      A1 Class No. 60139 'Sea Eagle' in BR lined green with early emblem and DCC SOUND

31-582DS      A2 Class No. 60526 'Sugar Palm' in BR lined green with late crest and DCC SOUND

32-280            K3 Class No. 61869 in BR lined black with late crest

 

 

British Railways Standard Class locomotives

 

None

 

Diesel locomotives

 

31-361A         Class 03 No. D2009 in BR green with late crest and wasp stripes

31-362A         Class 03 No. 03045 in BR blue with wasp stripes

31-363            Class 03 No. 03 162 in BR blue with wasp stripes weathered

31-995*          LMS 10000 in BR Brunswick green with orange/black lining

31-996*          LMS 10000 in BR Brunswick green with eggshell blue waistband

31-997*          LMS 10001 in BR Brunswick green with eggshell blue waistband

32-034DS      Class 20 No. D8138 in BR green livery with centre headcode box and DCC SOUND

32-035A         Class 20 No. 20136 in BR blue livery with domino headcode

32-051DC      Class 42 No. D867 'Zenith' in BR green with late crest

DCC ON BOARD

32-052A         Class 42 No. D823 'Hermes' in BR green with late crest

32-056DC      Class 42 No. D827 'Kelly' in BR blue with DCC ON BOARD

32-116            Class 08 No. D3986 in BR green with wasp stripes

32-329            Class 25/2 No. 25231 in BR blue livery weathered

32-330DS      Class 25/1 No. D5183 in BR green with DCC SOUND

32-377DS      Class 37/4 No. 37417 in BR LL blue with DCC SOUND

32-388            Class 37/4 No. 37427 in BR LL blue livery weathered

32-404DS      Class 25/3 No. 25276 in BR blue with DCC SOUND

32-407            Class 25/3 No. 25279 in BR blue weathered

32-526DS      Class 55 No. 55018 'Ballymoss' in BR blue with DCC SOUND

32-529A         Class 55 No. D9014 'The Duke of Wellington's Regiment' in BR  two tone green livery

32-531DC      Class 55 No. 9005 'The Prince of Wales's own Regiment of Yorkshire in BR blue with DCC ON BOARD

32-652DS      Class 44 No. 44005 'Cross Fell' in BR blue with DCC SOUND

32-679DS      Class 45 No. D27 in BR green with yellow panel with

DCC SOUND

32-703            Class 46 No. D186 in BR blue weathered

32-728DS      Class 66 No. 66546 in Freightliner livery with DCC SOUND

32-735            Class 66 No. 66209 in EWS livery weathered

32-750DS      Class 57/0 No. 57003 in Freightliner livery with DCC SOUND

32-804            Class 47 No. D1825 in BR green

32-805            Class 47 No. D1547 in BR blue

 

Diesel Multiple Units

 

31-225DC*    Midland Pullman (6 car) in Nanking blue livery DCC ON BOARD

31-226DC*    Midland Pullman (6 car) in Blue with yellow ends DCC ON BOARD

31-325DC      Class 105 (2 car) in BR blue with yellow ends DCC ON BOARD

31-326A         Class 105 (2 car) in BR green with speed whiskers

31-535            Class 105 (2 car) in BR blue with yellow ends (Midland)

31-536            Class 105 (2 car) in BR green with speed whiskers (Midland)

31-537            Class 105 (2 car) in BR green with speed whiskers (Midland)

32-904DC      Class 108 (2 car) in BR blue with DCC ON BOARD

 

Electric Multiple Units

 

31-265            Class 419 MLV in BR green livery

31-266            Class 419 MLV in BR green livery with yellow panel

31-267            Class 419 MLV in BR blue/grey livery

 

 

Coaches

 

GWR Coaches

34-051A         Collett 3rd Corridor in GWR chocolate / cream

34-077            Collett 1st / 3rd brake in GWR chocolate / cream

34-126A         Collett 1st in GWR chocolate / cream

34-151            Collett 1st / 2nd Composite in BR maroon

34-176            Collett 2nd Brake in BR maroon

34-201            Collett 2nd Corridor in BR maroon

 

LNER Coaches

 

34-378A         63ft Thompson 2nd in BR maroon

34-403A         59ft Thompson Composite in BR maroon

34-428A         63ft Thompson 2nd in BR maroon

34-651B         63ft Thompson full brake in BR crimson / cream

34-654B         63ft Thompson full brake in BR maroon

 

LMS Coaches

 

34-226D         57ft Corridor Brake end 3rd in LMS crimson

34-251D         57ft Corridor Composite 1st/3rd in LMS crimson

32-252D         57ft Corridor Composite 1st/3rd in LMS crimson

34-227D         50ft Parcels in LMS crimson

39-450            57ft Porthole Corridor 3rd in BR crimson / cream

39-455            57ft Porthole Corridor 1st in BR crimson / cream

39-460            57ft Porthole Corridor brake 3rd in BR crimson / cream

39-465            60ft Porthole Corridor composite in BR crimson / cream

39-470            60ft Porthole Corridor brake 1st in BR crimson / cream

39-475            60ft Porthole Corridor open vestibule in BR crimson / cream

 

SR Coaches

 

34-504B         63ft Bulleid Second Brake Corridor in BR green

34-529B         63ft Bulleid Second Corridor in BR green

34-554B         63ft Bulleid Composite Corridor in BR green

34-577B         63ft Bulleid Second Open in BR green

 

British Railways Mark 1 coaches

 

34-604B         Mark 1 Suburban in BR maroon

34-627B         Mark 1 Suburban 2nd Brake in BR maroon

34-630            Mark 1 Suburban 2nd Brake in BR maroon

34-675B         Mark 1 Suburban Open in BR maroon

34-700B         Mark 1 Suburban Composite in BR maroon

39-027G         Mark 1 SK Second Corridor in BR crimson / cream

39-028E         Mark 1 SK Second Corridor in BR green

39-052F         Mark 1 SO Second Open in BR crimson / cream

39-053E         Mark 1 SO Second Open in BR green

39-077E         Mark 1 BSK Brake Second in BR crimson / cream

39-078E         Mark 1 BSK Brake Second in BR green

39-102B         Mark 1 RU Restaurant Car in BR chocolate / cream

39-105A         Mark 1 RU Resaturant Buffet in BR crimson / cream

39-126F         Mark 1 CK Composite in BR maroon (weathered)

39-128C         Mark 1 FK First Corridor in BR green

39-151E         Mark 1 FK First Corridor in BR maroon

39-152D         Mark 1 FK First Corridor in BR crimson / cream

39-153C         Mark 1 FK First Corridor in BR green

39-176E         Mark 1 BG Full Brake maroon (weathered)

39-177D         Mark 1 BG Full Brake jn BR crimson / cream

39-178C         Mark 1 BG Full Brake jn BR green

39-184A         Mark 1 NEA Full Brake in Royal Mail

39-226D         Mark 1 BCK Brake Corridor Composite in BR maroon

39-227D         Mark 1 BCK Brake Corridor Composite in BR crimson / cream

39-228C         Mark 1 BCK Brake Corridor Composite in BR green

39-251A         Mark 1 RFO Restaurant Car maroon (weathered)

38-271A         Mark 1 GUV in BR maroon (weathered)

39-420*          Mark 1 POS Post office sorting van in BR maroon

39-425*          Mark 1 POS Post office sorting van in BR blue/grey

39-430*          Mark 1 POS Post office sorting van Royal Mail letters livery

39-435*          Mark 1 POS Post office sorting van in Royal Mail TPO red

39-500            Mark 1 SLF Sleeping car in BR maroon

39-501            Mark 1 SLF Sleeping car in BR blue/grey

39-502            Mark 1 SLSTP Sleeping car in BR maroon

39-503            Mark 1 SLSTP Sleeping car in BR blue/grey

 

British Railways BR Mark 1 Pullman Coaches

 

39-281A         Mark 1 Pullman FK First Kitchen in BR blue / grey

39-300B         Pullman SK Second Kitchen No. 334 in umber / cream

 

British Railways Mark 2 coaches

 

39-333A         Mark 2 FK First Corridor in green

39-332A         Mark 2 FK First Corridor in maroon

39-330A         Mark 2 FK First Corridor in blue / grey

 

Wagons

 

33-079B         China Clay without hood in BR grey

33-080C         China Clay with hood in BR bauxite (weathered)

33-081C         China Clay with hood in BR bauxite (weathered)

33-036C         20T Toad brake van in BR grey

33-879A         45T bogie well wagon with boiler load in LNER grey

33-928A         30T bogie bolster with steel girder load in BR grey

33-929A         30T bogie bolster with pipe load in BR grey

37-035            5 plank steel floor wagon in Shap Tarred Granite livery

37-036            5 plank steel floor wagon in Tarbitumac livery

37-061B         5 plank wagon with wooden floor in BR grey

37-063            5 plank wagon with wooden floor in J Skinner, Melksham livery

37-081            7 plank with end door in BR grey

37-086            7 plank with end door in Tir-Pentwys, Pontypool livery

37-185            7 plank with coke rails in Cory Brothers, Cardiff livery

37-186            7 plank with coke rails in Exeter Gas Company livery

37-134A         8 plank with end door in Ketton Cement livery

37-135            8 plank with end door in James & Emmanuel, Newport & Cardiff  livery

37-158B         8 plank with fixed end in BR grey

37-160B         8 plank with fixed end in Isleworth Coal livery

37-161            8 plank with fixed end in Foster & Co, Emsworth livery

37-207            8 plank with coke rails in Thomas W Ward livery

37-250G         16T steel mineral without top flap doors in BR grey

37-252E         16T steel mineral without top flap doors in BR bauxite

37-320A         Intermodal wagons with 2 pairs of 20' containers in MOL / K Line liveries

37-321A         Intermodal wagons with 2 pairs of 20' containers in CMA CGM / Hyundai liveries

37-327C         90T JGA bogie hopper in Buxton Lime Industries livery

37-328C         90T JGA bogie hopper in Tarmac livery

37-354C         13T steel sand tippler wagon in BR grey

37-355C         13T steel sand tippler wagon in BR bauxite

37-376C         16T steel mineral with end door in MOT bauxite

37-377G         16T steel mineral in BR grey (weathered)

37-502C         24T ore hopper wagon in BR grey

37-528B         20T brake van unfitted in BR grey

37-537C         20T brake van in BR bauxite (weathered)

37-575B         45T TTA tank wagon in BP green livery

37-576B         45T TTA tank wagon in Esso grey livery

37-582B         45T TTA tank wagon in Shell / BP black livery

37-606A         46T VGA sliding wall van in EWS livery

37-658B         14T tank wagon with large filler in Fina livery

37-659B         14T tank wagon in National Benzole livery

37-710B         8T cattle wagon in BR bauxite (early)

37-711B         8T cattle wagon in GWR dark grey

37-712B         8T cattle wagon in BR bauxite (late)

37-729B         12T ventilated van in BR bauxite

37-730B         12T ventilated van in BR grey

37-754C         12T fruit van in BR bauxite

37-802C         12T planked ventilated van in BR bauxite

37-878            12T shock absorbing open wagon in BR bauxite

37-900A         12T shock absorbing van with planked ends in BR bauxite

37-902A         12T shock absorbing van with planked ends in BR bauxite

37-903A         12T shock absorbing van with corrugated ends in BR bauxite

37-951D         Conflat with BD container in BR crimson

37-978            Conflat with AF container in BR light blue

38-005B         45T HEA hopper wagon in BR bauxite (weathered)

38-006B         45T HEA hopper wagon in Railfreight red / grey livery

38-058            31T OCA dropside open wagon in Railfreight red livery

38-062A         45T MEA open box wagon in EWS livery

38-082B         12T Southern 2+2 planked ventilated van in BR bauxite

38-100B         34T PNA ballast/spoil 7 rib wagon in Railtrack livery

38-112A         100T TEA tank bogie wagon in BP grey livery

38-160B         12T BR planked ventilated van in BR bauxite (early)

38-201A         JPA bogie cement wagon in VTG - Castle Cement livery

38-210A         JJA Mk 2 auto-ballaster generator unit in Railtrack livery

38-212A         JJA Mk 2 auto-ballaster without generator in Railtrack livery

38-220A         100T TEA tank bogie wagon in BR black Crude oil livery

38-231A         12T BR planked ventilated van with plywood door in BR bauxite (late)

38-242            MOA low sided bogie box wagon in EWS livery

38-260A         20T presflo in Bulk Tunnel Cement bauxite livery

38-261A         20T presflo in Crown Bulk Cement bauxite livery

38-270A         22T presflo in Blue Circle brown livery

38-271A         22T presflo in Cement marketing Board Snowcrete livery

38-286            Set of 3 x 22T presflo wagons in Blue Circle yellow livery

38-287            Set of 3 x 22T presflo wagons in Tunnel Cement livery

38-400            25T SR pill box brake van in SR brown white roof red ends

38-401            25T SR pill box brake van in BR grey

38-402            25T SR pill box brake van in BR bauxite

38-403            25T SR pill box brake van in SR brown grey roof red ends

38-404            25T SR pill box brake van in BR departmental olive green

38-425            Polybulk in VTG livery

38-426            Polybulk in Polybulk livery

38-427            Polybulk in Traffic Services Limited livery

38-450            Steel high sided wagon with sheet rail highbar in BR bauxite (early)

38-451            Steel high sided wagon with sheet rail highbar in BR bauxite (weathered)

38-452            Steel high sided wagon with sheet rail highbar in BR bauxite (late)

38-475            LNER non ventilated van with corrugated ends in BR bauxite (early)

38-476            LNER non ventilated van with corrugate ends in BR bauxite (late)

38-500            COVHOP in BR bauxite livery

38-501            COVHOP in Soda Ash light grey livery

38-502            COVHOP in British Industrial Sand bauxite and black livery

 

 

The following are new Bachmann Scenecraft '00' items for 2011:

 

The Bluebell Railway Collection

 

To complement the Waiting room released last year the following items are added to the range and appear as part of the Bluebell Railway Collection:

 

44-088            Sheffield Park booking office

44-089            Sheffield Park station canopy

44-090            Sheffield Park waiting room with toilet

44-091            Sheffield Park store room

44-092            Sheffield Park signal cabin

44-093            Sheffield Park footbridge

 

The Great Central Railway Collection

 

The Great Central Railway built unique island platform stations accessed from a road bridge (either from an under or over bridge). The buildings are based on those found at Rothley on the Great Central Railway heritage line.

 

44-114            Great Central lamp hut

44-115            Great Central Gentleman's toilet

44-116            Great Central waiting room

44-117            Great Central Station Booking office and canopy

44-118            Great Central platform subway

44-119            Great Central high level station entrance

44-120            Great Central water column and arm

44-121            Great Central single track blue brick bridge

 

Lineside Scenes

 

44-098            Cement mixer silo

44-099            Blue Anchor Signal Box

44-100            Loading conveyor and hopper

44-111            Coal Staithes

44-113            Wooden Goods Shed

 

Urban Scenes

 

44-094            Modern Town House under construction

44-102            Drive through restaurant

44-205            Low relief industrial unit

44-206            Low relief corner pub

44-207            Low relief bank

44-208            Low relief bakery

44-209            Low relief butchers

44-210            Low relief multi-storey car park

44-211            Low relief gasometer

44-212            Low relief block of flats

44-213            Low relief modern office suites

44-214            Low relief railway hotel

44-215            Low relief cinema

44-216            Low relief high street store

44-217            Low relief three storey city house

44-218            Low relief modern town houses

 

On Shed / Depot

 

44-086            Ash plant*

44-095            Modern washing plant

44-096            Wooden engine shed

44-097            Depot water tower

44-112            Carriage Shed walkways x 2

44-126            Single road servicing shed

 

Village Scenes

 

44-122            Thatched cottage

44-123            Road bridge (over stream)

44-124            Village pub

44-125            Rural workers cottages

44-540            Derelict estate gateway

 

Farm Scenes

 

44-103            Farmhouse

44-104            Red brick hay barn

44-105            Red brick pig sty

44-106            Red brick cart house and stables

44-107            Red brick walls and gates

44-108            Modern barn

44-109            Farm feed silo

44-110            Nissen hut

 


Accessories

 

44-534            Satellite dishes

44-535            Television ariels

44-536            Small cylindrical tank

44-537            Caged gas bottles

44-538            Domestic coal bunkers

44-539            Platform tractor unit

 

*Previously announced but not in 2010 catalogue

 

 (images of some Bachmann 'test-shot' prototypes from the trade show can be viewed in the 'New Products Gallery' - click button on the right)

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

New Model Rail Show announced

 

Details of a new Model Railway exhibition & venue have reached us.

 

The Midland Railex will be a two-day event taking place at the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley in Derbyshire on 13th and 14th August 2011. The Railex Exhibition will be open from 10:00 until 16:30 on both days.

 

A large selection of model railway layouts of various gauges from N to G will be on display, featuring British, Continental and American outline covering steam, diesel and electric eras.

 

Over 20 layouts will be on show including Rowthorne, Widnes Vine Yard, Hoglington, Glenuig, Morton Bottom Yard and St Minions.

 

A broad cross section of model retailers and suppliers will also be present enabling visitors to purchase those hard-to-find specialist tools or the latest newly released locomotive to enhance their layout.

 

A large range of specialist demonstrations will also take place illustrating the many and varied aspects of the hobby, from scenic tips such as tree modelling and scenery, through to building rolling stock.

 

Heritage steam and diesel trains will also run to an extensive timetable during Railex. The Golden Valley Narrow Gauge Railway will also be in operation.

 

The Historical Model Railway Society archive and shop will be open to visitors. This extensive collection of historical data is a fantastic research tool to assist the railway modeller.

 

The Matthew Kirtley Museum and the Princess Royal Depot will also be open and their extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock will be on display to visitors.

 

All the above attractions are included in the Railex ticket price and car parking is free. Ticket Prices are - Adult Day Ticket £10.00, Concession Day Ticket £9.00 (for over 60), Child Day Ticket £5.00 and Family Day Ticket £25.00 (two Adults and up to three Children).

 

The Midland Railex is in support of the Midland Railway Trust, the fund raising organisation of the Midland Railway - Butterley. All profits raised from the event will go towards the completion of the station building at Swanwick Junction. This original MR station building was relocated from Syston on the Midland Mainline.

 

A real ale bar and hot and cold refreshments will be available during Railex.

 

Please note that no public road access is possible at Swanwick Junction, all visitors for the Railex must arrive at the MRB Butterley station.

 

The first shuttle train will leave at Butterley 09:30, the Railex will open at 10:00 and various events will take place throughout the day. The Exhibition closes at 16:30 each day, the last shuttle train of the day runs at 17:30 from Swanwick Junction.

 

A special limited edition OO wagon produced by Bachmann will be available for sale at the Railex. Details will be shown when available on the Railex website.

 

Midland Railex is supported by Graham Farish, Bachmann, The Bachmann Collectors' Club, The Historical Model Railway Society and Hornby Magazine (Ian Allan).

(04/03/2011)

 

 

More New Products

 

There appears to be no let-up in the announcement of new model railway products for 2011!

 

At the turn of the New Year, Heljan announced that it was well-advanced with plans to produce English Electric diesel prototype loco DP2!  This follows the announcement at the Warley Model Railway exhibition at the NEC from Dapol that they were also planning to produce a model of the loco in '00'. (Dapol has since announced that they plan to 'rest' their plans for the time being, despite cad/cam work being almost complete)

 

Heljan are planning to produce both livery versions of the loco as limited editions and delivery is expected this year, given that development work on this model is well-advanced:

 

  • 4010       DP2 prototype in early BR green livery
  • 4011       DP2 prototype in late BR green livery

 

The 'real' loco was , of course, short-lived as it was built in 1962 but withdrawn following a serious collision in 1967 - it was eventually scrapped  in 1970.

 

Given that Dapol has 'rested' it's plans for DP2, they're certainly not resting on their laurels when it comes to other plans!

 

The company has announced more models for both 'N' and '00' modellers over the coming months.  In '00' a Class 52 'Western' diesel loco is planned which will feature a 5-pole skew-wound motor, twin flywheels, directional lighting, lit 'yello-glow' headcode panels, fully detailed cab interior, etched brass roof grilles - and more! Laser-scanning technology is being used to ensure that this will be a quality model, as faithful to the prototype as possible. Versions planned include:

 

  •       D1005 'Western Venturer' in BR Blue livery
  •       D1029 'Western Legionaire' in BR Maroon with small yellow panel
  •       D1038 'Western Sovereign' in BR Green livery with small yellow panel
  •       D1056 'Western Sultan' in BR Maroon livery with full yellow panel

 

Dapol has also revealed details of planned liveries for it's '00' Class 22 / 29 diesel locos as well as plans to produce an array of new wagons, including Freightliner MJA bogie twins, Freightliner HIA bogie hoppers, Network Rail MRA sets, Turbot engineers wagons and MLA & BBA wagons. In addition the Megafret wagons will be re-released complete with Stobart containers in '00'.

 

For N gauge modellers a new GWR/BR 'Hall' Class locomotive is planned. This has been on the 'most-wanted' list of N-gauge modellers for many years, and the spec is up to the usual Dapol standard - 5 pole 'super creep' motor, split frame tungsten locomotive chassis with phosphor bronze axle bushes, positive contact electrical pickups, darkened profile wheels, oily steel finish connecting rods, traction tyres on both back driving wheels, etched brass cab numbers and nameplates, tender water scoop - and more - PLUS ... it's expected in the next few months! Liveries planned include:

 

  •    ND-135a 6991 "Acton Burnell Hall" BR lined Green late logo

  •    ND-135b 6996 "Blackwell Hall" BR lined Green early logo

  •    ND-135d 6969 "Wraysbury Hall" GWR lined green Great Western Crest

  •    ND-135c 6962 "Soughton Hall" GWR unlined green Shirtbutton

 

Other models planned include, an 'N' gauge version of the Western Hydraulic Class 52 diesel loco (liveries as per '00' version), Class 26 diesel loco in BR Blue, BR Green, Red-Stripe Railfreight  and Railfreight Coal Sector liveries and Class 56 diesel loco in BR Blue, Red-Stripe Railfreight, Railfreight Coal Sector and EWS Maroon liveries.

 

Details of these and other plans for 2011 can be seen in the new Dapol catalogue, which is free from your local Dapol stockist or via their website www.dapol.co.uk .

 

Next up - Bachmann will reveal their plans for the next 18 months or so on Sunday 6th March - watch this space!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Tornado blows in as 'Belle' rings for Hornby in 2011! 

 

 

 

At a media briefing in Margate earlier this month, Simon Kohler, outlined Hornby's plans for the next 12 months. Simon explained that 2010 had been a tough year, but products such as the Toy Story III set had sold through well. The product supply chain has been affected by a few problems in China in recent months centring around the main manufacturing site which has undergone modernisation of infrastructure and computer systems.

 

As a result, production has been running approximately 6-8 weeks behind and a number of products announced for 2010 will be rolled in to 2011 (Feb-May). This in turn has required a re-think on the 2011 range, and a few changes have been made to ensure the market isn't flooded with product. As Simon said, "..there's only so much you can put into the market..", as consumers only have a certain amount of disposable income.

 

 

That said, the manufacturing situation is improving, and Hornby has other manufacturing bases available if required. An ambitious plan of newly tooled products has been unveiled, and sees Hornby spending "..possibly the most ever invested in the 2011 range.."

 

 

 

 

Headline releases in the main range include the Brighton Belle Pullman electric multiple unit. These 5-car units plyed the Brighton mainline for many years, and will be made available both in Pullman umber & cream and BR blue / grey liveries. The units will be available as a pack of 2 x Motor Brake Pullman Third coaches , with the remaining 3 'solo' cars sold separately to make up a complete 5-car set.

 

The tooling for the Brighton Belle represents major investment and will offer an accurate 4mm scale model of this iconic unit. As we've come to expect, the spec will be high including 'lit' table lamps and the use of just 1 DCC decoder per set. Incidentally, detail differences will be included, such as different bogies featuring on the BR blue/grey liveried unit, as per prototype.

 

 (pre-production undecorated sample of Hornby's new A1 'Tornado')

 

Another 'headline' release for 2011 is Hornby's version of A1 Class loco 'Tornado'. Given the loco's popularity and the thousands of people who've witnessed it's travels around the UK, this is a 'very exciting' development for Hornby's Railroad range, offering a nicely detailed product at a very good price. Indeed, the RRP for the Railroad version is expected to be around the £75 mark!

 

 

(undecorated pre-production sample)

 

Despite it's Railroad tag, this loco has been created from 'scratch' with detail in mind and will feature a big 3-pole motor with flywheel and won't require the tender to be connected to operate (unlike a number of Hornby's more recent releases). Decoration will be very good in it's British Railways apple green livery and accurate renditions of details such as the correct axleboxes etc are all there. It will operate on 2nd radius curves and above, and is expected to be released in March/April.

 

 

 

Incidentally, the model will also feature in the main range - firstly in a train pack 'Tornado Express' , featuring 'Tornado' in the new livery it'll be in from March, together with 'lipped' chimney and 3 x BR Mk 1 coaches... and also available as a 'Special Edition' standalone model, featuring a higher-spec decoration and etched nameplates.

 

 

Another newly-tooled item in the 2011 range is the LNER/BR Thompson B1 locomotive as 'Roedeer' in LNER livery, 'Sir Harold Mitchell' in BR late crest and '61138' in BR early crest liveries. Development of this model is also well-advanced and expected for release in the middle of the year.

 

A number of newly-tooled coaches have also been unveiled, including :

  • LNER Gresley Full Brake coaches in LNER teak livery ( 2 diff numbers)
  • BR Gresley Full Brake coaches in maroon livery (2 diff numbers)
  • BR Hawksworth 1st Class coaches in Crimson/Cream & Maroon liveries
  • LNER Gresley Suburban coaches in LNER teak (4 types - Comp/Brake/1st / 3rd )
  • BR Gresley Suburban coaches in Maroon (4 types - Comp / Brake / 1st / 3rd)

 

 

 

In addition, BR (GWR) versions of all the Hawksworth coaches will be released in the much-requested chocolate/cream livery. This will include the passenger brake, corridor 3rd, brake 3rd, composite, 1st/3rd and new 1st coaches.

 

Finally, Simon went to great lengths to outline the investment Hornby is putting into it's wagon range with 4 newly-tooled models : (images of ep samples shown below)

 

(undecorated ep sample) 

 

27 Ton Iron Ore Tippler wagon in both pre and post TOPS versions. It will also be available as a heavily-weathered triple-pack.

 

(undecorated ep sample) 

 

GWR & BR Horsebox - 2 diff numbers on each version

 

(undecorated ep sample) 

 

BR 20T Brake van. The tooling on this model will offer various options and detail variants allowing specific models to be released in due course. Initially available in BR Railfreight livery as a CAR brake.

 

ZFO/ZFP 'Trout' Ballast Hopper wagon. 2 variants will initially be available, as well as a heavily-weathered three-pack.

 

A number of other models are receiving an upgrade including:

 

 

  • BR (late) Fowler 2P  (new motor in loco & DCC socket in tender)
  • S&DJR Fowler 2P (new motor in loco & DCC socket in tender)
  • BR (late) Fowler 4F Black (new motor in loco & DCC socket in tender)
  • LMS Fowler 4F in Black ( new motor in loco & DCC socket in tender)
  • GWR County 'County of Bedford' (5 pole motor DCC Ready in loco - Railroad)
  • LMS Compound 4-4-0 (5 pole motor DCC Ready in loco - Railroad)
  • LNER 'Berkely' D49/1 (5 pole motor DCC Ready in loco - Railroad)

 

Other Highlights in the range include:

 

 

  • Network Rail Measurement Train HST Train Pack (featuring camera pod and buffer beams)
  • West Coast Railway Pullman (LMS Class 5 44932 & 3 MkIID Pullma-liveried coaches)
  • BR A4 4-6-2 loco 'Merlin'
  • LMS 'Princess Helena Victoria' (added to DCC Digital Sound range)
  • BR (late crest) Q1 0-6-0 loco (back in range after a few years absence)
  • A3 'Coronach' Double Chimney, Banjo Dome & Great Northern Tender
  • BR 0-6-0 Q1 Class loco No 33005 (welcome return to the range)
  • LMS 'Duchess of Sutherland' in 2010 'Black' LMS livery
  • A4 'Empire of India' (last of the Commonwealth Collection)
  • First Scotrail/EWS Class 90 electric loco
  • Class 31 233 in Network Rail yellow livery
  • Class 73 'Dave Berry' in latest Gatwick Express livery
  • Class 08 shunter in SERCO red livery
  • Class 08 shunter 'Piccadilly' in Inter-City livery
  • Class 92 in Stobart Rail livery (this is the Hornby version with a new 5-pole skew-wound motor)
  • Class 50 'Thunderer' in Laira blue livery
  • Class 86/2 in latest Freightliner livery
  • Observation Car in Scottish Region Maroon livery
  • Somerset & Dorset Coach Pack ( 3 x Maunsell coaches - low-window variants - 1 x Corridor Comp & 2 x 4-Comp 3rd Brakes)
  • BR ex-Southern Van C in BR blue livery
  • BR ex LNER Buffet Car in Blue/Grey livery
  • Mk 2D coaches in InterCity Swallow livery
  • Mk 3 Sleeper coach in InterCity Swallow livery
  • Siphon G
  • Siphon H
  • KFA including new Tanktainer
  • Virgin Pendolino Set in new 'Alstom' livery
  • New range of unpainted Skaledale buildings (derelict cottage/country bungalow/ terraced town house)
  • Wind turbines (Skaledale)
  • Log loads (Skaledale - for the new OBA/OCA wagons)
  • Modern Traction Shed (based on model viewed on 'Airthrey Park' exhibition layout)

 

 

 

Finally, a couple of 'new media' items are being introduced to the range in 2011.

 

Firstly, Hornby Trackmaster software, which will allow you to design a layout on your PC. The system is incredibly intuitive and is suitable for Windows 98 onwards. Downloads and upgrades will be available from Hornby's website - including price updates etc to allow accurately-priced shopping lists to be printed out. It comes with pre-installed track mat designs and will also allow you to draw whatever shape layouts you wish. The system is based on Hornby Setrack.

 

Lastly, Hornby Rail Master will allow you to control your DCC layout from your PC. This will allow you to connect your Hornby Elite (or other USB controller) to your PC and will be capable of reading all CV settings on locos etc. It will also come with over 200 Hornby locos pre-installed with automatic settings for each loco and will feature track pack and train set plans. The system is optimised for mouse or touch-screen operation and will allow display of 10 locos at any one time. Drag-and-drop capability will allow you to easily create your 'mimic' diagram of your layout - allowing simple programming for automatic layout operation, if desired.  

 

For the full listing - go to www.hornby.com