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Olivia's Class 76 LE (inc earlier Blue Pullman content)


Gulliver

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I have just opened my copy of BRM and found an advert at the back from Olivias Trains saying they have commissioned the Class 76 from Heljan and also the Blue Pullman!

There is no more details and it asks people not to call but instead to visit http://www.oliviastrains.com/

I have visited their site but there are no details on here at all, other than a link to a Class 76 Project page which when you click on it takes you to a blank page.

Let the froth begin?

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I have just opened my copy of BRM and found an advert at the back from Olivias Trains saying they have commissioned the Class 76 from Heljan and also the Blue Pullman!

It was not by any chance April's edition?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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No, I did check just in case! June edition, hot off the press today. Has anyone else checked their website - is the blank page just happening to me?

 

I also get a part blank page from that link - but then I am on AOL :blink:

 

Anyway it's nice to know that Olivia's Trains are raking in sufficient cash as to be able to underwrite a loco, let alone a long dmu which is going to retail for several hundred quid. Maybe they know more than we do about any likely changes in the rate of VAT and the trading value of sterling so know they're onto a steady bet (or tax write-off???)?

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I have said elsewhere that I have been surprised(nicely) at the obscure prototype and early diesel classes that Heljan have produced. Presumably their sales figures have justified their investment, so it would not surprise me if both of these are produced. If the excitement on here whenever the B... P...... is mentioned is anything to go by........

 

Ed

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An interesting project! Is there any mention which Blue Pullman they intend on doing?

Pix

Actually that's a point, its not a Blue Pullmann involving top 'n' tailed mk2 coaches with sound chips fitted is it? We already had that unfortunate surprise once off Hornby.

 

Statistically there is more chance of Heljan getting it wrong that right if it is the real thing :(.

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Anymore details - could you perhaps type in the exact wording of the advert in question for us, please?

 

I'm very skeptical of the Blue Pullman, a Class 76 as a single unit I could see - but the Blue Pullman?

 

And by Heljan?

I cannot scan the advert as that would breach the magazine copyright, but the ad starts off wwith Olivias Trains as the heading, then the top half lists sound decoders available by class. The second half of the advert then has a picture of a Blue Pullman power car (I am not able to tell which type) and then adjacent to this is a Class 76 Picture in BR Blue. The text beside this then reads "Presenting from Olivia's The Blue Pullman! EM1 Class 76 DC Overhead Locomotive! In Co-operation with Heljan.

 

The next line gives the addresss and phone number, then the next line of text says "(Please don't ring for EM1 & Blue Pullman - See our website for more details)"

 

The final line gives the web address www.oliviastrains.com

 

I am honestly not making this up - it is on page 113 of BRM June 2010 Vol 18 number 3.

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Class 76 is fair enough but I hope the Blue Pullmann doesn't end up done by Heljan sad.gif.

 

 

Is it really fair to comment on the accuracy of a possible model from a manufacturer which we are not even sure is being made yet? I'm sure if the news of these models are correct then the commisoner will work closely with the maufacturer to get the models as spot on as possible.

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I cannot scan the advert as that would breach the magazine copyright

 

Which is why I asked you to type it...

 

...but the ad starts off wwith Olivias Trains as the heading, then the top half lists sound decoders available by class. The second half of the advert then has a picture of a Blue Pullman power car (I am not able to tell which type) and then adjacent to this is a Class 76 Picture in BR Blue. The text beside this then reads "Presenting from Olivia's The Blue Pullman! EM1 Class 76 DC Overhead Locomotive! In Co-operation with Heljan.

 

The next line gives the addresss and phone number, then the next line of text says "(Please don't ring for EM1 & Blue Pullman - See our website for more details)"

 

The final line gives the web address www.oliviastrains.com

 

I am honestly not making this up - it is on page 113 of BRM June 2010 Vol 18 number 3.

 

Thank you. How very interesting - it sounds like it's just the power cars - which would make some sense actually.

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Is it really fair to comment on the accuracy of a possible model from a manufacturer which we are not even sure is being made yet? I'm sure if the news of these models are correct then the commisoner will work closely with the maufacturer to get the models as spot on as possible.

Well hopefully but then the Class 14 isn't exactly setting any records for quality and accuracy. Its not as far off as the 86 but its hardly up there with the quality work Bachmann is now managing for the NRM.

 

I would have expected the class 76 first to test the water and then maybe look at the Pullmann.

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Actually that's a point, its not a Blue Pullmann involving top 'n' tailed mk2 coaches with sound chips fitted is it? We already had that unfortunate surprise once off Hornby.

 

I was musing whether it would be a WR or LMR version but it's a valid point! My logic says that the LMR version would be the best first step - three vehicle toolings, shorter train length (hence lower price) and ran on two regions, although it would need the multi-working cables on the front for the later versions. I think I'm right in saying that if they did the LMR version first, they would be able to use the Parlour First and Kitchen First in the WR sets leaving just the driving cars and Parlour Second to tool up. This is nothing more than speculation though so don't treat it as anything else, I know nothing more than what's been posted in this thread!

 

I'd be amazed if they do mean the Mk.2/47 version - Hornby's attempt at the latter seemed to be in everyone's bargain bin at one point, keeping the Bachmann RR and IC Mk.1s company.

 

it sounds like it's just the power cars - which would make some sense actually.

 

Really?! I can't see any logic in producing current standard power cars with nothing to put between them? The only reasoning for doing such a move would be to say that sales of the power cars will fund the development and tooling of the intermediate vehicles. It'd be like being given two slices of bread and asked to make a ham sandwich with the only two options for filling are 45 year old scraps or buying a prize winning pig to butcher yourself wink.gif

 

Hopefully Olivia's will put up some more information in the next few days to answer a lot of questions raised.

 

Pix

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I was musing whether it would be a WR or LMR version but it's a valid point! My logic says that the LMR version would be the best first step - three vehicle toolings, shorter train length (hence lower price) and ran on two regions, although it would need the multi-working cables on the front for the later versions. I think I'm right in saying that if they did the LMR version first, they would be able to use the Parlour First and Kitchen First in the WR sets leaving just the driving cars and Parlour Second to tool up. This is nothing more than speculation though so don't treat it as anything else, I know nothing more than what's been posted in this thread!

 

Pix

 

Looks like I'd better get my little BR booklet out - floor plans of each type of vehicle and the order in which they're marshalled; now just where did I put it?

 

And of course if they do make it they'll no doubt be faced with a lot of moans because they chose the 'wrong' one so we'll then have a wishing froth for the other one (whichever that is) :rolleyes:

 

But the EM1 does sound like a really good idea - what with a B17 coming up fast over the horizon and an 04 just about on the boat all we need are some decent LNER coaches in 'blood & custard' and a 1950s modern image layout looks very achievable. Set around the delightful scenery of Torside Crossing; I've an idea the Woodhead route freight WTT for the early 1950s might be stored rather close to that Blue Pullman technical guide booklet, must have a look behind the dining room door sometime....

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I'd be amazed if they do mean the Mk.2/47 version - Hornby's attempt at the latter seemed to be in everyone's bargain bin at one point, keeping the Bachmann RR and IC Mk.1s company.

The added info now received above says it shows a picture so its certainly not this one..

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Really?! I can't see any logic in producing current standard power cars with nothing to put between them? The only reasoning for doing such a move would be to say that sales of the power cars will fund the development and tooling of the intermediate vehicles. It'd be like being given two slices of bread and asked to make a ham sandwich with the only two options for filling are 45 year old scraps or buying a prize winning pig to butcher yourself wink.gif

 

Hopefully Olivia's will put up some more information in the next few days to answer a lot of questions raised.

 

Pix

 

Pretty much my thinking actually Pixie. If the power cars sell well, and by that I mean total sellout - then the next logical step is the next derivative of the power cars plus the centre coaches in the various liveries.

 

Will be all very interesting to see over the coming months.

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Is it really fair to comment on the accuracy of a possible model from a manufacturer which we are not even sure is being made yet? I'm sure if the news of these models are correct then the commisoner will work closely with the maufacturer to get the models as spot on as possible.

 

I too was hoping Bachmann scanned 26020 at the NRM- the 76 is a difficult model to get right, and although Heljan's varied track record speaks for itself, they need to put more effort into getting it right than their recent AC offering. That's just my opinion, i've always thought a 76 would be a good seller and they'll be enough people who would buy any lump of a bodyshell as long as it had two front windows, Bo+Bo bogies and a pair of diamond pans.

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I too was hoping Bachmann scanned 26020 at the NRM- the 76 is a difficult model to get right, and although Heljan's varied track record speaks for itself, they need to put more effort into getting it right than their recent AC offering. That's just my opinion, i've always thought a 76 would be a good seller and they'll be enough people who would buy any lump of a bodyshell as long as it had two front windows, Bo+Bo bogies and a pair of diamond pans.

 

Hi

 

I have always said that if an RTR model of the 76 appeared I would buy a pair to sit on the shelf (I model N and already have enough 76s for my needs in that scale) but and its a very big but, they would need to get it right for an chance of me parting with my money.

 

Cheers

 

Paul

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The Blue Pullman will certainly make allot of people happy. You've been wanting that to get done for years! :D

The class 76 is an intresting machine. However, as there were 58 of them built I'd immagine that Heljan will probably do a standard run of these in a year or two, with diffrent numbers.

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