shunny

I think it might be the opposite and they would be happy, firstly it vindicates their belief in the scale as viable if another manufacturer starts production. Secondly if more people take an interest because say accurascale are doing models then those modellers will end up buying some Hornby products as well so sales actually increase.

I was thinking that too, something like the Castle cement which could run with various diesel's coming out soon. It would also be easier to do as accurascale will have all the measurements already.

While in Scoonie hobbies today they got a delivery of the first of the Full brakes from Bachmann. They looked really good especially the teak one.

Having see both at Model Rail Scotland I can say both look great and happily sit along side one another on my layout. We are lucky to have two great models to choose from.

What's crazy is if I had pointed this out on a Hornby or Heljan model everyone would have agreed and said how bad it looks even though there samples are just as put together at this stage as everyone else's but because I've pointed it out on an accurascale it seems to be an sin to point it out. They seem to welcome feedback so I gave them my thoughts especially as panel is different and doesn't go to all the way to body sides like other models so is more noticeable.

No I have one ordered and want it to look right when it arrives. Like any model samples are supposed to there to see what amendments need made.

I understand they are samples but better to highlight now than wait until finished. I also find it odd we applaud manufacturers for putting a tiny detail on the underside of a loco we won't see but are happy to have over sized seam lines on the removable roof panels to allow easy access for DCC.

Is it just me but the first thing that notice is how much the removable roof panel sticks out. I have to say this a trend that I'm not a fan of having seen it on quite a few models now.

The answer to duplication lies not here but in your average I buy what I like modeller. Diesels with a multitude of liveries provide more sales over the years as they buy something different that catches their eye. A black steam 0-6-0 from GE or LNWR is just a black loco and I have Midland 3F already they say. These modellers tend to buy locos and not DMU/EMU some even refuse to buy any electrics as they don't have wires. The trend here can be seen in the number off unique models now RTR such as Hush Hush or Locomotion no1 which again catch these buyers attention. My local shop owner says about 70% of his customers are this type. So a class 31/37/47/66 with lots of eye catching liveries makes a lot of sense.

I expect more Mk1 coaches in later or preserved liveries as they have removed end steps from West coast versions and unlikely to be a run of 1 livery for the tooling amendments.

My thoughts are there a few units I would purchase mainly Scottish based in SPT orange. But I would suggest that quantities of sales will be lower than any locomotive. A lot of modellers I know will find an excuse for an extra diesel i.e. it's on a railtour or engineers train just because they like it or the livery but impulse buying units is very different most will buy only ones that suit their modelling area. I know my local shops reflect this with both Harburn and Scoonie hobbies only really stocking local DMUs but will carry most loco's no matter if they ran in Scotland. I think some manufacturers might reflect this in the price to cover development costs.

Last minute delivery in Scoonie hobbies today when I was in of Dwight D Eisenhower that's just made my Xmas😁

I'm not 100% from pictures Hornby had a spell of getting it wrong including first great gathering set then they seemed to fix it for a bit but these shots look a little high on tender again. I'll just have to wait and see.

Has anyone received one yet I am wondering if Hornby have the LNER on the tender at the correct height i.e. in line with the cab numbers? The original set had the LNER in the centre of the tender like BR logo but was out of alignment with cab numbers and was incorrect. Images are on website but not sure if they are the actual models?

I've had word Radio Highland has arrived at Bachmann should start shipping later this to shops

Not sure a friend sent me pic from Rails of Sheffield email this was the only other one he sent but think it's just a zoomed in shot of the front

Heljan have released new image of new 47 there have definitely been some tweaks made to improve it

There are a lot of factors behind pricing from manufacturers. One which effects Bachmann is the all models are sold via retailers ( many of the cheaper smaller manufacturers started direct sales only) no retailer margin really brings down the price. Secondly the margin where sold to retailer, let's just say this varies quite a bit and many newer manufacturers the margins are smaller hence no discounts from retailers. You'd be surprised how much closer in price most models are with vat and margins removed. Finally size Bachmann are a large company not just model railways in the UK but also kits and toys so large facilities for stock etc. I know as a consumer this just look like one much cheaper than the other but it's definitely not as black and white as it seems.

I think Hornby need more specialist to help with predicting demand, some good examples I spoke to several retailers after mine told me he was allocated 3 full rakes of Mk3 coaches but only 1 set of power cars. They all have said something similar so there will be a glut of coaches but not enough power cars to pull them. Another example new TTA wagons shops being allocated 3 of each. If Hornby understand the market better they would know these are block train wagons and people will buy multiple (yet no triple packs in range) so again missed sales. My local shop often says he can't get enough items from Hornby due to production numbers but was allocated more M7's in BR malachite green than any other loco and he is based in central Scotland?

My SFX Colas has arrived in Scoonie Hobbies today 😁

Very interesting question the link on post at beginning of thread takes you to domain site not Ultimate model railway. I was going to order some but not sure where to go? At least the models do exist from pictures from cavalex.

I've just got word my 37262 Dounraey has arrived today at Scoonie Hobbies along with the 37194 in RFD triple grey from Bachmann.

My local retailer has had invoice so it's on its way to shop this week

Lobster wagons arrived in Scoonie Hobbies today and I have to say they look good.

I was lucky and mine are all pretty good with the transfers but I have seen some really poor ones but I was able to check myself as bought them in local shop. You could maybe ask if Hatton's could check them but not sure its something they do or if you can return them if not happy.