seeseerider

There is always a way to find space for model trains! It’s one of the great fun challenges. I live in a tiny 1 bed flat currently and model in gauge 1 and O. Piece of cake.

The answer is us - the consumers. We've paid Heljan's kind of prices repeatedly, so why wouldn't they charge them again and again? Especially when there has been no real competition for the RTR British diesels. Dapol's 66 prices are extremely aggressive for what's being offered - given the existing market.

All Class 60s came with that transfer sheet, yes. I struggle to think of any other Heljans actually.

Wow looking at the very low prices - I know I won’t be able to resist one now. That’s astounding.

Good luck to Dapol on the 66. it’s way too modern for me - but if I’m going to be getting one it would be in EWS livery - but I’d never want 66001 - hopefully there will be other number options.

i have preorders too - and no communication at all. I don’t know what the delay is or when to really expect the A3s.

i think given Darstaed’s quality level in the o gauge finescale side of their market (they have been low to mid quality level up till now) prices are pushing the limit and a touch too high for what’s on offer. I will still buy one. The marketing blurb promises a lot - if they can pull it off then maybe the prices will be ok. But I personally wouldn’t call them a bargain. I love their optimism and confidence though and will support them for it.

I must be ignorant , but i’ve always wondered at the heavy GWR bias in O gauge RTR finescale in UK. You imply it’s an obvious thing. What don’t I know? I’m an LMR man, myself - and only buy the gwr stuff ‘cause there is nothing else haha. i follow most of what else you say. I too can’t help but notice how small the market is, and I don’t get it. I never understood the appeal of OO other than for those with very limited budget and for those who like to model large landscapes of scenery who just don’t have the space. I know people hate me for drawing a comparison but I don’t care - in Germany we have a much larger gauge 1 RTR market which drawrf the prices of Dapol and Heljan. The market is very big compared to uk gauge O. Why are there not enough lovers of the British trains who can afford at least O gauge? I know they must be out there. I guess they have other priorities in their lives - those that do have the cash. It’s a great shame. I only wish British O gauge RTR to flourish, because I love it.

I would love the 22 to finally get made, I'd order one instantly, however, based on Dapol's advertising of this release so far, I think it will be a larger loco.

Here are a few quick photos.

I think it's considered as being a touch too modern for most in the O gauge scene.

I received my new crimson and un-lined maroon sets yesterday. Initial impressions very strong. I'm delighted.

My instinct tells me it’s the 66, but I wish it was the 90. 66 is a step too far modern for me, I wouldn’t even buy one.

Nice one! Lionel ‘O27’ scale, as it’s known, has so much charm and character. I’m planning an O scale Lionel legacy layout myself right now, i’m sure I won’t be able to resist some of the coarser scale stock too.

Thank you for all your replies, very helpful. I think I have what I need to proceed. I just wish we had more surviving detail photos of the stock from back then, rather than of the few modern day restored coaches - which all seem to be a little differently done.