dogbox321

In Liverpool - Trains go in with wheels and you count them on the way out......... Red diamonds - potentially goes for the multi-working code, with a Class 56 or 58 being a good choice for the already "half" announced 2 axle coal wagon! A 56 would also go well with the Tipplers, PFA's and with A/S's talents - potentially permit GBRF's Class 69 as a further spin off? That would be my best guess. The only other thing that comes to mind is Railfreight Distribution. But if we are going down the road of multi-working jumper types- what we really want next is an orange square! Best Regards, C.

Since the start of 2020 I've found it disperses the queue in front of me very quickly. I just thought people were being very polite!

No, they are having their own HS 3 - Ireland to England, to show the UK how to do HS 2! Its alleged the the A/S Class 92 is going to be so powerful they are going to use theirs, buy a few nightstars (one converted to a Guinness Bar), with 37/6's rehashed to EPS standard for none electrified lines! 37/6....Cough! Cough! Regards, C.

I think the main question is - Is there enough "meat on the bone" for it to be worthwhile? How many liveries? How many people would want it? How many would people require? Can any of the design/tooling be used for something else? Regards, Christopher.

Nothing personal, but I don't think they need Dennis. He's at Shildon and assisting them and at Bachmann/Virgin did PR. Fran and the team do very well themselves with regards Communications, Internet and Publicity. So why? No point trying to fix things that are not broke! Likewise, whilst some additions are inevitable to go along with their success - adding just adding for the "sake" adds fixed costs to the business. By the looks of it, those recruited and their experiences should compliment and strengthen the Accurascale team exceptionally well - Graham's consulting role fits nicely for guiding the business with his vast knowledge and experience, combined with second to none experience relating to importing and China supplier relationships, Gareth has masterful knowledge of modern stock and has experience in the model industry, websites plus railway journalism and Paul compliments the team with his model projects and surveying skills (plus I believe an interest in slightly earlier railways). I think that is an exceptional portfolio -Talk about having your cake and eating it! Best Wishes, C.

Yes, the irony is - if you use real coal in model loads its usually looks too clean and looks fake - glossy and shiny. I know some coal used to get "blended" so good and poorer quality got mixed to make the coal as the generators liked it. Too good and it burnt too well. Regards, C.

Hi Paul at the moment I would not bother increasing the fuel capacity - How Covid is going - they will be building a Wall along the M4! Best Wishes, C.

I am sure they will get around to it eventually - possibly the next batch. The 5 liveries they have done span the wagons life pretty well, plus there is the steel coil wagons to follow too. So for a new model its pretty diverse - most manufacturers only do three liveries in a first batch! Best Wishes, C.

It may have made Warley interesting. Bullet proof vest anyone? Best Wishes, C. P.S. Its not really A/S v Cavalex - It has been commissioned by two retailers and Cavalex are producing it for them. So ultimately the wagon is for the retailers to shift (just like KRS are working with A/S on the 73/9s). I do think with A/S's size they have the best opportunity to develop a much wider portfolio of products around the HAA hopper, in a shorter time frame and if they are £69.99 for a pack of 3 like the PFA's and PCA's then you don't need to be a rocket scientist to realise a rake becomes more financially achievable! Personally,I have enough of the previous Hornby offerings which were purchased many years ago - which I think "shamefully" I will be able to live with - the RRP's back then were £5.49, whilst the 2nd version came in at £8.99! (Not a moan - but to illustrate the reason for the quality/cost compromise). But, yes I expect the modern offerings to be superb in comparison and for them to be hugely popular (although I would possibly have a few CDA's with a decent hood....). The next logical step to accompany the hoppers would probably be an A/S Class 58, with the two previous offerings being so inferior by today's standards!

But whilst the Hornby one is good and probably isn't as needy as some other items for a new tool - wouldn't you sooner have an AS one (or three)? I'm sure you would get metal handrails, the correct colours/livery and some other refinements for a similar price - it would just take a little longer. Best Regards, C.

Well I also proposed an engineered solution, plus accessory bag with a few spares! Think that pretty much covers every eventuality, but in the unlikely event of one falling off off at the worst possibly corner and causing a crash, Bachmann do now produce a breakdown crane. Plus if it had a strong magnet, you could waft a piece of steel in the area you thought you lost it an pick it up. Maybe hubcaps are too much hassle after all! Not proposing KR include bricks! Best Wishes, C.

Well I also proposed an engineered solution, plus accessory bag with a few spares! Think that pretty much covers every eventuality, but in the unlikely event of one falling off off at the worst possibly corner and causing a crash, Bachmann do now produce a breakdown crane. Plus if it had a strong magnet, you could waft a piece of steel in the area you thought you lost it an pick it up. Maybe hubcaps are too much hassle after all! Best Wishes, C.

If they are on RMweb - they are aware now..... I would have thought on something as challenging as a locomotive the hubcaps would be pretty simple, and KR would want to produce this to be its flagship model. My suggestion after thinking about it 2 minutes. Plastic molding that has a recess to fit which should ensure they fit true, but supplied in an accessory bag for the modeller to fit if required (we don't need another Hattons "Wonky Axle Gate)". That could then be either glued or stuck on with a tiny about of double sided tape or blutac/blacktac etc. Or if you want an elegant "engineered" solution - very tiny magnet in the hub cap. Best Regards, C.

Actually FOMO was more of a thing. When locos cost substantially less, a run of 500 could sell easily, and sometimes just on pre-orders. Nowadays short production runs miss out and if there is enough demand another one appears - look at GWR Class 158, The Great Gathering and Great Goodbye, second run of GT3 etc.. Best Wishes, C.

Hi All, Think this topic is going well off the A/S tractor. I think its a tribute to the engineering (including those who have and continue to maintain them) that veterans such as the Class 37, can still do a solid and purposeful days work in 2020! I'm sure in due course something along the lines of the 37/5 will come along eventually, permitting TTG Liveries and a good many more beside. The main thing really is to get the initial versions sorted, however with the British Steel "Blue" JSA's, PTA tipplers on the horizon (The A/S website shows 37903/6 working them in 1991) and the recent BBA from another company recently released - wouldn't the Slugs (37/9) be a good and welcomed addition at this time? (Especially sound fitted!) Plus when those nearby complain about a EE 12CSVT throbbing away, they may as well do it with a Ruston and Mirrless power plant at the same time! I think I recall too, that at least one had its silencer removed at one time! Just saying..... Best Regards, C.

With those bonnets its crying out for Loadhaul. Could even plate the window in the style of the 37's that got it! If you think about the Black livery - it only needs the orange and a warning panel - although I think shunter chevrons would look better on the front grilles! Best Wishes, C.

Looking very nice Keith. Couple of small points (and sorry if it is there - cannot see on the black chassis, or omitted as an EP1). Firstly - would the cab steps be better as a separate etched part, as they look slightly "bulky"? Secondly - having looked at a couple of photos I take it the detail on the chassis under the front ends will all be there. There is also a small pipe. Best Wishes, C.

Glad they have gone well, but only problem nowadays - lots of things say limited edition - but of how many? 20% of 500 = 100 left 20% of 200 = 40 left In the good old days it was always 500! Nowadays no-one gives quantities. Likewise with no quantities mentioned, is it a limited edition or an exclusive production run - is there anything stopping Heljan doing another run for themselves in the proper Blue? Just like Bachmann's tweaks on 66522 and RTC Class 24 "Experiment". Best Wishes, C. Best Regards, C.

To be honest I would imagine its like everything in model railways - becoming far more specialised with people only buying what is really of interest to themselves. Plus don't forget many people now use the internet for research etc.. I think much of IA's problem was flooding the market with lots of books (perhaps quantity over quality?) and then many titles being "dumped" at very low prices. The likes of Twelveheads seem to be doing alright. Personally I do like a good book, and am not into the likes of kindles etc.. But how we conduct much of our research and behavior has changed. Years ago people would buy a book thinking that will come in useful if I ever do Y. But nowadays much of the information regarding Y can be found on the internet at the touch of a button. A good book ultimately needs a good author and someone who can provide a wow factor to make you want to never put it down and ultimately compete against other mediums. Railfreight in Devon and Cornwall is perhaps the best book I have ever read, expensive on face value but excellent value when you look at the quality - the photos, the information, the research etc.. A true masterpiece. Ultimately, there are lots of books out there on lots of subjects, but how many are great books? Best Wishes, C.

Not wishing to sound morbid but reading here - it is certainly sad to see the IA name move away from railways (progress eh?) - As a kid I always used to be looking in my dads old 1981 Combined Volume. I have been in their and made purchases many a time when travelling via Waterloo (although never tried the Jerk Chicken on sale nearby!), however with Covid I travel very little, but if I could pull it in "one last time" (still won't be having any Jerk Chicken afterwards!) and possibly add a couple of bargain bits and bobs to the railway........(Does anyone know if/when their will be a closing down sale?) Best Wishes, C.

"Attempting" like most things........Could not even paint a pair of DRS 33's in the correct shade of blue, and they did 33207 a few years before! And "Breathe"........

With the added bonus too, that with Accurascale - each would have its own separate running number and individual livery differences! Best Wishes, C.

I think Accurascale should be given credit where it is due. They have said that the Mk5 has been a steep learning curve, and to their credit have not compromised, but continued with this ambitious project, to their exacting standards. Result - Modellers will get a superb replica of the Mk5, whilst future models will no doubt benefit from the lessons learnt. Best Wishes, C.

Don't wish to turn this into a pricing debate, BUT....... They have been laughing at us for years at the prices they have been selling Class 66's at..... Just like with Class 37's at £179.99 etc., until the new breed arrive! Just look at the amount of parts on VDA's, POA's,HEA's etc. and their suggested prices. At least if anyone don't want a Hattons version, they can pick up a Bachmann one, at a little better price! Regards, C.

I know in the case of Bachmann (from previous articles in the collectors club), they have multiple production lines - each of capable of producing 5xx units a day, hence Bachmann L/E's being a minimum of 504/512. It would make sense to have different Class 66's on production lines at the same time, so the order gets done faster. One thing I have come across is the fact that many components are a push fit and are not actually glued in - which is probably why people are find bits dropped of. It is certainly worth opening them on a flat surface to catch anything escaping. On the Intermountain GE GEVO illustrated by YesTor above, I think it simply says "Wow"! Best Wishes, C.