97403_Ixion

It was only announced on Saturday (as far as I know) at TINGS, so the staff probably haven't yet had time to update their website. That said, I only knew about the Facebook link when I looked at their website and found their standard Facebook and Twitter links and took a look just in case it was there, though the Twitter link doesn't appear to be a publicly viewable page. For info, here is a photo of the advert on their stand, which was the form they were handing out at the show for feedback... HTH Ixion

At TINGS this weekend, DCC Supplies were taking expressions of interest in commissioning a Dapol N gauge model of 50008 Thunderer in its early 90's guise, to go with its 50015 Valiant model in 'dutch' colours. A small form was available on their display, requesting a Yes or No and contact detail... but if you go to their (publicly viewable) Facebook page, there is a poll mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/DCCSupplies/ It is good to see another of the 50 specials from their bowing out in the 1990's being looked into and hopefully come to fruition in due course. Ixion.

Hi Ample-Charms, As far as I can remember, the following models were/have been produced (there may be others I've missed): OO-gauge: Class 71 - general release + specials for: Hattons (these are still available as Golden Arrow types, I believe) Kernow Model Rail Centre (2x BR green + 1x BR blue, all weathered) J94 Austerity - general release (some may still be available, e.g. Rails of Sheffield). Specials were also done for: Hattons - various Kernow Model Rail Centre (Longmoor blue) RmWeb (Yellow + shevrons) Exclusive products for Hattons: 14xx (some still available) Exclusive products for Kernow Model Rail Centre: Beattie Well Tank, O2, 1361 (many are still available). Not sure if produced by DJM or not in the end - ZAA/SPA Pike wagon (also available via Hattons) N-gauge: Mermaid wagons - general release (I know the dutch yellow/grey ones are still available at Hattons...) I believe all the above items were released as DJ Models produced products (either as production runs, or as commissioned models/liveries for the respective companies). Other models were also originally commissioned by companies through DJM but later taken over by the commissioning bodies and are either available or sold out (...or yet to be produced). This actually makes tracing them a little tricky... so some details may not be included above or may be incorrectly shown as DJM produced items. Hope that helps answer your query if you were still wondering? Cheers, Ixion. Edited - to add ZAA Pike - just noticed still available at Hattons...

Hi Trailrage, I have found your posts about the 1981 OOC Open Day very interesting. I too tried a little while back to get the numbers of all the vehicles in the train but sadly to little final result. Photos do seem to be very rare of more than just the end vehicles (the face of the APT, as it were). In fact, you ended up with more vehicle IDs than me - I had 48101, 48601, Power Car, 48607... that was all! I remember my Dad taking photos and this evening I checked his collection but could only find one of a little 'Ixion' in front of the power car 370001. I know he took several photos from the Open Day and they are somewhere but not sure where - he used to take pictures of buildings, etc., so if I find one with a chance view of the APT in the background, I'll let you know. In the meantime, it would be great to know what the full list was... so please keep going! The Open Days of those days bring back lots of fond memories! Cheers, Ixion.

Hi Ben, I'd agree too - Cemex blanking decals sound a good idea. I got an order in before the Early Bird deadline but might have added a Cemex set if blanking decals were to be given... of course, the order book is still open :) Cheers, Ixion.

Hi all, Andy and his colleagues did us all good today - and an enjoyable lunchtime reading - so thanks to them for getting us the information to our desktops. I am not at all surprised by the limited 'new tooling' items and am pleased to see Farish expand on their current set of models with additional liveries. That said, I welcome the HKA National Power wagons, especially as they are in debranded and DB Schenker. Maybe Dapol might push ahead with their N gauge 59, given they would already have a wagon to go behind it (well, at least the National Power one would!). Perhaps my biggest surprise is the announcement of many new sound models, most of all the Class 14! As this feature seems to have achieved great acclaim with the 40, DMU and at least one steam loco over the past year or so, I feel it is an area that the manufacturers should continue to address, though not at the expense of losing customers due to higher costs. That said, I wonder if they will consider releasing non-fitted versions of the same models, like they are in OO? Pleased to see the Voyager make a re-appearance as well as a first release of the original Provincial 150/1! I thought this livery suited the 150s very well. Good to see OO model configurations filter down to N - the Highland Rail 101 & Mk2 TSO, as well as the Mk1 TSO & BSK. Good choice and I suspect a popular one? My interest will certainly be in the 60s and the 37s, though at least one or two of the sound fitted models must be on the cards! A wise announcement to promote more of what they already have, whilst giving time to catchup, not just in N but in OO. Really pleased with what is on offer and I am sure I am not alone. Cheers, Ixion.

Hi all, Firstly, a big thank you to Andy and his colleagues for reporting back from the event today! Like many, I was watching at 12:00 noon, keen to see what this year onwards holds for us. Events like this help plan finances for the next year (or two) as well as maybe provide inspiration of a new theme for a future layout? I was not at all surprised to hear of limited 'new tooling' items but I do think the chance to expand the liveries using toolings already in their range is perfect and well justified. It disturbs me when a new model is announced, only for one or two liveries or schemes to be released, then none for ages... so full credit to Bachmann in this respect. Maybe a few surprises in items like the 66, what with Hatton's well advanced model and Hornby's recent range announcement. That said, I am sure Bachmann were already planning these releases not after Jan 7th this year but more likely during last year, or even the year before. I am not surprised by the National Power wagon - a chance for the Dapol 59 to provide the drive for a model with a lower investment but potentially multiple sales. Personally I would have liked a Yeoman based wagon but having seen photos of and other people's positive comments about Dapol's National Power 59, I am not at all surprised by this announcement. De-branded and DB Schenker also covers the wagons after their National Power life. Great choice. Highlights for me - 37521 (Colas), 37669 (WCRC), 47050 (grey), 150115 in original Provincial (I have the Trains4U one too), 46010 (BR blue), Virgin Mk2Fs and a few other items. Pleased to see another Network Rail coach too. Oddly, 5551 'The Unknown Warrior' even gets my vote (shhh, I know it's ssssssssteam)! Maybe a surprise is the quantity of sound fitted models, though I suspect providing both non and sound fitted versions helps spread the production quantity across a wider audience. One last thought - I saw the pictures of the new crane. I was only expecting to buy one but now... Personally, I think Bachmann's announcement today was a good one and a wise one. It gives a chance to catch up, whilst broadening their current range of products using toolings already invested. There is plenty of items for me and I am sure many others too. Cheers, Ixion.

Here goes from me...(not really a steam person myself): Diesel: New tool Class 07 - more a suspicion, like the Class 14, only a release in N since a OO already exists New tool Class 45 - not many choices in the current range in my view and all are old tools. Plenty of options and celebrities to mention... Electric: I think we may see more activity in this theatre... New Class 90 and/or 91 - the 91 perhaps less so, as it means the coaches are pretty much required too (costly) but the 90 could gain from OO research Class 85 - again, the OO research exists, so the scaling down of chassis equipment would probably be the biggest development costs Class 87 - lots of livery choices, so a possible future revenue earner Multiple Units: Class 117 - again, a lot of the research with OO is shared Class 387 - a number of areas of application, especially with GWML's new electrification using them... Coaches: I suspect more released of the same liveries and fruition of the Mk2F ranges. As has been said before, the Mk1 RBR to complement the Mk2Fs. Just possibly the Mk2D/E... Wagons: Really can't decide a good guess but possibly the STVA car carriers, though the steel carriers used on the 'Boston' steel trains would get my interest. Departmental: Harsco Rail Grinder? Hopefully something for everyone tomorrow, though I suspect the factory issues with Bachmann may mean a number of delays which could affect announcements for this year and for that we just have to be patient. Not long to go now I suppose... but must do a morning's work before I enjoy my lunch break Cheers, Ixion.

Here goes from me (I'll try to keep it reasonably brief): Diesel: Re-tool of the 45/46 to include flush front and sealed beam headlight, with possible 45106 release (i.e. 'heritage' Tinsley green). WIPAC 37 tooling (to complement the class 20s and nuclear flask range) New model - maybe an 06? With Bachmann gradually delving into class 97s, 97804 as a possible... Electric: An 86... despite Heljan's recent announcement, I feel there are plenty of liveries which were never released, giving Bachmann time to 'grab' the model. I also think the 92 is a possibility - duplication seems to happen quite often these days but in some respects I hope I am wrong. Multiple Units: No new DMU but possibly a Class 207 DEMU, to complement the 205. Not sure a centre coach for the 205 is likely (yet). I think a 387 EMU could also be proposed, given the wide range of use and especially as the GWML is now electrified and the GWR green branding seems popular. That said, high costs of a 4 car may mean it does not yet happen. Coaches: I am not sure a new passenger coach as such is likely but the Motorail van might be a possibility. I suspect DCC'ing of coaches may continue and possibly be extended to the Mk1 range. Wagons: With Dapol releasing the Class 59 soon, I suspect Bachmann may try to 'grab' at least one of the Mendip wagons - no investment of a loco required! Liveries: Except standard liveries, I would not be surprised with (possibly as Rep limited editions): Class 25 - ETHEL Blue/Grey... to get in before Heljan... Class 45 - 45106 (Tinsley green) if they go ahead with a re-/newly tooled Class 45 Class 47 - Fragonset black or ROG blue 47004 in heritage 2-tone green, named Old Oak Common (after OOC's closure last year, albeit the HST depot) As a real wildcard - Blue Pullman 47s, possibly with a coach or two to match, keeping with the Blue Pullman theme of times gone by... Class 66 - although many options exist, I would say 66723 / ZA723 'Chinook' Whatever they produce, I am sure there will be something for most people. It would be good to see progress on currently announced models in development though I suspect Bachmann's current factory status may hold back new models altogether - just concentrating on current programmes and re-liveries. Cheers, Ixion.

I thought Hornby's range is a pretty good one this year! Especially: IET 800 Test Train Coach Pack (I guessed correctly!) 31602 NR Yellow and a couple of coaches to match GWR HST with 'Legends' motif on the side Yellow re-railing coaches (OOC) Interesting to see another Peckett in the range - these are great little locos and seem very popular to modellers and collectors, alike. Good move! Also, the Ruston and Hornsby 48DS... very petite! Hornby doing a Hornsby... how apt?! Pleased also to see both a DB Schenker and a Construction Sector 60. Have to admit, I never thought they would do the sliding door Mk3s but fair play. As these modifications are likely to result in the longevity of the Mk3 on the network for at least the meantime, it's a good move to get tooling in place and keep up with the real world. I understand why they release one 67 in British Pullman as a stand alone and another in a set but fear it may not maximise sales if buyers want both but do not want to splash out on the rest of the set. Only when I looked closer did I realise the Northern Belle train pack was actually 57601 as 'Windsor Castle' but the radiator grilles gave it away as their ex-Lima 47...bit naughty but I guess no worse than printed grilles on NR yellow coaches (plus Rule 1, if the joker card is required!!!). Mk2Fs? Well, that was half a surprise and half not. Whether it was Bachmann or Hornby who started their research first, hopefully both will complement each other in the long run. That said, I do like the idea of Bachmann using DCC in theirs but Hornby may get the better sales with a much lower RRP. Wildcard - the graffiti laiden CCT van looks quite well represented I feel - better than the milk tank a few years back! I hope this offering helps Hornby over 2019 at a time when they need a boost, which I hope is the case. Cheers, Ixion.

Hi Ben, Is there any chance the order book will be open for a week or so at the beginning of January? It might give people a little chance to get Christmas / New Year out of the way before committing payments, especially as some people are paid at the month end. I appreciate there may be other reasons why it has to close in December but wondered if it was possible. Thanks, Ixion

Hi all, I don't normally try to guess at these things but I'll give it a go... Personally, I'm not sure there will be much 'new tool' stuff but more re-liveries as these are making use of current investments and lower financial outlay. Highlights would be: Class 31 - 31601 in DCRail Grey OR 'Wessex Trains' pink (maybe with coaches?) Class 50 - Laira Blue 50019 Class 60 - DB red OR GBRf 60095 Class 67 - 67021/67024 British Pullman chocolate/cream OR 67023 'Stella' in Colas (unless there was a reason why they changed the loco choice last time?) Class 87 - 87002 Caledonian Sleeper OR older InterCity colours Class 153 - 'Heart of Wessex' Class 800 IET - 800008 'Pride' + 1 other Train Pack - 'Goodbye OOC' set twin pack of: 'Old Oak Common' 43093 in GWR green and 43185 in Swallow I/C, maybe with 'Last HST' headboard More of a hope - a triple coach pack to fulfil the Class 800 Test Train... There are a number of packs still around on sale, including Hornby's own website! It was a pity they didn't release the full set at the time but maybe they can produce a coach pack to help sell off the remaining driving units as well as appeal to those already with a set. There would be little economic sense producing more coach packs than the original 'Limited Edition' driving units though... If I did have to guess new tooling: Mk5 coaches - (goes in line with Hornby targeting new vehicle types) Class 91 (to align with Bachmann Class 90) I would like to think they would produce a new DMU/EMU as people have said before but many (not all) units require more than two vehicles and I don't think the investment would be wise with a risk of low sales in the current climate. Single car units, such as the 121, 122 and 128 have already been covered by others whilst Hornby already have the 153 in their pocket, which still has liveries available... license depending. So, I'd say more re-liveries of their current range with little new tooling - and there is plenty of choice to be had. Whatever they produce, I am in no doubt there will be something of interest for most people. Hornby is traditionally a family-oriented company and has a lot to be thanked for introducing the younger members into the hobby (me included) and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come. Looking forward to January 2019! Cheers, Ixion.

Hi class37418stag, Seeing that photo reminded me of a time I saw it (maybe as 97561?) in St Deny's station (Southampton area), pulling Laboratory 5. It would have been ~1990. Sadly, I had walked over the station bridge just 5 minutes before, then I saw it from a footbridge south of the station - I had never run so quick as it was only waiting for the barriers on the Portsmouth line to lower. I believe I got a photo of the rear DMU coach somewhat in the distance but none of the 47. So for modelling purposes, it can be said that it operated on the Southern's Southampton to Portsmouth line, if that helps?! Cheers, Ixion.

Hi class 37418stag, For what it's worth, I saw it once at Birmingham New Street arriving to couple up to a railtour. It also appeared at a number of Open Days in that era too. It was painted maroon when it was 97561 and I believe it was used by the RTC for its test trains - though not sure if it did much of that after losing its 97561 identity... Hope you find out what you need! Cheers, Ixion.

Hi Chrisjh, Could try Hatton's product database here: https://www.hattons.co.uk/stocklistdatabase/1000389/1000588/1000636/0/Hornby_OO_Gauge_1_76_Scale_Coaches/prodlist.aspx There's quite a few pages of coaches but if you know which Era, it's easier. Hope that helps! Cheers, Ixion.

I got one and I think it's a great set! I missed the first period of reserving but so glad they opened up a second period. I remember seeing Evening Star steam loco at at least one or two railway shows / exhibitions in the past but only ever saw the 66 at the Old Oak Common show of recent! They are both great models and ideal candidates for making them into a box set, though glad they are sold separately for other who want just one. Can't say I knew about the lining issue but I admire the general appeal of these fine models. I also bought the earlier release of Evening Star (years ago) and am happy to run that around the layout... just got to decide whether to get the standard production 66 so I can keep the gloss pair for display without tarnishing them (maybe also add sound to the standard ones?). I think a display cabinet for sets like this would be great to see, to portray some kind of 'traction through the years' theme. It could provide a display of 'lasts' in steam and diesel ranges (i.e. for original steam builds and large-scale mass-produced diesels). Maybe even include the early/experimental locos - 10000's, 1020x's as well as Falcon, Lion, Kestrel, DP2, DP1, etc.. I saw one person on here has a show cabinet with almost all of the released liveries on 66's. It impressed me and made me think it was probably the best way to appreciate a collection more rather than run a few on a layout at a time or keeping them in boxes Glad you got your set - pity about the tax hit but then it's what it means to you and it sounds like you're really pleased! Cheers, Ixion.

If they did, I'd like 1466 (Didcot GWS) and/or 1442 (Tiverton Museum) in their preserved liveries. I know at least 1466 has been done previously but it would be good to have it using the latest Hattons/DJM tooling. I guess it depends if they can rally together enough new ones that people would be interested in, given there is still stock in excess of 100 left to sell... Fingers crossed though! Cheers, Ixion.

Hi Dave, Can you tell me which liveries are planned for the first and second batch runs? I've looked back through this thread and can't see it stated... Also, I presume this week's deadline for stockists is only for the first batch? Personally, I'd like the later liveries, especially dutch with an option for EWS and Loadhaul but happy to wait if they are the second batch. Cheers, Ixion.

A long time ago (32-475Z) for Model Rail. Not in recent times though and certainly not with the more recent tooling. Cheers, Ixion.

I did wonder 'Western Champion'... but could only think it was indirectly hinting a 'Western' Region loco? Of course, the you may be right about the Trix model!!!

Possibly a racehorse 'champion' - maybe 55015 Tulyar? The Graham Farish range includes a model of it (371-288) in this year's catalogue listings and many OO gauge limited editions/specials are repeated in N gauge, sometimes in advance of the model coming out in OO! It was made in OO for the DPS some years back but hasn't the class 55 model been upgraded since then? I also suspect the exclusivity period would have also elapsed. Personally, the blue with white windows surrounds give it a more interesting look than say D9009 'Alycidon' in green to me... but D9009 could also be an option?! Of course, it could be a steam loco and may even be N gauge I guess we will find out some time in the next week or so! Cheers, Ixion.

Great to read your post, Kit and really pleased to hear you're feeling a lot better! Keep up the recovery

Sending Kit wishes for a steady and full recovery from me! Life may have taken a corner a little fast but we're all here hoping he gets back up right again back on the straight... Take care, listen to the doctor's advice and don't rush things.

Hi Chrisjh, Click the 'Forum Index' tab at the top of the page and then look in the 'Trade & Products Zone' for the 'Wanted' link at the bottom of the section. I believe that will be the correct forum... I've never used it myself but it looks like there are both 'wants' and 'sells' in there. There may even be something you are looking for? Hope that helps?! Cheers, Ixion. P.S.: One of the forum moderators (Mods) may be able to help move your post there... or maybe the boss, Andy York... could try private messaging him?

Hi all, Today (May 11th) is the last chance/day to place orders for these models! Looking forward to seeing them in the flesh - especially the flashing rear light option and the Perrier branded ones. Well done to the Revolution team in getting yet another vehicle through to production start... not long to go now (see Ben's post below)... Cheers, Ixion. Edited: referenced Ben's post for delivery estimate