lucazone

I'd like to express my thanks and appreciation to Revolution for this fine model as well. A long time Channel Tunnel enthusiast, I cant tell you how exciting it is to complete the traction line up for my endeavours. The model is exquisite, the running is beautiful and the capture is perfect. Thank you to Ben, Mike and everyone involved in this project. The wait was worth it, even if I did get restless once or twice.

Thanks for the update Ben. We're all so itching. With extended time at home, we have more time for model railways :D I might be paraphrasing, but we've overlapped 3 years since this project was announced and start, and I have this memory that RevolutioN was started (in one sense maybe) because of the frustrations that the big named manufacturers would announce projects and we'd see nothing for years, leaving us to constantly question why the models were announced in the first place. It does seem to have been demonstrated that it indeed REALLY does take several years for a project to go from announcement to shop shelf. Even with the best will in the world. I mean yes, Covid has disrupted this year particularly hard. If I have remembered that right, would it be worth RevolutioN doing a reflective article of the realities of model railway manufacturing and why there are huge timeframes involved?

Sorry to bump, but I am just excited and looking forward to the 92s I am so impressed with the Pendolinos. I was never able to reach the heights of a CJM example, despite owning a vast Le Shuttle collection from him. Despite living in Kent, and the frequency of 92s passing through Dollands Moor, they continue to successfully evade my photographic capture.

For the 319 to appear

Doh... Why are we still in a place where the big names are announcing products years (or in some cases never!) before they see the light of day? I thought this question had been done to death and at least some note had been taken.

The Pendolino financing isnt that clear cut. The crowd funding exercise failed, so no money was taken by Kickstarter. Rapido then stepped in, happy to facilitate production of the project given the interest shown. Deposits were then taken (and still are!) by Revolution themselves who subsequently carried out R&D. I believe Revolution have said there will be no Pendolinos in the market for 2years from delivery of their project to original backers. Am I right thinking this is the same approach the NGS takes with RTR commissions? (Thinking brake vans and inspection coaches here). WRT NGS commisions, is it thus that membership fees are partly 'bankrolling' (to coin an earlier phrase) the R&D for the RTR manufacturer who win the commission? I guessing thus that the pivatol issue is the implied keenness of Dave to let RTR manufacturers release their own versions of the 92 soon after the crowd funders get theirs, rather than leaving a large time gap. At least, this is the impression Im reading. I am backing Daves project as I want a mass market 92 to be developed, just like I have a Pendolino on order with Revolution. It is an interesting time where customers are almost forcing through models they want because RTR manufacturers have lost the guts to be bold (ah the days of John Smith). These new ways are presenting new challenges.

From the email:

Great news for modern fans for sure. Thank you Bachmann, you are back on the road to capturing our interest (and money!). Production time scales though... A look on the Hattons production tracker page (rather handy info!) shows some models announced as far back as 2011/13 still not reaching the EP stage yet. So I look at all these announcements with interest but caution. We could be howling with discontent during Warley 2017 due to lack of progress. New liveries for existing models are certainly pleasing to see. I'll have to start saving for some of the Class57 and 170 rereleases. Now for the Class 319. That is certainly a sit up and pay attention moment! Very exciting (though note above comments about time scales). Regarding 'one tool fits all' potential, maybe not (depending on the potential for interchangeable parts). While most differences are with the internal compartments and seating layouts, there are at least three variants externally: Subclass 0 have a tapered cab door and flat plate cab air dam. Internally it is 3-2 seating throughout but the area behind one cab features longitudinal flip up seating and a lockable vestibule wall. This was an experiment in carrying parcels and mail. As the vestibule area is included, the external doors can be locked out of use and thus body side illuminating indicators are also present. Subclass 2 are the 'express' versions with a tapered cab door, flat plate cab air dam and a different window arrangement at one end of the MSO. Internally it is 2-2 seating throughout with an extended 1st class DTCO. Subclass 3 were originally subclass 1 and have a square cab door with large shaped cab air dam. Internally it is 3-2 seating throughout, similar but not identical to the subclass 0. Subclass 4 are similar to 0 with tapered cab door and flat cab air dam. Internally is 3-2 seating but with a DTCO featuring full compartment wall and door in the vestibule. There are also luggage racks throughout. All subclasses have slightly different vestibule areas. So all it, there are 4/5 DTSO types, 2 DTCO types, 2 MSO types and 2 PTSO types. Given that both 0 and 3 subclasses are in the announcement they've seen the ability to be efficient on tooling but this will make representing subclasses 2 and 4 difficult. I might email Bachmann about the choice of number for the Thameslink version (319382) as this is one of the units sent to Northern Rail. Even though will be in original Thameslink livery, of all the available numbers, it is no longer a 'Thameslink' unit in the true sense of the word.

An absolutely awesome sight. Really glad I invested in this. Excellent work to all involved. What was the heating of the model like after running during a days show? I remember issues arising from the Dapol voyager when run at some exhibitions I did. The model would overheat and seize up without careful monitoring.

Thanks Mike. Keep up the good work. Bread and butter first.

When the name voting closed, my choice didn't make the cut. Just want to check I haven't missed the chance to make my choice from the final line up? I've not seen any comms about it yet. Cheers

I want 92s to fill my gap in Eurotunnel modelling!

Awesome, thanks for the update.

Just read the latest newsletter about the project. Thanks for providing the details and keep us all informed. Its a really exciting project and feels very involving and dedicated to high quality. Cheers

Im surprised at the popularity of Penny the Pendolino! Looks like I'll need to choose a different set number as Mission Accomplished has fallen behind. Did you say to wait til the voting ends to change my choice?