wombatofludham

I'm quite looking forward to tomorrow, having let the cat escape the sack on the Ped does make me wonder if they have another headline grabber lined up and decided to pre-release the 31 to clear the decks for something even bigger. Unless it is a bluff and they did the pre announcement to get us to tune in for a raft of new paint schemes.

Not in the metal, but if it is anything like the Accurascale 37 I took to run on the last day of the Dolgellau exhibition, which even impressed the ordinaries, I expect it will be a corker especially as the 92s have a roarer-like quality in real life.

I expect, given the length of time these models take to develop and the costs involved, because Accurascale and Bachmann were both working on new models at the same time, having both identified that Hornby's obsession with big green tea urns had left a lot of much wanted liveries untouched and saw it as a potential good model to take up, especially as Bachmann have said they want to bring a number of N scale models into their OO range. Given they have expended several year's work and money on the model, why on Earth should Bachmann write off several hundred thousand pounds because Accurascale have announced a high spec 31? I do wonder if we will see an OO scale 87 especially as the 90 chassis would be a good starting point for one. At least if they do we won't need to dismantle our model and circuit board to put in DCC noise.

I assume the auto uncoupler will need some sort of electrically fed DCC linked socket in order to be able to uncouple, which must rule it out as a retrofit to other locos or coaches without them.

Unexpected announcement in the frothing area... I must be one of the very few who don't mind duplication. It gives choice and when it is a long lived and numerous class should mean the companies will each get something back. I've got three Accurascale models of their 31 on order and if Bachmann cover locos not on the Accurascale list I'll probably go for additional Bachmann examples as well. They were literally everywhere in the Midlands in the 1980s and 90s as they replaced 25s, and even before then were a regular sight in the 60s and 70s (there's even a fantastic photo of one in the newly built Coventry station pre electrification on the daily Birmingham to Harwich boat train which used to run via Coventry, Rugby and what is now the A14 to Peterborough} and I've always had a soft spot for them, having endured numerous Midlands-East Anglia crawls across the Fens behind them. I wonder if they released this video the day before so that all the "Why another one?" gumflapping could be out of the way before they make the main announcement?

Given there is a slight mis-match on the above cab roof dome I suspect the front might not be quite seated correctly and will no doubt cause the issue with the light clusters. It's a livery sample so probably won't have the final fit and finish yet.

Having looked at the photos on Rails I'd better get my other house sold pdq as I count 7 that I could usefully use, all with noise. North of two grands worth. I'd definitely expect coffee and cakes with the new King Fred at the Amelienborg for my personal commitment to the Danish economy if I do buy that lot. I wonder how straightforward it will be to "de-domino" 47137 as I would ideally like it with headcodes behind the glazing for the 1975 summer season? Perhaps @61661 could advise.

Take cover, wishlist froth incoming. Personally I would be very happy just with a new batch of FFA liner intermediates and blue grey Mk2fs, but having given up on an RTR version ever coming to pass and having got a Class 310 built for me by Britannia Pacific models, I would be less than surprised if the finest AC electric multiple unit gets announced by Bachmann, although it is possibly not the point in the calendar for a major new tooling announcement.

I must admit I can sometimes forget to leave feedback and then end up with multiple essays to write. Doesn't help that eBay messages to remind me get lost in all the other crap they put out which means I don't read the messages.

The power of RMWeb... Having updated my address with Trains4U a while back I realised I hadn't updated the new phone number which meant they had been ringing the now disconnected old number still on my order. Thanks to the earlier posts saying payment was being taken I was able to give them a call to settle up. Thanks for the heads up everyone! I just need to rebuild the layout now.

Can't be that small otherwise Heljan wouldn't be tooling up a new 44!

I suspect Hornby had no interest in DMUs whilst a certain person found "steam more charismatic" as they haven't tried to compete on any DMU models in their range which have been picked off by other companies with higher spec models (Bachmann's Class 101, Realtrack Class 156 and planned 142) although they do seem to sell their more basic models. As for Bachmann, it is too soon to expect them to develop any further models on their 64' chassis given they have been bringing the 47 and 37 through to launch, in fact they haven't even expanded their 117 options to include other liveries of which there are a number crying out for attention - blue, green with a yellow bib, Regional Railways to name three. As I said earlier, they still have to launch the revamped 170 and then there is no doubt a desire to upgrade the Voyager models, and given the 120 has been up the top of the wishlist poll for all we know they might be working on one. Which is why I do think Accurascale have an open goal in front of them. However, you are right, body toolings are probably the most expensive part of a model development based on what others have said. That said I'd expect time saved in the design of the mechanicals and underframe freeing up designer time to focus on body tooling would be a worthwhile saving I imagine.

Whilst the 119s were not as geographically spread as the 120s, they do have the advantage of having carried Network Southeast livery which is very popular, and which the 120s never carried. I don't see Bachmann producing a 116 anytime soon. They still have the Class 170 retool to release, and then I expect the Voyagers will be next for DCC and retool works as they remain a popular and high priced second hand sale on Tatbay, which indicates just how much demand there is for the unit. It is a commercial no brainer. Assuming those of us who model non-steam won't know the difference between a 119, 108 or 114 is a bit odd as unlike GWR 4-6-0s there are noticeable differences between the units (that's irony by the way before those with an irony by=pass pile in). However, my suggestion the 119 would be a better start point for Accurascale than the 120 was based on the ability to share the underframes across a wider spectrum of units, which would I imagine make a better use of capital investment. The underframe of the 120 was unique to the class (and possibly the highly niche Swindon built Scottish inter city units, I haven't compared them). In doing a standard 64ft underframe Accurascale could potentially develop a range of units that compete with Bachmann whilst not competing toe to toe and would be complementary to Bachmann who have effectively had the first-gen unit sector to themselves for a decade or so. Class 114 A two car low density unit, which would be in the same sector as Bachmann's 101,105 and 108. Whilst primarily associated with Lincolnshire, South and West Yorkshire in their early days, they did work west to Nottinghamshire, south to North Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and when some came across to Tyseley in the mid 80s, the literally could be seen from Yarmouth to Barmouth and all places in between. They also had two parcels careers, one with just the seats taken out and "Red Star" branding added, and later fully rebuilt to Royal Mail units with roller shutter doors. Class 116 High density suburban unit working the Western, Midland and Scottish regions and as Rolls Royce engined units of identical appearance, West Anglia and the Great Northern where they worked alongside the 31s and Mk1 suburban coaches now in production from Accurascale, making them complementary. Again, parcels conversions worked the Western (alongside the Bachmann 117s) towing Siphons. The 116 worked alongside 117s across the Western so again would be complementary, rather than straight competition. Whilst multiple body toolings would be needed which would of course increase development cost, by sharing the oily and sparky bits it should reduce the overall development cost a bit. Class 119 Cross country unit used on semi-inter city services. The bodysides share nothing with their Class 120 sisters. Given the 120 has been bouncing around the wish list charts like a rubber ball I expect A N Other company is working on one (my itchy feeling is Heljan) so going for the 119 would at least avoid toe to toe competition. Also, as I said earlier, the outlived the 120s to get NSE livery. Given the were all over the Western and Midland regions, plus Paddington and Gatwick, the fact they didn't work north of Crewe (to the best of my knowledge) is a moot point given they would have been seen around some very populous areas and of course would be a shoo-in for the allegedly popular transition era GWR branch line. Classes 115 and 127 Now, this is where I get a bit vague as to the detail differences between the Bedpan 127s and the Chiltern and North West 115s. Mechanically they were chalk and cheese, the 115s having normal gearboxes with more powerful Albion engines, whilst the 127s were diesel hydraulic, but the bodywork of the 127 and 115 DMS cars were very similar, with short guard's compartments at each end. The Chiltern units had a TCL (trailer composite lavatory) whilst the Bedpan sets had a Trailer second Lavatory, the main difference being the TCL had one bay with two smaller compartment style windows in the second class saloon compared to the 127 TSL. The Bedpan driving motors later went on to be converted into parcels cars with roller shutters, whilst the intermediate cars migrated to Tyseley where they replaced Class 116 intermediate trailers after fitting with gangways. A similar thing happened with the Class 115 units where surplus trailers were used to provide lavatory accommodation on the 116 fleet, whilst surplus Class 115 DMS vehicles were made up with Class 116 DMS vehicles and a pick and mix selection of Class 115 and 127 lavatory trailers, 115,116 and 127 non lavatory cars to form 4 car sets with lavatory access which were commonly used as crowd-buster holiday maker sets to Skegness, North Wales and even the Cambrian. That would be a massive amount of investment in body tooling, but at least the cost of the mechanicals would be shared. Plus, by doing a range as I've outlined, they are not duplicating any existing models but are in effect building a range which, if you are not bothered about fidelity, covers everything from high capacity commuters to low capacity rural units, but for those of us who are keen on our DMUs and know how different they are, none of the units mentioned are duplicating anything but would complement existing models, and other Accurascale items. Of course the common underframe would only be a relatively minor cost saving compared over 12 different body mouldings, but every penny counts and if the relatively low hanging fruit of the basic 116 and 119 were prioritised, then the common components then used under say the 114 and 115/127 subsequently I'm sure the market would snap them up. At the minute people are having to "make do" whereas by making complementary models to existing DMUs made by others, modellers can expand their DMU fleets with more representative examples appropriate to their chosen time and location.

The 115 of course also worked between Liverpool and Manchester and even alongside those mobile tea urn thingies on the last days of the Great Central, so possibly more widespread than some would think. On the Cross Country units much as I would like a 120 I do wonder if the 119 would be a better bet as they had a standard depth underframe whilst the 120 had a deeper chassis frame. A standard depth 64ft underframe could then be used under the 114, 115, 116, and 125 class units, plus the 119 made it into all the same colours as the 120 plus the ever popular NSE, and in their early days ran with a Hawksworth carriage in the formation on Oxford semi fasts. The only thing the 119 lacks is a Scottish allocation or regular forays into East Anglia which the 120s achieved. But hey, I'll be mad for any DMUs up to 1994. I do like my classic fart carts and the Sprinters.

Interesting thought, but from my personal perspective if the show is within a reasonable drive time and I think is worth attending (like the Stafford show) I'll go in person, then watch other's videos of the show. If it is on the dark side of the moon and beyond the range of the Saab State Barge, even at motorway speeds, I might watch some videos, but then I might not. So in my case, it isn't the Choob that is denying income, but the practicality of getting there or the likelihood it will be a permanent rugby scrum to get around the show, given my rugby playing days are well behind me. On the wider question of the Choob, clubs and exhibitions, my view is that the hobby doesn't need clubs, exhibitions or the Choob to survive, but it is all the better for having them. I did have a very brief career exhibiting, my motivation for "King's Oak" was a trial build to get back into modelling and having something to show in the village hall at a hobby show we were having, not to show off my modelling or with any idea of getting it out to exhibitions on the circuit - that was an afterthought when @AY Mod called my bluff and invited me to the Ricoh arena show. I've also been heavily involved in the Dolgellau layout which the town bought off the Liverpool MRC and which was a permanent installation in a chapel in town until we had to vacate the space last year. I'm not sure I want to get into exhibiting now as it is extremely tiring and having to put on a shop face and interact with people for long days at a time feels like a full time job. However, when I get round to rebuilding the home layout in the new garage I will be building it with a view and optimised for videography, as I found in my last layout in the shed (see the "Blog" links below) I really enjoyed filming videos of the layout and stock. I was also involved in Simon Barnes' "Pendeford Yard" videos which are on YouTube which were a slightly different take on the model railway video, and that layout most definitely would never leave home, but had a wide range of followers. His current layout has generated a small club of it's own, devotees of the old North Stafford who exchange information and memories on the Biddulph Valley lines, all through Simon sharing his videos on the Choob. I see video of model railways as complimentary to shows, building a detailed home layout isn't a waste of time, nor are shows. There is room for both.

Are you aware Revolution are producing the Class 180 both in N and OO? I expect Accurascale won't want to compete directly with the model which has now reached EP stage.

Of the overhead AC EMUs mentioned in this thread, I would seriously look to acquiring a green with yellow bib 304 (any variant), a blue with small yellow bib 304, a four car blue/grey 304 and if modelled a Regional Railways liveried 304 (a few late surviving units got this livery). If you went for a Class 310-312, I'd somehow find the cash for a blue as built with half yellow ends, a blue grey unit, a refurbished Midline liveried unit and probably a blue-grey 312 as well. If all liveries were released at once I would have to prioritise but given your payment schemes it might be better to blag the lot and spread the payments. On DMUs it would depend on classes, but say, for example, a 116 was considered I would find space for a blue, white with blue stripe and blue-grey unit. At the risk of sounding like a dog with a dinosaur bone, a Northern Irish 80 class in red stripe, and Intercity bumble bee stripe, would fit my plans nicely. In other words, at typical prices you are charging for the Rotems, I would seriously fund multiple purchases spread across multiple liveries to fit my plans.

Just a thought - how about an IE 29000 unit and the UK class 195-6-7 variants? The bodysides share nothing in common (IE units having recessed sliding doors, the UK versions having plug doors and more windows) and there will be multiple cab ends, but at least you'd only have one manufacturer to approach for CAD drawings. And given your keen pricing, you would be able to say that in this case, CAF really does mean Cheap as.... ....but only after you've given us the 80 class. Cash still waiting.

Just caught up with this. I've just bought a Britannia Pacific custom made Class 310 emu (brass/resin/plastic) for which I shelled out £800, but that is an outlier, and very much a one-off. To be honest the prices you are charging for the Irish 22xxx units hits the right spot. Were you to consider for the sake of argument a Class 310.312 for example, which would necessitate five distinct body shells and adaptations to accommodate five different cab ends, it would be a massive tooling kit and consequent investment. Whilst there is a good range of liveries and a reasonable, albeit southern and Midlands bias, I imagine there would have to be a risk costing included in the price to ensure you got the cost of the outlay back plus at least a pint of Guinness back on each sale - so I personally would think around £600 would be fair especially if it had all the expected play value of modern rolling stock (although a performing pantograph isn't something I'm bothered about). If you were to consider the "PEP" units (313-508) you might be able to achieve a more economical set of tools as apart from the revised lamp clusters on the Merseyrail refurbished units there are just two body mouldings and a high degree of standardisation. There is a greater range of liveries and more geographical spread, so it would probably involve a lower level of risk economically and that could be possibly be factored in the price. I think for a heritage 3 car DMU (say a Class 116) between £350 and 400 wouldn't scare my horses, and would probably sell in greater numbers than an AC electric unit so the financial risk is probably less. How much I would be prepared to pay for an Accurascale HST in the 1980s=90s cross country formation is hard to say but I'd find the money to get one even if I have to sell my body as a toy boy to my elderly neighbours. I expect it wouldn't leave much change from £800, so I'd better get advertising.

This "Boomer" is 61 in just over a week's time, and has just shelled out 800 sovs for a fantastic hand built Class 310 (which will almost certainly mean Bachmann announcing an RTR model). Why and how? I really wanted one, and as I don't waste money on ephemeral holidays which are over in 14 days I could use the money others would spend on getting bladdered on the Costa Chav on a model which will still be here long after the sunburn has become rain washed paleness. Cutting back? No, just making informed choices.

And there is the problem which leads to the moronic press wailing about the end of model railways Go look at the crowds of youngsters filming 66s, 70s, Pendolino, Desiro and Voyagers at Stafford Station. Go look at the hours of video of modern rail operations on YouTube. Look at the numbers who paid to go on the last 313 emu railtour, and the first preserved Class 142 mainline railtour. Even I paid good money to go on the last 150 railtour of the Midlands which, of course was not the last in the Midlands as the 150 keeps coming back like an eggy burp. It was maxed out and no doubt a source of complete befuddlement to those rail enthusiasts who thought the railway died when Sprinters took over. Whatever. You may not like the modern railway but I can assure you as someone who has dipped into these videos and actually noticed the numbers of young enthusiasts out filming and taking photos that in a few years time there will be crowds bashing the last Voyagers and Pendolini to the bewilderment of their older brethren for whom the railway ceased to be interesting when the last 150 and 158 went for recycling. And yes, if I have an hour to kill in Rugeley I enjoy parking up at RTV to watch the trains go by, I don't care if they are not my beloved Classes 81-90, 47s and 56s, I enjoy watching a railway which is more relevant, busier and faster, and the fact Rugeley has it's best train service since the days of the LNWR and is used. Some enthusiasts need to bin their rose tinted pebble glasses and matching white cane and take a broader view.

My niece watches a lot of videos about art. She spends a lot of time drawing and painting, it is her big passion. So much so she started her own YouTube channel showing HOW to draw popular cartoon characters and which TikTok videos showing art techniques were good. She's 11 and basically getting YouTube to stop watching and get drawing all from having watched art videos. I wouldn't give up hope yet.

There's the Telegraph. Then there's reality. Railways are not an ageing interest, nor are model railways. They mix and socialise via new media rather than clubs where they will usually be derided for not being interested in kit building and daring to like non-steam. If clubs are losing volunteers I suggest some members might need to look in the mirror for the problem. In any case Warley had reached a size where it would be a full time job for a professional exhibition organiser, so I don't blame Warley for saying time to let it go. If the Telelaugh is blaming to many old farts for the demise of Hatton's and Warley then based on past form I'd be inclined to look elsewhere for the real reasons.

Sad news but well done Warley MRC for making it to now as the show just grew, and weathering the changes of ownership of the NEC which can't have made things easy. However, there are plenty of shows still going so those of you holding a modelling scalpel to your wrists need to look at a glass half full not half empty. Focus on Steve Flint's comments - there are plenty of younger people in the hobby but they don't join groups or internet forums, preferring to go via YouTube or other social media groups. Possibly because of perceived hostility from older members but they are there. None of which helps Warley, but they are an active group who can focus on their own modelling without having to organise the show that must have seemed like a second full time job. I used to know some of the Warley crowd when I lived in the Midlands and their hard work was in addition to the day job so I don't think anyone can begrudge the decision. Pob lwc hogia from the Welsh coast.

This isn't the time or thread to discuss the end of retailing but I will say this, some planning departments had anticipated this some time ago and have interesting and innovative plans in place to repurpose town centres as "occasion" shopping destinations, with smaller, specialist shopping mixed in with catering and community uses. Whilst the days of big shopping centres are gone, if you look at places like Chester, York and Camden Market they provide a blueprint for the future of the town centre so long as the landlords, mainly big financial undertakings, accept that their punishing "upward only rental agreements" can no longer be sustainable long term. My local town centre, Dolgellau, has a range of smaller shops that for the most part are pitched at locals, the town not being on the tourist map, which focus on local food produce, and stuff for household needs. We even have a traditional ironmonger, and two non-chain electrical stores. That said it does help that the nearest crinkly tin sheds of chain retailers are Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Chester, Llandudno and Dublin.