MikeParkin65

Its a combination of the two. There is an issue with the fit of the smokebox front, there is a heavy band where the cab meets the firebox, a 'cam' tender coupling that holds the tender too far from the cab even on the straight and causes the tender to crab behind the loco when a heavy load is being hauled. Its not a bad model by any means and light years away from what preceded it but it is a bit of a disappointment. I've got one but it will need work on that tender gap at least before it enters service.

Mmmmmmm - a little unfair. By definition modellers model, we don't want features not present on the prototype even if other segments of the market do.

Steam era rolling stock in the current announcement, Bulleid and Thompson stock been released in the last 2 years, a new Thompson parcels van imminent, tooling upgrades and sound fitting to Jinty, 9F and WD all very recent, various steam era coaches in the EFE range. I think all Bachmann are doing is evening out their portfolio - they dont seem averse to steam at all.

Pretty sure the V2 (still being widely discounted) was more recent than the 1P and the 94xx

Because steam era modelers (of which I am one) are already stocked up with more motive power than we can use (good grief there is even a rtr A2/2 and A2/3!!) so slowing down on the loco releases and aiming to generate income from sales of detailing products whereas there is clearly a market to be tapped amongst the diesel loco enthusiasts for new models.

Personally dont share the view of @34theletterbetweenB&D that the Hornby 8f is that bad but it is certainly showing its age and could easily be improved upon now. I'm sure Hornby would have been clear if they were releasing a new tool 8f so I believe currently advertised models are using the existing tools. I definitely wouldnt pay the current asking price as second hand they are plentiful at the £75 or so. If a Fowler tender is required then get a second hand Mainline or Bachmann version for £20. Repaints dont come easier than on 8F's :)

There is also the art of using rtr shells with Comet sides to make more variety to be considered. I think I've seen the Hornby railroad model used like that and definately the more accurate Airfix/Dapol shape and of course recent Hornby and Bachmann models can be had reasonably cheaply for such purposes second hand. At one point carmine and cream Portholes were down to less than £30 new I recall!

They go for a premium because they are hard to get hold of. Doesnt follow that making a big enough batch to be worthwhile for Bachmann would bring a decent return for the manufacturer rather than second hand market.

I dont think the Hornby R4130 owes anything to Airfix, the planned Airfix open 3rd ended up as the rather compromised Replica Railways model - https://rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/171549-renovating-the-replica-railways-ex-lms-open-coach/

No 'meh' from me - I'm very excited at the prospect of a green Zimo fitted 31 with various bells and whistles. Bachmanns model will be beautifully finished in the way all Bachmann stock is and will run sweetly straight out of the box. Only need one 31 and missed out on pre ordering from Accurascale (and I dont see the point of buying Accurascale from a dealer as its the same price as direct but without the benefit of the loyalty points).

I think the good news here apart from a 31 to Bachmann standards of finish is the fact that they have made a 4mm model of something they have previously tooled in 2mm. Not least because there are is also a 2mm 8F and a range of 2mm LMS coaches that could also be scaled up ......

Love it - as consumers choice is a brilliant thing. Its for the manufacturers to worry about the market. It would seem that this model has been in development for at least as long as its competitor.

Announcement ahead of the announcement at 12 today according to email just received - Hornby Mag YouTube channel :)

Agree it’s very obvious on that example but on mine - also 1504 - no such contrast visible to my naked eye

Can't say my track is 100% level but where the J72 will take 8 Hornby (new style) Mk1 the 03 looses traction once all of the train is on a 60" curve. Max I've had for the 03 in that situation is 6. Hornby 08 was good for 8 (which is the maximum for the layout) until it slipped a crank as apparently is the way of the earlier models. The Rapido 15xx on test has taken 14 with ease so despite being off region its currently the default pilot!

Enjoyed that little clip - even on DC it demonstrates that the sound project is good (though that step change is quite abrupt but that wouldnt happen on DCC) . On the subject of metal and plastic I think digital photography and video can magnify differences that arent anything like as apparent to the naked eye. Just looking at my 15xx - can't see any difference in shade between the cab and the tanks.

Agree nice little model and sweet runner. Lacks a little traction - wont haul as much as the current J72 for example which makes it a little limited as a station pilot.

Thats a brave list of alterations to have made prior to running in - I dont even swap the tension locks for Kadee until its completed an hour in each direction unloaded followed by successful trials over pointwork and finally a haulage test (using a 'convertor' vehicle).

March subs copy of RM dropped through the letterbox this morning. I ripped the envelope open in an excited frenzy and went straight to the News section. The headline is.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Hattons closing and Warley cancelled 🤣

Price would be an interesting thing to factor into 'Model of the year'. Agree the Bachmann 37 at full rtr was expensive compared to Accurascale. But once discounted it became extremely good value - the SFX versions within £20 of the Accurascale versions and you get a spinning fan! .Bachmann are of course locked into their parent company for price - the EFE range seems a way out of that but lower pricing on the SR electric has brought with it more questionable quality it would seem.

I'll be honest - I saw discussion of speedo drive angles elsewhere and dont properly understand what the problem is. Same with return cranks. Anything that upsets the security of the rods on the model I avoid (if its working and all that!) and I usually wait for these flimsy speedos to snap then fit a static Comet version

The potential of DCC is almost another hobby within the hobby and each to their own in this respect. Literally all I need from DCC is smooth and controllable running and sound well synced to movement. If I'm in the mood I might turn on the running lights of a diesel but once the novelty has worn off that about it. Don't need cab lighting, cab dial lighting or engine room lights. I model the transition era so all I realistically need is sound for steam and diesel. Firebox flicker at a push. I find all of the angst about functions and circuit boards pretty dispiriting - its almost like some people aren't having fun.

Subtle difference in shade of green between the ex 46235 tender and the 46232 body. Think I can live with it. Interestingly the older 46239 looks a closer match.

I think we’re going to be looking at specifics like a car show concours competition. One of the things I always think about when voting is ‘did my model operate exactly as expected straight out of the box?’ Its a useful distinction when there is more than one contender.

If this isnt model of the year 2024 in the bag there was must be something utterly amazing to come in the next 10 months!