Great Waterton

They're still my favourite brand overall, and in fact they're the only ones I wouldn't part with for anything. They'll certainly outlive me and probably my children as well.

I've come to the conclusion that it's another case of Hornby's "that'll do" attitude without them really checking/researching properly. From memory I'm sure Lima made the tooling with the roof pods so either Hornby have used the incorrect tool or perhaps it's not available anymore through damage or similar etc? However the paint job is very nice indeed and the colours look spot on. Another example of perfect colours on Railroad items; something that Hornby seem to do better than in their main range... I'm pleased they've done one with a full height yellow end this time too. The previous one with its black cab roof always looked odd to me and spoiled the shape of the unit. Almost reminiscent of a 108 on a quick glance. But we still don't have a BR era Strathclyde PTE 101; all three so far have been early privatisation era (four if you count the blue one)... Maybe next time!

'Normal' versions of Railfreight and Railfreight Red Stripe would be most welcome.

I too like the Hornby ones, I just wish they'd run them more often... I seem to recall that the Bachmann ones are absolute PIGS to get into as well, or were, is this still the case?

Thanks Jason, my gut reaction was 70s!

Does anyone know what era/period that Gulf TTA would be from please?

The Airfix Mk2D in Inter-City Blue & Grey were also made with brown underframes, so it was possibly BR policy at the time. Probably to hide the soon accumulated dirt. I seem to remember some of Hornby's 110s being similarly adorned, presumably for the same reason. And the Airfix 31..

Thank you.

Whilst we're on the subject of Bachmann Class 40s, is it the 2014 models onwards that have lights fitted please? Not particularly bothered about cab lighting but forward lighting would be good.

I'm pleased someone has brought this up as these sort of discussions always fascinate me. Personally speaking I've always preferred the darker, more used/worn shade of BR Blue so in this case the first Class 40 picture above. By the time I was old enough to remember BR Blue in use it was well on its way out but there were still many items of it kicking around. Most of what I remember seeing was workworn/weathered to say the least which is no doubt why I prefer the darker shade. More of a general workhorse colour if you see what I mean. This also seems to tally with old photographs and footage, though of course this isn't conclusive for various reasons as discussed many times. The lighter shade with a more green tinge seems to be what preserved BR Blue loco's wear these days, so is arguably the 'correct' colour (assuming they use the official paint colour!) When you see most of these they're immaculate and while there's an attraction to that, to me personally I like to see a bit of muck.. The beauty is you can do whatever you think is best. I'm happy to have a few varying shades across the layout as long as the difference isn't too glaring! Most of it is subtlety weathered anyway..

Some Regional Railways stock to run with the recent matching 37?

I don't think there'll be any more 158s this time but a Northern Spirit one would be nice. Likewise I think this is a long shot but Regional Railways 101 and 117 too. Selfishly speaking, some bog standard workhorse Mk1s in Blue & Grey would be very welcome, plus some everyday Railfreight wagons too.

The wheels have always been quite chunky but as a youngster I liked that because it never derailed... These days I'd paint the wheel edges/faces to disguise the fact and then let it run around merrily, though I understand why others would want finer wheelsets.

I'd still really like the MetroTrain one. I'm hoping it might be reduced a little bit in a sale at some point but I'm not holding my breath.

This bugs me too. I find a small dab of Tamiya Acrylic X-26 "Clear Orange" on either the bulb/lighting board (or lens if you don't want to take the body off) dulls them down to a nice dull yellowy glow. And if you put too much on or not enough on, it's not an issue because it's acrylic and so you can put more on or take some off easily until your heart is content. Here's my Hornby 153 that's had the same treatment.