GNR Dave

They'll be getting them before Hornby then ! The Big H recon 12th December. At least that's for the LNER version

Back to the Birdcages, I hope Bachmann do well with these, and are encouraged to model other per-grouping stock, but I fear that a price of nearly £200 for a rake of three will deter many. For what it's worth, I've got Southern and SECR rakes on order. (Don't tell my credit card )

I know we're drifting off topic here, but before we get our collective wrists slapped, I've often thought Gresley's restaurant triplet would make a popular model. I believe they survived to BR blue / grey period, so plenty of liveries to choose from.

It seems to match the umber on the Pullmans behind it. (as I believe was Marsh's intention) I think maybe the highlight from what appears to be afternoon sun, makes the colour look lighter.

I'm no expert, and this is way outside my era of interest, but to me the radius between the cab front and the sides / roof of the coach seems too large, which would effectively make the face too small and cramped, leading to many of the above comments.

The chap I spoke to on Dapol's stand said Spring 2017 was the hoped for arrivals , but like all projected delivery dates, I would not be surprised if this slipped a tad.

It's not that I don't like it, more a case of, if I can avoid it.

Pre 1929 is OK, but how 'pre' is it. If it's 7 years pre then an LB&SCR livery is on the cards. Andy Y any chance you could post pics of the one with the early cab and bogie brakes ? I'd love to get an experts opinion.

What's all the fuss about ? It's a small perk for Collectors Club members. Andy Y has posted photos of most of the stuff in there anyway. I seriously doubt anyone will refrain from buying an item because they were not allowed into the members lounge for a sneak preview. For me, it's a pleasant way of having a one to one chat with the guys from Bachmann away from the 'rugby scrum' of the public part of the stand. Join, don't join. It's your choice, but you can't complain about missing out on the benefits of membership if you choose not to join.

I spoke to the guy in the Bachmann members lounge who was responsible for sorting out liveries. He was not forthcoming about an LB&SCR livery for the H2. The three H2 E.P. samples all had subtle differences. The middle one had BR smoke box door number plate, the top / back one did not. The interesting one was the lower / front one, which had the early cab roof (almost pagoda-esque) the four forward facing cab windows (as opposed to two on the other models) and brakes on the front bogie. The tender toolboxes also seemed smaller. The guy from Bachmann did however stress that as they were E.P.s, parts were interchangeable and may not representative of specific versions. He did say that the Southern liveried version would match the livery period of the birdcages (also on display) and the soon to be re-liveried E4. Good to see some co-ordination here. Got to say that all 3 H2s looked superb, as did the birdcages. Next year could get very expensive for devotees of the Southern

I wish they would stop this nonsense and get on with the streamlined railcar. (feel free to replace the railcar with your own preferred 'in the works' product). Just my opinion.

I hope the directional lighting doesn't result in over-scale un-prototypical wires protruding from the body work like it does on their proposed hi-grade A4 locos. For me, this would be an unnecessary gimmick that could potentially ruin the look of the railcar. Yes it could be removed, but filling the hole and touching up the paintwork would probably compromise the finish of the model.

Now in stock at Rails

The new Terriers in LB&SCR Marsh umber livery and Fishbourne in Southern green are both listed as in stock at Rails of Sheffield for £191.25.

Just noticed on Hornbys website that the image of the P2 in the Nigel Gresley set in the gloss finish has what appear to be turned metal buffers. IIRC they were silver painted plastic on the original release and looked a bit naff. I wonder if they've given the model a much needed upgrade to better differentiate it from it's railroad sibling. If they've also addressed the molded on handrails then combined with the apple green A4, this set is starting to look rather more desirable than the £550 price tag had initially indicated.

Thanks for this post. I can now cross this set off my 'wanted list'. Maybe a second rake of birdcages is on the cards after all !

According to the Hornby website, the olive green versions are due at the end of next week (29/07/16)

BUMP Due the end of next week according to Hornby's website for the LSWR version

Apparently Bachmann are awaiting livery samples. Their take on the teak effect paint will dictate whether they get my money or not.

There was a 3D printed body shell on the Bachmann stand at the Bluebell Model railway event yesterday. Didn't have a camera with me though ! Appetite well and truly wetted ! Hopefully they'll do it in Marsh Umber LB&SCR livery. Also saw the Bluebells Beachy Head new build atlantic. Man those driving wheels are close together. Couldn't get my finger between the flanges. Probably about 7mm apart tops !

Save the best 'til last

Why is it that when Hornby delivery dates slip, they get criticised, but when they get something to market earlier than expected ..... they get accused of desperation ! Seems they just can't please some folks.

Streamlined B17 ?

Is it just me, or does the green of the preserved livery look different on the boiler of the model to the green on the tanks ?

Presumably the carriages behind the preserved liveried version in the video are the 58 footers from the Lyme Regis train pack