Karl

Ah, thanks. I got muddled as they had some exclusive versions.

That could be interesting as that would bring in the Austerity/J94 too but didn't EFE use that tooling as it was owned by the factory? The only reason I mention that is I think the 14xx was developed in the same way as the austerity, ie. With DJmodels, so I would assume that that tooling may be the property of the factory too. Could be a cat amongst the pigeons if EFE announce 14xx tomorrow! Looking forward to my confirmation of transfer email for my orders.

On the duplication element it is only duplication with the benefit of hindsight. As the decision to make these items will be made yes in advance the decision is based on what is available then not what will be available in x number of years. Bachmann will have looked at can they make what they believe is a better model than Hornby's if they believe that they can they it makes sense to go ahead. When Accurascale announced then I suppose the question at Bachmann would be, having already spent x are we a) too far along to pull out as that is then expenditure with no return b) will our model still be better and do we forecast that we will still make enough sales to make it viable. As modellers wanting ever higher levels of detail we invite manufacturers to revisit popular prototype toolings on an increasing frequency to add the latest innovations and so some duplication is unfortunately likely.

They did a video like this for the 37/47 with footage at the GC. So I'm thinking a major new tooling with lots of variations. I'm going to go steam and 8f.

I agree. So my second guess in addition to the note being about taking on the distribution of hattons models is the second batch of Manors. I seem to recall the second batch of class 37s being teased in a similar "little announcement" way.

Could it be that they will be doing the dispatching for the Hattons P, Andrew Barclay and Genesis coaches? Having acquired the 66 tooling there's some sort of relationship there already.

A distinct Cambrian air on shed this morning with a number of engines being prepped for railtour duties.

Peckett 560 was this weeks engine on West Street.

I love this layout and it's a part of the world I go to regular now to photograph the steam services. I haven't used the deep pour but I have used realistic water for a few things and find depth can be suggested by colour. So a thought I've had is could you paint the bottom of the lochs black or more likely a dark navy blue, then add a clear perspex level say 2cm below the top of the loch and put the resin water on this but have a blue tint added to it. That might give you a slightly opaque water that you can just see through to the dark blue painted below. It might give you an illusion of depth without using lots of resin. Probably would need an off board trial.

Another bit of work this evening, the first slates going on the roof, the first guttering and that resin body kit has been cut up and is going to be rusting over night for use in the corners. Lots of work still to do.

BR Standard 2 starts the 1 in 50 descent of Parkfield Bank with a local.

I'm hopeful that they haven't given up. Whilst I not longer expect a new steam announcement the lack so far may well be the development period. If we consider the decision to make a certain model to delivery to shops period is 3 years or so then we're about at the period that any model that was chosen since the change in announcement policy may be approaching delivery.

Rapido have chosen to produce the blue 01 but I think it's subject to getting enough orders.

As each announcement has approached I've been more convinced each time that they'll be a new steam as each time is longer since one was announced but also each passing announcement goes without one I become less convinced one ever will be. I'm sure one will eventually I'm just less convinced each time that it'll be 'this time'. I do hope that we see another Double Fairlie as 'James Spooner' as it is 'almost' just a relivery of the green Merrdin Emrys with bells added. Not being a new tool I think it is a possibility not a definite.

Some more visible progress on Port Nadolig this evening with the lighting fitting and testing. Some quick phone snaps.

Thanks very much, thanks the type of atmosphere I was hoping for.

Best get a move on Porth Nadolig with the Quarry Hunslets still shunting slate up in the galleries. 😂

No real visual progress as mainly been doing the lighting today and giving the base some basic colour, that keeps seeping into the Cork. Anyway the only visual change is the door framing on the Slate processing building to hide the crude cuts when cutting down to size, surprising level it turned out when gluing the wooden strips on it. Any door will be on the inside but I'm not sure it needs it actually. Anyway, clearances being checked by Blanche and some Nigel Brooks rubble trucks.

Std 2 No. 78006 rushes a local service along a Cambrian line yesterday afternoon.

Having been at the head of a Talyllyn Special yesterday No. 7827 barrels along this morning with a Festiniog Railway special.

Another today of 7827 'Lydham Manor' at the head of a Talyllyn Railway Special passing through Cwm Bach.

Just the one van on the Friday shunt at West Street this week, again Andrew Barclay 'Tiger' is in charge.

I think the demand is there given the prices some go for on eBay (Britomart's seem to be fetching up to and over £200) and it's about 15/16 months since they were released so another batch this year some time is probably feasible given likely time between ordering from a factory and delivery and hopefully likely.

Another from Tanyglaslyn as Livingston Thompson powers through Tunnel 2, viewed from tunnel 3.

Afraid I'm too young to remember Model Railway Constructor.