BVMR21

The Bachmann model isn't really that good, detail is very clunky, the mechanism is not the best, DCC ready variants are rarer than hen's teeth, and generally speaking, the model is rather elderly now. If a new Small Prairie and 57xx Pannier are viable RTR, one does find it unlikely that a 2251 class loco, with provisions for DCC (sound or otherwise) plus a range of other things, would fail to sell. The same goes for a new tooled Hall class, quite frankly the Bachmann model sucks, and the Hornby model is again not worth the paper the price tag is written on. And whilst I echo sentiments that an Aberdare would be good to see (there is a kit available for said model) how many people actually need an Aberdare on their layout? Compared with say a 2251, or a Hall? Though I do not see a 2251 as an immediate imperative, unlike say a Stanier 8F with the Swindon variants, or a Hawksworth County, it is still something that needs to be pointed out as having a rather dated tooling. This is not me saying that 2251 must be done immediately (same again with the Hall), or that the Aberdare shouldn't be done (I honestly believe to the contrary that it should be done), but more me saying I fail to see how it wouldn't sell if produced to more modern standards. However, now Accurascale has 2 Great Western locos, some passenger carrying vehicles surely cannot be undesirable? The Sunshine stock seem to the coaches crying out in my mind, given Dapol are working on the Toplights, and with Hornby having other Collett coaches as well as the Hawksworths in their range, it would certainly provide a good variety for GWR rakes of coaches, mish mash stuff together.

You're not the only one... (are 12 Collett Goods too few?)

The Avonside B4s would make sense, decent size to them etc. Though I guess there is a similar problem as to variations in that design, same with the 16" Bagnalls, or 14" 0-6-0ST Barclays, you're dependent upon it being viable to produce. Last I checked the B4 would require 2 different saddle tanks, so by far not the worst in the world. Avonside B3 though, as far as I am aware, had very few differences between class members, so may be a better option?

I do believe it's more than likely 2026 that these beauties will make an appearance.

Well it is... Have to remember these were earlier than planned announcements if I remember correctly, so it's not expected to be developed as quickly as say the more recently announced projects which fit the normal announcement schedule.

Given there was the Twitter/X hint a few years back (and the others), it wouldn't surprise me if we do see the 8F materialise from Accurascale.

I have to say I am more inclined towards asking for the likes of a 16" Bagnall or a 14" Cylindered Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST, rather than that which is essentially a "mainline" design. Though it is up to the PI chaps to decide what would make most economic sense for them to produce as a second ready to run locomotive.

Didn't know there was a 14xx based out of Brecon shed (1474/4874 appears to have been), interesting links. Still generally speaking, people think of them as perfect branch line locos, so having them as an option to a high standard, with a quality mechanism, wouldn't go amiss. Especially when the prices and unavailability of the better of the 2 models would conduce, at least myself to believe that there is almost certainly a high demand for such a model.

Tbh, and I know I keep saying it, but we are missing an industrial 0-6-0 tank engine of some description in the Accurascale lineup, particularly when you consider there are plenty that haven't been done that would go well with the range of wagons (speaking of wagons pls pls pls do some HTVs), with the acquisition of the ex-Hattons Barclay 0-4-0s I would recommend maybe the 0-6-0ST 14" variants, then there are the Avonside B3 and B4s, as well as the 16" Bagnalls, or if you wanted to be really ambitious, Accurascale could try to do the entire 18" Hunslet family (right from the 48150, to the 50550, and the finale of the Austerity). Just some examples of course.

Was doing some research and came across this picture from Ebbw Vale Steelworks of a 16" Hunslet, allegedly works number 2082. (Photo is from the Ebbw Vale Works Museum Facebook Page).

I do think something like the 80T Hunslet 0-8-0s used at Ebbw Vale Steelworks would be good to see enter 00 gauge ready to run...

2021 class would be a good thing to see, as the direct predecessor to the 1600 class Panniers. Though the Diagram A.28 autocoaches interest me, alongside the A.26 autocoaches, it would be good to also see though a full suite of Sunshine stock coaches, and some Great Western 70' coaches as well.

Believe in the launch video they said those would be in future runs, with this run being the unfitted variants.

7 mile bank was quite an interesting one, you can also find autocoaches occasionally making their way to Torpantau. Generally speaking, you wouldn't see more than 3 older GWR built coaches, and I do believe it was as you say a mish mash of different diagrams as to what was available. Of course Panniers only really permeated towards Brecon under BR, prior to that it was mostly GWR Deans and Collett Goods, but there are few pictures from prior to 1948 showing the Brecon to Newport services. And as mentioned in the Pannier thread, it was not necessarily uncommon to see a 57xx rescue the odd express train going into Paddington (12 coaches at an average speed of 37mph for 18 miles). Definitely worth the investment, though if there are other more suitable GWR coaches available then it would still be worth considering, given how it would be of benefit to the Accurascale range to have Accurascale GWR coaches, and particularly coaches that have not been done to a modern standard.

GWR sunshine stock is still sorely needed in 00 to modern standards, would go well with the Panniers and Manors as well...

It very much is. A friend of mine decided to acquire one having heard my high praise of these magnificent beasts, and he does agree in with my position it is simply the best 0-6-0 on the market. The reliability and running characteristics generally unrivalled, it really deserves more credit more widely than it does currently attract. I know the PI chaps have said they are not committing, as of yet, to a new locomotive, but I sincerely hope that they do consider doing so, for it could only be to the benefit of the hobby.

It appears these have been delayed to Q4... Just means more time to get money together for even more of these beauties if it is the case!

Well any large industrial 0-6-0 would do, though I am biased given my favouritism for Bagnalls...

Plenty of the Hudswells too lol. In fact there are two in steam if we're on about HC 1857 and HC 1884...

Mind you, Accurascale will be needing a beefy industrial to shunt these wagons at the Collieries... A 16" cylinder Bagnall 0-6-0ST comes to mind...

A new tooled MK1 range of the gangway type providing some form of accessible variants would be interesting (if feasible), and given the longevity of the MK1s, you have to tool up a wide range anyway, personally I would be happy to see Accurascale produce MK1s as it's rather difficult to acquire SKs, SOs, etc as mentioned previously, not to mention would go well with practically the entire Accurascale range.

Hopefully a Stanier 8F isn't too far away....

Do we know if something is going to be announced at Ally Pally?

Well there's a benchmark for these. 12 coaches at an average speed of 37mph...

Speaking of diesel shunters, Hunslet 5511 would be interesting as one of the prototypes, alongside around 60 production variants produced, could be interesting to look at? https://www.flickr.com/photos/scubatrack/25382836383