BR Blue

At least he is not bitter

Yes indeed that is correct. He may have exceeded the average of 5 years to fail but the extra 2 years allowed the failure to be bigger. I very much doubt the business was ever going to succeed.

I am just providing a live view of what I believe is the same location as the Google image. So if you cannot visit York you can still view the sidings. As I type the sidings are empty but there are 2 68s in the station that might be going there.

You can actually see that stabling point on the York Station Live webcam. The still image below is not exactly what the camera shows as there is a very good view of the stabling point from the live image. I have only ever seen locos in it. Usually 66s but it does vary and I have also seen 20s, 37s, 47s, 57s and 68s in the last year.

Overscale

That would work too. I totally agree about not pre-ordering as you do not know what you will get from Heljan. I am just getting a bit fed up with the 33s. The re-release of the flat roof version was a massive retrograde step. It is seems to be one thing after another. Livery errors are fixable and as you say silly errors. There are some positives from Heljan like the promised new slimmed down 47 but the 33s send all the wrong signals (pardon the pun).

The more I read this the more I wish someone else would do a 33. The Heljan 33/1s and 33/2s have been much better in fairness - always had the right shape for a start. However the 33/0s have been all over the place - first the flat roof version, then the corrected roof but with printed detail replacing molded detail and fictitious lines on the roof. Errors in the centre tanks even though they have variations tooled they do not use them correctly. Re-introduction of the flat roofed version and finally multiple livery errors. I probably missed something. I want more 33/0s but Heljan are not making it easy for me. Just overall poor attention to detail. Rant over

Not that I can think of. I think it is a very poor decision.

The 116 was definitely mentioned by Kernow at the time they first announced the 117 before Bachmann took it over. Bachmann have never mentioned it as far as I know. The original Kernow page is long since deleted.

Returning to the UK market was also referred to in the most recent newsletter so it looks like it is still Rapido's intention.

I would welcome that plan too.

No its not Charlie

The Kernow 37/9s were as preserved. All the more reason for a late 80s / early 90s versions

Yes, that is correct. When Kernow originally announced the Class 117 they did say the intention was to do a 116 eventually. Hopefully after Bachmann took over they kept the same intention.

The coils would be great as a separate accessory. I definitely have a need for them. Unfortunately the wagons themselves are too late for my modelling period. However I have a good few PTAs on order and will be getting more.

The Bachmann 108 is a great model and like many models in the last view years the tooling allows variations. I would be fairly sure Bachmann have planned for variations in the 117 tooling and hopefully the 116 and its different headcones (centre is different too). I will get a couple of 117s but I will get a lot of 116s if they were to be produced.

Thats true. I was omitting the Lima model and the Hornby TGS is of course ex Lima. As mention earlier. I hope Hornby do an improved set of HST coaches in their original conditions after they have done with the later variants they are doing now.

The Hornby model should not have buffers but otherwise it is the only accurate MK 3 for a HST.

I just got a newsletter from SLW. D5082 in green has now sold out but they have just taken delivery of D5083 (Cat No. 2408A) in the same livery which is now in stock and available for sale. Also limited stock of 97201 left. I am lucky to have one of these

You are correct. Bachmann have not yet announced any sound versions for the 117 or 121. Currently just the Green, Blue / Grey and NSE versions from Bachmann - all 3 are DCC ready but none are DCC or sound fitted. Kernow are doing the GWR liveried version and I am sure they will offer sound option but I do not think it is factory fitted.

Be careful as there are two sets of tooling in the latest 33/0 releases. The headlight fitted ones appear to be an amendment of the most recent tooling that had the roof profile corrected (Other issues introduced) but 30008 and 33025 (in blue) are the much older flat roofed version that I had hoped was consigned to history. There are also variations in the bogies and tanks but for me the flat roof profile is a deal breaker.

A large rake of these will look awesome. I have always wanted the PTA and these look exceptional. Cannot wait.

A 4 track section of the Western mainline set in the late 80s has always been my ambition. I have been assembling stock for years and Everard Junction is a great inspiration. Looking forward to seeing a Dapol 59 running on Everard Junction one day as well as the Bachmann 117, Keep up the great work.

They look great. Good to see the progress being made. Looking forward to the painted samples.

It was announced but nothing has been produced yet. I assume there will have to be samples for approval. I too plan to get some.