Sadnerd

I don't know what you've read into my comment to prompt this condescending sentence. To the comment that Bachmann could do a Harry Potter inspired train (by Hornby's interpretation of Inspired By...), I said they already have one. It's not inspired by, it is a Harry Potter train, because they have a licence. And many other brands have a Harry Potter licence of some sort too, for different areas, at different times. Hence lots of Hogwarts Express models. I've not said anything about that being in the UK, the US or 'Entire World'. Who are you quoting? I've not mentioned importing anything to anywhere. I did say that with regard to the Thunderbolt, Rapido say the have exclusive licence. We should therefore expect to see only one TT model. You seem to be arguing against a point I haven't made.

But they already did that with "Hogwarts Express" on it, so licences weren't exclusive. Everyone has done a Hogwarts Express. Rapido say their license for TT is exclusive. And Hornby's fudge seems to show they don't now have a licence.

And then choose between that an the Hornby one announced an hour later?

I was wondering if I could afford one of the TTs, ie Rapido's, now I'm wondering if I can buy two. For those who say they don't understand this type of product, or they won't buy it, fine. But I, and assume others, do. Else they wouldn't exist. And they aren't just dust gathering shelf things. Not all the time anyway! I like fantasy stuff, and BR Blue, and the odd bit of Americana. And yes buy some things just because I'm an anal rententive obsessive compulsive. The 60th anniversary TT was a 1000 run. Many said they didn't like it, and wouldn't buy it. But it sold, and fetches a premium if it's for sale. So there is a market to argue over. I just get the feeling someone is making this model for the love of it, and one... Isn't. But I agree with those that say this shouldn't be Hornby's modus operandi. I'd prefer it if they made bigger runs, at lower prices of 'models' rather than collectables. I want to buy a railroad HST when I want one, not blink and miss it, and buy something used again. It seems SK is thinking more like those catalogues of 'collectables' that appear in my pensioner dad's home, and afternoon TV adverts for worthless coins. I suppose some would say the TT is just the same. But I like railways, old films, and buying crap I don't need. You can sell it when I'm dead. I tell her... Rant over.

Could the Hornby TT just be all old tooling; wasn't there a Lion years ago?

Long time listener, first time caller... After seeing SK this morning I just had to look this up. Hornby definitely had a licence agreement. I've got the old Titfield 60th anniversary set no one else seemed to like. But without knowing the terms, regarding length of agreement etc, who can say? But it does seem like they may have an agreement that runs out this year. It looks like a spoiler tactic for those with a 70th anniversary license does it not?