Hobby

Hardly unexpected, though... If the politics taking over from the spectacle of the sport is what Liberty wanted then they've certainly succeeded!

Seriously? As a means to expand an already saturated market maybe, though I'd have expected it to be done in 00 if such a demand existed, as it hasn't I'll draw my own conclusions. But for starting a new scale I'd have thought launching Era 1 would be the kiss of death, outside enthusiasts Rocket is about the only well known loco, hardly a springboard for success. Or have |i misread your post?

It's a perfectly valid comparison. Just as you won't want duff models, neither do I, but in my case handling them isn't an option so I have to rely on photos and reviews. So exactly the same as having to buy TT sight unseen. Yes it's been mentioned quite a few times, but as pointed out the models we have seen are only pre production prototypes and it is expected that they will be corrected! :)

There, corrected it for you, it's not a given, as Simon has said to several of us they are hoping to get them across in time by air if a deal can be done. Even then a delay of a week or so isn't the end of the world... Though it's God's gift to the Hornby knockers!! As I said I feel it was more to limit numbers to those who were genuinely interested, when i went in it was first thing and empty but an hour or so later it was pretty crowded, had it just been open house then I doubt everyone would have got chance to see them close up. I haven't had the pack either, though I know people who have, saw a few at Gaydon! According to the membership blurb we all got when joining the discount is for 12 months of joining.

Yes.

Nor me, I leave that to the Missus! But in this case I see no reason not to join as it's free and it gives me a 15% discount for the first year on stuff I will be buying, bit of a no brainer really! At the end of the year I'll see what offers are around.

They've been planning it for 5 years so, as proved, so they are much further down the line than other manufacturers. They have also decided to go in with a full range, unlike Heljan and others, thus enabling them to sell to newcomers as well as existing modellers. With a totally new scale I'd suggest that isn't "predatory" but a sensible way to launch a new scale. I've no doubt that in due course other manufacturers will get involved when it gets established.

There's a few of you, granted, but many of us have to buy stuff unseen. I've been modelling east European narrow gauge for years and have bought lots of things sight unseen and not been disappointed... There's also the point than most model shops don't stock every single item of stock! In your case you'll just have to wait until a few of us get our layouts up and running and then you'll see them and you can decide then...

It also limited numbers who could enter. Like Les i was in there when it opened so had a good view of the models and was able to talk to Simon about them. Later on when i walked past it was crowded and there was a queue to get in. Just imagine how bad it would have been if they'd have opened it up to everyone and there would have been crowds of people with no interest in the scale and only there to knock it, rather like this thread at times, at least the form filling got rid of most of the uninterested! I felt they did the right thing! Didn't to me, they looked quite good, but as pointed out they were pre-production samples.

It was emphasised that all the stock was pre-production and there may be changes in the production stuff.

Short answer is space saving over 00 and easier handling and detail than N and a new market uncluttered by other manufacturers for Hornby! It sits in the middle very nicely and after seeing the pre production stock in the flesh and running this morning it's just what i expected and confirms I made the right decision to order a set!

All the bogie coaches had body mounted couplings, two not very good photos of them: One thing I did notice was that the coupler was a lot less intrusive in the flesh than it looks in photos.

What sort of kits? Just interested if there's anything I could use!

Perhaps you don't as it's your local gauge? In the UK 3ft 6ins is known as Cape Gauge though I see that it's called "Colonial Gauge" in NZ. See link below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_ft_6_in_gauge_railways Thanks Rhys, I wasn't sure as others have used TTn3 as 3mm scale/9mm gauge designation for 3ft gauge! your's is next step up from mine, then! I have some TT models of metre gauge German prototypes which also use 9mm gauge, designated TTm.

What's TTn3.5? I guess 3mm scale scale using 10.5mm gauge track to represent Cape Gauge? Not sure there's anyone telling anyone they've been doing anything wrong, I've been modelling in TTe (1:120/6.5mm gauge) for several years as well, and certainly don't feel that, more a sense of relief that we are now likely to get some 1:120 scale stuff rather than having to consider compromising with 3mm! I suppose it depends how you read things, Hornby are pushing a new scale so it's inevitable they'll push it hard but I haven't see any of the "we're right and you're wrong" element other than the scale/gauge bit.

Evidence so far is that they are being allowed to get away with anything, as someone else said, the new Ferrari. Sorry, but the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

Nope.... :)

It does if they are launching into a scale which already has rtr, but Hornby aren't, are they! Those choices would be certain death if they were launched at the outset as models in a new scale. Look at what Hornby has announced and it makes perfect sense if you are aiming at creating a new scale with new modellers. Judging by the way Heljan and GM have dropped the scale there's no reason not to expect that! ;)

Only after the race has finished... ;)

Substitute first for only and I'd agree with you but as it stands I don't. I suspect they see looking for a better return than they would in the other three, which, if it does succeed, they will get.

The idea is that it's the top of a hill where walkers get off and go for a walk whilst the more sensible stay in the restaurant at the station and drink and eat themselves silly!

Thanks Cam! I suppose the siding with the goods shed at the main station would count then, but I'm using that as a place for the railcars which go to the high level to terminate. I'm on holiday so no further photos until I get back!

Ah, thanks! In answer to that, then, it's a present day setting and a passenger line, so no freight other than a train of wagons that heritage lines run sometimes.

The loco depot is at the terminus and I've not modelled that! Team tracks? Not sure what you mean.

We'll probably never know what really went on behind the scenes, the only things that will come to light will be what suits the person telling the story, which could be true or fabrication... Rather like history.