BritishRail60062

Well it was worth a try anyway. If the european continental market is going to be too fierce to be viable. Then perhaps its better to just stick with the well known tried and tested paths. I apologise for wasting anyones time on this idea . All the best.

Oh believe me. If I had the £200k to hand. I would without a doubt step up to the plate and get this new TGV model underway. The crowd-funding idea is another viable idea I have put into my notebook as potential business ideas as well as I am going to go the self-employed route once I have decided which one is most sustainable and viable as well. Andy, if I may ask you a question here buddy. Do you not think that the 4 car set would be the easiest option for those that have limited space that would prevent a 2+8 full rake set whilst producing the extra car packs for the veteran modellers and those with large layouts that can run the full 2+8 sets or even the 2x10 double TGV's for exhibitions? I like the crowd-funding idea avenue, just leave it with me for the time being whilst I knock up a business plan. I think we're onto something .

Some interesting points to absorb there. I think that the best method to test the water in the market here would be for RT to just make the four car set like Lima/Trix/Jouef etc has done in the past. Then make the extra coach packs of two or three where the buyers could expand their TGV to make a full set of 10 units (2+8 formation) for those that have the space for a full set. This would offer a choice. I don't know if the language barrier would be an issue as such because the SNCF website is in English as well as Native Francais. Besides this, DTG that develops Train Simulator 2018 that is a British company has a contract with SNCF to produce French trains and routes. With keeping this in mind, negotating a contract and a licence isn't impossible. I would say that the main barrier for this venture to be viable would be the demand for this TGV which I would think could be higher now as no-one currently produces this model at present since Mehano stopped producing the premium models in 2008 and now only make TGV train sets. Trix/Marklin only make the TGV POS, Lyria and the Thalys PBKA sets which was around 2009/2010 and use the Duplex designed power cars that are different to the TGV Reseau/Atlanique/Thalys PBA. That is about 7 years ago as those train packs are getting very hard to find and they sell for silly money on the well known auction site . That one in the link is not a second/third generation TGV set but it is the first generation TGV-PSE (Paris Sud-Est) that was the original ones that were built in 1978 that wore the Orange/White/Grey livery . In truth, The second/generation TGV sets that are of the TGV Atlantique/Reseau/Thalys PBA were last modelled in the early 2000's by Lima with the exception of the TGV Reseau Duplex as HJ2056 that was released by Hornby/Jouef in 2006/2007. Jouef did make a HO scale TGV Atlantique in the 1990's, but it would be extremely unfair to compare this model to a RT model train as the RT quality and accuracy would make it look very much like a toy.

Nice range to come from Oxford, especially the Land Rovers. On the buses side of things though. I wouldn't mind a Leyland Atlantean East Lancs variant like this one shown here. Preserved Blackpool Transport bus 353 (UHG 353Y) 1982 Leyland Atlantean AN68 East Lancs, 2012 Teeside Running Day (3) [Public domain], by Ultra7, from Wikimedia Commons I personally would love to see more double deck buses in OO/1:76 scale from Oxford and I think this one could be a good choice for a new model bus.

Hello everyone. I thought I would shine a light on a potential new marketing opportunity for Rapido Trains to consider making some very popular European HO scale model trains. As if their UK OO and N gauge models are anything to go by. They are fantasitc in terms of detail and its proven that they spend a load of time and investment with the development of the model train that is the key point to why their model trains are so nicely made and detailed. On the other hand. This has got me thinking about the possibility of Rapido Trains producing European HO scale trains. I wonder if Rapido Trains teamed up with SNCF and Thalys for legal and licensing agreements and produced their first European HO Scale Train Pack in the form of the TGV Reseau in the Silver/Blue and the "Carmillon" liveries as well as a TGV Thalys PBA would be a viable start for this range. With all the candy in terms of the super detailing, cab lights, directional lighting as well as the powerful all wheel drive setup that has been tried and tested on other models like the APT-E for example. I wonder how many people would be interested in a new TGV third generation set that would be a far superior model? Should this be a successful venture and if demand would enable a vast amount of sales. Perhaps Rapido Trains could venture into making other model trains from Various European countries to expand their new range for the European modellers. https://www.flickr.com/photos/brize/8596581595/ Photo of the TGV Thalys PBA in real life. For the record. I am aware that Mehano make various TGV train sets but these are aimed more for the toy market if anything and they are very basic 4 piece sets. Nothing there that would even remotely match the accuracy and detail that Rapido Trains implement as standard on their range of professional model trains that are aimed at the modeller. I welcome all positive and constructive feedback on this topic. All the best.

Those wagons do look grand. As this year, I shall be gradully growing my model train fleet and also I hope to start work on my new layout in the fall. So I shall be putting these on my shopping list.

Would it be viable to suggest a run of the CAF Mk4's with DVT/Cabcar? I would love a couple of rakes of those for my 201 class locomotives .

A nice selection of vehicles to come this year. The step van and the J2 van is on my list. I hope they would consider making this for us modern image modellers Dennis Eagle Garbage Truck.

So there is still no DB Schenker Class 60's to come this year? . Although the good news is that I can save my money for other hobbies and projects.

CMNL made the 10.5 metre variant mate. Although this one is the 9.9m SWB version. Also talking of Dennis. I wonder if this means that we will never see a Dennis Dustbin lorry either then? Shame as I would love to own a model of one of those as well .

Any chance of Oxford Diecast doing one of these? Photo credited as appropriate. TA231 by Matt Payn, on Flickr I would buy atleast 5 of these in 1:76 scale and renumber them as I see fit .

I will be getting the East Midlands Trains version as it looks a fabulous livery and I do like these units as the real ones do thrash well when being floored by the driver. So it would be very rude not to buy the model as a mark of respect .

I wonder if Dave at DJ Models would be interested in producing any modern Irish model trains or rolling stock? I would love to own a CAF Mk4 set someday to go with my Murphy Models 201 Class locomotives .

Wether or not Hornby bought the 150/2 tooling is irrelivent and I will tell you this. There is no way that it would be financially viable to use that dated tooling for making any 318's or 455's etc as most modellers are seeking newer far more realistic models. Bachmann have done a grand job on the revised 150/1 and 150/2 models and the dated Dapol tooling is just no match. If Hornby did want to make a 455 etc. It would be far more better for their reputation to use fresh tooling and make the unit from scratch. Anyway, I have serious doubts that the former Dapol tooling would be usable now as it must be approaching 30 years old (I am assuming its still around). Besides, could you imagine all the stick from the reviews the model would get if Hornby were "naive" enough to use that tooling and tweaking it to make a similar looking EMU? Its not the 1980's anymore mate .

I think to be honest. Hornby have missed out on two viable modern era model railway stuff. As until very recently, they had to the chance to produce two very profitable models that would have been great sellers. But the two new models are now being taken care of by other makers. That I think it would be safe to say that Hornby will not consider covering those two models that I have highlighted below. The first model they missed was the super-detailed Class 92 as DJ Models are taking good care of that project and I shall be getting that one. The second missed model is the new generation VTG TEA 100 tonne tank wagon as Revolution/Rapido Trains are in the process of producing those. The lesson learned there is "use it or lose it" and I think it is only a matter of time before a new 225/Class 91 train will be done be someone if there is enough interest. Another company or produced as a crowd-funded project .

I don;t mind the delay to be honest .. It will give me time to buy some from a stockist as unfortunately due to other circumstances beyond my control. I was unable to order any directly .

Any more updates on these projects? It seems to have gone very quiet around here .

That's a very nice presentation box for the L/E set in my opinion. However I would be interested in seeing what the cab interior will look like as I plan to add a driver into my GWR example when I buy mine .

Thanks for the update about the Irish railway scenario there. It looks very sad times indeed for Iarnrod Eireann . I hope that Ireland will get the chance to leave the EU like the UK has as since the recession there. Things are pretty dire in terms of the railway scene. Yet somehow the bankers never got punished for their play in the global recession and I doubt that they ever will. But I believe in karma and I think that things will change for the better in the future in regards Ireland. But closing down railway lines isn't going to solve the problems though is it? Well if I must state my opinion, the best thing Ireland can do is leave the EU-leech behind and look after itself as it is more than able to do so . I am Irish-descendant myself and I just hope that there is a brighter future for Ireland. Anyways keeping on topic. Here is the full list of all the Class 60's that are going to Brush in that lot of 20. The complete list of the sold 20 Class 60's: 60003 60004 60005 60006 60008 60013 60014 60018 60022 60023 60025 60027 60030 60031 60032 60037 60042 60050 60051 60052 I have knocked up the list in simple form for reference and easy access for those using a mobile device. DBC are to rebuild/refurbish the Mirrlees MB275T and the rest of the overhaul work will be undertaken at Brush/Wabtec in Loughborough. There is no plans to repower them with anything else and there is rumours of six going to GBRF but how true that is, is not confirmed. But there is some interesting times ahead for those 20 Class 60's. Also I wonder what will become of the future of those other remaining 14 Class 60's? As I doubt that Brush/Wabtec would buy 20 just to build six overhauled examples and spares can be forged at the workshop anyway .

Well people. Apparently the rumours of 20 Class 60's being sold to Wabtec is no longer a Myth . http://www.railwaysillustrated.com/2017/08/08/class-60s-sold-to-wabtec/

Thanks buddy. My two here is done by two suppliers as 60008 was done by R3Sprays and 60011 was done by Jon Gavin at Peak Dale which both joined my fleet in 2013. Both locomotives were retrofitted with Kato drivers in 2014 and they sure look better for the trouble . 60008 was inspired by a number of factors as I am Irish descendant and also my trip in 2011 to Dublin and Cork as well as I liked 60008 did inspire the fictional model. I went for 60011 as it was the first Class 60 to wear the DB Schenker in late 2010 and I think that one was the only non-super 60 to wear this livery as the rest were all refurbished between 2011-2014 that are in the same livery. In all honest about the Hornby model. I would ideally like 60063 or 60054. But I would still get a model if it was 60011 as I would need about 5-6 to rework as 60063, 60054, 60001, 60092, 60010 and 60059. In all aspects and looking how much the 60007 model fetches on eBay. It will be a solid successful seller and maybe Hornby should do three versions with different running numbers perhaps next year as I have a lot on my plate at the moment with the new move and 32 tank wagons to obtain somehow .

You know if 60008 ever went to Ireland right . Hornby Class 60, 60008 DB Schenker Livery by BritishRail60062, on Flickr That is the impression it would be like and also mine is named as "The Spirit Of IRELAND" which I had custom made with a four leaf shamrock on the metal nameplate. It looks fantastic for the work that is done. On a reality note though, here is 60011 below that is the only two Hornby Class 60's left in my fleet as most of my model trains have gone to new homes. Hornby Class 60 Diesel Locomotive, 60011 DB Schenker by BritishRail60062, on Flickr Both have sounds as the Irish 60008 has Olivias and 60011 has Legomanbiffo's superb sounds with a bass-speaker that I shoehorned into the model . As for the Hornby new model. I would like anything unnamed. The ones that spring to mind are 60063, 60054, 60001, 60100 as 60100 could be made as per 2016 when I filmed it in Barnetby last year.

It is a very interesting move for Brush/Wabtec in my opinion and as an enthusiast, I welcome the move to be honest as it will mean that up to 20 more Class 60's are going to be used somewhere. However what will be the future of those 20 Class 60's in terms of usage or export. Only those at Brush/Wabtec in the inside will know and the rest of us are on the "to find out" list . Judging from past outcomes from Brush. They brought 43101 (now 43301) back from the dead as that HST power car spent a few years on trestles outside Brush Traction and they did a great job with rebuilding that one. I think most of the Class 60's will be able to be moved from Toton to Loughborough by rail. But if any that are ceased up will most likely be moved by road from my assumption. Well the price that Brush/Wabtec would pay for those lot would be at a bulk discount at the very least. Nowhere near as high as what British Rail would have paid for them when they were new. But the Class 60's are about 23 for the youngest members and 28 years old based on the first batch that was handed over to British Rail in July 1989. I know the Class 60's are quite temperamental if not a bit fickle which was the case when they were first built and Brush had to iron out the bugs. These days though, technology has moved one and better components are now available to refurbish or rebuild older trains for companies that cannot afford to buy new trains at the start. Also taking into account that the Class 37, Class 47's as well the Class 20 and Class 31's that are well over 50 years old. They are still running on the railway and although not as large numbers as they used to be. There is still a healthy amount of them floating about. Meanwhile if these Class 60's are not for the UK operations. Perhaps those 20 could end up in Poland, Holland or even Hungary or Bulgaria as they use the 4ft, 8in loading gauge like the UK and most of Europe does. I am not sure if Spain or Italy would be interested in them though to be honest. If not Europe, I wonder if China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea or Japan would be interested in them? If I was a train operator in heavy freight business, I sure would be making a bid on them .

I am surprised that it wasn't 60098 that was being offered to the NRM as a donation locomotive as being the 1000th Brush Locomotive built at Loughborough. But on the other hand though. 60100 is the officially the last British Diesel Locomotive built on these shores for British Rail. So I would class that one as the official "Evening Star" of British Rail engineering as far as British built freight locomotives are concerned . I am sure that a full rebuild would cure any major problems as that is what DBC did with their "Super 60's" between 2011 and 2014 if I remember right. Also Brush/Wabtec could use the rebuild program to learn how to make a new locomotive in the future post-2019 if Britain is to build its own locomotives again . That might explain things as to why there is no new locomotive from them as of yet. As for the emission regulations, I would have thought that retrofitting a CRT filter or an "AD-Blue" system where a chemical is added to capture more carbon from the exhaust system. This is especially true with most post 2002 trucks and buses that are used in the UK. So maybe that could be a viable option to use on new trains? I thought as much as the Class 59 is basically an SD40-2 that has been shrunk into the UK/EU loading gauge. However I think that is EMD did their research and added a fuel particle filter in conjunction with a fuel treatment agent such as Envirox that is used on buses/trucks. Perhaps they could produce a European compliant engine that would meet the Euro 6 emissions . Also Brush/Wabtec could try this technology with the MTU 16V4000 or the VP185 if they are planning to re-power the 20 Class 60's. This is assuming that the MB275's are not compliant in that aspect. Just a thought.

From what I read in a rail magazine (I think it was "Modern Railways") last year. They were investing on improving the network and renewing the trackwork but that was back in 2015. So I am a bit out of date. They have recently introduced the Belmond train in night blue colours. So there is progress there even if it is slow. Although the Belmond Express is for another topic however , Would Mike Brewer know about these locomotives though? Probably more than me! Only time will tell mate.