BritishRail60062

The Class 373 was not only painted in Eurostar colours. But does anyone remember GNER White Rose?  So three variants could be produced and the Class 373 would make a great British train in the GNER White Rose colours. I rode it in 2002 from Kings Cross to Leeds when GNER had them. However my memory is fading so I don't remember the fleetnumbers from the top of my head .

Why are you so obsessed by Rapido making them, as opposed to other manufacturers? They tend to make stuff they have an interest in, and none of those you have mentioned strike me as Rapido style trains

What makes you think that? They are British trains because they run in Britain. The Class 373/374 operate in Britain which is what I am aiming at now. I realise that the HO European market would be too risky. But here is a couple of questions I would like to ask you.

1, Why rule out the Eurostar?

2, What makes you think that RT would not be interested in making a new Class 373 and a Class 374 in OO gauge?

Maybe Hornby read this thread and acted fast! ;)

That's the spirit . I will be filling Hornby's pockets at Christmas when buying those two.TGV's .

Just had another brainwave here. It might also be a safer bet for Rapido to consider these two trains as long as licences will not be a problem. I was thinking that as the European HO scale train market will be too much of a risk to make it viable. I wonder if Rapido Trains would consider making the Class 373 TMST Eurostar that is now also named as the E300 as an 8 OO gauge pack? Then for those that wanted to extend their sets with extra carriages etc. Perhaps RT could make extension packs with the articulated trailer cars? Something that Hornby has overlooked for the last 22 years and I think that if RT did make a new Class 373 with all wheel drive, directional lights and even illuminated interiors for the trailer cars as well as other functions like cab lights and a provision for DCC sound.

The second new OO gauge train that RT could also consider producing in OO gauge would be the Class 374 Eurostar Siemens Velaro as that is the newest international train on the block. Although most people have various opinions about the ride quality and the design of the prototype that is their right to have. From a modelling point of view. This one could be a nice seller for RT as no one else currently produces the E320 at this time . Therefore I think this could be a good option to add an Inter-European train into the market in the form of OO gauge whilst adding something new for us to enjoy.

Hornby Jouef have announced extra Thalys and Duplex trains for the end of 2018. Must be a relief for Jason.


https://www.Hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/jouef-h0-1-87/new-for-2018/jouef-autumn-winter-range.html?utm_campaign=2131806_Hornby%20-%20International%20Range%20Winter%202018&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Hornby%20PLC&utm_content=Jouef&_%24ja=tsid%3A71284&dm_i=2DJZ,19OWU,230K08,42N0E,1

Thanks for the info mate. Its about time that they should make a new Thalys as this will fit the bill nicely for my collection of streamlined trains . I hope they will make a new TGV Thalys PBA set in 2019 that uses the Reseau shaped powercars. I will be buying up some trailers in tow as it would be plain daft for me to overlook this .

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.

Ash, if you provided Rapido Trains the £200,000 to develop the model, or arrange for the money to be raised through crowd funding, i’m Sure they would assist and advise as best they can in how you could try and sell them to recoup your financial out lay...

Jason has quite clearly stated his thoughts on this, so i’m Not sure why you think he should test the waters with a 4 car set....

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 .

Jouef already make a perfectly acceptable TGV in HO.

 

This one HJ2231 was produced in Carmillion http://www.traindefrance.fr/fr/tgv/1611-rame-tgv-sud-est-sncf-nouvelle-livree-de-jouef-hj-2231.html although now generally sold out. All it would take is a relivery to produce the Thalys PBA set in the flickr photo.

 

Can't see the market for all new tooling to be honest.

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.

CMN did a model I have at least 2 sat less than 6ft away from me although not in this livery. Should still be on ebay and an easy respray?

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 .

When Hornby bought the former Dapol OO tooling did they aquire the 150/2, and if they did they could use it as a basis to create several mid 80s electric units such as 318s and 455s or with a little more retooling 320s 321s 322s and 456s.

 

As for super detailed models a modern spec class 86 (as the Heljan model fell short of expectations) and a class 58 (with a suitably modified cab interior to the same standard as the superb class 60 as again the Heljan model is not to that high a standard).

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 .

 

I was thinking of reports like this in the Irish Times last October: Rail report: Routes around country at risk of closure

 

"The financial problems of the country’s railways could be addressed in one of three ways – by the State providing millions in increased exchequer funding, by widescale route closures, or by a combination of both, including reform of the free travel scheme, the Government has been told.

 

A review, set up to look at possible solutions to the rail company’s financial sustainability, says Iarnród Éireann needs more than €640 million in additional finance over the next five years to tackle solvency issues and as compensation for previous under-funding."

 

AFAIK the Belmond service is a private investment by that company which also operates the British Pullman and Royal Scotsman - it's not really indicative of the wider network.

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/

Superb pair you have there Ash! Are they repaints or are they reworked from 60007?

 

To be honest, I wouldn't even mind if Hornby did 60011. Can easily be renumbered plus it's unnamed too. As is 60010, plus the ones you have mentioned - can't think of any others that are currently unnamed.

 

*60092 unnamed too*

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.