GWR8700

Has anyone fitted scale size wheels to these?

Looks brilliant, I can't wait to visit

Fantastic, looking forward to seeing this develop

While this isn't a locomotive that appeals to me I think Hattons are to be congratulated on taking a risk in producing a new tooling for this locomotive. For me it shows a real change in the way that the model railway landscape is heading. Is this the first model that previously existed to acceptable modern standards to be replaced? We've seen the 14xx, A1X terrier and perhaps the 43xx but they were pretty old toolings and the Bachmann Class 66 is far superior to all of those models. Hornby and Bachmann should perhaps think about updating some of their popular older designs (57xx pannier tank I am looking at you) before someone else comes in with a new and improved effort. Rapido also have spoken about this approach in an interview with Railway Modeller. I guess that this trend will develop with an ever decreasing number of viable prototypes being available to produce.

It's not the most exciting announcement but it's nice to see some more releases of models that recently sold out. I am a bit bemused at the announcement of those old track accessories when there are so many available on ebay at a lower price. However, a few weeks ago we had no idea that we were getting a new release so soon. People got frothing and are now disappointed. It might be better to completely surprise us like Hattons did today when a completely new tooling is not being announced. I enjoy the little teases from Hornby, they are a very good way of creating interest but the risk is that people end up disappoined like today when actually there's quite a few nice things in there like the Peckett's and the Duchesses and Class 800.

Interesting, Who is it they are giving them to by the way?

Have they not already done this with the 8F? Although they missed a trick doing nothing about the front bogie I agree with your sentiment though.

They were all quite a while ago except the Toad. I personally wish it was a Saint. It's a bit unusual that in the days of such a diverse range of obscure models being announced by many different manufacturers that a new build on the verge of completion is unnannounced. I imagine that will change soon but based on Paul Isles' clues it is likely to be the TPE Class 185 that many have mentioned.

It's a shame the clue is not Paul Isles' photo of the prototype Ivor the Engine! My guess is the Class 700 for Thameslink. I still stand by a Princess Royal Class later in the year, just not next month, especially as it's only just been measured. Exciting times ahead!

Nice DVD, I especially liked the article on perspective

You're in luck. Paul Isles put a photo on twitter of the Hornby team at Butterley a few months ago and you can see the front end of the the Princess Royal Class on the side of the photo. It was also reported in either Model Rail or Railway Modeller (can't remember which) that the Hornby team had been measuring it so it's a matter of when and not if.

Princess Royal Class, if it's not announced soon then it will be later in the year for sure.

The vent van is a great idea. Locomotives certainly weren't the only sound on the railway

Has anyone managed to successfully convert one of these to EM gauge? I'm tempted to go EM in a layout I'm planning but I've heard how tricky it is to convert these and I don't want to lose my BWT as a result of this.

What a shame, I won't be rushing out to buy one at that price. I might be tempted when discounts are offered

Has anyone tried fitting sound to it yet? The Heljan 1366 is a bit of a nightmare, I hope this one is easier

Just watched it now, nice to see an insight into the working of a heritage railway. The false jeopardy was a bit much at times but it's nice to get railways on the TV which is only beneficial to heritage lines and 'our' hobby.

A scaleseven layout called Gupworthy. Absolutely incredible so far.

Running mine in right now, good slow running qualities. I know these coreless motors have taken a bit of a kicking but for the smaller locomotives they work really well from my experience.

That's fantastic, I personally find the RR&CO software fascinating and I hope to use it one day on a layout of my own. It must be great when wanting to just watch the trains go by.

Great news, I expect this will be as successful as the SECR C and H classes. 18 months is also a good waiting time too. Leaves plenty of time to save money but equally it's not too early in the development leading us to think that it's been forgotten about after some time.

Has anyone received theirs yet? I've not heard anything yet on my pre-order

Something connected with the NRM? Another coach perhaps?

Nice video, if I lived nearer I would love to go inside the TMC shop. It reminds me of all the best shops from my childhood where it's absolutely full with models/books/whatever everywhere you look.

LNER J21