GWR8700

The GWR is arguably the most popular big 4 railway to model so we have every chance of a good B set and auto trailer in the next few years if the other companies are so well represented with coaching stock.

A great model, but it doesn't fit the time period for a lot of modellers

Just wanted to say, after owning these models for 6 months the running qualities have only improved with more use and are still getting better all the time. Very pleased with my models Dave and I am looking forward to future releases.

That's a shame, good to know we're not too far off though.

Gone awfully quiet on here, not seen any news on the Kernow website either

I'm not too knowledgeable on the electrical side of model railways but I was wondering if someone could tell me if this controller was a feedback controller? I've recently bought a DJM 14xx and I don't want to damage the coreless motor

I didn't follow the last one too closely but from a few reviews I saw it seemed like it was not as good as the Hornby version but for a first effort and at a lower price, it was good starting point. This seems to have been a backward step in regards to detail. I can take some errors, but the sheer number of them that are present on this model is incredibly disappointing and shows a lack of research on the prototype.

Confirms my suspicions of an open goal missed by Oxford. A shame for us but more of a blow for them ultimately. I hope that they learn from this and their next model is reasonably accurate and a success.

It's very frustrating waiting so long for a model, especially when their is no sign of progress. I can understand the desire to announce early on in development in order to put off competitors attempting the same prototype but it's very frustrating seeing something announced in 2010 and being no closer to a release date (Class 158). When it's here I'm sure it will be great, but they really should announce these models when they are no longer than 2 years off release in my personal opinion.

This was a wasted opportunity for Oxford. They chose a prototype that hadn't been updated recently and that there was a clear demand for in the railway modelling community. It still looks reasonable in my eyes but the body has almost taken a backward step in some regards to the mainline version produced 30 years ago. Although it's a difficult locomotive to get right because of all the variations across the class over the years there are still a lot of amateurish errors on the model (which we assumed would have been largely corrected because of the delay). We can all tolerate some mistakes and it's hard to find a model in 00 without any compromises but most of these problems could have been solved with a little more preparation and research. However, it sounds like it's a good runner so that's a start but I can't help feeling that with some more work this model could have sold out fast like the first 64xx release by Bachmann. I hope future releases aren't prone to the same errors because the talent in the company is obviously there and I want them to be successful.

Should the handrails be black all the way along or just at the smokebox?

Apologies, looks like you're right. It also no longer states that it is a pre-production model.

Looks like the pre production shot to me.

Is it likely that there will be a rerun of the 02 in Southern Maunsell green livery?

Given the wait, I'm surprised there are still so many errors. A bit disappointing tbh

Love reading about the updates on this layout. I agree about the weathering on the 58xx, glad I got the pristine version personally.

Given that a new one is being built I'm surprised that none of the other manufacturers have announced one already but this might be a good alternative to a 00 King. A GWR Saint class with a Lady of Legend edition in collaboration with Didcot?

I have 3 of these (a 58xx/48xx and a 14xx) and I'm quite happy with them all. One of them came with a broken sand pipe but the others all work fine. I don't need them to pull heavy loads and they are all fine running with an autocoach or a b set on my layout. Tempted to get another one in the future if the finances allow. Looking forward to my order of 1363 and the railmotor.

Good news that they've listened to concerns about the the shade of green on their GWR locos at least. Just a shame that when making progress in one area they go and repeat an earlier mistake. I know it's an easy fix but it's just very frustrating given that it's an issue they've sorted out once before.

Very disappointing that the bogies have too many spokes again. It was a lazy mistake the first time, but to make it again is a bit ridiculous. It would have been nice if they had fixed some of the shortcomings on the previous releases but I understand that some of those are quite expensive to do. This on the other hand was completely avoidable and very disappointing. Those castle bogies on peterspares look like a good fix though. I understand that mistakes happen and you'll never get an exact replica but it's frustrating because this one is the most easy to fix of them all.

While it's a shame to see it go I'm really looking forward to the next one. With 8 years more experience behind you I'm sure it'll be even better.

If this delay is because of amendments they are making to the models then I'm quite happy to wait. Still, a bit of communication wouldn't hurt.

I've noticed that the Midland Pullman has left your website. Will it be returning?

Yeah, it could just be them cutting back on their direct sales.

I reckon we'll see some 4 wheel carriages in the near future. There's been a trend towards small pre-grouping locomotives over the last few years and Oxford are very keen on affordability. A 4 wheel coach is going to be cheaper than an 8 wheeled one as well unique in the RTR market (excl. the old Hornby railroad coaches). Maybe some LBSCR/SECR coaches as they would probably sell best?