cs233

Indeed the model is superb and the other running numbers are fine it was only 156418 that the comments were the focus of. As said in an earlier message will opt for one of the other running numbers.

It cannot be a new from the factory model as the exhaust is in a rusty finish as per the images released. The fact remains 156418 with a rusty exhaust and the cab windows 'as is' never did run in such a configuration based on significant photographic evidence. Unless a silver pen is used to change the exhaust colour for modellers covering such a limited period?

Interesting that the suspension items picked out in blue are very much when the units left Derby. This paint seemed to vanish very quickly and cannot find any pictures later than March 1991 with this still in the colour listed. Also the interior table shape not convinced? Have the Chapman seats been tooled on the EMT variant? The original as built type has a significantly different appearance....

The cab join does not seem accurate at all when compared to images of the prototype. Compared it to no less than 20 images and looks nothing like the prototype to my eyes in this area.

I would concur if some paint is worn off chipped etc, when 100% of the paint is gone and then the condition not corrected e.g. for 6 plus years I am not so sure, the unit had many exams and works attention and yet BR decided to leave as is. The units visually appear significantly different with the silver exposed cab frames. I understand Charlie about the costs although will switch my order to a different model rather than 418, as the other running numbers including 438 which was part of the earlyish batches did not suffer the paint being removed. Will discuss the switching of models nearer the time. The paint used at Washwood Heath must have been changed as it was only the very early build 156 units in which the paint was useless and came off within months and was never corrected.

Everyone will have a view that differs for sure although I do not see the colour of cab window frames as weathering personally. From delivery in early 88 until around early 89, Feb approx the unit did run with black cab windows. I am of course only highlighting 418 here. Then you have the significant window well into the mid 90's when the unit was visually different with the example being released. If you model 1988 only then perfect but clearly with the silver cab windows the life is much longer. Bachmann have released a 150 variant not weathered and with the correct silver cab windows for the unit being modelled.

I think it depends what people are happy with? The model of 156418 being released is accurate for a period of less than 12 months. If it was revised as stated it would be accurate until around late 1995 to mid 1996. Again perhaps being fussy but for the prices being requested I think the point remains valid.

That picture Arran it was virtually brand new but within a very short time of operating the long distance East Anglia to NW routes the black paint did wear off. I make it by approx Feb 89 the black paint was gone and the condition not revised until it then did receive the later revised RR 'Express' livery.

156418 in 1988 had the standard black front window frames but by early 89 these were silver, it seems that a number of the Provincial units had the black paint wear off very quickly but specifically 418. Understand about the variations not being pracitcal but from information I can find 418 for nearly all of its life in Provincial had silver cab windows.

Not trying to be too picky but unless things have changed 156418 had silver front cab windows in all pictures I can find from 1989 and later. All Provincial units left the factory with a black painted engine block from memory where as the model seems to contain grey/silver from the images? Again being too picky perhaps...

Regional Railways green stripe seems to be missing from the planned list. In this livery units did get far and wide although typically limited to the NW. Maybe it has been decided it is not commercially attractive?

I am sorry to say it does not fit. At least I cannot get it to fit!

Gap between the body the bogies? Looks a little large compared to prototype images. Clearly not as bad as the huge gap on the Bachmann 37 but to my eyes seems a little too much on the images?

More could have been done to pick out the underframe items as needed a little paint makes a big improvement. Just my opinion and I respect others that see it from a different perspective but coupled with the raised motor in the interior I will keep my money in the bank.

Quite a comment to be fair, how would you know they are the same people, is this based on any specific evidence? Or just an assumption? What about all the stress a delayed release has caused and all the sick days having to be taken from work to cope with the disappointment and stress of the 158 release being delayed Please have pity on us poor people who do not have a life and are waiting with immense eagerness to handover our money for this long awaited model.

Incredible lead time for an item that it seems just needs livery samples signing off and a production slot being firmed. Seems as a company they have limited agility.

I was on the fence with this one although the pictures as already mentioned show the motor very visible. Wires clearly seen. I am not convinced at the look of the unit comparing with the prototype. I am really sorry to say I will not be buying.

It must be very frustrating for Charlie especially considering what the initial target date was as listed on the website. I have a feeling mid year people should start getting their hands on the Provincial variant. After having paid for what is an expensive tooling it makes perfect sense commercially to get as many livery options out as soon as possible.

Indeed the Trains4U release of 150135 is correct although it only had the original Provincial livery and modified cowling in service for less than 12 months. 150137 ran in this condition for longer and suffered with a totally worn out original livery until around late 1992 when it finally received a new paint job. Original Provincial livery and later style modified cowling was a short lived combination. Essentially an original livered unit with later cowling is very limited to between late 91 and late 92. The real answer is to modify the tooling and fix the underframe error although there is of course the commercial side for Bachmann to evaluate.

It is not the obstacle deflector it is actually part of the lower body that was modified in the early 90's due it being prone to corrosion. It did become a rust trap. To reduce maintenance it was decided to cut a small portion of the front panel away and slightly reshape.

I did attempt to let them know via the website but not sure if the message did go through. Here is a picture of the unit in Central livery with the 'as built' unmodified cowling: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/35380357173 this specific unit carried Provincial livery until around 1990. The cowling was modified to the version that Bachmann have tooled in the past in around 1992. Some other class mates did carry original Provincial livery until late 1992 at least but 150115 was not one of them. On another note it would be nice if Bachmann are able to correct the radiator area on the underframe as the one they did model is from a 150\2 which is not the same as the 150\1.

There is an error in selecting 150115 in original Provincial livery unless the tooling is modified, very few 150\1 units did have a cut away modified cowling and still retain this livery, my research shows 150135 and 137 certainly did but 115 did not as there are pictures of the unit in RR Central livery before the modification was made. Based on photgraphic evidence all of its years in original Provincial were with the original cowling. Unless Bachmann modify the tooling to represent the cowling as when the units were built it cannot be accurate.

The wheels on the 87 were very shiny I thought and did paint the rim to tone them down before light weathering.

A good move. Certainly not a fan of the shiny toy like wheel rims that certainly have nothing in common with the prototype.

Even when they arrive it will take Charlie a fair amount of time to unbox and then handle the local delivery process for each item. Having a Provincial version on order (have zero interest in the privatisation era) I am expecting it mid 2019 to arrive, if it is before it would be a bonus.