QuarringtonColliery

That does concern me slightly. I just picked up 68015 brand new on ebay via DB models for £94. They sold a few from first and second batch last weekend and all went for between £90 to £99. As you say there are plenty of the models still in stock at most retailers, but I cannot see many of these shifting unless the price is dropped.

With the success of the class 68, do we think a third batch is on the cards for 2019?

As the 66 idea has now been taken, and from the announcement its going to set the standard for modern image models. Personally I agree with the idea of a newly tooled Class 37. With all the sub classes, variations, liveries and era's it is likely to be a strong seller for a number of years.

When I saw the announcement this lunchtime I was impressed. After the deflated announcement from Hornby at 10am this was a welcome sight for modern age modellers. I have never used Hattons for purchasing anything modelling related, I prefer using a local model shop for that as the prices are always competitive with Hattons, rails etc. But when a model like this comes up it warrants my interest and a pre-order, and I have never made a pre order before. I will still continue to use my local model shop for everything else.

Some of the comments on that facebook update from Hornby is pretty much cancer!

Whilst an 88 model would be great especially since Dapol did an excellent job with the Class 68, I personally cannot see a model being made at present. With only 10 locomotives delivered and no more orders on the horizon, recouping costs would be very hard. The current state of railfreight in the UK means orders for this type of hybrid locomotive is likely to be few and far between. With the 68 fleet being in four current liveries (Yes this includes the Stadler built loco's), 34 locomotives and with DRS tendering for a further 10 locomotives the possibilities with this model are still big.