James Grundy

Surely the answer to that question is simply "All of them!" For me I'd prefer something more Horwich flavoured than Crewe, but honestly I'd even take something from Brighton to not see another reveal with a copper cap. Still, it's only logical to let Accurascale cut their steam loco teeth on a couple of locos from the southern end of the country before moving on to proper railways. By the time they fill the long neglected Aspinall 0-6-0 shaped gap in the history of British RTR, they'll be dab hands. (Can you blame me for dreaming?)

Multi-colour paint? You must give me some of that. Would make lining a much easier job.

There is a significant difference between 'Don't model this prototype, this one's ours, you can have that one' and 'Just so you know, we're intending to develop this prototype'. I'm not against competing models as a matter of principle. My point is that for an obscure prototype (side note, the idea that we're running out of prototypes is pretty laughable but nevermind) two companies releasing models of effectively the same quality at a very similar price point is not helpful. It may well depress the price of these vehicles, but it will harm the results of both models relative to their projected returns. This isn't a class 37 we're talking about. Both Bachmann and Accurascale will cover running numbers and liveries the other does not, and they'll both sell thousands. These things?....I doubt it.

Just a spot of good old fashioned communication. Oh I don't doubt it. This chestnut again? I feel perfectly happy being disappointed with the rising cost of my hobby without setting out to solve the issue myself thank you very much. Neither manufacturer benefits from this. There were 14 examples of these vehicles. 14! Believe me I'm as staunch a free market proponent as they come, but there is competition and there is throwing development money away because we're too high and mighty to work a little bit in the modelling public's interest.

Funny that the lettering and symbols on each model is rather different. I wonder who's is right or if indeed its a case of which photographs you go off. It really can't be difficult to get this right (actually, it's just not difficult) so I hope it's the latter. Great to see resources of at least one company wasted on duplicating an obscure prototype. It's not like model prices are high and wasted investment is only going to make things worse, oh well.

Is this to mean that the wheels supplied will be to P4 standard? Or will it be drop in axles for P4 conversions? A very welcome announcement and from a great team that have every chance of doing the sets justice.

Finally. That price tag stings a little but I have to confess they're a tempting proposition. Bit too recent to really be justifiable but who wouldn't enjoy a C12 on a set of these? If the detail in the renders is properly realised and the teak comes out well, a very welcome addition to the 4mm world.