Class 158 productions

I think that is a completely fair and valid point. I’m guilty of sometimes looking at model trains in a vacuum but when you look at the big picture, we are often quite lucky. Especially if you model uk trains, I was looking at some prices on the continental side of modelling, makes some of our most expensive items look rather cheap!

Agreed, it’s why I put in brackets and question marks. Although I think I remember reading it in the Bachmann announcements, I’ll have a look now.

I remember reading that Bachmann have been operating at losses the past few years, maybe around 2017(?) I thought that they had seen profits now but given how unpredictable these times are.

That’s what the latter part of my point was suggesting. In the coming months we will see the true impact. The industry itself could be under severe threat and I believe Bachmann (and others) were having money trouble recently. (Could be totally wrong on that) , so I’m rather sceptical at their outcome. When the sales fall, if they do.

We turn to these forums, or at least I do, to try and gain more information or justification from manufacturers. Bachmann in particular don’t seem to be that aware online, although are improving and in person I found them rather confrontational. Price is a very hard argument, although there are many good reasons why prices have risen so significantly but still means a lot of people get priced out. And some products have seem to be redesigned, which I commend on bachmanns part. Shows a change from the gen 1 37s or 47s on 57 chassis. I’ll be interested to see how the hymeks sell at the higher prices, if they do, I’m completely wrong and should hush up, but if I’m not, maybe some manufacturers should actually be transparent about pricing.

Well said

The Heljan 35 is very reasonable model, but again I have to agree with the previous points. It’s price rise seems slightly unjustified, well I suppose this is a Bachmann company..

They’ve done a turbot, it is an okay model. The Dapol one is superior, although would be a good move for competition maybe

I believe the SPA wagons are also DJ tooling? I could be wrong on that

Cheers for the photos, glad to see some re design on the austerity. I’m wondering what’s next for this brand, probably not much at the next 3 month announcement , they’ll probably be focussing on N gauge. Glad to see a new brand, even if it was a bit confusing. Although I am wondering the limits of this cross brand deal, will we see more kernow products? Other manufacturers than Heljan? More resurrection of DJ design? Surprised, but welcome, now let’s have a look at those jias, my wallet must be screaming...

Glad Hornby seem to be making reparations for the mistake, was this an issue with the tampo printing/printer or Was Hornbys artwork incorrect? Cheers

Given that these will be in the Hornby range for a while, if say they release more next year. I wonder if they will either change the wheel design or just keep it as it is? Although I’m happy with the coaches and they are a reasonable price, it is a shame the wheels aren’t up to standard.

But back then, I’m sure they were much cheaper. And I believe the only alternative would have been a Lima one, I could be wrong on that. I think the issues would’ve been accepted by the majority of people, if the hype wasn’t so massive. Numerous times hattons boasted about the detail and design of it and around 8 months on from the first issues surfacing, we have very little response from them. If you get one that runs, it’s absolutely fabulous. But sadly, I don’t feel confident in buying anymore atm.

I think the model itself has a few flaws, however I feel people are more concerned about their ‘ultimate’ 66s arriving in a sea of tiny plastic parts that have fallen off, wonky nameplates and running issues. Once these issues are solved, or even recognised by hattons, then we can move onto those flaws. Personally I’d just like it if they got the darn model to actually run well out of the box and not fall to bits. Something I must say the Bachmann ones have been doing for 15 years.

This completely sums up my feelings and I think those of many others. After my experience with the rhtt and 66, I doubt I’ll use them again. Saying that, my class 14 and 14xx have been completely fine, swings and roundabouts I guess.

Completely agree, it’s not reassuring at all. Has certainly stopped me buying anymore. Look at the likes of accurascale and Heljan, active on the forums and taking criticism, from what I’ve seen the only responses from hattons are either bits of customer advice and advertising of new batches, no responses about the quality issues and design flaws. My experience with the 66s has really knocked my confidence in buying anymore products hattons design.

Completely agree

I think it’s a valid argument, although slightly naive. You have to realise a lot of people do not have the guts, skills or tools to simply mod a £150 loco. Many of us do not have these skills, if I’m paying a higher price for the ‘definitive’ 66, I hope it works, out of the box and it should. If I’m going to tinker, I’d probably just buy a Hornby one and work on that, not the one that was promised as the best.

Also noticed ahead of the announcement on Tuesday, many shops seem to be advertising this as the ‘bumper release’ from Bachmann

I think anything hattons do now, will be ineffective. If you mention a hattons shed, people will either say what’s broken now etc. I was in the market for 2 more however I’ve held off, from what I’ve seen about the second batch, I’m steering clear.

The newer 150s, that will come out in 2021, will have passengers fitted, if they sell it might become commonplace. Although, I believe the regional railways mk2A which have them, haven’t sold well.

Looks great, will miss the old layout but anything with FGW hsts is good in my book!

And I believe some of the wagons that are being produced could be hauled by a 56, people would definitely buy a loco pack with a train

Maybe a class 56, the Hornby model is good but I wouldn’t say definitive...