Iskra

Where an Accurascale (AS) Mk1 may become relevant is for modellers who have invested in AS Mk2's and run layouts with mixed Mk2/Mk1 formations. Currently, I'll need to run Mk2's and Mk1's together as on the West Highland Line, and if the current (perfectly adequate) Bachmann Mk1's look wildly out of place next to AS's new Mk2's, then that would tempt me to upgrade to AS Mk1's too to match and look more consistent and possibly be more compatible too. 

Class 325?

I've been billed for my WYPTE DCC sound one too and had dispatch email so that should arrive soon too :)

Realtrack are showing that units can be done, when done well...

Any news on the WYPTE 158?

2 minutes ago, scumcat said:

They aren’t chinas statistics they are WHO and CDC

And how do they get their information?

54 minutes ago, scumcat said:

China’s government went the zero covid route because their vaccine was not an MNra vaccine and therefore didn’t provide the lasting protection that others did. It’s only now that china is suffering under the weakest of covid variants that they are able to let it spread. 88 million cases might sound a lot but they have a huge population. The death rate which is the one to look out for is still very small 0.0007 per cent. Flu kills 2-3% every year here.

If you’re daft enough to believe their statistics…

8 hours ago, MoonM said:

Based on the coupling announcement today I had an idea. Not sure if possible, but I'm sure there is an engineering solution somewhere. 

 

I love close couplings. I always try to get  corridors touch and block the visible light where I can. Sometimes I can do this by applying an alternative model's coupling to a unit. For instance substituting the factory Bachmann class 411 coupling for a Bachmann class 101 does this perfectly. However, when purchasing 'made for measure' close coupling solutions (eg from hunt) units are v close but there is always a slight gap. I suppose this is because manufacturers have to build in tolerances for curves, points etc. 

 

What would be great is if there was a coupling solution that could be extended or retracted slightly so that each modeller could remove the daylight between units/corridor coaches as close as they each individually dare and based on their own layout tolerances. There must be a solution in there somewhere. 

 

Alternatively could there be at least a way of masking the light between corridors? Eg a fabric or rubberised magnetic connection of sorts? This would be especially helpful on corners when close couplings often noticeably (and necessarily) open up. 

 

Thoughts accurascale? 

 

Thanks 

Couldn’t someone make a way of coupling coaches via flexible corridor connectors, and then just have a normal coupling on the end of the rake where it attaches to the loco? 

1 minute ago, TomScrut said:

 

That's a bit like the wagon Hornby did to park in a siding and provide sounds.

 

I wonder if it would be cost prohibitive? How many would you need in a rake?

Personally, I’d only want one, as otherwise you’d have an unpleasant, overwhelming cacophony going on.

A bit of an off the wall suggestion, but could someone do a DCC sound coach/brake van that you could place in a consist to provide coach/wagon sounds. It’s a bit odd having a DCC sound loco but then coaches/wagons just following silently behind. 

14 minutes ago, TomScrut said:

On the flipside, Hornby don't have much for their diesel locos to pull! At least in recent history.

 

Whilst I have a load of Hornby locos and passenger trains, KFAs are all that is on my layout freight wise (pulled by a Hattons 66!). That will soon change when I get my Drax wagons but even then I expect they will be pulled by a Bachmann 66 and my Hornby 60 will pull my Accurascale Biomass rake!

 

If AS were to do a loco to pull their wagons, I expect a 66 would be the best choice (in terms of fit for the wagons, not necessarily from a commercial perspective). Either way wouldn't be big numbers from me, I don't need any more 60s, and I have more 66s than I know what to do with. Looking now at my layout, I have 5 66s on trains, 1 on a siding doing nowt (other than adding some realism to the layout) and then 4 in my display cabinet. I aren't at the point yet where I will buy locos up for the sake of having them, most of them get run and its more for operator variation that I have some sat in the cabinet. I like to spend money on stuff I think the layout needs for realistic stock variation.

 

An 88 to pull their nuclear wagons however.....

An 88 could be a good shout, many modern layouts could justify one since OHLE wouldn’t be strictly necessary. 

An OO gauge EMU?

Or possibly the return of the Turbostar?

Is anyone at Accurascale or KMS able to clarify whether this is still an ongoing project? It is still on the KMS website after what must be a couple of years, so surely some form of update is due to potential customers whether this is a live project or dead in the water? Interestingly, you can still register your interest in the 73/9 even now...

https://www.kmsrailtech.co.uk/content/22-class-73-9

1 minute ago, McC said:

Some excellent guesses:)

Has anyone got it right? (not expecting you to say who)

I just got an email about ‘New Hornby Rewards’ loyalty scheme. Hope the announcement is not that…

I don't think a 40 makes that much sense commercially; there aren't that many livery variants to peddle to get the sales volume out of the tooling. I'd probably still buy one though...

I'm thinking steam. 8F I reckon.

All new top of the range class 37, just in time for Christmas…

Personally, I think the following are likely in the future or would be popular:

-Class 08 with lights/stay-alive. Plenty of scope for these, would be a clear improvement on current offerings and the tooling can recoup costs due to the many livery variants that have existed.

-Class 50. One of the classics, a very popular locomotive that has survived into the privatisation era. The Hornby model is starting to show its age but still commands high prices which shows the demand exists.

-Class 60, similar to above, the Hornby model is ready for an update now

-Class 66 Okay, so yes a number of manufacturers already do these, but they still aren't readily available or have issues, ie the Hornby one is very basic, the Hattons ones are often flawed and the Bachmann ones too are not without their issues and can be expensive. The 66 will be with us for a long time still so the tooling will continue to pay for itself, and the many livery variations will keep growing. Made with good quality control and done cheaper than Bachmann's (like with the 37), Accurascale could do well with these. Many layouts can find a place for a 66 due to their ubiquity.

- Class 73/9 in Caledonian Sleeper. Dapol seem to be dragging their feet on this one, but an Accurascale model would likely to be superior anyway. Goes with the Mk5's and considering it was the Highland versions of these that sold out quickest, that to me implies decent demand. Also running in multiple may help shift volume. I'd personally like a non-motorised version too to cater for anyone wanting to double head.

Units

- Class 185. Commonly asked for, would go alongside the existing TP MK5's, common across the North of England and into Scotland.

- Some of the new CAF stuff like 195's

- Electrostars

- Eurostar 373's, including GNER North of London sets and the new livery version

- Class 442

-  Class 139 Parry People Mover, for the novelty although would be ideal for the small layout.

- Class 325, would probably do okay since they travel both the ECML and WCML over quite a few time periods (as well as the West Highland Line of course). Could do a motorised version and a non motorised version for dragging with loco's such as class 90 (or 66 on the WHL).

- Voyager/Meridians. A bit of a gap in the market here, existing model needs updating and can go for high prices. Decent geographical coverage, 4 car units can fit on many layouts, a number of livery versions to go at including the seemingly popular Virgin and EMT liveries. 

- Classes 320/321/322. Again, many liveries to go at and have served quite a good geographic spread of the network.

Steam

- 8F- common and the existing model is ageing. 

- 4F as above.

Looking good :)

I like the roof weathering on your rolling stock, particularly the blood/custard Mk1's, can you explain how you get that effect please? (Or can you direct me to where you've already explained it in this thread if that is the case).

6 minutes ago, t-b-g said:

 

I rarely look at what layouts or traders are going to a show before I go. My criteria is all about which people are going to be there. They are an excuse to meet and catch up up with people from all over the country who I don't see very  often.

 

Meeting online is not quite the same.

I can see the attraction of that, I just have too many other hobbies, interests and commitments to be able to do model railways 'in person,' too. And I work weekends in my job, so any weekend days off are very precious indeed to me.

I don't go to any exhibitions as I'd rather spend that time and money on other things, I engage with the layouts I like on Youtube or on here for free instead.