guard_jamie

1 hour ago, Steamport Southport said:

 

That's collectors of those things. Most of us wouldn't know an ACE or Darstaed if we fell over one.

 

These are Hornby and a totally different kettle of fish. These will sell to those with a bit of money to put on a shelf or in a cabinet.

 

 

 

Jason

40 minutes ago, Nearholmer said:

The replica No1 Tender Engine in 0 is an inspired idea, and I’d bet that the 100 of each livery that they seem to intend will fly off the shelves.

 

Looking at the picture, I think it is on an ETS electric mechanism, which means that it will run beautifully, and it’s what HRCA members have been doing with tatty old genuine ones for years.

 

The price is interesting: it’s on the high side For a small loco when compared with other all-metal modern coarse-scale models of actual prototypes, but it’s for a “grey pound” market that seems prepared to spend on good quality toys.

 

Interesting that Jamie and I, both of whom know the ‘tinplate and coarse 0’ world a bit reach different conclusions as to its sales appeal ...... shall we run a sweepstake, the winner to get one (colour of their choice)?

I'm just not sure they will appeal to very many people at the price currently asked, I think some will sell to the fastidious and wealthy collectors but how many of them are there? I think a more ordinary Hornby Hobbies collector with £500 is more likely to splurge on two or three locos or a top end set, whilst the tinplater with £500 is either going to splurge on an original c/w c.1920 Hornby loco or maybe an ACE GWR mogul or similar...now if they fall to £200 or so I think they'll definitely sell, mainly to tinplaters who can use them...

1 hour ago, Legend said:

 

I don't think so . Only 100 of each version . Specially commissioned, obviously a niche product for collectors . I don't want one , but I doubt these will hang around.

I wouldn't be so sure, speaking as a tinplate collector . 100 each of four versions makes for 400 total, which is a pretty typical production run by ETS for ACE or WJ Vintage, runs are rarely larger, quite often smaller, and they cover the current three rail market nicely without causing serious rarity or exclusivity. 

The modern collector of tinplate wants either original, or a decent 'semi-scale' (think Dublo writ large) model, as evidenced by the products of ACE, WJ Vintage, Darstaed (previously) etc. These are neither and so are unlikely to cut it at this price, which is more than ACE were asking for their range of semi-scale 0-4-4Ts, and about the same as they wanted for a Large Prairie.

Of course, I may be underestimating those outside of the tinplate three-rail world who want one simply because of its special edition status, but thinking back to previous 'out-of-gauge' specials - remember Bachmann's pewter Puffing Billy? - I don't think these will have much appeal outside of those already in this area of modelling/collecting.

I'm looking forward to picking up one or two of the O gauge 1920 Hornby loco when they've sat on the shelves for a while and the price has been slashed

Looks like an ETS mechanism under it and they're very good, Hornby have probably gone to them for the whole thing. Horrifically overpriced though.

17 minutes ago, mdvle said:

 

It is doubtful (beyond the 4 tinplate locos announced as part of the anniversary collectibles) that Hornby are entering the O market any time soon if ever.

 

On the other hand, it is also expensive and difficult in this day and age to create a brand / sub-brand that both doesn't conflict with anything else and is easily Google-able.

 

Thus re-using a unique brand that is already owned, and is otherwise likely to remain unused, makes good sense from a business perspective.

I'm sure that is so, but that does not make it any less saddening (to me).

It's a good idea, questionably executed, and of limited or no interest to most of us here so we really ought not to knock it but to watch and wait. I can see it being bought up by Warhammer wargamers and suchlike, and I hope it works.

However, I am really, REALLY disappointed to see them using the Bassett-Lowke brand for this. It's a brand of no relevance to the intended market and cheapens an illustrious name, a name that was producing proper model railways when Hornby (Meccano) were churning out mass produced toys. They should have saved the name for a finescale O range or some other premium model offering, this will probably kill the name and is a very sad end to Wenman Joseph's legacy.

Great story! Sounds like a lovely way to spend a day. An end-to-end of just the right length would be perfect for dual operator clockwork. An out and back with balloon loop (sprung point) would do the same for a single operator...getting ideas now...

What do you mean being too young for that sort of thing? I'm 26!

Totally agree that the 7mm of the 50s had a certain joy to it. When I eventually have space for a permanent layout it will reflect that sort of level of detail.

Something else for your entertainment, a video from last year before I had some of Middleton's double track curves:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YT1XTPp8PY

Thanks Kevin,

Yes the Railmotor is delightful, I was really pleased to get it when I did, straight from Brian.

I'm afraid my collection is fairly strictly BR with a few exceptions along the way.

As promised, a couple of photos of my current floor layout - see the link at the bottom for the full gallery. All of the signals, signal box and the level crossing are put away unless I'm alone in the house and safe from those who may not be so aware! Hope you approve.

No problem Kevin. I started a thread up in the 'scratch build/kit bashing' section and have had a couple of good leads. To me the face is all wrong and has caused my M7 to have thus far spent its life on a passenger train in reverse!

What a surprise in my wanderings through RMweb to come upon this gem of a thread - Nearholmer and RateTheFreight (nee Brummagen) will know me from the ACE forum where I go by the same moniker as here.

Refreshing to see a thread on coarse where the bashing of fine (or indeed coarse) is minimal, but acceptance of personal preferences is the norm. I shall put up a photo or two of my current floor layout in a day or two for those as may be interested.