scottrains29

I was actually slightly surprised by the lack of EWS releases this year. I don't think Bachmann have any EWS items in the 2018 range and Hornby only have the odd wagon in EWS livery. I know there has been quite a few EWS releases last year, but most locos still cost upwards of £100. I would have thought a Limby Railroad EWS loco (37, 47, 56, 60, 66, 92, etc) would have sold very well for anyone interested in the 'modern' (22 year since EWS livery introduction and still going strong) scene and on a budget. I know there is a big secondhand market, but anyone going into a model shop looking for a typical EWS freight engine is likely going to be met with expensive top of the range models.

It's a shame Hornby have such a poor modern image offering this year. They should really be trying to encourage younger people into the Hobby. I suspect most young people model what they currently observe on the railways. The 2018 range only has two locos that can be seen in real life today, a DB 08, and the Colas 67. As well as expensive modern engines, Hornby should really be expanding the Railroad range with modern but affordable items that would appeal to young-ish modellers on a budget. Perhaps a Railroad DRS 37 with Mk2 combination, CS 92, or Railroad XC HST set (with railroad priced mk3s to enable expansion). I want Hornby to succeed but I feel they may be discouraging potential modellers due to the lack of modern stock, especially affordable modern stock. I also think it is silly wasting production slots on the crude Virgin mk3 loco hauled coaches when OxfordRail are producing far better and cheaper Virgin loco hauled Mk3s this year too. Who is actually going to buy the Hornby ones? It would have made more sence to produce the (missing and in demand) Virgin 1st class Mk2e to match their other Virgin Mk2e coaches, before Bachmann get round to releasing their Mk2f. The only item I can see myself buying from the Hornby 2018 range is the Virgin 87, and possible the class 60. I'll be turning to other manufacturers (Bachmann, Dapol, OxfordRail, Hattons, Realtrack, DJM etc) for my other modern image purchases I make this year.

I wonder if Bachmann will retool the class 150, Again? This time with the 158/170 style underfloor/ low level drive. Why they didn't do this on the first retool I don't know, especially since the main problem was the visable drive mech. With Realtrack and Dapol producing superb DMUs with no visible drive mech, even the recently retooled class 150 with it's big drive mech blocking out an entire window starts to look quite dated. The class 350 also has this same visible drive. I hope Bachmann can design a hidden low level drive mech that they can also use on any future EMU units as well DMUs. EMUs tend to have far less gubbins under the floor in which to conceal a drive mech. I am looking forward to seeing the new 158/170. Looking at the spec, these should be great models.

Yep thats exactly what I meant. Thanks, I presumed they sounded the same as they have the same engine. I wonder why many leading retailers (Rails, Hattons etc) list R8105 as for both class 66/67. Think I'll stick to R8121 decoders for my 66s if it's more accurate.

More TTS decoders will be welcome, but is there any difference in sound from the newly announced class 66 decoder (R8121) to the, yet to be released, class 67 decoder (R8105)? Many retailers list R8105 as class 66/67. I always thought they would sound the same. Also, quite disappointed the stand alone HST decoder is an MTU one rather than the proper Valenta engine sound. Surely the Valenta sound would be FAR more popular. I assume Hornby are also making a Valenta TTS decoder for the TTS fitted HST Intercity train pack as they clearly state it is a 'Valenta' powered train pack. It would make sense to sell the Valenta one separately too.

The virgin class 87 will be very welcome. I will now have something to haul the new OxfordRail Virgin loco hauled Mk3s! I just hope the OxfordRail livery matches the Hornby one.

It's a bit of a mixed bag for me. I welcome the Virgin class 87 and Virgin DVT. But why release the MK3s when OxfordRail have already announced highly detailed loco hauled Virgin ones including the RFM. The OxfordRail ones actually have a lower RRP (£34.95) than the poor and inaccurate Hornby ones (£34.99). The R4855 TRFB isn't even a loco hauled coach! Do Hornby not realise there is a difference between loco hauled and HST coaches? Mind you the description says these coaches can be 'matched with the high speed diesel electric class 87'. Is this some new HST/class 87 hybrid dreamt up by Hornby in order to run their loco and HST coaches in the same rake? If the OxfordRail Virgin livery closely matches the Hornby one, then I can't see why anybody would opt to buy the more expensive yet crude Hornby coaches. I expect these will end up in the bargain bucket. Also, why have Hornby STILL not released a Virgin First class MK2e coach to match the previous Virgin MK2e releases that came in only Standard class and Brake types. I'm sure many people are put off buying any of these coaches due to being unable to complete the rake due to the lake of a first class one. This leaves the door open for Bachmann to do the job properly.

I would like to Hornby to bring out a Virgin class 87 and also re-release the Virgin mk3 DVT, possibly as a train pack. OxfordRail are bringing out their loco hauled Mk3s in Virgin livery next year (FO, SO and RFM) so it would allow modellers to have a fully matching Virgin train (assuming OxfordRail use a matching Virgin red). Mind you Hornby have a very poor track record when it comes to Virgin stock: The new Virgin mk2e coaches were released without any First class ones! Hornby didn't bother tooling the TGS in 1999 when the first full-length Hornby Virgin mk3s were released, resulting in a missing coach for many years until the Limby version. The Limby Virgin TGS was released with smaller stripes and Virgin logo. It also didn't have the distinctive HST silver windows meaning it didn't match the other Hornby Virgin HST mk3s. The Hornby Virgin DVT releases were all (incorrect) mk4s until they tooled the mk3 version recently. This model is now quite rare. The high spec Hornby Virgin class 43 even came with livery errors that were not present on their older tooling models including the cheaper railroad model. Perhaps 2018 can be the year modellers are finally able to buy an accurate (pre DMU/EMU) Virgin train complete with matching engines, coaches, DVT etc.

There are a few minor differences I know of: Red side grills. Front four lifting eyes angled differently. Flush horn grills (now fitted with standard style) Lamp bracket in slightly different location (now moved to the standard location) There may be some more I'm unaware of. It didn't stop Lima releasing 66001, though the lima 66 had some major inaccuracies that would overshadow any minor diiferences.

I predict we'll see a limited edition of EWS 66001. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary since the first class 66 arrived in the UK.

I'd like to see Hornby bring out more TTS sound decoders to include: class 43 HST (The proper one, not the MTU engine) class 56 class 156 DMU The TTS decoders have apparently been very popular, so it makes sense for Hornby to extend the range.

A number of years ago I remember reading a detailling article in ModelRail (Oct 2001) for a Lima Strathclyde class 101. A set of very flexible rubber gangway connectors were used to completely fill the gap between the cars. I think they were from No Nonsense Kits, so it may be possible Phoenix Paints could now have the tooling. I remember they looked far more effective than naff bits of folded black paper. I'm sure there would be a huge demand if a manufacturer could bring out replica working rubber gangway connectors for the various styles seen in the UK. Alternatively, they could also be make cheaply from silicone, like the type used for those flexible cake cases etc often found in the poundshops. The main problem, apart from needing realistic radius curves, is that it is difficult to de-couple coaches. One solution could be to use a thin strip magnet (installed at the end of each connector) that is just strong enough to keep the connectors attached, but weak enough to de-couple when pulled apart thus preventing derailments on tight curves.

The £1 note is still printed by RBS and should be accepted in England as well as Scotland I believe.

Has there been any more info about when the Hornby Railmaster Loco Detection system will be released?

You are correct, there is regular XC services from Glasgow down the WCML as far as Carstairs, then along the extension to Edinburgh where they continue down the ECML before crossing back towards the west again. I don't quite get the point Newbryford is trying to make. A XC voyager would not look out of place on a Scottish, EC, WC, Midlands, West country, South Wales, Southern layout, etc, etc. Whereas a London Midland 350 is fairly restricive. I am surprised Bachmann haven't released the Transpennine 350 yet. They only have a couple of years left before the TPEx 350's are replaced with the class 397. It would therefore make sense for Bachmann to get them out ASAP. Yes the TPEx 350 is restricted to the Manchester to Scotland routes, but I don't think ANY model manufacturer has ever had any issue selling models for the Scottish modern scene. Modern Scottish loco and DMU models have all sold very well. I doubt a TPEx 350 would be any exception.

I wouldn't even pay £47 for 3 packs! That would still be over £5 a wagon for what is an ancient and crude 'railroad' model. Hattons have sold the new version for as low as £8 in the past IIRC. From a business point of view, it would probably make sense to gradually reduce the price until all the models are sold. After all there is always some who will pay over the odds for a model. Maybe we'll see them reduced to £46 next week!

Here is a picture of one of the wagons Hornby had tried to model. It is a Barry wagon with a hood. https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3814/9680035771_b2ede7c983_b.jpg I don't know what Hornby's obsession is with Barry MGRs. They've produced numerous HAA, HBA, HFA etc with the boat logo, yet most MGRs didn't have it. Would be far better if Hornby left it blank, allowing anyone wanting a Barry wagon to add a decal themselves. I've added AYR branding over it to some of mine to make them more Scottish. like this: http://www.ussalbion.co.uk/lastshildonmgr.jpg Hornby have released the old tooling MGRs in the past with hoods. Not sure if the hoods on the current rev ones are any different. I hope Hornby supply the correct version.

HFA: Hornby Fails Again! Sorry couldn't resist. It does seem like Hornby have made a simple error somewhere. Mistakes do happen. The important thing now is how they deal with this mistake: Firstly, I think they should release a statement genuinely apologising about the error. They should update their website to show a real picture of these railroad wagons, and also change the description to remove the part stating they come with NEM couplers. They should reduce the list price to reflect the crude railroad detailing of these wagons, I would say no more than about £15 a set. Anyone who has already bought (including retailers) should be automatically given a partial refund or allowed a full refund if they return their wagons. Hornby should also give anyone who has bought the wagons a free hood, since not only are they livered HFA wagons but the description also stated they come with hoods. I want Hornby to do well and so by doing the measures stated above would help PR and also help with sales by selling the models at a realistic price.

It's being discussed on the Engine Shed topic: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/97313-the-engine-shed/page-42 Apparently, Hattons are contacting Hornby today about the error.

This makes you think twice about pre ordering models in the future. Though, saying that, I did pre order 12 x R6066 railroad mgr HAA sets from Hattons for £100 (working out at £2.78 a wagon!). R6828 appears to be the exact same tooling, but now incorrectly livered as an HFA (hooded wagon) without it actually being hooded. Hornby are going to have to substantially slash the prices of these if they want to sell any.

I completely agree! I am a little surprised that Hornby haven't altered the number after being made aware of this some time ago. I think Hornby have only ever released two Limby class 87's so to release the exact same number, name and livery combination again does seem rather odd. The Limby version runs well, is DCC ready, has NEM couplings and after a little detailing and weathereing looks the part too. Like many people I cannot justify buying a more updated version of the exact same loco. I get the feeling Hornby don't bother to check their back catalogue before picking a loco to model, escpecially when it comes to electrics. Last year Hornby were going to produce R3474 Virgin 90015 'The International Brigades'. The thing is, they had already released this model a few years back as R2109B. The 'new' model would have been exactly the same but with the limby motor bogie. As the old model is still readily available on the second hand market, it made no sense to release it. Unsurprisingly, the model was cancelled apparently due to poor pre-orders. I hope Hornby can change the number before it gets to production, otherwise i'll be giving this one a miss and hold out for a Virgin example.

You are correct. The Virgin HST trailers had silver frames, the loco hauled ones did not. I have no idea why either. The Hornby 1999 Virgin HST coaches had the correct frames, but almost all other Hornby HST train packs came with MK3 with unpainted frames (ie loco hauled mk3s). Even the two Virgin TGS coaches Hornby subsequently released were missing them, even though the TGS coaches were only ever in HST rakes. So basically, after 18 years since Hornby first released the Virgin HST mk3, it is still not possible to have a full rake of matching HST coaches. I entirely agree with you about OxfordRail not giving the loco hauled coaches silver windows as these were only in the HST rakes. Hornby have made a number of livery errors/changes to their mk3 in various liveries over the years. They changed the GNER blue from dark blue to a much lighter blue a few years ago. Lima actually did the opposite, starting with a much lighter blue then changing to a darker blue. I do wish OxfordRail well and really hope they get thir coaches correct first time. Most of us have been modelling/collecting for many years and many more to come but it is extremely frustrating when manufactures decide to change the livery when you are in the process of collecting a full rake. If OR can get it right I will be buying a good few rakes in the future. The OxfordRail glazing does concern me a little. It is not as bad as the glazing first used by Hornby in their current mk3 but it is not as good as used in recent coach releases. Hopefully OR will be able to fix this before production. Here is a link discussing Hornbys revised mk3 including a picture I posted (post 33) showing just how bad the prism effect on the 1999 Virgin model.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/87779-revised-mk3s/page-2

The first 1999 retooled (scale length) Virgin hst mk3s with the silver window frames had a prism effect on the glazing. On later virgin mk3 releases Hornby fixed the prism effect on the glazing but didn't bother with the silver frames, making them look very toy like. Then the last (ex)Virgin mk3s Hornby released had the very dark glazing but without the silver frames. It's a real pity Hornby have been unable to release a Virgin mk3 with tinted glazing, silver frames, and no prism effect all at the same time!!

The early Bachmann 158 models had this. It made repainting a nightmare/impossible. The short Hornby mk3 had a slide with windows printed on. They look a bit naff now. Lima did a similar thing by having the roof part of the glazing. This made it hard to dismantle. Personally, I would much prefer to have sperate glazing. It makes it easier for repainting. The mk3 also has window frames that protrude from the windows slightly. The latest Hornby mk2/3s don't suffer from prism effects much, there is no reason why Oxfords should either.

http://www.Hornby.com/uk-en/news/the-engine-shed/the-duchess-is-up-and-running/ up now.