YesTor

I asked Dennis Lovett at DEMU if there were any plans to change to a pristine version and he suggested not, and that the weathered version was to go ahead as per the current catalogue...

This topic seems to have gone quiet. What was the result, are we to get two pristine units or are Bachmann going ahead with the awful factory weathered version?

Agreed, the 350 is an absolutely stunning model, and having purchased both London Midland variants upon release, I've now just purchased my third set, as with the current offers its hard to resist.

Hmmm, I'm inclined to disagree. From reading many previous topics I believe that some time ago this was the very same thinking applied to the Bachmann Blue Pullman, in that considering the recent and significant price increases a second run would seem totally out of the question... yet pretty soon after such a debate Bachmann announced exactly such a re-run. So, to my way of thinking, if a second run of Blue Pullman, (and what will amount to an expensive six car unit) is deemed viable, then to be fair on the same basis I can't see any reason as to totally rule out APT-P - after all APT-P is just as iconic (perhaps more iconic to some of us?) than said BP? Either way, I'd definitely be interested in APT-P.

Well, isn't that just the million dollar question! The answer... For the same reason that other recent Hornby efforts have mistakes/shortcomings I would think...

That's great news as I'm personally really looking forward to the 59s.

It would be a really good idea, and more to the point good business savvy, to actually find out if it is indeed possible to obtain the rights to produce these 'one-off' liveries, before organizing, or even publicly discussing such a crowd funding scheme. After all, look what happened with the recently announced Class 59, which has now been put on hold due to being unable to obtain permission to produce key liveries. This is merely speculation, but for all we know Hornby may well already possess exclusive rights to produce some of the special liveries already produced on the Class 91. If this were to be the case then it would significantly affect any investment in a new model I would have thought... In summary, if it were me, I'd be gathering all of the necessary facts before making any kind of proposal publicly. Don't forget, the "walls have ears", and you've just successfully informed the chief competition of your future plans...

I think the point that thebritfarmer is making is indeed there perhaps isn't any incentive to upgrade the existing Class 91 model. After all, why would any manufacturer choose to invest heavily in new tooling when the existing tooling is clearly turning what we can only assume to be a healthy profit with no further investment required?

Factory weathering generally seems to ruin most locos. I've pre-ordered the pristine unit. I would pre-order the second unit also IF and only if it were also produced in pristine state.

Looks great! What era are these variants suitable for? Are they in current use?

Quite possibly a similar market to any business, ie. the one that reaps the biggest return. Place yourself in the position of the manufacturers, where all you hear are cries of woe mostly concerning inflated retail prices. So, what do you do - manufacture a lower quality, lower research cost, lower production cost, albeit slightly inferior product - however still make a healthy profit, because the market is telling you they want 'cheap' models... ...or, do you throw big money into research, development and high production costs, resulting in high cost stock with a potentially lower profit margin, and additionally the risk of stock left on the shelf because it is deemed 'overpriced' by the market. Purely from a businessman's viewpoint I know which option I'd be pumping for. Okay, that doesn't help those, like myself, who prefer a highly-detailed and accurate model, however sadly it seems as though that is the minority market. So I guess to those who wanted 'cheap' models, well... you got 'em this time folks!

I totally agree. There's something in British culture that for some unknown reason results in buyers generally expecting "something for nothing". If you want top-notch, whether it be cars, food, clothing or model trains then you gotta pay for it. Of course, if you pay top dollar and still receive an inferior product then there's justified cause for complain. I saw one or two people buying an armful of these at Warley, and I guess if you simply want something that looks vaguely like a Mark 2e from a distance then those people will probably be very happy with them.

Agreed, and I thought it looked even more noticeable when viewing the model in-the-flesh. I sincerely hope they correct this glaring and rather odd quirk

Well, I'm simply thankful that the second batch of Thumpers are being produced, as I really want one in plain BR Blue, so I will be ordering one. To be honest, I was more than half expecting this second batch to be cancelled, due to the pricing issues. That said, I suppose if pre-orders aren't sufficient, then that still might be possible.

Perhaps a little unfair to leap to conclusions without knowing the facts? Have you considered that there is equally a chance that Dapol may simply be waiting on DRS to provide some vital information/data with regard to the development of the model? While it is understandable that this model may well be a high priority for Dapol, it may well not hold as much urgency for DRS, who I would imagine are far more busy managing their own real-life operations. It's also perhaps unfair to compare with Bachmann's Class 70, as after all that was in conjunction with a completely different organization, ie. Freightliner, who for all we know may well be more "on the ball" than perhaps DRS when it comes to model trains. Of course, none of this may actually be the case, but in short what I'm stating is that situations aren't always necessarily what they at first appear.

Am I correct in thinking that these will be pretty much 'produced to order', and if so is there a deadline for placing an order?

Hobb E have commissioned E6047 in early blue livery... http://www.hobb-e-mail.com/Dapol-e6047-preview-update.html

Hmmm... judging from your photo the incline looks pretty straight - not much, if any evidence of the "thumbprint", at least to my eye anyhow. It's definitely there on the model though.

My thoughts too - I thought it was my eyes but then read your comment. Hard to tell if it is an unwanted indentation, or maybe the roof is heaped slightly too much on top? Or maybe it's prototypical...? Otherwise this looks like a superb model!

66752-756 (from GB Railfreight facebook public photos)

I picked up a couple of these at DEMU, incredibly nice they are too!

What happened to the Network Rail liveried 73?

Well seeing as they are releasing a further version, as in the Electric Blue SYP version, then surely sales cannot have been that bad...?

I have always felt the underframe on the Bachmann 66 to be hugely lacking, with little real detail with regard to the complex rodding/pipework, which is indeed one of the main characteristics of the prototype.

Pleased with my set which arrived today, all very nicely detailed. The only slight hitch being that I too have both missing and detatched lifting-eyes - something I also noticed with my earlier Network Rail yellow set. They are a lovely detail and its easy to see why they may become detatched during transit, but hopefully replacements will be available?