Legend

Yes it sweeps you off your feet. Clearly in a league of its own. Fantastic modelling . You know it's the model you dreamed of having as a 5 year old, although in my case it was Glasgow Central! Not too easy to see the trains, but that's almost incidental

Update from yesterday's Model Rail Scotland . The southern green one had been marked as available nov 2017 .this was obviously mistake as it had been crossed out and changed to March 2017 . I also note the price had been crossed out . Instead of £164 it's now £179

I was quite surprised to see lots on sale at Model Rail Scotland . I expected to see the ScotRail and Chiltern ones (lowest price I could see was £122) but there were also DRS ones at a few stands , albeit at full price £145. Still plenty there at end of first day.

Two finished models on display on stand at `Model Rail Scotland. They look superb . I note one seemed to be listed for release imminently( the one with red number plates) but the other for later in 2017. still hoping for a BR blue one sometime.

Fantastic. Having just seen it at Model Rail Scotland it is clearly in a class of its own. Fantastic modelling and great use of technology (the cameras) . Very enjoyable to watch, even if it is a strain seeing the trains sometimes

I thought the 71 was launched to universal acclaim, I don't have one but from what I can see people are happy. We've got the 87 coming , again CADS look good . Yes there are some Railroad models around that are less than perfect, but then they are made to a price. Just think that if its something widestream then possibly better with Hornby. And you may not have Nameplate/ glue issues, livery errors (look at the great job they did on the Harry Patch HST), headlamp, glue issues and dodgy wiring.

Given the lack of new models to make and lack of variety in modern traction, compared to 70s , it can only be a matter of time before someone does an 88. I suppose it would need to be licensed. Ideal for Hornby I would have thought. Go with its modern traction IEP

Intrigued by Elderslie Station by Ayr MRG. Is this based on Elderslie between Paisley and Johnstone? Do hope so .i remember an OO one from the Renfrewshire MRC highlight of model railway shows in the 70s . I note that this one is 7mm though. Looking forward to it

While I appreciate the demand for the model , you really can't let a manufacturer away with dodgy QC , otherwise they'll never be encouraged to get it right. I'm going to sit this one out. I fancy the loco but I think I'll wait for the wrinkles to get sorted out in the second batch. While I could still obtain a ScotRail one , I suspect the one with the most widespread and long lived livery will be the DRS one.

Actually they weren't all the same . Council estates were built with one two and three bedroom homes as the. council attempted to cater for all families including elderly couples. True they would all be similar looking , metal framed windows and grey rough cast in the area of Scotland I was brought up on. The 60s were a nice time . You didn't just know your neighbours but the entire block . A typical house was a 2 up 2 down quarter villa with side stairs ie two homes downstairs and two upstairs , but these tended to be a 40s/50s type while in 60s I think the most common would be two bedroom terrace. Door colours tended to be the same. For years ours was green , then someone decided on alternate shades of blue yellow green and red. The key thing is that the houses would have a standard look about them. No individuality allowed! Not aware of anything that captures look of these at the moment. We tend to either have large suburban semi detached houses or red brick terraces . Not much in between

Apollo , that's great. I've actually just caught up with this thread and thoroughly enjoying your pics. Will look forward to seeing them on Flickr

I think Railway Modeller refers to a train of Pullmans on one of its layouts when testing locos.

I went off modern image when 66s took over everything. 67s are not exactly visually inspiring while the 70 is just plain hideous . However this 68 looks really good. Just been watching the real thing on YouTube and it really is inspiring. I am tempted, but I think this is one to be treated with caution, following issues with the 73. You might have thought they would have learned from experience. Clearly there are some QC issues, so might want to inspect it before I buy. Hopefully some models will be running at Model Rail Scotland so I can see them up close. And maybe keep an eye out for YouTube reviews before taking the plunge .

Wow . It does look superb. Seriously tempted even though I stopped modelling modern image a few years ago . I had thought to get a ScotRail one but the DRS one looks good too.

There was a United Molasses plant in Greenock. That'll be the location in Western Scotland . I only became aware of United Molasses because of the Mainline Railways tank!

Thanks Rembrow for putting so eloquently the argument. Sometimes it feels like I'm paddling a lone canoe here..........upstream . I really appreciate your support.

Heljan prices have always been expensive compared to rest . Also slightly different as they tend to produce obscure diesels and have supply chain through Denmark. I have bought some of their 26s, 27s usually at much discounted prices . I think they are about £69 on Hattons now. They also didn't drastically increase prices over last three years alluding to labour costs as being main reason for increase. I'm sure there will be lots of people interested on why Bachmann are charging more for ranges of coaches. Thomsons v Colletts is an interesting comparison I've been going to the Glasgow show man and boy since 1973 . Never miss it . Hopefully Friday and Saturday this year.

Lol . Yes tend to agree . I remember when the Black 5 first came out in 73 . We were so happy to receive it, even though the detailing was poor. I think it's accepted that Hornby only upped their game when Mainline and Airfix appeared, then again with Clan Line to compete with Bachmann There are some good reviews on YouTube though. I'd cite S&DJR88 from on here as being one, but there are others too. What amazes me is that they all acquire the latest model straight away. Reverting to your grumpy old man mode in my day you were lucky to get one loco a year. And the key thing about YouTube is you can see it running , see how much a load it can take , and the reviewer , amateur or not, will tell you his likes or dislikes openly. You can then make your own mind up. Reviews are only ever for guidance. Looking forward to seeing the Merchant Navy. I'm holding out until they release a blue one.........unless

Mmm would be good if land in time for Model Rail Scotland, and hopefully have time for some feedback before buying decision, given issue with other Dapol products

No but the comparison was to one of Hornbys ranges of coaches , where the question was asked why are Bachmann more expensive. They are both made in China , using same materials, same labour, same freight costs . You might reasonably expect Thomsons to sell in same volumes as Collett or L&SWR coaches so the argument cost of tooling over lower quantities doesn't explain it. But at end of the day that's the price. Up to you whether to buy or not.

Because Kader want a larger margin and they've calculated there are enough people around prepared to pay £55 for them, which is probably £47.50 discounted. Just in the same way as they've guessed there's enough people will buy autocoaches at £69.

Yes I'm totally puzzled by the existence of this magazine. I suppose if a new modeller picks it up and is encouraged then that's fine, but will they be interested in Hornby Dublo or the Falkirk Exhibition? Seems confused marketing to me

I think realistically you are not going to see every coach in HSDT modelled. But a TS would have been useful

I wish Hornby held that view

I think a contributory factor in postponing the HSDT is what you would run it with. I'm not really interested in just buying a power car , I'd really want the whole train. If Rapido/Locomotion had said it was going to be a 4 car set with additional trailers available, as with their APTE , I think there might have been a bit more interest. The APTE was very well priced, and as Brexit has happened in between the costs would have inevitably risen , maybe by 20% just on basis of currency . I wasn't aware Rapido had announced they were doing the coaches. I'm puzzled as there was certainly a lot of comment over on the Oxford thread as to whether they would bring out their mk3s in prototype livery to go with power car.