Mike W

Just to follow on from my comment above, the seperate coach described (and labelled) as #42401 is actually numbered as 42402 so all is well with the set.

Despite being out of my modelling era (which is 1980s), I've just bought a Grand Central HST. I really like the livery and a mate works for them, so I figure rule 1 applies. Incidentally, I've ordered the 2 coaches to go with it, one of which is #42401, according to the retailer where I've ordered it from. Whilst these coaches haven't arrived yet (therefore there could be a problem with the item description), the standard class coach in the book set is definitely numbered 42401 so I think there might be a problem here. Oh, and here's a picture of the real thing with what looks like gold doors.

Very interesting comparison shots there, thanks for posting. The Dapol model certainly is excellent (and my pre-order for an InterCity set stands) but the front shot was very illuminating - virtually all the extra detail on the Dapol model can be added to the Farish one using the excellent TPM detailing kit. Whilst I'm sure the new Dapol one will look excellent on the layout (especially with the light bars), I doubt it'll take the place of my Bachmann-Farish-TPM one as my favourite train!

Hope the InterCity Executive ones aren't too far behind - no mention of those or the INTERCITY Swallow sets.

Hi Dave, Thanks for the clarification regarding the HST sets. I'm after an Intercity Executive set - there have been no coaches released in this livery yet, have there? I've only seen ones with Swallow branding, not Executive (British Rail font). I note there are 2 SO coaches down for release in this livery (NC065a & NC065b). Am looking forward to eventually getting a full properly numbered rake in this livery! Edit: Checking back over the 2011 catalogue, the Blue/Grey models shown have the roof deflectors, but the above model shown in the pictures doesn't. Does the impending book set have them? Edit 2: Which version of Intercity livery is the NC055b buffet coach in - Swallow or Executive (BR Font)? Thanks!

A 158 awaits departure.

I'd add another vote to have a fiddle yard - it would make the layout much more operable as the trains would actually have a 'destination' rather than just running through the same station every few seconds and therefore you could come up with a decent timetable for the layout. My home layout is a roundy roundy of about the same size, and whilst my station is a terminus outside the loops, I wish I'd gone for a fiddle yard after having operated it for a couple of years.

Great stuff James, really pleased to see someone I know in there. Very much enjoyed the article.

Excellent review and pics Andy, thanks for posting them. The loco looks great to my eyes, and I don't model steam at all - given that it runs by design around 9" curves, it should even cope with my train set! If its as impressive in the flesh as it looks here, I might ask for one for Christmas......

Grahame, They tend to have more than they list on their website, if that's the list you looked at. I'd recommend giving them a ring, just in case.

It's fresh and verythink, apparently intercity

That's a great weathering guide, thanks for posting it up. Will give it a try and see if it scales down to N......

Hmmm, that sounds tempting - would love a model of Loch Striven in N, although how I'd fit that into a layout would be up for debate!