SWT442

Having a little catch up with this thread, some excellent images! Here's a few more from me, all Plastic stuff though. South Eastern 'Electrostar' 375818 leads a classmate through Wandsworth Road working 1S40 London Victoria to Ramsgate - 15.09.2015 'Capitalstar' 378219 rolls into Kensington Olympia with a cross London service - 15.09.2015 Arriving into Clapham Junction together are 378221 & 378213 - 15.09.2015 On a dull mid-summer day, 'Desiro' 444002 races through the New Forest at Bishops Dyke - 22.08.2015 A place lost to the undergrowth now, 444017 speeds down the SWML at Shawford - 24.02.2017 The sole 444 in SWR colours, 444040 leads a classmate through Shawford with 1W94 Weymouth to London Waterloo - 26.02.2019 450077 slows for the Botley stop as it works 1T50 Portsmouth Harbour to Basingstoke via Eastleigh - 29.11.2014 One of the handful of High Capacity units, 450558 heads through Millbrook with 1W61 London Waterloo to Weymouth - 21.01.2014 Andy.

Not being near to the land of nod(ing donkeys!), here's a few pictures of the ones I've seen on my travels around the country. All are of the Northern flavour. I've not as yet sampled a ride on one, something to do this year before they start to disapear. 142086 brings up the rear of a service at Hatfield & Stainforth, didn't get the other unit number - 09.10.2013 Passing a 225 set in clinging onto GNER colours, 142087 leaves Doncaster - 08.08.2011 142095 departs Crowle with a service bound for Worksop - 19.04.2014 Passing near to Nethertown, in Cumbria, 142096 is seen with a Barrow service - 07.07.2010 Seen hustling through Burton Salmon is 144004 - 09.10.2013 6 months later, 144004 is seen again arriving at Doncaster with a working to Scunthorpe - 18.04.2014 In the dying late Autumn light, 144011 calls at Althorpe - 08.10.2013 Seen the very next day, 144011 slows for the stop at Hatfield & Stainforth - 09.10.2013 Andy.

There's a guy on Flickr (NIGHTSHIFTWORKER) who's worth a look, has pictures of some of the HS1 workings mentioned above. Looks like he's a driver, as there's also shots from within Dollands Moor, Frethun and Wembley. A link to the Class 92 album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/35502189@N03/sets/72157673241564512/with/27809493546/ Andy.

I'm hoping the Class 319 announced however long ago in 'N' gets upscaled to 'OO'. Now is probably a good time to do one, as it now covers a wider spread of the UK and can solve the argument of needing 3rd rail or overheads to run an EMU, if they do the underframe mouldings to represent a Class 769! As a straight Class 319, it covers the popular NSE era, and wore the colours in 2 different styles. You've got 3 (possibly 4) different Thameslink colours, plus the FCC livery. Can have the (somewhat under represented in model form IMO) Connex colours and Southern Green/White. Then there's the two different styles of Northern Trains livery too, plus a few one-off advertising liveries. Forgot to add, there's also London Midland which would be a good companion to their Class 350! As a Class 769, you've currently (sort of!) got Northern and will eventually have GWR Green. I believe Transport for Wales are having some too, and the Rail Operations Group are looking to have a pair for parcels use. Thameslink Blue/Yellow, Connnex or FCC would have me reaching for the plastic in double quick time! Andy.

A good year for the steam era modeller, another ok one for the modern era modeller. Very happy that a DB Red Class 60 now features at long last, but a shame it's only availible sound fitted and is named. Also, a bit of an 'ouch' moment as it's £185, so much for the 3 I wanted! Think I'll just have the one for the moment. But the for the modern modeller, the only two new tooled items are the MK2f's and sliding door MK3's. There's the same amount of new tooled coaches, as well as locos and wagons for the steam lot. To me, it shows that Hornby is the steam modellers friend still. And on the subject of coaches, why no MK2f RFB? I also find it a bit odd that the new tooled MK3 is the same price as the 20 year old 'standard' MK3, either the new tooling is a good price or the old tooling is over priced. And surely at least one newly tooled wagon could have been done, too? Plenty of air braked engineers wagons still not done, along with the EWS specific FAA and FCA container flats. There's the previously mentioned bogie log carriers, as well as covered bogie steel carriers, aggreagtes hoppers and many other wagons not done. Can the 4-VEP have another run out next time instead of the 2-BIL and 2-HAL? It's hard to find and can command some silly prices second hand at the moment. Liveries can be NSE again, Connex, SWT plus some of the 'one off' colours carried before withdrawal. I wouldn't say it's all bad, there is some good re-liveries of existing models announced, the Pullman Class 67 a good choice as is the Sleeper Class 87. The new MK3's I also think are a great idea, if not for me and area I model, and certainly hope they do well. The 2 Network Rail MK2f's are a good shout too, and definatley something I'll be picking up even if they're not quite 100% accurate. Very happy to see the TTS decoder range expanding, and still for a very favourable price. It's a yes please for the Class 08, Class 50 and Valenta chips, but they quality of speakers used needs looking at. Most of mine have been changed, and it makes a real difference to the sound quality and clarity. Still, at least the Red box is still with us and hope they do well this year and can keep on going! Andy.

Not one to comment on these things, normally just read from the sidelines, but I must admit I'm feeling the same way as others in this thread. I've only ordered the one Class 92, and am somewhat thankful that it's only the one, as now I've just accepted the fact that I've spent £50 or so on something that'll not appear. I did get the e-mail from Dave, and was quite excited to see what it contained and what progression had been made, but found it a bit something and nothing to be honest. I do partially agree with a comment MGR Hooper made: DJ for me today says one thing "Over ambitious, not focused, too many promises, too many bold statements and too little delivered" The DJM section of the forum has a few threads for models that have been announced, but very few have actually appeared. The thread cropping up for the ATP-P was the point that I started to kiss goodbye to this project and my money. It just seemed far too much considering so little has been produced so far. From the models that have been produced, they do look good and am in no doubt that what does come next will be of good quality, but what will actually be next? I know it's easy so sit to one side and critisize, but to me it seems Dave just tried to do far too much far too quick, especially with the bulk of it all crowdfunded. People do need to see someone deliver on their promise, to build up the trust required to get more people on board with what they're trying to acheive. I personally think RevolutioN have done well with this, and have shown that the crowdfunding method can work and be trusted in. Having spoken to Dave on several occasions, most recently at the Fareham show, I find him to be a nice guy, easy to talk to and happy to discuss the ups and downs on what he's trying to do. I wish him no ill will, and do truly hope that everything works out for the best. But for now, I've gone from looking forward my model arriving and the conclusion of this project to being somewhat sceptical of anything coming of it. Fingers very much crossed for what the Stafford show brings... Andy.

Not really one for this, but what the hell, I'll bite. My interest's lie within two area's of "modern image", the late 90's to early 00's and the current scene. Off the top of my head, I don't think there's much that could be released using existing models to further what's availible for the 90's/00's era. A somewhat forgotten unit, but it'd be nice to see the return of the 4-VEP. While not the greatest representation, I personally thought it was good enough. Liveries carried in the latter part of their lives include Connex and South West Trains, as well as one off colours such as 3514 in Southern and 3417 in it's SWT repaint into BR Blue. Perhaps a Dutch (and/or) Transrail Class 56 & 31? A re-run of the Class 60's in the early privatisation liveries? Mainline Blue and Loadhaul were the first ones released, so would be nice to see them done again. The Corus Silver duo may be of interest to some? And totally left field, but 50017 in its LMS livery? Getting towards the end of that era, would a Wessex Trains Class 31 with matching MK2's be of interest, or be too niche? For the current scene, a bog standard DB Red Class 60 has been a complete own goal year after year. The one-off liveries are nice, but surely a nothing special, unamed Red Class 60 would be a winner? Plenty of scope then for people to renumber to another class mate. I'd certainly have at least 2 like a shot! Staying with the Class 60, the first GBRf one has rolled out of the paint shop, so might be a popular addition. While I did purchase 56303, I can't see the point in doing any of the Class 56's and 31's in other DCR colours, they're just a bit too niche. A third run of a Colas Class 56 perhaps? The GWR duo of 43002 & 43185 as a special pack might prove popular. While not an area I model, I would probably be tempted to get them just because really. I could see them doing the Scot-Rail HST's, but using the existing MK3's instead of re-tooling to get the doors right. I suspect people would grumble but likely still go for it. New tooling wise, perhaps a Class 86? The Class 87 seems to have generally positive stuff said about it, but has it sold well? I'm still waiting for my Virgin one... Hands down, an Electrostar would do well. They've been in use for around 15 years now, and have carried a good range of liveries. The stumbling block may be some of the newer builds with the different windows, unless tooling can cater for the variations. I'd certainly like a pair in Southern colours. Perhaps an FCC one, too. Wagon wise, tooling up some MOD container's for the KFA's would be nice, as would the other suggestion of waste containers. For a new tooling, air braked engineers wagons such as the ZFA 'Gunnel' and YSA 'Salmon' in it's various guises would certainly be welcome here, and elsewhere I suspect. Things like the LPG TTA's and TEA's haven't been done before, or is that something best left to Bachmann? Bogie timber carriers? Or something more mundane and (TBH) overlooked, such as the FCA and FAA container wagons? Anyway, that's enough of that. Whatever is announced for 2019, some will rejoice, other's won't really care and some will take it personally that what they want has been overlooked. Andy. (PS - Can I get a super detailed Class 442 with lights and sound for under £100?)

Very nice work indeed Jack! The 68 looks great, the little details that have been picked up certainly help lift it. Those MXA's look superb too, and really look the part behind the 68. Good luck with the apprenticeship as well. Pleased to see they're back in favour now, I felt very lucky when I landed mine (just over 10 years ago) when they were rather scarce! Andy.

Looking through pictures taken this year, it does appear 56303 has worked some of the Barrington trains. I suppose one advantage of a loco like this, is that you can tag anything behind it and say it's hired in, or on a short term flow and the like. Andy.

Yeah, the flyash trains out of Didcot is probably the most notable DCR working. Everytime I went up there to photograph it, 56303 was working except for one occasion when 56311 was being used. A trawl of Flickr brings up mainly light loco movements, though it has been used on the Class 707 unit deliveries and associated barrier wagon moves, as well as hauling On Track Plant or wagon moves. While a nice loco, it's use is somewhat limited unfortunatley. Andy.

Well, time has certainly flown since the last update! To be honest, not a great deal has been done. The modelling mojo has been pretty fleeting the last few months, plus the hot weather made it unbearable working in the cupboard or out in the garage on the layout. Though that being said, little bits were done here and there, and with the weather finally cooling down the mojo has returned to a fashion. So, here's a brief run down of what little bits have been done since last time. The work on 66849 has slowly eeked on. The transfers have been applied and varnished in place. Wire loop couplings have been fitted since the pictures were taken, with some weathering to follow soon and then the application of the nameplates. Should hopefully be finished by the end of the month. Another 'Shed' to pass over the bench was 66152, for fitting with a Hornby TTS decoder. The fitment of a 21-pin to 8-pin adapter being neccessarry to get the decoder in place. A decent set of speakers have since been aquired from a friend, so it'll be upgraded with it in due course. The weathered version of Bachmanns' Class 450 was picked up earlier in the year for a reasonable sum, and this has had a set of Kadees fitted to allow it to couple up to the pristine one. While a nice model, I'm not totally convinced by the weathering. The obstacle deflectors were also fitted, but as these slot into the NEM socket on the bogie, which has been cut off, a piece of wire has been attached to them. These are then pushed and glued into corresponding holes drilled into the underside of the model. The Class 31 featured a while back has had the weathering completed on it. Some bufferbeam detailing and wire couplings are all that's needed to fully finish it off. Quite pleased with it, with it looking nice and run down as per how it was in the very late 90's. It's seen posed on an exhibition layout I own, which had a recent outing to the Rails show at New Milton in July. The Class 456 hasn't been forgotten about, with the second unit I purchased gaining a Replica chassis which was picked up at Ally Pally. This and the coach have been modified as per method detailed earlier in this thread. It's since gained the modified bogie side frames, again as detailed earlier. One of the cab fronts has had the area for the coupling opened up, both units eventually gaining Kadees to run as a pair. The first unit built has had the underframes weathered. The trailer coach has also been weathered, with the motor coach yet to be done. Ths unit is seen posed, again on the exhibition layout I have during a bit of testing to ensure everything was ok ready for the Rails exhibition! I've been really pleased with how the unit has turned out. Some other bits have been done, but not documented. The 3 Colas Class 70's I ordered have passed over the bench, two being renumbered while all have gained the detailing pack and wire couplings. Weathering next! There's a few more Colas locos being worked on, including a 37, 47 & 56. These will hopefully feature in the next update if I remember to take some pictures. So to finish off, here's a shot of the Colas fleet. Hmm, I might have a Colas fetish! Andy.

As seemingly the only person to order 56303 (if this thread is anything to go by!), mine has arrived. Loco looks good to me, with the paint finish and printed detail up to the decent standard that Hornby achieve. The only thing I'll say is that the Green might perhaps be just a touch too dark? There's the usual bag of pipes, screw link couplings and coupling guards. Only critisism here is that the air pipes are unpainted and have flash on them, which seems a bit stingy on a £130 model. The last 56 I picked up had cleaned up and painted pipes. After being chipped up and run in, it'll have the detailing added and be weathered up. No issues with the running of the model, but I note that compared to the DCC Sound Colas example I have, it's fitted with an 8-pin socket rather than a 21-pin one. Anyway here's a few pictures (taken on the phone), including the best picture I have of the real loco. Andy.

Thanks for the info Jim. Like the sound of 802 as it's a bit different. Not overly fussed by a difference in cab interior detail, so may well do one of the 'higher' numbered ones. Andy.

Well, my 3 arrived today at last. Very happy with them indeed! Now to decide on what to renumber them to... Andy.

A couple of the NMT on local metals. First up, 43062 "John Armitt" and 43014 are seen at Brockenhurst on a quiet evening in June 2010. The NMT had around a 20 - 30 minute stop off, probably as a driver break. The working was 1Q23 Basingstoke to Old Oak Common via Weymouth. Fast forward 6 years, and the same pairing are seen at Mottisfont & Dunbridge. The power cars now have an addidtional top headlight, I believe to enable operation on HS1. The working this time was 1X23 Salisbury to Salisbury via a reversal in Southampton Up Goods Loop. A video of them in action: The working 1X23 runs every 6 - 8 weeks, and happens off the back of an Old Oak Common and return working via Yeovil. There have been occasions were late running sees the Southampton portion ignored, plus if the NMT is unavailible, top and tail 67's can turn up instead on the MK2 rake. Andy.

Thanks for the info Simon. Would've been better coming through Southampton Docks. I could've picked mine up personally on the way to one of our sites in there! I for one am well aware how the system works, and glad that they go to company HQ for final checking before going out to the shops. But, I think I'm a bit justified in being somewhat peeved that there's been a years delay on a model for no given reason. For me personally, a bit of info on what's what goes a long way, whether it's good or bad. As an aside, for me the hobby is an escape from my work life. And at the moment, the hobby seems to be mirroring my work life with all the constant delays on obtaining what I'm after. Only difference is I've not got a site manager breathing down my neck! Andy.

I hope so. I asked the chaps on the Bachmann stand at DEMU when they were due, and was told within the next month. I did point out that the guy I spoke to at Ally Pally in March said the same thing, and was reassured that they're definately going to be here within the month. Think they mentioned the delay was due to Chinese New Year. Though, they were supposed to be here well before our New Year, let alone the Chinese one! Honestly, I'm not holding my breath. The due dates given have not been correct so far, so no reason why this one will be. Andy.

Really enjoying the pictures in this thread. Some of the earlier shots of the HST's are fantatstic! Here's a few more from me. EMT's 43064 & 43089 are well away from home as they pass through Foxhills (between Totton & Ashurst New Forest). They're working 1Z43 Sheffield to Swanage "Swanage Samaritan" charity charter - 14.06.2014 Heading for home, 43089 leads 43064 through Bishops Dyke, on the approach to Beaulieu Road station, with the returning "Swanage Samarian". It was running as 1Z44 Swanage to Sheffield - 14.06.2014 No, it's not photoshopped! 43064 was adorned with South West Trains vinyls, as was the adjacent coach for the "Swanage Samaritan" - 14.06.2014 A formation for the modeller! East Coasts' 43317 leads a near rake of EMT liveried but EC branded MK3's, with the buffet being in EC colours. On the rear is 43074 in later Midland Mainline colours. The formation is seen at Doncaster, heading for London on an unknown working - 08.08.2011 Wearing National Express' "East Coast" livery, 43208 heads a 1E13 Inverness to London Kings Cross service at Doncaster - 18.04.2014 Coasting towards Burton-on-Trent, 43357 & 43303 are seen working the 1V52 Glasgow Central to Paignton Cross Country service - 30.05.2015 The classic "modern" HST shot! Seen at St Philips Marsh depot during the 2016 open day, are power cars from nearly all of the then operators. From front to back there is: 43187; 43048 "T.C.B Miller MBE"; 43300 "Craigentinny"; 43013; 43423 "Valenta 1972 -2010" & 43172 "Harry Patch" - 02.05.2016 Andy.

Enjoying the pictures, especailly those of HST's in Swallow colours. Probably the best colour scheme to adorn the them. Here's some more Great Western stuff. Storming along the SWML, 43182 & 43175 head through Potbridge with 1C84 London Waterloo to Penzance - 28.12.2015 Seen at Denchworth, Diamond Jubilee branded 43186 leads a London bound working - 13.03.2013 During the first year of HST diversions into Waterloo, 43170 sits at the terminus awaiting time - 01.01.2011 Catching the light between the trees, 43188 & 43187, the first GWR HST in Green colours, heads through Old Basing with 1C82 London Waterloo to Penzance - 28.12.2015 Seen nearly 2 years later, and with the addition of "Y Cymro/The Welshman" decals, 43188 stands at Paddington with 1C82 to Penzance - 06.01.2017 Passing the Lock gates at Crofton, 43198 leads 1C79 London Paddington to Plymouth - 24.02.2015 Terminating at Cardiff Central, 43185 has just arrived on 1B17 from London Paddington - 31.05.2018 Andy.