south_tyne

Thanks, good idea to set this up it will be great when this eventually appears. I haven't seen any news at all so let's hope it is still in the pipeline. I imagine it will follow the new 4mm scale version which seems to be progressing well.

Thanks very much for sharing these pictures Ruston, some wonderful scenes. I have never been but Foxfield is top of my list for preserved railways I would like to visit. It appears to be a mecca for fans of industrial steam. David

Glad to hear the positive news. I know it will have been a very stressful, trying and worrying time but hopefully everything is on the mend now. Thoughts remain with you and your family.

Plus one for this... I have recently been re-reading a very early edition of Norman Simmons' classic 'How to go Railway Modelling'. Whilst much of this is now bery dated and some positively obsolete, it is still inspiring, interesting and ultimately an enjoyable read. Part of this is no doubt nostalgia tinged, as I remember pouring over it as a kid, reading over and over again, but it has been really uplifting to read and has lifted my mood I find something similar with reading old magazines. For me it is a set of Railway Modellers from 1996 and 1997 - two years worth I have had since childhood and read the spots off. When I need a boost I often turn to these. Memories of happy days as a young lad sat read these at home come back when looking at them again. Finally (and sorry for rambling) I am a big believer in decluttering as a rememdy for the soul. Clearing out and reducing what we have is great for my mental health - I got rid of almost all my accumulated model railway 'stuff' a while ago and it really helped clear my mind too and reduce anxiety levels. 'Things and stuff' don't make me happy. Personally, being down to one loco and half a dozen wagons is a lovely liberating feeling rather than being burdened with stuff.... I was never a hoarder or collector and certainly didn't have mountains of stock but a clear out did me the world of good!!

A break from any work/hobby/task can be beneficial. Stepping back and asking... why am I doing this? Am I getting pleasure from it? Is it causing more anxiety than pleasure? Remember modelling is supposed to be a release from the real world and should be fun - if it isn't then it's time to think about having a break. Sometimes a can then return later with renewed vigour and interest. I muself have taken a long break due to numerous reasons. I have still gained much enjoyment from reading about the hobby but have done no 'active' modelling for around five years. I enjoy doodling ideas and planning layouts etc but ultimately I know I am not in he right age mentally to do much practically. I will come back to it one day though......

Wow that's great work - very impressive!

Agreed there is no concensus... it's ultimately the problem with the internet and wishlist polls - sometimes those who shout loudest appear to represent the majority. There is no personal criticism in that, or even connection with the current discussion, just a general observation. Just a thought (which I am not sure is true but could be) but in some ways does the market no actually suggest that a 'one off' might actually be better for a manufacturer than a run of the mill loco. The Stirling as an example, tied up with a partner? A special, unique item might be more appealing to many buyers, particularly those who do not necessarily model that particular region or railway. For instance I bet if one of the NER Quayside electrics were produced RTR then lots of people would be tempted to buy one as a novelty one off, I would suggest many more than would be swayed to change to modelling the region by the release of a bog standard loco such as a J27. Charging £200 for the former is also realistic, compared to £100 for the latter and might be worth the commercial risk. Whilst the novelty loco may remain a 'shelf queen' that is of no concern to a Hornby (or any other company) and nor should it be.

RE the J72, 18 months down the line has anyone seen any further news on this little fella?

I do take the point but, playing devils advocate, a manufacturer would have already taken the plunge on a J21 or B16 for instance if they felt it would be a big commercial success. Ultimately, model railway companies are money driven, existing in an increasingly tight commercial sector in a capitalist market. A house builder will only build a home if they can sell it. Hornby (just picked due to the thread) will only produce a model if they feel it will make a profit and presumably the bigger the better. Wishlists and wanted polls are all very well and good but only show so much. I think a desire for three types of clerestory coaches woul be optimistic. I have read elsewhere that he development of a coach or wagon needs almost as much financial outlay as a locomotive. Anecdotal but, if true, is it any wonder manufacturers are more likely to focus on the big wins? Please tell me if I am wrong, but you seem to be almost advocating a "build it and they will come" approach? I don't really buy that and think we will always remain a niche area. As I have stated, I think we already punch above our weight by having there pre grouping locos available ready to run. I would love more to be available but ultimately think we are lucky with what we have already. David PS - in using "we" I mean the North East or NER. I realise it probably reads as a bit bizarre to some, as if the area is some kind of people's republic!

Excellent news Chris and thanks for the clarification. David

Hi Neil, no need to apologise at all, I appreciate the response! That's great as I've said, I love the modeeling and the creativity on show here and follow any update of your progress with great interest! David

The world is changing and wages are rightly increasing in China to hopefully give people a better quality of life and ultimately if this impacts on the cost of our toy trains then this is a price worth paying (both literally and metaphorically!), hopefully makingthe world a little fairer and more balanced. Eventually things will go fill circle and manufacturing is likely to return to these shores. I really do think that we've never had it so good though. This is a luxury hobby not an everyday essential and we should enjoy the good times as and when they last!

As with a lot of DJM items it will appear but it will take a long time and is dependent on a number of other projects coming to market first to release capital. Only Dave will know the position for certain though. Lovely prototype though...... I have a 7mm scale version and love it! You could always 'go O gauge' if you're desparate for one The Ixion model is fantastic value for money but will set you off on a slippery slope to the senior scale.......

I must admit Dapol have always been very good and timely in responding to my queries in the past, maybe you have just been unlucky? Enquiries through the website seem to be replied to quickly from my experience. I know had a things can be frustrating but remember it is holiday time at the moment and there may be a lot of people away from work... I'm not a social media person so don't know whether FB/Twitter are a better bet, but regular website/email contact has always worked fine for me.

Makes sense to me! I know The feeling of addled brain after long/strange working hours though.... The sales of the G5 will no doubt be carefully watched by the big boys but it is going to be well down the line (no pun intended!) before it possibly becomes a mainstream item. As you say James, by then presumably the majority of folk who really want one will have already bought one from TMC directly. They should be applauded for taking the risk on this project but will have undoubtedly done their homework to ensure it is a commercially viable model. Once the G5 is available we will all be able to model a realistic and credible NER setting (albeit at the moment the LNER/BR areas rather than pre-grouping) simply from RTR items and who would have thought that would be the case 30 years ago! Whereas at one time it would have been only possible to do the steretypical GWR branch terminus, in 2018 (or maybe 2020 by the time the G5 arrives) us North Eastern fans can do something similar! Let's enjoy it and revel in it David

Doug I think you speak a lot of sense. Added to the J72, Q6 and the forthcoming G5, we have the B1, K1, V1/V3, V2 and the pacifics, all of which are LNER classes but which spread widely over the North East. Plus all the standard types for the BR era and we are laughing! The J21 would seem the easiest win for Hornby specifically given the GER J15 being a close cousin. We are in agreement that the wooden hopers would be a great 'gap filler'. I must admit I am not very knowlagable regarding coaching stock but clerestory coaches do sound nice! Whilst we might like more in an ideal world, sometimes I think we just need to remember how lucky we are and enjoy what is available to us in 2018! Despite the NER superiority (firmly tongue in cheek ) we are just one oG scores of pre-grouping companies all of who have their champions and supporters! David

Thanks for the photographs! I have never been able to visit yet but Foxfield is number one on my heritage railway wishlist! One day I will get there

This little chap is going to be worth the wait! Every glimpse makes it more and tantalising We are all behind you Steve, keep up the good work!!

I do feel as though this discussion is going round in circles somewhat. I love the NER (and the corresponding LNER and BR areas) and would love there to be more of our classes available RTR. However we have got to accept reality... we represent a smaller area, both geographically and population wise, than many other areas and will always represent somewhat of a niche market. Personally I think we are extremely lucky to have the J72, Q6 and forthcoming G5 available and should celebrate this fact. There is no onus on Hornby (or any other manufacturer) to plug the gaps some perceive there to be! If you need/want to the build a kit. If models such as a J21 or B16 is viable then a manufacturer will bring it forward, if not then there should be no complaints at all. Sometimes I think we need to take a step back, give things some persective, and realise how lucky we are. Playing devils advocate... if there is a critical mass to support a model of a particular class then suggest crowdfunding or clubbing tofeher to finance one! Personally I think if we got a RTR J21 and some wooden bodied coal hoppers then that would be justified given our relative size and importance in the overall market but I wouldn't think there or four furher types of loco are likely (or justified), despite how great it would be! Just my thoughts (for what they are worth). David

This is such fantastic news for North Eastern modellers right through to the '50s. A workhorse of a class that covered the entire region (and beyond) over a long timeframe. I have always had a big softspot for the G5 and think them to be wonderfully proportion and stylish (although I know some disagree). I am sure this will be a highly successful product and TMC are to be applauded for pushing it forward.

Fantastic news Chris! So will it be a gradual release of the first batch of liveries or will assembly be in groups before all being shipped together? Cheers, David Sounds like an expensive time!

That's looking excellent Mullie. I've been a long time admirer of your work and am pleased to see you have a new project underway. Looking forward to seeing the layout evolve

No doubt the next batch of Peckett's will sell out in record time. I still haven't seen one in the flesh but hopefully might get a chance to this time around... as long as they don't all well out on pre-order!!

It's times and situations like this that put everything else in life into persepective. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Back on topic... I for one cannot wait for the J70 to come to the market. Chris and Model Rail should be congratulated for doing something very different but very special, although I realise I am somewhat biased Given Rapido's track record this will be a stunning model and well worth the wait! Look forward to the release in due course