Roy P

I suppose South Hampstead would be too much of a modelling conundrum RP

I hope it's not too OT but I think that Bachmann as a rule, when upgrading existing models, tend to offer an alternative sub type - the new Warships or 25/1s for example. If and when they get around to the Network Turbos, may I suggest that the 165 might be worth a go. To be seen alongside the S stock all the way to Amersham and not just for a few yards east of Ealing Broadway before Crossrail is finished. (Yeah! I know. Some people are never satisfied) RP

This is all a bit strange. Although my personal preference is for the pre-rationalised (irrational?) railway, I have, by a convoluted route, ended up being involved with the construction of a layout based on a section of 4-track Metropolitan mainline in the Northwood area in the last days of the A60/62s. Early days yet but most of the boards are built, loads of 3rd/4th rail bits and bobs are ready to go and a good start has been made on Radley Models A Stock - including the adjustments necessary for a refurbished unit. At the time of planning it was felt that S Stock would be preferable but difficult. A Stock would have to suffice until some time in the distant future when someone might produce an S stock kit or we could get involved in 3D printing. This has changed the plans a little bit. The Radley A stock models won't have to be as plentiful (they work out more expensive than the Bachmann S stock) and will become De-Icer and "Heritage" units. and the Bachmann models will dominate the scene. The first S8 has been pre ordered and more will hopefully follow in due course. Some renumbering will probably be needed as I guess that if the model is a commercial success, future releases may offer different surface line identities. In any case we can't have all the the trains on off peak services to Aldgate from Watford Met (or Watford Junction by the time the layout is done) I have no idea if I was quick enough to be in the first 300 to get the train ride. They should organise a raffle for the forward facing seats! The Bachmann Scenecraft "Art Deco" station buildings (Harrow-on-the-Hill) might become quite sought after. http://yinnyang.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/London-Air-Condition-Tube-6.jpg My apologies for rambling on but I'm a little bit happy about all this. I don't suppose many people were already in the process of building the layout on which the S stock could be the main attraction. And yes! we have the LU class 20s, the Pannier and Prairie, A pre order for the Met Bo-Bos (to be altered when the source of Sarah Siddons is revealed) and GBRf/Metronet 66722. Matching the paint and finish of the Bachmann on the Radley will be the challenge. Niche? RP Edit for additional info: I have been informed that what I referred to as a De Icer unit is in fact the "Rail Adhesion Train"........whatever! 2nd edit to add link

I have a dream! RP

If you've got a headache the bubble wrap may be therapeutic. Wifey runs off with the bubble wrap from every new purchase. pop!pop! RP

Ditto I noticed on the printed order confirmation a hand written number. Mine (a GNR 251) was "42". I wasted two days from the initial announcement choosing between the GNR or LNER versions. When the remaining balance of models are dispatched it might be interesting to keep tabs on the numbers as the NRM models are not Limited editions in the accepted sense. I hope they've made enough to satisfy everyone who wants one and to make the project worthwhile but not too many that more than a handful are left in the shop. That is to say a handful of LNER types as I'll have to save up for that as well now! RP

Just a little musing regarding the Bachmann Collectors Club special editions and their relative popularity. I’ve no idea how many members the BCC has and how many of those also members here but I would like know what people think before I put a suggestion directly to the BCC (assuming that they aren’t actually reading this). A little while back Locomotion models/ NRM put forward a shortlist of models for the consideration of their customers which resulted in the production of the L&Y liveried 2-4-2T and a Royal class 47. I was wondering about the possible wisdom of the Bachmann Collectors Club adopting a similar strategy thereby offering members a chance to influence the production of the club’s special editions. As with the NRM’s models, a shortlist of “special liveries” could be drawn from regular catalogue models that Bachmann are expecting to be in production and add the specials to that slot. A system of “expression of interest/pre-order/priority purchase” or something along those lines could ensure that those who “voted” for particular releases were guaranteed a fair chance of obtain one upon release. Some offerings might even attract more than 500 interested customers. I understand from the BRM interview that Bachmann aren’t keen on product development by committee but believe that involving club members in the choice of their specials wouldn’t be too much of a move in that direction. It might give some added value to both the club and the brand whilst to some degree avoid the situation where some club specials hang around unsold much longer than others. Clearly, there are currently more pressing production issues to be overcome and getting the timing right on such thing would be a bit tricky at present but hope that such an idea might be considered for the future. Anyway, regardless of all this; I’m happy to be a club member and always look forward to receiving the excellent printed material and the occasional “Special” RP (BCC #14681)

I believe that the previous sets released by Bachmann carried the numbers 60090/90091 on the power cars of the blue ended units and 60092/60093 on the yellow ended ones. If the new packs are reworks (or even if not), then this would be an opportunity for anyone with the first issue "blue" set to acquire the "other" unit. A limited number of takers for a second unit I'm sure, but together with the added goodies, the alternate set of running numbers might just further tempt those with the means. In any case I doubt Bachmann will have much difficulty in shifting these new train packs. RP

Setting aside how many people have an MN on their shopping list, I think we can all take encouragement from the chassis design drawing which, together with views under the bonnet of the recent J15, shows a stride in the right direction just as the Rebuilt MN did in it's day. I hope that by the time this arrives next year, Hornby can also get back to their high standard of lining/printing which did appear to slip a little while the new suppliers were getting up to speed. RP

If you can keep your head when all about you ......... (Rudyard Kipling)......

May I ask 21C1 "Which one" RP

Ian, in pure modelling terms I understand your point but models allow us a bit of fantasy. The NRMs "National Collection in Miniature" can be supplemented by the otherwise extinct types. Rule 1.5 if you like "It's my museum and I'll preserve what I like" If one has the means of course, having a model railway and a loco collection could double the fun. RP

Oh I say! What a bunch of Cads RP

https://www.facebook.com/officialhornby

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bachmann-model-train-set-/111604092566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19fc1f4e96 Custard Dip version on Ebay starting at £150. Product description "Bachmann model train set" May be of interest to someone. RP

One order (4 items) placed Thursday night. Packed in 2 parcels @ 10:20 Friday morning. Parcel 1 (1 item) delivered Saturday from Yodel's Borehamwood Depot. Parcel 2 (3 items) tracked on a totally different route and last seen at Wednesbury hub @ 09:07 Saturday - A new take on Black Country Blues me thinks. I wouldn't normally specify Yodel but a Saturday slot was important this time. I can be patient but can imagine parcel 2 being thrown over my fence (like my Gaugemaster controller) or left out in the rain with driver having signed for it himself (as with a Bachmann C class - the original pretty green one) and no message on my doormat when I get home. Anyway. we'll see what happens. In the meantime, a little note to Hattons explaining the situation with an added message to the effect that their own reputation (which i would always defend) can be tarnished by their choice of courier as an extension of their own "customer care package". ​Now to source some alternative pressies to guard against potential embarrassment on the 25th. (A usually laid back) RP

Wasn't it a J50 that was used to check the full-sized visual effect of the "silver" paint for the first A4s? The slab tank sides being useful for this purpose? The J50 and the silver A4 set being spoken of on the same page seems to have jogged a memory from somewhere. Even if this is correct it would probably not have been seen in public. That would have spoiled the Silver Jubilee launch. RP

The Bachmann website (updated 1st December) currently shows the E4s as due April/May 2015. Slightly surprised that no mention was made in the Bachmann Times. Maybe they were somewhere between "livery samples" and "in production" and were off the radar. RP

Would James Bond have been "zero-zero-seven" if Hornby had insisted? RP

http://www.springfair.com/Exhibitor/Oxford-Diecast-1 ......New for 2015 - Being launched at the Spring Fair will be a new range of Model Railway items" ......"Surprisingly Affordable models" RP

RMWeb member "7013" has been asking for a 47xx since the days when Pat Hammond manually collated the wish list results submitted by email. I am concerned that he may have fallen from his chair and hasn't got back up as I would've expected some response from him. Please let us know you're alright and that this model finds favour. King regards "7013" Roy Palfrey (from our old MREMag days)

http://www.oxfordrail.com/ New info about their capability and intentions. (FAQs) RP

I would have expected these from the London Transport Museum by now. I suppose it could yet happen. RP

The most recent offering from the BCC was the Royal mail liveried motor luggage van, which along with the "Railfreight" class 85 is still available to buy from the club. The last two Club steam locos were the SECR grey C Class and the S&DJR blue 4F; Neither sat around for long. I'm not saying what they should do next; Just observing the situation. RP

Although i well understand the idea that models can evoke pleasant memories, I personally like to think that they can also provide an impression of things we weren't around to see and no longer survive. This is clearly true of most of the infrastructure that made up the "steam railway" but also much of the rolling stock too. Therefore I wouldn't mind at all if Oxford were to eventually provide something like the Bachmann./ NRM "National Collection in Miniature" but featuring the stuff that didn't make it. It may sound a bit odd but being born in 1961 to a family with no inclination to take me to watch the trains, I have no memories of any steam loco (or many non-steam types) working in anger so to speak. From that starting point all such things were obscure so as things stand I've got the same chance of seeing an LMS Garratt, A Blue Pullman or an LNWR "Greater Britain". Archive film, books and models will have to do. This is not to disagree with PenrithBeacon's point which I do take on board, but there is another way of looking at it. RP