BREAKING NEWS! Dapol announces ‘OO’ Class 22

One of the last remaining gaps in the ‘OO’ BR diesel fleet is to be filled, surprisingly, by Dapol. The Welsh company has announced that the North British Type 2 B-B diesel-hydraulic will be its first all-new ‘OO’ locomotive model for many years, featuring a top-quality specification (see below).

From the outset, the models will feature all three front end variants (disc headcode with doors, original split headcode boxes, later style split headcode boxes), alternative bodyside grilles and three liveries – BR plain green, BR green with small yellow warning panel and BR blue.

Production will be limited to around 300 of each number, but in Dapol’s usual style, a ‘plethora’ of running numbers will be offered.

Price is still to be confirmed as Dapol is keenly aware that the rising cost of materials in China may well force up the final price during development.

Dapol expects to display the first pre-production models at DEMU’s ‘Showcase’ event in June.

Dapol ‘OO’ NBL Type 2 specification

N Low-friction mechanism with pin-point bearings
N 5-pole skew-wound cam motor
N Two brass flywheels
N 21-pin DCC decoder interface
N Prepared for DCC sound, with space for speaker in fuel tank
N Spoked RP25 profile wheels
N Illuminated cab and directional LED lights
N Interchangeable headcode digits
N Etched stainless windscreen wipers
N Etched fan grille with fan detail below
N Additional bufferbeam detail
N Separately-fitted steel handrails

MODEL OF THE YEAR

Voting for the Model Of The Year 2007 is now open!
Click here to go to the voting form!

COMING SOON: Model of the Year 2007

On December 1, the polls will open for 2007’s Model of the Year awards. After the success of the awards in 2006, Model Rail magazine and www.MREmag.com have been joined by online railway modelling forum RMweb to further widen the pool of modellers voting in this unique scheme. It is hoped this expansion will greatly increase the number of voters and make the results even more representative of UK modelling opinion.
As promised, more categories have been added to the voting form and another bumper crop of ready-to-run models has made selecting the shortlists an even more difficult decision than last year. Categories will cover the best British outline RTR locomotives and rolling stock in ‘N’, ‘OO’ and ‘O’, plus a chance to vote for your manufacturer of the year in each scale. The 2007 awards cover models released between December 1 2006 and November 30 2007. In each category a panel of Model Rail staff and contributors have shortlisted the best new models launched in the past year. You’ll be able to vote online at www.model-rail.com or via RMWeb and MREmag.com from December 1 2007 to January 10 2008. A postal voting option will also available. The full results will be published in February 2008 issue of Model Rail magazine, due out on January 31 and on participating websites from the same day. (Ben Jones)

IT’S HERE! Hornby Class 56s arrive

These pictures show the first two examples of Hornby’s all-new Class 56, which have just arrived in the Model Rail office for review. First impressions are extremely favourable – particularly with regard to the attention to detail evident between the Romanian-built BR blue 56013 and Doncaster-built Railfreight ‘red stripe’ 56049.

Highlights include;

N Batch specific details on Romanian and Doncaster-built locomotives, such as round or oval buffers, different cabside window, bufferbeam and headlight arrangements

N All-wheel drive and pick-up

N Two powered roof fans

N Directional LED lighting

N Opening cab doors

N Very fine, separately-fitted details and optional extra detailing parts

N Fine etched metal roof and bodyside grilles

N ‘DCC Ready’ and ‘DCC Fitted’ options

A full review of both models will be published in Christmas issue of Model Rail magazine, on sale from December 1 at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition, being held at the NEC in Birmingham.

FIRST PICTURE: ModelZone’s Bachmann ‘Jubilee’

Modelzone’s next ‘OO’ gauge Limited Edition release, produced by Bachmann, is BR green ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 No. 45637 Windward Islands, due out in December or January, Price is £104.99 and the model will be available at all ModelZone stores and by mail order from 0208 688 6519.

BREAKING NEWS: Ixion joins British ‘N’ market

The rapidly growing British ‘N’ Gauge market has received another boost with news of another manufacturer entering the fray. Ixion – a company formed by three railway modelling enthusiasts in Australia and the UK – has unveiled plans to release up to four new models of British-outline locomotives over the next two years.The models will be constructed to 1:148 scale British ‘N’ gauge, and will be of “main line British locos” though so far the exact identity of any of the planned models has not been revealed. Those behind Ixion are noted Australian modellers Phil Badger and Lindsay O’Reilly, and British enthusiast Chris Klein.Mr Klein told Model Rail: “To produce a new model in the way we’re planning to, you need three things: capital, ideas and, frankly, a lot of guts.”He added: “The money for this has been raised by the three of us in our own ways, and we have no connection with any of the established manufacturers. We’ve also got some radical ideas for new features that we don’t think have been tried before in ‘N’ gauge models.”Ixion says it will reveal technical specifications (but not the identity) of the first model at Warley and the models will be “at least on a par” with US or Japanese products manufactured by companies such as Kato.The prototype chosen as Ixion’s first model is a closely guarded secret. Enthusiasts have been told not to read anything into the company’s name (Ixion is the name of a preserved Class 46 diesel) nor into the fact that two of the three men behind the new firm are Australian – the models are said to be of “British prototypes that were not exported.”The company says it will only reveal exact details once CAD drawings have been signed off – probably in January – and is aiming to have the first model on sale at next September’s ‘N’ Gauge Show at Leamington.The planned price is expected to be “in the same area” as existing mass market models, but Ixion will not give an exact figure.Over the longer term, Chris Klein said, “with sufficient sales, we plan to release a new British ‘N’ gauge locomotive model roughly every six months for the first two to three years. “We also have some interesting and radical ideas for other model railway related items, not locomotives, though again such developments are dependent on modellers supporting our programme of releases.” Discover more at: http://ixionmodels.com/

Bachmann unveils prototype Deltic for NRM

Bachmann has unveiled the first ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model of the legendary English Electric prototype Deltic. The model (catalogue number 32-535) has been developed exclusively for sale through the National Railway Museum in York and will go on sale in December.
An initial run of 500 Special Limited Edition commemorative sets will be offered by the NRM shop, followed by a standard run of 2,500 models in January. It is hoped the colourful locomotive will be the first of a series of limited edition models based on well-known engines from the national collection.
The 3,300hp prototype Deltic was the most powerful diesel locomotive in the world when completed in 1955. Its success in trials on the London Midland and Eastern Regions led to an order for 22 production Deltic (later Class 55) locomotives, which helped to eliminate steam on East Coast Main Line express passenger work and ushered in the era of 100mph travel.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: “This project proved challenging. The works drawings no longer existed so we had to use laser-scanning equipment for the first time. A special gantry also had to be erected at Shildon to enable the scanner to pass over the whole length of the locomotive but the results proved well worth it.”
Each sale will support the NRM in its vital work in preserving Britain’s railway heritage, and providing public access to the national collections.
Andrew Scott, Director of the NRM said: “The prototype Deltic locomotive has always been a popular exhibit in our museums and through our joint project with Bachmann, we are now able to provide for the first time a top quality model of this unique and very striking locomotive. We are delighted with the end product and thank Bachmann Europe for bringing it to fruition. We’re very much looking forward to seeing new limited edition models in the years to come.”

Murphy Models ‘Baby GMs’ – in colour!

Murphy Models of Dublin has received the first decorated samples of its Irish 141/181 Class diesels from Bachmann. The samples show the new model in original CIE ‘black and tan’ livery, which is one of several variants being offered in both ‘141’ and ‘181’ form. Delivery of production models is expected before the end of the year and Model Rail will bring you a full review as soon as we have them.
PICTURES: GERRY MOONEY

BREAKING NEWS: Dapol reveals Hymek, '9F' and plenty more for 2007/08

Dapol has surprised the ‘N’ gauge world once again by revealing an exciting programme of new releases 2007/08. The biggest surprise is the development of a BR ‘Hymek’ diesel-hydraulic and BR Standard ‘9F’ 2-10-0, both of which will be released in time for the Warley NEC event on December 1/2. These form the first in a new ‘Platinum’ line of products with higher specifications than previous models.

The ‘Hymek’ will be available in BR green (three versions) and BR blue (one version) initially, while the ‘9F’ has single or double chimney and early or late crest options with either the BR1G or larger BR1C tender (eight variants in total). For more information on specifications and a full review of the ‘Hymek’ see December issue of Model Rail magazine, on sale November 8.
The company has also announced several useful additions to its ‘OO’ gauge wagon range – see below. All models below are ‘N’ gauge unless otherwise stated.
Dapol 2008 ‘N’ programme

• LNER/BR ‘B17’ 4-6-0 – available in Kato-style ‘book sets’ with three Gresley coaches or as individual locomotives. LNER pack comes with No. 2857 Doncaster Rovers and three teak coaches, BR pack contains No. 61652 Darlington and three BR crimson/cream Gresley coaches, individual locos are BR Nos. 61660 Hull City and 61650 Grimsby Town.
• Modified GWR ‘14XX/48XX’ with added top feed on boiler. Will be available individually or as a pack with GWR Autocoach - both modified with NEM coupler pockets for closer coupling.
• BR/Met-Camm Class 156 2-car DMU, power and dummy sets – to be released at 2008 ‘N’ Gauge Show
• 1:148 scale accessories: Working street lights, trees, cars and painted/unpainted figures
• Arriva CrossCountry Class 221 Super Voyager
• ‘Dummy’ low emission Class 66s in Metronet and Freightliner livery
• ‘Cargowaggon’ bogie ferry van (new livery)
• ‘Tiphook’ livery telescopic hood steel wagon
• ‘Megafret’ intermodal wagon with ‘Tesco’ curtain side containers
• Departmental grey/yellow ‘Dogfish’ ballast hoppers
• Weathered BR ‘Hymek’ with six weathered 6w milk tank wagons (book set)
• Southern ‘Q1’ 0-6-0 (four versions), plus BR late crest No. 33002
  

Due for release at Warley 2008

• EWS Class 67
• Mk 3b Driving Van Trailer
• Another ‘secret’ model...
  

‘OO’ wagons for 2008

• Telescopic hood steel wagon
• BR ‘Grampus’ general purpose engineers’ wagon
• GWR/BR ‘Fruit D’ long wheelbase van
• Rectangular tank wagon

Rails Limited Editions announced

Rails of Sheffield has commissioned four more 'OO' limited edition models from Bachmann for delivery in 2008. Each is limited to 500 pieces and will include a numbered certificate of authenticity. Orders are being taken now at www.railssheffield.co.uk or telephone 0114 2551436.

1. Railfreight Distribution ‘Tinsley Blue’ 47145 Merddyn Emrys
2. InterCity ScotRail 47541 The Queen Mother
3. BR early crest lined green ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 No. 45609 Gilbert & Ellice Islands
4. ScotRail/Regional Railway 37427 Highland Enterprise
   

The weathered version of 37025 Inverness TMD is also now confirmed.

Model rail reader offer.

Model Rail has commissioned a unique set of Bachmann BR Mk 1 coaches in maroon with maroon ends and WR numbers.

The perfect set to accompany your ‘Hymeks’, ‘Warships’ and ‘Westerns’, not to mention the twilight of steam on the Western Region.

Just 500 four-coach packs, comprising Corridor composite (CK) W15426, Open Second (TSO) W4746, Corridor Second (SK) W25043 and Corridor Brake Second (BSK) W34751, have been produced, perfect for a complete train or for supplementing your existing stock.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

CHRIS and CANADA in CREWE!

Sunday 7 October finds Model Rail Editor Chris Leigh at the NMRA British Region's Canadian themed meet at Railway Age, the Heritage Centre in Crewe.
Open from 1000-1600, the meet features 8 layouts and 5 traders as well as numerous displays relating to modelling Canadian railways. There will be displays for CNR, CPR, Algoma Central, Ontario Northland, VIA Rail, Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer, Port of Vancouver, Canadian Wheat Board and Canadian Forest Products plus video and DVD displays. A number of short clinics will be held including Chris Leigh showing the progress on his timber trestle model and explaining how to model an authentic trestle.
The regular Railway Age exhibits will also be on show.

First ‘OO’ van from Creative Master Northcord Ltd

Creative Master Northcord has released its first 1:76 scale van for ‘OO’ gauge. The new casting is based on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311 CDI Panel Van with long wheelbase and high roof. The new Sprinter was introduced to the UK in late 2006 and the panel van featured has a 4,325mm wheelbase, 6,940mm overall length and 2,820mm overall height. The ukvan 1000 series will also include the RHD Traveliner minibus, LHD panel van and Traveliner minibus versions.
The ukvan 1001 launch model is painted in Dealer Stock White. This version will allow collectors to avail themselves of the opportunity to use this CMNL Sprinter model as the basis for super-detailing by adding decals of their choosing or by adding additional livery detail or paintwork in order to enhance their ‘OO’ modern image model railway layout or 1:76 scale general transport diorama. ukvan 1001 carries the “Select” registration mark SV07 UKV which, at the time of the model’s release, was still unissued by DVLA.
Key features of the ukvan 1000 series include interior detail showing the driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel, single driver’s seat and twin passenger seat and also chassis detail that includes replicated drive-train and exhaust system as well as fuel tank and spare wheel. The windscreen wipers are individually made pieces and therefore the models are not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The panel van ukvan 1001 shows extra items that can be specified as factory or dealer-fitted optional equipment on the real Sprinter range – in this case the halogen fog lamps set into the front bumper, and the wheel trims that cover the standard steel wheels.
The ukvan 1001 model carries a numbered Limited Edition Certificate showing that it is one of a run of only 1200 pieces worldwide.
The brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Panel Van models will be available through model shops and online dealers in the UK who will be supplied by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited. The ukvan range will also be available through Transit Graphics (Australia), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), cnmycar.com (P. R. of China) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively.

Kernow wins Bachmann ‘Retailer of the year’ prize

Kernow Model Railway Centre in Camborne, Cornwall has been named Bachmann’s ‘Retailer of the Year – 2006’. The award was presented to Kernow during its 5th Anniversary celebrations over the weekend of the September 22/23.
KMRC was formed by former British Rail Manager Chris Trerise after he left the rail industry and moved back to the West Country in 2002. The comprehensive shop does not just rely on local and holiday trade but has built up a highly successful mail order business and on-line shop. In addition the company has commissioned a number of limited edition models from Bachmann and other manufacturers, many of them with a West Country interest.
David Haarhaus, sales and marketing manager for Bachmann Europe, said “I have been very impressed with the constant growth that Kernow Model Rail Centre has achieved. In Model Shop terms it is a youngster at just five years old, but their positive “can do” attitude has quickly gained a good reputation for high quality service from both Cornish and International customers.”
Kernow Model Centre have regularly commissioned exclusive items from Bachmann Europe and this year has seen two of its most popular model releases to date. A London Transport liveried Pannier Tank Engine and Guards Van. Laura Eaton, from the Bachmann Product development office said “we have to work closely with all customers who ask us to produce an item in bespoke livery for them, Kernow Model Rail Centre are always a joy to work with as the livery reference material they supply is so comprehensive and easy to follow”
KMRC launched a loyalty card scheme at the event, Proprietor Chris Trerise said “It is a great honour to be given this award, it is due to the hard work and dedication of all members of the Kernow team, including Steve Parker and Rob Kay who could not be here today. We simply try to keep a good stock of all the items that our customers want to purchase at competitive prices and then provide quality after sales service. We feel that the large amount of repeat and regular customers that we have is vindication of this policy. Our first five years have flown past; we are all looking forward to what the next 5 years will hold”
Kernow Model Centre is located at 98A Trelowarren Street, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 8AN. Their telephone number is 01209 714099 and the comprehensive website can be found at www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com

Surprise releases from Hornby

Hornby has just announced several new ‘OO’ models not previewed in its 2007 catalogue. The new models are;
R2678 London & South Western Railway green ‘M7’ 0-4-4T No. 252
R2679 GWR (ex-Clevedon, Weston & Portishead Railway) green ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No. 5 Portishead
R4311 First Great Western Mk 3 Sleeping car 10584
R4314 InterCity ‘Swallow’ Mk 3 Trailer Guards Second 44057
R4315 GNER Mk 3 Trailer Guards Second 44056
The Mk 3 TGS vehicles are already available from Hornby stockists.

Also out now are the first of the new BR rebuilt ‘Patriot’ 4-6-0s R2634 No. 45512 Bunsen in BR early crest green and R2633 No. 45545 Planet in late crest green (see December Model Rail for our review), plus R2611 Class 142 Pacer railbus in Merseytravel yellow, GB Railfreight, South West Trains and BR green Class 73s (R2654-56) and R2613 InterCity HST pack. See November issue of Model Rail for a full review of the new rebuilt ‘Royal Scot’ and December issue for all other new Hornby items.

Click here for PDF images and details

LATEST PICTURES! Farish, Dapol models emerge at N Gauge Society 40th anniversary event

Both Dapol and Graham Farish took the opportunity to showcase prototypes of forthcoming models at the N Gauge Society’s 40th anniversary event on September 15/16. BEN ANDO reports;

Running models of the Farish LMS ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 were on show. The model will be supplied with two front bogies: one, with the usual ‘trainset’ small wheels and another with scale wheels offering a far more realistic appearance for those with more generous curves. Unpainted bodyshells for a complete range of Stanier coaches also caught the eye, as did unpainted samples of the new Class 37/0 diesels and intermodal twin wagons. Painted versions of the Freightliner HHA coal hopper were also on display (see Model Rail October issue).

Dapol trumped its rivals by releasing two new models at the show – the Virgin Class 221 Super Voyager in four different running numbers, and the ‘Q1’ 0-6-0 steam locomotive in various versions of its two BR liveries (black with late crest and early crest.)

New models on display from Dapol included the forthcoming FEA-B container flats, telescopic hooded steel carriers and BR fish vans, along with the bodyshell of the Class 73/0 loco, to complement the firm’s existing Class 73/1.

Both Graham Farish and Dapol had versions of the Low Emission Class 66 models on display in Eddie Stobart livery – the Farish locomotive is a noticeably darker colour than Dapol’s; it’s up to the modeller to decide which they prefer!

Not to be outdone, CJM announced that it is introducing a Class 58 in 2008. The locomotive will be largely produced using the latest CAD design technologies, and its development will be shown on CJM’s website, allowing modellers to follow its progress from design to mastering and completion. CJM’s Chris Marchant is also planning to offer rakes of Scotrail Class 47/7+ Mk 3 push-pull sets in the new year using Class 47s fitted with his own Saturn series chassis, and hand-built DBSO vehicles. Initially, ScotRail livery will be offered.

For more on the NGS 40th anniversary and the models released see November issue of Model Rail magazine, on sale October 11.

Great Train Robbery Class 40

Bachmann Europe Plc has today issued a statement regarding the company declining to produce a model of the Class 40 locomotive D326. This was the locomotive hauling the Glasgow-London postal train involved in the Great Train Robbery near Cheddington, Bucks on August 8 1963.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said “we are aware of the sensitivity that still exists in the railway industry regarding the injuries that Driver Jack Mills received on the night of the robbery. The British Railways Board as a result refused filming facilities to the production team of “Buster” in 1988 and the locomotive itself was cut up in record time so as to avoid any attempts to preserve it. We work very closely with the railway industry and we fully appreciate their stance on this. As a result we have declined various requests to produce a model of this particular locomotive and we will do so again in future.”
SEPTEMBER 17

BREAKING NEWS: Hornby 'Royal Scot' arrives

Hornby has just released the first version of its new rebuilt ‘Royal Scot’ 4-6-0. First to arrive is BR green No. 46102 Black Watch. Look out on this site for our first pictures shortly. A full review of the model will appear in November issue of Model Rail magazine, on sale October 11. Also scheduled to be reviewed in that issue will be Dapol’s new ‘Q1’ 0-6-0 for ‘N’ gauge.

Classic diesel shed from Heritage N

Heritage N has produced a very limited run of ‘N’ gauge diesel maintenance sheds. Just 30 of these etched brass shed kits have been made and include whitemetal fuel pumps and oil drums, glazing and self-adhesive brick paper for the outer walls. Dimensions are 155mm long by 90mm wide and 52mm high. The shed is made of brass and etched lines inside to help it fold up with minimum parts to glue or solder on. The lower side walls have etched brick
detail as well for those who would prefer to paint the bricks.
Demand is likely to exceed supply, but Heritage N may produce more if demand is strong enough. For more information contact: mail@heritage-n.co.uk or telephone 01332 743972.

FIRST PICTURES Bachmann/Rails 37025 Inverness TMD

Rails of Sheffield has released the first images of its long-awaited ‘OO’ gauge limited edition of 37025 Inverness TMD in unique BR large logo livery. The images show the Bachmann pre-production approval sample – Rails has told Model Rail that certain detail changes will be made before the model goes into production. Delivery of the limited edition of 504 is expected in January. Most have already been reserved but there are still a few left if you haven’t ordered yet. See www.rails-sheffield.co.uk for more information.