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
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.
Model Rail has commissioned a unique set of Bachmann BR Mk 1 coaches in maroon with maroon ends and WR numbers.
Just 500 four-coach packs, comprising Corridor composite (CK) W15426, Open Second (
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.
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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 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
