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News and updates on model railway products
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reddragon
Established Member
Whilst there maybe vessel tracking there's no container tracker for us to use.
pdeaves
Established Member
From the images shown there - what on earth is the point of accurately modelling the air conditioning fans underneath the appropriate box? Are people really going to display these upside down? Has the quest for ever better detailing on ready-to-run gone too far? Perhaps the final cost could be a little lower if the development didn't extend to this sort of detail (that almost nobody would see in real life).
(The on-board lighting looks too bright, too, for tinted windows but that gets into the realm of exaggeration so the viewer knows it's there.)
You raise a good point there. I suppose Accurascale won't ever be able to please everyone - if they include the fans, people ask why (myself included, now you point it out), and if they don't, people say it's not good enough.
I doubt the cost of development has been increased by much at all because they've included those fans though. Model manufacturers have been including unnecessary detail on models for years: Hornby's Class 50 is a good example as it's got not only moving louvres, but also opening doors and sprung buffers (which is the norm for models now, and I quite like it - but there is an argument to be made that they're a bit of a gimmick) - not to mention the fact that the original run of those models came with a spinning fan (powered by a rubber band running off the motor).
These are high-end models and aren't really representative of the ready-to-run market as a whole - they're made from a brand-new tooling using modern techniques, and Accurascale are known for producing high-quality products. You could argue that the fans should be represented, should anyone wish to model a depot scene with the coach lifted up and being inspected from underneath.
But I'm kind-of playing devil's advocate here
-Peter
pdeaves
Established Member
What's the next step? Raise/lower toilet seats and baby change tables? Powered loo doors?You raise a good point there. I suppose Accurascale won't ever be able to please everyone - if they include the fans, people ask why (myself included, now you point it out), and if they don't, people say it's not good enough.
I doubt the cost of development has been increased by much at all because they've included those fans though. Model manufacturers have been including unnecessary detail on models for years: Hornby's Class 50 is a good example as it's got not only moving louvres, but also opening doors and sprung buffers (which is the norm for models now, and I quite like it - but there is an argument to be made that they're a bit of a gimmick) - not to mention the fact that the original run of those models came with a spinning fan (powered by a rubber band running off the motor).
These are high-end models and aren't really representative of the ready-to-run market as a whole - they're made from a brand-new tooling using modern techniques, and Accurascale are known for producing high-quality products. You could argue that the fans should be represented, should anyone wish to model a depot scene with the coach lifted up and being inspected from underneath.
But I'm kind-of playing devil's advocate here
-Peter
Iskra
Established Member
There's some Southern kettles, but that's about it for you I think. ...Have you considered having a steam locomotive for any special trains?
Probably - they'll be a "luxury" feature you can control with a £40 DCC decoderWhat's the next step? Raise/lower toilet seats and baby change tables? Powered loo doors?
-Peter
Yes unfortunately there wasn’t too much in this announcement. Hopefully there’ll be a bit more after Christmas.
I would possibly consider a steam loco just because I like them. A couple of 80xxx BR tanks visited Barnstaple in the 1990s top and tail…
Iskra
Established Member
I'm sure some people will be happy with it, but yeah I agree there was nothing that exciting in there personally.
I like the standard tanks, something a little different is always nice.
I wouldn’t mind hiring an Acme Shrink Ray to use on one of those new Bachmann class 47s I must say.
There are stacks of previously announced models due for the rest of this year, which in OO comprise
Aug/Sep
LMS 4P Compounds 31-932 41123 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem), 31-933A 41143 BR Lined Black (Late Crest), 31-934 1119 LMS Crimson Lake
Class 24/0 32-416 / 32-416SF 24035 Disc Headcode BR Blue
Class 24/1 32-444 / 32-444SF 97201 'Experiment' Disc Headcode BR RTC (Original)
Class 20/0 (Headcode Box) 35-357SF 20227 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe)
24T Ore Hoppers 37-508A BR Grey (Early) 37-511 'Stanton' Red
BR 45T TTA Tank Wagons 37-576C 37-576D 'Esso' Grey 37-578B 'ICI Petrochemicals & Plastics' White 37-585A 'Amoco' Grey 37-588 'Murco' Grey
14T Class A Anchor-Mounted Tank Wagon 38-778 'National Benzole' Silver
JIA Nacco Wagons E87000 E87001 Imerys Blue E87002 E87003 Imerys Blue [Weathered light] E87004 E87005 Imerys Blue [Weathered heavy]
BR Mk2F RFB Restaurant First Buffet 39-687 39-687DC Virgin Trains (Original)
BR Mk2F FO First Opens 39-653 39-653DC BR InterCity (Swallow) 39-654 39-654DC Virgin Trains (Original)
BR Mk2F TSO Tourist Second Opens 39-678 39-678DC BR InterCity (Swallow) 39-679 39-679DC BR Mk2F TSO Tourist Second Open Virgin Trains (Original) 39-680 39-680DC ScotRail Saltire
BR MK2F BSO Brake Second Opens 39-702 39-702DC BR InterCity (Swallow) 39-703 39-703DC Virgin Trains (Original) 39-704 39-704DC ScotRail Saltire
Sep/Oct
LNER V2s 35-200 35-200SF 4791 LNER Lined Green (Original) 35-201 35-201SF 60845 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem) 35-202 35-202SF 60847 'St Peter's School' BR Lined Green (Late Crest)
24T Ore Hoppers 37-509 LMS Bauxite 37-510 'Cadbury Bournville' Yellow
BR 45T TTA Tank Wagons 37-582D 'Shell BP' Black, 37-586A 'Fina' Silver, 37-589 'Charringtons' Black
BR Mk1 POT Post Office Stowage Van 39-755A BR Blue & Grey
Oct/Nov
BR Standard 4MTs (BR2 Tender) 31-116A 75029 BR Lined Green (Late Crest) 31-117 75014 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
Class 20/0s (Disc Headcode) 35-351 35-351SF D8015 BR Green (Late Crest) 35-355 35-355SF 20057 BR Blue45T Bogie Well Wagons 33-878A LMS Grey, 33-900F GWR Grey, 33-901F BR Grey (Early)
Nov/Dec
LNER B1s 31-716A 61076 BR Lined Black (Late Crest) 31-717 1264 LNER Lined Green (Revised)
BR Standard 5MT BR1F Tender 32-510 73118 'King Leodegrance' BR L. Black (E. E.)
BR Standard 5MT BR1G Tender 32-511 73051 BR Lined Green (Late Crest)
3 Plank Wagons 37-935 SR Brown 37-937 LMS Grey
Yes. I was only referring to N gauge stuff with that statement. I think the 00 announcements look pretty good.
The 47 looks lovely.
Seems there are a few N gauge items due at the end of the year/ turn of the new year looking at Bachmanns web site otherwise its late spring at the earliest on the currently predicted availability.
Yes. It’s not something that’s causing me problems as I’ve been quite lucky in that most of what I’ve needed has been available. I am looking forward to the Farish 101 with DCC sound coming out early next year though.
I've not posted much on this thread for a while, so here's a news update for you all, including dates for when the news was posted on RMWeb, where applicable:
So quite a few items on the list there! As with before, I'll put the posts from RMWeb in spoilers and quotes below.
www.rmweb.co.uk
www.rmweb.co.uk
Original post from Gaugemaster, 11.2.2020:
Post saying the Network Rail versions have hit the shelves:
www.rmweb.co.uk
www.rmweb.co.uk
www.rmweb.co.uk
www.facebook.com
www.rmweb.co.uk
Do share any other news updates you may have.
-Peter
- EFE Rail announce Adams O2 tank for OO gauge (4.8.2021)
- Gaugemaster Collection Network Rail HST in N gauge hits the shelves (~15.8.2021)
- Hornby upload YouTube "Designer Video" showing their four- and six-wheeled coaches (6.8.2021)
- Photos shown of EPs for Kato/Peco Ffestiniog Railway 009 locos (15.8.2021)
- Sonic Models announce Robinson A5 in OO gauge (11.8.2021)
- Rapido Metro-Cammell Weymann Fleetline bus models leave factory (6.8.2021)
- Revolution Trains announce Class 59 in N gauge (10.8.2021)
So quite a few items on the list there! As with before, I'll put the posts from RMWeb in spoilers and quotes below.
EFE Adams O2 tank.
E85007 OO LSWR Adams 02 182 SR Maunsell Green £149.95 E85008 OO LSWR Adams 02 34 'Newport' SR Malachite Green £149.95 E85009 OO LSWR Adams 02 31 'Chale' BR (Ex-SR) Malachite Green (British Railways) £149.95
www.rmweb.co.uk
E85007 OO LSWR Adams 02 182 SR Maunsell Green £149.95
E85008 OO LSWR Adams 02 34 'Newport' SR Malachite Green £149.95
E85009 OO LSWR Adams 02 31 'Chale' BR (Ex-SR) Malachite Green (British Railways) £149.95
Gaugemaster Collection - N Scale HSTs and Track Cleaning Vehicle
Available September 2020 Exclusive Class 43 HST Sets Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set This GWR ‘Castle Set’ is supplied with 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ in it’s striking modified livery featuring trains through the lifespan of the depot, 43041 ‘St Catherine’s Castle', TS Coach...
www.rmweb.co.uk
Available September 2020
Exclusive Class 43 HST Sets
Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set
This GWR ‘Castle Set’ is supplied with 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ in it’s striking modified livery featuring trains through the lifespan of the depot, 43041 ‘St Catherine’s Castle', TS Coach 48103 and TGS Coach 49101. Although not featuring new tooling for the sliding doors, it’s hoped that clever use of tampo printing will ensure an atmospheric representation of this train.
FEATURES
- All wheel pick up
- Directional Lights
- New design motor for smooth running
- Detailed body with many fitted items
- Accessory bag with spares and optional detail parts
- Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
- Coaches can be be fitted with Dapol plug-in lighting bars
GM2210301 Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set
Want a complete set? No problem...
GM2310101 Mark 3 TS 48101 GWR Castle Livery
GM2310102 Mark 3 TS 48102 GWR Castle Livery
Class 43 HST 43002/185 GWR Final Days Celebrity Set
This GWR Set features the two celebrity power cars used by GWR in the HSTs final days, 43002 - the first production HST re-shopped in it’s immaculate original BR Blue and Yellow colour scheme and 43185 ‘Great Western’ in the beloved BR Intercity Swallow livery. Two GWR liveried green Mark 3 coaches make up this colourful set.
FEATURES
- All wheel pick up
- Directional Light
- New design motor for smooth running
- Detailed body with many fitted items
- Accessory bag with spares and optional detail parts
- Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
- Coaches can be be fitted with Dapol plug-in lighting bars
GM2210302 Class 43 HST 43002/185 GWR Final Days Celebrity Set
Class 43 HST 43014/062 Network Rail New Measurement Train
Some Class 43s have been converted to New Measurement Trains (NMT), also known as the Flying Bananas, by Network Rail. This set contains a four car HST complete with a head and tail unit and two coaches. The Network Rail New Measurement Train travels the length and breadth of the country and is very popular with enthusiasts and the general public alike. This train pack contains 43014 ‘The Railway Observer’ and 43062 ‘John Armitt’ providing the power, with Conference Coach 975814 and Track Recording Coach 977994 making up the consist. No new tooling has been produced in order to represent the coaches but clever use of tampo printing will ensure an atmospheric representation of the train.
FEATURES
- All wheel pick up
- Directional Light
- New design motor for smooth running
- Detailed body with many fitted items
- Accessory bag with spares and optional detail parts
- Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
- Coaches can be be fitted with Dapol plug-in lighting bars
GM2210303 Class 43 HST 43014/062 Network Rail New Measurement Train
Post saying the Network Rail versions have hit the shelves:
Gaugemaster Collection - N Scale HSTs and Track Cleaning Vehicle
Available September 2020 Exclusive Class 43 HST Sets Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set This GWR ‘Castle Set’ is supplied with 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ in it’s striking modified livery featuring trains through the lifespan of the depot, 43041 ‘St Catherine’s Castle', TS Coach...
www.rmweb.co.uk
robf on RMWeb said:
Hornby 2021 - 4 & 6 wheel period coaches
www.rmweb.co.uk
Sonic Models OO Gauge Robinson A5
I'm not entirely sure where to put this topic. But there is a new announcement at Midday today from Sonic Models of a loco in OO gauge.
www.rmweb.co.uk
Rapido Trains UK on Facebook said:Our latest bus models, the Leyland Fleetline, have left the factory and are on their way to Rapido Trains UK HQ.
Ove the coming weeks we will be showcasing a few examples to wet your appetite. Some models are running low in stock already so do not delay ordering yours. Models are available direct from Rapido at www.rapidotrains.co.uk/fleetline/ or from your local Rapido retailer.
Todays model features West Midlands Fleetline #6965 - 7 CITY CENTRE VIA WITTON in striking blue and grey livery.
Rapido Trains UK
Rapido Trains UK. 5,209 likes · 832 talking about this. Welcome to the Rapido Trains UK page. Follow us to see all the latest developments and models.
www.facebook.com
Class 59 from Revolution Trains
Hello all, Revolution Trains is offering the Class 59 as its next locomotive in N gauge. The model has been under development for some time and samples are expected in the next few weeks, possibly in time for The International N Gauge Show where we will have a stand. The Class 59 is arguably the ...
www.rmweb.co.uk
Hello all,
Revolution Trains is offering the Class 59 as its next locomotive in N gauge. The model has been under development for some time and samples are expected in the next few weeks, possibly in time for The International N Gauge Show where we will have a stand.
The Class 59 is arguably the most significant locomotive of the last quarter of the twentieth century; being the first US-built and first privately-owned mainline locomotive on the BR system. It brought in previously undreamt of levels of reliability and was the antecedent for the enormously successful Class 66. Intended for heavy Mendip stone trains the Class 59 is significantly more powerful than the 66, which was designed as more of a general purpose locomotive, and only the Class 60 can match it in terms of sheer pulling power.
The CAD image above represents the Class 59/0 as delivered to Foster Yeoman in 1986, with outer bogie dampers and left facing exhaust. The 59/0 (with correct detail combinations) is offered in orginal Foster Yeoman, revised Foster Yeoman and Aggregate Industries liveries.
Building on the success of our highly regarded Class 92, the CADs show the Revolution Class 59 features our usual extreme levels of detail with photo etched side, roof and horn grilles, separate underframe supports with lots of additional detail parts to recreate the busy appearance of the prototype, and factory fitted air pipe and couper details at one end (standard coupler and slotted air dam included in the box for those who prefer them) among other things.
The Class 59/1 as shown above is being offered in both original ARC and Hanson colours.
The tooling has been designed to allow all sub-classes to be offered with the modifications carried out during the service lives of these locomotives accounted for too. These include differences in the bogie dampers, exhaust position, NRN roof pods, underframe equipment, air pipe and lashing loop positioning and door handle recesses.
The model will feature a heavy metal chassis block, factory fitted speakers, Next 18 DCC interface and switchable lights. We have used lessons learned from our Class 390 Pendolino and Class 92 chassis to improve the performance of this model still with reduction gearing and pin-point power pick-ups. As a nod to the prototype, the DCC socket and light switches are reached via a removable centre panel - just like the real thing.
The image above shows the CAD for 59003 as operated by GBRf with appropriate detailing including a marker light above the windscreens, rectangular buffers and removed NRN pods. This model is being offered as a retailer exclusive by Rails of Sheffield.
The Class 59/2 represents the final iteration and has several differences to the first two types. Rainbow Railways is offering the original National Power locomotives in a twin-pack comprising 59201 (with correct doors and end bell) and 59206 - as the first and last of the fleet. Revolution is offering 59/2s in EWS, DB and Freightliner liveries as general release models.
The model has been under development for many months after we identified it as the main 'missing link' in modern traction for N gauge enthusiasts, and we'd like to thank GBRf, Freightliner, Arlington Fleet Services, Progress Rail (EMD) and Mendip Rail for their help and assistance so far.
The models can be pre-ordered now at an EarlyBird price of £114.95, including postage, though this will be going up fairly soon. We are aiming to have the models delivered in mid 2022, however recent experience tells us that schedules are almost impossible to predict at this time, so this is just our best estimate.
For more information, images and a short history of the class outlining the various detail variations please see the Revolution website.
cheers
Do share any other news updates you may have.
-Peter
I've not posted much on this thread for a while, so here's a news update for you all, including dates for when the news was posted on RMWeb, where applicable:
- EFE Rail announce Adams O2 tank for OO gauge (4.8.2021)
- Gaugemaster Collection Network Rail HST in N gauge hits the shelves (~15.8.2021)
- Hornby upload YouTube "Designer Video" showing their four- and six-wheeled coaches (6.8.2021)
- Photos shown of EPs for Kato/Peco Ffestiniog Railway 009 locos (15.8.2021)
- Sonic Models announce Robinson A5 in OO gauge (11.8.2021)
- Rapido Metro-Cammell Weymann Fleetline bus models leave factory (6.8.2021)
- Revolution Trains announce Class 59 in N gauge (10.8.2021)
So quite a few items on the list there! As with before, I'll put the posts from RMWeb in spoilers and quotes below.
EFE Adams O2 tank.
E85007 OO LSWR Adams 02 182 SR Maunsell Green £149.95 E85008 OO LSWR Adams 02 34 'Newport' SR Malachite Green £149.95 E85009 OO LSWR Adams 02 31 'Chale' BR (Ex-SR) Malachite Green (British Railways) £149.95
Original post from Gaugemaster, 11.2.2020:Gaugemaster Collection - N Scale HSTs and Track Cleaning Vehicle
Available September 2020 Exclusive Class 43 HST Sets Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set This GWR ‘Castle Set’ is supplied with 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ in it’s striking modified livery featuring trains through the lifespan of the depot, 43041 ‘St Catherine’s Castle', TS Coach...
Post saying the Network Rail versions have hit the shelves:
Gaugemaster Collection - N Scale HSTs and Track Cleaning Vehicle
Available September 2020 Exclusive Class 43 HST Sets Class 43 HST 43041/093 GWR Castle Set This GWR ‘Castle Set’ is supplied with 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ in it’s striking modified livery featuring trains through the lifespan of the depot, 43041 ‘St Catherine’s Castle', TS Coach...
Hornby 2021 - 4 & 6 wheel period coaches
Sonic Models OO Gauge Robinson A5
I'm not entirely sure where to put this topic. But there is a new announcement at Midday today from Sonic Models of a loco in OO gauge.
Rapido Trains UK
Rapido Trains UK. 5,209 likes · 832 talking about this. Welcome to the Rapido Trains UK page. Follow us to see all the latest developments and models.
Class 59 from Revolution Trains
Hello all, Revolution Trains is offering the Class 59 as its next locomotive in N gauge. The model has been under development for some time and samples are expected in the next few weeks, possibly in time for The International N Gauge Show where we will have a stand. The Class 59 is arguably the ...
Do share any other news updates you may have.
-Peter
Thanks Peter. It is very much appreciated.
Hornby has released another engine shed post. Includes LNER Azuma's, Class 91's and Maunsell coaches.
Azuma long the East Coast | Hornby Development Blog
Accurascale have also announced they are producing mk2b coaches. These will be available in Blue/Gray, Network South East and what looks like Regional Railways with Trans Pennine branding.
2b or not 2b? Mark 2b in OO/4MM from Accurascale
Azuma long the East Coast | Hornby Development Blog
Accurascale have also announced they are producing mk2b coaches. These will be available in Blue/Gray, Network South East and what looks like Regional Railways with Trans Pennine branding.
2b or not 2b? Mark 2b in OO/4MM from Accurascale
Those Mk2s certainly do look nice.
From the quoted link:
2b or not 2b? Mark 2b in OO/4MM from Accurascale
We are very proud to reveal the latest addition to our well-received range of rolling stock, the Mk.2b series of coaches! The Mark 2b is one of several 'missing link' sub classes that has never been produced in high quality form in 4mm scale and we are delighted to be able to rectify this glaring hole in iconic BR era rolling stock in 4mm/OO gauge model form.
History
Built at Litchurch Lane, Derby, during 1969, 111 vehicles were built for British Rail to three designs; Tourist Second Open (TSO), Corridor First (FK) and Brake Corridor First (BFK). A further eight examples were constructed for Northern Ireland Railways for its new 'Enterprise' service between Belfast and Dublin, this landmark service featuring a range of bespoke vehicles that were quite unlike anything then in operation on BR.
The Mk.2b was the third iteration of the Swindon-designed 'integrally constructed' Mk.2 and it saw a number of design changes that resulted in a much more modern appearance over the earlier variants. While the underframe was basically unchanged, the body was lengthened by several inches to provide additional space for planned air-condition upgrades.
However, the major spotting feature was the wider wrap-around doors at each corner - with characteristic sausage shaped bumpers - and the removal of the centre passenger access doors.
The interior was heavily influenced by the XP64 coaches with greater use of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) in the vestibules and toilets - the former finished in a now iconic deep reddish orange colour that will be forever etched into the minds of enthusiasts from that era. Also new were folding end gangway doors, also finished in the same red. The toilets themselves were repositioned, being moved either end of the passenger compartment on the same side, resulting in two very different looking bodysides.
Operationally they matched the previous Mk.2a coaches with air brakes and dual electric and steam heating. They were also delivered in the same classic BR blue/grey livery, still without Inter-City logos - those came a few years later - and complete with region prefixes to the numbers. Most also gained square destination board holders, although these were removed by the end of the 1970s.
The vast majority of the fleet was initially deployed to the Western Region, mixing it with Mk.2a coaches and Mk.1 catering cars on 'Western' and Class 47-hauled services between London Paddington and South Wales. A small number of FK were also allocated to ECML Inter-City services out of King's Cross, being commonly associated with 'Brush 4s' and the Deltics on trains to Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland.
The introduction of air-conditioned Mk.2 variants on to the WR just a few years later saw the Mk.2b coaches bumped to trains between Paddington, Penzance and other South West destinations, while the ER FKs were cascaded to secondary and inter-regional workings. Around the same time the first Class 50s appeared on the WR, beginning the long association of the later EE Type 4s with Mk.2b coaches.
With new HSTs coming on stream from 1975 the Mk.2b coaches further spread their wings becoming a common sight on Paddington-Oxford/West Midlands/Liverpool diagrams as well as inter-regional and North East-South West diagrams between Cardiff, Poole, Paignton, Plymouth and Swansea to Bradford, Edinburgh, Leeds and Newcastle. From 1978 further HST incursions onto traditional Mk.2 territory resulted in large numbers of vehicles being sent to the South Western main line - 'The Mule - between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids, with other Southern Region destinations also being served.
By the mid 1980s the fleet was spread across all five regions. The majority were employed on trains out of Paddington and Waterloo - and rapidly gaining the colourful Network SouthEast livery - but significant numbers were allocated to InterCity, Provincial and ScotRail services.
Some also gained Trans-Pennine livery for working between Liverpool/North Wales and Cleethorpes/Newcastle/Scarborough. A pair of FKs even joined the Derby RTC fleet in 1987, ADB 977528 and ADB 977529 being used as brake force runners with a wide variety of different test coaches all over the country.
The same period also saw a number of changes to the fleet. The final Mk.2b BFK was taken out of service, joining three others that had been converted as Royal Train support coaches over the previous decade. The other five of the original nine built had already been sold to Northern Ireland Railways in 1980. Meanwhile the majority of first class coaches allocated to non-NSE activities were also considered obsolete, and were downgraded to second class with the new designation SK. Initially used on ECML relief trains the SKs were later transferred to Wolverhampton Oxley for use on cross-country turns between East Anglia and the Midlands and North West, which included the short-lived ‘The Rhinelander’ boat train between Harwich and Manchester Piccadilly.
The 'Sprinterisation' of the late 1980s and 1990s was responsible for the gradual retrenchment of the Mk.2b coaches until only the Waterloo-Exeter, Paddington semi-fasts and a handful allocated to Regional Railways remained. The new Networker 'Turbos' from 1992 and the Class 159s from 1993 brought about the end of NSE loco-hauled, while the last surviving RR TSOs followed shortly after, replaced by ex-NSE Mk.2a coaches!
Fortunately there was a reprieve of sorts just a few years later as the shadow South Wales & West franchise hired in a handful of coaches for various diagrams between Birmingham/Manchester, Cardiff/Bristol and Westbury/Weymouth using EWS Class 37s which ran from 1996 to 1999, with the coaches later being picked up again by Wales & Borders for Rhymney-Cardiff-Fishguard services from 2001-2004, again usually with EWS Type 3 power. Several of these transferred to the West Coast Railways railtour fleet and remain main line registered. Meanwhile, the four heavily rebuilt Royal Train BFKs still see regular use, although two were sold in the early 2000s, joining Network Rail and Riviera Trains.
The Model
The comprehensive range that makes up the first run of Accurascale Mk.2b coaches represents a significant investment in this vehicle family, long considered one of the 'missing links' of classic BR corporate era rolling stock. The lack of Mk.2b has long been a significant impediment to the accurate modelling of Western Region and London & South Western loco-passenger trains, with the 'Westerns' in their latter years and Class 50s being particularly synonymous with these coaches.
The Accurascale Mk.2b have been lovingly researched and designed based on surveys of numerous surviving vehicles around the UK along with works drawings and even a partial 3D scan to ensure that the characteristic tumblehome and shape of the ends is as accurate as possible. The survey
extended to the interiors with particular attention being paid to the iconic winged headrests - each a separate part - that are such a feature of the first and second class seating throughout the early Mk.2s. A variety of running numbers in both BR blue/grey, Network Southeast and Provincial liveries will make up the first run.
Of course, you want to see them in action, right? Check out this video from the smashing chaps at Hornby Magazine to learn more about them!
Specification
Common Features:
Each Mark 2B coach will be sold separately at a price of £59.95 each and are available to order direct via Accurascale or via your local stockist. A 10% discount is available should you order two or more coaches together direct from Accurascale.
- Highly-detailed OO Gauge / 1:76.2 Scale Models on 16.5mm track
- Extremely fine exterior rivet detail on roof and coach ends
- Separately-applied etched metal and high-fidelity plastic parts, including handrails, brake/steam heat pipes, ETH cabling and sockets, footsteps, dummy drophead knuckle coupler, and roof vents
- Prism Free Glazing
- Pre-painted/printed Western Region destination boards and holders plus water filler covers provided for customer to install
- Fully-detailed underframe with numerous separate parts, pipe runs and accurate differences between versions
- The most accurate B4 and B5 bogies ever produced, with provision for re-gauging to EM or P4 (British 18.83mm) gauges
- Blackened RP25.110 profile wheel-sets with 14.4mm back-to-back measurements, and 26mm over pinpoints
- Different buffers for retracted and non-retracted positions
- Accurate interiors with characteristic 'winged' headrests, separate metal interior handrails on the brake and corridor vehicles and fully-detailed guard's compartment
- Full lighting package, including magnet 'wand' controlled interior lighting with 'Stay-Alive' capacitor in all coaches and directional lighting with DC or DCC control (Driving Trailer only)
- Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track)
- Correct height NEM standard coupling sockets with mini tension lock couplers and kinematic close-coupling
As you can see with the samples above, tooling is complete and the first pre-production samples have been delivered and the project is well advanced. However, there are corrections being made based on the samples which are now being undertaken by the factory. Overall there is a wealth of detail, crispness and they capture the essence of the Mark 2b very well indeed.
Delivery is slated for Q3 2022. However, with the current global difficulties in production and shipping following the COVID19 pandemic and Suez issues (shipping companies estimating FOUR YEARS until sea traffic returns to normal!) this may extend to Q4 2022. Browse the range and place your pre-orders direct by clicking here.
-Peter
Accurascale have posted a update on the TPE Mk5's on the RM Web.
Mark 5, By Accurascale - Page 32 - Accurascale / Irish Railway Models - RMweb
Mark 5, By Accurascale - Page 32 - Accurascale / Irish Railway Models - RMweb
Hi everyone,
Just over 8 weeks ago we informed you of the frustration we were experiencing in capturing the complex livery on our TPE Mark 5 coaches. Well, as can be seen above, below and in the cabinet at GETS this weekend, the factory has come up trumps and solved the issue! Wowza indeed!
These samples arrived just in time for GETS earlier this week, and have yet to be assessed in depth by our production team. However, early signs are very positive.
Enjoy the pics!
As we said in our sleeper update, delivery of the Mark 5 coaches will be in 2022. We are still to confirm a precise delivery date but once these models are assessed after GETS we will feed back to the factory then and then nail down a final delivery date within the next 14 days. Your patience is much appreciated but as you can see, the wait will be well worthwhile!
Pre-order yours today: https://accurascale.co.uk/collections/mark-5-coaches
Cheers!
Fran
reddragon
Established Member
ugly looking beasts! Well modelled though!
Iskra
Established Member
They look stunning! Bodes well for the Caledonian Sleeper versions
reddragon
Established Member
Meanwhile the Accurascale Mk2b cometh, 18100 from Rails and now the 4DD from KR Models ooo which ones, what must I sell to buy these?
Your soul to the devil..?
An elderly relative seems to be the going currency round these parts...
-Peter
I need to keep a few of them for a rainy day.
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
I note Bachmann are doing an N gauge Class 319, will they do an OO gauge model?