It’s quite satisfying to see that many of the long established gaps in diesel loco and DMU models have now been filled. The manufacturers should now be turning their attention to filling in the many gaps in EMU classes represented in model form, the selection of which is woefully sparse. Fortunately, the latest trends do seem to be progressing this way, with Hornbys’ VEP and “Javelin” models and Bachmanns’ EPB, CEP and class 350 models, but there is still a long way to go.
I would absolutely love to see Bachmann produce a 00 gauge model of the 323: There are now six different liveries to choose to model (Centro, GMPTE, North West Trains, First Group “swirl”, London Midland and Northern), so despite the restricted geographical application of these units that might restrict their appeal in model form, Bachmann could be sure that many different versions of the model could be produced and hence maximum value could be recouped from the cost of the completely new tooling that would be needed. If money was no object, I would probably be after five of the six different liveried units.
I’d also like to see a Bachmann class 180 now that some of the units finally wear a good looking livery in the form of Grand Centrals’ black and orange scheme: For some reason, I think such a model would sit very well alongside the Bachmann Midland Blue Pullman, which I will have a model of whenever it is finally released (With Bachmann’s track record, I’m not holding out much hope for a release date before 2013), even if I have to sell body parts to raise the necessary funds.
I’ve thought about it, and a class 455/7 in model form would actually be a fairly cheap win for Bachmann: The 455/7s are exceptionally similar in appearance to the 150/2s which Bachmann already produce, so with some alterations and additions to the detailing this would be a fairly easy conversion IMO. To be honest, I’m surprised that we aren’t hearing of more developments of models of the various mark 3 bodyshell based EMUs, given how standard the main bodyshell is for 150s, 317s, 318s, 319s and 321s alike. By the same token, I think a model of a Royal Mail Class 325 Electric Postal Unit would be incredible. I’d love to own one of those.
In a similar vein, surely it wouldn’t be too much skin off Hornbys’ back to produce a model of the class 442 “Wessex Electrics”? They already have an excellent range of mark 3 carriages. The main hurdles to overcome would be in the appearance of the vehicle ends, with the doors and toilet doors needing altering, coupled with entirely new tooling for the stylish cab ends on the driving vehicles and for the entire MBC vehicle. Given Hornbys’ resistance to developing further variants of their mark 3 carriages, evident with their dragging of heels regarding the production of the four window variant of the mark 3 catering vehicle and basic re-use of the Lima TGS vehicle with little alteration to match the Hornby designed carriages, this last point could be a major stumbling block. If Hornby could get the driving carriages and MBC vehicle right, I might even be happy with standard, technically inaccurate, NSE or SWT painted mk 3 TSO carriages acting as the other two coaches.
(Apologies, this has turned into a bit of an essay!)