Bachmann Europe have announced a change to their new product announcements and produced a new catalogue encompassing all their British Outline brands / scales including: Branchline, Graham Farish, Narrow Gauge, Scenecraft and other complimentary products; called “The Combined Volume” a term which I am sure will be familiar to those who were trainspotters in their younger days.
This new Combined Volume illustrates ongoing items that are available to purchase, or have been included within previous catalogues for delivery at a future date. It does not include any new re-liveries (announced today) or new tooling products.
We have come to expect new tooling announcements from a number of manufacturers during the first couple of months of each year with some having been criticised in the past for the length of time between announcements and the products being released. Some of you might have been expecting a post regarding new product tooling announcements today.
Bachmann’s Managing Director; David Haarhaus explains about their ‘new era’: “In response to customer and consumer feedback, we have taken steps to reduce the lead time between the announcement and release of new products. Working with our colleagues at Kadar, real progress has been made in the latter half of 2019 to release many of the outstanding items announced several years ago. Last year 13 new tooling products were released, plus more that 200 re-liveried or modified models.” David continued that in appreciating the support of and benefits to members of their Collectors Club: “Each issue of the club’s Bachmann Times magazine will feature a new product brochure, highlighting completely new items to be released during the following three months. New tooling announcements will no longer be illustrated by black and white photographs of the original prototype, replaced instead by pictures of our actual models.”
New livery items
As Bachmann continue to deliver the models previously announced it does mean that fewer items and no new tooling announcements are being being made at this moment in time, but that this will clear the path for new models to be revealed later in the year. However the SR related new 00 livery items, out of a total of 20, announced today and due to arrive this spring, within the next three months, are as follows:
31-464A – ex SECR C Class 0-6-0 No. 1573 in post 1931 SR Lined Black livery
39-600A – SECR 60ft Birdcage Brake Composite Lavatory No. 1157, Set 143 in SECR Dark Lake livery
39-610A – SECR 60ft Birdcage Composite Lavatory No. 1150, Set 143 in SECR Dark Lake livery
39-620A – SECR 60ft Birdcage Brake Third No. 1164, Set 143 in SECR Dark Lake livery,
Also announced within the Scenecraft range are the suite of Bluebell buildings in either Crimson and Cream or Green and Cream including: Booking office, station canopy, Waiting room and toilet, and office and store room.
Work in Progress Update
A total of 30 previously announced models are confirmed as being released this spring, however by way of an update of items with a Southern / Southern Region flavour I advise as follows:
The 2019 Bachmann Branchline and Graham Farish Catalogues were launched today at a trade event held in London. Alongside the announcement of a small number of new-tooling projects, mainly wagons in 00 and N gauges the 009 range increases with new tooling for the delightful and minuscule Baguley-Drewry 70hp Diesel 0-4-0 shunter, as used since the early 1980s by the Royal Naval Armaments Depot, along with 4 suitable wagons.
Although no new tooling specifically for SR / BR(s) modellers have been announced as many previously announced models are still under development such as the 64ft Bulleid coaches, a host of new models utilising existing tooling were unveiled.
Bachmann Europe advised that with a changing retail climate and increased competition across multiple sectors, 2018 proved to be a challenging, but ultimately still a successful year for Bachmann Europe, culminating in the release of several key products during the final quarter. These of course included the lovely 00 scale ex LBSC H1 and H2 4-4-2 Atlantics. Bachmann Europe also stated that despite the closure of one of the production facilities operated by their parent company, Kader, the new facilities in China (Gaobu) that were in the process of being commissioned during 2018, are now fully operational with staffing levels and output continuing to rise.
Bachmann Branchlines 00 Gauge
The only new 00 gauge tooling is that of the HKA bogie hopper wagon seen on the current network since 1995 and these will be released three livery variants, with plug in buffers to be adaptable between inner and outer wagons within rakes.
31-381 Class 416 2-EPB 2-Car EMU 6262 BR Blue & Grey – weathered
31-426C Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU 7122 BR (SR) Green (Small Yellow Panels)
31-427C Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU 7106 BR Blue & Grey – weathered
31-265A Class 419 MLV S68002 BR (SR) Green
31-267A Class 419 MLV S68008 BR Blue & Green
Coaches
39-604 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Brake Composite Lavatory SE&CR Wellington Brown
39-614 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Composite Lavatory SE&CR Wellington Brown
39-624 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Brake Third SE&CR Wellington Brown
39-526A SR PMV Parcels & Miscellaneous Van BR Crimson
Wagons
37-935 3 Plank Wagon SR Brown
38-081C SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Grey (Early) – weathered
38-082D SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early) – weathered
38-076D SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early)
38-401B SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van Left-Hand Duckets BR Grey (Early) – weathered
38-077 SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Late) – weathered
38-402B SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van Right-Hand Duckets BR Bauxite (Early) – weathered
and in 009
391-032 Baldwin 10-12-D Tank E763 ‘Sid’ SR Maunsell Green
393-030 Bogie Covered Goods Wagon SR Insulated
Graham Farish N Gauge
New tooling in the Graham Farish range includes the WD 40T ‘Parrot’ bogie wagon in WD department and LMS grey liveries and also, as per in 00, the HKA bogie hopper wagon in the three livery versions. The British Railways Class 5 MT 4-6-0 has been upgraded to include for the fitting of Sound with options of a fully sound fitted version or just a factory fitted speaker. The sound upgrade has also been applied to the Class 14, Class 60, Class 101 DMU and Class 150 DMU.
372-727A BR Standard 5MT with BR1B Tender 73109 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
372-728SF BR Standard 5MT with BR1 Tender 73049 BR Lined Green (Late Crest) – SOUND FITTED
372-729 BR Standard 5MT with BR1 Tender 73050 BR Lined Black (Late Crest) – weathered
The new livery releases base on existing tolling of SR / BR(s) interest are as follows:
372-936 SE&CR N Class 1860 SR Black (Sunshine)
371-606 Class 42 ‘Warship’ D820 ‘Grenville’ BR Green (Late Crest)
374-418 SR PLV Passenger Luggage Van SR Maunsell Green
374-011C BR Mk1 TSO Tourist Second Open BR (SR) Green
374-010E BR Mk1 TSO Tourist Second Open BR Crimson & Cream
374-815A BR Mk1 FO First Open BR Crimson & Cream
374-160A BR Mk1 FK First Corridor BR Crimson & Cream
374-632A SR Bogie B Luggage Van BR Blue – weathered
374-419 SR CCT Covered Carriage Truck BR Departmental Olive Green
Wagons
377-875A SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van SR Brown
377-852A SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van BR Grey (Early)
377-876A SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van BR Bauxite (Late)
377-878 SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van BR Departmental Olive Green
Work in progress
In the Drawing Office
Bulleid Coaches (00)
Class 410 / 4Bep (00)
Class 450 (N)
Class 319 (N)
Engineering Samples
Class 414 / 2Hap (00) [Due Q4]
Class 117 (00) [Due Q4]
Artwork (and due to be in production this year)
Class 159 (00) [Due Q4]
Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Crane (00) [Due Q3]
ex SECR C CLass 0-6-0 (N) [Due Q2]
ex SECR Birdcage coaches (N) [Due Q1]
The full range can be found on the Bachmann website here. Many will consider this appearing to be a lean year for Bachmann Europe especially when compared to the 2019 range announcement made by Hornby last week, however with much work in progress from previous announcements still to appear this is perhaps hardly surprising and sensible especially in light of the factory upheaval experienced during 2018.
As has been the case in previous years the team at Bachmann have provided the media, and Bachamnn Collectors Club members, with a mid-term update on work in progress across all the many stages of the manufacturing process from: research, Drawing office CAD, Tool room, Engineering Prototypes samples, livery artwork, production and being shipped. This post is a quick summary of the status of those models of a Southern Railway / British Railways Southern Region flavour. Although some items have been a long time coming, what can be seen is that catch up / progress is being made. Click on the linked text to get more information on the details of each item from my post on the original announcement.
Bachmann 00
The EP1 of the 2HAP EMU. Picture copyright and courtesy of Bachmann.
The long-awaited ex LBSC H2 Class 4-4-2 Atlantic is very imminent, being released in two versions No. 2421 ‘South Foreland’ SR Olive Green and No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ BR Black Early livery. I have been fortunate to have a review sample in my possession and will be posting a review in the next week or so, watch this space. Being produced alongside the H2 Class is the earlier H1 Class version initially as No. 39 ‘La France’ in LBSCR livery, which is also being shipped.
A front end close up of the 2HAP EP1. Picture copyright and courtesy A York
The 2HAP (Class 414) EMU is at the first Engineering Prototype (EP1) stage and as from the accompanying pictures is looking the part. Three livery versions will initially be released being: BR green livery, BR blue & grey livery and Network South East livery. At the second Engineering Prototype stage is the 158/159 DMU with with the 3 car 159 Class to be released as No. 159013 in Network South East livery.
Graham Farish N
Recently shipped have been the four versions of the Bulleid coaches in BR(s) malachite green that together, BTK – TK – CK- BTK, create four coach set s84.
The lovely ex SECR Birdcage coaches, already released in 00, scaled down for N gauge and being released in SECR Wellington Brown, Southern Railway Olive Green and BR Crimson liveries are now approved for production.
The Class 450 and Class 319 EMUs are in the drawing office, whilst the 3 versions of the ex SECR C Class 0-6-0 as No. 271 SECR plain green livery, No. 1256 Southern Railway Black livery and No. 31227 in BR Black livery with early emblem along with the Class 170 2 Car DMU No. in 170308 in South West Trains livery are at the artwork approval stage.
I hope you find this round up interesting and as stated above watch this space for a forthcoming review of the ex LBSC H2 Class 4-4-2 Atlantic.
Today Bachmann Europe Plc. announced their plans for the next 18 months, or so for both the Bachmann Branchlines (00) and Graham Farish (N) brands. They also provided updates on the current work in progress. I outline below the items of Southern / Southern Region interest.
The headline new tooling for Southern Railway and Southern Region modellers is the much requested Bulleid 64ft coaches. The original Bulleid 64ft coaching produced by Bachamnn are now a bit long in the tooth and these completely new toolled versions will be most welcome especially as the range will incorporate both the SR and later BR(s) built versions with both 10″ and 15″ window vents and also the later bodyside strengthening rib within tooling options.
Five body toolings will include: Semi Open Brake Third (BTK), Corridor Composite (CK), Brake Composite (BCK), Corridor Third (TK) and Open Third (T).
This will allow number of possible correct set combination and the initial releases are as follows:
Bulleid Corridor Composite image courtesy and copyright Bachmann / M King
3 coach ‘L’ set 790 (BTK-CK-BTK) from range 770-793 with 10″ window vents in Southern Malachite introduced 1946
5 coach ‘H’ set (BTK-TK-CK-TK-BTK) 847 from range 830 -849 with 15″ window vents in BR Crimson and Cream introduced in 1950. These sets often also ran as 3 coach ‘L’ sets (often a winter formation) minus the two TKs’
2 coach ‘R’ set (BTK-BCK) 69 from range 63 – 75 with 10″ window vents in BR Green livery with side strengthening ribs
Initial release as follows:
34-725 Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 4341
34-725A Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 4342
34-750 Bulleid Corridor Composite (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 5771
New Tooling, 34-725/725A/750 will make set 790
34-775 Bulleid Corridor Third Dia 2019 (10″ Vents) in Malachite Green but with BR “S” prefixes as delivered in late 1948, this coach is a ‘loose’ coach that would be added to strengthen sets. No. TBC from range s1932 to s1936
34-726 Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in BR (SR) Green No. S4377S
34-800 Bulleid Brake Composite Dia 2405 (10″ Vents) in BR (SR) Green No.S6706S
New Tooling, 34-726/800 will make set 69
34-727 Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S4005S
34-727A Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S4006S
34-751 Bulleid Corridor Composite Dia 2318 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S5865S
34-776 Bulleid Corridor Third Dia 2019 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S75S
34-776A Bulleid Corridor Third Dia 2019 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S76S
New Tooling, 34-727/727A/751/776/776A will make set 847
LBSCR H1 Class Atlantic 4-4-2
The H1 in LBSC Livery Image courtesy and copyright Bachmann
Five H1 Class locomotives were built for the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway by Kitson & Co. between December 1905 and February 1906 to the design of D.E.Marsh. The first was withdrawn in January 1944 and the last in July 1951. This is new tooling specific to the H1 Class. Differences from the H2 Class currently in production include the curved running plate, early cab and boiler fittings. It has been developed alongside the H2 and will available for delivery later this year. Initially only the LBSC livery is being released but others will be in the pipeline for future years.
31-910 H1 Class Atlantic No. 39 ‘La France’ in LBSCR livery
Class 171 DMU
9 x two-car and 6 x four-car units were built between 2003 and 2005 for Porterbrook Leasing Company for use on Southern’s Uckfield branch which is not electrified. This model is based on new tooling also being developed for the Class 170 DMU.
35-580 Class 171 2-Car DMU No. 171722 in Southern livery
Class 159 DMU
22 x three-car units were originally built as Class 158 units by British Rail Engineering Ltd in 1992 for Regional Railways, by the time construction had been completed they were no longer required. Rosyth Dockyard converted them in 1992 and 1993 to a new specification for the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail. These units were to replace locomotive hauled trains on the London Waterloo – Salisbury – Exeter route. All saw service post privatisation with South West Trains and more recently with South Western Railway (since 20th August 2017).
31-520 Class 159 3-Car DMU No. 159013 in Network South East livery
New liveries from existing tooling
32-510 – BR Standard Class 5MT No. 73118 ‘King Leodegrance’ BR lined black early emblem and large tender
39-623 – SECR 60′ Birdcage Brake 3rd Southern Railway Malachite Green No.3455
Items 39-603/13/23 will correctly make set 622
38-083A – 12 Ton Southern 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van GWR Grey
38-080C – 12 Ton Southern 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van LMS Grey
Graham Farish N gauge
Graham Farish N Class with revised tooling and DCC speaker fitted
Southern steam modellers in N Gauge get revised tooling for the N class model that has seen revisions to the tender tooling to provide a Next 18 DCC decoder socket and space for Digital Sound to be fitted. This year sees the much requested southern livery fitted with smoke deflectors for the first time.
372-934DS N Class No. 1823 in Southern Railway Lined Maunsell Green (DCC Sound)
372-935 N Class No. 31810 in weathered BR Black (Late Crest) livery
The Class 450 is a member of the Siemens Desiro family for which Graham Farish already produce the Class 350 variants. The Class 450 EMUs were built by Siemens for South West Trains. A total of 127 four-car units are currently in traffic on South Western Railway long distance routes in and out of London Waterloo (since 20th August 2017).
371-725 Class 450 4-Car EMU No. 450073 in South West Trains livery
Work in Progress
From a work in progress perspective, in 00: the ex LBSC 4-4-2 H2 Class ‘Atlantics’ and the newly announced H1 are now at the artwork / livery samples stage. As reported from Warley the the 45 ton Ransomes and Rapier steam crane is now at the Engineering prototype stage. and both should along with the H1 be delivered during 2018. The Class 159 DMU is already in the tool room, whilst the Class 414 2HAP and 4 BEP are still in the drawing office.
In N: the Class 319 EMU is now in the drawing office. The SECR C Class 0-6-0 is at the Engineering Prototype stage and the Birdcage coaches are at the livery sample stage, both of which should be delivered during 2018
These 60ft three coach ‘birdcage’ sets were introduced by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SE&CR) between 1912 and 1915; and comprising of 62 sets were the most numerous sets compared to the previous 50ft examples. With the birdcage lookouts over each of the guards compartments these sets typify the standard SE&CR non-corridor coaching stock.
The sets comprised originally of: 2nd / 3rd class composite Brake Lavatory (later declassified to Brake Lavatory Third (SR Diagram 162), a 1st / 2nd (later declassified to 1st / 3rd) Lavatory Composite (SR Diagram 315/6) and the Brake Third (SR Diagram 160), The Composites were built in batches with two distinct body side variations, with the initial batch having two wide windows on each side for the saloon, whilst the later batch had one wide and one narrow window for the saloon; Bachmann have tooled for both versions. The Southern Railway renumbered both the individual coach and set numbers between 1923 and 1929.
39-602 ex SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Lavatory, No. 5468 Set 595
The initial Bachmann releases are as follows:
39-600 SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite SE&CR Dark Lake, No.1174 Set 138
39-610 SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Composite SE&CR Dark Lake, No. 1178 Set 138
39-620 SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SE&CR Dark Lake, No. 1182 Set 138
39-611 ex SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite, No. 5423 Set 613
39-601 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake Lavatory SR Olive Green, No. 3518 Set 613
39-611 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Composite SR Olive Green, No. 5423 Set 613 (Two wide saloon window style)
39-621 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SR Olive Green, No. 3446 Set 613
39-622 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd, No. 3428 Set 595
39-602 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake Lavatory BR Crimson, No. 5468 Set 595
39-612 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Composite BR Crimson, No. 5468 Set 595
39-622 ex SE&CR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd BR Crimson, No. 3428 Set 595
The SR versions are due to follow in October / November with the SE&CR versions November / December.
A view of the ends including separately applied lamp irons and brake control apparatus on the brake ends and showing the ‘birdcage’ lookouts
Separately applied fittings include the roof vents, vacuum pipes, handrails and grab handles. The brake ends also have separately applied lamp irons and brake control apparatus. The glazing is commendably flush and the window corner radii, especially in the drop lights are very nicely prototypically small. A representation of the internal window bars is included on the luggage compartment door window glazing.
The moulded interior and painted seating, and also showing the position of the body fixing clips.
The body is removed via easing the four clips located on each side to reveal a moulded interior with partitions, table in the saloon and even lavatories (where appropriate) and the seating painted in respective colours.
The fine underframe details with four sets of truss rods
The underframe detailing is exquisite with finely mounded brake details, 4 sets of very finely moulded queen post truss rodding and even the turnbuckles. The buffers are separate moulded items and not sprung.
Dynamos and battery boxes are fitted only to the the SE&CR composite, and on the SR / BR versions the Composite and the Brake Third as the electric lighting was through cabled to the other coaches in the set.
The separately fitted items and finely moulded 8ft Heavy Fox bogies can clearly be seen.
The all new well detailed 8ft Heavy Fox coil spring bolster bogies fitted with metal wheels sets and pin point axles running in metal bearings are very freewheeling. Detachable couplings in NEM pockets are mounted on the now standard close coupling mechanism.
The underside of the 8ft Heavy Fox bogies showing the electrical pickups incorporated
The resulting gap (4mm on the straight) between coaches could still benefit from being reduced slightly with perhaps an alternative to the supplied tension lock coupling (I test fitted Kadee No.18s, although of course the prototypes were not buckeye fitted, and this reduced the gap to 2mm) if your minimum radii allows. The coaches when test ran, run very smoothly both hauled and propelled though a complex range of pointwork.
No internal lighting is fitted but each bogie includes wiper pickups so this might be a potential option in the future.
Depending on the lighting that the coaches are viewed under the rendition of the crimson livery might appear to some to be slightly on the dark side, although it does match previous ready to crimson releases in that respect. The initial SE&CR Dark Lake livery sample as previously shown by Bachmann has been commented on as being too brown and Bachmann I believe are currently looking at revising this to give a deeper red colour.
Please note: all the images on this post are copyright and courtesy of A York and BRM Magazine.
The complete set 595
Bachmann have been given assistance in the research and preparation of these excellent models by friend Trevor Rapley the owner of, albeit one of the earlier 50ft version, birdcage Brake lavatory Composites preserved on the Bluebell Railway and the results speak for themselves (although I am sure someone will moan cryptically due to finding maybe a rivet slightly in the wrong place). The introduction of these sets with their distinct character, being of pre-grouping origin, that were long lived and little modified during their lifetime; along with recent and planned (check back on here after midday on Monday 11th for a further announcement) South Eastern & Chatham Railway / Eastern Section Southern Railway locomotives; will ensure that these excellent coaches prove popular.
The Bachmann Europe team met up this week with the model trade press to update the market on the latest developments and progress, a full report can be found on the RmWeb forum here and I take this opportunity to update on those items of a Southern / Southern Region interest. As in previous years at this Media day no new product announcements were made. All images on this post are copyright and courtesy of Andy York / BRM and or Bachmann Europe.
Firstly, in 00 gauge the relevant SR updates from Bachmann are as follows:
The impressive SECR livery sample of the 60′ birdcage stock
Since the London festival of model railways where I reported on the ex South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) 60′ Birdcage stock BR Crimson livery sample being shown, the livery samples for the SECR
The SECR 60′ composite livery sample
and SR Olive Green versions have now been received and signed off. I have to say the decoration and lining look extremely fine and
The other SECR brake 3rd livery sample
well done. The SECR dark lake version in particular is very impressive and must be a first such accurate and highly detailed ready to run rolling stock for the pre-grouping era . Delivery is expected in September.
SR livery sample of the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock
The first releases will comprise of the following:
39-600 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite SECR Dark Lake
SR Composite livery sample
39-601 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite SR Olive Green
39-602 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite BR Vermillion
39-610 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite SECR Dark Lake
39-611 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite SR Olive Green
ex SECR Brake 3rd in SR livery
39-612 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite BR Vermillion
39-620 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SECR Dark Lake
39-621 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SR Olive Green
39-622 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd BR Vermillion
Bachmann H2 Class CADs
The ex London Brighton and South Coast H2 class Marsh Atlantic 4-4-2 announced in September 2013 is being delayed by another 3 months as an issue with the curvature of the rear splashers was identified and a decision made to address that so it is likely to be around February/March 2018 when they are finally released. The CAD drawings can be seen left.
Two versions are due for initial release:
31-921 – 32424 “Beachy Head” BR Black Early Emblem
31-920 – 2426 ‘St. Albans Head” SR Olive Green
The impressive CAD artwork is shown left, not all the gear wheels will work but some items such as the outriggers will be positionable.
Initially they are producing four versions:
38-800 SR livery,
38-801 GWR Livery
38-802 BR black livery
38-803 BR red livery
Lastly from a Graham Farish perspective there is an update on the N gauge version of the ex SECR 60ft Birdcage stock and also the ex SECR C class 0-6-0.
Graham Farish C Class 0-6-0 CADS
Firstly the ex SECR C Class 0-6-0 that was announced in January this year is now at the CAD stage as per the image left. The model will feature a NEXT 18 DCC decoder socket, coreless motor, loco drive, fine cab detail and NEM couplers, the initial release will comprise of:
372-775 C Class 0-6-0 No. 271 in SECR plain green livery
372-776 C Class 0-6-0 No. 1256 Southern Railway Black livery
372-777 C Class 0-6-0 No. 31227 in BR Black livery with early emblem
Graham Farish EP of the N Gauge 60′ Birdcage stock
The first EP samples of the 60′ Birdcage stock were on show, they were first announced in July 2014, and these are likely to be available in the second quarter of 2018. The initial releases will be sold as three coach sets, as follows:
374-910 60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – SECR Wellington Brown
374-911 60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – SR Olive Green
374-912 60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – BR Vermillion
Good to see further progress being made on the above items. As any additional information comes to light I will post accordingly.
Kernow Model Rail Centre – Bulled 1C0-C01 Diesels 10201/2 & 3
Although announced some time ago, the necessary research for the production of the CADS for these diesels with their complex multiple curved exterior shape has taken much longer than planned. During last year additional information came to light that has assisted greatly with development progress.
K2701 Bulleid diesel 10201 (incorrectly numbered 10203) in BR black livery with early emblem. Picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre
I have fortunate to have been party to progress that has been made during the last few months; firstly, with various sets of CADs, initial Engineering Prototypes and now the livery sample versions on public display for the first time this weekend.
By way of a recap four versions are being produced:
K2704 Bulleid diesel 10203 livery sample in BR Green livery. Picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre
The purpose of the livery samples are of course to check the application and livery details, so being the first such samples there are a few known corrections to be made before these can go to production, such as confirming the colour shades, adding lining and changing to the correct late emblem and no interconnecting doors on the K2704 version. These models are fitted with now standard arrangement, for similar diesel and electric models of a centrally mounted motor driving each bogie via drive shafts and a gear tower.
[update 31/03/17] The Kernow Model Rail Centre have further advised “The factory very kindly decorated this first sample from their own research, rather than supplying the model in unfinished grey. They also provided a sample of the version with a corridor connection that we were not intending to produce in the initial batch, having speculatively decided to tool this in case we wanted it! This again they supplied painted from their own research. Unfortunately the paint finish was incorrect and the running numbers applied were not correct for the tooling combination.”
Kernow Model Rail Centre – SR Gate Stock Pull Push sets and 4-TC Units
After what appears to have a bit of a long and frustrating wait, for potentially a number of reasons, the first livery samples of the Gate Stock Pull/Push sets have been finally received, via DJ Models, by the Kernow Model Rail Centre. Four livery versions are being produced, namely:
1st Livery Sample of K1001 in lined olive green. Picture courtesy and copyright kernow Model Rail Centre
1st Livery Sample of K1004 in BR green livery, and with plated panels. Picture courtesy and copyright kernow Model Rail Centre
There are a number of slight corrections already identified to be made, including the size and weight of the set numbers, running number and Southern sizes and positioning, the droplight colour on the olive green set and handrail colours etc.
Yes it is known that in the pictures left the bodies on these samples have been assembled on the chassis the wrong way around and swapped between driving and trailer cars, hence the steps not lining up with the gated entrances, and has since been corrected.
K1001 livery sample with Chassis assembled the correct way round!
The purpose of these samples is to confirm the liveries (and a small number of corrections made to the body tooling since the last Engineering Prototype) and no further tooling changes are proposed. It is good at last to see further progress made and hopefully once the livery amendments can be made production slots can be allocated.
Bachmann ex SECR Birdcage sets first look at livery sample and other Work in Progress
Bachmann in 00 gauge have a number of SR related developments as work in progress at the moment. The highlight at the show was the first appearance of the first livery sample pf the ex SECR Birdcage sets.
Bachmann ex SECR Bridcage set crimson livery sample
The ex SECR Birdcage coaching stock, are at livery sample stage. Three livery versions have been announced namely: SECR Dark Lake,
SR Olive Green and BR crimson.
Bachmann having now received and showing the BR crimson version so far, with the other slightly more complex liveries to follow soon. The expected delivery dates are currently September / October.
The Bachmann Birdcage set Composite coach livery sample
The ex LBSR H2 class 4-4-2, is awaiting livery samples and expected delivery dates are currently November / December
The Class 450 4 Car EMUs are at livery sample stage and expected delivery dates are currently August/September
The other Brake Third ex SECR Birdcage livery sample
No further news on the progress, other than being at the R&D stage, of the Class 414 2-HAP or Class 410 4-BEP EMUs, or the Ransoms and Rapier 45T steam cranes at the moment.
In N gauge the Graham Farish C Class 0-6-0 announced earlier this year is in the R& D stage along with the Class 319 EMU whilst the SECR Birdcage coaches are in the drawing office.
Dapol put N Gauge models in abeyance including Bulleid Light Pacifics
Dapol have have announced, that due to: “effects of the decision to leave the EU last June continue, particularly on the devaluation of Sterling and the increase in the general feeling of uncertainty as the actual leave date looms. These effects coupled with the continued inflationary pressures being experienced in China means that the decision to invest in projects and develop new lines is becoming increasingly difficult. Not only is the unit cost of models rising at an alarming rate but the cost of the tooling is also escalating.” They went on to say: “Unfortunately, some previously announced and mooted projects will have to be put on abeyance until the economic conditions become more favourable. This is particularly, but not exclusively the case in N gauge were the small size of the market, the relatively high cost of manufacture and natural cap on retail prices means that returns are least favourable. Projects such as the Class 50, Class 59, prototype HST, Battle of Britain and others are being delayed as result of this.”
The Dapol Maunsell 4 Compartment Brake Third in N Gauge Engineering Prototype
Dapol have confirmed that the N Gauge 4 compartment Brake Third and the Brake Composite are still to be released in the Summer and will not be impacted by the recent announcement.
I personally feel we might have to read between the lines a little on this, for example on what abeyance / delayed actually means…
The first test pieces for the Dapol ex LSWR B4 note the cab variations
[update 26/03/17] I can confirm that this not affect the 00 gauge ex LSWR B4, announced back in 2014, as this is in tooling and the had some of the first test pieces on display.
Well the annual event that is the Warley National Model Railway show at the NEC has now been and gone and by all accounts it appears that it was a good show, not that I was able to see as much of it as I might have liked. I had a good weekend on the Hornby Magazine stand operating friend and Editor Mike Wild’s latest layout Grosvenor Square, despite it being Western Region and DCC, but I think I just about coped. I apologise to anyone whom overheard and didn’t like my complaints (usually timed to gained maximum effect depending on whom was in earshot…especially that nice Mr Pete Waterman on the stand opposite…) that all Western region locomotives look the same, it was in jest… honest!
As is becoming more usual now a number of suppliers and manufacturers time announcements, product development updates and availability of new product around the time of / during the show and this year was no exception. This post attempts to round up some of those items of interest seen at the show from a Southern perspective, although this was slightly more limited than it has been in the past.
Hornby
Like last year, Hornby used the Warley show to give a presentation on some of their plans for 2017 and make some new product announcements, including a Hitachi IEP Bi-Mode Class 800/0, which can be found via their website on their Engine Shed Blog. The full 2017 range including all the liveries variations from existing rather than new tooling is planned to be launched in January 2017.
Hornby H Class EP
Further to the ex SECR H lass 0-4-4T announced in September they have also now clarified the planned initial releases as being as follows, which differs slightly from the initial information I was given at the time:
R3538 number 308 SECR lined green. No.308 was built at Ashford Works in June 1906, entering traffic at Slades Green and was repainted to Maunsell Dark Green in 1925, when also renumbered as A308. Moving to Gillingham in July 1931, her last shed was Tunbridge Wells West, from where she was withdrawn in December 1962.
Hornb y H Class EP rear 3/4 view
R3539 number 31518 BR late crest (with Overhead Electric warning flashes) lined black and pull push fitted. No. 31518 was built in July 1909 at Ashford and entered traffic at Orpington, numbered 518, Being dual braked, 518 mainly worked Chatham section trains. In December 1923 she became A518, then 1518 in July 1931. Post Nationalisation she was renumbered 31518 and later pull push fitted in March 1952, Withdrawal took place from Three Bridges shed in January 1964.
A further view of the Hornby H Class EP
R3549 number 1324 SR Maunsell Olive Green. No.1324 was built at Ashford Works in May 1907, entering traffic as No.324 at Ashford. In 1924, based Tonbridge, she often operated services between the Eastern and Central sections of the Southern Railway. Renumbered as No.31324 under British Railways, withdrawal from Three Bridges shed occurred in July 1962.
It therefore appears that the previously advised release of the BR early emblem version will not materialise as part of the first releases.
Hornby livery samples of 21C1 and 21C3 together
The running samples of the new original style Bulleid Merchant Navy pacifics were on display, the malachite green versions of 21c1 and 21C3 can be seen left, and they represent the condition that these locomotives first ran between introduction in 1941 and early 1943.
Hornby livery sample of 21C1 note the cover for the chimney
There is one correction to be made to the livery to 21C3 which will be reflected on the production models in that the side numbers and Southern lettering on the tender will be correctly shaded in black not green. The four releases of these models are due first quarter next year (delayed from 2016) and are as follows:
Hornby livery sample of 21C3
R3434 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Channel Packet’ ’21C1′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) in as introduced 1941 condition with widows peak
R3435 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Mail’ ’21C3′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) in as introduced 1941 condition with widows peak
A further view of Hornby livery sample of 21C3
R3436 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Clan Line’ ‘35028’ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green. early crest ,
R3382TTS- BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland-Afrika Line’ ‘35023’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest with TTS Sound
Look out for a post likely to be published next week detailing the exact condition and dates applicable to all these four versions which I hope will assist those wishing to purchase the correct version for their time period or those potentially wanting to renumber to other members of the class.
Hornby also announced a brand new ‘King Arthur’ tooling! Although this is in the form a Class 87 AC electric number 87010 ‘King Arthur’ in BR Intercity ‘Swallow’ logo, (I can now remove my tongue from my cheek!)
The SR cattle trucks announced last year have this week also arrived in the shops, once my versions arrive I will post a picture review. Just to clear up some misunderstanding on what versions have been released in this batch, as information on some retailers websites has been inconsistent due to changes in the information originally supplied / described by Hornby, the following versions are available:
R6735 – late SR livery, Bulleid designed version to SR diagram 1530 as introduced in 1947
R6735A – late SR livery , Bulleid designed version to SR diagram 1530 as introduced in 1947
(although it would not doubt have been a while before these ended up in BR livery)
R6737 – BR livery ex SR Maunsell designed version to SR Diagram 1529
R6737A – BR livery ex SR Maunsell designed version to SR Diagram 1529
It is still hoped that further livery versions, perhaps the inverse of the above, will be part of the 2017 range, although it should not be beyond the skills of many to re-livery the diagram 1529 version to the SR period.
I also remind readers that the 2016 livery versions of the excellent S15 4-6-0 model have also arrived at retailers namely
R3411 – SR 4-6-0 ‘827’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – Post war Bulleid black with ‘Sunshine’ lettering
R3412 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30842’ Maunsell S15 Class, flat sided tender – BR Black early crest
R3413 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30831’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – BR Black late emblem
Peco
Following on the recent announcement of their intention to produce 00 bullhead plain track with a more prototypical sleep spacing (bearing in mind that 00 being 16.5mm gauge rather the prototypical 18.83 it is still a compromise that the majority of us modellers accept) Peco also had on display an early mock up / EP of a large radius turnout which certainly looked good. It is my understanding that the geometry will match their existing code 75 streamline turnouts.
Bachmann
No new announcements from Bachmann, as is often the case at Warley, as their 2017 range is planned to be announced on January 8th next year, slightly earlier than their usual March date.
The EP of the Bachmann ex LBSC H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 picture courtesy and copyright of A York / BRM
In their usual display cases at the show were a number of Engineering Prototypes of current work in progress this included the first views of the ex London, Brighton and South Coast (LBSC) Brighton H2 Class Atlantic Engineering Prototype as seen pictured left. The planned initial releases, although it looks like tooling will allow for future further variations, for the H2 class are as follows:
A further view of the Bachmann H2 EP. Picture courtesy and copyright M Wild / Hornby Magazine
31-920 H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 No. 2426 ‘St. Alban’s Head’ in Southern Railway olive green livery
31-921 H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ in BR black livery with early emblem.
Also on display were the EPs of the ex SECR Birdcage Stock that have been seen for a while now.
Trafford Model Centre (TMC)
TMC announced a number of wagon commissions, via Bachmann one of which being one of the 14 Cycle branded PMVs which were introduced in 1952, primarily for use on boat trains, being essentially a modification of ex SR Parcels and Miscellaneous Vans to incorporate hooks inside to hang cycles.
The TMC cycle branded PMV Picture courtesy and copyright M Wild / Hornby Magazine
Numbers so converted were 1055,1103,1208,1728, these had 60 hooks presumably for up to 30 cycles, whilst 1057, 1113, 1175, 1282, 1293, 1305, 1314, 1317, 1454, 1882 had 24 hooks each. Number 1317 in addition to the bike symbols on the outside was additionally stenciled, until 1966, for use between Ashford and Cannon Street to convey cycles by manufacturer Normans of Ashford. These vans, except numbers 1175 & 1208 withdrawn in December 1962, had all returned to the general pool by 1969. The version being issued by TMC is number S1282S correctly in BR crimson livery with yellow lettering and the white cycle stencil.
TMC have also commissioned Bachmann to produce the ex LNER /BR 22T double bolster wagon and this is at EP stage
Dapol
There were no new announcements made by Dapol at the show in either 00 or N, as they are looking to get to market all outstanding products currently under development before making any new announcements. The ex London and South Western (LSWR ) B4 0-4-0T announced back in March 2014 is still at the CAD stage. They did have on show some of the results of the alignment of the Dapol and Lionheart ranges in 0 Gauge but none of these were SR related.
Back in January this year Heljan announced their intention to release an 07 Class 0-6-0 Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Shunter numbers D2985-D2998 (TOPS numbers 07001-07014).
Heljan 3D printed sample of their proposed Class 07 shunter (version 1). Picture courtesy and copyright A York / BRM
Introduced in 1962 this class of 14 locomotives was designed specifically for use in the Southampton Docks complex on trip and shunting duties. With the decline of traffic within the docks the class was re-assigned to duties in the Eastleigh area before withdrawal and finding further work with a number of industrial companies. Heljan advise that initially two versions will be produced reflecting ‘as-built’ condition and later modified locos with waist height air brake connections as follows:
Heljan 3D printed sample of their proposed Class 07 shunter (version 2). Picture courtesy and copyright A York / BRM
Version 1 non-air braked
2900 D2985 BR Green
2901 D2990 BR Green
2902 D2992 BR Blue
2903 07010 BR Blue
Version 2 air-braked (extra cabinet, air receiver compartment and air pipes (high level)
2910 2993 BR Blue
2911 07005 BR Blue
2912 (07001) Peakstone yellow
2913 (07003) British Industrial Sand white
Proposed for release in 2017, Heljan had a early 3D print mock ups of this model on display.
Note: that the images of Engineering Protptypes sometimes show combinations of components that are mixed and matched and do not necessarily correctly represent the combinations for model variations announced (but can be a hint at possible future variations as well!)
The Bachmann Europe team met up this week with the model trade press to update the market on the latest developments and progress, a full report can be found on the RmWeb forum here and I take this opportunity to update ion those items of a Southern / Southern Region interest. Although no new announcements were made it was indicated that the next catalogue and product announcements are likely to take place earlier next year, probably at some point in January. Although Bachmann have experienced delays in both the design and production arenas over the last couple of years tit is good news that they appear to starting to catch up a bit during the last twelve months or so of consolidation as had been previously promised.
The 1st EP of the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage Brake composite (Dia 2432). Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/BachmannThe item of most interest for Southern modellers was the first images of the first Engineering Prototypes (EP) for the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock Trio ‘C’ 30 sets, (SR set Nos 567-570, 575-589, 602-5 and 612-8) announced back in March 2013. These compriise of aBrake Composite to SR Diagram 162, a Composite to SR Diagram 315 and Brake Third to SR Diagram 160. These sets pretty much remained intact throughout their lives until withdrawal between 1956 and 1958.
1st EP Ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock composite (Dia 2315) . Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/BachamnnAs can be seen from the pictures, copyright and courtesy of Andy York and Bachmann, the first impressions are very favourable with a high level of detail, although I have not had the chance to see them up close and in the flesh (plastic) yet.
Ex SECR 60′ Brake Third EP (Dia 2431). Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/BachmannAlso the ex LBSC H2 class Atlantic, announced even earlier in August 2013, has now also progressed to tooling for the engineering Prototypes and we hope to see these EPs soon.
Delivery of both the Birdcage stock and the H2 Atlantic is expected in May 2017.
The Model Rail ref MR-102 USA Tank as No 68 in SR livery. Picture copyright and courtesy Kernow Model CentreThe SR / BR(s) USA 0-6-0 tanks being produced by Bachmann for Model Rail magazine are imminent to arrive at Bachmann’s Barwell HQ, before being shipped to the Kernow Model Centre for orders to be despatched, this could take a few weeks to complete due to the shear column of orders so be patient.
The South West Trains class 450 Desiro 3rd rail units, based on tooling changes to the previously released 350 class units are now ready to enter production although delivery was stated as being likely to be February 2017, while the class 414 2 Hap units announced earlier this year are still at the design stage. Although announced back in march 2015 along with the Class 450, the 45 ton Ransomes and Rapier steam crane is still at the design stage prior to CAD work taking place, so is some way off yet.
Keep an eye on this blog in the next week or so for further updates on both released and imminent Southern / Southern Region relevant models form other manufacturers.
The ex LBSC H2 Atlantic announced last August is still with the development team before entering the drawing office, along with the following: LMS Stanier Mogul 2-6-0, Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2T (DCC chassis upgrade), V1/V3 2-6-2T (DCC Chassis Upgrade), Class 158 (all new tooling and to include DCC provision), Class 24/1, Thompson coaches and WD Warflat,
The ex SECR Birdcage rolling stock announced in March 2013 is in the drawing office, with CADS being preparded before tooling can commence, along with the following items: BR Auto Trailer, Mark 2F coaches (including DBSO), Wickham Trolley (Type 27) and the 20T tank wagon.
Within the tool room is the Class 43 Warship and the 21T grain wagon, whilst Engineering Prototypes of the SR PLV/PMV/CCT utility vans have been received but unfortunately these were not shown to us today.
The E4 hand painted sample to give an impression of what is to come.
The ex LBSC E4 is now at the livery artwork stage (although some hand painted mocks have been completed but are just mocks and incorrect in some areas. Other items at this artwork stage include: GWR 64xx 0-60T, GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 and GWR Modified Hall Class 4-6-0.
The delightful Midland 1F 0-6-0T is now in production and the ex LMS inspection saloon should be in the shops soon.
Graham Farish ‘N’ Gauge items
The SR PLV 4-wheel van is still with the development team before entering the drawing office, along with the following: GWR Castle Class 4-6-0, BR Mark 2F coaches and the GWR Auto Trailer.
The SR Bogie B luggage van along with the GWR Hawksworth coaches have progressed to the tool room whilst the BR Standard 4MT (80xxx) 2-6-4T and GWR 64xx are still in the drawing office.
The Graham Farish N Class and 3rd series Merchant Navy now moving to livery artwork stage.
Engineering Prototype samples have been received for the SR Ventilated vans whilst the SR N Class 2-6-0 and SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 are now at the artwork preparation stage along with the Class 47/7 and Class 31. The BR Mk1 CCT is at the livery sample stage along with the Class 57 (Dellner coupling version), LMS (Ex-MR) 4F 0-6-0 and Polybulk bogie hopper.
The following items have been approved for production: LNER A2 Class 4-6-2, 20T Midland Brake Van, COVHOP and LMS Princess Coronation Class 4-6-2. On their way to the shops soon are the Class 25 and Class 37/4.
As can be seen this is a fair amount of work in progress and there is still a further locomotive announcement being made on Tuesday 29th in conjunction with the National Railway Museum. These announcements of new items is in effect an short term announcement before going back to the usual timing of March for the next new product announcements in 2015.
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The model railway world and mainly Southern Railway meanderings of Graham 'Muz' Muspratt
