News highlights from 2007...

T9 and new ‘Schools’ join Hornby range for 2008

HORNBY’S 2008 range, which sees the return to the catalogue of its popular Schools Class locomotives, has a distinctly Southern look and includes four versions of the LSWR T9 4-4-0 and a new Maunsell coach.

Controversially, it also includes a BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0, which rivals Bachmann are already committed to introducing as a replacement for the former Mainline 4-6-0 which graced its range for many years.

For DCC fans, Hornby is introducing a Duchess pacific that has onboard sound, together with a similarly sound-equipped Class 60 and 56.

* Full details will be included in the next issue of Trains On-line magazine.

NRM Limited Edition Deltic sells out

THE National Railway Museum’s limited edition (500) Deltic in commemorative packaging with distinctive extras quickly sold out despite its £140 price tag. The model was produced exclusively for the museum by Bachmann (see story below).

However, the museum’s plans to dispatch the models to customers before Christmas suffered a setback due to shipping problems and they were not expecting to fulfil orders until January 14.

The NRM will release a further 2,500 standard limited edition prototype Deltics later this month. They will cost £95, plus post and packing.

Jubilee in shops

THE first of Bachmann’s all-new Jubilee 4-6-0 locomotives—45611 Hong Kong—has been released by the company. The model in green livery with early emblem and has an 8-pin DCC socket installed. Also see preview story in December 2007 Trains On-line magazine.

New LNER Coaches from Comet

COMET Models has recently added the round cornered window version of D329, the LNER Thompson Corridor Third to its range of coaches. It is available as sides, or a complete kit. It has also released a Thompson Corridor Brake E13 Third - 3 compartments (D331). It is available as sides only (E13) or a complete kit (KE13).

Bachmann goes underground

WITH an eye on Christmas sales Bachmann has released further models in its Underground Ernie series of toy trains. Two train packs have been released in the form of Bakerloo (UE202) and Victoria (UE203). Each pack consists of a powered car and trailer and replicates the trains from the popular television series created by Joella Productions.

Prototype Deltic from Bachmann

BACHMANN is to release a limited edition version of the prototype Deltic. It will go on sale at the National Railway Museum in December and will be limited to 500 pieces. An additional 2,500 will be made available to modellers in the New Year. Full story in the December issue of Trains On-line Magazine.

New drive units

MOTORBOGIES announced a range of new products in November. They include a number of three-axle tender drive units, three Co-Co motor bogie plus dummy bogie sets, and a two-axle Bo-Bo motor bogie. Prices range from £36 to £60.

New insulated van kit released

PARKSIDE Dundas has announced the availability of a replacement kit (PC09A) for the previously withdrawn BR 10 ton Insulated Meat Van (Diag.1/251). The kits, priced at £7.10, feature entirely new bodies.

Moguls arrive for Christmas

THE first of Bachmann’s Standard Class 4 2-6-0 mixed traffic locomotives are now available coupled to either a BR1B tender or BR2 tender in both early and later BR crested versions. They join the firms Ivatt Class 2 moguls which have been on sale for a little while.