More images and press releases are to be found on page 2 of this topic (here).
Windhoff MPV
The unique Windhoff multi-purpose rail vehicle (MPV) increases the diversity of our modern traction fleet. These colourful units can be seen operating a variety of railway infrastructure related trains on all parts of the National Network.
Bachmann Europe plc today announced its 2008 programme at the London Toy Fair, held at Excel in London's Docklands. 2008 sees the 60th Anniversary of Kader Industries (the parent company of Bachmann Europe) and the 175th Anniversary of the Bachmann Company, although links with model railways only began in 1952.
The company has announced that it will produce in its Branchline "OO" range a Class 105 DMU, MPV Multi Purpose Vehicle, TEA tank wagon with conical ends, "Autoballaster" wagons and an 8-Ton BR standard cattle wagon. It has also confirmed its intention to produce an original Patriot Class locomotive.
Also on display were the first engineering proving samples of the G2A "Super D" 0-8-0 locomotive announced at the Toy Fair last year. Development work has now been completed on the Class 150/1 and Class 150/2 "Sprinter" DMUs and these will enter the tool room next month. Development work is continuing on the Class 411 4-Cep unit but has been hampered by the lack of official works drawings which appear to have been destroyed.
In the "N" gauge Graham Farish range a new Class 47 locomotive and a Class 108 diesel multiple unit will be introduced.
A number of existing items in both the Branchline and Farish items will appear in the new liveries of recently formed Train Operating Companies. Others will follow in due course once the licensing arrangements have been finalised.
The digital revolution continues to build on the success of the recently launched Dynamis system, with the pro-box (36-508) now under development and the introduction of a new point decoder (36-561).
Digital sound continues to attract more and more modellers and 2008 will see the introduction of the first steam locomotive to be fitted with a sound decoder. The model of 45593 Kolhapur in BR green with early crest will retail at ÂŁ185.00. Further diesel locomotives will have sound fitted for the first time including the Class 40 and Class 45 locomotives which will compliment the existing range of sound fitted locomotives.
The Underground Ernie range saw significant new releases in time for the 2007 Christmas market. So far six trains, three stations and four extension track packs have been produced in addition to the train set released for Christmas 2006.
The new 2008 Branchline and Farish catalogues have been published to coincide with the opening of the London Toy Fair and will be available shortly at ÂŁ4.50 from Bachmann dealers.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said today "2007 was a very busy year for us with the launch of many new products including the Aristocraft large scale Class 66, several new locomotives in both OO and N scale and our Dynamis DCC system which is proving to be a great success. We are not standing still and this year will see the introduction of many new products including the launch of our Scenecraft range of buildings, figures and road vehicles. We can now offer complete systems of track, buildings, scenic items, control systems together with a large selection of trains from around the World"Âť.
JJA AutoBallaster wagon
Another item to be employed on infrastructure duties is the mighty JJA AutoBallaster wagon. For a full description of Era designations, please use the Key found inside the rear cover.
The Class 105 Cravens
The Class 105 Cravens diesel multiple unit will reflect the same standard of engineering excellence as its predecessor, the Class 108, which has enjoyed unprecedented popularity. The 'Peak' diesel class receives an upgrade and their welcome return includes the variant with corner indicator boxes.
The Branchline modern image range is further enhanced by the introduction of Era 7 and 8 Class 47 locomotives featuring working high-intensity headlights.
New rolling stock announcements include the BR Standard 4 4-6-0 locomotive in four different variants. This model will also form part of the collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary since the withdrawal of mainline steam.
