[Ravenser]

QUOTE I hear that Bachmann Europe is to introduce a better detailed class 108 DMU. I wonder in actual time factor, when this model will come on the market - previous model took over two years before being offered to the model fraternity.

Actually it's been in the shops since last Christmas . The Bachmann 108 is a very fine model - certainly the best British DMU yet produced.I've got one , it runs beautifully and looks superb. There is no plan to replace it, although Bachmann are tooling a centre car for it so they can offer 3 car versions as well as 2 car versions. They will also need to offer both driving trailers as powered (meaning a seond underframe) and this then opens the way to the Power Twin 2 car sets.

Extension and development of the existing fine model , not replacement

 

[Ravenser]

QUOTE Derby lightweights would be nice, but seeing that they had a relatively short "in service" life span the chances of an RTR unit are probably pretty slim. I will have to check out the kit offering at Warley in December.

I think I would check the kit offering , but possibly hold off buying anything till the New Year.

Its a slightly long shot , but apparently it would be relatively easy to develop the original Lightweights from the 108 - it seems the bodies were the same but the ends differed. Bachmann only need to tool up 2 new bodyshells with revised ends to fitr the existing underframes/mechanism and they are there. Given that the original Lightweights were actually longer lived than the 9Fs and had a pretty wide range, it is quite possible they will do this as the ultimate development of the 108 project - it would be qucker and cheaper than going for a Cravens. But an announcement could still be a few years off and actually being able buy one still further away