[Cameron]

No this is not another excuse for a wish list, just some thoughts on the RTR market.
The main manufactures seem to issue the same model's every year, 2 or 3 steam loco's and 1 or 2 diesels. I feel that we need something new on the RTR market, AC Electric engines, EMU's (AC & DC) and maybe pre grouping loco's.
Bachmann have started with the 4-CEP, and I think (By what I have heard) that it will be a good seller. They have also produced the Blue Deltic for the NRM, so top marks to Bachmann. Heljan have produced the Falcon, though another diesel it is a prototype diesel. So Manufacturers can we move on to a new future in RTR and try something new.
What are your thoughts ?

 

[ozwarrior]

'Twould be nice but ultimately they'll make what will sell. This will vary no doubt. I'm sure Hornby would want to sell more of an item than Heljan for example.
Actually I thought last year (2007) was pretty good in that direction. I have my Caley single to prove it!

 

[teleman]

I would like to see pre TOPS in blue but i know its not going to happen they will only make what they know will sell , i will have to keep on renumbering them and calling a class 31 a Brush 2 cos thats what they are to me (70s train spotter) i think they looked nice even if people say that time was boring as far as colour of locos went .

 

[Al]

QUOTE (Teleman @ 31 Dec 2007, 23:07) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I would like to see pre TOPS in blue but i know its not going to happen they will only make what they know will sell , i will have to keep on renumbering them and calling a class 31 a Brush 2 cos thats what they are to me (70s train spotter) i think they looked nice even if people say that time was boring as far as colour of locos went .
It's been years since I heard anyone refer to a class 31 as a Brush 2. I'm an ex-70's spotter too. Still remenmber HST' and class 56's being new.
I think if I ever decided to do a 'modern image' layout, I'd probably do late 70's...

 

[teleman]

Sorry but whats a class 56 ? in old money class 55 ... Deltic HST a 125 Brush 4 class 47 or are they the remade type 4 with a new engine and some pipes so they can help a broken 125 ? and yes just spotted the time HAPPY NEW YEAR almost

 

[teleman]

Hold on if its the late 70s you will be ok with TOPS numbers as it was mid 70s they came in

 

[7113]

Personally I would think that more of the diedsels need to be produced with pre-TOPS numbering, and I really think that it is high time the LNER were better represented. That having been said I think there is a demand for more pre-grouping steam and also electric stock.

Regards

 

[5696Arethusa]

QUOTE (BRITHO @ 2 Jan 2008, 13:29) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I really think that it is high time the LNER were better represented.
Regards

Here, here. D49 next year maybe or maybe a B1 if Hornby are feeling cheeky again

I'd like one of them to produce a Capprotti version of one of their locos. Then again I like the unusual.

 

[Al]

QUOTE (BRITHO @ 2 Jan 2008, 13:29) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I really think that it is high time the LNER were better represented.

I to noticed the Hornby range is a bit light on LNER. Just the A3 & A4.

A1, B1, B12, B17, D49, J72, N2, V1, V2 all missing...

 

[rb277170]

I think what Cameron was looking for was a complete new direction.

My guess is that both the Heljan Falcon and Bachmann prototype Deltics have proved that the limited edition marketed properly can be a winner. I am not generally in favour of Limited Editions finding that they are alright if you are around at the time- but if you want the model subsequently you may not be able to get it at all or have to pay a premium for it. The AMRSS Scotrail 158 was an example of a Limited Edition which should have been a mainstream release as there is a large market for it.

However there are circumstances where Limited Editions are appropriate(Falcon and DP1). We have also now seen an outside body such as NRM commission a model. I think we will see more of this. At 3000 units you might see other bodies , such as preservation societies, or the larger model shops commission models. So far we have mainly seen reliveries but it may lead to new models or derivatives.

I'm hoping this will extend from the mainly diesel market we see today to steam . In this way pregrouping 4-4-0 or 0-6-0s may yet become available. My favourites would be a J36 or an Dunalastair. Lower Manufacturing quantities mean that these models are becoming more likely. I suspect it will be Bachmann rather than Hornby leading the way though.

Russell

 

[Gary]

Its not just about locos.

Its about appropriate rolling stock, track and scenic items.

The fact is for the most part these do not exist or are only manufacturered in very small numbers by specialist cottage industry suppliers and as such "new direction" locos currently cannot be operated on an easily assembled and budget constrained correct era model railway.

That is the biggest hurdle possibly.

To recreate a 1910-20's era would require an expansion of an entire range of products by 50% again over and beyond what we already have from Hornby and Bachmann.

If anything Hornby and Bachmann are trending more towards recent times than historic times with the latest product ranges which makes sense when you think about it.

If it was your children's inheritance to invest how would you invest it?

In a product range reflecting an era 100 years ago or one reflecting an era 30 years ago?

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[alastairq]

in MRE mag I notice Hornby's comment that perhaps for the future they are going to focus on upgrading their wagon fleet?

this seems like a good move.....

 

[Keith.Wilkes]

Why can't Bachmann or Hornby give us a Thumper set? There are already DMUs by the bucketload, and personally I'm not that interested in EMUs.

My vote is for a Class 205 or 2H or 3H. Any would be nice.

 

[7113]

QUOTE (Keith.Wilkes @ 3 Jan 2008, 19:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Why can't Bachmann or Hornby give us a Thumper set? There are already DMUs by the bucketload, and personally I'm not that interested in EMUs.

I think you have a good point here, but, again they are very limited operationally. Mind you bring out a 6L and I'll be at the head of the queue.

Regards