[neil_s_wood]

Trix have launched a couple of new models which are to coincide with the new film version of Superman. There is an HO model and an N gauge starter set.

Prototype: Class 185 dual system general-purpose locomotive painted and lettered for the movie "Superman Returns". Version with "Superman" motifs.
Model: The locomotive is constructed of metal with many cast-in details. The locomotive has a digital decoder for DCC, Selectrix, and conventional operation. It has a special can motor, centrally mounted. 4 axles powered through cardan shafts. 2 traction tires. The headlights are maintenance-free LED's that will work in conventional operation and that can be controlled digitally. The acceleration and braking delay can be controlled with DCC or with Trix Systems. The locomotive comes with 2 pantographs that can be raised and lowered manually (they are not wired to take power from the catenary). Length over the buffers 217 mm / 8-9/16".

One-time series.

The N gauge start set is modeled on the ICE3.

Prototype: ICE 3 high speed train, consisting of three units in a design for the movie "Superman Returns".
Model: The intermediate car comes with a digital connector and a can motor with 2 flywheels, 4 axles powered. Total train length 470 mm / 18-1/2". Oval of track consisting of 14 sections, 52 x 42 cm / 21" x 17". The set can be expanded with the entire Minitrix track program. It has a battery controller for a 9 volt transistor battery (battery not included) with terminal clips. The set has a "Metropolis" backdrop. The packaging is attractive with the "Superman" emblem.

One-time series.

Apparently neither of these models will be available in the UK which asks the question who has the rights to these in the UK?

I haven't seen any announcements from Hornby or Bachmann. Is someone intending to do a British version? Perhaps a Pendolino with Superman emblazoned on the side?

Are superheroes appropriate in the world of model rail?

 

[neil_s_wood]

QUOTE What I was wondering is that is it a fantasy livery or are there locomotives that operate in Europe with banner type advertising on the side?

This is common is Switzerland and Germany. I started a thread on this a few months ago called Art in Model Rail. Most Continental manufacturers make locos with advertising and logos. I have one special edition made by Trix/Herpa which has a loco with three generations of Mercedes cars and three trailers full of Mercedes McLaren SLR's.

I think from a manufacturers perspective, he can sell the same loco several times by only modifying the logo or decoration on the side. I noticed a lot of the Maerklin/Trix range was like that this year. I suspected it was part of a cost cutting excercise to use the same moulds for several locos.

 

[neil_s_wood]

QUOTE (Gary @ 12 Oct 2006, 07:14) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Here is the Superman Pendolino:-

http://jdp.fotopic.net/c1014414.html

Is this going to be a Hornby livery for 2007 on their new Pendo?

Happy modelling
Gary
I think it's a strong possibility as someone must have the UK rights to it.

Apparently Lex Luther has got in on the act too.

Prototype: Class 2016 "Hercules" general-purpose locomotive painted and lettered for the movie "Superman Returns". Version with "Lex Luthor" motifs.
Model: The locomotive is constructed of metal with many cast-in details. The locomotive has a digital decoder for DCC, Selectrix, and conventional operation. It has a special can motor, centrally mounted. 4 axles powered through cardan shafts. 2 traction tires. The headlights are maintenance-free LED's that will work in conventional operation and that can be controlled digitally. The acceleration and braking delay can be controlled with the DCC or with Trix Systems. The locomotive has NEM coupler pockets with close couplers. Length over the buffers 217 mm / 8-9/16".

One-time series.

"Superman" meets "Hercules". The first superhero in the history of man was Hercules. His name stands for the power and efficiency of the class 2016 diesel locomotive. The locomotive "Hercules" in this imaginary design brings its own exciting allusion to the movie "Superman Returns".

The above does say it is an imaginary design,.

 

[neil_s_wood]

Heres another one I spotted earlier in the year. This is a real locomotive as the pictures show.

Don't know who these guys are getting the freebies but they don't look like railway modellers to me.

I think the thing with the Superman ones is does it attract new kids to the world of railway modelling but it could be a cynical marketing ploy?

I like the option of having them available so you can buy them if you want. I like the Maerklin Trix/ Herpa car train combos of which theres been a few. Heres the N gauge Mini set.

and the Mercedes McLaren one which I bought the DC version of

It would brighten up the local world of trains to have some of these decorations on the locos. The DMU's and EMU's are pretty good with the new logos that have come in since privatisation. Good advertising space too I suppose.