[Doug]

Bachmann Europe PLC announced today that the first Underground Ernie set featuring Circle, has arrived at Barwell in good time for Christmas and these are now being shipped to Santa for Christmas deliveries.

The first set (UE101) features the two car 'Circle' train with moving eyes and includes a full colour Track Mat, Ernie figure, 2 platform sections, track oval with siding and a controller / transformer. (NB for the DCC enthusiasts the train is fitted with an 8 pin DCC socket).

Colin Allbright, Bachmann Design Engineer for the Underground Ernie project said today "these fantastic starter sets will allow you to recreate your favourite stories from the hit Children's programme. There is considerable play value to attract the next generation of railway modellers and we shall be adding more trains and accessories next year to expand the initial set".

Bachmann Europe Plc signed up with Joella Productions to produce the sets in April this year. Colin Allbright explained "since then we have worked very hard with the creators to ensure that the models accurately represent the characters on the television. The model has been manufactured by our parent company Kader's toy division".

The set has a recommended retail price of £59.99 and can be obtained through Bachmann stockists for immediate delivery. Delivery by sleigh is not included!

Further details regarding new Underground Ernie products will be revealed at the London Toy Fair in January.

 

[Gwent rail]

Not in the shops yet and already my youngest grandson is saying " where's Ernie?" whenever he is in my railway room.
Give in ? Me? Never! Now where's my debit card?

 

[Gary]

The set uses the Bachmann EZ-track and is pre-ballasted. This is the first time such track has been offered by a UK company since 1958. Hopefully Bachmann will be getting a range of track in sharpish to enable the set to be extended. I guess that the platform heights have been designed with the use of this track in mind and its rather amazing when you start thinking about how Bachmann have had to consider global markets when designing the product.

Well done to the British Bachmann team for coming up with a package that promotes Britain and British product design around the world!

The box definitely has "Union Jack" qualities about it.

I do believe Bachmann will have a big hit on their hands with tbis one and it should give Bachmann UK a bit more muscle to flex in the Bachmann empire!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[pedromorgan]

I look forward to examining the chassis and finding a convenient shoulder over which i will dispense of the body shell!

Peter

 

[21C1]

Does this mean we'll see faces on the real Tube trains soon??

Tony

 

[spamcan61]

That looks different to the layout the continuity announcers are using on BBC2 at the moment before the TV program starts, which looks suspiciously like it's built using Hornby parts, buildings etc. My 3 year ols son love sit, so I get to watch very episode over an over again....

 

[7113]

Does this mean we'll see faces on the real Tube trains soon??

Tony

Well it would be better than all that

graffiti!!

Regards

John

 

[Raider]

Dumb question time - can you use these trains on 'normal' OO gauge track or will they only run on the track that comes with the set?

 

[Gary]

Yes you can use the trains on "normal" track.

I have a feeling that Bachmann have used the EZ-Track for the simple reason it is strong, hard to break, and less likely to cause injury to youngsters. It makes sense when you think about the target age group....

....the over 60's!!!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Raider]

Cheers for the clarification Gary - wasn't sure as I hadn't seen the EZ-Track before.

Chris

 

[Trav]

hmmm ive seen ez track for sale at my local hobby store. looks intresting, but im still a thomas the tank fan

 

[John Webb]

The track would seem to owe something to the old Triang Railways 'Standard' track which was also gray and looked like ballasted track, though not as well as the 'Underground Ernie' track does. I've not seen the children's series - are the stories set in 'above ground' areas where such ballasted track would be used?

 

[darobi]

Picked a set up this morning for my 3 year old. £54. they had 4 sets delivered Yesterday and I got one on passing.

It's being packed off to Santa before he finds it

Darren

 

[pedromorgan]

Yes its standard E-Z track.

Peter

 

[steventrain]

Hattons of liverpool got it in stock for 48 pounds.

 

[Gary]

QUOTE I've not seen the children's series - are the stories set in 'above ground' areas where such ballasted track would be used?

Above and below ground but more above I would say from the snippets I have seen.

QUOTE Hattons of liverpool got it in stock for 48 pounds.

There are times when I think dealers are absolutely stupid. This is in limited supply and is going to sell. Why devalue the product so soon and before Xmas when you could make a bit of margin on "Underground Ernie" and use that to subsidise another slow selling line. Its not for me though to question the wisdom of some retailers.

All I would say is take advantage of any bargain offers on "Underground Ernie".

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Gary @ 20 Nov 2006, 19:56) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>There are times when I think dealers are absolutely stupid. This is in limited supply and is going to sell. Why devalue the product so soon and before Xmas when you could make a bit of margin on "Underground Ernie" and use that to subsidise another slow selling line.
Happy modelling
Gary

Some "box shifters" are happy to make 5p profit just to stop another "box shifter" making 10p.

 

[Gary]

I am surprised at the size of the Bachmann track mat. 8ft x 4ft is too big for practical use for most homes in the UK which may have a spare room that is say 10ft x 10ft max with furniture. It won't fit under a bed. This seems to have been something designed with the USA in mind.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Doug]

Regarding pricing:

I haven't looked at the MPRP or Hattons, but one think I know is that the Christmas toy market is hot. If your price is not right you won't sell your product - and you are comparing it not only to other trains, but also to Power Rangers, Lego and Pirates of the Caribbean ships. All are roughly in that price range.

 

[Gary]

Fair comment.

Underground Ernie is not a hobby line but a toy line and I have overlooked this. It is unlikely that many will be shifted through traditional hobby outlets and that it has to appear on the shelves at Tesco, Toys R Us, Woolworths, Carrefour, Leclerc and such like before the volume sales will be made.

I wonder how it will be priced if and when it goes on sale in Wall Mart in the USA?

Happy modelling
Gary