In the Model Rail interview published July 2007, Simon Kohler, (given the typical 18 month to 2 year lead time in model development,) probably referred to what Hornby already had in the pipeline for 2009. As I recall it what he said was 'have to look North of the Thames now, we have done an awful lot of Southern locos'; and he confirmed that the T9 had been measured up (among others), which I took at the time as a sign that a model of this prototype was a 'definite'. Mentioning a specific type as one of several you have measured up, while concealing the identities of the others, says to me 'this one is a go'.
Likewise when reviewing what was useable from the Lima range, there was also a mention of the 201 as a possible using the running gear developed for the 59. Again that says to me 'it is on the radar' wouldn't be surprised to see that in the 2009 programme.
When it came to a specific question about upgrading the GWR models the answer was interesting: 'if the market demands it'. Now I want an 'all-singing and dancing' Castle and 28XX, so when next in front of one of my friendly retailers I pointed this out and said, the 'the market' AKA 'me' wants these two models redone to Hornby's top standard. Said retailer laughed, and gave as his opinion that a redo will only occur when the present tools wear out, because GWR models sell as they are. He reckoned that in model quality terms the GWR is a victim of its' own success in 'brand image'. If younger modellers decide on a company or region in the steam era, it is usually GWR or BR(WR), because it can still be seen in 'holiday country' all across Southwest England. And the present quality satisfies that market demand.
There was also more from SK later (cannot remember where published) regarding wagons as the priority in rolling stock, and some of that has now started to emerge, but wagons of a quality to match the recent locos and coaches remain the weakness in Hornby's range so I would expect more, much more.
So now we are looking at 2009 and beyond. There's still the Schools and BR std 4MT 4-6-0 to appear from the 2008 programme, both South of Thames types. Once they are out could we see more exploitation of (expensively) developed 4-4-0 and 0-4-4 chassis design, aimed 'North of Thames'. Maybe on the same pattern as the SR 4-4-0's Hornby might do the final 'big un' (having done them all before!), and something older, but completely new to the range.
LMS: 4P compound, and something small old and pretty like a Dunalastair?
LNER: D49, and the ex GCR Director? (Latter did well in most wanted polls)
GWR: County, and Truro? (For some unaccountable reason this latter always speeds to the top of 'wanted' lists.)
There's no track record in 0-4-4's, other than the M7, but there's stuff crying out to be done.
Which LMS 0-4-4T? Midland or Scottish? tough choice.
LNER 0-4-4T, the ex NER G5 project may have caught Hornby's eye.
As for wagons, I have to believe that they will do more BR Blue to present day freight stock. With classes 56, 58, 59, 60, 66 and 67 all in their range, and practically no suitable wagon models to current standard to go with them, they must be helping Bachmann's, Haljan's and Dapol's wagon sales no end. What I don't know is where the gaps in coverage are, but hopefully Hornby have a fix on that and will plug them.
Regarding modern traction, with the HST out, the class 91 is going to receive the same treatment as night follows day. Hornby need rid of that ringfield motor, and with a good four axle drive in the parts bin... Will they tackle the Mk3 and 4 coaches and bring them up to Pullman standard? Hope so, but not holding my breath, think that will wait for the economy to improve.