Author: Andy Carter

CAS Weekly 09/03/12

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Modelling

Shameless Self Promotion

UK Rail

  • As Virgin take over running of the East Coast Mainline from a public operator, the BBC asks could or should we renationalise the railways?
  • London Bridge chaos returns as commuters have to jump the ticket barriers to escape a crush…
  • …and not to feel left out Oxford Circus has a go too.
  • The not so secret Diary of a TfL apprentice.
  • Speaking of TfL, they are planning to develop the site around Southwark tube station.
  • …and Diamond Geezer asks is this best or worst tube station entrance on the network?
  • Going to a part of London you’re unfamiliar with but need to find nearby pubs and restaurants? TubeNav might be your answer. Could have used this the other night when I was looking for a curry house in Islington…
  • Want to see Manchester Victoria’s metrolink station rebuilt in 60 seconds? Of course you do.

Review: Hornby Class 50

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Every modeller no doubt has a ‘wish list’ of locos he or she wants to buy. Usually they are very long wish lists and of course I am no different. Every model I have reviewed thus far had previously featured on my list of desirables. Today, however, something different… Something of which I’m sure every other modeller has done too… The Impulse Purchase!

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Let’s see if it’s any good…

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Bachmann 2015 Range

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Yesterday Bachmann announced it’s UK 2015 range. Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc, had this to say:

“as a company we continue to meet new challenges. Our parent company, Kader Industries, has faced a major reorganisation which involved transferring plant and production from a former factory into the main Kader complex. Faced with continuing price rises across the board, we have taken some difficult decisions but will continue to produce top quality products to meet the increasing demands of railway modellers”

You’ll notice the list bellow is a fairly modest one. Bachmann have admitted and acknowledged that they needed to focus on consolidating all it’s previously proposed releases – Some of which we are still waiting to see working prototypes of – The OO Class 90, proposed last year for example.

Nevertheless there are some nice additions to the range which will no doubt get modelers excited. Under the Graham Farish N Gauge brand, Bachmann have added a Class 20 twin pack in Hunslet Weed Killer livery. They’ve also released the accompanying adapted MK1’s and TTA tankers (sold separately) to complete the full formation.

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Image by Bachmann

Bachmann have also announced a special edition version of it’s ever popular Midland Pullman train. The set will also feature a pack of stewards and train crew figures, reproduction menu card and a first edition copy of the latest Blue Pullman book by Kevin Robertson. All marvelously presented in one of Bachmanns new artwork-print boxes. If it’s anything like the special edition Railway Children pack recently reviewed on IC82’s YouTube channel this will certainly be a sought after and impressive set.

Other highlights of the announcement include Ransomes & Rapier Steam Cranes, DCC J32s, a Freightliner Class 70 and a SouthWest Trains Class 350 Desiro. Damn and blast! Why won’t they do a First TransPennine version?! 

For the definitive list of announcements (including the Scenecraft range) I thoroughly recommend a visit to this RMWeb post. It also features a full list of re-releases of existing items and details of where in the development process Bachmann are with their previous 2014 announcements!

Cover Image from Bachmann.

CAS Weekly 01/03/15

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Oswald Lawrence (BBC)

Modelling

  • Hornby showcase some prototypes at Model Rail Scotland.
  • Adding crews to your locos from Jonathan Malton @ LocoYard.

UK Rail

  • East Coast rail franchise back in private hands as Virgin takes over running of the line this morning.
  • Take a look at this moving piece from the London Short Film festival by Luke Flanagan: ‘Mind The Gap‘ the tale of Oswald Lawrence.
  • The government promises that Northern Pacers will finally be out of service by 2020…
  • …whilst it looks likely Class 150 Sprinters will be refurbished and live on.
  • How does TfL close all it’s ticket offices? Diamond Geezer has the answers.
  • Banbury depot to be brought back into use.
  • The UK’s first third-rail compatible ballast cleaner has been ordered at a price tag of £50 million.
  • RailwayManiac looks at what might have happened had Nottingham Victoria survived closure.
  • Stations that look like other stations by TheBeautyOfTransport.
  • Geoff Marshall now has a mailing list where you can sign up to hear about the latest ‘Tube Tours’ that he runs.
  • Commuters using Brixton tube station: Beware!

World Rail

Coming Soon!

  • My trip to the world’s largest model railway in Hamburg… watch this space.

Cover Image by Virgin Trains East Coast showing proposed new IEP trains.