As usual, REM does not miss the opportunity to promote models it is commissioning and the news in this issue is the planned release of two Class 03 diesel shunters in Rail blue livery. There are also twin packs of the specially commissioned Class 37/7 'Heavyweights'.

Reviews include the Hornby Virgin Mk3b DVT, Dapol N gauge Class 66/3 in Fastline livery and 'leafbusting' kits from S-Kits. There is also a critique on the Hattons/Heljan Class 14.

by John Cherry

The principle of ‘Snippets’ is to highlight individual items of interest for the railway modeller. It is not specifically intended as a book review item, but when such a volume comes along, that has so much to offer the modeller, it is hard to choose just one item.

The new Book Law publication by Keith Pirt is a gem of superb colour photographs of Southern locomotive classes, especially of the types that we now have in ready-to-run form. The whole book is delightful and will not disappoint.

To justify a ‘Snippet’, I have chosen just two items, one being WC 4-6-0 No.34021 ‘Dartmoor’. She was seen near Beaulieu Road in July 1967 with a formation of a Southern 4-wheeled van, a Bulleid 3-set, a Thompson full brake and BR GUV.

The second is of T9 4-4-0 No.30708 shunting at Padstow in July 1957 with a very long variety of rolling stock.

-----

It looks like another expensive year from Bachmann. This is not a criticism, just an observation. They have a BR Standard 4 tank listed as having the early BR emblem. This loco was the last steam loco built at Brighton works and turned out in 1957. It only ever ran with the later emblem and was the only one of the class to do so. If Bachmann are modelling it, as just built, then the emblem on the right hand tank side needs to have the lion facing forward, to be accurate.

I hope this information is of some help to Bachmann,

Alan Gelson

-----

Thankyou Pat and Dennis for the list of projected Bachmann models.

What a delectable smargasbord of miniature masterpieces! Every time I think that mass-produced models have reached a 'plateau' in quality-for-price, I am proved wrong. We don't know the future of production and distribution costs, nor exchange rates, Bachmann having courted the 'Hundred Pound Plus' area for some time with such as the 9F., and thankfully still produce variants of older models at very low prices, to some extent obviating the need for a parallel 'RailRoad' range as per Hornby.

Current business confidence in 'our' industry is such that prices may be set optimistically low, a boon for buyers.

It seems to me that Bachmann are making wise choices with limited new 00 steam models; and the S & D J R 7F just begs for early liveries - perhaps a 'special edition' sponsored by a retailer. It is nice to see so many BR Mk1 carriages, which have become rare in shops. We are still to see non-gangwayed stock, or 4-4-2s in 00 scale from either of the 'Big Two', but there are a few choices left in the box of future projects, and in ten years the market for Atlantics might have contracted?

All in all, "absolutely fabulous".

Robbie McGavin - NZ

-----

Many thanks for printing this information fresh off the press. I am really looking forward to buying a Derby Lightweight 2-car set. Perhaps, in time, Bachmann can produce models of the 2 single cars M79900 and M79901, both of which were different (were they converted at time of construction from a 2-car unit?). M79900 still exists - I am not sure what happened to M79901 - but I think it was cut up some years ago.

Nick Lamkin

-----

Now we know what is in the pipeline for the next 18 months or so, it is interesting to compare Hornby's and Bachmann's relative strategies. I believe both companies have given us, the public, a good spread of products. Bachmann, though, appear to have struck a chord with the announced excellent S&D 7F, which is sure to be a winner with Brian Macdermott and they have, in my opinion, taken more risks. Both companies appear to have listened to the public regarding 0-6-0 locos which is good.

My big disappointment this year is that neither company has recognised GWR 175 which I feel is shameful considering they produce British outline. Whilst I welcome the S&D 7F, we now have the prospect of three 2-8-0 tender heavy goods locos this year and yet again the two obvious candidates for production the 42XX and 72XX have again been overlooked, not to mention one of the finest 2-8-0 locos built, the 47XX. Still, we should not grumble, but aside from adding to my 'Castle' fleet, my wallet will remain relatively un-bruised.

-----

Thank you for a very detailed listing of new Bachmann products. I was surprised but very pleased to see Bachmann are intending to bring out the Midland Railway 7F and 3F. The 7F is the main surprise, as the class were small in numbers and limited in their sphere of operation; however, they are a very distinctive design, the outside motion should make for a visual treat when it's running.

I am mostly surprised at the lack of a new LNER loco. I felt certain Bachmann would come up with a Q6, J27 or similar, given the amount of correspondence on the matter.

Did Bachmann give any insight about their thinking with choosing which classes to model?

-----

My sincere thanks to our Editor for the excellent and comprehensive details of the new Bachmann programme. In addition, what a inspired choice of locomotives with the S&D 7F and the Johnson Midland 3F - both very commendable and highly desired. Well done Bachmann and also a big thank you is due to Brian Macdermott for his endless efforts in pursuit of a ready-to-run 7F.

Now, please can we just sit back and wait and see how these materialise before we start seeing the messages of "can we have this version or that version?" - the seed has been sown - let's see them grow first!

John Cherry

-----

I notice that under the Farish brand is a new model of the original Deltic. This implies that the NRM have no intention of releasing this subject themselves in this scale. One would have thought that the opportunities that the 4mm version presented would be mirrored with a 2mm version especially for an organisation allegedly in need of funds.

It also again raises the thought in my mind that the potential for exploitation of the market by the issuing of limited editions which, while pleasing to those who can obtain one and are prepared to pay a premium price for them, may not work in the interests of the wider modelling community and ergo, the manufacturers in the long run.

I note that on the Bachmann website the RRP for the new 7F is shown as £129.95 and the 3F is £69.95. Much better value for money in my mind than the prices charged for certain more recent limited editions.

Bachmann’s overall announcement is to my mind very practical although I am a little mystified over the relatively low number of coaches listed.

Bachmann, Hornby, Dapol, et al, are serving our hobby exceedingly well at the moment.

A 2mm version of the Prototype Deltic will be a much bigger gamble than the 00 version was as the 2mm market is a lot smaller. There are better bets for the NRM to put their money on and which should guarantee them decent returns. I understand that work is already progressing on the next one. It's identity is not known to me - so don't ask.

-----

Colm Flanagan asked (8 March) how to blacken Hornby coupling rods. The short answer is to use (logically enough!) a proprietary metal blackening chemical compound. There are several types and some experiment may be necessary to find what works best on the plated steel used by Hornby. These compounds do, of course, have many other modelling applications.

Those, like Ken Darville, who enjoy a little danger in their modelling lives will be thrilled to know that these compounds are mildly corrosive and toxic.

Nick Stanbury

-----

Colm Flanagan asked about blackening of Hornby coupling (and presumably other parts of valve gear).

There are two ways of doing this, but first he must make sure the rods are free of grease and oil. I used Isopropyl alcohol for this. Once they have dried he can either use the cheap method of a black felt tip or fibre tip pen. Or alternatively he can use a chemical blackener such as 'Gun Blue'. But he must be careful and use gloves when handling this lethal chemical. I talk from experience on this and had to be prescribed medication to clear the skin irritation caused by handling this substance some years ago.

Nick Lamkin

Right now I am trying to devise a way to film all my Hornby SR engines, especially variant and rare N15s ('King Arthur' and 'King Uther'), or the weathered 30764 and 30799. The latter I rate as the finest of factory-weathered Hornby engines. Bachmann's stunning best weathered R-T-R loco is Standard Class 5MT 73050. Both models are still available for must surely be very low prices. Both are stunning examples of modelling art. ... and they run smoothly!

The art I speak of is the currently available N15 which may be seen at 2.03 .. 2 min 20 seconds into; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXDnZwEy6g&feature=channel

Apologies, if you have seen these before. I don't think these beautiful models will be replicated at the price in a few years.

Robbie McGavin

I'm not sure David Smith is right [Monday's letters] in saying that the 2-2 bell code 'Engine assisting in rear of train' would not be sent if the assisting engine was not passing through the entire block section but 'dropping off' before.

The case he cites, of engines assisting down trains over the Somerset & Dorset line, south of Binegar, is a different one, since these were given a 'bank engine staff', i.e. what was in effect a single-line token to occupy the section as far as Masbury summit, before leaving the train to go on and themselves to run back 'wrong line' to Binegar. In this case, the banker was protected by the token and the signals could not be cleared until the token was returned to the machine in Binegar box. Without this protection, there was a danger of an accident. Sending the 2-2 signal was a way of reminding the signalmen that the section was still occupied, even though the main train had cleared it.

Neil Burgess

-----

The Somerset & Dorset used the 2-2 code at Evercreech Junction for Up freights. However, freights assisted from Bath towards Midford and from Binegar used only a Banking Engine staff, and were not belled as 2-2. This was because the assisting engine didn't go right through the section. The one towards Midford ran back along the single line from Combe Down Tunnel to Bath Junction. The one through Binegar picked up a Banking Key from the end of the platform, which enabled it to run back 'wrong line' from Masbury Summit.

A variation on a theme for Colin Fraser-Davies.

Brian Macdermott

This subject has been aired on other forums but does not seem to have appeared in MREmag. Hornby have issued their 4 compartment brakes Nos. S3720 and 3721 with the set number 208 correctly painted on them, but with the droplights painted brown. The other two coaches forming set 208 were FK S7407 (R4303E) and TK S1129 (R4302E) and these have been issued earlier with the droplights painted green. Presumably the brown paint is an error perpetrated by China, as the carriages have appeared in the catalogue with green droplights. Would Simon K. like to appraise us of his reaction to this problem? If we all have to resort to repainting the offending droplights, can anyone suggest the closest paint match to that used by Hornby. I appreciate that a bit of weathering will partially get rid of any mismatch that might occur. While on the subject of set No. 208, does anyone know if it was latterly broken up and re-formed into a 3 car set, and if so what vehicle (and its running number) was used?

John Goss

I was interested to note Bill Towers comments on Monday over the Hornby 0-6-0 chassis DCC upgrade's and your own added comment.

The biggest surprise was that Hornby now seem to be the proprietors of the J72 an ex-NER engine made by Bachmann. I think you both mean the J83 an ex-NB engine.....

Having said that, you are right in your comment about the quality of the J83 body which must now be easily the oldest in the main Hornby loco range. As a former NB study group chairman I chin Simon Kohler each year about this very subject and, gentleman as ever, Simon says, "we are gradually upgrading the old models year by year". This is evidenced by the forthcoming upgrade announced for the 'Footballer'.

I wait patiently but the quote of "a competitive price", for the upgraded 0-6-0s does not fill me with hope for a better J83 body yet - although I still think it offers Hornby a great prospect, as it can be produced in NB, LNER and BR lined and unlined liveries offering maximum scope for sales.

On another topic I was the man who stood up for the production of the 'Clan' and can I now say what a cracking model. I bought my model as I promised and it seems that many of my acquaintance have done likewise. I hope Simon's vision in producing this loco has been rewarded.

I might also compliment Bachmann on their ambitious programme....including LNER goods stock at last.

I too was keen to receive, at last, my green Class 14. On unpacking it, I found the cabside steps broken and Superglued them back. The white light at the long bonnet end does not work and I am not sure what to do about that. I had no trouble fitting the headcodes but added another sliver of cream coloured paper behind the code to dull the illumination a little.

Performance is superb. Smooth and quiet Worth the price ? I think so.

Pete Blencowe

Heljan advise that the new Class 15 locos are arriving in Denmark on Wednesday and will start to be shipped to the shops early next week.

Les Kent - Haslington Models.