Page updated ... January 5

New CAD for Heljan Class 33 (Dec)

HELJAN has announced the forthcoming release of new OO gauge BRCW type 3 (BR Class 33) locomotives. Two versions are planned, replicating the 'as-built' version and later modified versions of the Class 33/0—both benefiting from all new CAD.

Models planned for release soon include D65XX with original exhaust/roof layout: D6507 and D6577 in early BR green livery, D6510 in BR green livery with small yellow warning panels, D6530 in BR green livery with experimental small yellow panels with round top corners and D6570 in BR green livery with full yellow ends and BR coach style roundels.

Later Class 33/0 models with revised exhaust/roof layout will comprise: D6506 in BR blue with full yellow ends, 6544 in BR blue with full yellow ends, 33003 in BR blue with full yellow ends, 33002 'Sea King' in engineers yellow & grey livery and  33033 in Railfreight Construction sector triple grey livery.

Transfer success (Dec)

FEARS over the long term future of Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) transfers have been averted, the society reports, thanks to the purchase of a large consignment of ‘Duplex’  paper from the Far East, which should be sufficient for many years to come. Priority is being given to re-printing the more popular sheets and it will be some months before everything is back in stock once more.

Bachmann 101 arrivals (Dec)

THE remaining two livery samples for the Class 101 DMU in OO scale have been received at Bachmann's HQ. These units were common across the UK on suburban and cross country services and the two-car models will feature alternative cab fronts and roofs, directional and interior lighting and single DCC decoder operation.

Four Class 101s are being produced : BR Green with speed whiskers (32-285), in BR Green with yellow warning panel (32-286), BR Blue & Grey(32-287) and BR Blue (32-288). The SRP is £129.95 and the first models are likely to appear in 2014.

Dukedogs update...(Dec)

BACHMANN have taken delivery of production samples for the forthcoming GWR 3200 Earl Class (the popular 'Dukedogs') locomotives in OO scale. They feature heavy die-cast alloy frames with prototypical realistic outside motion and all new tender tooling.

Three models are expected to be available in late December/January: 31-085 in BR Black Early Emblem (Weathered), 31-086 in BR Black Early Emblem and 31-087DC in GWR Green.

Keeping time... (Dec)

A SET of station clocks has joined the ever growing range of Metcalfe Mini Kits. The set consists of three fine detailed laser-cut card kits—a wall mounted station clock and two overhead station clocks. Designed to complement the firm's station and canopy kits, they come with a large selection of clock face options, including GWR, LNER and blank sets.

End of the line (Nov)

KERNOW Model Railway Centre's line of 'exclusive specials' from Dapol has come to an end, following the Cornish retailer's decision to manage the production in China of its own line of models, including the 00-gauge Adams O2 and LSWR Gate Stock.

Dapol have indicated that because of "KMRC’s implied intention to establish themselves as a manufacturer ... to continue to offer KMRC first choice of special editions from our range would be unfair to our other dealers, and ultimately disadvantageous to our customers."

The models affected, including the Class 73, Bubble Cars, and Class 22s, will become part of Dapol's 'mainstream' range and will not carry the price premium associated with special editions, says Dapol.

KMRC say that Dapol have cancelled outstanding special projects worth £275,000 with the exception of the OO-gauge models of D1003V Western Ruler and B850ZA and B850ZB Weathered Silver Bullets, which are already in production.

Pioneers arrive...(Nov)

BACHMANN has received supplies of two versions of its models of the pioneering LMS Twin Locos, number 10000 in BR Brunswick Green with orange/black/orange lining (31-995) and in Brunswick Green with partial eggshell blue waistband(31-996). Both should now be in dealers stock. Delivery of 10001 in Brunswick Green with blue waistband and yellow panels (31-997) is expected soon.

Keeping it clean! (Nov)

BURNHAM and District MRC has decided not to add a 'factory weathered' finish to its growing range of Limited Edition wagons.

The club says that after a lot of thought it has decided against it on the grounds that many of the wagons have expensive logos applied and it would be a shame if they were subsequently obliterated.

It was also felt that modellers who want 'dirt' vary in their requirements — from grime to light dusting — and it would be impossible to get it right!

Atlantic planned (Nov)

BACHMANN has announced plans to produce OO scale models of the Southern Railway's 'Brighton Atlantic' locomotives. Designed by D.E. Marsh for the London, Brighton and South Cost Railway (LB&SCR) and introduced in 1911-1912, these 4-4-2 locomotives were originally designated Class H2 and for many years hauled top link expresses. Two versions are planned for release in 2015.

New wagon for show (Nov)

HIGH Wycombe and District Model Railway Society produced a private owner wagon for sale at the club stand at WYCRAIL, held on Saturday November 2 at Cressex Community School, High Wycombe. The wagon, which costs £14.50, carries the livery of Baines & Son, coal merchants. The firm, based at 20 Frogmore, High Wycombe, was one of the largest transport companies in the area.

Better ballast (Oct)

PECO has introduced a new range of track ballast, which replaces its old range (PS-26 to PS-30) which has been withdrawn and discontinued. The new range is available in three grades (fine, medium and coarse), two colours (grey and brown) and 'clean' or weathered. Each of the 12 different varieties is supplied in a bag containing approximately 250g of ballast.

Western delayed... (Oct)

THE Western Locomotive Association’s specially commissioned OO version of Western Courier has been delayed, says manufacturer Dapol, due to production problems and the need to get the model as perfect as possible. However, models were expected to be available for dispatch at the end of September or beginning of October.

Motoring on... (Oct)

ROSS-ON-WYE-based manufacturers Comet Models has announced a new motor/gearbox assembly featuring a combination of a Swiss made coreless motor and British made crossed helical gears, which are fitted to a self assembly nickel silver gearbox etch. The company has also recently released an updated nickel silver chassis for the LMS Coronation class.

New products  (Oct)

METCALFE Models and Toys has recently introduced three new items for OO scale modellers, ultra fine tip glue applicators (a pack of three), scale picnic tables (two round, one square, with a variety of umbrella designs) and scale platform benches (four single and one double) designed to accompany the firm's station kits.