Help choose our next Special Edition

Pick the Class 37s that you’d like to see us produce next and you can win your next RAIL EXPRESS locomotive!

FOLLOWING THE TREMENDOUS success of our Class 37/5 ‘twin packs’ we are moving forward on a number of projects including further Class 37s featuring our refurbished flush front noses. This is your chance to influence the choice of future models and liveries.

Be one of the first to own Hornby’s new Mk. 3 DVT

Jump the queue for Hornby’s Mk. 3b Driving Van Trailer.

RAIL EXPRESS magazine is delighted to be able to offer readers a special purchase opportunity on Hornby’s recently announced 4mm scale ‘OO’ gauge model of the Mk. 3b Driving Van Trailer. As a special ‘thank you’ to collectors that supported our campaign to get this vehicle produced we have reached agreement with Hornby to provide you with the chance of securing some of the first models off the production line.

New issue: REM63 July 2009

REM63: Bachmann’s Class 150 – first review!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 158.
In the July issue:

• News: Hornby announces a summer surprise model in the form of the Mk. 3b Driving Van Trailer, due for release in September. We show off the first picture of our forthcoming Fastline Freight Class 66/3 from Bachmann, along with the new Hattons/Heljan Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’, while Flangeway’s Tinsley snowplough pairing is also illustrated. There are also new kits and parts from Shawplan, PH Designs, Chivers and S-Kits.
• Reviews: It’s been under development for years but we’ve finally got our hands on a production version of Bachmann’s new 4mm scale model of a DMU icon, the Class 150. As one of the most anticipated releases of recent years we ask if it is a super ‘Sprinter’ or just pedestrian!
• Pictorial: Having attended the DEMU Showcase Event in early June, REM presents a selection of the layouts on show, along with a run down of the latest models on display in ‘N’, ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauges. There are painted samples of the new Hornby Class 395 ‘Javelin’ as well as the buffer-fitted HST power car, Graham Farish’s Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ and Dapol’s Class 67 locomotive.

• Modelling: Planned for a ready-to-run release later in the year, Replica Railways has produced its forthcoming BR(S) Class 419 Motor Luggage Van in kit form first. Chris Ibbotson builds one up as Royal Mail-livered No. 9004.
• Serial: Although the Perth show has been and gone, the Barrowmore boys describe the final preparations for the Scottish show. Witness the incredible scenic transistion of the project from the baseboards of past issues to an almost fully sceniced layout – at the Holyhead end at least.
• Specials: You can still purchase our forthcoming Bachmann limited edition locomotive, which represents Fastline Freight Class 66/3 No. 66301 and is based on the well-regarded ‘OO’ gauge model. There are also details of out ViTrains Class 47 double-pack of Colas Rail-liveried machines, Nos. 47727 Rebecca & 47749 Demelza.
• Comment: Building a layout to the correct 18.83mm gauge using ‘P4′ standards has never been easier but many misconceptions about this sector of the hobby persist. Terry Bendall indulges in a spot of mythbusting prompted by a comment in a previous issue of RAIL EXPRESS Modeller.

Action stations as our 37/5s hit the UK

It’s been quite the delay, but the RAIL EXPRESS/Bachmann special editions are here and they are worth the wait!

WITH FULLY FINISHED production samples – in new style packaging – jetted in especially for us to display at the recent DEMU Showcase, REM is delighted to report that our five limited edition Class 37/5 models are now on the UK dockside.

First picture: RE’s Fastline Class 66/3

The pre-production sample of our Fastline Freight Type 5.

BACHMANN IS MAKING major advances in clearing the log jam of products delayed in China. Indication of this was the surprise arrival a few days ago of the approval sample of our exclusive Fastline Freight Class 66/3 limited edition locomotive.

New issue: REM62 June 2009

REM62: Check out our new limited edition!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 157.
 In the June issue:

• News: ViTrains reveals six new reliveries, including the Network Rail Class 97/3s Nos. 97302 & 97304 John Tiley, Just Like The Real Thing releases the Class 20 in ‘O’ gauge, while Dapol’s ‘N’ Mk. 3s hit the shops in a host of colours along with the second run of 4mm scale container liveries. Judith Edge kits also unveils three new kits for the Hunslet 35-ton 0-4-0, Thomas Hill Steelman 0-6-0 and Conflat P wagon.
• Reviews: There is a review of Dapol’s ‘N’ gauge Class 156, which shows some impressive features that we’d like to see more of in 4mm scale. We also take a brief look at the latest releases from Bachmann, which includes a ‘Turbostar’ in the colourful colours of London Midland.
• Specials: You can still purchase our forthcoming Bachmann limited edition locomotive, which represents Fastline Freight Class 66/3 No. 66301 and is based on the well-regarded ‘OO’ gauge model. There are also details of out ViTrains Class 47 double-pack of Colas Rail-liveried machines, Nos. 47727 Rebecca & 47749 Demelza.

• Layout: The Wath arm of the Woodhead route is the subject for our main layout feature, as we visit Alan Whitehouse’s Mini-MSW. This incredible 2mm finescale slice of the much-missed 1,500V dc electrified main line features Class 76s that have to be seen to be believed!
• Serial: The Barrowmore Group shows off the latest developments to its 18.83mm/‘P4′ Mostyn layout, including the first image of the extended layout set up in the clubrooms. With the Perth show fast approaching, the you can keep up to date with their amazing progress here.
 • Diary: June is a big month for modern modellers as both societies catering for this era – Diesel & Electric Modellers United and MIGO+1 – have their annual shows. We provide full details for both of these exhibitions.

ViTrains goes contemporary

The latest announcements from ViTrains have an up-to-date theme.

SEEMINGLY UNDETERRED BY the economic downturn, Italian R-T-R manufacturer ViTrains continues its busy schedule of releases, and it has today outlined its new Class 37 and Class 47 models for the next three months.

New issue: REM61 May 2009

REM61: European Union
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 156.
In the May issue:

• News: Hornby shows off pre-production samples of its new Class 395 ‘Javelin’ EMU model, Graham Farish announces new liveries on its Class 66 model and two new books are previewed covering wagon modelling and Scottish layout projects.

• Reviews: The first full review of Heljan’s long awaited ‘OO’ gauge ‘Clayton’ model comes to some interesting conclusions, even before the widely reported motor issues came to light. Respected modellers Peter Johnson and Tony Wood have gone into great detail and their words are required reading before making a purchase. We also take a look at Dapol’s new ‘N’ gauge DVT which heralds a raft of WCML products.

• Detailing: ‘The finest representation of a Class 47 yet produced’ was how we described the ViTrains model. Complementing our main magazine feature on the popular Railfreight Distribution European livery we take two models and give them a major upgrade and repaint to represent Nos. 47186 Catcliffe Demon and 47228 axial.

• Exhibitions: There’s plenty of shows to visit if you are looking for a day out in May. Two of the biggest and best are previewed – the ‘EM’ Gauge Society’s main annual exhibition (at Bracknell Leisure Centre not Bletchley as advertised) and the Risborough & District Railex gathering in Aylesbury. There’s plenty of superb diesel modelling to see including several previously featured layouts.

• Serial: The Mostyn extention boards have been completed so now is the time to start the preliminary wiring. With the soldering iron dusted off, a simple job transforms into a major upgrade as the decision is made to improve the existing wiring at the same time… but the benefits should be well worth the effort.

Heljan Clayton hits the shops

British Railway’s ’standard’ Type 1 is released in ‘OO’.

ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR release in the middle of last year, ready-to-run manufacturer Heljan is finally shipping the first examples of its 4mm scale Clayton Type 1 Bo-Bo (TOPS Class 17). Never a success on the real railway, the Danish firm will be hoping that the quirky nature of these machines will be more appealing to modellers.

New issue: REM60 April 2009

REM60: Check out our new limited edition!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 155.
 In the April issue:

 • Specials: We unveil our second model annoucement of 2009, and our main limited edition release for the year. This represents Fastline Freight Class 66/3 No. 66301 and is based on the well-regarded Bachmann ‘OO’ gauge model.
• News: Pete Waterman’s Just Like The Real Thing range is to produce the Woodhead Class 76 EM1 dc electrics in 7mm scale. Two limited edition Bachman ‘Sprinter’ DMUs are to be produced – Liverpool Model Shop Hattons will release a Merseyrail-liveried unit, while Peterborough retailer Trains4U is to market the original Provincial painted Class 150/1s. Dapol reveals plans to produce a ‘Pocket’ intemodal wagon in ‘N’ and ‘OO’ with matching ‘high cube’ containers. DC Kits releases a kit for the Mk. 2f DBSO.
 • News extra: Bachmann unveils its plans for the next year, which include some real surprises. There is also an update on the latest news from Heljan and Murphy Models.
• Reviews: The Italian manufacturer ViTrains has already released its second batch of four Class 47s, which include some tooling differences. There are also two new Class 37s. We take a look at all six new locomotives.

• Layout: We visit Cornish china clay country in this portrait of Wheal Elizabeth, Andrew Ullyott’s 18.83mm/‘P4’ project which features stock from the 1950s-1980s. The layout was built for the Scalefour Society/DEMU D&E challenge competition, claiming the runner-up position.
• Serial: The boys from Barrowmore pass the point of no return on Mostyn’s layout extension as the two hidden sidings entrance boards are irrevocably modified! Keep up to date with the project’s ’screw-o-meter’…
 • Diary: There is a run down of the exhibitions in April with significant diesel and electric era layout interest. The best of the month includes Scalefour North, York, Epsom & Ewell and Stowmarket.