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.