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.

A selection of possibilities is given below. Please tick only those that your would genuinely purchase, bearing in mind these locos will only be produced if we obtain sufficient demand to meet Bachmann’s minimum order criteria.

We will contact you if we secure enough interest in models that are of interest. All responses will be entered into a prize draw to receive their next limited edition free of charge!*
* (single loco non-sound fitted value)

Click here to e-mail your vote.

Or fill out the form below and send it to us at:
RAIL EXPRESS (Class 37 Model Survey),
20 Park Street
Kings Cliffe
Near Peterborough PE8 6XN

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.

Readers may recall our original proposal to commission a 4mm scale model from Dapol. For a number of reasons, this plan stalled and in an effort to make sure the DVT actually saw the light of day; we approached Hornby and offered the Margate firm our research package.

The completely new model is an obvious addition to Hornby’s range, allowing modellers to at last recreate authentic Mk. 3 push-pull passenger rakes that were an everyday sight on the WCML and still see use today on the London–Norwich route. Indeed the two initial colour schemes will be Virgin Trains and ‘One’ Railway.

The model is highly specified with working lights and opening cab doors. The recommended retail price is £49.99. A third livery, in the form of EWS silver, is available as part of a special EWS train pack (RRP £179.99). However, as part of this deal, we are making these products available at very competitive shop prices – see the order form for more details.

To reserve your models please click the link for the downloadable order form, print it out and return it to us ASAP by mail (or fax to 01780 470060). Please note that we cannot accept any orders after August 1st so please act promptly. Delivery is expected in early October. We will only take payment once the models are ready for despatch. Orders sent in via this form will be treated with priority.

For further information or to order by phone contact us on 01780 470086 during office hours. Communication by mail or fax is preferred as we are extremely busy at present.

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.

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.

Of course, it will still take a few weeks to get customs clearance and arrange despatch to our premises. After that, sending them out is a major logistical exercise for our small team, but we hope to have this completed by mid-July. Please bear with us during this time and we request that you only make telephone enquiries if they are essential or relate to payment issues.

We can report that Bachmann has done a superb job. Limited numbers of both the Direct Rail Services and BR Thornaby steel packs from our ‘reserve supply’ are still available to purchase but with new customers becoming aware they are imminent, they are not expected to last long. Call us now on 01780 470086 if you don’t want to miss out. Options for further flush-fronted Class 37/5s and 37/7s are being considered for 2010 release – let us know what you want!

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.

The decoration and detailing is superb and with a few minor corrections advised, production has now been approved with an autumn release still scheduled. This will, of course, be the first ‘low-emission’ 4mm scale Class 66 to feature the newest style of headlight arrangement.

Nearly all of the run has already been reserved so if you are still undecided you are advised to make a quick decision. Limited numbers of both the sound-fitted and standard versions are still available but for how much longer, we cannot say.

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.

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.

All six models, to be released in pairs over May to July, cover locomotives currently seen on the national network. The colourful selection being drawn from four different operators.

May sees the release of a special twin pack of Network Rail Class 97/3s (ex-Class 37), featuring bright yellow-liveried Nos. 97302 & 97304 John Tiley (Cat Ref. V2031).

The following month sees ViTrains go all-over maroon with a pair of West Coast Railway Company locomotives. Class 47/7 No. 47787 is a recent addition to the real life WCRC fleet (Cat Ref. V2095), as is ‘refurbished’ Class 37/7 No. 37706 (Cat Ref. V2080), one of two ‘Heavyweights’ currently working for the Carnforth-based firm. Notably No. 47787 has a flush former headcode panel at both ends so it will be interesting to see if ViTrains’ model represents this correctly.

Finally, July will bring Cotswold Rail silver Class 47/8 No. 47828, named after the lead singer of the Clash, Joe Strummer (Cat Ref. V2094), and another ‘refurbished’ English Electric Type 3 in the form of Direct Rail Services ‘Compass’-liveried Class 37/5 No. 37682 (Cat Ref. V2082). The Cotswold Class 47 is one of number of the type to feature the ‘green spot’ multiple working socket on the cab front.

More details can be found in the ViTrains flyer reproduced below:

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.

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.

A full review of this all new model will appear in the next issue of RAIL EXPRESS Modeller, but for now here are a few pictures of the locomotive.

All photographs by Philip Sutton. Please do not reproduce any of these elsewhere without permission.

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.