New issue: REM77 September 2010

REM77: Stunning layout features, top news!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 172.
In the September 2010 issue:

• Comment: The Scalefour Society’s annual exhibition is under new management and this year sees a radical re-evaluation of the format with a good proportion of the layouts attending now representing scenes from the last 50 years. Exhibition manager Terry Bendall describes the line-up, which moves the show up into must visit territory.
• News: Bachmann reveals that it is to produce the six-car Midland ‘Blue Pullman’ in 4mm scale, while the Class 40 will also receive a retool. The same company’s Scenecraft range expands with modern scenic accessories. Graham Farish drops Class 222 DEMU project. A second retailer/manufacturer partnership in the form of Hattons and Dapol steps up to offer the pioneer diesel pairing of 10000 & 10001 in ready-to-run plastic.
• Reviews: Another pair of important new products aimed at the modern modeller are released in the form of Bachmann’s two-car Cravens Class 105 DMU and Dapol’s IFA/IKA two-unit low-platform ‘Megafret’ container flat. We take a closer look at both items and see how they stack up.

• Layout feature: Due to appear at Scaleforum in September, we visit Birmingham Moor Street, the project of the West Midlands area group of the Scalefour Society. This model of the terminus platforms of the West Midlands station has some superb working features so be sure to check it out!
• Exhibition diary: Our usual listings of the shows coming up over the next month which feature diesel & electric era layouts.
• Serial: The secret of successful exhibition appearances is to have the confidence that your layout will run consistently for hour after hour in front of the public. The Barrowmore boys tackle one of the key elements behind Mostyn’s superb reliability in their column this month.

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution now.

Bachmann reveals Midland ‘Blue Pullman’

Met-Camm’s stylish 1960s DEMU set is announced for a 2011 release.

AT ITS TRADE open day today, July 25th, Bachmann Europe announced that it is to produce an all new six-car Midland Region ‘Blue Pullman’ diesel-electric multiple unit as part of its highly regarded Branchline ‘OO’ scale range. Metropolitan Cammell built two of these iconic luxury trains in 1959 for use on the Midland Main line between London St. Pancras and Manchester Central during peak business travel times, which entered service exactly 50 years ago.

LNER wagon bonanza from Bachmann

Pre-production images of the latest LNER/BR wagons to join Bachmann’s range.

38-325 13-Ton High-Sided Steel Open (chain pockets) BR Early Bauxite
38-326 13-Ton High-Sided Steel Open (chain pockets) BR Late Bauxite

Farish drops Class 222 project

There is disappointment for ‘N’ scalers as two key models are shelved.

BACHMANN HAS TODAY announced changes to its Graham Farish ‘N’ scale range. This follows consultation with the company’s trade customers regarding production of the 9F 2-10-0 locomotive and the Class 222 ‘Meridian’ and ‘Pioneer’ high speed diesel electric multiple units.

New issue: REM76 August 2010

REM76: First for reviews of new products!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 171.
In the August 2010 issue:

• Comment: With multiple units and freight cars getting much more interest from manufacturers, will the new Modelzone TPO kick-start a renaissance in the range of modern coaching stock,  specifically non-passenger carrying vehicles and the later builds of Mk. 2 carriages.
• News: Dapol reveals more CAD images of its forthcoming Mk. 3 RFM and ‘Bubble car’ in ‘N’ gauge, Shawplan releases its Ultimate ‘Deltic’ parts in its Extreme Etchings range, along with a tonne of new nameplates and other items, plus there are useful new structures in the Bachmann Scenecraft range.
• Reviews: This month sees two notable new 4mm scale products, both tooled by Bachmann. Of most interest is the Modelzone-commissioned Mk. 1 TPO sorting van, which is released in four liveries, but modern freight stock fans will be over the moon at the availability of the Feldbinder-constructed JPA bogie cement tanker. Released in Lafarge and Castle Cement schemes we check how it rates compared to previous Bachmann models and, of course, the prototype.
• Research: RAIL EXPRESS Modeller goes heavy metal for the first part of a feature that documents steel coil operations over the last three decades. Written by freight historian David Ratcliffe, it also includes our trademark detailed train formation diagrams from the BR blue era to the present day.

• Modelling: Dapol’s IHA/KIB sliding hood steel coil carrier was something of a disappointment when it was released, which prompted Simon Bendall to attempt to upgrade the VTG wagon using parts from the Hurst Model kit. The improvement is impressive.
• Pictorial: Thornaby’s fleet of refurbished Class 37/5s were inextricably linked with steel coil traffic out of the British Steel works at Lackenby. The editor models the famous pairing of Nos. 37501 Teesside Steelmaster & 37502 British Steel Teesside.
• Exhibition diary: Our usual listings of the shows coming up over the next month which feature diesel & electric era layouts.
• Serial: The last six months have seen an outstanding selection of new freight vehicles debut on Mostyn’s extended fiddle yard. The boys from Barrowmore illustrate some of these additions to their every growing wagon roster.

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution now.

New issue: REM75 July 2010

REM75: Challenging modelling projects!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 170.
In the July 2010 issue:

• Comment: RAIL EXPRESS Modeller’s editor is stepping down after 25 years fighting for greater recognition for diesel & electric era modelling. He bows out with a look back at how much the hobby has change in quarter of a century.
• News: Dapol surprised everybody at the DEMU Showcase Event by announcing six new wagons and a brand new range of 4mm scale catenary. We picture their soon to be released IOA-E and JNA Network Rail box wagons. There are also images of Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 26 and 33 models, while we provide news of the Kernow/Dapol D600 diesel-hydraulic, which is sadly pushed back into 2011.
• Work in progress: A bumper selection of latest products on show at the DEMU Showcase Event, including Dapol’s weathered ‘Silver Bullets’ for retailer Kernow Model Centre, Dapol’s Megafret and new containers, Hornby’s VEP EMU trailer coach, new HST liveries and OTA timber carriers, Bachmann’s painted Autoballasters, STVA car carrier, Class 03s, Modelzone TPO and Cravens Class 105 DMU, as well as the first wagon from new venture Real Track Models, the FLA Freightliner ‘twin’ low-platform container flat. Finally, we have pictures of Graham Farish’s fine looking small scale standard Mk. 1s in a range of liveries.
• Reviews: After the MBA ‘Megabox’ wagon, reviewed in the last issue, we take a look at the purpose-built Thrall MOA low-sided variant of the design, which has been produced in 4mm scale by Bachmann. There is also coverage of the new Dapol ‘OO’ catenary posts, a new modelling book from Silver Link Publishing and the latest volume of layout videos from the camcorder of Modern Structures in Miniature.

• Modelling: Since the last time a Class 50 was upgraded within these pages, when we detailed No. 50032 Courageous in Network SouthEast livery, a number of different detail parts have been released designed to improve and correct a number of facets of the Hornby model. Gareth Bayer chose this opportunity to get down and dirty with a classic unrefurbished loco from the early 1980s, No. 50014 Warspite!
• Research: Simon Bendall  takes a look at the middle years of the Class 50s in this D&E Files feature, after they moved to the Western Region from the WCML, but before they passed through Doncaster Works for refurbishment.
• Exhibition diary: Our usual listings of the shows coming up over the next month which feature diesel & electric era layouts.
• Serial: Mostyn visits the Chatham show, but it is a big ask as the boys from Barrowmore attempt to commission the new control panel fiddle yard under exhibition conditions… not helped by conditions within the hall. Check out the pictures of the ‘twin’ fiddle yards and the new panel – superb!

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution now.

New issue: REM74 June 2010

REM74: In-depth research and the latest news
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 169.
In the bumper June 2010 issue:

• Comment: The last few weeks have seen a mad dash by retailers to link up with manufacturers to produce any remaining locomotives not already claimed – we report on news of 4mm scale Classes 76 & 77, the ‘Blue Pullman’ and LMS/EE ‘twins’ Nos. 10000 & 10001.
• News: Pre-production samples of our BR blue Class 03s have arrived. There are also full details of the latest announcements, which includes Co-Bos, EM1/EM2s, ‘Blue Pullman’ and LMS ‘twins’.
• Reviews: Hot on the heels of its tasty little Class 86 reviewed last issue, Welsh firm Dapol has produced the Class 58 freight loco in ‘N’. We also investigate the firm’s new small scale ‘Silver Bullet’. Meanwhile, in 4mm scale, Dapol has released the Tiphook Rail ‘Pocket’ container wagon, while Bachmann’s much anticipated MBA ‘Monster’ box has also arrived. Finally, several other new models are reviewed, including Hornby’s latest DVT pack, representing a Wrexham & Shropshire Class 67+DVT combination. Plus new products from ZTC and Graham Farish. All are examined.

• Research: Another interesting commodity guide from freight expert David Ratcliffe. This feature concentrates on the movement of whisky within Scotland and across the rest of the network.
• Modelling: Chris Ibbotson builds a Bratchell Class 455/9 kit to represent a South West Trains inner-suburban example. This colourful EMU is easy to build but not so easy to paint and finish!
• Exhibition diary: DEMU’s annual Showcase Event is previewed – a must visit event for all diesel & electric era modellers. We also take a look at the line up for the Chatham event, which includes Mostyn.
• Serial: Work is progressing well on the new hidden sidings for the Barrowmore MRG’s Mostyn layout. 40 new ‘P4’ copperclad turnouts were built in just six weeks. Check them out here.

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution (May 28th) or from your local newsagent (June 1st).

New issue: REM73 May 2010

REM73: The latest news and honest reviews!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 168.
In the bumper May 2010 issue:

• Comment: Modellers have spoken in a survey and overwhelmingly they have turned away from proposing new diesel or electric era prototypes! REM’s editor asks if the D&E ‘bubble’ has burst?
• News: In a surprise move, Kernow Model Centre transfers production of its ‘Thumper’ DEMU from Dapol to Bachmann, plus more RAIL EXPRESS Modeller reveals more upgrades for the Class 37/7 project. Graham Farish shows off its forthcoming ‘N’ prototype DELTIC and Hattons plans a Loadhaul liveried Class 14!
• Reviews: The last 20 years have been a fallow period for fans of 25kV ac electrics, but this has now changed with the release of a Class 86 by Heljan. Arriving at the same time as the Danish ‘Can’, Welsh company Dapol has also released an ‘N’ gauge model of the same class, along with complementary British outline catenary. Check out our in-depth reviews.

• Detailing: Heljan’s 4mm scale model of the Brush prototype Falcon received mixed reviews when it first flew the nest in 2008. However, Peter Johnson
saw its potential for improvement and has recently completed this upgrade to represent the unique twin-Maybach engined locomotive during its last full year of freight service on the Western Region.
• Exhibition diary: Includes a full round-up of exhibitions with diesel & electric era interest.
• Modelling: There are more ‘how to’ articles in the form of a Cambrian kit-bash to produce a ‘Mullet’ engineer’s bogie rail flat from Dave McWilliams, while Tim Shackleton turns his attention to a portable toilet!
• Serial: Not everything went to plan for the Barrowmore boys when they took Mostyn to the MRC’s Alexandra Palace model railway exhibition. The odd goings on are revealed on this page.

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution (April 30th) or from your local newsagent (May 1st).

New issue: REM72 April 2010

REM72: All the news and reviews for the modern modeller!
Inside RAIL EXPRESS magazine No. 167.
In the bumper April 2010 issue:

• Comment: The editor, whilst being impressed with the line-up of new items announced by Bachmann urges the company to capitalise on existing opportunities first and reconsider a range of OHLE.
• News: Heljan reveals that its Class 86 is imminent, however, its model of the BRCW Lion is pushed back to 2011. Just Like The Real Thing shows off its Class 27 kit, which will be available soon. Plus, there are some exciting announcements in ‘OO’ in the 2010-11 programme from Bachmann, not least a Class 85 and ‘Desiro’ EMU, as well as the prototype ‘Deltic’ in the Farish ‘N’ range.
• Reviews: Another short-lived loco type from Danish manufacturer Heljan. The editor takes a micrometer to Heljan’s model of the most aesthetically pleasing of the pilot scheme Type 1s, the BTH Type 1 (Class 15). We also given our verdict on a new wagon release. Most famously utilised on the Burngullow–Irvine clay slurry flow, the ICA/B bogie ‘silver bullet’ tankers have now been released in 4mm scale by Dapol.

• Research: With the release of Hornby’s model of the Mk. 3b Driving Van Trailer, REM provides a guide to the correct usage of these vehicles. Includes formations from InterCity to the present day.
• Exhibition diary & Reviews extra: The ‘Warship’ diesel-hydraulic makes a return to the Bachmann range, now with lights and DCC decoder fitted. Also includes a full round-up of exhibitions with diesel & electric era interest.
• Modelling: Mostyn team member Dave Millward builds up 51L’s ironstone hopper kit, the first of a fleet of nearly 70 such vehicles! Check out the column for more on this ‘signature’ wagon type for Mostyn.

On sale via subscription and specialist distribution (March 27th) or from your local newsagent (March 30th).

Farish unveils all-new Mk. 1 coaches

New generation Graham Farish Mark 1 coaches to take to the rails.

IN A WELCOME move, Bachmann Europe Plc today revealed that it is to upgrade four versions of the popular ‘N’ scale Mk. 1 coaches.