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.