With all the doom and gloom of Covid behind us I think we need to reflect on what has been delivered in N over the last year. I'm a steam era modeller so can't be sure about the more modern stuff, but in terms of steam we've had the Sonic Prairie, and now in short order we have EPs of the V2, GW Mogul and confirmation from Dapol (via Adam on this forum) that the long awaited Bulleid (note correct spelling Mick!) Light Pacific is not far behind. That's more than we've seen in many a year. There have been many reissues from Bachmann, and the upcoming SECR wagons from Rapido. As far as modern stuff goes I think we've had the Revolution 59, Dapol 144 EPs, the 350/450 EMUs and several bits of rolling stock.
I consider this to be a nice speed of progress, not as barmy as the almost monthly announcements in the early 2010s, and not as bad as Covid era timings, when things quite naturally went south. I like the idea of not knowing about things until they are at EP stay, as in the V2, as this means there is much less time from announcement to delivery. Hopefully this can become the new norm now that production seems to be getting back to some kind of normality.
I'm sure there will be some out there who like to moan, but I can't see too much to fret about. Yes, some models do end up being defective, such as the Rapido 28 and Conflats, but they in particular seemed to have learnt from this. Sonic's recent Prairie has had a few issues, but the fixes found on this forum seem to have cured a lot of them, and we have a significantly better model than the old Farish one. Yes, you could argue that these mods shouldn't be needed, but this is the first model to my knowledge that has plug and release pony trucks with electrical pick up, at least in UK N, so we are moving forward and sometimes this results in teething problems. Yes, some have had poor running, but like all other models you do get bad examples in batches, just as you did in real life. As long as the dealer network provides a good back up then we are OK. We have to accept that cost issues preclude pre-deliver checks on every model (and please let's not have a repeat of the long discussions over this. If you don't like it then you don't have to buy stuff....) and on the whole models are of a much higher standard and quality than we have ever had in N.
I believe we should be positive about where N is headed. Long may it continue!
Dave
My wallet and I can't argue with what has been said in the OP. This year seems to be particularly draining on my funds but that's mainly 'cos manufacturers are bringing out what I want for my modelled era/location. I actually enjoy the shock of BachFar announcing things that will be with me within 6 months rather than the gestation period of 3 (or more) years which tends to be the norm.
However, I do have a concern that the good times are happening when folks are at their most vulnerable as regards what their money has to be spent on. All too often we hear the 'eat or heat' debate and, though I in no way want to bring politics into this, there's no avoiding money for many is very, very tight.
Completely agree Dave. I think we've had a bumper couple of years to be honest. I get rather frustrated by a lot of the constant moaning you see on here and FB about N Gauge and the hobby in general. We've never had so many manufacturers making such a range of quality, detailed models. We've had several re-runs from Farish and Dapol which is nice, and Farish seem to be working through their fleet adding sound upgrades.
I'm looking forward to the new Moguls and Bulleids arriving in the next few years.
Mick
While I am sure that there are some people who are struggling, I don't see that reflected too much when I go out. A lot of the pubs I've visited recently, both here in Norfolk, but also in Pembrokeshire, Suffolk and other haunts, have been busy with people dining out which must be some kind of barometer. Shops too seem busy round here, and there are always people in the model shops I frequent who are buying stuff. Yes, life got stretched under Covid and then with the cost of living issues, but state and private pensions have both risen while prices have begun to fall. I certainly feel better off this year than last, and I don't hear many gripes from our friends or the many guys at Men's Shed. There's room for cautious optimism I think.
Dave
The second hand market is dire at the moment. I'm not sure if that's 'cost of living' related. Again we've had the boom times of covid, and perhaps it's inversely proportional to the quantum of new releases, but it's telling that models which have previously sold well are now going for much smaller sums. I keep seeing sound fitted Pendolinos around £350, which feels insane for an 11-car train with £200 of decoders.
Dapol still have one or two little surprises up our sleeves. 8)
88 please! :D
I really am not qualified to comment here, living where I do, but when I was there last year, I didn't see a lot of people struggling.
Just sayin' like. :thumbsup:
Ooh Adam, you little tease!
Dave
But still no Southern 4-6-0, OK we do have suitable coaches - Dapol's Maunsells - but only the Schools, N class 2-6-0 and the Union Mills T9 to pull them - for those of us modelling pre WW2 but no Nelson, Arthur, H15 or S15 unless you go for the Langley S15 or BHE N15 Arthur plus a bit of hacking and kit bashing.
Quote from: Southerngooner on July 21, 2024, 10:24:49 AMAs far as modern stuff goes I think we've had the Revolution 59, Dapol 144 EPs, the 350/450 EMUs and several bits of rolling stock.
Also the LMS twins and the Brush type 4 in XP64 livery (if they can be considered "modern").
I agree with all the points in Dave's original post.
Ian
I'd forgotten the Twins, another long term want for many.
As for Southern 4-6-0s Mike, I think you'll have to wait a long while for more than one of your four options. I'd like to think a King Arthur or Nelson might be a goer, but the H/S15 is a bit specific to the ex-LSWR area. At least
@RBTKraisee has done the KA as a 3D print which negates the use of old whitemetal kits and old chassis......plus there's all the produce of
@JimSan which has given me two Boosters and a P, neither of which I thought I'd ever get in N. Add in the Q from
@Pedanticmongrel and the W from Rue d'Etropal and I'm personally very happy with recent developments across the board.
Dave
I wouldn't say quite a "bumper" year for N, but (1) things are definitely improving along with a bit more balance in terms of modern versus steam and first generation diesels/rolling stock and (2) we are as yet only just over half way through 2024!
A couple of stand out announcements for me are the LMS "Twins" which seem to have gone down really well, and the recent V2 announcement which is a "must have" model for me and many others. The V2 EPs shown last Wednesday look very promising indeed already, with maybe just a couple of final tweaks to assembly and hopefully finer front steps on production models, but that's what an EP is for after all, to evaluate the overall look, the fit of parts and also test the chassis. This is a loco I really hoped for, even as an undecorated EP it is light years away from the 2004 model and I can't wait to see the deco-samples in Bachmann's Quarterly update on 7th August.
It remains to be seen what the rest of the year will bring, Adam has reminded us of the GW Mogul and Battle of Britain EPs arriving, plus tantalisingly a couple more surprises, longer term there is also the 120 DMU from Revolution Trains.
So "bumper" or otherwise I would say it is definitely a good time to be modelling in British N for sure.
Roy
Quote from: Roy L S on July 21, 2024, 03:07:39 PM, longer term there is also the 120 DMU from Revolution Trains.
So "bumper" or otherwise I would say it is definitely a good time to be modelling in British N for sure.
Roy
I asked the nice man about the 120 DMU when I was at Aly Paly last March. His comment was vague and my impression was that they are still at the earlier stages of development. I sensed nothing before c 2026 but I might (hope?) I am pessmistic on that.
I would be ordering a green and a blue version for my layout Cromarty - I can run it from steam through to blue era. The 120 would appear on the daily train from Aberdeen, avoiding Inverness by the top curve.
So for now my adapted Minitrix Mk 1s with BHE driver ends will keep running. Obviously in no way accurate but the impression is reasonable. They are based on an article in the NGS Journal c10 years or more ago.
Is it a bumper year. Well certainly better than some if you include, and are excited by, all announcements of things in the pipeline. Not sure I make enough use of my "current" V2 to justify the cost of this new one. It is one choice for both the Aberdeen and Fish trains on Cromarty. Apart from my Twins in Green (with the possibly incorrect orange/black lining?) which are magnificent, a modest year for me. I am trying to restrain my Rule 1 purchases!! But the Twins were too good not to have! My mate Alan has them in black (thank you to Tim at Arcadia as always) . We ran them all at the club last week. Black and green together.
What would really tempt me would be a J36 and a Glen! And possibly some earlier (pd 1 and Pd2) LMS corridor coaches. But probably both too specialist for our manufacturers. I suggested the Craven DMU to Revolution but they rules it out. Well I have my BHE kit version.
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that we also have Sonic's Newton Chambers car transporters to look forward to in BR maroon and blue/grey. These are interesting and significant models of a never been made before N gauge item (yes, I know they are not locomotives).
According to the Rails website, these models are due Q4 2024, but I do not know how accurate this is.
Ian
That's also made me remember that we've had the Sonic Vanwide, Peco's new range of opens and vans, plus the SECR Dance Hall brake from Farish, in the pre-blue grey eras....plus the Revolution 128.
Definitely a good year!
Dave
Revolution 128 was last year, surely? Or do you mean "the last 12 months"?
Thinking more about it I personally don't really think it's been particularly 'bumper'. It's been good, I think the hobby is in good health, but nothing 'bumper'. The only new releases I've bought were a 68 and a 60, both basically just new liveries (technically the 60 had an upgraded chassis).
Several new Dapol HSTs are imminent too. Including the much anticipated Blue Pullman complete set.
Yes, I think it's a bumper year too !
@njee20 Yes, I was actually thinking of the last twelve months. If what we have had delivered isn't "bumper" then I do wonder how much you expect to get from manufacturers in twelve months!
Dave
Quote from: Southerngooner on July 21, 2024, 08:49:58 PM@njee20 Yes, I was actually thinking of the last twelve months. If what we have had delivered isn't "bumper" then I do wonder how much you expect to get from manufacturers in twelve months!
Dave
Actually, I don't think I'd want too much more - you have to afford the stuff after all, and as I get the impression N is more of a "running" than a "collectors" scale then when a good workaday loco comes along you need several of them, not just one show pony for the display case.
Ironically I've just cancelled my pre-orders for the Newton Chambers car carriers as I'm tired of the long delays between announcements and repeatedly pushed-back delivery dates. Also because I've decided to stop ordering items "to encourage new manufacturers" - I'm only buying what actually fits my modelling period. And that's just as well because now I can redirect the money to a couple (at least) of V2s which I can be more confident will appear in a reasonable timescale thanks to Bachman's new announcement policy.
To me "bumper" implies somehow exceptional. Like I say it's been good. But I think we've just had a decent number of items. About what I'd expect, and what would be good to continue with.
Any year brings multiple re-liveries and what not. I'm not sure if we've had many post-1990 new tooled items have we (selfishly it's all I really pay attention to, and that's stretching my window extensively!). Revolution FNA-D which has just landed. Farish MXA. Not too sure what else.
So yeah, good. Nothing exceptional.
Edit: both 59s of course, forgetting those!
I think its been a very good year. The range of stuff available has increased. For me the Sonic prairie filled a big gap. I'm just waiting for the new 66s to appear and my world will be pretty much complete. I can't help feeling N gauge is getting towards the point where most of the locos that are likely to sell well have been covered or are under development. The only gap I can see is for a king which would have to be double chimney to interest me. I just hope all the new stuff has sold well enough to provide the manufacturers with a return on their investment.
Quote from: Portpatrick on July 21, 2024, 05:26:33 PMQuote from: Roy L S on July 21, 2024, 03:07:39 PM, longer term there is also the 120 DMU from Revolution Trains.
So "bumper" or otherwise I would say it is definitely a good time to be modelling in British N for sure.
Roy
I asked the nice man about the 120 DMU when I was at Aly Paly last March. His comment was vague and my impression was that they are still at the earlier stages of development. I sensed nothing before c 2026 but I might (hope?) I am pessmistic on that.
I would be ordering a green and a blue version for my layout Cromarty - I can run it from steam through to blue era. The 120 would appear on the daily train from Aberdeen, avoiding Inverness by the top curve.
So for now my adapted Minitrix Mk 1s with BHE driver ends will keep running. Obviously in no way accurate but the impression is reasonable. They are based on an article in the NGS Journal c10 years or more ago.
As far as Revolution Trains 120s (and indeed their K Pullmans) are concerned, while definitely of interest to me, the vague timescale and consequent lack of clarity on when order books will open has made me re-evaluate and I have discounted them as priority purchases. Definitely ones to watch in the longer term but personally I am unlikely to commit money to any more of the "early bird" offers.
In a similar vein, given the long delays from originally given delivery dates I am unlikely to be putting "non refundable" deposits down on any more Sonic products unless it is something directly suiting my modelling era/location or an absolute "Rule 1" must have. I have bought at least one of each Sonic loco so far to support Sam, but going forward I am of the same thinking as Richard T.
On the other hand, if the Farish V2 deco samples live up to expectation as I hope to be the case, as soon as orders are being taken, depending on liveries offered I will be in for at least two BR sound fitted ones - I just hope there is a sensible spread of choices in the first batch as I won't be tempted by LNER liveries.
Reflecting on the state of things further, a good year (last 12 months) if not "bumper". However I think it is definitely the case that things are in a very good place for N generally with more manufacturers entering the fray, and even as far as known models in development goes there looks to be a good pipeline covering all key modelling eras. This should mean a continued flow of products coming through at a sustainable (and from a modellers' cash flow perspective) affordable pace. I think this is actually better than "bumper" to be honest as oversupply helps nobody.
Roy
I am already tempted by a V2 in LNER livery ;)
Quote from: joe cassidy on July 22, 2024, 10:38:09 AMI am already tempted by a V2 in LNER livery ;)
I am sure a fair few people will be, especially "Green Arrow" in apple green as currently preserved.
My personal wish is for a late crest green BR one with the later outside steam pipes. The original Farish V2 was I believe even tooled for this variant but it never got produced.
After that a black one in early crest BR livery would be the icing on the cake, and looking at the recent OO V2 liveries would seem very likely.
Roy
Quote from: Chris Morris on July 22, 2024, 06:20:45 AMI think its been a very good year. The range of stuff available has increased. For me the Sonic prairie filled a big gap. I'm just waiting for the new 66s to appear and my world will be pretty much complete. I can't help feeling N gauge is getting towards the point where most of the locos that are likely to sell well have been covered or are under development. The only gap I can see is for a king which would have to be double chimney to interest me. I just hope all the new stuff has sold well enough to provide the manufacturers with a return on their investment.
A King would be nice, but once again I am going to raise a paw for the NBL D600....
Quote from: Foxhound on July 22, 2024, 01:40:33 PMA King would be nice, but once again I am going to raise a paw for the NBL D600....
Yes, a King and a D600 are top of my want list, as well as a 10xx County.
Quote from: Ensign Elliott on July 22, 2024, 01:46:17 PMQuote from: Foxhound on July 22, 2024, 01:40:33 PMA King would be nice, but once again I am going to raise a paw for the NBL D600....
Yes, a King and a D600 are top of my want list, as well as a 10xx County.
I would almost certainly buy all three of those.
Certainly the last 12-18 months have been amazing for N gauge from what I can see, probably push it out to 2 years when the 90's were unveiled prior to TING's 22. Since then we have seen quite substantial new models from all manufacturers and reruns of some of the popular items - 12 months ago you would have struggled to get a blue and grey coach of any description and now we are not short, except maybe Mk2 and mk2A stock but always this announcement .
Long may it continue, I am sure there will always be demand for new tooling, its down to the manufacturers to find the right model to increase sales of older models as well as new models. Would doing a King increase demand for another run of Castles and Hawksworth from Farish for example? As modellers look to build GWR Main line layouts.
Would a SDJR 7F (top of my wishlist) see modellers scramble to get Farish Mk1's in maroon or even want another run of Green stock to be able to model the old Slow & Dirty?
Quote from: Roy L S on July 22, 2024, 07:48:51 AMOn the other hand, if the Farish V2 deco samples live up to expectation as I hope to be the case, as soon as orders are being taken, depending on liveries offered I will be in for at least two BR sound fitted ones - I just hope there is a sensible spread of choices in the first batch as I won't be tempted by LNER liveries.
Don't worry Roy - I'll buy the LNER liveries. Between us we'll make the production run viable. :D
I agree, oversupply helps no-one.
Revolution K Pullmans - well at least Revolution have a "progress checker" on their website and, from what I've seen, by the time they open the order books they usually have a decent idea of delivery timescales. So, yes, just keeping an eye on them.
I hope this last twelve months has set the pattern for future years though. Farish, Dapol, Revolution, Rapido and Sonic all seem to be able to turn out at least one new loco a year, plus stock. In terms of the steam and transition eras there isn't a lot more to do stock wise if you consider just "normal" stock and not the rarities. The major miss for me is LMS vans (NGS kit of course, but not RTR) and some SR EMUs, although I know the latter probably don't sell well, reducing their chances of being made. But in terms of locos, there aren't that many non-esoteric types that have not been produced in the post-2010 era.
GW 15/94xx panniers, King, the big eight coupled tanks
LMS Crab, Princess Royal, 2P/4P
LNER N2/N7, J15/17, K2/3/4
SR Nelson, King Arthur, Q, D/E/L1, 71/74
BR 4MT 4-6-0, class 15/16
I'm positive about the future, but then again I've got most of the stuff I need for BL and don't buy stuff that couldn't be seen there. I do have James Street as a "Rule 1" option and have bought an 8F for that.
Let's hope the current rate of progress continues.....
Dave
Quote from: Southerngooner on July 22, 2024, 03:58:47 PMIn terms of the steam and transition eras there isn't a lot more to do stock wise if you consider just "normal" stock and not the rarities...there aren't that many non-esoteric types that have not been produced in the post-2010 era.
Dave
I'm not sure I agree Dave - it depends on your definition of "esoteric", and also on railway modellers' understanding of real railway history. For example, in terms of providing core motive power for a representative model railway the LMS Twins and the Class 28s are, in reality, pretty esoteric! But Rule 1 sells...
Whereas the range of workaday locos formerly produced by Union Mills are now a huge gap in the N steam market. The UM range included some classes that should be bought in multiple for any reasonably-representative grouping and early BR layout. Many of them could also be produced in colourful pre-grouping liveries (oh OK, and LNWR black :D)
Richard
It has long surprised me no one has made the Std 4 4-6-0 as there were 80 in the class and they had a widespread allocation, being jack of all trade type of loco. Definitely one I thought Farish would do :hmmm:
Luckily I have one of Dr Al's great creations :)
Yep, I have to agree Richard. There are a few of the UM locos that could do with bringing into the modern era - B12, G2, etc.....
It's a shame that the esoteric sells more than the normal though. Look at how much has been made in OO, you can get most of the rare experimental diesels and things like the Fell and Leader than only ever made a few test runs. Bonkers!
Dave