If you have modelled in N gauge for long enough you will have realized that if you buy a model, there is a good possibility that a newer, better model will arrive at some point.
The question for me always is: Is it worth paying the money to upgrade to the latest model?
(Note I am an analogue DC user with no locomotive sound requirements).
For example, I have an old GF LNER V2 purchased when they first came out around 2004/5. Is it worth me spending money (and now paying additional US tariff money) to upgrade to the latest Bachmann version?
I have decided to hold off buying the latest V2 at this point for three main reasons:
(1) The current BR green releases are all namers and I prefer more inconspicuous workhorses.
(2) I am concerned about the loco-tender gap and the fall plate issues on small diameter curves.
(3) I already have a V2 that runs very well, why do I need another one? (The obvious answer is that the new version is more detailed and overall, a significantly better model but do I actually need it?).
There are many other decisions to be made and some I have already made:
(a) Revolutions Class 44, 45, and 46 versus the GF versions. (I may be tempted to a Gateshead-based Class 46).
(b) Sonic's LNER Class A5 4-6-2T versus my 3D printed model (see RM January 2023) and other modeler's Graham Hughes models. (I will probably not do this upgrade).
(c) Dapol's Mark 1 M7 0-4-4T versus the Mark 2 version. (Yes, I did this upgrade. Both locos converted to LNER Class G5 locos).
(d) Bachmann's Class 37 versus my old Poole-made example. (No, I did not do this upgrade. My Class 37 was the first loco I weathered and it turned out very well – much to my surprise! It is noisy, though).
(e) GF's Blue Riband coaches versus earlier versions. (Yes, I did this upgrade).
(f) Many, many other examples, too numerous to mention.
For me, it all comes down to:
(A) Money; do I really need another locomotive for a layout that already has more than enough locos?
(B) If I could sell the older models on eBay, they would partially fund new, updated acquisitions, but living in the United States, postage costs to the UK make this mostly uneconomical for buyers.
(C) My two daughters have no interest in my model railway, so when the time comes, opportunities to dispose of my layout and all my stock are limited. Interest over here in British railways is small (mostly ex-pats) so at this stage of my life I am careful about building up a larger collection of locos and rolling stock (unless I really want something*) that may end up in a less than desirable final destination.
What do other Forum members do when an upgraded model becomes available?
Ian
*Signs of weakness.
I'd say- it depends.
I was fortunate to be earning quite a bit of overtime when a lot of new items were released. I then bought,,eg, replacement Britannias and mk1s, as well as expanding numbers to match foreseen needs.
I expanded on B1s and J39s which also replaced kit built ones, likewise 31s replacing Lima and 37s replacing kit built.
But, especially rolling stock, I still use kit built or conversions alongside the latest RTR. I don't now replace older models just because a new on is released, unless there is a huge improvement, eg Chinese 37s against old Poole. However, I've generally been able to use the older chassis rather than sell on. I'm not, for example, getting a Rapido Peak to replace my Farish one, which is still very useable
I suppose its horses for courses.
Martyn
It depends what the model is firstly, in my case the new V2 is such a vast improvement over the old model in every respect it was a no-brainer as they were so common on the GC, and as I use DCC and sound even more reason. I am sending one off to be de-named and renumbered as well as having both of the named green ones and the black one.
Typically if a new and better version of something comes along and it fits my modelling era and location I will buy it, but these days unless an absolute bargain I don't buy as much new stuff that is "Rule 1". For example, Peaks were pretty rare on the Great Central and so I haven't bought any to replace my old Farish ones (one of which I chipped).
I too could do with having a "cull" of old stuff and selling it on, I just never seem to get round to it or find an excuse to keep it!
I'm old school enough to once think "if it looks like a class ---, it is a class ---", cutting my teeth on items like the old Farish 101, Jinty, J94 etc etc and was quite happy defending my old class 25, 31 and 33.
Then along came much better versions and, yes, I replaced an awful lot. Out went my old DMUs (which I never really did like) for the newer 101/108s. Out went my Farish Westerns to be replaced by Dapol ones. Although I bought newer versions not all the old stuff has gone, so I still have Farish classes 20, 25, 31, 33, 44/45/46s, MN, V2, J94, 61xx, 94xx, Castle, 4F, and 8F, along with Minitrix 9F, Britannia and 2MT.
They won't be going anywhere as (a) the bottom has probably dropped out of the market as newer models come along and (b) they still run well enough for me to take to shows on our club layout. I bought new versions of all the Farish apart from the 94xx (but feel that won't be too long in coming) and newer versions of the 9F, Britannia and 2MT.
I supported Revolution with a purchase of a Poppylino, Peco with their 22xx, Sonic with their 56xx, Kato with the IET800, EFE with the class 17 and Rapido with the class 28. I've gone on to purchase further items from Revolution, Sonic, EFE and Rapido on the basis my initial purchases from them spurred them into creating other N gauge masterpieces. Sadly, Peco never made another loco and Kato are unlikely to produce anything else I'd want.
I'm lucky in having decent disposable income so buy what I want when I want. When, however, Judgement Day comes around I have no kids and no one interested in model railways so it will all go maybe to a box shifter for a rubbish price but at least the proceeds will go to the nominated charity in my will.
Still awake? ;D :sleep:
I tend to look at the price and when I've stopped shaking keep the old models. I'm still quite happy with my P&D Marsh Peak.