Quote from: Woodenhead on January 03, 2023, 11:05:57 PM
@Skyline2uk don't forget that behind the three months from announcement to delivery is a couple of years development.

Whatever we see in the next 12 months that is new will be several years down the line from when the project had been kicked off by Bachmann.

Looking at the items that were high polling none are probably a surprise to Bachmann and hopefully some are already in the pipeline.

It's also relevant that they did the Class 90 in OO, so already had the survey work done. I wonder whether they might also do an 87 off the back of this - yes, it would need the survey and CAD work doing as they haven't and aren't likely to do it in OO, but so far as I recall the bogie dimensions and spacing are pretty much identical to the Class 90, so they could potentially use the same chassis.

Would have thought the 91 is less likely - both because they haven't and aren't likely to do it in OO, and because (unlilke the 90) it's fairly useless on its own without the Mk4 stock, which would obviously add considerably to the cost - especially as locos and stock went through a major modificiation programme part-way through their lives, and there are a number of different trailer types. All of which would make it an expensive project.

Would a 25/3 be viable with the current chassis?  There seems to be a lot of chassis hidden by the batteries, fuel and water tanks on the Farish 25/2 in the area which would be a bit less populated on a 25/3.  Maybe an easier win for the later cab type with the current chassis would be the 25/2 25083 - 25087 batch?

Quote from: SD35 on January 04, 2023, 10:03:43 AM
Would a 25/3 be viable with the current chassis?  There seems to be a lot of chassis hidden by the batteries, fuel and water tanks on the Farish 25/2 in the area which would be a bit less populated on a 25/3.  Maybe an easier win for the later cab type with the current chassis would be the 25/2 25083 - 25087 batch?

SEE MY EARLIER REPLY #44

When I asked Bachmann about the 25/3 [at TINGS pre Covid] they said they were not done milking the 24 and 25/0/1/2 combos yet. Give it ten years.
BUT if someone else tries to do one, we'll beat them to it on release.

I believe the first two statements but I frankly don't believe the third statement on taking anyone else on. They might be feisty in OO but N is not their priority.
Bachmann couldn't win a race in N if they were the only ones on the track.

The problem is they do lovely engines, and I wish they'd do more.

Another problem is that their logic is that there are more people that don't care what they run than people who do, so a Class 25 is just a small Bo-Bo and it could be a 24, so why not keep turning out the same old same old, until folk are sick of them. They choose good prototypes with long operational lives for exactly this reason. Gets lots of versions done and sold.

Bob

Quote from: Woodenhead on January 03, 2023, 11:05:57 PM
@Skyline2uk don't forget that behind the three months from announcement to delivery is a couple of years development.

Whatever we see in the next 12 months that is new will be several years down the line from when the project had been kicked off by Bachmann.

Looking at the items that were high polling none are probably a surprise to Bachmann and hopefully some are already in the pipeline.

Exactly my point!

Also, ref the 91 and associated stock, I know it's Hornby that do the 00 versions but surely with them already in the N gauge back catalogue from Farish it's screaming for a re-tool?

Skyline2uk

Quote from: Skyline2uk on January 04, 2023, 10:16:41 AM
Also, ref the 91 and associated stock, I know it's Hornby that do the 00 versions but surely with them already in the N gauge back catalogue from Farish it's screaming for a re-tool?

Not sure that would be especially relevant given that they'd have to start from scratch anyway - and remember that the old ones just used printing onto a plain bodyshell for the Mk4s; that approach wouldn't work with models to modern standards.

I've sent the full results to all the major manufacturers, so it's over to them now.

Obviously they will have their production schedule set for the next 1-2 years already so the poll is unlikely to affect much, although I do believe there is at least one of the high ranking results that might appear during 2023. (Not the 25/3, before anyone gets their hopes up!)

I was pleased the 91 polled so high, because I'd really like one! Looking back over previous polls it has certainly climbed the rankings and perhaps its fairly imminent demise has resulted in more interest.

I think the biggest surprise for me was the Class 76, given their very specific area of operation, but then the Woodhead has always been the source of much interest I guess.

Tom. 

Of course, it's a total start from scratch, just really comes down to whether or not Bachmann / Farish wish to protect their catalogue or allow it to be taken over by another player.

In any case it's a big gap in U.K. n gauge.

Skyline2uk

Quote from: TomE on January 04, 2023, 11:17:38 AM
I think the biggest surprise for me was the Class 76, given their very specific area of operation, but then the Woodhead has always been the source of much interest I guess.

Hi

It was a surprise to me too but I won't get my hopes up.

Cheers

Paul

Quote from: Skyline2uk on January 04, 2023, 11:20:09 AM
Of course, it's a total start from scratch, just really comes down to whether or not Bachmann / Farish wish to protect their catalogue or allow it to be taken over by another player.

In any case it's a big gap in U.K. n gauge.

Skyline2uk

Indeed - but remember that they've lost some significant models (to Dapol) in the past - Class 50 and 56, and HST / Mk3s.

I'd like to see a 91, but I can see why it may not be appealing to manufacturers given that it needs the Mk4 stock too, and the geograpical covereage of Mk4s is much less than Mk3s, with there being far fewer built and them running exclusively in Mk4-only fixed formation sets.

Quote from: davidinyork on January 04, 2023, 11:25:22 AM

Quote from: Skyline2uk on January 04, 2023, 11:20:09 AM
Of course, it's a total start from scratch, just really comes down to whether or not Bachmann / Farish wish to protect their catalogue or allow it to be taken over by another player.

In any case it's a big gap in U.K. n gauge.

Skyline2uk

Indeed - but remember that they've lost some significant models (to Dapol) in the past - Class 50 and 56, and HST / Mk3s.

I'd like to see a 91, but I can see why it may not be appealing to manufacturers given that it needs the Mk4 stock too, and the geograpical covereage of Mk4s is much less than Mk3s, with there being far fewer built and them running exclusively in Mk4-only fixed formation sets.

Absolutely.

I have scratched my head at the amount of N gauge models Bachfar have apparently "given up", with the ones you mention as well as the 52 and 33.

That being said, they have also introduced brand new items so maybe it's just a case of what they believe will return a profit.

Absolutely agree the 91/Mk4 sets are a huge investment and have less geographical appeal than the HST / MK3s.

But I do believe they would be well received. How many people bought a Hornby 91 train set just because they liked it?

I have no "need" for a Pendo, but I got one. I would seriously consider at least the 91 as well (aforementioned use on the ECML with MK3s).

Skyline2uk

The KATO 800, Dapol HST and forthcoming Revolution Class 180 also make modelling the ECML a much more realistic prospect these days, which may also have contributed to the increased popularity of the 91.

Cavalex had done a lot of the groundwork on the 91 for their OO version so maybe the best option is for those who voted for it to contact them to express interest in one, giving them the confidence to move forward with an N Gauge version.

Tom.

Tom.

Indeed. I would have thought the HST would have been possibly one of the most profitable models of the lot, so I am surprised Farish gave up on that.

Fits into every era from the mid 70s to current day, pretty much every single area (other than really Kent - even Essex / Anglia / Mid Wales / Shropshire have seen HST charters and special day trips) and still used in top link high speed work on Cross Country.

I reckon Kato were very shrewd to get in with the Class 800 when they did and presumably are going to at some point expand the rage to the various other forms of 800 series units which will soon be widespread throughout most of the network. Absolutely not a fan of these awful trains (though I suspect the interiors could easily be improved), but the Kato model looks absolutely superb and I've heard nothing but stellar reviews of it, and like it or not, it's 800 variants for most intercity trains eventually going forward, with the West Coast and Midland Mainline soon taking them on.

Quote from: pinball on January 04, 2023, 11:43:49 AM
Fits into every era from the mid 70s to current day, pretty much every single area (other than really Kent - even Essex / Anglia / Mid Wales / Shropshire have seen HST charters and special day trips) and still used in top link high speed work on Cross Country.

The loco-hauled variant of the Mk3 (which is not much different from the HST version in model form) were used on the Marches line for a number of years until recently, and they were used on the main London-Norwich services until recently.

Going off topic a bit, but it would be good if Dapol could produce those Mk3s and DVT in Greater Anglia livery - Farish would probably then do the 90 to match.

Really interesting exercise Tom, thank you very much for taking the time to do it. 

A little disappointed that 1st gen Southern 3rd rail electrics haven't fared better - there seems to be a clear preference for more modern southern traction.  Wessex 442 secured 247 votes whilst the 2EPB, which I have long thought was a no-brainer for Farish, only managed 92.  Hope Farish somehow miss that when they look at the numbers (which I trust they will).  The prospects of a 71 and 74 haven't exactly been given a boost either.  At least the 4TC has topped 100 votes - I might send Kernow a cheeky email suggesting they shrink their OO version, although it'll be rather more in hope than expectation.

Mark

Quote from: Mark on January 04, 2023, 11:55:15 AM
The prospects of a 71 and 74 haven't exactly been given a boost either.

Hattons currently have the Hornby OO Class 71 reduced from an RRP of £206 to £89. Doesn't indicate a particularly high demand for this loco, even in the more popular gauge...