New Farish announcement ahead of TINGS

[Roy L S]

Only reason I'd want a Hall was if it was in Harry Potter mode.

Sadly a poor announcement for me.

Doesn't anyone do Scottish Locomotives in "N"?

Yes, I know they don't!

Would really appreciate a Caledonian "Jumbo".

Lasted for 70 years I guess.

Closest we have had to a Scottish loco is the Union Mills J38.

[leachsprite4]

Personally pleased, I like halls and the dapol version was good less the front end that bent up and the colour being faded green. So never got one.

Also at one point dapol possibly planned a modified hall (ltd edition was available to preorder from Osbournes if I recall) but never appeared.

I'll wait for a Hawksworth tender version (hoping for 7903).

Would I have been happier with a southern 4-6-0 yes, almost certainly ?

[Hailstone]

I think that Farish have missed an opportunity here as a King or a 10xx County would have filled a gap in a lot of Western modellers loco studs Modified hall apart, this is yet another example of "multiples of a prototype" which is unnecessary, especially given our smaller market in N gauge. I may buy a modified Hall, but will have to wait until a BR green one with a Hawksworth tender becomes available.

Regards,

Alex

[Jollybob]

Another big mainline locomotive then?
A bit disappointed but at least my wallet is safe.

[Le Night ferry]

Maybe we could expect new kings will be released soon(few years?)

[KiwiAlan]

Hi all,

With Graham Farish releasing a new N gauge model of the GWR Hall Class, and Dapol working on a fresh take of the Manor Class, I think we're in for a really interesting opportunity to compare these two iconic locomotives — and the approaches taken by each manufacturer.

Both locos share the classic GWR 4-6-0 profile, but their real-world differences in weight, boiler design, and route availability make them ideal for side-by-side comparison. I'm particularly curious to see:

• Detailing: Will Farish's Hall show off its heavier boiler and larger driving wheels convincingly? How will Dapol handle the Manor's more compact proportions?
• Performance: Smooth running, slow-speed control, and hauling power — especially with modern chassis and motor tech.
  
• Finish: Paintwork, lining, and livery choices — will either stand out in terms of realism or historical accuracy?
• Innovation: Any surprises like magnetic couplings, firebox lighting?

It's also a great chance to see how each brand interprets GWR heritage in N gauge. Whether you're a prototypical modeller or just love a good steam loco, this feels like a golden moment for GWR fans.

Is anyone planning to pick up both for comparison? Would love to hear thoughts once they're in-hand!

Cheers,

Alan

[Chris Morris]

I think the more important Dapol development is the GWR 2-6-0. The GWR built more of these than any other tender loco and they were truly "maids of all work". They could be used on some branch lines but were mostly main line locos. They were regularly seen on both passenger and freight duties and often with slightly shorter trains than the expresses. They could be used on an express if needed but the smallish boiler wasn't meant for such duties. It really will be the most useful GWR model yet when it comes out. This loco was the unsung hero of the GWR.

[Chris Morris]

I should mention that I am very pleased to see Farish investing in new tooling N gauge and I wish them every success. I can see me having a modified hall but I still say the Dapol hall is perfectly adequate.

My only criticism of the Dapol Hall is that it is a bit noisy, as are all the Dapol locos with the motor in the tender. Looking at this bit of vid in retrospect the biggest problem I need to sort is fitting magnetic couplers to the Hawksworth coaches and get rid of the ridiculous gap. That will improve realism far more than a new loco. I have added real coal to the tender and weathered it a bit, again little touches that make a big difference.

[Roy L S]

I think the more important Dapol development is the GWR 2-6-0. The GWR built more of these than any other tender loco and they were truly "maids of all work". They could be used on some branch lines but were mostly main line locos. They were regularly seen on both passenger and freight duties and often with slightly shorter trains than the expresses. They could be used on an express if needed but the smallish boiler wasn't meant for such duties. It really will be the most useful GWR model yet when it comes out. This loco was the unsung hero of the GWR.

Agreed, and significantly there has never been a GW Mogul available ready to run in British N before. I recall it was part of the DJM list ("vapourware") and Mr Jones said that they would produce one but nobody else, until Dapol took it on that was a close as it ever got.

[Roy L S]

I think that Farish have missed an opportunity here as a King or a 10xx County would have filled a gap in a lot of Western modellers loco studs Modified hall apart, this is yet another example of "multiples of a prototype" which is unnecessary, especially given our smaller market in N gauge. I may buy a modified Hall, but will have to wait until a BR green one with a Hawksworth tender becomes available.

Regards,

Alex

I think that's the point Alex, either of those locos (King or County) would have widened a GW modeller's stud, but the Hall has a much bigger appeal to modellers generally as it was comparatively widely travelled plus of course a large class of locos with many preserved to appeal to the modern modeller, so makes much more sense commercially.

A lot depends on expectations I guess, and for the majority (especially new buyers) I would say the Dapol Hall no longer meets them, it is quite an old somewhat clunky model and way behind the curve in terms of specification. I guess you could make the same argument for the Manor, but Dapol are upgrading that one themselves!

There has also been a Hall in Bachmann's OO range for a long time whereas the County and King have never been meaning a whole new research package would have been needed. It is also the first time a Modified Hall has been available or a Hawksworth tender, meaning a wider appeal in terms of prototypes, so while appreciating some would have preferred to see other GW models, personally I think they have made a good choice.

Regards

Roy

[trkilliman]

Maybe with the modified Hall having a Hawksworth tender,a County will follow. Could this be a natural progression?

[bridgiesimon]

Not a massive problem for me as modern releases are beyond my budget but to be perfectly honest, I think Farish have missed the big opportunity here. Why, yet again, are manufacturers doubling up on models already available? As others have said there are lots of significant gaps in the market such as the County and the King for GWR and lots of Southern locos not covered like the King Arthurs/S15s/Lord Nelsons all which would sell really well with lots of liveries and name opportunities.
A King Arthur or a County, esp County of Cornwall, I would have saved up for!!
I find myself to be a little disappointed with this announcement.

Best wishes
Simon

[Newportnobby]

My Ixion Manor and Dapol Hall have not been run for a while so I'll dig them out and run them on my test track. If they're OK then "Sorry, Farish, but no sale of a Hall to me"
Like others have said, I dislike doubling up as it deprives us of what we want.
Maybe it's time for a new poll (not that manufacturers tend to listen to their customer base)

[Jollybob]

I think the more important Dapol development is the GWR 2-6-0. The GWR built more of these than any other tender loco and they were truly "maids of all work". They could be used on some branch lines but were mostly main line locos. They were regularly seen on both passenger and freight duties and often with slightly shorter trains than the expresses. They could be used on an express if needed but the smallish boiler wasn't meant for such duties. It really will be the most useful GWR model yet when it comes out. This loco was the unsung hero of the GWR.

I agree. A go (almost) anywhere loco that we sit equally on a mainline layout or a branchline. It might be me but I've noticed lately that all we are getting are big mainline locomotives and no go anywhere locomotives. I know there are a couple of announcements but nothing to get me all worked up on.

[Chris Morris]

A decent 2251woukd also be most welcome and I think very popular.