To Upgrade or Not Upgrade?

[icairns]

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) Rapido's 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.

[martyn]

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

[Roy L S]

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!

[Newportnobby]

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?  

[EtchedPixels]

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.

[Bob G]

I usually replace when new versions appear.
But I like the old GF Peaks and will keep them. Have 4 new peaks coming to supplement them.
I have 3 locos that are pre 2005. 2 MN/BB rebuilds, and my original jubilee.
I'm not bothered about preserving history. The value of early models in N is not like the very old models in the larger gauges.
HOWEVER, I'm definitely slowing down on acquisitions, and am selling off a lot of my collection. Slowly.
In the early days I got into the habit of buying more than one of an item because the rate of supply of new models was not very high. And on a big layout you would see more than one of each class at the same time. And then there was the issue of modelling eras. I've managed to stop collecting the 1980s and 1990s. Now it is just the 1950s to 1970s.
Oh and I like classic combinations, like class 20 pairs in blue and green, even though they never worked on the southern!
So that's my story. Trying to focus on 1960s and 1970s southern and western, but being a bit liberal with region and era.

Bob

[Train Waiting]

[...] What do other Forum members do when an upgraded model becomes available? [...]

Almost certainly I'd do nothing.

In fact, I've been disposing of many of the fairly recent models I acquired when I moved to 'N' gauge. I find the older ones have so much more character and, whilst less realistic, can seem more railway-like.

Also, refurbishing older models to give them a new lease of life is especially satisfying. Not quite BBC 'Repair Shop' work, but a little bit like it. Of course, not every older model gets refurbished, some are used for parts.

A Union Mills 'B12' 4-6-0 is on its way (yes another 'B12'!) and I'm hoping I can do something with it. I'll certainly have such fun trying. Would I buy a super-duper detailed 'B12' from one of to-day's manufacturers? No.

I don't need to buy any of these models, but a satisfying hobby is, in my view, a prerequisite of a civilised lifestyle. I don't think about resale value - I simply write off the amount paid at the time of purchase.

All I can suggest, @icairns , is that you buy whatever appeals to you. Because 'N' gauge is such fun!

With all good wishes.

John

[kesdrive]

I model mostly the Midland Main line and have replaced my old Farish Peaks with the Rapido version which I think is superior.
I agree with Ian Cairns about named locos. I too would prefer a bigger sample of unnamed locos whatever the class if appropriate.

Chris

[tunneroner61]

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this question, it's down to personal preferences.
In my case having started in N in 1980 I have numerous Poole Farish, Mintrix and Peco items, most of which have been renumbered, detailed, TPM coach inserts fitted etc. I have also built many kits, most of which now have RTR equivalents. However I don't feel inclined to part with these early models - they still run well enough and importantly to me I have done some modelling on them. Because of this attitude nor have I in general bought the retooled version that has arrived later on. I did the work on the model and I wish to keep it.
Just my penny worth, N

[grumbeast]

As @tunneroner61 says its a matter of personal choice.  Partially inspired by John of the SuperSplendid Poppyshire I find I am more and more eschewing recent releases in all the geographical areas I model.  Indeed with a little TLC I find many of the older models far more reliable than the very expensive and very delicate marvels that are produced currently.  I'm not decrying newer models but I always seem to have a much harder time with those I have than the far older majority.

I think if you have an older model and it gives you pleasure then stick with it.  If there is something new (especially if it hasn't bee produced in N before) that you really fancy go for it.

I recently purchased some beautifully detailed, perfectly running (if noisy, they haven't been run in yet and have brass gears) Arnold electrics from I believe the late 80s / Early 90s.  From over 12" away they look as good as anything modern (with the flanges being the exception) and ran straight away after years in a box.  All this for around CDN$100 each (£50ish) good luck getting anything new for that!

I don't know if this helps, but its an interesting topic that I'm sure more and more of us will have to pay attention to

G.

[icairns]

Well, less than a week after my original post, there is another decision to be made. 

EFE has announced that they are going to produce a RTR Baby Deltic. 

Not only that, one of the models they are going to produce is D5907 in BR green with no yellow warning panels.  Just like my D5907 in BR green with no yellow warning panels! 

My model is a Silver Fox resin body on a GF Class 33 chassis (China made). 

Fortunately, this is an easy decision for me.  I will not be upgrading to an EFE model as the prototypes were not indigenous to the north-east of England where my layout is supposedly situated.  I already have one based on Rule 1 and I could not justify another. 

So, why do I even have one?  Well, one of my main interests is making kits and 3D prints and just generally fiddling around with locos and rolling stock.  Back in the day, I thought a Baby Deltic was an interesting loco and, at that time, there was no RTR model on the horizon so I took the opportunity to construct one. 

Using a GF chassis has resulted in a model that is much more reliable that the prototypes ever were! 

Ian

[GlenEglise]

Well, less than a week after my original post, there is another decision to be made. 

EFE has announced that they are going to produce a RTR Baby Deltic. 



Ian

I cannot understand why this model of a very limited Class and limited geographical range has been made. To me it is really crazy when a larger Class like the 21/29 with larger numbers and geographical presence is simply ignored.

Am I missing something?

Deltics yes but Baby Deltics... really?

GE

[EtchedPixels]

Revolution were trying to put a 21/29 together but failed to get enough interest so maybe that put them off risking a clash at the time it was planned ?

I'd have thought the 21 was a better option because everyone would need two of the as they always ran in pairs in case one died on the job.

[Jollybob]

Well, less than a week after my original post, there is another decision to be made. 

EFE has announced that they are going to produce a RTR Baby Deltic. 




Ian

I cannot understand why this model of a very limited Class and limited geographical range has been made. To me it is really crazy when a larger Class like the 21/29 with larger numbers and geographical presence is simply ignored.

Am I missing something?

Deltics yes but Baby Deltics... really?

GE

It seems to be a thing lately of manufactuers making runs of exotic locomotives/trains. The LMS twins springs to mind, the blue pullman, Hornby tried the Brighton Belle, etc... I don't understand why the need for something that not everybody will want. Surely something a little more generic would be sensible? Am I missing something here?

Rob.

[Roy L S]

Well, less than a week after my original post, there is another decision to be made. 

EFE has announced that they are going to produce a RTR Baby Deltic. 




Ian

I cannot understand why this model of a very limited Class and limited geographical range has been made. To me it is really crazy when a larger Class like the 21/29 with larger numbers and geographical presence is simply ignored.

Am I missing something?

Deltics yes but Baby Deltics... really?

GE

It seems to be a thing lately of manufactuers making runs of exotic locomotives/trains. The LMS twins springs to mind, the blue pullman, Hornby tried the Brighton Belle, etc... I don't understand why the need for something that not everybody will want. Surely something a little more generic would be sensible? Am I missing something here?

Rob.

Even in N Gauge the market for the more common diesel locomotive classes is all but taken, meaning the alternatives are to enter into a process of continual upgrades and/or retools of existing models or look to produce some remaining and/or more "quirky" models never done before.

It would seem by the number of more "obscure" or short lived classes from the Modernisation plan or before that have been produced in the last few years (Class 17, Metrovick Co-Bo, LMS "Twins", Class 41 "Warship" and now Baby Deltic) that more than one manufacturer see sales potential in something from this category that is completely new.

Logically, if an existing loco of one of the more common classes is upgraded or retooled there will be a percentage of people who are "happy" with their existing model and do not purchase one, so I would think very careful thought has to be given to which ones to target, and whether instead something never done before but "quirky" has more potential.

I would think the answer is that there are a core of maybe six to eight locos from the transition era that would definitely warrant an upgrade or total retool, of which some have already been covered with the remainder being more marginal, hence the look for other prototypes.

Regards

Roy