Bratchell Models update

In future Bratchell Models will be concentrating on producing ready-liveried kits ready to assemble (RTA) or assembled ready to motorise (RTM). However, anyone wanting an unliveried kit are advised to contact them. Current Southern Region productions are 319011 in Southern livery, 319372 in First Capital Connect "Urban Lines" livery and 455909 in Network SouthEast livery. The complex liveries are produced to an impressive high standard and represent very good value for money over their previous unliveried kits.

Following an advance order programme for existing customers it appears Bratchell will be proceeding with new tooling for a Class 455/8 model. This will initially be available in Network SouthEast and Southern liveries, the latter representing a unit prior to refurbishment.

In all cases these models require Southern Electric specific details such as underfloor electrical equipment, pickup apparatus and cab end MU jumper cables to be separately obtained by the purchaser.

Hornby Class 395

Hornby will be producing alternative versions of their Hitachi high speed units. R2972 will represent 395003 as a 4 car unit, there being no news yet of the two additional MSOs required to make this up to the correct 6 car formation.

In addition there is their R1139 "Blue Rapier" train set featuring a 3 car Javelin unit produced with less detail for younger users. Separate less detailed MSOs will be available for this (R4438). This latter item could prove to be an economical resource for projects!

Finally one hesitates to mention the R1148 London 2012 Olympics train set ("limited" to a production of 2012 sets) and R2961 train pack, both featuring trains decorated with pictograms of Olympic sports. Who knows, maybe real units will be vinyled in such a fashion when they are used for Olympic Shuttle trains in 2012?

Bachmann developments

Just in case you have missed this, Bachmann have taken over development and production of Kernow Model Rail Centre's 2H "Thumper" units. This will benefit the project due to Bachmann already having Southern Electric knowledge and expertise with their 4Cep models and forthcoming 2EPBs, not to mention the synergies and economies of common elements.

Hopefully before the end of the year Bachmann will also be releasing alternatively numbered versions of their 4Cep models.

Finally, hope for modellers of the current day Southern Electric system. Their 2010 programme of new models features Siemens Desiro Class 350/1 and 350/2 units. This produces the possibility of South West Trains Class 450 versions in the future. Unfortunately the London Midland 350/1 unit they have chosen to model is one which did not run the Milton Keynes - East Croydon service last year. Of course renumbering and removal of the nameplate is always an option. For the impatient wanting a South West Trains model it will be interesting to see how these models are constructed, for on this will rest how easy it will be to modify and repaint.