New livery samples for the Sonic Models N Gauge Newton Chambers Car Transporters have been revealed. The models are available exclusively from Rails of Sheffield, with pre-orders currently open and delivery expected around January 2025
When introduced in the early-1960s, the car transporters were used between London, York and Edinburgh in sets of five or six vehicles with a handful of BR maroon Mk1 coaches, hauled by ex-LNER Pacifics and later BR green Deltics, Class 40s, 45s, 46s or 47s. From the late-1960s onwards, they were painted in BR blue/grey and started to venture further afield on ‘Motorail’ services from London and northern England to the West of England, being hauled by Class 45s, 46s, 47s and Westerns. However, they were closely associated with the East Coast Main Line throughout their career.
The models will feature:
Fully detailed prototypical bodies including original and later style roof sky lights
NEM Couplings combined with a kinematic close coupling system
Ends with buffer beam original detail and later ETH equipment
Correct size RP 25 profile bogie wheels
Livery schemes for BR Maroon and BR Blue Grey
Models supplied in sets of three in a bespoke box
The above images are courtesy of Rails of Sheffield, and the models can be pre-ordered exclusively via them now!
In case you missed it, the official unveiling of the prototype for the LGB Ge 4/4 II electric locomotive item LGB 28448 happened on Tuesday of last week (9/17) (remember…it was covered in a red cloth in the Fall New Items brochure!). The Rhaetian Railway revealed the impressively beautiful paint scheme for the so-called Pullman locomotive, road no. 626. The locomotive will be seen in this special livery in the future on both on the Rhaetian Railway and LGB tracks.
A highpoint from the hobby fair in Leipzig this past weekend was the prototype of the SOEG steam locomotive VII K 99 731 (Item no. LGB 21482) being painted live on Sunday afternoon (9/22) by artist Michael Fischer. LGB is also offering a painted version of this locomotive (Item no. LGB 21485) . Production of this item is very limited and nearly sold out.
Please Reserve your Model this week before they sell out and avoid disappointment!
During the 2024 International N Gauge Show, NGN was able to take a close up look at the first EP samples for the forthcoming Dapol N Gauge GWR 63xx Mogul steam locomotive.
First announced at TINGS one year ago, the Mogul is planned to be the second of Dapol's next generation of steam locomotive models, with locomotive mounted coreless motor, NEXT18 DCC socket and tender space for a speaker. It was also the first, we believe, British outline N Gauge steam locomotive to be announced as having firebox glow effect fitted, although the Bulleid Light Pacifics and newly announced Manor will also share this feature.
The images here show the very first Engineering Prototype delivered to Dapol by the factory and these are used to ensure that the basic design is functional and identify any areas requiring improvement. Dapol have already stated that the boiler join is to be repositioned into a less prominent location, and have also identified other refinements to be made before the models enter production.
The Mogul will feature the following specifications:
Diecast boiler
Smokebox with/without cylinder steam pipes
Diecast footplate
Churchward tapered buffers
Collett straight shank buffers
Tall vacuum pipe for early version
Lower vacuum pipe for later period
Tall safety valve cover & Short safety valve cover
Smoke box top mounted lamp bracket
Smoke box door mounted lamp bracket for B.R. period
Smoke box number plate for B.R. period
Highly detailed cab interior
Diecast chassis – split frames for live bearing pick-up
Blackened nickel plated diecast driving wheels
Brass bearings
Plastic keeper plate with brake shoe/linkage details
Sprung centre driving wheels
Wheels to NMRA standard
Pickup from loco driving wheels and tender
Coreless motor
Tender body to be easily removable
Space for sugar cube speaker in tender
DCC Ready with provision for a NEXT-18 Decoder in the tender
Locomotive to tender with electrical connections for motor and locomotive pick-up via pin and socket vertically mounted under the cab
Along with the new Manor and Light Pacifics, it's heartening to see progress on new Dapol N Gauge steam locomotives and keeping pace with current features and introducing new ones. We look forward to seeing further updates on these locomotives as they move forward!
During the 2024 International N Gauge Show, NGN was able to take a close up look at the livery samples for the Revolution Trains N Gauge IHA/sfhimmns steel carrier wagons.
250 IHA steel carriers were built to transport high-grade steel on a variety of flows. These include domestic steel from South Wales to destinations in the midlands, north and south-east of England and via the Channel tunnel to customers in France, Belgium and Holland. The IHAs are also used to feed imported steel from ports on the east coast and Thames estuary to steel terminals inland.
The first batch of 48 wagons were built by Fauvet Girel in 1991 with further batches built in 1993 and 1998. There are very minor variations between batches and these have been accounted for in the Revolution Trains tooling.
Now owned by wagon leasing company Ermewa, the wagons have red bogies, underframes and ends and grey canvas covers. Some have yellow dots painted in the covers signifying they are reserved for domestic traffic only. As the canvas covers come due for renewal, wagon owners Ermewa began adding its branding more prominently.
The Revolution Trains model will incorporate the following features:
Moulded representation of the canvas covers
Photo-etched platforms at one end
NEM coupler pockets in kinematic mounts
Fine wheelsets to NMRA RP25 standards
Designed for Peco radius 2 curves
Four livery variations (with 4 numbers of each variations ie 16 different numbers in total) are currently available for pre-order directly from Revolution Trains:
Original as built
HT lettering and dot with white roof ends – these wagons were only used for domestic traffic
H lettering and dot – these wagons were only used for domestic traffic
Ermewa branding
Pre-orders are expected to close shortly so for more information and to order visit the Revolution Trains website.
Revolution Trains have received more livery samples for their N Gauge 1938 tube stock and Class 483 units, the first Ready to Run underground models to be produced in N Gauge. We previously featured the Island Line samples here, but at the International N Gauge Show all remaining liveries were on display
Over 1100 cars of 1938 stock were built for London Underground with additional cars continuing to be built into the 1950s. The 1938 stock was revolutionary in both its styling and being the first underground stock with all the equipment located under the floor rather than in cabinets above the sole bars. The 1938 stock was used on the Bakerloo, Northern, Piccadilly, East London and Central lines at various points in their life – perhaps being most noted for running on the Bakerloo and Northern lines until 1988.
Following withdrawal of last 1938 stock sets in 1988, 20 cars were sold to BR for refurbishment and use on the Isle of Wight as the Class 483 units.
Revolution Trains are offering the 1938 stock in two complementary packs configured as per the real 7-car sets made up of a 4-car basic pack and a 3-car add-on pack. The 4-car pack consists of: “A” motor, Trailer, Non-Driving Motor (NDM) and “D’ motor. For a full 7-car set you will need to combine this product with the 3-car add-on pack. All sets have have one powered chassis, including the 3 car add-on set.
Revolution are also offering the 2 car Class 483 in Network SouthEast and the final Island Line maroon liveries.
detailed bodyshells with separate flush-glazing
one car motorised
DCC socket in each driving car (i.e. both A and D driving motors cars in a 4-car unit)
moulded interiors
working head and tail lights
saloon lighting (non-motor cars only)
alternative couplers for ends to enable sets to be run in multiple (simple bar couplings in set)
The models are still available to pre-order directly from Revolution Trains.
In a surprise reveal at the International N Gauge Show, Dapol are to produce a brand new tool N Gauge GWR 78xx Manor steam locomotive.
The new Manor is designed from the ground up and will feature a coreless motor in the locomotive complete with flywheel. Like the West Country / Battle of Britain and GWR Mogul, it will also feature firebox glow and a new electrical connector for easy locomotive-tender separation.
The photos above are of the first EP sample which arrived in the UK just before TINGS and is now undergoing evaluation by the Dapol design team with some improvements already identified. Decorated samples are expected toward the end of the year, and Dapol hope to have the model in the shops during Q3 2025.
Diecast boiler
Diecast footplate
Appropriate Buffer types
Tall vacuum pipe on the tender
Lower vacuum on the locomotive
Smoke box number plate for B.R. period
Highly detailed cab interior
Diecast chassis – split frames for live bearing pick-up
Blackened nickel plated diecast driving wheels
Brass bearings
Plastic keeper plate with brake shoe/linkage details
Sprung centre driving wheels
Wheels to NMRA standard
Pickup from loco driving wheels and tender
Coreless motor
Tender body to be easily removable
Space for sugar cube speaker in tender
Firebox glow
DCC Ready with provision for a NEXT-18 Decoder in the tender
Locomotive to tender with electrical connections for motor and locomotive pick-up via pin and socket vertically mounted under the cab
2S-001-005 4-6-0 Granville Manor 7818 Green Shirt Button
2S-001-006 4-6-0 Fringford Manor 7814 Green Shirt GWR
2S-001-007 4-6-0 Compton Manor 7807 Green G Crest W
2S-001-008 4-6-0 Torquay Manor 7800 BR Black Large Early Crest
2S-001-009 4-6-0 Draycott Manor 7810 Lined BR Green Small Early Crest
2S-001-010 4-6-0 Erlestoke Manor 7812 Lined BR Green Late Crest
2S-001-011 4-6-0 Cookham Manor 7808 Lined BR Green Late Crest
DCC Ready: £190
DCC Fitted: £227.80
DCC Sound: £308.80
Our thanks to Dapol for allowing NGN to photograph the Manor sample on display at TINGS.
At the 2024 International N Gauge show, Revolution Trains debuted livery samples for their N Gauge Class 175 Coradia and Class 180 Adelante diesel multiple units.
The Class 180 was displayed in the striking black and orange Grand Central livery whilst the Class 175 was shown in the colours of Arriva Trains Wales.
The models feature full interiors with switchable lighting, Next-18 DCC decoder interface and power couplers between cars so only one DCC decoder is needed to control the entire train. The models also incorporate representations of the prototypes brake discs and working representation of the Dellner coupler used by the prototype, to allow sets to operate in multiple.
Revolution is offering the Class 175 in 2-car and 3-car versions, in Arriva Trains Wales, Transport for Wales and First North Western liveries. Decorated samples of the latter two versions are expected shortly.
The Class 180 ‘Adelante’ unit is being offered as a full five-car train in the Grand Central livery shown, along with First ‘Barbie’ livery, Furst ‘Dynamic Lines’ colours and East Midlands Railway. As with the Class 175, these versions are expected shortly.
Once these models have been assessed and any changes made they will be ready for production, with delivery expected Q2 2025.
Once these models have been assessed and any changes made they will be ready for production, with delivery expected Q2 2025 however pre-orders can still be placed via Revolution Trains for all planned liveries.
Our thanks to Revolution Trains for allowing N Gauge News to photograph the samples on display at the International N Gauge Show.
Revolution Trains have received the first EP samples for their recently announced N Gauge Alcan PCA alumina tank wagons.
Built in 1988, the Alcan PCA tanks have been in frontline service for more than three decades and despite their relatively limited route they pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. 43 wagons numbered BAHS55531-55573 were built in 1988 by Powell Duffryn to design code PC020A for British Alcan Aluminium. Unusually the wagons have twin-link suspension with parabolic leaf springs, due to restrictions on the West Highland line.
The models will feature:
NEM coupling pockets
RP25 wheel sets
optional ladders (fitted for appropriate versions – Alcan and debranded Alcan liveries have ladders fitted)
optional discharge chute plate
high levels of detailing with numerous separately fitted plastic and photo-etched parts
All the models will be supplied in packs of 4 wagons to enable modellers to recreate prototypical rakes of 12 – 20+ wagons. Each wagon in each pack will be individually numbered.
You can pre-order wagons direct from Revolution Trains now for the early bird price of £149.95 per pack of four.
Piko has annouced 42 Fall New Items.
A few of the highlights are;
Many of these annoucements are limited releases and to be in time for Halloween and Chrsistmas, please submit your orders now so that you will receive in time.
Click here for the Piko Fall New ItemsDuring the 2024 International N Gauge Show, Dapol announced they are to produce the NER E1/LNER J72 0-6-0 tank locomotive in N Gauge. The J72 had previously been planned a number of years ago but was cancelled when also announced by another manufacturer. That model was also subsequently cancelled, and Dapol have now made the decision to re-start their own project.
The Dapol model has been developed using many original GA drawings to ensure a high level of accuracy of these models. Due to the small size of the locomotive, many of the larger components will be diecast to ensure maximum weight and haulage capability. In addition, the centre driving wheels will be sprung and the coreless motor will be flywheel equipped to assist shunting over dead frog pointwork.
Diecast footplate
Diecast tanks· NER tapered buffers
LNER “Group Standard” buffers
NER wheel and handle smokebox door locking
Later, LNER two handle style smokebox door locking
Vacuum brake equipment for locomotives so fitted
Smokebox numberplate for B.R. period
Ross Pop safety valves
NER style “trumpet” safety valve cover
Diecast chassis – split frames for live bearing pickup
Blackened nickel plated driving wheels
Brass bearings
Plastic keeper plate with brake shoe/linkage details
Sprung centre driving wheels
Wheels to NMRA standards
Pickup from all six driving wheels
Coreless motor
Flywheel
Provision for Next-18 Decoder in cab
Access for decoder fitting via four screws
Direct springing to centre driving wheel bearings to ensure electrical contact
2S-072-001J72 0-6-0 2173 NER Lined Green
2S-072-002J72 0-6-0 2183 LNER Pre War Unlined Black
2S-072-003J72 0-6-0 8680 LNER Post War Lined Green
2S-072-004J72 0-6-0 68723 BR Black Early Crest
2S-072-005J72 0-6-0 68745 BR Black Early Crest
2S-072-006J72 0-6-0 69007 BR Black Late Crest
2S-072-007J72 0-6-0 68736 BR Lined Apple Green (Station Pilot) Late Crest
2S-072-008J72 0-6-0 69023 BR Lined Apple Green (Preserved) NER & Late Crest
£140 RRP DCC ready
£175 RRP DCC fitted
The CADs are complete and the Dapol design team are making their final deliberations before committing to tooling. Dapol expect to see the release of these models some time in Q4 2025.
At the 2024 International N Gauge Show, Dapol revealed first EP samples for the eagerly awaited Bulleid West Country & Battle of Britain Light Pacifics, and N Gauge News has taken a close up look.
Only arriving in the UK a few days ago, this is the very first engineering sample to arrive at Dapol from the factory and is subject to inspection and revision by the development team, however even at this stage it makes for an impressive looking model.
First announced in 2011, it's fair to say the model has had a lengthy gestation period, and we understand it has also gone through several redesigns, however with the EP now at hand, Dapol are hopeful that the models will be in shops by the end of 2025/early 2026.
The eagle eyed amongst readers will notice that the locomotive body has reverted to a plastic moulding, rather than the diecast body previously specified, however there is still a weighty chassis packed in to it and the EP was seen to be hauling 11 coaches with ease and without traction tyres, which will be fitted to the final models. The use of plastic also allows for finer detail to be incorporated, and the body moulding is awash with very fine rivet detailing indeed.
The tender to body link will be via a 4 pin socket to allow reliable electrical connection, and this also features a kinematic close coupling mechanism, which along with the GWR Mogul and new Manor is the first time this has been used for the locomotive to tender connection in a UK outline N Gauge steam engines.
The mechanism features a heavy diecast chassis to aid traction and is driven by a flywheel equipped coreless motor. The EP sample wasn't equipped with traction tyres however these will be fitted to the production models. The tender houses the DCC chip and speaker. Fire box flicker is also visible through the excellent backhead detailing.
Dapol will be providing more information on the model and updated features in due course and NGN extends our huge thanks to the Dapol team at The International N Gauge Show for allowing access to the EP sample for photography.
They have launched quite a number of new items and we will briefly touch on a few highlights for each;
Marklin/Trix
See all the 2024 Marklin Trix and LGB Fall New Items here
Download the Brochures in English
Marklin 2024 Fall New Items Brochure (english)
Trix HO 2024 Fall New Items Brochure (english)
Minitrix N 2024 Fall New Items Brochure (english)
LGB 2024 Fall New Items Brochure (english)
Bachamnn Europe have revealed EP samples for the N Gauge D600 'Warship' diesel hydraulic locomotive to be released in the EFE Rail range.
Developed using research from the EFE Rail OO Gauge model released in 2019, the N Gauge model will feature a coreless motor driving the outer axles on each bogie just like the prototype's A-1-A configuration. A Next18 decoder socket will be fitted, and there will be space for a sugarcube speaker in the fuel tank, although it will not come with the speaker pre-fitted.
The tooling will feature options for both original disc headcode fitted and split box route indicators with the appropriate lighting configurations and switchable tail lights, in addition to functioning cab lighting.
The bogies feature separately fitted details, and EFE have included the distinctve spoked wheels of the prototype. NEM coupling pockets and user fitted buffer beam detailing will also be included.
Full details of the liveries to be released and pricing will be announced by Bachmann in the Winter British Railway Announcements on Wednesday 6th November.
You can also watch the exclusive NGN video for more details and information on the new models.
Bachmann Europe have announced they are to produce the BR Mk.1 POT Post Office Stowage Van in N Gauge as part of the Graham Farish range.
Complementing the previously released POS van, the POT is a brand new tooling of the diagram 732 vehicles and features detailed B5 bogies with separately fitted brake blocks, and extensive underframe detailing. The body tooling features the recesses for the traductor arms on one side, although these were not always fitted towards the end of the TPO service.
Full details of the liveries to be released and pricing will be revealed in the Bachmann Winter British Railway announcements on Wednesday 6th November.
For further information on the N Gauge POT van, you can watch our exclusive product reveal with Bachmann's Richard Proudmann!
Rapido Trains UK have announced they are to produce the Class 45 and Class 46 in N Gauge as a follow on to their previously announced Class 44 'Peak' locomotive.
New N Gauge BR 1Co-Co1 Class 45 and Class 46. Both are available directly from Rapido Trains UK, and our Official Retailers.
One of our most-requested N Gauge locos to date.
Liveries covering their history from construction through to preservation.
Directional lighting.
Next18 decoder socket.
High-quality motor and drive mechanism for smooth running.
NEM coupler pockets.
Numerous separately fitted parts including handrails and wipers.
Etched radiator fan grill.
High quality speaker pre-fitted
Available to pre-order now!
In much the same way as the locos were produced in real-life, the development of the Rapido Trains N Gauge Class 45 and 46 has progressed as a continuation from the Class 44. To streamline the process and save time in production, Rapido included the research, development, and tooling for all three classes when they began development of the Class 44s. That gave them the freedom to announce the arrival of these locos somewhat sooner than they would have done for other models in their range.
With the success of the first Type 4 diesels, Derby Works began the development of the next generation of even more powerful locomotives, the Class 45 and Class 46. These would go on to form the bulk of the Midland mainline fleet for many years.
Despite the 45s and 46s not being named after mountains as their Class 44 counterparts had been, many were honoured with the names of famed British Army Regiments, however, they still retained the nickname ‘Peaks’.
The Class 45 and 46s were pretty much identical to the 44s, also weighing in at around 135 tonnes and powered by a diesel power unit produced by Swiss engineering company, Sulzer. However, the newer power units produced 2500 horsepower, 200 more than their predecessor.
This led to BR placing a more substantial order of 127 locos for Class 45s, this was so many in fact, that Crewe Works were also drafted in to assist Derby with their construction.
The first BR Class 45 entered service in late 1960, with the class soon becoming the main loco to work out of St Pancras on the Midland Line services, demoting the dwindling number of steam locos to cover local services or freight.
The final variant of the ‘Peak’ began production in 1961, now with Brush Electrical Equipment fitted after re-tendering for the next batch of locomotives. This tweaked peak would be known as the BR Class 46.
Externally it looked almost identical, as it had the same engine and body, however, its electrical equipment had received an upgraded generator and different traction motors. Developed by the Brush Company of Loughborough these upgrades replaced the previously used Crompton-Parkinson electrical equipment of the Class 44 and 45. In total, 56 Class 46 locomotives were produced, with the last being built in 1963.
The 45s were intended to be allocated to multiple regions during their construction and this was initially the case with locomotives allocated to London Midland and Western Region sheds as well as other regions for short stints of training. They soon settle down to more regular work on Midland Mainline and Western Region services. The 46s were used for more varied work, being seen on NE-SW cross-country services, long distance freights from the West Country and some Trans-Pennine services.
With Class 45s and 46s often being seen working trains to destinations across the Southwest and alongside the iconic trainspotting location of Dawlish it's no wonder the loco has a soft spot in many diesel enthusiasts' hearts.
With the introduction of the HSTs on the Midland Mainline and Cross Country routes, as well as the introduction of Class 56s to Coal traffic, the 45s were moved to the Trans-Pennine route to work passenger services across the north of the country.
The aging fleet of well-travelled ‘Peaks’ started to be withdrawn throughout the 1980s. The last of the 44s were withdrawn in 1980, the 46s in 1984, and the final 2 Class 45s soldiered on until 1989. The last ‘Peak’, No.45106, was painted into an approximation of the original BR Green livery and regularly worked the 17:50 St Pancras – Derby service as well as a number of railtours. It sealed the fate of the class with an onboard fire after it failed at Wellingborough with a fuel leak, the ignition presumed to be from brake sparks while being towed dead, which sadly resulted in its inevitable retirement.
Prior to retirement, the class did have one final claim to fame. Class 46 No.46009 was acquired by the BR Research department, to be used in an upcoming crash test. This famous and very public experiment would see BR test, under crash conditions, the integrity of its supposedly impenetrable Nuclear Flasks.
On July the 17th 1984, the loco and its train were allowed to run out of control along the old Derby Test Track. With the train approaching its top speed, it crashed into a waiting nuclear flask wagon that had been positioned across the track. Unsurprisingly, the loco swiftly expired in the name of science, exploding in an impressive ball of flames and debris. The infamous footage taken on that day would be lapped up by railway enthusiasts across the world for many years to come.
Not all of the remaining ‘Peaks’ were used as test subjects, and we can be thankful that a number of these locos would sit waiting to be scrapped until 1994, giving budding enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to preserve them. Incredibly 2 44s, 12 class 45s, and 3 class 46s were saved for preservation.
The Rapido Trains UK N Gauge BR 1Co-Co1 Class 45 and Class 46 models have been designed using a combination of archival materials and drawings. They will be available in a variety of liveries covering the loco's almost 30-year mainline tenure, and several as preserved examples too.
In addition to a high-quality motor and drive mechanism for smooth running, a Next18 Decoder Socket, and NEM Coupler pockets, modelers can look forward to directional lighting, an etched radiator fan grill and lots of other separately fitted parts including wipers.
Samples have been received for the ‘Peaks’ and the order book is open. You can pre-order yours directly from www.rapidotrains.co.uk or from any of the official Rapido retailers.
SKU 948101: D120 BR Green
SKU 948102: D99 ‘3rd Carabinier’ BR Green
SKU 948103: D63 ‘Royal Inniskilling Fusilier’ BR Green
SKU 948104: D92 BR Early Blue
SKU 948105: 49 ‘The Manchester Regiment’ BR Blue
SKU 948106: 45123 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ BR Blue
SKU 948107: 45108 BR Blue
SKU 948108: 45060 ‘Sherwood Forrester’ BR Blue
SKU 948109: 45111 ‘Grenadier Guardsman’ BR Blue
SKU 948110: 45022 ‘Lytham St Annes’ BR Blue
SKU 948111: 45115 ‘Apollo’ BR Blue
SKU 948112: 45106 BR Heritage Green
SKU 948201: D140 BR Green
SKU 948202: D182 BR Green
SKU 948203: D138 BR Green
SKU 948204: 46026 ‘Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry’ BR Blue
SKU 948205: 46037 BR Blue
SKU 948206: 46010 BR Blue
SKU 948207: 97403 ‘Ixion’ RTC Blue/Red
Pricing for the Class 45 and Class 46 is RRP £144.95 DCC Ready with all versions also available sound fitted for an RRP of £249.95
For more information visit the Rapido Trains UK website
The Brawa factory has annouced a total of 31 models, including the limited edition “Niederegger / Marzipan Factory” Christmas car 2024 (BR50953). Most of these items will become available at the factory this fall.
The highlights of this announcement are the BR 424 railcar in the new design of the Cologne S-Bahn and the CFL “Donnerbüchsen” from Luxembourg. After a long and intensive research, we have now succeeded in replicating these coaches as close to the original as possible.
The new announcement of the CFL “Donnerbüchsen” is complemented by an “LED promotion”. If you purchase all 4 “Donnerbüchsen” models including LED lighting, you will receive an H0 G10 freight car (BR49808) worth 45.90 EUR as a gift while stocks last.
Click here for the Brawa Fall New ItemsToday, Marklin/Trix unveiled there 2nd Surprise Locomotive of the year!
A real highlight is rolling onto the H0 rails - and as early as September. The Mikado Locomotive 141 R 1244 is appearing for the first time in the Märklin and Trix programme as a completely new construction with many outstanding features and an enormously high level of detail.
Risen from the ruins, this steam locomotive giant represented an absolute revolution for the SNCF after the war. As the French locomotive stock was severely depleted, robust and universally usable Mikado locomotives were ordered in the USA. The first series of 700 locomotives was delivered in 1945, followed by a second series of 640 locomotives by 1947.
By the way: nine of these locomotives still exist today, including 141 R 1244, which is preserved in Switzerland as an operational vintage locomotive. You can experience the great role model live on the wonderful autumn trip to the Bernese Oberland on 5 October 2024
Ever bigger, ever faster and ever more efficient - an international collaboration. Within two years, US and Canadian locomotive factories produced over 1300 Light Mikados for the SNCF, which were among the most powerful Steam Locomotives in Europe with over 3000 hp. These locomotives, including the famous 141 R, also pulled prestigious trains such as the Mistral for a long time and ran in France until 1974.
The 141 R 1244 is preserved today as a museum locomotive in Switzerland and is now appearing as a real highlight and surprise model at Märklin and Trix.
PECO are to produce a limited run of N Gauge 7 plank open wagons using the newly tooled chassis and body moulding, exclusively for Monk Bar Model shop in York.
The models are being produced in the livery of Sowerby Bridge Industrial Society Ltd and will consist of four running numbers.
NRC008A No2
NRC008B No5
NRC008C No7
NRC008D No10
These exclusive N Gauge models will be available from the 6th of September at £18.99 each or a set of all four running numbers for £70.00.
Monk Bar also have a limited number of their previous exclusive PECO 7 plank wagons, Ripponden No1 and No4, still available for purchase.
The 6th and 7th of September 2024 also sees Monk Bar Models stage its 2024 PECO weekend. Visitors to the shop will be able to see the latest PECO products, demonstrations and displays, and a representative from PECO will also be on hand to answer any questions.
Monk Bar Model Shop
2 Goodramgate
York
YO1 7LQ
Rapido Trains UK have released new images showing the first EP samples for their N Gauge Class 44 'Peak' locomotive.
Rapido have designed the Peak to include multiple tooling variants in body types and the inclusion of inner sandboxes, water tanks, and multi-working jumpers on different versions in the range. They also state that they have listened to the N Gauge community and modified the cab handrails to be moulded rather than wire in order to achieve the correct shape.
Rapido are now conducting a full review of the EPs and will be closing the orderbook on 16th September before moving the models straight into production. Models can be ordered direct from Rapido Trains UK or any of their official stockists.
The EP samples will be available to view on the Rapido Trains UK stand at the International N Gauge Show being held at Leamington Spa on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September.
Rapido are also making a correction to their model of 44008 'Penyghent'. During their research they discovered that in 1979, 44008 was renumbered D8 and became a minor celebrity. In 1980, after withdrawal it was renumbered 44008 again but upon preservation was re-renumbered as D8. With this information now to hand, Rapido are producing these models with D8 on both sides, the prototypically accurate number for this loco at the time of withdrawal and preservation.
Marklin, USA – Announces Special Clearance Sale for Select Locomotives
Marklin, USA has announced a Special Clearance Sale of a select number of HO Locomotives. These models have long been sold out at the factory. If you have missed these in your collection this is your final chance to get these at an incredible price point.
Please note: Several of these models are no longer in stock at our store and need to be ordered from Marklin, USA. The ones that are, well, our loss. Due to the nature of the sale we cannot guarantee items will be in stock very long at Marklin, USA - please order ASAP for the best selection. We will do our best to remove sold out items as we are notified . All clearance item sales are final.