The Week that Was...

Mixed news in the world of model railways this week. Most surprising was Hornby's launch on the Tenth day, Tenth month at 12:00 of their TT:120 range. I say surprising, I think since Peco's announcement earlier in the year it was clear that for TT:120 to work one of the big players had to be prepared to "bet the farm" on a comprehensive range and my gut feeling was it wouldn't be Bachmann... Whilst of no real interest to my modelling as a launch range is does somewhat seem akin to re-releasing your greatest hits on Compact Disc, big mainline trains and a distinct lack of any DMU or medium sized locos in the proposals. So no compact layout potential, just smaller train sets. The more I think about it the more I wonder if they really should have initially focused on diesel and electric prototypes with maybe recognisable LNER Pacifics as the token steam items...  

I'm not sure that direct retail is the issue many make it out to be, as long as Hornby don't hide behind an excuse of model shops not wanting to give shelf space to a new range or invest capital in stock. A lot of people buy model railway equipment online anyway, albeit from specialist retailers and some of us model railways in such a way that purchases from model shops, online or bricks-and-mortar are less of a possibility anyway. 

Which brings us to the sad news that Iain Rice, railway modeller and author passed away this week. Whilst an advocate of the finer scale end of railway modelling, his writings on many topics have inspired many, including myself. Equally many will have ignored his work as being too far beyond their interests or style. Of his works that I have read my favourite has to be his work on improving kit built wagons in 4mm scale, including its potted history of kit manufacturing. Whilst a Rice-style O9 layout is not something I have considered, his works are inspirational, aspirational and written (and illustrated) in an engaging way. Authors capable of this are few and far between and we should cherish them whilst we can...

Colin