Today Bachmann announced their plans for 2016/17.  To coincide with its’ thirtieth anniversary, the main theme of their new range is Network South East (NSE.)  The only new tooling for 00 scale follows this theme – a Class 414 (2 HAP) Electric Multiple Unit to fit in with the growing number of EMU’s available.  For N gauge modellers Graham Farish are releasing the Class 319 Electric Multiple Unit.Bachmann are continuing in their consolidation in catching up with previously announced models, although this time with the aid of extra resource provided by their parent company, Kader.  With consolidation in mind, there are some sideways moves in providing carriages with passengers already seated and wagons with loads.  They have also announced the use of Next18 DCC decoders and sockets – a new standard already found in some European model locomotives, usually used in smaller gauges.  The new DCC ready chassis for the 00 scale Ivatt 2MT and Gresley V2/V3 are to have Next18 DCC sockets.

The new range has a number of existing models in new guises.  Preserved N class 31874 is to be produced with a BR (early) crest, a new Longmoor Military Railway Austerity 2-8-0 of No. 79250 ‘Major-General Mc Mullen’ and preserved S&DJR 7F No. 89 in plain black livery (probably the first authentic S&DJR livery for this class in Ready to Run form) are personal highlights.The announcement also included an update on progress of new models.  Rather excitingly, Model Rail’s exclusive commission of the USA Dock Tank is about to hit production, with the new Wickham Trolley and chassis upgrades for the Ivatt tank engine and Gresley V2/V3 also either about to enter or in production.

The full announcement can be read at RM Web’s forum by clicking here and no doubt it will appear on the company’s website (www.bachmann.co.uk) soon too.

To read more about future 00 scale steam model locomotive releases, please click here.

Thanks for reading.