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N Gauge

Fleischmann

The programme is headed with what promises to be a beautiful model, the former Bavarian PtL2/3 2-4-0T in DRG form as BR700 with the extended coal bunker (below). It will feature a metal body and chassis, maintenance-free Faulhaber motor, working LED lights, and pickup from all wheels; it is due in month 12. No digital version is envisaged.

As if one completely new loco was not enough, Fleischmann also propose the DB V60 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic shunter. This is almost as much of a technical challenge as the BR70. With some 942 built and many still in service, having carried various liveries, the model offers many future possibilities. The first version will be in classic DB Epoch III wine-red (below). It will have a cast metal body and chassis, maintenance-free motor, working lights, flush windows, clear view through the cab, and separate platform handrails; it is to be expected in month 11, in both DC and DCC versions.

There will be a new variant of the BR145 Bo-Bo electric as BR146 (below) for regional passenger working, with transmission capable of higher speeds (up to 160km/h) and illuminated destination boards (month 5).

The BR185 Bo-Bo electric will be produced as a special limited edition for this year only in the black ‘Crossrail’ livery, as leased from Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE) and mostly used hauling Ford car transporters between Dillingen and Italy (month 6).

The new electric locos have the NEM 651 six-pole inline socket for a digital decoder, and can optionally collect current from the overhead; directional lights are standard.

As planned is a special limited edition Exclusive model of the Siemens ER 20 ‘Hercules’ Bo-Bo diesel in Dispolok yellow & silver with graphics promoting the SWR television programme Eisenbahn Romantik (above).

The BR610 ‘Pendolino’ diesel railcar set will be produced in DBAG traffic red fitted with ESU LokSound™ digital sound decoder (month 10).

As in HO, the ICE-T BR411 will be offered as an ÖBB Rh4011, as running between Wien and München (month 5).

Also as in HO, there will be a brand new model of the Görlitz-built double-deck driving trailer type DBpbzfa (month 11). The project is illustrated with prototype pictures only at this stage.

The limited edition train pack for this jubilee year represents an Epoch II Berlin - München express (above) and consists of the E19 1-Do-1 electric in red livery hauling a Pw4ü-37 baggage van, a WR4ü-35 ‘Mitropa’ diner, an AB4ü-35 composite, and a C4ü-35 third with end of train markers. A different C4ü-35 third is offered to extend the train. The items will also be available individually. Interior lighting kits are available as optional extras. The models have to be ordered by dealers by the end of April for delivery in month 10.

In the programme of passenger stock, there are three brand new models of Bavarian four-wheel coaches in DRG Epoch II condition (above) to match the BR70 loco - BCi bay10 second/third composite, Ci bay10 third, and Pwi bay07 baggage van (all month 11).

The DRG Epoch II selection is further extended with a former Prussian clerestory roof express composite of type AB6ü pr05 now on six-wheel bogies (above) (month 12).

As in HO, there will be a new model of the Prussian type Heiz 3i six-wheel clerestory-roof train heating boiler van in DRG Epoch II form (below) (month 8).

The welded body version of the type B4ywe-35/50 second class fast train coach in DB Epoch III markings will be offered fitted with electronic tail lights (month 11).

The type standard 26.4 metre long Aüm203 long first in DB Epoch IV blue livery (month 3).

As in HO, the type ABvmsz184 composite and Bpmz293 will be made in DBAG traffic red as a special edition for this year only representing the stock presently used on the München - Nürnberg Express, the only regional service running at up to 200km/h (where track allows). The route is via Ingolstadt and the trains are usually of six coaches.

All these new coaches feature flush glazing, close coupling, and come ready to accept optional internal lighting kits.

On the freight side, for DR in Epoch III, as in HO, the type V four-wheel livestock wagon with raised brake house is to be issued, correctly for the period, without fodder boxes; no delivery date is quoted.

New for Epoch III DB is a further variant of the Leig-Wageneinheitclose-coupled lightweight wagon set, consisting of a type Gllh12 van and a type Gllvwhh08 crew van (month 8).

Two special editions are noted on a separate Exclusive models flyer - a ‘Franziskaner’ beer van (DB Epoch III), and the Lgjs598 four-wheel flat carrying a ‘Würth’ 40' container (Epoch V). No anticipated delivery dates are quoted.

Also for Epoch V, this year’s edition of the type Saadkms690 rolling-road low-floor bogie flat carries an articulated lorry (by Herpa) of the ‘Schenker’ company (month 5), and as a special edition for this year, available only while stocks last, there will be another pair of Fans128 side tipping opens with different running numbers (month 3).

The N start set of the year (for release in month 4) features a small 0-4-0T plus three assorted wagons, a small oval of Profi-track, and a conventional controller.

As in HO, the N start set for the jubilee year (for release in April or May) consists of the BR64 2-6-2T plus three four-wheel coaches and three assorted wagons, a long oval of Profi-track with a passing loop, two uncouplers, a re-railer, and a conventional controller. In parallel (and available at the same time) there is also a digital start set for the jubilee year, using the same elements.

There will also be (in April/May) a digital start set using the advanced Twin-Center controller plus an longer oval with passing loop. Motive power is a class 86 2-8-2T and the train is a local passenger composed of two pairs of six-wheel Umbauwagen (one composite, one second/baggage, and two seconds). Markings are DB Epoch IV.

Minitrix

Epoch I releases are all new versions of existing models. The Bavarian EP3/5 electric loco appears in original 1914 condition in green & cream, equipped with a steam heating boiler for the train. The model not only has a new running number but is now equipped with a five-pole motor and a decoder socket, and these improvements are standard for all new motive power.

To match, there will be new versions of the six-wheel express stock (composite, third, and baggage) in lined green livery.

The Trix Profi-Club special model this year is a four-wheel beer van with raised brake house, registered with the Bavarian railways and lettered for the ‘Gräfl.Arcs Zinnebergschen Brauerei, Stein a.d.Traun’.

To help make an appropriate load there will be a set of three four-wheel freight wagons: a ‘Riegel’ beer van, a lidded open, and a tank wagon used by the ‘Noury’ company.

The Profi-Club special locomotive this year straddles the transition from Epoch I to II, being a Bavarian S3/6 Pacific in the special blue livery in which the brand new loco was exhibited at Seddin (near Berlin) in 1924 (above).

For Epoch III there will be a new version of the BR44 three-cylinder 2-10-0 in DB markings with oil tender (above); the model boasts a built-in dual DCC/SX decoder and sound.

One of the stars of the programme is also the smallest new item - a brand new model of the Köf II with open cab, to scale, with a metal body, miniature motor, dual DCC/SX decoder (which automatically works on DC) and working lights, in DB Epoch III red (below).

The new version of the V2001 B-B diesel in DB red will look huge by comparison! This popular period also gets a new version of the DB E103 Bo-Bo electric in classic blue livery. Both locos have a five-pole motor with flywheels, a decoder socket, and working head and tail lights.

To form a suitable train, expect a selection of 26.4m long UIC-X stock - A4üm54 first in blue, WR4üm64 diner in ‘DSG’ red, and in green AB4üm63 composite, B4üm54 second, Bc4üm62 couchette, BD4üm61 second/baggage, and D4üm60 baggage.

Freight is provided by a display pack of bogie tank wagons, five different types (‘Aral’ blue, ‘BP’ grey, ‘DEA’ green, ‘Esso’ silver, and ‘Shell’ yellow), four of each (two with brake house, two with brake platform). The models are packed and priced individually.

The Museum wagon for the year is a G10 four-wheel van with raised brake house in the blue livery of the ‘Lyra’ pencil factory of Nürnberg, supplied with a matching Mercedes-Benz L319 delivery van.

For the DR in Epoch III there will a limited edition of the BR5280 reko 2-10-0 rebuilt Kriegslok with tub tender, and to accompany it a limited edition set of four four-wheel freight vehicles - van, open loaded with ballast, twin silo, and ‘Aiga’ tank.

Another highlight of the programme must be the new model of the VT98/VS98 diesel railcar and driving trailer, the so-called ‘saviour of the branch lines’, initially in Epoch IV form as 798/998 (below left). Separate analogue and digital versions will be offered. The directional head and tail lights will be through-wired, even in multiple, with the ability to switch off the intermediate ends. The VB98 intermediate trailer will also be produced.

There will be a further variant of the new Köf III, with closed cab in DB Epoch IV red (below).

Another highlight of the programme must be the new model of the VT98/VS98 diesel railcar and driving trailer, the so-called ‘saviour of the branch lines’, initially in Epoch IV form as 798/998 (above). Separate analogue and digital versions will be offered. The directional head and tail lights will be through-wired, even in multiple, with the ability to switch off the intermediate ends. The VB98 intermediate trailer will also be produced.

There will be a further variant of the new Köf III, with closed cab in DB Epoch IV red (below).

The BR110 Bo-Bo electric appears in Epoch IV blue & beige, making suitable motive power for a set of three Silberlinge coaches (one ABnrzb704 composite and two Bnrzb728 seconds) with the ‘Airport Express’ blue bands as used on the services to Frankfurt from Koblenz and Mannheim or Ludwigshafen.

Moving on to Epoch V, there will be a new version of the ICE1 as a set of four vehicles (two power cars, one motorised, with first and second class saloons); extra first and second class saloons and the high-roofed ‘Bord Restaurant’ will be available separately to extend the train. The cars feature factory fitted interior lighting, current conducting couplers through the train, and the power car has a decoder socket and a flywheel-fitted motor.

Powering a limited edition ‘Metronom’ set will be a new model of the BR1461 Bo-Bo electric (above) plus three double-deck coaches (second, composite, and composite driving trailer). The driving trailer has directional head and tail lights, as well as the loco, and of course the train is close coupled.

There is to be a new model of the BR1851 dual-supply Bo-Bo electric for freight, the variant with two pantographs, initially in DBAG red (above), while the familiar Taurus Bo-Bo electric is planned as a DBAG BR182 in ‘DHL’ yellow livery.

Modern freight is delivered in a display pack of twenty bogie wagons - four tank wagons, four container flats, four side tipping opens, three gas tanks, and three flats with side stakes carrying large pipes. The vehicles will have different numbers, and come individually packaged.

New versions of four-wheel freight stock in Epoch V from include the Lgjs599 flat with ‘DB Cargo’ 40' container, the Gs216 van, the E035 open loaded with coal, and a ‘Shell’ tank wagon, while the rail-mounted crane and match truck appear in DBAG red.

There will be two new versions of the BR189 four system Bo-Bo electric Dispolok classified ES 64 F4, one as leased to the ÖBB with red side panels and large logo and one to Ferrovie Nord Milano with ‘FN Cargo’ green graphics.

Switzerland

Minitrix are marking 125 years of the Gotthard with a limited edition of the Ce6/8III ‘Crocodile’ in classic Epoch II brown (below). The model is powered by a precision motor, and comes with a dual DCC/SX decoder installed.

There will be a new model of the latest freight loco on the Gotthard, the Re482 Bo-Bo electric (a four pantograph version of the BR185) in ‘SBB Cargo’ blue & red (below). To keep it company there will be a new version of the MaK B-B diesel as an Am842 in ‘SBB Cargo’ blue & red, and providing a train for them is an ‘Alp Transit’ set of twenty bogie freight wagons - four each sliding sidewall vans, container flats, multi-purpose flats carrying trailers, tank wagons, and grain silos, all with different national registrations, and loads.

Holland

To mark 50 years of the Trans Europ Express, Minitrix will make the Ram TEE 1 train set with NS markings (above), in the original four car formation from 1957. It will be fitted with a universal DCC/SX decoder, interior lighting, and sound - engine, brakes, horn, doors, and guard.

France

Minitrix are developing a new model of the BB67300 mixed traffic diesel (with original large ventilator grilles). The model will be to current standards with five-pole motor, flywheel, and a decoder socket. First releases will be in SNCF Epoch IV blue & grey and also in Epoch V ‘Fret’ green & grey (below).

Arnold

A selection of models was displayed on the Hornby International stand, and more are featured in the combined catalogue. A few items have already appeared in the shops.

By period, the plans are as follows:

DRG Epoch II - BR96 former Bavarian Gt2x4/4 Mallet 0-8-8-0 tank (above), noted for June; and an insulated four-wheel van with raised brake house (below), not dated.

DB Epoch III - the BR01 Pacific, still with Wagner smoke deflectors (above), is due in May.

A new model of the V100 B-B diesel is being developed, and while the leaflet has only a prototype picture, an early sample was shown; September availability is forecast.

Freight releases should be a refrigerated four-wheel van (above) (May) and a centre discharge tipping four-wheel open wagon, with working mechanism (below) (September).

The DB E03 pre-series Co-Co electric will be produced with Epoch IV and sold with a reproduction of a ticket for a high speed run in connection with the IVA rolling stock exhibition at Munich in 1965. A set of four modern Rheingold coaches (saloon and compartment firsts, observation, and diner) in red & beige should make a suitable train (below). Loco and stock are noted for September.

For Epoch V, the DBAG BR152 Bo-Bo electric is due in ‘Railion’ red in May but represented only with a prototype picture; an ‘Aral’ bogie tank wagon and a bogie flat carrying three 20' containers (below) are due at the same time.

Switzerland

The Ce6/8II ‘Crocodile’ in the variant with four cab doors is due in Epoch II brown in October (above), and making an appropriate load are two different sets each of three different four-wheel beer vans, with end brake verandah, noted as completely redeveloped models and due in May (below).

The E3/3 steeple cab electric shunter, in Epoch III brown, and the Tm2/2 diesel shunting tractor, in Epoch IV red, should both arrive in August, along with a set of three bogie ballast hoppers with the Rivarossi HO range, is the subject of a com-‘Huntwangen’ branding (Epoch V) (below).

France

The type Uas bogie hopper for cereals, familiar from the Rivarossi HO range, is the subject of a completely new development in N. The initial release, due in May, will be as a set of three with the logos of three contemporary French companies (‘Millet’, ‘Monfer’, and ‘TMF Cita’); so far the project is illustrated with drawings only.

Spain

The Eurosprinter Bo-Bo electric is due in May as a RENFE 252 in the latest white livery, with script-style logo in purple, and a grey roof. At the same time expect a version of the German ICE3 as the RENFE AVE-S high speed train in the matching Epoch V white livery, represented with a prototype picture.

The CIWL Pullman coaches should be issued in a new version in April as a set of five (two baggage, two sleepers, and a diner) as the pre-war Ostend Vienna Express.

Brawa

There are a few new items for N this year, mostly new versions.

The DR V100 B-B diesel is to be produced as a BR110 in Epoch IV form (third quarter) and in Epoch V ‘Railion’ traffic red, as overhauled at Görlitz (second quarter).

The DR BR132 ‘Ludmilla’ Co-Co diesel is due in Epoch IV wine red, and as 234 304-4, the unique example painted in Epoch V regional turquoise livery (both second quarter).

There is to be a two-car variant of the Talent diesel railcar as DBAG BR6432, as used in the Aachen area on Euregiobahn services (fourth quarter).

As to passenger stock, the clock is turned back in the third quarter with three new versions of the Württemberg ‘American’ bogie vehicles - a BCCi second/third composite in green, a C4 fourth (reclassified from third in 1899) in grey, and a GEP baggage van.

Two new versions of the eight-wheel (not bogie) tank wagon are due in the third quarter: ‘Rheinpreußen’ silver livery, registered with the DB, and ‘Minol’ yellow, a DR vehicle.

The DR Samm heavy duty lowside wagon on six-wheel bogies gets Epoch IV markings and a load of large pipes from Bitterfeld (third quarter).

Roco

Replicating the recent release in HO, there will be a new model of the class 250 Co-Co electric in both the ‘Estrella’ livery (Epoch IV/V) and the blue & yellow (Epoch V). Delivery is due in the fourth quarter, and the illustrations are prototype pictures.

Mehano

The Bombardier ‘Blue Tiger’ Co-Co diesel is proposed in five versions - a pool loco, ‘mkb’, ‘OHE’, ‘ITL’, and ‘hvle’. The first three will also be offered with an ESU LokSound™ digital decoder factory fitted.

The Vossloh G2000 also makes the transition from HO to N, in eight liveries - a pool loco, ‘Railion’, ‘SBB Cargo’, ‘Serfer’, ‘European Bulls’, ‘Mitsui’, ‘Shortlines’, and ‘WLE’. All are offered with the digital sound option.

The brochure illustrations for all these proposals seem to show HO models (except for the ‘hvle’ machine, which is represented with a prototype picture), but samples of the Tigers were on show in pool, ‘ITL’, and ‘OHE’ finishes (above).

Kato/Hobbytrain

German agents Lemke are proposing the Baden IVh Pacific in original blue (above), DRG Epoch II (as BR183), and DB Epoch III versions, and advance sample was shown.

The SVT877 Hamburg high speed articulated two car diesel set in DRG Epoch II violet & cream and as DB VT041 Epoch IIIa wine red, as in HO, while the VT045 variant (in N only) will be in DB Epoch IIIa blue & grey.

Following the HO example, Noch will be distributing the N scale models of the DB ETA176 ‘Limburg cigar’ battery electric railcar and control trailer, but the project is illustrated so far only with prototype pictures.

The DB E103 BügelfalteBo-Bo electric is planned original Epoch III blue with full skirts in grey (below), and in Epoch III TEE red & cream. Coming next, shown with prototype pictures only, will be the E101/BR110 in blue.

The Class 66 Co-Co diesel announced two years ago has just been released, and further versions are planned, including ‘DLC’, ‘HGK’, ‘HHPI’, ‘Opel/GM’, and ‘Rail4Chem’ (below).

The next new proposal is the MaK/Vossloh G2000 B-B diesel, with full width cab: the prototype pictures illustrate ‘SBB Cargo’, ‘Railion’, ‘Rail4Chem’, ‘Mitsui ERS’, and a Vossloh works loco.

The DB BR182 ‘Taurus’ will be produced in the silver ‘Porsche’ livery.

A brand new model of the articulated Kombiwaggon container flat is to be offered loaded with various 20' and 40' containers, and advance samples were shown (below).

A new model of a Kbs four-wheel lowside wagon is due in several versions - DB Epoch III with sections of tube and with post containers, DB Epoch IV with ‘house to house’ containers, and an Epoch V set of three in yellow as a Plasser & Theurer works train loaded with rail, ballast, and sand.

Also new is a model of the ‘Oppeln’ long wheelbase short body four-wheel van.

The München four-wheel tram and trailer will have ‘Martini’ advertising.

The Swiss range gains two new versions of the Re6/6 with modern rectangular headlights, one in green and one in red while the 460 will appear in ‘100 Jahre Postauto’ commemorative livery.

There will be new variant of the TGV as a POS (Paris Ostfrankreich Süddeutschland) ten-car set, shown only as a prototype picture so far.

The Eurosprinter Bo-Bo electric will be produced both as a Dispolok ES64P and a RENFE 252 in grey & yellow; the RENFE 319.2 Co-Co diesel is also planned.

There was no sign of the previously announced RENFE 251 class Co-Co electric, but a separate flyer promoted projects in conjunction with Soldat, their Spanish agents - the Talgo 350, in two versions; the 269 Bo-Bo electric in three versions (new body, in white & blue; ‘operadora’; and ‘Cercanias’ blue & yellow); and the 5000 series bogie coaches. All are represented with prototype pictures.

Mabar

These Spanish specialists present their new products on the KleiNSpoor stand.

Recently added to their range is a model of the 300 series electric railcar and trailer, nicknamed ‘Pinguinos’ (below).

They plan to repeat their successful HO scale model of the RENFE series 597 diesel railcars in N, with a choice of two numbers in the blue livery.

Westmodel

Westmodel are offering in N the Prussian S6 4-4-0, later BR1310-12, with 2’2’T21.5 tender. The model can be ordered with either a normal (Fleischmann) or Faulhaber drive, complete or as a kit. Both KPEV and DRG versions are noted (below).

Marks Metall-ModellClassics

These vehicle and accessory specialists occasionally have a rail item. As announced last year, they have backdated their model of the DRG T18 002 experimental turbine-driven 4-6-2 with condensing tender to 1926 condition, in green livery.

There was no news of their next planned project, the k.k.St.B. (Austrian) class 108 4-4-2.

Schlosser

Schlosser have a range of kits in various scales, principally made of etched brass with cast brass, whitemetal, and plastic parts, with close couplings and NEM pockets. They are offered both as kits and assembled.

New in N this year is a range of long wheelbase four-wheel vans based on the DR type Gbs, with and without brake platform, with different door and vent arrangements, including some dedicated to special traffics - post, insulated (e.g. bananas), and as a crew van - with appropriate classifications.

As accessories, Wendler and ‘cuckoo’ type roof ventilators will be available as plastic parts in packs of ten.

L.S.Models

As well as the programme in HO, L.S.Models repeat some of the subjects in N.

Advance samples (finished all but for the markings) were seen of the Belgian Bcvmz couchette second in various finishes (below) and the I4 coaches announced last year.

New to the list are further versions of the Smms/Uais bogie well wagon used for glass under either tarpaulins or dedicated covers with various branded loads in SNCF, SNCB/NMBS, DB, and SJ markings.

RailTop-Modell

In collaboration with L.S.Models, RailTop offer three sets of Mistral 69 stock representing the TEE Cisalpin service (Paris - Lausanne - Brig - Milan - Venice). The first pack consists of two A8tu firsts and an A4Dtu first/baggage, the second has two A8tu firsts and the Vru restaurant, while the third provides A8tu and A8u firsts plus the A4rux bar.

Two City Night Line sets are planned, one including three WLABm/WLBm double deck sleepers, the other a WRm bar and lounge with two Bvcmz couchette coaches. The WLABm double deck sleeper will also be issued with ÖBB markings, and (if there is enough demand) a set of four Schlieren coaches (composite, two seconds, and second/baggage) in present ÖBB livery will be released in the first quarter of next year.

A version of the type Uais bogie well wagon is planned, registered with the SBB and used by the Sabiac company of Romont for transporting large sheets of glass on frames under tarpaulin covers.

A.C.M.E.

Under the Fratix label, A.C.M.E. are also marketing some N scale Italian models.

They too offered type Uais bogie well wagons used by the Saint Gobain company for transporting large sheets of glass on frames under tarpaulin covers, as a set of three.

Lematec

The previously announced SBB B3/4 2-6-0 is now due in the first quarter in either grey (as preserved) or black, while the BLS Be5/7 rod-coupled electric, in three versions, original brown as now preserved, brown with chrome lettering, and green, is expected in the second quarter.

The BLS Ae6/8, in four versions, has been put back again, to the first quarter of next year.

Projected for 2008/9 are the FS Aln442-448 TEE diesel sets, in three versions; the SNCF BB8100 electric, in five versions; and the SNCF 140C 2-8-0, in either green or black.

Fulgurex

The BLS CFe2/6 Nos.784-785 ‘Halbesel’ railcars, built in 1925 and withdrawn in 1956, are nearly ready and samples were shown. There are two versions with a brown motor section and a green coach (below), and all green.

The SBB De4/4 (formerly Fe4/4) baggage railmotors, in three versions (as preserved, in standard green, and in brown as used on the Seetal line) should be delivered in the course of this year, as should the Gotthard steam rotary snowplough X100, with a working front light and rotating blades.

Still listed are the SBB Flèche du Jura electric bogie railcar, in two versions, as Ce2/4 or RBe2/4; the SBB Ae3/6II rod-coupled electric, in three versions, historic brown and two green; and the SBB Be4/6 No.12301 (formerly FB2x2/3 No.11301) unique trial loco - both versions are offered, the original in brown, the later in green.

The Gotthard A3/5 No.215/SBB No.915 is still noted as being in preparation.