Members can hardly fail to be aware of the enormous range of American outline, RTR, models available from Bachmann (who have just announced another, modern outline, 4-4-0 tender loco) and other, US based, manufacturers that have done so much to raise interest in our branch of the hobby. Those of us with a more European focus, however, could be forgiven for feeling a bit hard done by until now! Ironically, the proposal that might go some way to redress the balance has come from the pre-eminent supplier of after-market kits and bits for customising Bachmann models, Peter McParlin, proprietor of .

The proposal is for either a very easy to assemble loco kit with a guide price of £100 OR an RTR model with a guide price of £160. Both models would use three or four self-coloured, highly detailed, resin mouldings for the body and a Bachmann 0-6-0 donor chassis. The model will be a Manning Wardle outside cylinder saddle tank with an enclosed cab. Unfortunately I cannot reproduce a photograph here but it is a machine built for both domestic and export markets. Peter would like to know which route he should go down, kit or RTR, and invites members to get in touch to express their opinion.

I am grateful to Railway Modeller for confirmation that Andy Mullins has succeeded in selling his business. We wish Andy well for the future and thank him for his support for the narrow gauge modeller and as a supplier of the all important motors, gears and other gubbins that made Branchlines such an interesting stand at ExpoNG and elsewhere. The new owners are Brian and Isabel Osbourne and the new contact details are as above. I assume that Branchlines will still distribute the new loco kit produced by Paul Berntsen for The Model Company, in New Zealand. The prototype is a 4-wheel unit, developed in the 1930s by the Brookville company in America. The engine and transmission were from an agricultural tractor manufactured by McCormick Deering but the finished loco has a far better finished look than the similar machines produced in the UK by Muir Hill. The model is driven by a Black Beetle power bogie so should run well, though there may be issues for those who want to run on 14mm gauge. Price is £93.50 plus £1.75 p&p in the UK and worldwide at cost (min £3.00).

Ixion have announced their first On30 model the South Australian Railways NJAB Class "Coffee Pot" Steam Motor Coach (railmotor). The following information is copied from www.ixionmodels.com where you will find drawings and photos. The Coffee Pot was built in England by the Kitson & Co. in Leeds, and the Metropolitan Amalgamated Railway Carriage and Wagon Co in Birmingham, in 1905. It was built to 3'6" gauge and entered service with the South Australian Railways in 1906. It was transferred to Commonwealth Railways ownership in 1921, and withdrawn in 1932. After being displayed at Alice Springs, the "Coffee Pot" was restored, and survives in active preservation on the Pichi Richi Railway in South Australia. It is currently undergoing boiler restoration before returning to service. The ready-to-run model is expected to feature; DCC ready (up to 21pin); 5 pole motor and flywheel driving 2 axles; Operational headlight (yellow glow) wired to DCC board for DCC on/off operation; Internal coach lighting (yellow glow) wired to the DCC board for independent on/off operation under DCC control; Opening smoke box door with  steam pipe detail; DCC sound compatible with provision for a speaker; Accurately modelled scale connecting rods and valve gear and RP25 spoked wheels; Flickering firebox glow. No price has been set and Ixion are asking potential customers to express an interest in order to assess demand. Interestingly, the information also appears on the Dapol website www.dapol.co.uk which might have manufacturing and distribution implications, but these are unconfirmed.

I am grateful to Howard Clarke for the information that the July Model Railroader carried an advert from  PECO Nr Beer, Seaton, Devon EX12 3NA Tel: 01297 20580 Fax: 01297 20229 www.peco-uk.com for a 48-foot (12") turntable for 0n30. LK-555 Narrow Gauge Turntable for On30/Oe/O-16.5 scale is based on the American Armstrong type turntable. Optional railings included. Overall diameter 327mm; Deck length 305mm; Hole required 309mm; Depth below baseboard 31mm. RRP £40.95. A very welcome development!

Howard also reported:

38, Parkwood road, Bournemouth, BH5 2BL www.modelrailwaywagons.com (A4 Large SAE for list) for a large range of railway and rural figures along with some animals, most figures around £2.50 each unpainted.