NEWS IN BRIEF

Exhibitions cancelled

The exhibition diary remains in tatters at the time of writing, with numerous organisations cancelling late summer and autumn events, including the large Warley National Model Railway Exhibition and Dapol’s Collector’s Club open day.

Several factors are at work, including the uncertainty around the control of Covid-19, relaxation of restrictions and the ability of event organisers to arrange venues to be compliant with distancing rules.

The long planning time for events, including venue booking, advertising and the organisation of exhibits and trade makes exhibition planning very awkward to do in the current climate, so modellers should expect the show diary, as well as swap meets and club open days, to be significantly disrupted for the foreseeable future. Most traders normally present at shows are successfully trading through online shops and our readers are encouraged to support them.

Model development

the arrival of various samples with manufacturers, including EPs and livery samples shows that the hobby is coping with the ‘new normal’ quite well.

Heljan showed off painted EP samples of its forthcoming ‘OO’ gauge Class 45 and topped off a good month with an announcement that it plans to reissue its popular ‘OO’ gauge Cargowaggon ferry van in various liveries including barrier wagon schemes. Prices range from £39.95 to £49.95, with delivery expected in August 2020.

Dapol are on the cusp of releasing its ‘O’ gauge YCV ‘Turbot’ engineers’ wagon priced at £69.95, with a second issue of the ‘OO’ gauge model in both ‘Dutch’ yellow/grey and EWS colours not far behind priced at £26.50.

Gaugemaster has commissioned two new exclusive ‘N’ gauge Class 153s in GWR livery as No. 153329 in FGW livery and No. 153380 in GWR green for its Gaugemaster Collection range.

Its specification remains the same as before with under-floor five-pole motor, all wheel current collection and LED running lights. Priced at £124.95, delivery of the models is pencilled in for late 2020.