I purchased the 1923 edition of the Scotsman just before christmas (well, my boyfriend paid about half for my christmas present). It's a beautiful model, and ran really well until a gear (the smaller one on the same axle as the larger gear that connects to the worm drive) started slipping on its axle. Turns out it was a separate piece to the other gear, and the axle was smooth. Fortunately, a bit of superglue later, and she's back working fine.
Epic, I've got 2 37s from Accurascale which I love and I won recently a Hornby Dublo A4 which is amazing, I got an old but nice Flying Scotsman for Christmas and a lovely Bachmann 47. I love how the quality of these models are improving mostly and the new manufacturers popping up now. Amazing video, Oliver
They are excellent models. Love running them in mix freight trains I especially like the range of decoration that were released. Mark at rainbow picked out and advised me on the ones most suitable for the era and area of my layout. A bit of weathering will allow the fine detail to ‘pop’ even more. Keep the models coming. You really hit the mark with these TUA! All the best for 2024. Dave
Great review of your locos of the year. So pleased to see the Hornby Dublo Flying Scotsman top your poll. It’s a magnificent model and very much my favourite purchase of the year. The recently released Hornby Dublo A4s are further proof that when Hornby put in the effort they can still compete with the new boys on the block. I love the two Scottish Bachmann Class 37s I’ve bought this year… but you’re spot on re the snowploughs & speakers though. I love the sound from the Accurascale 37 but unfortunately I had a derailment issue with my model so it had to be returned. Always great to see models I’ve added to my own collection running around Dean Park. Really looking forward to seeing your Dublo A4s in action soon. All the best for 2024 🥂🍾
Cheers Andy. No models are perfect as they have to comprise to scale it down to OO. All of the models impressed me. But the sight of Scotsman glide around my layout was a factor. But it boils down to the one off nature if it. I can spoil myself with the excellent 20 and 37 offerings from bachmann and accurascale and be impressed with them. But there is only one Scotsman. Massive fan of accurascsle and bachmann stuff. But this year I thought Hornby deserved it for their diecast model. Here’s to more fun in ‘24. All the best. Cheers.
Glad to see you chose the Hornby flying Scotsman as your model of the year. Every man and his dog seem to be wetting themselves over the accurascale 37, but not you. Good on you and I fully agree with your choice
I got into the hobby this year, thanks in no small part to channels like this. I only have 2 locos at present. Both Accurascale though (the 37 and 92) and a fair bit of Accurascale rolling stock. My next job is to attempt building a realistic (if I can) layout. Have a great new year guys and all the best.
Hi, that’s great to hear you’re starting out in the hobby. It’s a great hobby to get involved in. Good luck with your layout and I’m sure you’ll add a few more locos and coaches next year! Cheers. Dave
Well done Dave. An excellent choice. I know I'll never get you into N Gauge, but at least a small victory with 1st place for steam!! lol. As I have said before this channel keeps me, a committed N Gauge person, captured with every episode. You really know how to present a great channel....if only there was one as good as this in N Gauge. No, I'm far too old to start one. Have a great New Year Dave, and I wish you every success. Cheers, Bob
Those 20s sound and look great 👍 Your Accurascale 37s are hard to beat, though the Dublo A3 is a very special model. I was fortunate to ride behind Flying Scotsman for the first time last year, and the fidelity of Hornby's model brings happy memories flooding back.
Hit the nail right on the head with the Dublo Scotsman. I got the 1946 version as she fits right in my post-war era, and indeed, the model just feels a quality locomotive. Solid stuff all around, here's to more modelling goodness.
Another great video Dave … I’m an N gauge modeller but really like your programs So many more options with OO, although n gauge is catching up somewhat.
Happy New Year Dave! Thanks for a great 2023 of content and your round up from the major players. Pity Cavalex didn’t feature much in the last year, but I guess this time they will be on it. I will have look at the Revolution and Rapido wagons you highlighted for future acquisitions 😉
Cheers. Cavalex didn’t release anything I wanted/had ordered. So they didn’t feature. Yeah check out the TUA wagons at rainbow railways…if you buy any mention on the order that you saw them in the video…as I’m on 0% commission 😝 All the best.
Hi! It’s a one off isn’t it. I can gorge myself on class 20’s, 37’s and mk3 coaches…but there is only one Scotsman. No one can deny Hornby are kings of steam and they showed it with this model. Still prefer diesel and electric stuff but I thought I’d give a kettle its moment in 2023! lol
Great video here Dave, from the looks of it 2023 was a great year for you with a range of great models added to your fleet, I myself have just had all the locomotives and rolling stock items that I got this year out to take a picture of them all, for me some highlights of items that I have managed to get this year is pretty much every heljan one off prototype locomotive, ones like Kestrel, Lion and Falcon then added to that the 10800, a few rare items like the cross country class 170 from bachmann, a heljan class 28 Co Bo, hornby original condition LNER W1 and some swallow Mk1s from bachmann, I finally got a rake of hornby HAA hoppers and finally my Christmas present for 2023 was one of the new 158s from bachmann, overall a good year for me, expensive but some great models, have a good new year Dave, keep up the great work and all the best for 2024.
Some lovely models in this years collection Out of the few I bought this year the class 156 unit is my favourite, I got one in orange black because it looks great in that livery and a sound version in Sprinter livery to run. Have to agree on your choice of Flying Scotsman Hornby really do make the best when it comes to steam it looks stunning. Happy New Year Lets hope it turns out a good one for everyone.
Cheers. Yeah I was just so impressed with the Scotsman model. I even surprised myself when I decided it was top for 2023. Both class 37’s a just so good models!
It takes a special locomotive to beat the Accurascale 37! I’m very happy with mine too and has since become my favourite loco. I am looking forward to a Dublo A4 no9 arriving next week which may be even better than the Scotsman. Happy New Year!
Thanks Dave , Great video , You will be catching Sam up with your locos at this rate mate LOL, Keep up the good work. Regards Dave and happy new year .
Happy New Year Dave. That's an impressive haul of locos and rolling stock and I wouldn't say there's a duff one amongst them. Difficult to chose a winner, but the Flying Scotsman does stand out. The Titfield Thunderbolt is a bit of a gimmick, but I'm a fine one to talk as I'm currently converting a Smokey Joe 0-4-0 into an Ivor the Engine purely for my own amusement. Cheers
Your videos are always interesting and the layout has come on a lot since the early days. I tend to question buying large quantities of models though, particularly at the prices that they are these days, it's to expensive to be a collector - £300 + for an SFX 37 is astonishing.
Great video Dave. I've got that Scotrail mk2 as well, and you'll see me review it in the January 2024 update. The 156 looks great as well, and actually, anyone modelling a layout set on the Tyne Valley route in the 1990-2 period, should consider buying it, as, occasionally, SPTE liveried 156s made it to Newcastle, on the Kilmarnock or Stranraer service!
Thanks for another really enjoyable and useful video in 2023. An expensive year for new models, but are you running out of space? I just purchased the new Bachmann Class 20 in BR Green with sound fitted. It's a lovely loco, I just need to work out how to fit a stay alive, like I do with all my sounded models.
Dave. Happy New Year and many thanks for what you do. As always the layout looks great. I think it was the year where Accurascale stormed ahead. I have worked out that since 1977 this is the first year that I have not spent a penny on any new Hornby. Same for Bachmann except their DB lobster wagons which are the worst purchase of the year. The most overpriced wagons I have ever bought. This year will be amazing for new engines. We have more 37s, 56s, 59s, 60s, 66s and 68s coming. Take care and all the best.
Hi, thanks for those kind words. It’s certainly been a good to see more companies entering the hobby now. I’m not sure when the 60’s are due, but based on the timeline for the class 56’s I think you’ll be lucky to see them this year. 🤷♂️
Thank you for the video. I have to say, if you award the Hornby Flying Scotsman your model of the year, then is begs the question if you are entirely sure you’re modelling the right period to actually ‘scratch the itch’ and make you happy. The Accurascale and Bachmann 37s would really struggle to be significantly better than they are, but you’re still more impressed by the steamer. That does raise some thoughts does it not? I started out with the intention of sticking solely to BR blue, but I just drift back to BR steam era. Because frankly the locos and rolling stock are just more interesting.
The Scotsman is in current day condition, with modern warning flash symbols etc. So it fits with LNER class 91’s, LNER Azuma and HST’s, etc that I sometimes like to run. While the main era of my layout is 1982-1990 I do enjoy having a circa 2019 running session from time to time. Mix things up a little :-) The purpose of the video was to highlight the new model that I’d purchased and had impressed me. The Scotsman from Hornby was the model that topped it for me. The bachmann and accurascale model are undeniably excellent but, like every model they are not perfect. You make the point …steam era locos tend to be more interesting…they are certainly impressive to look at, the detail, mechanics etc are there for all to see. The skill to assemble them is admirable. Another factor in my decision was the ‘one off’ nature of the Scotsman. Sure I can have loads of class 20’s and 37’s etc but there is only one Scotsman, and it’s in its 100th year. The video was just a bit of fun, it gave me the chance to disappear up the loft and run my new stock.
Happy New Year. Great video - of those under review, I have Loch Long, Radio Highland and 40 063 and they are all great models. The sound on the 40 is particularly good, though I have noticed that unlike my earlier Bachmann green glass 40, 40 063 gently kisses one of my bridges situated on a curve. One of the models is either slightly out of scale or the bogie on 40 063 swings out a shade on curves. I have to disagree with you on the TPE livery, which is godawful in my view. 😀
Love the Bachmann Class 40,fills a gap with this one being the ex disc example,converted to headcode box,uniquely undertaken by Haymarket in the 1960s.Torn between this Class 40 and another release,40039,probably end up with both, tbf!😂
Good video, I enjoyed your candor on last years models. I was checking out your class 150?? I think it was, oramge by Realtrains?? Anyway you had some parcels trollys on the platform rail blue but there were red ones too. Im putting some together from West Wagon Works, are they red too or a mixture of colours, what colours are yours?? I am looking forward to this years installments, cheers.
The name helps sell the model! Being the only A3 preserved people can see it running. They can relate to it like they wouldn’t to another A3. I think there should be models that aren’t flying Scotsman, I think Hornby have released some fairly recently. But if they want sales….then flying Scotsman will almost ensure that.
the focus on prototypical realism for locos and rolling stock is killing model railways unless you have a lot of money to spend. If you want a static display model that accurately depicts the real thing then fair enough, otherwise it's pointless. Dean Park is a great effort but it is miles away from looking real so why obsess over details which increase the costs of models. Manufacturers need to be less obsessed on accuracy and more foucussed on reliability at an affordable price. 100% prototypical accuracy will never be achieved so what's the point?
You make fair points! The detailing of insides of closed wagons and the obsession with underframe detail pushes costs higher and higher. While at the same time they screw up simple things like the correct shade of paint! Unfortunately manufacturers listen more to the river counters than the average person wanting a train set/layout. Cab detail is another obsession that is rarely seen. While some is welcome I could live without the tiniest of individual details if this resulted in pushing the price up. I like detail. But I can understand those who want more affordability with less irrelevant details!
I purchased the 1923 edition of the Scotsman just before christmas (well, my boyfriend paid about half for my christmas present). It's a beautiful model, and ran really well until a gear (the smaller one on the same axle as the larger gear that connects to the worm drive) started slipping on its axle. Turns out it was a separate piece to the other gear, and the axle was smooth. Fortunately, a bit of superglue later, and she's back working fine.
Epic, I've got 2 37s from Accurascale which I love and I won recently a Hornby Dublo A4 which is amazing, I got an old but nice Flying Scotsman for Christmas and a lovely Bachmann 47. I love how the quality of these models are improving mostly and the new manufacturers popping up now. Amazing video, Oliver
Cheers Oliver.
I do love my 37’s too.
Lucky you with the dublo A4! They are lovely models. Which one did you win?
Cheers
Dave
@@DeanPark It was the BR Green Sir Nigel Gresley in the Hornby Day 13
Congrats on winning the A4, Oliver! 🎉
Even that I live in the US, I enjoy washing UK trains. You have a beautiful collection. Love the quality of your layout.
Hi, I put a lot of effort into my layout, so it’s nice of you to be so kind with your comment.
Great top 3, happy new year to you and look forward to following you again in 2024
Happy New Year. Glad you liked the TUAs we did with Rainbow.
They are excellent models. Love running them in mix freight trains
I especially like the range of decoration that were released. Mark at rainbow picked out and advised me on the ones most suitable for the era and area of my layout. A bit of weathering will allow the fine detail to ‘pop’ even more.
Keep the models coming. You really hit the mark with these TUA!
All the best for 2024.
Dave
Happy New year. Very impressed you had the imagination to put the Scotsman top. Amazing model, I hope we see more of it in 2024.
Great review of your locos of the year. So pleased to see the Hornby Dublo Flying Scotsman top your poll. It’s a magnificent model and very much my favourite purchase of the year. The recently released Hornby Dublo A4s are further proof that when Hornby put in the effort they can still compete with the new boys on the block. I love the two Scottish Bachmann Class 37s I’ve bought this year… but you’re spot on re the snowploughs & speakers though. I love the sound from the Accurascale 37 but unfortunately I had a derailment issue with my model so it had to be returned. Always great to see models I’ve added to my own collection running around Dean Park. Really looking forward to seeing your Dublo A4s in action soon. All the best for 2024 🥂🍾
Cheers Andy.
No models are perfect as they have to comprise to scale it down to OO. All of the models impressed me. But the sight of Scotsman glide around my layout was a factor. But it boils down to the one off nature if it. I can spoil myself with the excellent 20 and 37 offerings from bachmann and accurascale and be impressed with them. But there is only one Scotsman.
Massive fan of accurascsle and bachmann stuff. But this year I thought Hornby deserved it for their diecast model.
Here’s to more fun in ‘24. All the best. Cheers.
Glad to see you chose the Hornby flying Scotsman as your model of the year. Every man and his dog seem to be wetting themselves over the accurascale 37, but not you. Good on you and I fully agree with your choice
The diecast Scotsman is something pretty special!
Nice new additions there, Very much looking forward to the Accurascale Class 50 this year!
Me too. Should be a very imposing loco. :-)
Happy New year. Look forward to hearing from you next year. Thanks for all your great video's.
Happy New Year Dave - love your layout, running sessions and your choices for Rail models of the year
Cheers. All the best for 2024.
Nice to see the Thunderbolt in action...
Well thats me finished with another years worth of fun and frolics... onwards to 2024 🎉
I got into the hobby this year, thanks in no small part to channels like this. I only have 2 locos at present. Both Accurascale though (the 37 and 92) and a fair bit of Accurascale rolling stock. My next job is to attempt building a realistic (if I can) layout. Have a great new year guys and all the best.
Hi, that’s great to hear you’re starting out in the hobby. It’s a great hobby to get involved in. Good luck with your layout and I’m sure you’ll add a few more locos and coaches next year! Cheers. Dave
@@DeanPark cheers mate and happy Hogmanay!
Awesome video Dave!!! Many thanks for sharing!! Cheers Onno.
Well done Dave. An excellent choice. I know I'll never get you into N Gauge, but at least a small victory with 1st place for steam!! lol. As I have said before this channel keeps me, a committed N Gauge person, captured with every episode. You really know how to present a great channel....if only there was one as good as this in N Gauge. No, I'm far too old to start one.
Have a great New Year Dave, and I wish you every success.
Cheers, Bob
Absolutely, nothing I have found for n gauge that’s 1/2 as good as this show 👍
Cheers Bob. Maybe I should start a new N gauge channel, call it DeaN Park. lol I’d clean up on UA-cam.
@@DeanPark I can hardly wait. At least we would get excellent modelling and honest opinions.
Those 20s sound and look great 👍
Your Accurascale 37s are hard to beat, though the Dublo A3 is a very special model. I was fortunate to ride behind Flying Scotsman for the first time last year, and the fidelity of Hornby's model brings happy memories flooding back.
Hit the nail right on the head with the Dublo Scotsman. I got the 1946 version as she fits right in my post-war era, and indeed, the model just feels a quality locomotive.
Solid stuff all around, here's to more modelling goodness.
Its just a quality model of the Scotsman. It looks equally impressive standing still as it does on the move.
Happy New year to you Dave. Great top three.
Great top three there Dave. We really have been spoilt for choice this year with new releases. Happy new year and take care
James
We certainly have! I could have awarded any of these models my top spot! Have a great new year. Dave
Another great video Dave …
I’m an N gauge modeller but really like your programs
So many more options with OO, although n gauge is catching up somewhat.
N gauge is catching up, it’s about time too! :-)
Happy New Year Dave! Thanks for a great 2023 of content and your round up from the major players. Pity Cavalex didn’t feature much in the last year, but I guess this time they will be on it. I will have look at the Revolution and Rapido wagons you highlighted for future acquisitions 😉
Cheers. Cavalex didn’t release anything I wanted/had ordered. So they didn’t feature.
Yeah check out the TUA wagons at rainbow railways…if you buy any mention on the order that you saw them in the video…as I’m on 0% commission 😝
All the best.
Hi Dave, Have to agree with you there, the Hornby ‘ Flying Scotsman’ is a stunner. I am very impressed with mine. 👍
Hi! It’s a one off isn’t it. I can gorge myself on class 20’s, 37’s and mk3 coaches…but there is only one Scotsman. No one can deny Hornby are kings of steam and they showed it with this model.
Still prefer diesel and electric stuff but I thought I’d give a kettle its moment in 2023! lol
Great video here Dave, from the looks of it 2023 was a great year for you with a range of great models added to your fleet, I myself have just had all the locomotives and rolling stock items that I got this year out to take a picture of them all, for me some highlights of items that I have managed to get this year is pretty much every heljan one off prototype locomotive, ones like Kestrel, Lion and Falcon then added to that the 10800, a few rare items like the cross country class 170 from bachmann, a heljan class 28 Co Bo, hornby original condition LNER W1 and some swallow Mk1s from bachmann, I finally got a rake of hornby HAA hoppers and finally my Christmas present for 2023 was one of the new 158s from bachmann, overall a good year for me, expensive but some great models, have a good new year Dave, keep up the great work and all the best for 2024.
Sounds you had a good model year too. All of the companies really are enticing us with some impressive products!
All the best.
Dave
Hi Dave, Really enjoyed the wrap up of 2023 and yes my favourite is the Flying Scotsman. Cheers Greg
Cheers Greg. It is a special model for sure. Dave
Some lovely models in this years collection Out of the few I bought this year the class 156 unit is my favourite, I got one in orange black because it looks great in that livery and a sound version in Sprinter livery to run. Have to agree on your choice of Flying Scotsman Hornby really do make the best when it comes to steam it looks stunning. Happy New Year Lets hope it turns out a good one for everyone.
Cheers. Yeah I was just so impressed with the Scotsman model. I even surprised myself when I decided it was top for 2023. Both class 37’s a just so good models!
It takes a special locomotive to beat the Accurascale 37! I’m very happy with mine too and has since become my favourite loco. I am looking forward to a Dublo A4 no9 arriving next week which may be even better than the Scotsman. Happy New Year!
All of the models covered are impressive. The dublo Scotsman is a special on off. That’s what elevated it above the accurascale 37.
Thanks Dave , Great video , You will be catching Sam up with your locos at this rate mate LOL, Keep up the good work. Regards Dave and happy new year .
Cheers. Glad you enjoyed. :-) I’ve too many locos and even more coaches. Sam?
Happy New Year Dave.
That's an impressive haul of locos and rolling stock and I wouldn't say there's a duff one amongst them. Difficult to chose a winner, but the Flying Scotsman does stand out.
The Titfield Thunderbolt is a bit of a gimmick, but I'm a fine one to talk as I'm currently converting a Smokey Joe 0-4-0 into an Ivor the Engine purely for my own amusement. Cheers
Hi, thanks. The titfiled is a bit of fun. It made me smile.
Your videos are always interesting and the layout has come on a lot since the early days. I tend to question buying large quantities of models though, particularly at the prices that they are these days, it's to expensive to be a collector - £300 + for an SFX 37 is astonishing.
I tend to sell older locos to fund the newer ones. We’ve all got a budget…sadly. lol
Great video Dave. I've got that Scotrail mk2 as well, and you'll see me review it in the January 2024 update. The 156 looks great as well, and actually, anyone modelling a layout set on the Tyne Valley route in the 1990-2 period, should consider buying it, as, occasionally, SPTE liveried 156s made it to Newcastle, on the Kilmarnock or Stranraer service!
Thanks for another really enjoyable and useful video in 2023. An expensive year for new models, but are you running out of space? I just purchased the new Bachmann Class 20 in BR Green with sound fitted. It's a lovely loco, I just need to work out how to fit a stay alive, like I do with all my sounded models.
I ran out of space long ago lol. I rotate what I use. I’m a collector as well as a modeller. Class 20 is a lovely model, one of my favourite models.
Happy new year Dave! Rgds from Holland, Joachim
Thanks. Have a great 2024.
Dave. Happy New Year and many thanks for what you do. As always the layout looks great.
I think it was the year where Accurascale stormed ahead. I have worked out that since 1977 this is the first year that I have not spent a penny on any new Hornby. Same for Bachmann except their DB lobster wagons which are the worst purchase of the year. The most overpriced wagons I have ever bought.
This year will be amazing for new engines. We have more 37s, 56s, 59s, 60s, 66s and 68s coming.
Take care and all the best.
Hi, thanks for those kind words. It’s certainly been a good to see more companies entering the hobby now. I’m not sure when the 60’s are due, but based on the timeline for the class 56’s I think you’ll be lucky to see them this year. 🤷♂️
Thank you for the video.
I have to say, if you award the Hornby Flying Scotsman your model of the year, then is begs the question if you are entirely sure you’re modelling the right period to actually ‘scratch the itch’ and make you happy.
The Accurascale and Bachmann 37s would really struggle to be significantly better than they are, but you’re still more impressed by the steamer. That does raise some thoughts does it not?
I started out with the intention of sticking solely to BR blue, but I just drift back to BR steam era. Because frankly the locos and rolling stock are just more interesting.
The Scotsman is in current day condition, with modern warning flash symbols etc. So it fits with LNER class 91’s, LNER Azuma and HST’s, etc that I sometimes like to run.
While the main era of my layout is 1982-1990 I do enjoy having a circa 2019 running session from time to time. Mix things up a little :-)
The purpose of the video was to highlight the new model that I’d purchased and had impressed me. The Scotsman from Hornby was the model that topped it for me.
The bachmann and accurascale model are undeniably excellent but, like every model they are not perfect.
You make the point …steam era locos tend to be more interesting…they are certainly impressive to look at, the detail, mechanics etc are there for all to see. The skill to assemble them is admirable.
Another factor in my decision was the ‘one off’ nature of the Scotsman. Sure I can have loads of class 20’s and 37’s etc but there is only one Scotsman, and it’s in its 100th year.
The video was just a bit of fun, it gave me the chance to disappear up the loft and run my new stock.
Happy New Year. Great video - of those under review, I have Loch Long, Radio Highland and 40 063 and they are all great models. The sound on the 40 is particularly good, though I have noticed that unlike my earlier Bachmann green glass 40, 40 063 gently kisses one of my bridges situated on a curve. One of the models is either slightly out of scale or the bogie on 40 063 swings out a shade on curves. I have to disagree with you on the TPE livery, which is godawful in my view. 😀
Haha. TPE seems to be a love it or loath it livery :-)
i got a bachmann 90 except i didnt clip the pantoghraph back in place properly and the next parts too graphic for youtube
Eek! 😥
Love the Bachmann Class 40,fills a gap with this one being the ex disc example,converted to headcode box,uniquely undertaken by Haymarket in the 1960s.Torn between this Class 40 and another release,40039,probably end up with both, tbf!😂
It is a nice loco. I like the bachmann 40!
Good video, I enjoyed your candor on last years models. I was checking out your class 150?? I think it was, oramge by Realtrains?? Anyway you had some parcels trollys on the platform rail blue but there were red ones too. Im putting some together from West Wagon Works, are they red too or a mixture of colours, what colours are yours?? I am looking forward to this years installments, cheers.
Hi. My brute trolleys are brass etched kits from Ten Commandments. They were mainly blue or red. I used BR blue and Royal Mail red for mine.
The irony of the loco-hauled TPE’s is that the TOC has now withdrawn them from operational duties.
Where did you get the etched brake disks for mk3 wheels?
Wills workbench.
Brilliant, thanks! There are a few versions which ones did you go for? @@DeanPark
When will Hornby release a Gresley A3 in BR guise that's not Flying Scotsman...
The name helps sell the model! Being the only A3 preserved people can see it running. They can relate to it like they wouldn’t to another A3.
I think there should be models that aren’t flying Scotsman, I think Hornby have released some fairly recently. But if they want sales….then flying Scotsman will almost ensure that.
Is your AS Class 37 still running ? Just askin……
Yeah it is. Why?
At last I’ve found someone that just may have spent more on rolling stock than myself in 2023 🤭
I know many more who spend a hell of a lot more than me!
Strathclyde's Orange and Black has to be one of the best liveries of all time. Second being the INTERCITY Swallow livery, especially on an HST.
the focus on prototypical realism for locos and rolling stock is killing model railways unless you have a lot of money to spend. If you want a static display model that accurately depicts the real thing then fair enough, otherwise it's pointless. Dean Park is a great effort but it is miles away from looking real so why obsess over details which increase the costs of models. Manufacturers need to be less obsessed on accuracy and more foucussed on reliability at an affordable price. 100% prototypical accuracy will never be achieved so what's the point?
You make fair points! The detailing of insides of closed wagons and the obsession with underframe detail pushes costs higher and higher.
While at the same time they screw up simple things like the correct shade of paint!
Unfortunately manufacturers listen more to the river counters than the average person wanting a train set/layout.
Cab detail is another obsession that is rarely seen. While some is welcome I could live without the tiniest of individual details if this resulted in pushing the price up.
I like detail. But I can understand those who want more affordability with less irrelevant details!