roco RTR 009

[rhydddu009]

I note that the latest 009 news claims that roco have cancelled the double fairlie project (presumably from good sources).  I await news from roco, but feel it's ridiculous that they state that  pre-orders were too low, when they have yet to tell the trade what engine they will be modelling, or indeed some idea of price.  The project hardly got any press either (possibly because of the same two points - prototype and price) - which was hardly likely to drum up sales from those on the margins of the scale/who just want one for their showcase etc!

I had heard that Liv Thompson was the most likely - a crazy choice given that the engine is permanently sat in the NRM!

dear oh dear roco.

[Chris Veitch]

I'd agree with Colin that it's unfortunate and disappointing that Roco have chosen to cancel the Fairlie project, but I don't think it's too surprising, especially given the lack of evidence of development/prototype models and the vagueness over the exact prototype.

Presumably the reference to the low level of pre-orders referred to those from traders, since I'm not aware that reservations were ever offered to the public (correct me if I'm wrong). If this is the case, we should bear in mind that there are very few (probably less than ten?) specialist narrow gauge retailers in the UK, and I doubt that many would be prepared to put their hands in their pockets for a batch of Fairlies at upwards of

[Darren Hedges]

If this is true then yes it is sad, but not a total suprise. The

[john16-2009]

  :( Had one on order at The Signal Box. Just had phone call confirming Cancellation.

[RJSRdg]

I think Roco went for something too big and location-specific. A Quarry Hunslet would IMO have been a better bet as they have operated on a number of different railways over the years (and anyone modelling Dinorwic could put a bulk order in!). Had that been available at a similar price (or maybe up to 50% more) than their continental-outline locos of equivalent size, I think they'd have had a better chance of success.

Richard

[jaymzhatstand]

I agree, a quarry Hunslet would have been a better choice, or maybe one of the WWI locos, such as a Baldwin 4-6-0.  Nice as a Farlie would have been, there are already two kit versions that I can think of off the bat.

Who knows, they could well be watching the interweb, to see how gauge people's reactions to the announcements, before fully committing, so the Farlie was just to attract attention and really get people talking.

I hope that someone does start looking into British RTR seriously, broad a church as it is, because I'm sure, that if the model, and particularly the chassis is good, there will be sales!

J

[rhydddu009]

I can see the point, but can't help but think that to really make money they would need an iconic prototype that would sit in the non-modeller's home too - in a showcase, on the mantelpiece etc - a double fairlie is iconic and fits that...perhaps a quarry hunslet doesn't... But then with the number of liveries a quarry hunslet could come in, it could be an easy one...and also provide a nice chassis for other projects!

[Darren Hedges]

I can see the point, but can't help but think that to really make money they would need an iconic prototype that would sit in the non-modeller's home too - in a showcase, on the mantelpiece etc - a double fairlie is iconic and fits that...perhaps a quarry hunslet doesn't... But then with the number of liveries a quarry hunslet could come in, it could be an easy one...and also provide a nice chassis for other projects!

yeah, but you are just slighty biased though....... :laugh:

[rhydddu009]

wot the FfR/RhE mafia haven't got to you yet...

hey don't get me wrong TR No.1 is iconic too, as are the Vale of Rheidol engines, the L+B manning wardles etc - it's just that a double engine is very unusual indeed and thus might (I suspect) command a greater following from non NG people than other prototypes...

[Darren Hedges]

Don't get me wrong, I like the double fairlies as much as the next photographer, after all there's not many locos that get 'sun on the front' no matter which way they are running ;D

[rhydddu009]

indeed..and when the Earl gets her traditional outline tanks (fabricated already, just need an excuse to install them), there will be no reason not to like double engines anymore...

[Darren Hedges]

I like the Earl as it is, ok it's square, boxy, and angular but it also has a certain modern feel to to it, when you see the Earl along side one of his older brothers you can see the progress.

Earl was built as a new steam engine to carry out a task that it has done well for many years, it was never intended to be a replica.

Earl was built at a time when the FR had a need for a new cost effective reliable and powerfull steam loco and the Earl is what they came up with, this is what real railways do, it's called modernisation, but it is also a little piece of history in it's own right.

Darren.

[jaymzhatstand]

I agree, I do like the Farlies, but Earl was the first one I ever rode behind, and when I was young, I always thought it looked tidier than the others.  I think it's good that they do have similar, but different locos on the line.  Obviously the Farlies are isymbolic of the line, especially the original outline ones, but Earl almost acts as a reminder of the achievements of the late 70s, early 80s preservationists of the line, and that it isn't just the modern era that can build a complete loco from the rails up.

RTR L&B locos could also be a sensible idea, as they could appeal to the Southern Railway modeller too, either on the back of a flat wagon returning from a works visit, or meeting with service trains at Barnstaple Town.

J

[rhydddu009]

yes I'd buy a RTR Lew/Exe/Taw/Yeo/Lyd

[pilotfriend]

Hell, who wouldn't! The fun and games I have had to make mine work properly!
JdF