Garden Railway Forum

I love Facebook but sharp enough to know when and when not to post something. I'm not likely to buy a new locomotive from any manufacturer but appreciate what they provide. I prefer generic locos so some of the last few offerings have made me wonder but they appear to sell so I assume they know what market they are building for. Their back up service is second to none for an owner of 2nd hand steamers so I hope they don't take offence from unhelpful comments.

I wasn't going to comment but was disappointed to read that their facebook page has had a bashing.

Facebook, negativity - never...

It wasn't the r/h page.
It was on some of the garden railway fb pages.
Sorry I should have made this a bit clearer.

The tram is really a smart choice when you step back and look at it. Trams were used everywhere, USA, UK , mainland Europe ect. So it has a worldwide appeal, more so than another UK prototype. The diesel, while expensive on the surface, read what all it comes with, factory installed RC, Sound, battery pack, charger included and its all metal vs card stock ect. So, while not cheap, will have the ruggedness we have come to expect from the marque. Do we all wish something else might have been made or done in the line, sure, thats normal. I think most of the bashing was others felt that RH might have stepped on some toes with the tram that is nearly a duplicate of the kit thats offered elsewhere that uses a RH steam plant chassis for its base. Along with perceived cost issues. I heard from Harri that the prices would be going up across the board on Jan first, so the prices were of no supprise for me. Just makes thier product even more unaffordable to those outside of the UK, but exchange rates are out of everybodys control. Mike

Since the value of the Pound has dropped it actually makes them more affordable for those outside UK. It is those within UK that are hit hardest by price increases.

It is much better than in the past, but still a jump for us yanks. That tram will be over $2000 by the time its shipped to the states. Still, hard to put a doller figure on the durablity and rock solid reputation of this brand. One reason I have a RH Billy that I just built and I am working on getting the Bertie I sold back as well.

Here's my Merseysider purchased 9 years ago from Andel Models for £400 that included running lights, charger and full R/C from Timpdon Electronics been used regular over the years and never failed, only changes I have to make is to the wheels as the plastic ones worn out so metal ones have been added plus a change of colour from green (same as R/H) to black, looking at my model and the R/H model I don't see any different in design so I wonder were they got the idea from to produce this model ?????

I am personally rather disappointed by the announcement. Another battery loco is always a nice thing, so I cannot complain about that, especially since it's so different to the others in the range. However, I really feel that they've missed the mark with the tram loco. It says that "By popular demand we are happy to announce a new tram style locomotive". I am open to being corrected, but as far as I am aware, I have neither seen nor heard anyone requesting another tram loco... This feeling is enhanced by the somewhat lacklustre response in this thread to the new announcement.

Personally, I would have been happier with an extension to their Basic range, either a redesign of Millie (as was suggested here somewhere) or a new loco in the range of £800 - £1000 which included Hackworth valve gear (or maybe even Walschaerts, just something for those of use who feel that slip eccentrics are a bit too "toy train" like).

I heard from one well respected trader that the reason why the Fowler tank was introduced was because of the huge tooling cost for the D class Garratt the year before. As I can imagine Lilla has (again) a pretty substantial tooling cost trying to cram everything in, Roundhouse probably decided to use as much as possible of existing tooling to create a model. Not saying they look last-minute or cheap, but it would explain the more conservative choices.

Also remember, when they did the limited rerun of the Stanley tram, it was an instant sellout. Same for the rerun of the Jack engine. I also suspect, there are many many more modelers that have spoken directly to Roundhouse than we have here or on facebook. Keeping tooling costs low probably also factored into the decision this year. I am still holding my breath for a rerun of the William loco or something else that is more continental like the Billy. I did see a pic on thier revamped website of a Billy cab and boiler/smokebox on a Lady Anne chassis called Deko, done for a French hobby shop. Wonder if that can be done by cross breeding the two kits. Lady Anne chassis kit with a Billy cab and boiler set up? Trying to plan a running mate to my Billy

For those that disliked the offers this year so far:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 9505103011
This will be a MASSIVE seller. Well done Roundhouse!

No doubt about it, DLG is going to be a beautiful model, but not half expensive! The upside of that is the resulting increase in second hand models coming onto the market as people fund their double fairlie

Indeed, and likely second hand Fairlies in the future! I think because of the limit availability of Double Fairlies (the controversial Bachmann, Archangel and Peter Angus) will make people buy them.
Maybe Taliesin might make an appearance in the future!

It does sound like it will be a cracking model. I do feel sorry for Elstow Engineering who had just announced proposals to produce a model of a fairlie using RH bogies. They have now cancelled the project citing possible conflicts of interest in the supply chain, or something of that ilk. What is certain is that it will be out of my price range.
It would be nice if they did a model of 'Earl of Merioneth' although I can't see it happening. I know it looks like the result of a one night stand between Merddin Emrys and a Electrolux fridge but I do like it.

(Goes and sits down in a darkened room, rocking back and forth while attempting to eat his own elbows)

Another prototype so of no interest to me and no doubt the price will be only for the wealthy pensioner...

The railway model industry will realise one day all the baby boom kids will be long gone and the younger generations (the few of us who are interested in trains) do not have thousands to spend on trains.

The model railway industry as a whole does cater for the market who wish to buy their mass-produced products. It is not the industry which is out-of-step, it's us. We decided to take on a more expensive aspect of the hobby which has a much smaller market and therefore a higher price tag for specialist, handmade items.
As long as there are customers out there who can afford the best, companies will cater for them. Cheaper alternatives are available but can't compete for quality of the Roundhouse type makers it's true, which is why I prefer to build my own.
It would be nice if I could afford a new car but I am content with the one I have.... that's life!

Fantastic news!

I'm even thinking about starting to save up now!