Bachmann Blue Pullman

[ngresley]

Back to Bachmann...

They are increasingly bringing out N gauge subjects after the release of OO gauge equivalents, hence getting extra return from the prototype research and presumably some of the CAD data. So... after a OO gauge Blue Pullman, a few months later I could see an N gauge version turning up.

See Hornby match that

[rythm section]

Well I've pre-ordered one

[D605Eagle]

I liked the idea and look of the Blue Pullman when it was introduced, but like so many BR ideas it fell down in the detail. One of the design criteria was that it should offer a smoother ride. I have the video of the publicity film from the time - typical sixties clichés, watch 5 minutes before you get the titles, dramatic angled shots of nothing much. It's fairly obvious from the film that even during shakedown there was significant oscillation horizontally and vertically between cars, so it hardly met that criterion.

Thats an interesting point. The thing is MC went to great lenghts even using Swizz bogie designs supposedly to give the best ride possiable, but it wasn't to be. However simply swapping the bogies with commonwealth ones would have sorted that issue, but BR was desperate to rid itself of anything that was exclusively made for the upper end of the market after 1964....
Jim

[PeterH]

Poor old Olivia's have now cancelled their model of the Blue Pullman and are supporting the Bachmann one instead. A wise decision in my mind, but you have to feel sorry for them. First one to announce a much anticipated model, they were sitting on a little goldmine if Bachmann hadn't announced their model.

[Bigmet]

On the other hand, Bachmann didn't keep their development a secret (as they are perfectly entitled to do) and then announce it in March 2011, to be on sale by mid autumn. If OT had sunk the money in getting Heljan to cut tooling by then, that could have been painful.

And let's not forget OT have other irons in the fire: I reckon the EM1 and EM2 (classes 76 and 77) might well have the better gold mine potential. Supporting the development there are preserved specimens available to be measured and photographed, whereas the BP has to be developed from what drawings and photos can be found; and as single units it should be possible to get them to market faster then the BP. They will be cheaper than a BP, which will attract a larger number of potential customers. Then comes the icing on the cake, there are rather more class memebers than the BP, and there are named units and a fair choice of liveries; all of which may well see determined woodenheads collecting the whole fleet, or every livery variation in the fleet; there are real prospects for dozens of multiple sales.

[D605Eagle]

I recon Bachmann will be onto a good money spinner here, price per vehicle is twice that of the 4COR model. Yeah I know every part is a new design and moulding, but I recon these will fly out of the doors even at just under 300 notes

[Bigmet]

Here are Bachmann once again putting a toe in the water to check the temperature. How will the UK market react to a premium price for a really high grade model? Based on the enthusiasm for the DP1 and Truro models, I would agree that they are onto a winner.

The good news in all this is that it potentially opens the door for more 'big-ticket' RTR in OO. Something like the LMS Garratt, or an LNER streamlined train set (how many RTR A4s have been produced, but never an accurate Silver Jubilee or Coronation set to match?) look possible if sufficient people prove willing to pay the price.

[martin_l_jones]

Poor old Olivia's have now cancelled their model of the Blue Pullman and are supporting the Bachmann one instead. A wise decision in my mind, but you have to feel sorry for them. First one to announce a much anticipated model, they were sitting on a little goldmine if Bachmann hadn't announced their model.

Its probably the best thing that could have happened for both modeller and Olivia's.

The Bachmann model will undoubtedly be a better model in terms of detail and fitments, knowing Heljans issues on there last project the Class 86.

However if Heljan had got to the tooling stage there would have been an outcry and a lot of money wasted, so although dissapointed they are probably happier that they know now.

[rocketman]

I just want some steam era models which had a much greater prominence and spread
what is the problem about that?....froth?
rocketman

[D605Eagle]

I just want some steam era models which had a much greater prominence and spread
what is the problem about that?....froth?
rocketman

Bachmann and Hornby keep making new kettles, so whats the problem?

[kennyGWSR]

I just want some steam era models which had a much greater prominence and spread
what is the problem about that?....froth?
rocketman

Bachmann and Hornby keep making new kettles, so whats the problem?

think he is after scottish models.

[sishades]

A big `middle finger to all those saddoes who have kept original BP's in their boxes in the hope of selling them off for a huge fee due to their uniqueness. Ha Ha Ha.

[kennyGWSR]

A big `middle finger to all those saddoes who have kept original BP's in their boxes in the hope of selling them off for a huge fee due to their uniqueness. Ha Ha Ha.

luckily im not one of them! my bp has been running since i got her a few years ago.

[ngresley]

A big `middle finger to all those saddoes who have kept original BP's in their boxes in the hope of selling them off for a huge fee due to their uniqueness. Ha Ha Ha.

Yup, few things give me more pleasure than seeing speculators getting their fingers burnt

[rosenblad]

A big `middle finger to all those saddoes who have kept original BP's in their boxes in the hope of selling them off for a huge fee due to their uniqueness. Ha Ha Ha.

Well said, I agree entirely! Those saddoes are responsible for detroying much of our hobby!