There are now a fair number of RTR OO models manufactured over the last decade or thereabouts that offer 'something extra' in the way of fidelity to prototype; which I think of as 'Boutique' products. They may be as robust as we would like, or they may not; and the latter consequently need some extra care compared to 'standard' models
Some are very easy to spot. Golden Age and FiaTrains hand assembled brass models for example, the much higher price alone tells you what they are! But such productions are now coming from mainstream manufacturers at more modest prices, and it is probably as well to be aware of this.
A few examples that I feel fit in this group: Dapol 'Black Label' A4, SLW class 24, Rails of Sheffield Dynamometer car, Locomotion/NRM Stirling Single, Hornby's Rocket, Hattons class 66.
All these offer that 'something extra': this might be in the way of ambitious features, or simply by being available as very good models. There's no warning in the advertising or on the box that alerts a purchaser to what they are getting; you just have to know!
My own choice from among the short list above is the Stirling single. Exceptional model that achieves the trick of reliable running and traction without any compromise in external appearance. Unlike all my other stock which is operated without special thought and just 'takes its chances', the single only goes out when the route has been passed as safe by a preceeding train, and is watched all the time while running. This loco is not going to collide with some random obstruction while going at a scale 80mph+, because repairing any damage - and the design of the prototype means there's plenty of fine and vulnerable detail to damage - is likely to range from tricky to 'cannot manage it'.
Quite possibly there's a better word than 'Boutique' for this, but it's the one that comes to mind to this old crumbly!
Boutique RTR OO models
- Dalerailman
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 5:33 pm
Re: Boutique RTR OO models
I can think of some others Bachmann's Ivatt 4-4-2 atlantic loco, GWR 4-4-0 city class, Hattons SECR class P, LMS Garratt loco, Oxford models adams tank