As with previous years, numerous photos have been bouncing around the internet following Bachmann's recent trade-only event. The Class 57 looks promising, certainly better than Bachmann's typical standard to my eyes, and the expected Class 47 also made an appearance. Snapshots of work-in-progress models in display cases should always be treated with caution, of course, but many of us have now seen the 57 on display at shows and started to form opinions. For my money it has a far better shape than the Heljan offering, and if it has proper all-wheel drive that will be another selling point. While the 47 seems to have a lot of careless detail errors at this stage, a better basic shape already makes it a contender for me - highly likely to replace my TubbyDuffs.
The Mark 2 coaches, on the other hand, are less encouraging. Despite rumours that Bachmann were aware of the window errors and intended to correct them, the models are unchanged. Unfortunately, if I'm going to have to file off the lumpy, raised frames and correct the quarterlights with some hypothetical aftermarket parts, I might as well start with the Hornby antiques I've already got. This is not looking good - were the Mark 1s just a flash in the pan?
Also worrying was the N gauge 'Peak' in the Graham Farish range. Not only has it inherited the shrunken nose errors from it's big sister, but the Mad Trencher has returned with some pretty awful panel lines across the nose and around the doors. Now, this may be a little unfair as when N stock disappears into the landscape the errors are more easily overlooked than with larger scales. But in other countries you can buy N products that will stand close scrutiny, so why not over here? Better products are vital if N is to shrug off it's poor cousin image, and while the Peak certainly looks better than the Farish blobs of decades past, it doesn't stand up well on the world stage.
No doubt the model will be greeted blindly and euphorically by existing N gauge users, but what use is that? For UK N to thrive it needs to convince other, more discerning buyers to choose it over other scales and other nationalities. These potential UK N gauge enthusiasts won't be comparing releases to old Farish offerings, but to more modern products sitting enticingly on dealers' shelves right now. These aren't the kind of people who merely want a new MGR hopper to match their old ones, but the sort who demand something better. They may well have rejected N in the past because of third rate products and they're going to need to see first rate modern equivalents to take it seriously again. I doubt if they'll even hear the NeverHadItSoGood mutterings, yet alone believe them.
Currently On My Stereo: Radiohead - OK Computer