[John H-T]

This special commision business is really taking off! See latest Model Rail due out on Thursday but subsciption copy arrived today.

Rails of Sheffield are joining forces with Bachmann to do 10000/10001 aiming for the same quality as the prototype Deltic. Production aimed for early 2012. Pleased that Bachmann are doing this one as it does interest me.

The second special commision is for no less than the Blue Pullman and the EM1 and EM2 Woodhead Electrics. The commision is from Olivia's Trains of Sheffield in connection with Heljan. The two electrics first with a target price of £149.

No price for the Blue Pullman. The idea is to produce the power cars as a pack (as Hornby do with the HST) and do the coaches separately.

Finally there is a rumour that Hornby have bought Dapol. Would give them an in to N gauge and perhaps a toe hold in the special commision market. So far Hornby have set their face against the special commision market as not viable!

Best wishes,

John H-T.