Happy New year! Since we returned from our Christmas break we've barely had time to sit down, so here's a slightly belated January email!
The biggest news is that amongst Kato's latest annoucements are the long awaited 9-car Class 800/1 LNER liveried sets. Class 800/1 is a 9-car train that has features that traditional 5-car trains do not have, such as an inner frame bogie, a simple roof top, and an intermediate car with all first-class passenger cars. This model is being released in three variants - Analogue, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound Fitted. GWR versions will probably come later in the year all being well. See below for pricing.
Later this week I'm expecting several deliveries of items from Japan - I'll be sending another email once they have all been checked in. There have been some seasonal delays in UK customs which have been frustrating - I'd hoped to have more stock pre-Christmas.
Do keep an eye on our Facebook page for further new updates, photos and thoughts from us.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
on behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. Personal bit from Ian: Today I'm feeling a bit distracted by the news yesterday that the big retailer Hattons Model Railways will be closing. It's a shock. I don't know what's going on inside that company, but it can't have been an easy decision to make. Perhaps we'll learn more in time.
For the moment are there any implications for Model Railway Magic and Train Trax UK? As a tiny business with low overheads we're a very different beast from them although I admire their innovation. Business here seems healthy and I've been thinking of doing more second hand/model recycling so perhaps we can pick up a few collections that would have gone to Widnes. If you've got any suggestions on what we can learn from all this do let me know.
In the unlikely event that any Hattons staff see this - get in touch if you fancy a move to York - I'd love to have you on my team!
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