I thought it might be fun to write out a 'wish list' of those items announced for 2011. However, before I did that, I thought I would write out my
2010 list first since I realized that before some of the 2011 items are released some of these 2010 items are still in production (or I'm procrastinating and/or running out of money!). I like the idea of creating a list as it'll be interesting to look back on this list a year from now to see how much of this I actually got- and what I chose to purchase instead.
At some point in the future, I'll talk about my 2011 release hopes, but for now, here are the '2010' items I'm waiting on or that occupy my wish list!
Flirt RRX Eurobahn from Modellbahn Union (via Lilliput)
A surprise announcement from Lilliput (a
Bachmann brand) which typically only produces HO and HOe models, is this really great looking EMU. The version I have on pre-order is the RRX Eurobahn version (shown in the photo above, courtesy Modelbahn Union). Initial reviews of the already released Duetsche Bahn version have been very positive.
X73902 in Alsace Scheme from Arnold
A neat-looking modern railcar from France. I like the interesting color scheme that is used in Alsace, although there are other version in equally interesting liveries. Not yet released, although various sources seem to indicate it should be here by this summer. We'll see.
Arnold (now reborn after the requisite bankruptcy maneuverings under the Hornby brand!) had a lot of interesting releases in its catalog last year, although I have to say I wasn't as impressed with the 2011 announcements).
Series E259 Narita Express from Kato
The new look of the Narita Express is pretty cool, and the translation into N Scale looks
just as cool. I expect more of the usual great quality from Kato which, naturally, is at a price point putting most European models to shame. Photo courtesy of Kato.
Duwag Tram from Kato
More Kato making this list is a good thing! I like just about
any one of
these neat little trams. In fact, that may be my problem...choosing. The fact that its Kato - which means good quality at a reasonable price - also helps!
BB 26000 from Piko
Piko, a brand known in the US mainly for its line of G Gauge trains and accessories has also recently stormed into the N Gauge scene with a surprising diversity of French models. Hah! Caught you napping Minitrix/Fleischmann! These orange-painted electrics seem quite numerous around France, and I've found photos of these faded machines hauling freight and passenger trains to be quite appealing.
BB 66000 from Piko
As I mentioned above, Piko has been busy producing French locomotives! The color scheme on this locomotive is somewhat reminiscent to me of the Great Northern Railway's "Big Sky Blue" scheme, which is another reason I really like it. I don't necessarily find 'hood units' the most interesting, but this is a good looking model of what appears to be a staple of the SNCF diesel fleet (and it will look good next to my
CC 72000 can
BB 67000 I'm sure!).
I think that about wraps up the 2010 items....at least for locomotives. There's a list of freight wagons and passenger cars that I also have my eyes on, in addition to details and automobiles, but there is only so much time and, importantly, money (!!!) so we can't have it all! In fact, that is not really the point, but it can be fun sometimes to dream!
One other observation....I noted above a couple of items from Piko (their first N scale locomotives in, what? 20 years or more?) and from Lilliput, which are - by any measure - positive signs that new manufacturers are stepping into the market! Add to that some of the potential new releases from A.C.M.E., Mabar, Rocky Rail (Mehano) and Star Train and you would have to be somewhat optimistic for N scale in 2011. Its a good time for N Scale!
