JULIAN LILLEY looks at what Gaugemaster can offer for children's gifts this year.
With the press telling us all to buy early this year due to supply issues around the world, I thought it was a good time to do my annual review of products for the younger followers of our wonderful hobby.
Starting with the very young are the latest releases from Marklin’s my world range.
The Marklin my world range is made to typical German high engineering standards and the price is very competitive. All of the locomotives and rolling stock are fitted with easy-to-use magnetic couplings.
The latest set to be added to the range is the topical MN29342 Harbour Logistics Starter Set.
It comprises a Locomotive with sound and lights, a car transporter with a folding loading ramp and two car load, a container wagon, a large oval of track with passing loop, and a remote control with fast charging batteries.
This on its own would give hours of play but by adding the MN72223 Freight Ship and Harbour Crane set, it would considerably increase the fun. You will see below it comes complete with a floatable freight ship and port station with crane.
For future fire-fighters there is the MN29340 my world Fire Department Starter Set.
Again, this has loads and loads of play value for the very young and not so young. As with the Harbour set, it comes complete with the same track layout and controller, a loco, a wagon with a fire and rescue helicopter, an equipment container wagon, and a tank wagon with manual water spray!
As with the Harbour set there is an add on set that will bring added enjoyment. I am sure most of us will remember the Fisher Price play Garage first produced in 1970, well this add on set (MN72219) reminds me of it but has been brought up to date with light and sound features. It comes complete with Fire engine and batteries are included.
If you don’t want water sprayed all over your new furnishings, then there are three new sets at just £59.95 (at time of going to press).
They are the German ICE 3 Express train (MN29430), the French TGV Express (MN29406) and the European Thalys Express (MN29338).
MN29730 Building Block Steam Train Freight Starter Set (~AC-Sound)
Who is not a fan of those wonderful toy building bricks from Denmark?
Well, Marklin have introduced a remote control set that would not look out of place surrounded by buildings, tunnels, and whatever your imagination can come up with using those bricks.
The Building Block Steam Freight set consists of a six-wheel steam train, a four-axle gondola and tank wagon.
For those a little older, Dapol make an extensive range of plastic construction kits under the Kitmaster brand. The range is extensive and covers many buildings for OO layouts and rolling stock.
I have featured below three locos from different eras and could be used to practise your skills at weathering, rather than ruining your working version and then in the background of your layout such as being serviced inside a loco shed.
A suitable Plastic Cement Glue is required to construct kit.
DAC046 Kitmaster Stephenson’s Rocket Static Locomotive Kit
Stephenson's Rocket is an early steam locomotive of 0-2-2-wheel arrangement. It was built for, and won, the Rainhill Trials of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, held in October 1829 to show that improved locomotives would be more efficient than stationary steam engines.
Click Here to read our article on the Rainhill Trials.
DAC086 Kitmaster Schools Class Shrewsbury Static Locomotive Kit
The SR V class, more commonly known as the Schools Class, is a class of steam locomotive designed by Richard Maunsell for the Southern Railway. It was a cut down version of his Lord Nelson class but also incorporated components from Urie and Maunsell's LSWR/SR King Arthur class.
DAC009 Kitmaster Deltic Diesel Static Locomotive Kit
English Electric DP1, commonly known as Deltic, was a prototype 3,300 hp (2,500 kW) demonstrator locomotive employing two Napier Deltic engines, built by English Electric in 1955. The high power of the locomotive at an acceptably low axle load resulted in 22 similar locomotives being ordered by British Railways for use on East Coast Main Line express passenger services, the serial production of which became the British Rail Class 55.
When space is an issue the N Scale UniTrack track system from the Japanese manufacturer Kato is a popular choice. The ballasted track sections simply clip together and hold the joiners firmly in place; it allows you to easily take it apart again.
Gaugemaster have teamed up with Kato to include their new GWR and LNER Class 800 units in a starter set.
This should appeal to the young modeller who only has a small bedroom or is only allowed to use the dining room table for a short time! Equally it will appeal to any modern image modellers.
GM2000103 GWR Class 800/0 IET Premium Train Set
GM2000104 LNER Class 800/2 Azuma Premium Train Set
FEATURES:
PK37154 Circus Roncalli Battery Powered RC Starter Set
Garden Railway starter set featuring a GE 25T Diesel locomotive, a passenger coach and a flat wagon, all decorated in the eye-catching Roncalli Circus livery. This set also features a circle of Piko G Gauge track and a Key Style Remote Control. A great start into the world of Garden Railways, although you don’t need to put it outside!
PK37105 Christmas Freight Starter Set
Whilst not necessary a present, unless ‘one to self’, the following three sets could be a decorative feature around the house.
Looking for something different to put under your tree during the festive season? The Piko G scale Christmas set would be great and can be used indoors and out. This starter set is equipped with everything you need to start in the world of G Scale. Containing a detailed USA Steam Locomotive, two freight cars, track, transformer, controller and connecting cables. The track layout measures 1400 x 1400mm.
The track plan in this set can be extended by using track sections in the LGB or Piko track ranges.
For a smaller tree or as a Christmas table display is this HO set also from Piko.
It comes complete a steam loco with tender and 3 freight wagons, all decorated with Christmas designs. The track covers an area of 1200 x 980mm and includes a power supply, controller, and connection clips.
PK57081 Hobby Christmas Steam Analogue Starter Set
For the ultimate centrepiece for your Christmas table this beautiful Z scale set from Marklin would be ideal. It covers an area of just 512mm x 402mm, or 21" x 16" in old money.
Like the previous two sets, the rolling stock is decorated with seasonal designs. Also included are decorated Christmas trees and kits for Christmas Stands, Santa Claus, and a Skating Rink all of which can be assembled to make a small winter Christmas market.
The stands can also be transported on the high-side gondola. Also included in this set: 2 each straight track, 10 each curved track, a rerailer, and a 230 volt / 12 VA switched mode power pack with a suitable train controller.
This set can be expanded with other track packs.
Now I am in the Christmas mood, I fancy a mince pie and a glass of port!