New Roundhouse locomotive for 2009

Well after much rumour, accolade and praise from various parts of the garden railway world Roundhouse unveiled their new (?) locomotive for this year.

'Atlantic', a revamped 'Argyle' (now discontinued).

Roundhouse

Without seeing and holding the model it's difficult to make absolute comments but on the face of it I think it's a pretty poor show from Doncaster.

Ok it may have a few refinements over the original model like sprung axles.
But it sure still has those loverly slot head screws at the ends, tab and slot construction and push on cosmetic cylinder covers and for a princely sum exceeding £1,600 with RC.

Not for me.

And the real thing...A bizarre very short light railway of 2' 3" gauge in an obscure part of Scotland that closed in 1931.

That also makes the correct scale for the model 1:15.2 to fit on 45mm track, very odd.

Yet again people here in France are very disappointed that a major manufacturer has failed to satisfy the desires of many.
I spoke to at least 15 people who would have paid 1,600 pounds/euros for a decent French steam engine.
Roundhouse could have created a new market if they were to have taken just a slightly bold step forward. But no.....They must be getting short of British prototypes to model now.

Yes I'd like to know the amount of locos they need to sell to pay for tooling etc and make a profit. There must be a market for a frenchie?

Mikey

There is a market for a 'Frenchie' and this year I will do a proper survey and see on paper how many people would consider buying French prototype locomotive. Then I will send it to all the known manufacturers including the cheapo Chinese mob.

The tooling wouldn't be difficult at all. just cosmetic part like chimney, domes and superstructure on existing chassis.
Most people are not too fussed about having the correct pattern valve gear.....neither are Roundhouse or Accucraft for that matter.

If Roundhouse would have put an extra axle on their 'Carrie' it could have (just) passed for a
French 'Pinguely'

Just a bit more criticsm of Roundhouse models in no particular order.

Wafer thin and obvious buffer overlays carrying some modest rivet detail, poorly (finished) cast whitemetal centre buffers with just a brass hook on top, Smokebox door that doesn't open - Accucrafts and Regners do.
Shiny toy like gloss finish, bright silver finish solid wheels, very little external detail and pipework. No chuff sound, no whistle and difficult to fit as a third party accessory, no working lamps, imperial threads.

People must think I hate them but I certainly don't! For all that I've said they are proven and mostly reliable, simply constructed machines plus the service from the company is good.

But unless they produce something from the huge range of narrow gauge French prototypes they won't be getting my next locomotive budget.

There's a great opportunity for manufacturers to get some inspiration by visiting the Fête de vapeur on the Baie de la Somme this weekend with at least 7 locomotives in operation.
Probably the best multi gauge steam in event in the world.

I shall be there taking some pics of course.