Welcome to Tower-Models.com
This site is being constantly updated and any new items and details being
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NAVIGATION
Use the navigation side bar on the left hand side to look up the various scales and the ranges in those scales we stock.
NEWS 21st November 2024
Heljan 48DS & Mk2 launch
Sadly we are still waiting on the shipment of both the Mk2 coaches and Ruston 48DS. This is the issue with mixed 40ft containers, someone has not paid whatever due charges and as such the whole container is held until whoever it is pays their bill. We are therefore still waiting on the delivery once it has been released by customs, incredibly frustrating and completely out of our control and just waiting for confirmation from the shipping company. Hopefully Monday but I am waiting on an answer from them.
NEWS 17th November 2024
Gauge O Guild Show, Wigan 7th December
Three week today is the Gauge O Guild's show in Wigan at Robin Park Leisure Centre, WN5 0UL. We will be attending the show but as always, as O gauge gets more popular and with more items available, there is simply no way we can bring everything we offer through the shop. We will bring the most popular items and a selection of the latest releases. If there is anything specific you would like to collect from the show please call us and let us know to ensure we bring them and they are ready for you to collect on the day. Help us to help you and avoid any disappointment on the day.
As a result of us attending the show the shop will be closed on the Friday afternoon before the show and on the day of the show, back open as normal on 9th.
NEWS 15th November 2024
Update yesterday from Dapol in regard to the J94's; these have now been completed in China and should be on their way. With luck this means they should be docking mid to late January. The sound fitting is being done here in the UK and will follow on, usually around a month after the standard analogue release so we would expect these before the end of February. A total of ten liveries are being produced with analogue, DCC fitted and DCC and sound fitted models options available. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available .Dapol have now clarified which versions will have the earlier hopper style bunker and which wil have the standard coal bunker and I have updated the webpage for these with the details.. As always we will be offering our weathering service on all liveries options if desired.
NEWS 8th November 2024
Good news today from Heljan the update to the forthcoming PLV / PMV. We have now had decorated sample images of all of the standard production models and Heljan have also reduced the RRP for these to just £199.00 (Tower Models price £169.15)
Following on from the success of the CCT, Heljan announced the production of the SR / BR PLV / PMV last year. As the prototype was built across numerous batches with even planked bodies and doors, uneven planked bodies and doors and plywood body panels, the model is being designed to depict a wide range of variations across the fleet. It will appeal to Southern and BR era modellers with a timespan reaching from the 1920s to the 2000s. Tower Models producing a limited edition numbered example of the BR crimson PMV to compliment the un-numbered example of the PMV in this livery for those people who do not have a specific number in mind.
Expected delivery of these is now the second quarter of 2025 and we are taking advance orders for these now.
Last year we bought all remaining stocks of the Heljan Class 33's in O gauge . Stocks are now getting low on these, especially on both the Dutch livery and BR green with small yellow panels so thought it worth remininding people of these whilst we still had stocks available.
NEWS 5th November 2024
In the same consignment as the Ruston 48DS are the Mk2 coaches so we should hopefully get these at the same time. Heljan expect to receive them around the end of this week with despatch hopefully on Wednesday 13th of November from Denmark. It is all down to customs clearances but hopefully we should therefore get them in approximately 2 weeks time, hopefully either the 19th or 20th of November.
Four different Mk2 coaches are being produced, BSO (Brake Second Open) TSO (Tourist Second Open) and BFK (Brake Corridor First) and the FK (First Corridor) which can be completed as Mk2's or Mk2a's depending on whether the sliding gangway doors or GRP gangway doors are fitted. In total more than 28 different coaches are being produced
Tower Models have produced the BR maroon livery of the FK as a Limited Edition of just 75 units and advance ordering is highly recommended. Initially the BR Mk 2 maroon F.K.'s were allocated to the Eastern (18 units) and Midland regions (29 units) in 1964 with a total of 70 Mk2's being built.
We are still taking advance orders for these for despatch as soon as they become available; a simple call can secure yours now.
As a separate there will be an option to install interior lighting will also be extremely simple thanks to Heljan's new battery-powered LED lighting bar which will simply drop into the locating slots provided on the interior unit. Featuring a built-in motion sensor, the lights switch on when any movement is detected and remain illuminated for two minutes when your train is stationary. We should be getting restocks of these lighting units at the same time having sold out all the ones we had in stock for use with the inspection saloons
.NEWS 1st November 2024
Heljan Ruston 48 Diesel Shunter
Update from Heljan yesterday in regard to the Ruston 48DS, these are expected in Denmark in about a weeks time, hopefully this will mean despatch around the 13th of November and with us around the 18th if everything goes to plan
With an RRP of just £199.00 (Our price £169.15 each) these are a great starter loco equally at home on the smallest micro layout or on a much larger layout. Initially five liveries are being produced in the first batch with others planned subject to the success of the first production run. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they arrive.
NEWS 24th October 2024
New Heljan Class 37 Centre Headcode
Heljan have now issued the colour layout images for all liveries of the new Centre Headcode Class 37/0 which I have now uploaded to the website.
The new batch includes unnumbered BR Blue and Large Logo Blue locomotives, unbranded Railfreight Sector grey and Cornish china clay favourite 37196 Tre Pol and Pen in mid-1980s Railfreight Large Logo grey. New liveries include BR General grey and the much-requested InterCity ‘Swift’ livery applied to Scottish sleeper locomotives in the early-1990s. For post-privatisation era modellers we have also included 37248 in West Coast Railways red and a Network Rail yellow Class 97/3.
Following our normal theme, Tower Models are doing a Limited Edition of the popular mid-1990s Transrail Grey/Yellow livery as shown above.
These are all expected in the second half of 2025 and we are taking advance orders for all versions now.
NEWS 23rd October 2024
This morning we received the graffiti examples of the O gauge Freightliner HIA Hoppers. These feature different graffiti on all sides of all six vehicles for a great variety. These are just graffiti examples of the standard models so these do not feature any different numbers to the standard clean examples. All advance orders have been despatched and we have examples of them all for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 22nd October 2024
Dapol PFA / KFA and shipping containers
At the weekend Dapol announced the production of the PFA and KFA container wagons which should be available in 2025. At Stafford show Dapol had on display the undecorated samples of the 20ft, 40ft and HiCube containers which telegraphed that a suitable wagon was on the cards. Finally we have the announcement of the KFA and PFA and at an amazing price for these.
Now that the wagon has been produced we have also added the various shipping containers under the same heading as they are destined to be used together. The wagons are being produced in China and the containers being produced at Dapol. Dapol have indicated that the containers should be available in the first half of 2025 but have not confirmed a date for the actual wagons.
We are taking orders for both already and marrying the orders together for despatch at the same time as one is not much use without the other. A simple call can secure yours now for despatch as soon as they become available.
NEWS 17th October 2024
This morning we received the first decorated sample images of the Class 24/0 and have to say they look superb. Hopefully they can go into production soon as should be with us in the first quarter of 2025. The Class 24/1 is also on target for release late 2025 if everything goes to plan.
We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they are released. Advance ordering is highly recommended, especially in regard to the RTC, two tone green and standard BR blue liveries which are expected to be the best sellers.
NEWS 15th October 2024
We have now received the superb Heljan Inspection Saloons and they have been selling extremely well. We are soild out of the LMS Crimson, BR Maroon, BR Blue and BR Blue Grey liveries. We have limited stocks of the BR Crimson Cream, which is the best alternate to the BR maroon livery as these were not mainline stock it is more likely they would of survived in the older liveries for longer compared to the standard coaching stock.
Used for engineers’ inspections, VIPs, meetings and district managers’ tours of network, these classic LMS vehicles had seated saloons at each end with large windows to give a good all round view of the line. This is an great one-coach train for O gauge layouts of all sizes, from depots to large exhibition layouts. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they arrive. We will have a better idea early next week as to when exactly they will arrive and will then begin calling all customers with advance orders to arrange suitable days for delivery based on this information.
NEWS 9th October 2024
Lionheart / Dapol British Railways 3MT 2-6-2T
Update from Dapol this morning in regard to the 3MT. The ship carrying these was due to dock around the 9th of November but has just been delayed and is now due to dock in the UK around the 29th of November. Clearing customs and transit from port to Dapol means we should see them coming into stock early December The sound fitting is being done here in the UK and will follow on, usually around a month after the standard analogue release but the 3MT as standard has a speaker fitted and the sound projects are all ready to go. We may therefore see the DCC & Sound fitted examples either just before Christmas or just after the Christmas break.
At Stafford show Dapol had on display samples of the forthcoming 3MT and they looked brilliant. A total of seven liveries are being produced but also with an un-numbered option on the two most popular liveries for a total of nine models.
We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available and is highly recommended as demand has been incredibly high on this Lionheart project.
NEWS 8th October 2024
Many of the standard HAA's have now sold out but we still have stocks of the Tower Models limited edition Coal Sector livery with the yellow cradle. We have produced these as a perfect companion to our Limited Edition Heljan Class 60 in the matching Coal sector livery or the Heljan Class 56 in Coal Sector livery and of course the Class 58's.
Dapol havenow completed a limited quantity of our exclusive coal sector HAA's with graffiti which are now available at only a nominal difference in price. Only a small number of these are being produced and examples without the graffiti are also available for immediate despatch.
NEWS 4th October 2024
Two new releases from Bachmann this week in their O gauge Scenecraft range, both of which are now in stock and available for immediate despatch.
NEWS 27th September 2024
Heljan Class 37 Split Headcode bodies
The Heljan Class 37/0 Split box bodies have been incredibly popular and I have now updated the list of these. These are complete and include the cabs, glazing, roof fan and wiring and useful for spares or alternate bodies to put on your locos for alternate eras or loco numbers rather than having to buy entire locos or even just to practise your numbering and weathering skills. These are at extremely good prices and there is also an offer to get a free locomotive body with any purchase of a full Class 37 whilst stocks last.
NEWS 21st September 2024
Dapol have announced a re-run of the popular Sentinel Y1 / Y3 which is expected either late this year or , more likely, early in 2025. As before there is both analogue and DCC Sound fitted models being produced and we are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they become available.
NEWS 20th September 2024
At Stafford show Heljan had the amazing undecorated sample of the Class 153 on show which we now have on display in the shop. The reason being is that Heljan knew they were about to have the decorated samples delivered so could spare us the display piece. After the hectic week I have now added onto the website the images of the decorated samples.Initially five liveries have been announced and for the first time from Heljan there is the option of either DCC ready or factory fitted sound for all liveries. Gaugemaster have also announced a Limited Edition in Great Western Green, again both DCC ready and DCC and Sound fitted which sadly we have not yet seen the decorated sample images of as of yet. The decorated samples have proved worthwhile with a few minor changes to the liveries as a result, which is the main purpose of these samples before going into production. We are still taking advance orders for all versions for despatch as soon as they are released. As always we will contact customers to arrange suitable days for delivery as and when they become available.
Have to say it was rather impressive, so much so we commited to producing a limited edition version our selves as part of the second production run. We will be producing the blue example with the gold star, both un-numbered and without the operator branding so could be completed as North Western, First North Western, Northern Rail and Arriva liveries thus maximising the appeal of this iconic livery.
NEWS 17th September 2024
The workshop have finally had the time to complete a good selection of Gauge 1 stock this week and we now have rakes of coaches available off the shelf in BR Maroon, Southern Green,Crimson Cream and Blue Grey livery. They have also just completed a splendid rake of six BR Crimson and Cream Collett coaches and the last five 45xx Praire tanks in BR lined green livery. There is also a rake of Collett coaches in the workshop for completion in GWR shirtbutton livery which should be completed in October.
NEWS 14th September 2024
The last few days have been focused on the Dapol launch of the 24 Ton Iron Ore Hoppers, 14 Ton sloped sided minerals and GWR / BR Toad Brake Vans. We spent Thursday and Friday marrying orders for all three products together, which saves on postage costs, and calling customers to arrange suitable days for delivery.
Finally today all three new items turned up and we have spent the day making up the orders. Firstly was the orders for the Iron Ore Hoppers as these were the biggst orders as block running trains and then mixed orders for all three. We will start on the singles over the next two days and the overseas orders will be done on Tuesday in peace and quiet as these take the most effort with customs paperwork and the like.
If you have placed an order with us for any of these and have not had a phone call just call us on Monday morning and we can arrange a suitable day for delivery. We have left answering machine messages where we could. We also have stocks of all types available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 10th September 2024
Dapol MHA Coalfish Ballast Wagon
At Stafford show Dapol announced the production of the EWS Maroon MHA Coalfish Ballast wagon and even had a test sample of this on display at the show so is at an advance stage so should become available mid 2025 if everything goes to plan. The price is also keen with an RRP of just £60.00 each; our price £51.00 each.
At Tower Models we like to give people additional number options for freight vehicles so we are also producing a pack of three with different numbers to the standard four being produced by Dapol for a total of seven different numbers being available for this model. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they are released.
At the same time as the MHA Coalfish are being produced Dapol are re-running the popular brown and red cradle examples of the ever popular HAA MGR hoppers. As the Coalfish and HAA share a common chassis it was a perfect opportunity to re-run a limited number of these. We are taking advance orders for these now and do not forget we still have a good selection of the yellow cradle coal sector livery available for despatch now.
Gauge O Guild 2025 Show dates
I have now updated the exhibition calender for 2025 with all of the show dates for the year.
Heljan Class 31 re-run annouced
In response to requests from O gauge modellers, Heljan's new batch includes an unnumbered Class 31/1 in Railfreight large logo grey, a Railfreight Coal Sector Class 31/1 for nuclear traffic, the ever-popular BR Blue Class 31/4 and a ‘Dutch’ grey/yellow Class 31/5. Only a small number are being made which should be available Autumn 2025. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they are released.
Also featured in this new run of models is an exclusive special edition for Tower Models depicting 31327 Philips-Imperial in Thornaby depot’s unique interpretation of mid-1980s Railfreight Red Stripe livery. As always our Tower Models Limited edition at the same price as the standard issue models.
Tomorrow I will be updating the website with the newly announced MHA Coalfish wagon which will be released the middle of next year and we will be producing a limited edition set of three with additional number options on the standard models
NEWS 9th September 2024
Stafford Show
Back last night after the Stafford show at the weekend and busy unpacking after the event. Thanks to all involved at the Gauge O Guild for all of their hard work organising the show and was great to see so many regulars. I have now started on the update for the website with the Heljan and Dapol announcements from the weekend which should be completed tomorrow. Just want to confirm some discussions with Dapol from Sunday.
On display in the shop we now have fully finished examples of the Tower Models Mk2 maroon coach, the forthcoming Heljan Class 45, Ruston 48DS and undecorated example of the Heljan Class 153.
Update today in regard to the Dapol Class 66. Sadly there has been a price increase, which really we did expect as the project has been going on so long but also improvements to the original specifications with the loco. The model will now have two Plux22 sockets for DCC. This increases the number of functions available and means there will be many more lighting options controllable in DCC.
It also opens up the option for a new deluxe variant which will utilise two Zimo Plux22 sound decoders to offer true stereo sound, a first for O gauge ready to run. Amongst other effects, engine sounds will now emanate from the engine end, horns will be spatial and fan sounds will come from the fan end. The two-speaker system used will also be of our own design and incorporate 4 drive units which will enhance the bass and treble and make the whole experience more immersive than has been possible before. Coupled with Dapol's `RealDrive’ feature will make this a truly realistic driving experience.
It is also nice to have images of the updated test samples which should hopefuly be on display at Stafford show along with the colour layout images. With the change in options for DCC and sound; customers with advance orders who wish to amend their orders with the single or dual sound options, are welcome to call to make the required changes but please leave this until after the Stafford show. The time frame for release is now expected to be late 2025.
The first of the Gaugemaster Class 09's arrived today, so far we have had all of the standard analogue versions apart from the weathered blue example as shown above which are actually being weathered in house by Dapol so will follow on in a couple of weeks. Dapol are also working on the sound fitting of the 09's now and they should follow on in the next few weeks.
We have also today received the re-run of Class 08's from Dapol. There are both numbered and un-numbered examples of the green livery both with and without chevrons then a re-run of the Blue livery and the Railway Support Services as shown above. There are DC, DCC fitted and DCC Sound options on all liveries and I have split these across both the early and late 08 web pages for now. We also still have a limited selection of 08's available from both previous production runs available off the shelf. So far it is just the analogue versions that have arrived with Dapol starting work on the sound fitting once the Class 09's have been completed for Gaugemaster.
Dapol have also received the Toad brake vans but are yet to complete the checks on these but they are in Chirk and should appear in the coming weeks. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as Dapol releases them and is highly recommended as these are going to be incredibly popular and will sell out quickly.
Dapol BR 24 ton Iron Ore Hoppers
Not only have Dapol received the GWR / BR Toad brake vans but both the 24 ton hoppers and 14 ton sloped sided minerals have arrived. This includes three Tower Models Limited Editions as shown above. Only 100 each of the limited editions are being produced, in what is considered the most iconic of the BR liveries, giving customer's more choice of numbers. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. Demand is expected to be high for these and advance ordering is highly recommended. Again these have yet to undergo the quality checks but should appear later this month.
Dapol BR 14 ton sloped sided mineral wagons
The Dapol 14 ton mineral wagons should also become available at the same time as the 24ton hopper later this month. These are a perfect companion to the previously produced range of 16 ton BR mineral wagons and an easy addition to any existing rake of mineral wagons. Looks like they are staging the launches so as not to swamp us with the Class 08's, 09's, Toads, 24t Hoppers and 14t sloped sided mineral all at once which would of been sheer madness!
NEWS 7th August 2024
Also had a few updates from Dapol today regarding expected release dates:
Dapol SR 4 wheel Stroudley coaches
The first two versions of these has now been completed and they expect to have all four Southern coaches ready for despatch to the shops soon. We have received both the standard 3rd class and composite coaches with the brake thirds now in production at Chirk and should be ready in about two weeks time so we are holding on until we have all versions before making despatch as all orders include at least one of the two number options of the brake third coaches. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available which is especially important to the DCC and light fitted versions of the coaches as these are being done to order at Dapol.
Also yesterday Dapol announced the production of the GWR / BR M3 / M4 Shunters Truck which should become available in the last quarter of 2025. A total of twenty different are being produced in a mix of BR and GWR liveries. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they become available. As and when we get more information and images I will update these pages in the future. Hopefully Dapol may well have something on display at the forthcoming Stafford Show in September.
NEWS 31st July 2024
Yesterday we received the two new variants of the banana vans with large branding and are available either clean or factory weathered. All advance orders for these have been despatched and we currently have stocks of all variants available for immediate despatch.
Otherwise there have been no new announcements as manufacturers hold back any new product announcements until the Stafford show in September.
NEWS 12th July 2024
Heljan have today released the first images of the decorated samples of the Class 45's. Fully revised and updated, the new Class 45 ‘Peak’ has sealed beam nose ends. The models will be available as steam heat Class 45/0 and Electric Heat Class 45/1 variants, the latter with the option of high intensity headlights. A total of eight standard liveries are being produced and should be available before the end of the year and we are taking advance orders for these now. As always we will call customers with advance orders to arrange a suitable day for delivery when they are released and we are offering our custom naming, numbering, weathering and sound fitting for anyone who wishes to take advantage of this service.
NEWS 3rd July 2024
The Heljan Class 20 re-run are now available. This re-run is only being made because of the number of requests from customers who had missed both the first disc variant and second, centre headcode variant, but only a small number of each have been made. We still have limited stocks of all versions available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 26th June 2024
Heljan BR Mk1 Full Brake & GUV
Today we have been busy with the launch of the re-run of both the Heljan BG's and GUV's. A mixture of all new liveries, like the RES livery shown above, along with the popular liveries that have been produced. We have stock of the majority of liveries available off the shelf for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 15th June 2024
Peco Price Increases.
Yesterday we had notification from Peco of a price increase across the board in all scales. I have now updated the website with all the price increases on the trackwork and Parkside ranges. The only items that have not been increased are the Peco O gauge white metal station accessories and the Smartswitch system.
NEWS 11th June 2024
New Heljan Class 37 Split Headcode
Yesterday we were busy with the release of the brand new Heljan Class 37/0 and have made despatch for all advance orders. Last night all locos for custom naming, numbering, sound fitting or weathering were also delivered to the workshop so they can begin working on these over the coming month or so. We have stocks of all version available off the shelf for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system; a simple call can secure your now.
Shown here is the new Tower Models Limited Edition Dutch Transrail all new Class 37/0 that has been custom numbered and weathered This model has the post 1970's cut away buffer beam cowlings,and at the same time the images of the standard production models. Models are being produced with either the steam heating boiler or later high intensity headlight. A total of eight standard production models have been produced and Tower Models are producing a Limited Edition un-numbered Transrail Dutch livery.
These are sadly running late but should hopefully be available in December at the latest. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
NEWS 22nd May 2024
We have now received the balance of the maroon Mk1 coaches with window beading which completes the full production run of this batch of coaches. Most advance orders have now been despatched for those people who placed advance orders with us and we will have spares available for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system. Hopefully before the end of the year we will see the two new body types of coach released, more details on these as and when we receive it.
Dapol announced the second production run of their superb Mk1 coaches late last year. This latest production is of vehicles that have the beaded window frames, so a different, later variant of the coaches than the first production run. As before four coach types are being produced; BSK (Brake Second Corridor, SO (Second Open), SK (Second Corridor) and CK (Corridor Composite). Both numbered and un-numbered versions of each coach will be available as well as the option of either analogue and DCC fitted options on all coaches. This makes a total of 96 variants and as before they will be released in batches. To save confusion we have listed these later Mk1 coaches separately from the current range of Mk1 coaches which are already available. As before we have separated them out by both coach type and by colour.
We have today received all liveries of both the Class 121 and 122 re-runs. As they came late this afternoon most people have been requesting despatch on Tuesday after the bank holiday break.. This is a re-run of the most popular liveries and the addition of a Network South East livery that has now previously been done . We can also confirm that the speed whiskers have been corrected on the Class 122 to meet in the middle of the front. Dapol have now also surprised us with the limited edition Chiltern Rail green Class 121 with small yellow panels which we did not previously expect. The DCC Sound fitting is being done here in the UK at Dapol and will follow on from the analogue versions in the coming weeks.
NEWS 27th April 2024
Nice little surprise this morning from Dapol. Based on their popular 10ft wheelbase BR plywood vans they have decided to produce a series of licensed vans, the first two of which are shown above. Only a small number of each are being produced and we are expecting them in June.
Dapol have also confirmed that we should receive the branded car manufacturer Great Western liveried Motor Goods Vans next week. Only a small number of these are being produced and are available as both clean or weathered examples. A simple call can secure yours now as we do not expect these to last long.
NEWS 18th April 2024
It has been a busy week with the launch if the Gaugemaster Limited Edition Class 73 in Pullman livery. We still have a few spares available for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system as well as still have good stocks of the standard Class 73's and our Limited Edition un-numbered BR blue example. A simple call to us can secure yours now for immediate despatch.
NEWS 23rd March 2024
Proud to announce we now have in stock John Emmerson's excellent book on O gauge. It's a basic primer for those entering O gauge for the first time, covering origins, history, development of RTR, and practical layout planning and building features. We have a limited number of signed copies of this book in stock at just £18.99 plus our usual postage costs (£2.50 on orders below £35.00; £6.00 on orders between £35.00 and £150.00, post free over £150.00 to mainland UK addresses, overseas postage and packing at cost)
NEWS 3rd March 2024
Bachmann have decided to clear off the last of the Class 15's that were released in October last year. We have bought all of the remaining stock of the two most popular liveries; the green with small yellow panels. We have not got a great number of these and expect them to sell quickly at the bargain price of just £225.00 each. As with the previous Little Loco Company production the loco is DCC ready and will take a Plux22 DCC chip and is already fitted with two speakers. First come first served on these.
NEWS 10th February 2024
The new Heljan PCA cement wagons were launched in December and have been very well received. Still a lot of people have not seen them yet and much of the sales has been by word of mouth. Yesterday we had a major restock from Heljan of all liveries so all ten of the cement liveries and all three of the chemical liveries are back in stock. These will also be on display at the Kettering Show on the 2nd of March, including some custom weathered examples.
NEWS 9th January 2024
Advance Orders.
We welcome advance orders on any O gauge Dapol or Heljan project. How to do this; just call us on 01253 623797. We would rather talk to you than just "click here" with an online shop. Then when there is any major launch we will call you to arrange a suitable day for delivery, better to have final confirmation then go to the trouble and costs of shipping an item if you have changed scale or period modelled and had forgotten you had items on order.
I mention this following the sad news yesterday with the announcement that Hattons are to close. 77 year old company and an institution we have all grown up with. Our thoughts are with the staff at this time and wish them all the best of luck in the future.
NEWS 2nd January 2024
New Year and New Venue.
Today marks the 45th year that Tower Models has been trading and also the first day we are open at the new site. The relocation has been a lot of hard work but we are almost there now with just a few minor bits and pieces to complete.
NEWS 13th December 2023
Has been a mad week with the launch of both the PCA's and TTA's but we have managed and cleared the decks of all advance orders. We still have stocks of all versions of both available for despatch before Christmas for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance order system.
Update today in regard to the Class 55 Deltics and the Heljan Class B tankers. The hauliers have suggested Friday for delivery of both. Given the two day delay in arrival of the PCA's last week I would not be surprised if this actually became Monday but I should know more by tomorrow, it is all down to the transit from port to depot overnight tonight and then any customs clearance delays.
This all new Class 55 Deltic covers the later body modifications and therefore suitable for the BR Blue Finsbury Park white window surrounds for locomotives stabled there. A total of five factory numbered and named "in service" examples are being produced as well as two un-numbered blue examples both with and without the white window surrounds. As well as this Heljan are producing an "as preserved" body featuring the high intensity headlight; with two factory named and numbered examples being produce as well as an un-numbered blue example.
We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. As always we will contact customers with advance orders starting tomorrow, we do not just send the loco without confirming suitable days for delivery once they are released.
At the same time as the Heljan Class 55 Deltic is being released we also expect the long awaited re-run of the Heljan Class B Tankers. These will be coming at the same time as the Deltics, priority will be given to the despatch of the Deltcis first and foremost and then we will deal with these afterwards unless people have both on order in which case we will marry to orders together into one despatch.
NEWS 8th December 2023
Tower Models Limited Editions sets of Dapol TTA's
It is looking like the new Dapol TTA's will be with us on Monday. Dapol did despatch these to us yesterday but it is looking like the palletts of them will arrive on Monday now rather than today. Handy is some respects in that it has allowed us to get the PCA launch out of the way before the TTA's arrive
NEWS 29th November 2023
Nice little surprise this morning from Dapol. Based on their popular 10ft wheelbase BR plywood and planked vans they have decided to produce a series of licensed brewery vans, the first three of which are shown above. These have now come into stock and the first batch have sold out but we are expecting more next week.
NEWS 8th November 2023
Gauge 1 Ready to Run
The workshop have just completed a good selection of Gauge 1 items which includes out very last examples of both the Stanier 8F's and Black Five locomotives. Several Terriers and a rake of five crimson cream Mk1's have also been completed at the same time. Details of all of the Gauge 1 items which we have custom finished can be found in the Gauge 1 section under "available off the shelf". First come, first served on the rare 8F's and Black Five as once these have gone we cannot replace them.
NEWS 26th September 2023
Dapol Lynton & Barnstaple signals
Today we have received from Dapol the latest addition to their popular signals in the form of the Lynton & Barnstaple Square Post Home Semaphore Signal. This follows on from their very popular range of signals. All advanced orders for these have been despatched and we still have plenty of stocks available off the shelf for immediate despatch. Next to be released in this range should be the GWR and BR ground signals which hopefully should be available before the end of the year We are taking advance orders for the ground signals now for despatch as soon as they come into stock
NEWS 6th September 2023
At the Stafford show last weekend Dapol announced the expansion of their exquisitely modelled Mark 1 coaches. The range will now include the BCK (Brake Corridor Composite) and FK (First Corridor) variants of the coach with five liveries being prepared:BR, Carmine and Cream, BR WR, Chocolate and Cream, BR Maroon BR Blue Grey. These models are based on the early rendition of the Mark 1 coach built between 1951 and 1960 and do not feature the later window beading. There are both numbered and un-numbered options in all liveries with regional number options for the crimson cream, maroon and blue grey liveries. There is also then the option of analogue or DCC fitted for a grand total of seventy stock codes.
Initially Dapol stated they are for release a some point in 2024 but today they have confirmed it will be in the second half of 2024, with a target of the third quarter. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
I have added these two new coach types to the list of the original Mk1's and you can look at the coaches either by type or by colour.
NEWS 11th August 2023
Heljan release update
It has been a frantic two week with so many new releases but we have now broken the back of the Class 58's and new Dapol GWR / LMS / SR vans and have stocks of all of the new items available from stock for immediate despatch.
Heljan have updated us now with a revised release date schedule for upcoming items, I have put the list into order and the further down the list the more vague the dates are:
- Class 73; now available
- Class 55 Deltic; now available
- Class B tanker wagons. Now available
- LMS Inspection Saloon, awaiting decorated samples and expected late mid 2024
- Class 20 re-run, awaiting decorated samples corrections and expected June 2024
- Class 37 Split Box; awaiting minor alterations to the liveries and expected May 2024
- Class 02; Decorated samples expected, then a case of getting a production slot, hopefully available second half of 2024
- Class 45; Awaiting decorated samples and delivery expected late 2024
- Class 117; Decorated samples expected Spring 2024, then a case of getting a production slot, hopefully available third quarter 2024
- BR Mk1 BG / GUV re-run, awaiting decorated.samples but expected mid 2024
- Mk2 coaches; First test samples have now been approved, just waiting on decorated samples but should be available late Spring 2024
- Class 153 DMU, initial samples under review but expected winter 2024.
- Ruston 48DS, currently in tooling and hopefully expected summer 2024
- SR / BR PLV / PMV no at the first sample stage and expected second half 2024
- Class 37/0 with centre headcode, awaiting decoarated sample and planned for release winter 2024 / spring 2025
NEWS 3rd August 2023
Good news today, we have now received the LMS vans, GWR standard vans and fruit vans, GWR MOGO's and SR elliptical roof vans. We have been busy all day calling people to arrange a suitable day for delivery via courier for the orders for four or more and despatching the smaller orders via Royal Mail. Tomorrow we will be starting on the custom weathered examples to go through to the workshop and dealing with the international advance orders. We still have stocks of all types available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 1st August 2023
Slaters Price Increase
Today Slaters have issued a price increase with immediate affect. Have spent the majority of the day updating the website with the new prices for both the O gauge range and Gauge 1 products. Tomorrow I will start on altering all of the wheel set costs for all of the locomotive kits we offer.
NEWS 26th July 2023
Heljan Class 58 - Tower Models Limited Editions
Yesterday we received the Class 58's from Heljan, a day earlier than expected. All advance orders have now been completed with customer's specified day for delivery. A good number of people have also picked up some of our limited edition sets of both HAA and HEA's at the same time whiulst we still have stocks of these. We still have stocks of all types for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system available for immediate despatch.
Shown here is Railfreight Red Stripe livery as 58042 "Ironbridge Power Station", the second limited edition is Railfreight Coal Sector 58014 "Didcot Power Station" , both clean finish. There are also six standard production models, five of which are un-numbered and one numbered and weathered as 58034 "Bassetlaw". Gaugemaster have also announced a Limited Edition Mainline Blue example 58021 "Hither Green".
Our limited editions of these are the same price as the un-numbered examples and represent excellent value for money as there is a lot of extra detail to add in both numbering and plates. Unless there is a specific example you want to model they are the better option and are expected to be the best sellers.
This project is the final piece of the jigsaw and has been the motivation behind many of the recent Tower Models limited edition sets of wagons. Perfect companions for these are the Tower Models Limited edition sets of HEAs in Railfreight red grey livery which are available now and also the HAA coal sector MGR wagons which are all now available. We have now completed sold out of our sets of six VEA's in Railfreight red grey but still have some of the singles available. Stocks of the Tower Models Limited Edition Railfreight red grey HEA's are running low but have not yet sold out.
NEWS 17th July 2023
Dapol have today announced another run of the 57xx / 8750 which will be available either late 2023 or early 2024. This includes an all new livery with the Stephenson Clark blue example and a re-run of the ever popular London Transport livery as L90 to compliment the previous numbered LT examples they have produced. Only one image so far but we hope to have more in the coming months. We are taking advance orders for these new liveries now for despatch as soon as they become available; a simple email or call can secure yours now.
We still have stocks of the 2020 production run available off the shelf for immediate despatch and these are listed separately from the 2023/24 announcement
NEWS 7th July 2023
Following on from yesterdays update in regard to the Dapol maroon Mk1 coaches due in January we can confirm that yesterday Dapol received the Blue Grey livery of the latest Mk1coaches with the window beading. We are hoping to receive these either tomorrow or Monday at the latest. We have already begun calling customers with advance orders for these to arrange suitable days for delivery.
NEWS 6th July 2023
Secondhand Items
We have had a number of secondhand items come in that are in very good condition that we have put through the workshop for weathering:
Dapol Autocoach
One of the Dapol Autocoaches in Great Western chocolate and cream shirtbutton livery that has been weathered and has had little if any use @ £200.00
Dapol 4 car suburban sets
We have also had come in part exchange two of the 4 coach suburban B sets, one is LHT622 Birmingham Division #46 in GWR chocolate and cream and the other is LHT623 Birmingham Division #52 in BR crimson livery. Both of these have never been used and we are selling both at just £500.00 each for the four car sets
First come first served on these items
NEWS 7th June 2023
We have been busy today with the launch of the the long awaited Dapol LSWR / BR 0-4-0 B4 locomotives. This is the DC version that has come and Dapol have confirmed the sound fitted and DCC fitted examples will be available later as they are still awaiting the delivery of the required chips. We have contacted as many people as we could get hold of today to arrange a suitable day for delivery and hope to complete all advance orders tomorrow and get all locos for weathering to the workshop for custom weathering where required. . For those people who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system we still have ample stock of all types available off the shelf, a simple phone call can secure yours now.
NEWS 23rd May 2023
Heljan Class 52 Western re-run
Good news today that we have received the latest re-run of the Class 52 Westerns today and have been busy all day calling customers to arrange suitable days for delivery. One un-numbered example is being produced in BR Blue and then five numbered and named examples. We still have stocks of all liveries available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
At the same time we also took delivery of all remaining stocks of the Heljan Class 03's; there were not many so it is last call on these now.
NEWS 18th April 2023
Peco White metal lineside accessories
Peco have decided to discontinue the white metal range of platform furniture and their 2 packs of O gauge figures. We have now bought all remaining stock of these popular items whilst we could still get hold of them. There is no change to the standard plastic trackside accessories and kits and this only effects the whitemetal range. The porters trolley and luggage and platform trolley have always been popular and we expect these to be the first to sell out but all of these have been a good selling line for many a year. A simple call can secure yours now whilst stocks last
NEWS 15th March 2023
Dapol 4575 / 55xx 2-6-2 Prairie Tanks
Following on from the very popular Dapol / Lionheart 45xx at Kettering show Dapol announced the production of the 4575 / 55xx series Small Prairie. They were a development of Churchward's 4500 Class with larger side tanks and increased water capacity. Development is at an early stage and the images released are for illustration only. The tentative release date for these is Spring 2024. Dapol have also indicated a few of the differences for me between some of the versions. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
We still have good stocks of the analogue and DCC Sound fitted versions of the original 45xx that was released last year for anyone who missed their release.
NEWS 20th February 2023
The brand new Heljan Class 27's have been available a little while now and we still have stocks of all liveries available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of out advance ordering system. The three later examples of the blue there has been a slight omission. These later examples should of had the outer sandboxes on the bogies but not the inner sandboxes as these had been removed in latter days. The test samples were like this but on the production models they have all been omitted. Today we have received the missing sandboxes and have made despatch to everyone who has bought a loco from us and requested a set of the sandpipes. If you have bought one of the effected liveries (HJ2773, HJ2774 and HJ2777) from us but have not requested the pipes then juust call us and we can get them in the post. Examples of the three blue locos that customers have requested numbering and weathering can now progress no we have received the parts.
NEWS 14th February 2023
Heljan Class 117 Diesel Multiple Units
Previously we expected the Class 117 to be the next loco to be released from Heljan but they have confirmed that they have not yet had the decorated samples for these yet for approval. Heljan have confirmed to us that the decorated samples should be available towards the end of November and assuming these samples are all okay release in the first half of 2024
NEWS 19th January 2023
This week Heljan have released the first test sample images for the forthcoming Class 02 shunter in O gauge. The example shown above will be one fo the factory weathered examples but at this stage we have no image of the weathering. A total of eight liveries are being produced and I will update the webpage for these as and when we get more details. Previously Heljan indicated a summer release for these but we suspect it is more likely to be late Autumn before they are released.
We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available and as always our numbering and weathering is available for anyone who wants to take advantage of this service.
NEWS 12th January 2023
We have now received al of the new Bachmann Scenecraft buildings and have despatched all advance orders for these now where we have been able to confirm a suitable day for delivery with customers. The fuel tanks and pump house have been very popular and Bachmann have themselves sold out but we still have a few of these available for immediate despatch.
NEWS 20th December 2022
Yesterday we had delivery on the new Dapol Bogie Bolster E wagons in the Pre-TOPS liveries. A total of six different numbers have been produced, three with BR numbers and three with Western region numbers. All advance orders have now been despatched via courier. We still have stocks of all types available for immediate despatch for anyone who had not taken advantage of our advance ordering system.
Custom weathering price increase
Sadly we are having a slight increase the custom weathering charges from the beginning of 2023. Here is a breakdown of the new charges:
- Custom weather a wagon £25.00
- Custom weather a tank engine £30.00
- Custom weather a coach / CCT / PMV £40.00
- Custom weather a tender engine or bogie diesel engine £50.00
NEWS 1st December 2022
We have now received the Class 26's and have been busy all week arranging suitable days for delivery for everyone who had an advance order with us. We have stocks of all liveries, including some of our Limited Edition livery available for immediate despatch. If you have not heard from us in regard to a delivery then just give us a call to arrange a suitable day for delivery.
The long awaited CCT is now in stock and have been busy all week arranging suitable days for delivery for everyone who had an advance order for these and matching them together with Class 26 orders where possible. We have stocks of all liveries of all liveries available for immediate despatch.
Tower Models Limited Edition Open Wagons
Yesterday we receive the latest Tower Models set of Coal Trader wagons covering the Oxfordshire area. As standard they come clean finish, the image above shows some of the custom weathered examples that have been completed through the workshop
In total we produced 4 sets of these during 2021 covering South Wales, London and the Home Counties, the Welsh Borders and the Midlands based on the Dapol / Lionheart 9 foot wheelbase Gloucester wagons to be produced at the Dapol factory here in the UK. Have to say putting them all in the cabinets they make an impressive series of wagons that we are proud of.
NEWS 5th November 2022
This week saw the release of re-runs of both the Catfish and Dogfish. We have now despatched all advance orders for these and those for custom weathering have gone through to the workshop and should be completed in the next 3 weeks or so. We still have stocks of all types in stock ready for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 27th September 2022
We have now received the re-run of the 0-6-0 Jinty that was announced and have despatched all advance orders where we have been able to contact the customers to arrange a suitable day for delivery. This is initially just the analogue version and I imagine there will be a delay on the sound fitted versions given the delays to the sound fitted 45xx Small Prairies. We have plenty of spares available for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 24th September 2022
We have now received all liveries and versions of the HBA / HEA hoppers and these have been selling very fast. We have produced a Limited Edition set of six of the HEA in Railfreight Red Grey livery, all with different running numbers to compliment the two standard Railfreight red grey models that Dapol are producing and will make a nice rake of eight if required. Over half of the Limited Edition set of Railfreight HEA's are already sold but we still some sets available. We also have a very small number of the previous sets of six Railfreight VEA vans availlable if anyone wishes to pick these up at the same time.
We have now also bought all remaining stocks of the recently released railfreight red grey 20ton brake van from Dapol which are a perfect companion for these or the set of VEA vans in railfreight that was released a few months ago. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
NEWS 17th August 2022.
The long awaited re-run of Dapol Turbot wagons are due with us later this week. This re-run gives additional number options on both the Dutch and EWS liveries produced two years ago. We still have stocks of the original EWS numbers options from the first batch available for anyone who did not pick these up in 2020 giving a total of six number options in the EWS livery.
NEWS 4th August 2022
Dapol 14ton Anchor mounted tankers
Good news today in that we have received the brand new Dapol anchor mounted tank wagons from Dapol. The full set of images can be seen on the page for these through the left hand side bar or alternatively through the quick link of the above title. This afternoon we will begin contacting people to arrange the delivery of all advance orders for these and we still have stock of all liveries available for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 2nd August 2022
New Heljan Class 37 Centre Headcode
Last year Heljan have announced the introduction of the split box Class 37/0 with the post 1970's cut away buffer beam cowlings with models being produced with either the steam heating boiler or later high intensity headlight. The expected release date for these is 2023. To compliment this Heljan have also been working on the centre headcode variant which will be released in 2024 with a wide range of versions and liveries covering the 1970s through to the present day. Livery details and options for the cnetre headcode varaint have not yet been finalised and Heljan do not want to compete with the split headcode version due next year but it is good to see further progress. As and when we get more details I will update the website with these.
NEWS 27th July 2022
Dapol 20ton BR Brake Van re-run
The new Dapol Brake Vans have been incredibly popular and we are now running low on the the most popular types.. This re-run uses new tooling and covers the later diagram option compared to the earlier production run with the option of the later roller bearing axle boxes. This later diagram of the brake van allows some of the later liveries for Dutch and Railfreight red grey liveries. Dapol have now sold out of most liveries and we have bought the remaining stocks on several versions of these as I expect it will be a while before we see a re-run.
NEWS 13th July 2022
Dapol bracket junction signals
We have now received all four versions of the new GWR bracket signals with the release of the right hand junction signal today. We will be despatching all advance outstanding advance orders for these today and still have plent of stock of these available for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.
NEWS 1st July 2022
New range of Dapol O gauge building kits
At Doncaster show Dapol had pre-production samples of a brand new O gauge buildings which are due for release before the end of the year. Initially four buildings have been announced and subject to the success of these they intend going on to expand this range in 2023. The kits will be laser cut from the finest self-coloured card and will include all the necessary injection moulded or 3D printed accessory parts (including glazing) to complete the model. Where appropriate the models will be supplied with printed interior decoration. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
.NEWS 5th May 2022
Tower Models Limited edition Class 56
We received all versions of the Class 56 yesterday and have been working solidly through them since then. Most immediate despatchs have now been made where we have been able to get in touch with customers and otherwise waiting on return calls to arrange suitable days for delivery.
I have today starting confirming details on customer'ss locomotives which are going through the workshop for custom numbering, naming, weathering or sound fitting. We are still waiting on some custom name plates being delivered but the majority are here having been specially ordered before Christmas.
.NEWS 22nd April 2022
2023 production of Heljan Class 47's
Work has already begun on second production run of Class 47's for release early 2023. This production run will include two Tower Models Limited Editions covering the early version as Stratford engines with the grey roof and also featuring the Dominoe headcodes. The first option is a fully finished example of 47170 "County of Norfolk" in BR blue with the black window surround and then secondly the standard BR blue with grey roof un-numbered which the customer could complete as any of the other Stratford engines. Both of these will feature the black dominoe headcodes. The details for these has been agreed for months now and we were waiting on confirmation from Heljan of the standard production models which are being produced at the same time. Yesterday though Gaugemaster announced the production of their limited edition 47500 in heritage Great Western lined green so we thought we would go public with our two limited editions now. Hopefully we should have the colour layouts for both of these in the next few weeks along with the details of what other standard models are being produced by Heljan at the same time. We are taking advance orders for these now and will update the website as soon as we have further details.
We currently have availability on most liveries of the 2022 production run still in stock although numbers are getting low on these now.
NEWS 20th April 2022
Tower Models Limited Edition Vanwide & VEA's
In January we produced sets of six of the most popular liveries of these all with different running numbers to add to enable customers to extend the rakes of these without repeating wagon numbers. We made a set of the earliest liveried vanwide in BR bauxite with the simple number and no white outline box and then secondly a set of six of the VEA in Railfreight red grey livery as per the colour layouts shown above. Only 100 sets of each are being produced. Stocks of these are now running very low with very few of either the standard VEA in Railfreight red grey or the Limited Editions sets of six in this livery.
It is also worth mentioning that in the past we have also done Limited Editions sets of six of the Dapol planked vans, plywood vans, Air Ministry tankers in both Shell BP and Esso liveries along with four sets of the BR conflats in both British Railways and Door 2 Door liveries and ICI Soda Ash 16 ton minerals. All of these are also still currently available but stocks are beginning to run very low on these.
NEWS 14th March 2022
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On Wednesday we also received the latest production run of the ever popular Class 50's. This includes a re-run of some of the popular models from the last batch and the introduction of several new liveries, the prettiest of which is the Hanson and Hall livery as shown above.
We still have limited stocks of some of both the 2020 and 2021 production run of Class 50's which are available for immediate despatch; details of which can be found on the page for the Class 50s which can be linked through to with the title above although numbers are getting low on these earlier production runs
As always our custom numbering, naming and weathering service is still operating as normal to complete the Class 50's with the customers choice of name and number or we have a good selection available off the shelf that have already been completed.
NEWS 11th February 2022
Fully finished locos available off the shelf
The workshop have just completed a few Class 60's for stock as we start to prepare for Kettering Show, hopefully we will also have a few more Class 47's fully finished in time for the show as well. Shown here is a customer's Transrail Class 37 we have just completed and we thought it would be good to complete one of the un-branded Triple grey Class 60's to match. At the same time we have also done a triple grey "Mainline" Class 60 and one of our Limited Edition Coal sector Class 60 in the one-off Coal Sector / Transrail livery. All three are available now for immediate despatch but will be at Kettering Show if they have not sold before then.
The latest production run of the ever popular Dapol Autocoaches have nonw arrived and we have contacted everyone in regard to their advance orders. All versions of the basic models are in stock and we are getting both the light bar fitted and DCC and light bar fitted versions in to order. A simple call and we can arrange despatch for you.
Secondhand Items
We have had a number of secondhand items come in that are in very good condition that we have put through the workshop for weathering:
Dapol Autocoach
One of the Dapol Autocoaches in Great Western chocolate and cream shirtbutton livery that has been weathered and has had little if any use @ £200.00
Dapol 4 car suburban sets
We have also had come in part exchange two of the 4 coach suburban B sets, one is LHT620 Birmingham Division #50 in GWR chocolate and cream and the other is LHT623 Birmingham Division #52 in BR crimson livery. Both of these have never been used and we are selling both at just £500.00 each for the four car sets
First come first served on these items.
NEWS 20th November 2021
Train of the week is a new feature that started in August 2018 and we hope to feature every week subject to how manic it gets with new product launches. Of course it is subject to how succesful the concept is and on going sales from it but it is not just about that it is also about showing ideas and putting together locos, coaches and wagons from various manufacturers together into a realistic train. Most featured items are standard stock items and we can always recreate it again to customer's own specifications with either more or less items of rolling stock or even different liveries as required. Full details can be found by clicking on the title which is the link to the specific webpage for this feature.
As such even when completed and sold we will leave them on the webpage as inspiration for short, simple trains that you may want to tackle yourself or leave us to do for you subject to items still being available and a new "Train of the Week" should be added every Thursday and we intend changing the era and type of train to keep it fresh and different but is subject to how busy we may be with launches. Of late we have been extremely busy and sadly not had much spare time to focus on this feature.
NEWS 17th November 2021
We have now received all versions of the Class 60's and have despatched as many of the advance orders as we can and put all examples through to the workshop for numbering naming and weathering
There are five standard liveries being produced and we are now doing a limited edition run of just 75 pieces of the coal sector railfreight triple grey livery and the two Colas Limited Editions. We will also be stocking the four Gaugemaster limited edition models which now includes the two British Steel blue liveries. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.
NEWS 29th October 2021
Tower Models Limited Edition BR Conflats
We have now received all twelve of the Tower Models Limited Edition BR Conflats. All of these have different numbers for both the conflat wagon and containers compared to the standard production run that Dapol produced enabling you to create a descent rake of these. There are still a number of these available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of out advance ordering system.
NEWS 18th August 2021
Heljan Class 40 - Centre Headcode
The Heljan Class 40's have arrived this morning and we are busy arranging despatches for customer advance orders to clear the decks as much as possible for the Class 122 delivery which is expected tomorrow.
Five liveries will be available covering the entire BR career of the class. The models will feature a ‘DCC Friendly’ chassis, LED lighting, a heavy duty chassis with twin motors and flywheels and fine detail specific to these later-built EE Type 4s.
These are proving extremely popular and as with several recent Heljan releases we expect the most popular liveries to sell out almost immediately. We are taking advance orders for these now and is advisable to secure your locomotive for despatch as soon as they become available.
NEWS 4th August 2021
Tower Models Limited Edition Salt Vans
We have now completely sold out of the Leith General Warehouse wagons that we commissioned with Dapol to compliment the Heljan Class 17 Clayton to create the iconic Scottish trains.
We are also down to last clean set of the A Cant & Sons London Salt vans and one weathered set with replacement planks as shown here.
Stocks of our extensive range of Limited Edition ICI wagons remain good at present.
It is good to see some of these sell out given the new wagons expected later in the year.
NEWS 3rd August 2021
We have today received the brand new Heljan Class 31/1 and 31/4 models and have been busy all day calling people to arrange suitable days for delivery for their advance orders. We have now broken the back of the work and have now also prepared all the the models for custom numbering, naming and sound fitting through the workshop to customer's requirements over the coming weeks.
We still have examples of all liveries available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system. A simple call on 01253 623797 in the morning and we can arrange everything for you.
NEWS 27th June 2021
The workshop have this week completed two more example of our Limited Edition Class 37/4 in Transrail livery. The latest examples we have completed we have left as clean examples but we could always weather them with the customer's choice of the degree of weathering if required. Details of the fully finished Class 37/4's that are available can be found under the "Locos Available off the shelf section"
NEWS 19th June 2021
European Export changes
After the 1st July 2021 on exports to Europe there is a new system coming into effect on small orders where the local European VAT is to be collected by the shipper and subsequently we have to submit a European VAT report and payment every month. This only counts on small orders under £150.00 and we do very few of these through the year so from the 1st of July our minimum order size for Europe will be £150.00 so that we avoid this paperwork.
With orders over £150.00 the system remains the same and we are deducting the VAT component of the prices on orders for the EU, with the local VAT being collected by local customs in the destination country. This basically works out about the same price as before but with some handling changes for the local VAT charges by the courier company.
Low value orders for Europe a rare and it isn't difficult to reach the £150.00 figure when dealing in O gauge and simply put the paperwork involved is not worth the hassle for the low volume of orders we receive through the year that are below the £150.00 figure.
This comes into effect on the 1st of July so our European customers basically have just over a week if there are any small orders they have been considering.
NEWS 19th May 2021
Tower Models exclusive Bachmann Platforms
Folllowing on from the successful launch of the latest building from Bachmann in O gauge we have commissioned Bachmann to produce both platform straights and ramps in O gauge exclusively for Tower Models and they have today confirmed that we should receive them late on tomorrow. The basic set as shown here makes a good representation of a station halt and the additional straight sections can be added to make a decent length of platform. Each set of additional straights is three pieces which is approximately the length of two coaches. More images are available through the above title link or via the Bachamnn Scenecraft O gauge section of the website. We still have stock available of these for immediate despatch
NEWS 24th April 2021
Tower Models Limited Edition 16ton minerals
Yesterday we unexpectedly received the Dapol re-run of the standard rivetted and welded 16ton mineral wagons along with the Tower Models Limited Edition blue ICI Soda Ash wagons. This has made for a busy week along with the launch of the Heljan Mk1 coaches. All despatches for these have made and we still have stocks available for immediate despatch.
NEWS 24th March 2021
One of the workshops has today completed a good selection of the Tower Brass / San Cheng Brass locomotives and coaches for the shelf rather than just completing customers commissions which has given us a good supply of Gauge 1 coaches available for immediate despatch and a very nice selection of Gauge 1 Terriers in some very pretty liveries.
NEWS 2nd September 2020
Tower Models Limited Edition London Salt Vans
Just over a month ago now we received the brand new Tower Models Limited Edition A Cant & Sons set of six different numbered London Salt Vans. We have now had chance to complete some weathered examples for sale off the shelf with a full set of the six available with custom weathering for immediate despatch. At the same time we also decided to have a play with a few example of the London Salt vans as shown above with a few replacement planks as part of the weathering and the wood finish really nicely contrasts against the blue and makes each one very much unique. This can also be done as part of the standard weathering service if required.
These have been a lockdown project that was only started the begining of June which was the first day the studio at Dapol returned to work after lockdown and have been made here in the UK . This Salt Merchant bought it's salt from the Stafford salt works and were maintained in Stoke on Trent so is a very useful company wagon as it can be used on layouts based either around London or the Midlands.
NEWS 26th June 2020
We have now received restocks of the popular Heljan O gauge diesel depot and extensions. These have also been very popular during isolation as it is a sizeable modelling project and relatively cheap and can keep you occupied for a good week and gives plenty of oppurtunity for super detailing and turning into a little diorama in it's own right. At the same time people have also been picking up the Bachmann Scenecraft Diesel Refueling Point to complement the shed.
NEWS 18th April 2020
Dapol Good news
Both the Dapol Banana vans and Tower Models Limited Editions came into stock yesterday as well as the re-runs of some of the standard BR 10ft wagons. They arrived nice and early in the day so we were able to get most of the large orders for the courier off yesterday. We have today completed the smaller orders which are going via the post and these will be despatched on Monday. One change to the advertised production on the Banana vans is that there are 3 number options for the Fyffes livery and only one number of the Geest livery. Fyffes has been by far the most popular livery anyway so works out better for most people.
Tower Models Limited Edition Dapol Vans
All advance orders for these limited edition sets of six planked or plywood vans have been despatched where we have been able to contact customers. There are still a number of both sets still available for immediate despatch.
At the same time we have also received the brand new Dapol Banana Vans. Initially four will be available; one in "Geest" and three different numbers in "Fyffes" livery. All advance orders have now been despatched.
At the same time we have also received the four standard re-run of both the BR vans and opens in the 2020 liveries.
NEWS 19th February 2020
The blue versions of the Class 03 are in transit and should be with us in a few days, we will begin to conatct people with advance orders over the next few days to arrange suitable days for delivery.
Heljan have rationalisation the liveries for the Class 03 with four near identical versions being dropped which are virtually duplicated by other versions in the range. Taking this into account, if customers wish to amend their order a simple call can amend the advance order.
Heljan did forget to pack the instructions in with the green locos. A copy of the instructions can now be found on the page for the Class 03 to download and print off.
Those which are being numbered, weathered and sound equipped will be going through to the workshop and should hopefully be completed in about 2-3 weeks.
As part of our preparations for the upcoming Larger Scales show the workshop have just completed a large number of Gauge 1 items including two fully finished Halls, 2 Black Fives, a rake of 7 BR chocolate and cream coaches and a good selection of 45xx's. Details of these can be found through the title link or in the Gauge 1 section of the website as we hope to put on a good display of out Gauge 1 at the show in May which is at at the Riversmead Leisure Centre in Reading. Details of the show can be found through the link of the shows we are attending this year but all of these items are availablenow for immediate despatch.
NEWS 13th December 2019
Dapol 'O' gauge Y1 / Y3 Sentinel
The basic version of the long awaited Sentinels are now in stock and we should also received the DCC fitted versions later on this afternoon. The DCC and sound fitting is being done here in the UK so these will be available approximately a month after the basic DC version but given the Christmas period it may take a little longer for them to complete the sound fitted versions.
There has also been two changes on the lead up to the launch that it is worth mentioning. 7S-005-002 is now BR Early Crest Dept 39 and not as previously advertised 68183 in LNER livery and now there is only one number of the LMS livery being produced instead of the planned two number options.
At the same time we have also received the EWS livery for the Class 08 that was missing from the shipment last month.
NEWS 5th September 2019
Over a year ago now Helmsman retired and their superb controllers have not been available ever since. Good news from Peco this week, they are to take over the range. No indication from Peco as tor the new price of the units but have said they hope to have the range availabe during 2020. The Helmsman 5amp controller has always been popular, especially for Heljan deisels. As and when we get more details I will update the website. Several people have already had advance orders in place for their eventual return and we are taking orders now for when they do reappear..
NEWS 22nd August 2019
Dapol 9ft wheelbase Salt and Lime Vans
As well as the Snowdrift Salt Van that was released last week we have now also received the George Brown Lime wagon in clean finish, hopefully we will also be receiving the weathered example soon. We have good stocks of all liveries of both the Salt and Lime wagons that have been released so far available for immediate despatch. Stocks of some liveries are now starting to run low and we are awaiting restocks on some liveries.
NEWS 2nd August 2019
Both the Tower Models Limited Edition sets of tankers and standard Air Ministry tankers came into stock yesterday and we have made despatch of all advance orders where customers have confirmed delivery. We still have stocks of all versions for those people have not taken advantage of our advance ordering system.
Both Shell BP and Esso have always been the most popular of the liveries of the Class B ex-Air Ministry tankers. As such we thought people might appreciate the chance to buy sets of 6 of these all with different running numbers that have not been done before by Dapol. We will also be offering our custom weathering service on any of the Dapol tankers for those people who want to take advantage of it.
NEWS 26th June 2019
Peco have just released the long awaited O gauge signal box interior that is suitable for either LK709, platform mounted signal box or LK715, the brick based free standing signal box. These are now in transite to us and should hopefully be with us either on Friday or Monday next week. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they come into stock.
Peco have just released a new addition to their O gauge range of trackside kits with a signal box, representing a generic style of box with a brick base and wooden cabin structure on top, plus the necessary steps leading up from the ground. This is a "mixed-media" kit, meaning that the top half is produced as a plastic injection moulding, and the brick base of laser-cut wooden parts, all coming together to create this wonderfully characterful structure. Provision has also been made to include a brick chimney breast at the back of the box. These are now in stock and are available for immediate despatch.
At the same time Peco have decided to repackage their O gauge telegraph from the original pack of 4 to packs of 6 but with a price change from the original £6.50 per pack to £9.50 per pack. We still have a handful of the old packs of 4 but once the last few we have in stock have gone all future stocks will be at the higher size and price.
NEWS 8th May 2017
We bought all of Bachmann's remaining stock of 45xx and 4575 Prairie Tanks in Gauge 1 several years ago. We can now confirm that we have now sold out of the 4575's and are down to the last one 4575 and we have sold out of the 45xx flat top Prairies. These can be supplied "as is" in plain green, no number or insignia or, alternatively they can be supplied fully finished in either any GWR or BR livery for an additional charge. We have two fully finished Gauge 1 45xx's available off the shelf; 4512 in BR late crest un-lined green and clean finish at £1035.00 and 4555 in BR lined green early crest clean finish at £1090.00. Once these have sold there will be no more as the factory that made them has closed.
NEWS 30th March 2017
Most people think of Tower Models only as the UK's largest stockist of 'O' gauge. Apart from this we are also a major supplier of Gauge 1 locomotives, coaches and track. Shown here is a Tower Brass Terrier in Gauge 1 recently completed for a customer. This locomotive was hand lettered and lined in our workshops. We currently can offer a range of locomotives and coaches both off the shelf or completed to order.
NEWS 19th January 2017
We have now received the brand new Heljan modern depot.. It has been designed to be modular and very adaptable to a number of situations and locations. Add-on packs are also available to extend the main kit either adding extra roads or additonal depth. Photo shows the first sample which has been painted; kit will be moulded in single colour plastic. Please note that the side bay 'bars' will also be duplicated on the lower panels on production examples.
If you have not already advance ordered one of these we are still taking orders for this for immediate despatch once they have arrived and full details can be found on the relevant pages of the website.
A REALITY CHECK ON CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS
We offer a wide range of kits and ready-to-run items from a number of sources. our aim is to offer a quality product at an affordable price. This seems to satisfy 99% of our customers. However, there appears to be a growing number of people in the model railway fraternity who expect perfection for a pitance of a price. Let me make it clear that the perfect model does not exist. It is utterly unreasonable to expect full working inside motion on any of the models we sell or any other complex working details that can barely be seen, especially at the price and no, the cab gauges don't really work! All our items are for standard 'O' gauge finescale. They are made from plastic, resin, white metal, pewter and brass. They are powered by electric motors. Real locomotives are made from iron, steel, brass and copper. they are powered by steam, diesel or electricity. If anyone wants to duplicate all the features of a real locomotive may I suggest he buys a real one. They are much bigger than ours and cost many times more than the ones we sell. At the end of the day model railways are big boys toys and meant to be fun, let's not forget it.