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A sizeable percentage British modellers, as many on here will no doubt be aware, seem strangely adverse to modern trains; particularly units. Sadly this attitude has extended to the main manufacturers, who lack the enlightened approach taken by their Japanese counterparts. The net result seems to be that some of our (i.e. the UK's) most stylish trains are not available as a ready to run model. What this means is that an alternative approach is required, by way of Kickstarter. A few months ago a project was set up to produce the class 390 Pendolino sets, operated by Virgin Trains along the West Coast Main Line between London and Scotland, in N Gauge. These will come in a number of guises, both in DC and DCC. If enough modellers back this project and it gets the go-ahead, then a full set will be available from £255, approx $400.00, (9 carriage version, DC) to £380.00, approx $600.00, (11 carriages, DCC). A recent development has confirmed Rapido will be the manufacturer. So, if anyone on here fancies an iconic train, for a very reasonable price, then take a look at the link below for more details. http://www.ngaugependolino.com/ There are also more details and discussion on here. Disclaimer: I am not involved in this project myself; but have put in an order for a full 11-car set... 🙂

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/07/22/uk-czech-train-idUKKCN0PW0YX20150722

An old (11 years ago) but very interesting article about the failure to raise speeds on the WCML, and how moving blocks on mainlines were still the stuff of fairytales then. Perhaps some relevance to recent news about HS2 being threatened with cancellation. pt.1 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/apr/01/transport.politics pt.2 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/apr/01/transport.politics1