Who knows what 2014 will bring?  There are some very interesting models promised by the UK manufacturers.  I am very much tempted by the Farish Merchant Navy and Dapol’s 33 and Maunsell coaches.  But no doubt they are still stuck in some Chinese factory.  Perhaps I ought to be realistic and limit myself to the Hornby Brighton Belle.  From the photos in Railway Modeller, it does seem to be progressing and looking about right.

As for Continental Europe and the USA, I’m not sure what is happening.  Again, they are probably slowed by the Chinese economy.   Maybe the area to watch is 3D printing and the Shapeways site.  The quality of 3D printing seems to improve by the week, and the levels of detail are certainly as good as resin cast models.  There are some very interesting interurbans in N gauge on the site, but no-one has ventured – yet – into a Pacific Electric car.  Now that would be a quick purchase….