A couple of months ago, we issued an update on our OO Gauge Austerity 2-10-0 production, where we said the models would arrive in four batches between late October and January. We also said we weren’t sure which engines would be first onto the plane. With so many projects on the go, it’s a bit like a giant game of chess – and as our factory is  very good at chess, we tend to let them organise the moves as they see fit.

As it turns out, the most efficient way to produce the ‘DubDees’ has been to make all the tenders first, followed by the locos. The tenders are done, and loco production is in full swing – but as you need both bits to make a complete model, there’s a slight delay to when the first batch will arrive.

We’re now expecting our first Austerities to land in early December, and provisionally these will be ‘Gordons’ and ‘Dame Vera Lynns’, as they're the most numerous. All models will now arrive in two (or possibly three) larger batches, with the remainder still with us by the end of January.

For those of you looking forward to dual-channel sound in your Austerities, we’re pleased to report that our Nexus decoders are tested and ready to go (although decoders for the first batch of engines will probably be fitted in the UK, as our ‘chips’ are made on home soil).

So the finish line is in sight! Thanks to all of you once again for your enthusiasm and engagement with this challenging project; in a few weeks time, we’re confident that you’ll agree it was worth the wait.

Head here to see the full lineup and to pre-order your 'DubDee' today.