It would be wrong to say that the dust has settled on our Nexus announcement. Because Nexus is a disrupter. Nexus will take our industry by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shake. Which is healthy and is what any new model or accessory should do: Challenge the status quo, push things forward, force our audience to rethink their terms of reference. Le roi est mort – Vive le roi!

Nexus brings dual-channel sound to model railways for the first time. Sometimes subtle, sometimes potent, its capabilities will put the spotlight on what we’ve been missing in digital sound for so long – and ensure that we come to expect nothing less in the future.

Nexus debuts in our OO Gauge ‘Austerity’ 2-10-0s, and it’s been a busy week for them, too. Having starred at the Nexus unveiling event, our latest running sample is back in the torture chamber (aka our test track) clocking up 100 hours of fault-free running. It must do this forwards and backwards under both analogue and digital control to pass. During the ordeal, it will constantly tackle hairpin bends, spaghetti-like pointwork and Himalayan gradients. It can’t put a foot (or wheel!) wrong, and if it does, the clock will be reset to zero. Life can’t be much fun if you’re a ‘DubDee’ sample, but the sacrifices it makes will ensure your models are as close to perfect as possible.

Meanwhile (and as we know many of you swing both ways), should you be on the lookout for large-scale fodder you’ll find dirty Rats, dusty Hoovers and grimy Duffs aplenty over at Ellis Clark Trains. Because we’ve come into an impressive collection of weathered diesels in shades of blue and green – perfect for recreating the unloved railway of the Disco Era. So head on over to give something grubby a home!