The 4th to 9th of February 2010 the annual Toy Fair was held in Nuremberg, Germany. This trade fair is a well-known meeting for manufacturers and traders of all kinds of toys, Christmas decoration and all sorts of models, model trains included.
As usual I will concentrate of N-scale and control equipment, with some sideways to other scales.
Trends:
Märklin, a leading manufacturer, has survived their insolvency pretty well, the company is still operating and even makes a profit, allthough they still need a new owner. The takeover of Fleischmann by Modelleisenbahn Gmbh (owner of Roco) has resulted in a merger of the respective N-scale ranges, which are now marketed under the Fleischmann name. The Fleischmann 'Twin Center' range of DCC controls has been discontinued and replaced with the 'Lokmaus' system, already made by Roco.
Controls
Tillig is one of the few manufacturers still introducing new analogue control equipment on the European market. This year Tillig will introduce the TFi-II a pulse-width controller, that offer options as controlled automatic stops and automatic shuttle operations. To match Tillig's 'Elite' track system in H0 and TT scales there's an improved version of the Tillig point motor.
TFi-II analogue controller (Tillig) 
Improved point motor (Tillig)Uhlenbrock is a very active manufacturer of digital controls and there a quite a few new items for 2010. First a control-box (IB-Control II) that adds to the new Intellibox II digital control system, the display is the same and shows loco/train names, speeds in km/h, a percentage or speed steps, whatever you like. Nice are the coloured backlit buttons, that are also found on the Intellibox II.
More news: the Iris infra-red remote controller comes with a LocoNet connector box and could be used on LocoNet equipped DCC-control systems. The remote works just like an oridnary TV-remote. Power7 is a new 7 amp power booster for all digital control systems. To go with the Power7 or the Power4 boosters is a seperate reversing loop module that switches polarity of the power on the tracks. The new feedback modules now all connect to LocoNet, 2-rail and 3-rail (Märklin) versions are announced. Very welcome is a s88 - LocoNet connector module that enables you to use affordable s88 track-sensor modules on a LocoNet system.
IB Control II (Uhlenbrock) 
Iris LN infra-red remote (Uhlenbrock) 
s88 - LocoNet connector module (Uhlenbrock)
Power7 DCC booster 
Reverse-loop DCC module 
2-rail feedback module (all Uhlenbrock)Uhlenbrock extends their range of scenic lighting products with a set of LED effect lights. These can be programmed and controlled with a DCC system. Several colours of LED will be available to simulate incandecent lamps, fluorescent tubes, a TV, fire and an arc welder effect. etc.
The effects created with the new LED effect module (Uhlenbrock)
LED effect module and LEDs (Uhlenbrock)To operate your points, crossing gates etc. with servos as used in R/C modelling Uhlenbock offers a special servo-decoder for use with servos as point motors, the decoder has a switched output for polarising frogs, a single decoder can drive 4 servos.
Servo decoder 
Lissy Creator software 
IB Multi Control software (all Uhlenbrock)Finally 2 software products: Lissy Creator helps you to plan and configure the Lissy feedback modules and integrates them in the TC-Edit software or a TrackControl control panel. IB Multi Control helps you to program DCC-decoders and is also capable of controlling a layout.
Lenz
Lenz, inventor of DCC, has announced a new base unit with a built-in 5 amp booster. The unit has new firmware and is fully prepared for RailCom. Further a new N-scale suitable decoder, the Silver mini+, which has a SuSi interface for add-on sound modules or other accessories. The LRC110 unit transfers RailCom data between booster districts.
LZV200 base unit 
Silver Mini+ decoder (all Lenz)ESU
ESU also anounced a RailCom detector, which acts as an intelligent track circuit. The extension unit can be used to drive LEDs or lamps and gives a track occupation indication. ESU is one of the manufacturers to offer a servo drive for use as point motor, door opener, crossing gate drive etc. This servo has been developed for model railway use, and therefor has a longer cable and a smoother movement. A heavy-duty version with metal gears is also available. From time to time new sounds become available for ESU's Loksound sound decoders, there's also a sound decoder suitable for N-scale trains. Biggest news is the new ECoS unit with colour screen. Together with a few iPhones with the TouchCab software, and a computer running the iTrain or RocRail software, ECos would be the world's most advanced DCC control system.
ECoS detector 
ECoS detector extension 
Servo drive
SwitchPilot Servo 
SwitchPilot extension 
ECoS with colour screen (all ESU)Zimo was not represented at the Toy Fair, but is always bringing something new. Zimo is now rebuilding their range of central units and handheld controllers. First, the new MX32 handheld will be introduced. It has the most advanced technology onboard: OLED display, RailCom functionality, high-performance electronics and is still compatible with older Zimo units
MX handheld controller (Zimo)New train models
Trends: Most manufacturers concentrate of releasing models that were announced earlier. Further the mergers and insolvencies of last year throw their shade on this year's new releases. Thsi menas that the most important news comes form smaller manufacturers.
Brawa
Brawa announced a new loco to be released in 2011, and in my opinion it's an important model: the Gravita diesel-hydraulic freight locomotive built by Voith. 100 of these locos have been ordered by DB Railion in Germany. The loco will be released in both N and H0 scales. New passenger coaches: the DR Reko range will be extended with the combined 2nd class / baggage car. Something special in H0 scale: the DR BR199 narrow gauge diesel loco, that was converted from a BR102 class standard-gauge loco. The model will come in 12 mm gauge, with extra parts to convert it to 9 mm gauge. More news at the Brawa website.
Voith Gravita diesel-hydraulic loco (Brawa) 
DR BR199 narrow-gauge diesel (Brawa)Liliput (Bachmann)
More narrow gauge: Liliput announces a number of modern Austrian narrow-gauge trains. Most impressive is the D15 loco of the Zillertalbahn, which runs in a popular tourist area. The loco comes with a matching push-pull passenger train. Matching freight wagons can be found in the Liliput and Roco ranges. Track gauge is 9 mm with no option for conversion to 12 mm.
More news: Liliput will enter the N-scale market with the modern 'Flirt' EMU, built by Stadler from Switzerland, these trains now run in Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Plenty of livery options though!
Zillertalbahn D15 diesel loco (Liliput) 
Flirt EMU in N-scale (Liliput)Arnold (Hornby)
Arnold announced an impressive number of new trains, and seems to aim at the Spanish market. Most impressive are the 'Talgo' low-slung diesel locos with matching articulated train. The Talgo trains are a unique Spanish development and are lightweight high-speed trains; the latest versions run at speeds over 300 km/h! More RENFE: the 253 class 'Traxx' electric freight loco, together with more Traxx versions. Personally, I like the green Italian 'Linea' livery. Furher: a real classic, the Swiss BLS Re 4/4 electric loco, will come as a twin-pack. Of course, lots of matching coaches and wagons.
Renfe 353 class 'Talgo' diesel loco (Arnold)
Renfe 253 class 'Traxx' electric freight loco (Arnold)
BLS Re 4/4 electric multi-purpose loco (Arnold)
The Traxx loco as used by Linea, an Italian freight operator (Arnold)To go with all these locos are a wide range of coaches and freight cars. Coaches are mainly modern types as used by the German railways or older steam-era style coaches. The swiss 'Leichstahlwagen' are an in-between style from the 1950s. Freight cars are mainly of modern types and styles used form the early 1960s onwards. Arnold has quite a few cars made after French, Swiss or Italian prototypes
Minitrix (Märklin)
The largest brand in European N-scale, and as always many new items were announced. Too much to mention, I will highlight a few:
The "Rheinpfeil" luxury train from the 1960s, hauled by a BR 112 electric loco in cream/blue livery. A very elegant train with it's dome-car and dining car with double-deck kitchen.
The "Rheinpfeil" luxury train from the 1960 (Minitrix)Mintrix offers a wide range of very detailed, but expensive steam locos. This year a BR52 'Kriegslok' with original rigid frame tender will be released. The model is in a post WW2 version and will be a powerful loco to haul your coal train. Less burdened by history is the BR 03.10 lightweight express loco. One of my favourite german stream locos, with a 4-6-2 (2-C-1) wheel arrangement, Minitrix brings the reboilered version of the 1960s.
BR52 'Kriegslok' with rigid frame tender (Minitrix)
BR 03.10 express loco (Minitrix)Diesels always had a prominent place in the Minitrix range, this year a few have been completely re-engineered, like the BR216 multi-purpose loco and the BR798 railbus, a typical train for brach lines.
BR 216 multi-purpose diesel loco (Minitrix)
DB 'Schienenbus' local train (Minitrix)And finally the electric locos, which are the biggest part of the Minitrix locomotive range. This year many older style electrics will appear, boxy green locos with alrge red wheels and rods to drive them. And of course, modern locos like the Swiss 474 class loco, used for cross-border freight trains. A member of the 'Traxx' family built by Bombardier Europe.
474 'Cargo' Traxx electric loco (Minitrix)Typical for Minitrix are the many sets of coaches and freight cars, some contain up to 20 cars! Very welcome are the French grain hopper cars, a common sight in many European countriea.
Modern freight car set (Minitrix)
French grain hopper cars (Minitrix)Finally, an HO-scale set which is too nice not to mention: the TEE 'Bavaria' composed of a Swiss Re 4/4 I loco (an electric of course), a Swiss dinig car and 2 German coaches (1 Pullman, 11 compartment). I would like to see this set in N-scale!
'Bavaria' TEE train (Trix HO)I will end the Trix section with the new digital control unit. Based on the Märklin 'Systems' design it offers a similar functionality for DCC system users.
Trix Systems DCC controller (Trix)Fleischmann (Modelleisenbahn AG)
Fleischmann merged with Roco last year and this is reflected in the range. Roco's N scale range has disappearted and most Roco models are now sold under the Fleischmann name. Even Roco's track system is now under the Fleischmann name, which leaves Fleischmann with 2 track systems in N-scale. Lots of new models, with the first structure kit being the most impressive: the "Zollern" coal mine in Dortmund, built around 1900 as a model enterprise. The mine still exists albeit non-operational and is now a mining museum. The model is a modern laser-cut card kit.
Pithead of Zollern coal mine (Fleischmann)
Machinehouse of Zollern coal mine (Fleischmann)
Office and washroom building of Zoller coal mine (Fleischmann)Train models still form the mainstay of Fleischmann and quite a few new one were announced, although many are new liveries of models already in the range.
The BR 141 multi-purpose electric will come in an attractive blue (passenger) livery which really stands out from the common green colour.
BR 141 electric (Fleischmann)It strikes me that there were many models of Spanish trains announced. Fleischmann had 2 diiferent types to announce: the class 250 electric loco, mainly used for freight trains and the "Ferrobus', the Spanish version of the German railbus.
From Spain: 250 class electric loco and diesel 'Ferrobus' (Fleischmann)Fleischmann always had a good choice of passenger coaches and this year many sleeper cars were announced, with the modern 'City Night Line' train being the most attractive in its dark blue livery.
City Night line sleeper (Fleischmann)And plenty of new freight cars, many modern types like the articulated container cars and the 2-unit car transporter. This particular unit is owned by the Hungarian GySEV railway, which operates from Györ (Hungary) were several car manufaturing plants are located.
new car transporter car (Fleischmann)Controls: The 'Twin Center' (made by Uhlenbrock) has been discontinued and is replaced with the Roco 'Multimaus' system. The new wireless system will also be marketed under the Fleischmann name
New DCC system (Fleischmann)Hobbytrain (Lemke)
A name under which models made by Kato and a few other manufacturers are sold. Most offer good value for money, such as the 'Taurus' and class E10 models, but Hobbytrain has more to offer.
A striking new train is the Austrian 'Railjet' express train, the model will come with a matching 'Taurus' loco.
Railjet express train (Hobbytrain) 
CFL (Luxemburg) 1600 class diesel loco (Hobbytrain)Very welcome are the models of the Nohab Co-Co diesel of the 1950s. These were sold to railways in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Luxemburg and Hungary. Second hand locos, mainly from Denmark, proved to be popular with starting freight operators in Germany. This results in model that will come in a wide range of liveries.
Hobbytrain also offers trams in N-scale, the Stadtbahn 'N' is a standard gauge type from Germany built in the 1980s. Used in many German cities this is a welcome addition to the fe tram modles available in N-scale.
Stadtbahn N tram unit (Hobbytrain) 
Unitram tram track system (Kato)The close connections with Kato will bring the 'Unitram' paved track system under the attention of European modellers. Unitram makes paved-in track really easy.
Cars and other road traffic
Lemke also has a range of road vehicles in N-scale, known as Minis. Most of the models are made after 1950s / 1960s types and really capture the atmosphere of that era. The models are well made and many varieties of a single type are made. The most remarkable for 2010 are the Volkswagen Mk2 Transporter van and the Büssing half double-decker bus. Both models will come in a wide range of liveries and varieties, the VW van in particular.
Volkswagen Mk2 van (Minis) 
Büssing half double-decker bus (Minis)Herpa is one of the larger manufacturers of model cars, albeit that most of their range is in HO scale. In N scale there will be a very welcome model: the Opel 'Manta' coupé. Once the wet dream of many young men, today you will hardly see one. The truck is a modern Scania, Herpa also has DAF and Mercedes types on offer.
Scania truck and Opel Manta (Herpa)In HO Herpa announced two remarkable cars: the Simca 1000 Rallye from France, a small rear-engined 4-door saloon and the Volga M24 from the Soviet Union, in those days ownership was limited to Party officials.
Simca 1000 Rallye (Herpa) 
Volga M24 (Herpa)Wiking is another maker of N-scale cars, but the range is still small. This year will see a modern Volkwagen Mk5 van. Other new items will be released over the year.
Volkswagen Mk5 van (Wiking)MZZ is a small manufacturer of die-cast models, mainly in N and Z scale. This year a few nice models: the DKW 'Munga' military despatch car and the famous Vespa scooter from Italy, after 50 years still popular around the world.
DKW Munga despatch car (MZZ) 
Vespa scooter (MZZ)That leaves the roads, let's moce on to the scenics and structures.
Structures and Scenics
The big trend is the wider use of laser-cut wood and card for structure models. These materials allow a high degree of detailing whilst being less fragile than plastic kits. Now this method of kit construction has been accepted by larger manufacturers like Busch and Faller.
Auhagen is one of the smaller manufacturers. This year the news is mainly around the station with the new freight shed. A crossing gatekeeper's hut and some detailing parts complete the news for 2010.
Freight shed (Auhagen)Busch
New items for HO scale only. Nice is the small mining complex, made up of several laser-cut wooden buildings. A matching mine-train is also available. Further a wide range of farm and contruction machines. In N-scale a few items already announced in 2009.
Heki
Very fine new trees and scatter materials. Grass ridges in HO scale amd the "Flock Star" static grass applicator device.
Noch
Many new figure sets in HO-scale, mainly depicting rural life scenes. Nice bridges from laser-cut card. also for N-scale. Very fine pine and spruce trees in HO-scale. New is the 'digital tree', an animated scene were a lumberjack fells a tree at command. The animation can be integrated into your DCC system.
Schlossbach bridge (Noch) 
Digital tree (Noch)Faller
Lots of new items, but no real eye-catchers. Some models are offered ready-made, in both HO and N-scales. More news: laser-cut wood road sections for use with the car system, a small station in N-scale, larger station in N-scale. More N-scale strucures: small fire station (1 stand), large freight shed, crossing gate keeper's house, recycling depot, some re-issued old Pola models: Krimml freight shed, saw mill, American coal mine, quarry silo building, quayside crane. Further: large fire staion, modern steel silos.
Vollmer
The last of the strucure manufacurers, Vollmer had a few interesting items: first 'Gabione', steel cages filled with stone, commonly seen in modern garden architecture. Vollmer will make these in HO-scale. More modern image: a McDonald's fast food 'restaurant' in apleasing modern style, where the famous yellow curves are part of the roof supports. In N-scale: a gravel loading facility for a quarry scene. Vollmer also thinks of our environment and is now using a bioplastic for all their kits.
Gabione (Vollmer) 
McDrive (Vollmer) 
Gravel loading facility (Vollmer)Well,
A little later than last year, due to attention paid to other interests. Hope to report on the show next year!
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