Came across this old but interesting article: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/09/23/the-flare-path-the-man-who-listens-to-trains/
" RPS: How do you go about selecting new projects? Richard: This might sound like stating the obvious but it pretty much comes down to what we feel is most in demand at that moment in time." Really? Then get on with a 47 or some 1st gen DMUs! LOL
I was thinking about a 47 too! With all their customers contact details, do they ever do a survey to see what people want?
I'm on it Eric, currently working with a Network Rail OTM driver to get the final details of the ballast tamper sorted, then the next two immediate projects are a fresh MTU cab and decent class 47. AP will always go out to surprise and delight the community - but on their terms only.