Rapido UK N scale...

[bigdawgks]

They had a falling out some time in the past. I don't know the details but I believe it involved Hattons commissioning a product from Bachmann. This sort of thing is relatively common with larger UK model shops, including the occasional bad blood. For example, Rails of Sheffield has a similar situation with Hornby, and doesn't currently do business with them. But that I think has more to do with Hornby's sketchy business strategies that of recently are trying to cut out 3rd party retailers and sell to customers directly/exclusively wherever they can.

I often feel that the model rail industry in the UK definitely hasn't matured as much as it has in North America.

[dem34]

I often feel that the model rail industry in the UK definitely hasn't matured as much as it has in North America.

I feel like that is just a side effect of multiple relatively large companies trying to compete in a market the size of California that is also dealing with a ton of anachronisms unique to that fairly insular market.

[wes_sutton]

They had a falling out some time in the past. I don't know the details but I believe it involved Hattons commissioning a product from Bachmann. This sort of thing is relatively common with larger UK model shops, including the occasional bad blood. For example, Rails of Sheffield has a similar situation with Hornby, and doesn't currently do business with them. But that I think has more to do with Hornby's sketchy business strategies that of recently are trying to cut out 3rd party retailers and sell to customers directly/exclusively wherever they can.

I often feel that the model rail industry in the UK definitely hasn't matured as much as it has in North America.

Probably more to it, but Hattons commissioned their own Class 66 (a version of which Bachmann also produced) and were selling it to other retailers in competition with Bachmann. 

[wes_sutton]

I believe that in Europe there are still some 2-axle wagons rolling on the rails, and they still use those buffers and chain couplers.

Certainly in the UK some remain, although not much. Not sure about the rest of Europe