Bouncy Bouncy

I did a bit of testing with my 144 to see if it could operate in multiple with any of my other DMU's. Results showed it didn't like my Bachmann 150 as it is much slower than the 144, so was being dragged along. The 153 however was much more suitable for the 144, with them running at roughly the same speed throughout. So at least now I'll be able to run multi-unit combinations One thing I have noticed is that due to the very close coupling on the unit, it doesn't like set-track point cross-overs, it much prefers streamline sets!

Two photos of my unit that arrived today. And a video... http://youtu.be/chHIVED8hlQ Overall, fantastic model, superb detailing. Echo the comments above about the squealing on 2nd radius curves and the dummy car being "pushed" along, but this aside it's a very smooth runner! Impressed!

Can't be far away now! How far away is the main batch of 144's Charlie/Arran from delivery?

Have you got a production date yet? Looking very good, can't wait for them to be released

Absolutely, and Realtrack should be commended for adding so much detail into the model, which you wouldn't find on any other RTR manufacturer!

Had to have a look at a 144 yesterday, and although from the outside the seats look purple, closer inspection shows they are actually a pattern, which is predominantly dark blue, and the lilac pin-stripes. When worn they do fade to purple, which I suspect is why we've all been saying purple.

Didn't realise they were specific group standards for the display of headlights, or at least looking around at some TOC's and units, they are a fair few differences! Thanks for letting me know that though, most helpful

I must add that this arrangement is correct for Northern 144's, https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/NorthernRailClass144#5697245125569561570, however when you come to do the 143, if you're after light accuracy, the ATW and fGW units typically have both marker lights on, along with the bright drivers light. https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/ArrivaTrainsWales#5693906709241016418 http://www.flickr.com/photos/45220772@N06/4802209974/ Looking forward to seeing the finished product, and getting my mitts on it!

Having seen the attention to detail on the Northern 144, I would expect yes would be the answer to all of those questions.

Burley Park (and similary Poppleton) isn't on the Northern destination blinds. On Harrogate loop services they do display "Leeds - York" or "Harrogate" at both ends, the latter being less common. Edit - A few photos too https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/NorthernRailClass144#5639904165827078130 https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/NorthernRailClass144#5697234530041837922 https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/NorthernRailClass144#5693545544737356738 https://picasaweb.google.com/104319811903610082706/NorthernRailClass144#5593683612089051858

Farewell Central Trains 158782... With the recent order for a "special" Northern Rail liveried Class 158 for the City of York model railway, the decision was taken to provide my Central Trains example as part exchange. The youngest of the seven 158 models, it was more an impulse purchase and hasn't seen much operation since it's purchase last year. As it's in Central colours, it therefore made the ideal candidate to be part-exchanged, with a model more relevant to the layout taking it's place. The final day of operation for the 158 was Sunday 18th December 2011, where it traversed a number of lines before being boxed up for posting. A few days previously, I operated a "farewell tour" for the model, aimed at being it's last full day of operation, traversing every section of track on the layout. The final strech, bearing a commemarative headboard. The removal of this unit from traffic does therefore mean that there are not enough units to operate the full service, with 2 units already out of traffic. This yet again provides the chance for loco hauled MK2 stock on some of my routes, whilst others suffer the delights of a single Class 153! Below is the farwell tour video, and also an additional image. [media=''] [/media]

If you're after a 155 Leeds will be your best place, don't pop up in York much now. Mainly Leeds - Man Vic and Selby - Wakefield via Halifax runs!

I visited your stand and ended up buying some containers that I didn't expect to purchase! I did see the Northern 144, and took a fair bit of time to look at it. I was pleased to see it in the flesh, and see that it's exactly how I thought it would be, even with the blue seating inside as per the refurbished sets. The model does look spot on, and I look forward to recieving mine next year

They do look impressive. I had my hand hovering over the order button for a while, but had to refrain!