Deltic

Can confirm that PECO has resumed deliveries to Shops, had our first one this week. As stated Metcalfe items are going out of stock fast, but still a fair few in stock at present.

Many Thanks, glad that we can support Modellers during this period.

Far easier to set up a parcel up and print service in the shop, then you just drop off at the nearest and most convienient outlet - our local shop takes both Royal Mail and Parcel Force parcels. Reduces the need to queue and have each parcel processed. Both Rm and PF have very easy to use systems - do not even need an Account.

No changes being applied by either Royal Mail or Parcel Force, as far as we are aware. Some items sent to us, either use Bubble-wrap, scrunched up brown paper, corrugated cardboard rolls or those plastic quaver-like chips. But can be a mix of these too.

Hope that you enjoy the items

They should be declared as INCOME, but they are not VAT liable on the Quarterly Returns. So there could be a Tax liability at the end of the 2020/21 Tax Year. Time to ceck with your Accountant, as ours was clear on reporting Income at this time as a Grant rather than any of the Loan schemes presently being offered. If Saleries are supported through Furlough they too have to be with the Balance Sheet, but different Rules may well apply if an Employer uplifts the 80% to 100% of 'normal salary' level. Then there is the issue of NI and Pension payments. In sense whilst the Government has covered the Salary they not 'adjusted' for these payments, so an Employer may well still have to contribute.

Many small shops can benefit from applying for the Small Business Grant scheme, whilst from the Government it is being handled via each local Council. It is worth exploring that potential income avenue. As a Grant it does not have to be repaid unlike the Government Loan Scheme, but it has to be declared as Income on the Balance Sheets. Our Hobby may well be different once shops can reopen, but I am certain that there will be a requirement for some form of social distancing in place for several months.

Thank You for your support. Mail Order Service is still available - no fluids though as per Royal Mail Rules. E-Mail for the shop is heatherwilkinson@btconnect.com Stay Safe and Keep Modelling

Royal Mail have said that they will try to maintain their Next Day Service if possible.

Not new items, only to replenish existing stock is the message that has been put out.

Best, unless you know the exact composition, to send via Courier. Royal Mail have very clear notes on sending any fluid or liquid via their service - includes acrylic paint as some contain chemicals which are not suitable for the postal system. Was given this information by a paint supplier. Better to be safe than risk a hefty Fine.

Royal Mail and their Agents are still able to accept shipments, but cannot say that Next Day Delivery will always be possible.

FaceBook posting from John Dutfield Model Railways in Chelmsford, Essex John Dutfield Model Railways Following the government’s advice, we have to close for the foreseeable future. We can offer a mail order service, but please email us. Whilst the shop is closed Customers can Pay & Collect with limited access, One Person at a time. We will attempt to keep our Opening Hours as normal. heatherwilkinson@btconnect.com Remember that any liquids are prohibited. Thank you to all our customers. We hope you all stay safe and well in these trying times . Heather and Ken

found it Andy, many thanks

Andy, Still await the e-mail that you mentioned - to jion the Closed Group. Regards Ken

The one which Pauline and Joe Lock previously organised for the THE ROBERT BARCLAY ACADEMY (FORMERLY SHEREDES SCHOOL). Now organisation is via the HODDESDON MODEL AND RAILWAY CLUB. Being held on the Saturday. .

Guessing that the day is to avoid a clash with another not too far away?

I understand that the delay is due to their seeking CE approval for the Range, which whilst on existing models does not exist within the UK at present - as they were never intended as Hornby had that Market covered.

I heard that it was developed with a German Retailer, whom subsequently decided not to proceed. However Hornby having spent time and effort released the model in the two livery options. They have just re-released them, as they did sell out, once modellers got to see them.

Might have been said. Hornby are looking to produce replacement bodies. Obviously purchasers will most probably have to contact the Retailer from whom they obtained their model. As to Proof of Purchase, this can be a Credit Card monthly balance - redacted to remove other items. Not many outlets will identify individual items but most will annotate with say R1234, or 31-xxxx as proof. But then at exhibitions it might be just a piece of signed paper rather than a full receipt.

There is also Mid Essex MRC near Margaretting

As an Exhibition Manager for many years, gangways have always been an area of concern. So we seek to have around 8 to 9 ft in width, keeping them straight. As has been mentioned conduct an appropriate Risk Assessment, then seek ways of mitigation if any potential risk is identified - if you cannot reduce the Risk to a Low Potential (dealing with the Public can never remove all Risk). How many Exhibitions post a note of their Public Liability Insurance cover - I know that some do not even take out such cover. We also look at seeking to ensure that there is no overcrowding, which might result if stopping entry until it is safe to allow further entrants. Fire Exits if connected to a gangway must be a straight line, so egress is swift and safe. We explain to all Stands and Layouts where the Evac Assembly Point is in their notes - issued on the Exhibition day. We also request that they do not perform any vehicular movements whilst the Exhibition is open. We have Marshals for the Public Car Parking - with radio equipment to ensure contact is maintained across as many Stewards as feasible.. All those within the Car Parking wear Hi Vi jackets too, for their safety. AS we have a Duty of Care to our Members and the Public attending. Then there is the subject of providing Refreshments. Exhibitors are catered for, by an outside contractor. Public food is prepared under supervision of a fully qualified Food Hygiene person - they actually train people as part of their job. Again another aspect of our Duty of Care. There is much to putting on an Exhibition, and even after all these years there is always something that can appear on the day.

Anyone can apply to the Model Railway manufacturers to open an account. There are formalities to go through - Credit / Bank checking for one, obtaining references, location of retail outlet etc. Then they may well issue you with a Pro-Forma Account, in other words you pay before getting any goods. As with any Business relationships there will be Terms and Conditions to abide by, to maintain the throughput of goods. Once established you may find that you can order up to a certain limit, once reached you will not get anu further goods until previous goods have been paid for. When I was much younger there were at least 5 model railway shops within a 2 mile radius of where I lived - London Suburbs. When I moved into Essex the local Town boasted 4 outlets at one time - only one stocked virtually all Hornby products the others picked the odd model to sell.

Bachmann for example - and therefore Farish - do not use any wholesalers. Whilst you can obtain Hornby from some the Trade price is normally greater than if you obtained direct. That is assuming you could get a Trade Account with Hornby and others.