clowe999

Has anyone had a problem with MM deliveries lately? I received an MM notice that my most recent order (from December) had been shipped 27 January. It is now 28 February and still no sign of the order. I've tried phoning (as suggested by him) but each time Im directed straight to the voicemail with the immediate message that the mailbox is full and can no longer take messages. Ive tied emailing but they remain unanswered. I have to say that I have placed a great many orders in the past with Jim, and whilst fulfilling the orders can be mighty slow, they have, without exception, turned up a few days after shipping has been notified. However in this case I'm at a loss what to do next. Any suggestions? Chris L (Oldham)

Some interesting news. Squires Tools of Bognor Regis have bought Stevenson Carriages and Millholme models from Paul Barker. (They confirmed that earlier today). They are relaunching the carriages first then Millholme loco kits on eBay on a ‘buy now’ basis ad complete kits. Prices increased by £5 but now post free. Whilst it is good that the names will live on, I don’t see any ‘sides and ends only’ packages where the average punter can supply roofs, underframes etc from other sources. I will also miss having a cheerful natter with Paul Barker at serious modellers shows (as well as doing a deal to buy a mixture of kit parts). Whether we shall see the kits on offer at shows such as ExpoEM or Scale4 remains to be seen.

Sorry I got a bit out of order - referring to 7050.

Would love to order one of these if the kit becomes a reality.

I’d be down for a 7050 kit too. Just got the 7051 and it will be started before Christmas.

I’m down for a C14 in 4mm when they become available. I would be quite happy at purchasing it as an ‘etches only’ kit, as the various castings are generally available from other suppliers. Paul Barker (Stevenson carriages) for example seems to do quite a few GCR bits, as I got a set of white metal castings at a very good price to complete my N5 etched only kit. It would appear much of the bits from the N5 would also suit a C14. Gibson, 247 etc ranges also worth looking at.

The list with prices shown was still current at Expo EM North last September. Paul does not have a website, so its call or email. He does quite a bit more than the list suggests, so asking him if he does something in particular from the old ranges, especially castings-only packages, not shown might prove fruitful. I had not heard he moved to Scotland.

Any chance of seeing the C14 at Wakefield Scalefour later this month?

The 2MT looks great and bang on for my layout. (but price quoted is astronomical next to the price of the ex LMS Ivatt 2MT issued only a few years ago).

Many thanks for the advice Jason. I contacted Lytchett and they sold me a Precursor chassis over the phone. Whilst the price before going offline was £34-25, it now cost me £45 + postage so it would appear prices will go up when back on line. I didnt ask any questions about the continued selling on line, but I think it may be some time before we see GEM white metal bodyline kits back on sale as they were cast to order in most recent times.

Just looked on Lytchett website and the 'temporary outage' message has now gone. There are no longer any links except for mercontrol stuff and a message to allow 28 days for delivery. Anyone know whats happening? Im after an etched (preferred) 4-4-0 chassis for the Precursor and really dont fancy scratch building (mainly due to time).

Anyone any news on Lytchett? Anyone know if we are likely to see the old GEM kits and chassis back in production, if only on a basis of make to order? I have a significant buying list if they are.

Many thanks. All the old links I used to use to them, along with their YouTube demos seem to have disappeared from the Internet when I tried yesterday. C.

Hi Guys, thinking of starting making moulds and casting resin components myself. Anyone any idea if Sylmasta are still in business? Apparently, so I was told, they sold a good starter kit. If they are now defunct has anyone a recommendation of a company selling a similar 'all in one' starter kit? Chris