Ellis Clark Trains
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Posts posted by Ellis Clark Trains
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On 21/04/2023 at 18:34, toby_tl10 said:
Were the quad-arts always run in pairs, forming 8-coach trains?
Not counting preservation era, other than the N2, what locomotives hauled these?
Thank in advance.
Hi Toby,
They were indeed! :)
Often ran in sets of three too, forming a 12 coach set.
On 22/04/2023 at 08:28, BMacdermott said:Hello everyone
Many congratulations to Ellis Clark Trains on this bold and welcome venture.
The GN Quad Arts have been right at the top of LNER Coaches in The 00 Wishlist Polls since 2013. They went into The Top 50 in 2018, staying there for 2019 also.
The Poll didn't run in 2020 and 2021 but, in 2022, they missed The Top 50 by only a handful of votes (and, it has to be said, The Poll content had been radically amended possibly changing 'the dynamics').
The GN Quad Arts were designed to run as two slightly different sets together and Ellis Clark are to be applauded for their approach. (The GE Quad Arts were very different and were designed to run as a 4-set with additional coaches if needed).
Taking my Poll Team hat off for a moment and speaking 'personally', I have just ordered the eight coaches that form Set No.85. The Quad Arts have been on my long-term plan for many years, and I am delighted that Ellis Clark will be producing them.
I am intrigued with how these sets will 'look close-coupled' on the straight but still negotiate Radius 2 curves. The bogies are stated to be sprung and - looking at the 'upside down photo' above - it seems that Ellis Clark may have come up with an innovative solution.
Perhaps Ellis Clark could comment or show some videos in due course?
Brian (on behalf of The 00 Poll Team and where stated from myself)
Hi Brian,
My fantastic CAD designer, Nikki, came up with an ingenious solution. Picture below:
On 22/04/2023 at 10:15, MoonM said:A great announcement. Anyone know how quick the teak sets were painted into crimson in BR days? I quite fancy a teak set for my early br layout. Thanks
Essentially, Suburban stock was slowly re-painted as it was seen as low priority.
These would have been repainted into Crimson anytime from 1954 onwards.
On 22/04/2023 at 16:10, Pint of Adnams said:Don't know if Ellis or one of his crew come back to read these posts, but the one detail not covered in his OP is the matter of the buffing gear fitted at the intermediate end, where the two complementary sets were joined together. In reality these were close coupled, with a single link shackle and vestigial buffers - as just visible in the upper photograph on p134 of Harris' LNER Standard Gresley Carriages (the Diagrams book).
For the purposes of transport to and use on the NNR a proper set of buffers and screw coupling were fitted to the preserved set.
N7 haulage may be possible, since some were transferred to the GN Section in exchange for some N2s to the GE Section, but the respective crews didn't like them and the arrangement was short-lived.
For running in a full 8-coach set, we're supplying a shorter coupling bar and replacement vestigial buffers (within the detail pack).
Picture below :)
3 hours ago, Tramshed said:Do any of the learned contributors to this thread know the difference between diagram 72 brake 3rds and diagram 72B? or between 68 and 68B brake 2nds?
Also a note to Clarks. The 'tricomposite' end of sets 79 and 74 appear to have been given the same vehicle running numbers. Probably nothing more serious than a copy & paste oversight but mention it in case🙂. This seems to be the only duplicate.
Whoops!
Changed this now and re-attached the correct chart :)
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Afternoon All,
Apologies for the delay in getting a post live on here!
I've just made a brand new post with all the info and some renders :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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Quad Arts! Our entrance into the 4mm OO Gauge market.
That’s right, we’ve been working on our latest announcement for some time now and it’s probably not what you were expecting!
We (Ellis Clark Trains) are producing these models exclusively for our sister company Clark Railworks, who are our OO wing of the family.
These stunning models follow in the footsteps of our multi-award-winning Presflos, the Wickhams and the soon to be released Black 5, with the detail and quality we have become known for.
We have worked very closely both with the M&GN Society and the NNR (North Norfolk Railway), who have been invaluable throughout the whole process.
We'd like to express our sincere thanks to both, for all the advice, info, history and help they have given us to date.
We've travelled down to the railway countless times over the past 18 months and simply couldn't have done it without them.
It's humbling that they have enabled us to do these magnificent coaches justice in model form and we look forward to delivering the first models to them in person.
Our Quad Arts are priced at £325 per set (4 coaches) and you can pre-order with no upfront payments.
We’re expecting these coaches to be in stock by Q3 2024.
You can head over to Clark Railworks to place your pre-order.
Here’s a full spec list… if you fancy spending the time reading it!
Bogies
Finely detailed including wheel, brake rigging and underframe details
Brass bearings
Separate bogie variations for centre and end bogies
Sprung centre bogie fixing so coaches run prototypically close
Insert for end bogies if the coupling is removed
Electrical pickups for lighting
Chassis
Fully detailed diecast chassis
Detailed fittings and pipework under chassis
Sprung centre connectors for radius 2 curves and points
Unclippable NEM pocket
Sprung buffers on Brake end coach
Accurate and detailed paint and printing detail
Separately fitted vacuum and battery box details
EM/P4 on axle
Spare brake sets for EM P4
Body
Detailed bodies with separate door grab rails
Highly detailed coach ends with lit destination boards on brake ends
Fully “low glow” interior lighting with hidden circuit boards
Fully detailed interior with etched luggage racks and correct height seats
Fully detailed roofs with separately fitted vents and magnetic and push fit roofs
Magnetic switched lighting in each carriage
Accurate and detailed paint and printing detail
Liveries
LNER Teak
BR Crimson
BR Maroon
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Afternoon all
The latest batch of Wickhams are now in stock!
This includes two of the limited edition models and some of the DCC sound versions!
Here's the full list of Wickhams which are now in stock:
E1016U BR Maroon 'Unnumbered'
E1016US BR Maroon 'Unnumbered', DCC Sound
The Plain Yellow, Yellow with Wasp Stripes, Ltd. ed. Choc & Cream & SR Green models, both DCC Ready & DCC Sound, are due to be in stock in around 3 - 4 weeks' time.
E1016S BR Maroon 'B14W', DCC Sound
E1021Z BR Maroon w/White Roof, Limited Edition
E1021ZS BR Maroon w/White Roof, Limited Edition, DCC Sound
E1022Z Black w/Wasp Stripes, Limited Edition
E1022ZS Black w/Wasp Stripes, Limited Edition, DCC Sound
E3021 BR Maroon Planked Trailer
E3025 Plain Black Planked Trailer
The Plain Yellow, Yellow with Wasp Stripes, Ltd. ed. Choc & Cream & SR Green models, both DCC Ready & DCC Sound, are due to be in stock in around 3 - 4 weeks' time.
All the best,
Ellis.
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Hi guys,
Sorry for the confusion on uncoupling our Drophead Buckeyes.
For uncoupling in the horizontal (buckeye) position, I've made a little video - although it's too large to upload, so please email myself (ellis@ellisclarktrains.com) if you would like a copy of it.
In terms of dropping the coupling, I'll admit it is a bit trickier.
If honest, it probably is better to pick up the one coach in the rake you would like to drop the coupling on and lift, slide and drop with fingers.
It is a difficult one with this project, as they needed to be strong, well detailed, to scale and of course, work in dropped or knuckle position.
If they were looser or required less lift to slide and drop, then coaches would be forever uncoupling.
Essentially, this was the best middle ground we could find, but we understand they won't be for everyone.
Hope this helps shed some light on the couplings.
All the best,
Ellis.
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BIG NEWS!
The first batch of our eagerly anticipated Wickhams have just come into stock and are now live on the website!
This includes the BR maroon version (Our Ref E1016) and the flatbed trailers (E3031).
The DCC Ready Wickham comes with a trailer for £150. The Flatbed Trailers are priced at £28 each.
The DCC Sound variants, alongside all other liveries, are due in stock over the coming 8 weeks!
We're just starting to work through pre-orders and we'll even be taking a few boxes up to Model Rail Scotland this weekend!
All the best,
Ellis.
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Good afternoon,
Hope you're all keeping well!
Good news - our Working Drophead Buckeye Couplings are now in stock and live on the website.
You can read all about them/watch a little demo video on our website, or by clicking HERE.
All the best,
Ellis. -
Evening everyone,
I've just posted another update on the black, which can be read by clicking here.
Unfortunately, we have decided to remove smoke as an option on the model (DCC Sound of course remains).
I've pasted the text regarding this from my newsletter below.
All the best,
Ellis.
QuoteI won't sugarcoat or try to distract from this news, but I will of course explain in full below what this headline means and entails.
When we originally announced the Black 5, we did so with what we would consider an impressive and large spec list, of which, the synchronised smoke was part of it.
You would think a smoke unit is a rather simple addition to a model, which it is, however getting it right including synchronising it with the sound, is not.
We have been working on the smoke function for a long time now and have invested a large amount of time and funds for components, and although we're heading in the right direction, to include the smoke function would increase the lead time on these models by a minimum of 6 months.
As an interlude, and so that I am being completely transparent, here's why the smoke unit is so far behind the rest of the model:
To build a synchronising smoke machine, you need a few things:
1. A chamber to contain the oil and for the smoke to build up in
2. A heating element to heat the oil (or water - we'll come to that too)
3. A specialist fan to blow the smoke through the chimney
4. A PCB to connect everything together including the Zimo chip
We created all the designs for this, however, the first stumbling block was obtaining the heating resistors, which were very hard to get hold of. We then had to test everything, design a custom PCB, build a chamber, source the fans, and then test everything together.
Essentially, this smoke machine is like a project in itself and as such, requires designing, testing, tooling, alterations, safety testing and manufacturing, all of which result in a completion time long after the release of the Black 5.
We are also uncertain about the future of smoke units, due to our version burning oil and the fact that water-based systems are quickly replacing the aforementioned.
If you have read my newsletters or postings before, where I explain that we either have to change something in a project, or announce a delay, you will know I don't like to hide behind excuses. The simple fact is that after speaking to a sample of the market, both modellers and collectors alike, along with discussing the matter with my team, I have decided that it is best to offer the model either as standard DC/DCC Ready (nothing has changed there) locomotive or with DCC Sound and no smoke.
To reflect this change, we have also reduced the price of the DCC models from £1,199 to £1,175.
I know most of you were more interested in the looks, running, build quality and sound of the loco and so will not be too affected. However, to all those that were looking forward to having a smoke unit fitted, please accept my sincerest apologies.
Although no one has been charged for their pre-orders, if you would like to cancel or amend your pre-order, that of course is no issue at all.
I do hope you understand why we have decided to take this route.
We will, however, continue to develop our synchronised smoke unit with the aim to make it available as a future retrofit for this model.-
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Good afternoon all,
It's been a while since the announcement of our finescale O Gauge Black 5, and it would be fair to say it has been quite the journey with many changes, barriers, dedication and hard work along the way.
Well, today is a rather special and important milestone as we have now received the first sample from the factory.
To us, it has been crucial to ensuring that every single aspect of this project is as close to perfect as possible, as not only is it of paramount importance to create the best possible Black 5, but this locomotive also lays the foundations for future models we want to produce.
I'm sure by now you have scrolled past me waffling on to see the pictures of the first sample... but if not, thank you for reading and please let me know what you think! Of course, please bear in mind that this is the first sample and so there will be imperfections both in assembly and some castings, however, these, like all first samples, will be corrected come production and we are of course making a list of improvements and alterations.
As we are now at the stage of submitting artwork and beginning work on the decorated samples, we thought it would be a good opportunity to fully update the list of available models.
A few changes to note here, which I have listed below:
1. All the Reference Numbers (Product SKUs/Codes) have been updated to fall in line with our simplified product code system, as seen on the Presflos and Wickhams.
2. E71-1-1A No. '5225' has been replaced by E1001 '5241' - this is because there were more pictures and evidence available for '5241' to enable us to get the artwork spot on. If you have a pre-order for '5225' and would still like this, we are happy to custom number E1001U to this free of charge.
3. We're now not producing any plain black LMS locomotives and instead are producing plain black locomotives with transfers for both LMS and BR. This is due to the LMS black livery being short-lived and producing models in just plain black with both LMS and BR transfers gives both us and you the flexibility of choice.
4. E71-1-3A has been replaced by E1003 '45430'. Again, this is due to having more information and pictures on the latter, making it easier to create an accurate model.
5. E1003Y is a brand new limited-edition model! This represents No. '45428' 'Eric Treacy' as it was running in 1980 - 2017 preservation.
6. E71-1-5A has been removed and replaced with E1007 No. '45337'
I suppose the question on everyone's lips is, what happens next and when can I expect to have my model?!
Currently, we are working through our 'reviews and alterations' document. This will go back to the factory this week as they begin to return from Chinese New Year.
We will then discuss any alterations and improvements we feel need making to the model.
The factory will then go away and make any alterations to parts and moulds and will produce a fully working running model.
Now, it's worth mentioning at this stage, and to put your minds at rest...
We have actually done some early-stage running tests and both the motor, and the motion work seamlessly, so we're very confident that the running sample will impress!
After that will come the decorated samples and from there the final revisions and production with a targeted delivery date for the first batch of Q3/4 this year.-
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On 14/01/2022 at 13:50, ozzyo said:
Hello Chris,
do you have answers to my question.
Yours
OzzyO.
Hi Ozzy,
We're currently still working on the method of uncoupling.
The challenge here is keeping them as close to the prototype as possible, whilst enabling easy uncoupling.
We will be posting an update on here as soon as we know :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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Hi all,
Firstly, very sorry for the radio silence on this.
I've been waiting to hear back from the factory for a definitive answer before commenting.
I put out a newsletter last night outlining the current status and time frame for all of our projects, but yes, we are looking at delivery in February 2022.
In terms of the the yellow Blue Circle livery and how long this lasted, there's a couple of things here.
Firstly, allot of pictures where it appears as though they are in the grey livery they are actually in yellow!
Basically, after years of cement overspill and the impossible task of cleaning cement off a wagon, they ended up looking grey anyway - which you'll see in some pictures.
In terms of official dates for repainting/transition of livery, 1976 was when the majority were repainted from yellow to grey, after being introduced in the yellow livery circa 1960.
Hope this helps :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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Good evening,
Earlier today we went live on Facebook to update you on our Ellis Clark Trains Finescale O Gauge Wickham Trolley & Trailers.
In case you missed it, or you're not on Facebook, below is everything we updated... enjoy!
First EP Lands
Many of you have already seen these, but there's no harm in posting them again!
New Liveries Enter the Line-up
Having spent further hours researching and visiting Wickhams in preservation, we have decided to add some new limited edition liveries to our Wickham line-up!
These include the following:
E1020Z | Choc & Cream | Preserved at 'Didcot Railway Centre'
E1021Z | BR Maroon with White Roof 'B40W' | Preserved at 'The Somerset & Dorset Railway'
E1022Z | Black with Wasp Stripes | Preserved at Mangapps
Un-Numbered Variants
Alongside adding three new liveries, we have also created an un-numbered version of the BR Maroon, SR Green, BR Yellow & Engineer's Yellow variants. These are available for pre-order on the website by visiting the 'Shop Wickhams' page, selecting your chosen livery and choosing the 'Un-numbered' option from the drop-down menu.
You're now free to have multiple Wickhams with different running numbers scurrying around your layout!
Furthermore, each un-numbered Wickham will come supplied with a transfer sheet, including both preset, and a selection of individual numbers.
Flatbed Trailer Now Available
Another announcement for this project is the addition of a Wickham flatbed trailer.
These, finished in black with wooden planking, can be added onto any Wickham trolley or trailer by it's hook couplings, or simply put in the siding of your railway!
These trailers would often be found in the sidings and would often be used with Wickhams for transporting machinery and tools.
These can now be pre-ordered with no upfront payments!
They will be £32.95 each and can be found by clicking the blue button below.
DCC Sound Fitted Wickhams
Many were asking, and many more thought it wouldn't be possible... but we've done it!
We're now happy to announce that all our Wickhams can be purchased with DCC sound, fitted with a Zimo chip and a sugar cube speaker - which is located in the engine bay.
These are priced at £289.95 and can be pre-ordered through the website with no up-front payments!
Simply click on any Wickham Trolley listing and from the drop-down menu select 'DCC Sound'
Simplified Product Codes
I suppose this is rather boring, so I'll keep it swift!
We're changing our product codes to make them simpler, both for us and you!
Below is a new production chart for the Wickham Trolleys, Planked Trailers, and Flatbed Trailers, for your reference.
Apparently only I (Ellis) could understand our old product codes... Simple & straightforward it is!
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Good afternoon,
Modellers have forever debated the finish of both teak and 'simulated' teak (for metal coaches painted in a teak finish) in scale models.
It's taken ourselves and Darstaed a while to perfect our finish on the teak Thompson coaches, however we have just received our first decorated sample from the factory and we have to say, we're incredibly impressed!
These are due Q1/2 next year following delivery of the blood & custard coaches in the winter of this year, and the lined maroon coaches due early next year.
for a refresher course in the range we're offering, please click HERE, which will take you to our blog post containing all the information on the full range of Darstaed Thompson coaches.
The big question then... What do you think?
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On 18/07/2021 at 17:54, 9402 Fredrick said:
Will the unumbered versions come with different numbers & shed codes to make different oned from this lot number?
Hi there,
They will indeed come with different running numbers.
In terms of shed plates - we're still looking at the best way of doing this.
It might be that we carry a stock of many different plates, which you may then choose from :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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On 31/05/2021 at 19:30, mopar said:
Do we have an update on these?
Hi there,
We're currently expecting deliveries in September :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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On 01/04/2021 at 08:54, Fredo said:
Hi, are you going to make any difference boiler feed versions, for example Dome less and 28 element with dome on second ring, and top feed on front ring. Thanks Fred
Hi Fred,
Currently, we're just doing the top feed on the 3rd ring with the dome.
We're always looking for others to make in the future though!
All the best,
Ellis.
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Evening everyone,
An exciting day in the office today...
May I present to you, the decorated samples of our forthcoming Presflos!
As shown below, we have received a sample of (using our refs):
E73-1-3A Blue Circle, Yellow (Pre-TOPS)
E73-1-6A Blue Circle, Bauxite (TOPS)
What do you all think?
We've already highlighted some areas for refinement/improvement for the production models.
Delivery is still expected for Summer this Year.
All the best,
Ellis
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Evening all,
Just a quick note to let everyone know that the 'Motorail' versions of the Carflats are now complete and in stock.
Neil has also been busy weathering up a small batch in an attempt to cater for demand.
We've got around 20 left in clean finish and 10 or so weathered, with a few held back in case we've missed any preorders.
With that in mind, if you have a preorder and we haven't yet been in touch, please call the office tomorrow :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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11 hours ago, Clarky1000 said:
I've had two Motorail ones
Very pleased with them.
G
Fantastic news - great to hear you're pleased with them :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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Morning everyone,
Just a quick note to let you all know that the wooden ended carflats are now complete and in stock.
The metal ended 'Motorail' versions should be ready by the middle of next week.
We have a few people to ring round this morning and fulfil preorders, so if you have some on order but haven't yet had the call, fear not! .
All the best,
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18 hours ago, wychcan said:
Ellis
are the new bearings to be on the axle ends or on the bogie side pivot points? ( these having a lot of side movement on the MK 1’s)
Hi there,
They will be fitted in the bogie side frames.
Totally agree regarding the 'pivoting' system, which is something we had to carry tests out on and what led to us choosing a high end bearing which can cope with 360 movement (some bearings are suited for maintaining the same position at all times).
The ends of the axle will be turned down to 'slot' into the bearing.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Ellis.
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17 hours ago, suomen said:
Hi Ellis,
It has been rather quiet regarding the carflats recently. Since December has passed without emerging carflats, is there a new delivery date?
Hi Frank,
I must admit - this is my fault.
I had been rather optimistic with the completion date of the carflats and in reality, it took quite a while longer to source parts, paint and build.
The other reason is that they we're far more popular than first envisaged, and I wanted to be able to fulfil all preorders at once, as a pose to in small lots.
The good news is that on Monday we are calling round all pre-orders! - so you've just beaten me to it :).
What we have left in stock should be going on the website on Wednesday.
All the best,
Ellis.
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Afternoon all,
As you know, I'm always asking for feedback and, where possible I always act upon it...
I can therefore announce that we are including with the Thompson production run a range of upgraded bogies, factory fitted with ball bearings.
Excuse me for copying and pasting the info below from my email newsletter, which just went out, but all the relevant information is below:
What's available, how much and how will it work?
The price for a pair of bogies on their own is £55.
We also offer an 'upgrade service' whereby if you pre-order, have pre-ordered or purchase once in stock, any Thompson coaches we will replace the standard bogies with ball bearing bogies for an extra £20 per coach.
However, if purchasing one of the limited edition Elizabethan 11-coach sets then we will fit all 11 coaches for £200.
As always, we do not take any payments upfront for pre-ordering.
The following three types of bogies will be available in pairs, both sold as a stand-alone purchase and as an in-house upgrade:
D24-A01 8' 0" Heavy Bogies
D24-A02 8' 6" Light Bogies
D24-A03 8' 6" Heavy Bogies
If you would like to pre-order these as an upgrade for a new or pre-existing pre-order, please pre-order your chosen bogies and include within the notes section of the order a bogie 'upgrade' request and quote your original Order No.
We are expecting these with the first delivery of coaches in the Summer of this year (2021).
Specifications
As always, we believe in producing models, parts and components to an exacting, high standard, but maintaining what we believe to be fair retail prices.
We have certainly done our research and although there are cheaper bearings on the market, we have opted for high-end Japanese variants which will persevere with undulations, inclines and declines in trackwork - although please don't think I'm criticizing anyone's track laying skills!
These bogies are therefore being produced with the following specifications:
Super detailed die-cast construction, with plastic brake rod detailing
High-quality Japanese bearings
Tilt suspension
Axle box detailing
Turned brass wheels, chemically blackened
Fully assembled and supplied in packaging
If purchased as a stand-alone pair of bogies, we will supply them both free-running without pick-ups.
As always, if you have any questions, fire away!
All the best,
Ellis.
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18 hours ago, wychcan said:
Will the Kadee couplings be placed at the Kadee manufactures recommended height?
The Darstead MK1’s coupling height is way too high, thus not able to couple to other stock.
Hi there,
So, bit of a tricky one and a decision we originally made the Mk1s.
We actually opted to place the Kadee at prototypical height as a pose to the Kadee height.
We do however offer free of charge a 'lowering' kit for the kadees :).
All the best,
Ellis.
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Evening everyone,
Ellis Clark Trains & Clark Railworks 4mm OO Quad Arts
in Ellis Clark Trains
Posted
Hi All,
Ellis here - apologies - my mistake on the set of 3 (12 coaches).
24 vehicles... anyone for a limited edition set of 6 quads... :D
All the best,
Ellis.