dogbox321

Very nice shot. Your station and scenic modelling work is excellent, and add the fact that its 2mm scale and its fantastic. Whilst improving is always good news - I would not worry too much about the OBA's. They were pretty much always dirty (muck can hide a multitude of sins) and banged with logs/loading machines. Your certainly getting your moneys-worth out of your Crompton! Its amazing when you look at the Devon and Exeter Area into what actually took place. There cannot be many Class 37's and Class 47's that did not make their way down there one way or another. And then there is the sheer variety of freight conveyed in either short wagonloads or long trainload formations! Best Wishes, Chris.

Think on the Rail Freight Today South West - There is a scene with both Pal Van's and IWA Cargowaggons mixed doing a shunt at Lapford with an RFD Class 47.

Thats Great - many thanks. Best Wishes, Chris

TBH, when putting a ramp on my layout, with 2nd and 3rd Rad curves, I got the least free running stock I could get my hands on easily - Kernow JIA's of which I have 9, plus a Dummy HST power car and I got a Lima Class 47 to pull, and to push the whole lot up the ramps. I were more than slightly worried as the ramps are pretty intense and well above what is recommended, plus with the curves - but it could start and stop anywhere on them without any problem with adhesion whatsoever. I were more than relieved. With regards to Weathered Class 66's, then I could quite imagine Hattons would want to resolve their current issues with their supplier, without adding an extra complexity of weathering. Plus, its a personal taste issue - as to very heavy (water jet use), heavy, light or inbetween. People can add it easier than it can be removed! Regards, Chris

Hi, thanks. I think I understand that pretty much. So there used to be an island platform as well, so would that make it a 3 platform station back in its hayday? Really surprised as with the signal box and bridges, its pretty tight on space. Sorry about all the questions, but having been to Exeter many times in since the 1980's then I find the area really interesting to find out about. Will there be any of Revolutions IWA's for the layout? I must say, after reading about the Barny Line - in hindsight glad I got a couple of Bachmann Ciba TTA's (Didn't know what they were used for)! Will give you a rest now, Nick. Many thanks. Chris.

Thanks Nick. I've had a look at the thread to try to aid my understanding. Without trying to put a dampener on your wonderful work. Sorry never been Lapford, although did go from Exeter to Meldon once, and Exeter many times whilst on holidays! Funnily enough I have a bit of an erratic running Bachmann Class 47 in 4mm scale! Must be your 47's big brother! LOL! I've invested in a couple of Revolutions 4mm IWA Holdalls - I take it in 2mm they will be very useful for you! From that topic, and to double check my understanding: - Lapford freight usually went to Barny to run around. Then by the looks of it wagons were left in the station, whilst the loco used the loop to shunt into the sidings. I'm expecting it entered via the Exeter end ground frame, as that would be the last one to then be given back to the signaller, prior to the trains departure for Exeter - enabling the signaller to check everything was in order with both groundframes, . I seem to recall from video footage, that at Crediton both Meldon and Barnstaple Lines have a token - so I take it from Barny to Crediton it is one train operation? But could you lock a loco in at Lapford? - In the photo of the 25, thats in the platform with its Clay Hoods, the GUV in the loop and at least a Mk1 in a siding? Best Regards, Chris.

Looking very nice. Dapol Class 50's and 33's seem to have arrived at the right time for you! Was 50032 on a railtour in 1990? Always remember seeing it at Laira from the train spotting area. Regarding Lapford - wondering how the operation worked. I have seen photographs of freights from the Barnstaple direction, going through the platform and then propelling into the loop (as per one of your photos), and then into the sidings. How did the operations at Lapford work, where were they controlled from (Crediton?), and with the absence of a headshut, how were they protected (obviously can see the trap points towards Barnstaple)? Seems an interesting operation. Best Regards, Chris.

Hi, thanks. It says they can order it in 2-3 weeks. Will try and call them to see. It depends if their supplier has it. Will let you know how it goes....... Best Regards, C.

My guess would be that the locomotive does not have UK signalling systems installed, or possibly working - AWS and/or TPWS as loco now used abroad. Likewise, it its had mods for use in Europe, would it technically be a unit that any UK drivers signed etc.. So possibly much more efficient to drag it for a one -off move. Regards, C.

I tried to call them a couple of times on Friday, attempting to see if they had a book in stock (Plymouths Hidden Railways - if anyone knows the whereabouts of any copies please PM - Have tried twelveheads), and the phone kept ringing until it cut off. Best Regards, C.

Per IPA twin set. Quad x 2. Regards, C.

Wise man once said " You make your own luck!" Its easier to solve problems at the start than retrospectively........ Whilst I know Covid-19 may have been an issue, knowing the problems with the CL 66, I am surprised Hattons hadn't wanted someone from their organisation (or someone independent in China due to Covid who they trust) on site to do spot checks, for a week or so when production started, to ensure things were ironed out and acceptable. At the end of the day, if we put things in perspective - in China are beloved models are just a contract that ultimately makes them X amount of money for their ambitions (These guys are looking towards world domination via the South China Sea, and we are upset about a blob of glue, and wobbly axle box. We need to cut them some slack and stop being so damn selfish, and remember that have far more important things to think about! Besides if the same person who puts the axle box cover on a Class 66, fits the propeller on a torpedo it will "hopefully" go round in circles!) Regards, C.

TBH, I don't think in the long term it is the problem that matters, its how the problem gets sorted that really matters,and that will either lead to criticism or praise! Best Regards, C.

This does all seem very weird. Based on the fact that it were due for release on Monday (anyone would give a few days lea-way), my best guess would be they have arrived, had QC checks on a sample (especially after the 1st batches problems), issues found and been quarantined until the factory and client come up with a solution. Other thought - ship with Covid on, having to wait for that to clear, but would not expect that to give a excessive delay over a few weeks. Saying later in 2020 points towards the above as the most likely i my mind. On a positive - hopefully if it is the initial thought then the models will be better for it, when they are released. Likewise, to reduce the delay further, hopefully they may air freighted in again. Unfortunate as my son wanted a "pink" one for his birthday in August! Best Regards, C.

Now that is a very nice model railway room. Such a shame that many houses in the UK don't have such generous facilities. I came to the conclusion long ago, that to have a decent model railway room, I would need a large garden, for a purpose made building. It took two years to find a house with a really nice large garden, apart from the first one I missed out on, which was massive. Every time I mow the lawn I think of how much less there will be to cut when the model railway room finally gets started. I have done a survey of the garden, but nothing else! Thinking about it, a room like that must pay dividends for smooth running and requiring less cleaning/maintenance, with less dust and debris to fall on the scenery, rails and to get on wheels and into locomotives mechanisms, nevermind superb lighting andnot having to get into difficult roof spaces to model etc.. Very nice indeed! Best Regards, C.

I'm quite disappointed that the blue is wrong, I would have really liked a pair (for reason below). How can they mess up the Blue, when previously they did a great job on 33207, and even Lima got it right many years before on their version. It would have been a good gesture to have new correctly coloured replacement bodies made - just like the Dapol Class 68 with their mis-alignment. At the end of the day, with it being a retailer commission Rails know exactly who has purchased them. In a former life, I remember when Minimodal was launched at the NRM. My boss was invited, but told me to go in his place and I wrote him a report. I still have the postcards that were given to attendees, along with the brochure (so I knew the dimensions if I ever wanted to make the boxes, if someone ever did the locos and megafret) - before anyone asks - they were put somewhere safe, so I don't have a clue where they are at present! They had a brass band playing the "Minimodal March" as the train came into the Great Hall (pretty frivolous). The good thing is you only need a megafret with a few homemade small boxes painted silver, with a Class 33 Front and Rear to recreate it! Regards, C.

I think the main problem in all fairness, is the model was marketed as the ultimate Class 66 so its expected not to fall apart and wobble as if its fuel tanks were filled with Stella instead of diesel! Lots of companies have had teething troubles with new models, but I think this surpasses most previous models problems. I think the number of liveries etc., has not helped. It would have been better if a couple of versions had been released first, nail the teething troubles and then produce the main fleet, but that is not sympathetic to modern manufacturing processes. What I'm saying is, to my mind, unfortunately towards the end it would appear that there was a little rushing, so effectively each one is a prototype, which is why there are so many faults, and ultimately the models "Achillies" (50045 to anyone who remembers proper trains!) heel. Add to that the promises that it will be the best etc., and I think people are disappointed, and possibly frustrated that they are having to rebuild them. To complain is so easy nowadays, and with most modern modellers wanting/having at least one, then its not surprising that we hear all the grumblings. Modellers were promised a Rolls Royce (and in all fairness it does have some very nice tooling and features), but got what seems like a car built on a Friday afternoon! In all fairness, lots of models in recent times seem to have more pieces falling off them. Not too sure if the Chinese bother to use glue now half the time. I would have suggested spit, but in the Covid era, maybe water with a sugar cube mixed in? I do think the Class 66 is a very nice model, and I put a Bachmann and Hattons Class 66 in GBRf next to each other. Hattons is a MM or so taller than Bachmann, so whose is right? The colours are pretty compatible, and I'd certainly be happy to have them both work on the 'eventual' layout together. Hattons has more finesse, but next to each other, I don't think either looks out of place. I certainly intend to retain my Bachmann Models, even though I don't think I'd buy anymore. Not long to go now to find out what progress has been made on the second batch. Best Regards, C.

In my experience the steps on the air dam are prone to falling out. I don't think its the case of pittying the box opener. Whilst it is an inconvenience, if the model isn't right and cannot be rectified with ease then best call is to send it back and get a replacement. I've sent one back due to missing etched side grille, and because one of the bogies would not even sit on the track with 3 wheels touching the rail. At least in my experience Hattons were understanding and happy to have the defective model sent back for replacement. Just hoping the replacement when it arrives is better. Best Regards, C.

Nice photo of the 47. Any idea of the number? Also looks like another freight Class 47 in the Background. Would be interested in knowing a little more about the flows to the South West - Truro and Barnstaple Branch. Best Regards, C.

Thats great, many thanks for that. Its more options to sort it. The other one I really fancy, but never seen done is Plymouth - Britains Ocean City. Thanks, Chris

Would agree on 66779, and likewise with the cost of models, and new products coming on the market, then in product lifecycyle terms I'd suggest that most items are one hit wonders. The only real "cash cows" are the likes of Mallard and Flying Scotsman, others when in new liveries that everyone wants are possibly the HST, Class 60 and Class 66, plus the oncoming Class 37 and possibly Class 47, but will reserve judgement on that until it arrives... Everything is competing for modellers hard earned cash. Although possibly Mallard et al, sales come from slightly different markets - more towards new comers, children, presents and those returning to the hobby. I cannot imagine many modellers buy a new Mallard every couple of years, just to keep Margate sales high. Even the gold plated version seems to be sitting! The Class 66's I am most surprised they didn't do were those named relating to Drax Power Station - for use with the Biomass Hoppers. Regards, C.

Would agree on 66779, and likewise with the cost of models, and new products coming on the market, then in product lifecycyle terms I'd suggest that most items are one hit wonders. The only real "cash cows" are the likes of Mallard and Flying Scotsman, others when in new liveries that everyone wants are possibly the HST, Class 60 and Class 66, plus the oncoming Class 37 and possibly Class 47, but will reserve judgement on that until it arrives... Everything is competing for modellers hard earned cash. Although possibly Mallard et al, sales come from slightly different markets - more towards new comers, children, presents and those returning to the hobby. I cannot imagine many modellers buy a new Mallard every couple of years, just to keep Margate sales high. Even the gold plated version seems to be sitting! Regards, C.

Really like the decals on 163/186. Who did them? I have been waiting ages to no avail for Railtec to do another of 43168! Regards, C.

Yes, but like you say we are talking iconic regarding "Flying Scotsman", "Mallard" etc., and agreed A3's, A4's etc., always appear to do well. Many of less iconic breads are being thrown out by box shifters in all directions. But the market has changed significantly in recent years. We have gone from production of thousands to a few hundred of a locomotive. If its already been done, then there are at least 500 out there, and most Limited Ed's do not sell out upon arrival. The questions are - how many people still require one and will actually dip their hands in their pockets (they didn't have one first time, for some reason)? How many will replace their old version (which will have some financial loss) and how many will the likes of Hattons get traded in? Then like I say, with the London Transport versions - would TFL/ their own museum want to permit another entity to produce one. Personally, I have quite a few Bachmann examples which I am quite happy with, hence will only add new number/livery versions to my fleet, as appropriate. Best Regards, C.

Would there be a market for "another" few hundred of these, when people have already paid good sums of money for a Bachmann version. Same with 66779. Yes, it would no doubt be very nice, but would enough people wish to pay £150, when they already have it, and their Bachmann model is "fair". Plus there are lots to go at, without duplicating, and most folk would probably sooner have something like 66747 instead. I think the ethos needs to be to move forward on new items, not just duplicate what has gone before, and Hattons should be congratulated on avoiding duplication where possible. Also, would expect from "earlier" conversations on licencing - the London Transport models were done via their own London Transport Museum, so perhaps TFL would not wish to grant permission. To Bachmann's credit, they did a super job on the livery of the two London Transport Class 66's. The other factor if I recall correctly is - that I believe that contract has ended, so perhaps the FOC would not really be that keen on producing that model either. Best Regards, C.