Edward Blue

I won't argue, but libellous is rather strong. I only know the reason I was given when the shop involved declined my purchase. Back to railways. Examining the picture/link I posted again and cannot see any difference in the yellow front panel, from roof to rubbing plate it looks the same, unlike the earlier posting by newbryford, which clearly shows two colours. Simply suggesting that it depends on which reference material Dapol used and either could be correct. However I will consider myself corrected and also colour vision impaired ;)

Yes but this photo shows all the same colour on the front BTW why am I suddenly on moderations approval?

Delivered from Hattons just now! As local shop could not get stock. So far it looks good, no major paint errors and colours look OK. I will remove the grease as recommended by Charlie, re-oil it properly and run it in under DC. Maybe pickups will need replacing per other comments, but my fingers are crossed.

This came up in conversations with an old hand today. He stated that poured castings could have weight differences due to formation of gas pockets and sometimes slag or ash content in the pour.

Kudos to Bachmann. Little Loco Co. also did something similar with their class 15, its a laudable and honest gesture to share the proceeds out to those who the manufacturers rely on for assistance. If other manufacturers followed this precedent then the preservation community would really see benefits. Perhaps societies will now realise the potential value of their property? Presumably this was funded from a small percentage of the profits from this model, its a lot more useful for cash starved groups than the offer of a 2 or 3 free models that I have heard are offered by certain others.

I believe it was the late lamented Dave Jones who actually brokered the agreement, no doubt DRS considered his pitch to be convincing. However, Dapol are now seeing such lucrative enhancements moving to more punctilious manufacturers (Mk 5 coaches, etc.) Such errors and carelessness offer the sponsors image no favors. Without introducing too much thread drift, it will not be co-incidental that the Rails Terrier went directly back into the tool room after being unveiled.

You are correct. The DRS model shows all the hallmarks of corporate sponsorship. One is the reluctant and unprecedented bodyshell replacement program (someone outside Dapol was obviously was seriously upset by the error to have forced this through). This is part of the reason why the TPE is appears to be in short supply. First, there was no sponsor involvement or control. Second, production was kept at pre-order levels only (or even actually reduced), this would be because Dapol would have known about the impending announcement of the Accurascale Mk5 coaches. Initially, it seems peculiar that Dapol did not increase quantities to take full advantage of the obvious increase demand. But, they would also have known Accurascale will get the colours of the coaches spot on right. This would highlight the problems with Dapols version of the TPE livery (its been commented elsewhere that there are issues and compromises). They feared the resulting outcry for replacement bodyshells would cost dearly and knowing that they were previously forced to set a precedent, they artificially restricted sales to limit the risks and losses. It was a profit on sales Vs costs of replacement calculation and there was no sponsorship to sweeten the blow. It maybe that when they receive a sample of the Accurascale coaches they will copy the color correctly. Only then will they announce another batch. Maybe even along with replacement bodyshells? Time will tell if they try to charge for these. Also, I think lack of sponsorship explains Dapols reluctance to produce a class 88, but maybe someone with a patented pantograph has already taken the initiative?

Thanks @MGR Hooper! I suppose I was expecting something similar to this factory, but this one is owned and managed directly by Rapido. Image is from Revolution trains.

Anyone know what the rule for grey doors is?

Not an expert, but I expected more sophistication in factory qc department? All clutter and bits of tape, what's that about then?

With respect, new paragraph = change of subject / or an implied disconnection Please don't construct a context or misquote me. I suppose I may have implied a lack of control in overseas design, hence "happy with" and many people are. Others prefer to design themselves and provide this to the manufacturer. I'm not qualified to comment which is best, many seem to operate both methods. Some more successfully than others. But I'm just the new guy.

So they make Dapol as well. http://www.shinedew.com/product_show.asp?id=9 I suppose if you are selling at the more basic end of the market and happy with an overseas design. its a simple matter of sending photographs and some mesurements? They don't appear to ask for technical or design skill in their customers.

This is just fantastic news! 3 full packs ordered! Your output in a month is more than other produce in a year and how do you do it for the price?

Does anyone know if they have shrunk that ginormous coupling spacing, sorted the de-railing tendencies, changed the luminous colors and re-tooled the suspicious trussing or any other woopsies mentioned earlier in the thread? Not much of a list 'eh?

Noticing today that DJ Models is attending exhibition Perth in 10 days time. http://www.perthmrc.com/page6.htm Maybe communication, maybe answers perhaps? Maybe organizer don't know?