Edge

I've been interested in the whistle too, and I've watched the models carefully in person when the whistle sound effect is going on - I've yet to see anything myself to be honest. The sound plays and then the normal chuffing of the chimney begins. Once or twice I've seen a faint wisp of the smoke when the whistle effect plays, but nothing too obvious

I'd have a careful think about the elements that you want to keep in the layout - what is it that attracts you to this particular one? is it the tight curves? the intruguing shunting? the run down industrial atmosphere? Once you have identified what it is you like, I'd go for a totally independent design. i find these considerably more satisfying, as they are quintessentially 'mine' and whilst they can take inspiration from other layouts then they arent modifications or direct copies of anything else.

Indeed the models are 4mm scale on 9mm track, its a slight scale/gauge compromise but allows scratch and kit builders to use N gauge chassis virtually unmodified to represent the narrow gauge system. Its a bit elastic, but tends to be restricted to railways between 1ft11.5 in gauge (Ffestiniog / WHR / L&B) and 2ft 6in (W&LLR, GVR).

I'll be honest here, the loco itself doesn't interest me as it's not the sort of thing I buy. However, if there is any way of supporting this project outside of buying the model then I'd be interesting in hearing about it and helping out if I can.

Email from Hattons - Manchester Shipping Canal expected 16/12/2016 and Huntley & Palmers expected 17/01/2017

Has anyone located a source of these little engines where the pre-order price is below the £70 at Hattons? I keep hearing about loads of bargains out there, but I can't seem to actually find any of them. Is there also any more information about when these will be released? I'm getting one as a xmas present for someone (she's nuts about anything Huntley and Palmers) and I'd like to practise my excuses early if it doesnt arrive in time....

My dentist was very understanding when I threatened her safety halfway through an extraction. She HAD suggested that she end the procedure (which was taking far too long) and that I visit the dental hospital to get things finished off. My threats of violence and personal harm were brushed aside (i actually dont remember this, such was the level of anasthesia involved) and there have been no after effects of the op. They are human, they don't all enjoy causing pain. And don't mess about with teeth - get them seen to the instant you think something is wrong. It's a very very bad idea to hold off on this sort of thing.

So I've finally got my test print - and the news is not good for my hope to have this on sale by Warley. I had planned that the wheels could be 3D printed with the body in order to provide the most comprehensive kit possible. The tyres would be printed in either brass or Stella to accompany the engine. Regrettably the tyres are proving to be a real menace, and it doesn't look like I will get a handle on it any time soon. So, the kit will now require modification to accept Farish08 wheels. So a slightly longer delay for you kind folks out there. As recompense, please take a look at kit number 2... A cookie to whoever guesses what engine it is...

Oooh, what a generous offer I may take you up on that (or something like it, as the single slide bar valve gear is almost perfect for Irt anyway) In the news, all of the parts have now been ordered and are on their way to me from various providers, so hopefully the final iteration (Irt-iration?) of the kit have now been completed and I'll have photos and/or video to show you soon

The boiler on the real engine is disproportionate to the 'normal' dimensions of a typical steam loco and I think that the angle of the shot makes it look longer than it is. I've scaled the mode to numerous photographs and drawsings so I'm reasonably sure that I've got it right

Bit tricky to get right in 3D printing, but I suppose ill give it a go

Hi all, Thank you all for the interest - I've been refining the engine a lot recently and in the next month or so I'll put some news on here about the kit construction. The OP shot is of the 'unrefined' version and I've done a lot of work under the skin to improve detailing, get the curves looking better and make the entire engine easier to construct. Here is a shot of the more recent kit - a lot more work done on it Forgive the somewhat multicolour aspect of it all - I promise you that the dome does not come in two parts and that you will not have to fit the hinges on to the smoke box. The various straight lines in random places such as the cab front are also not visible on the final print. Concerning the valve gear, I've been looking at various options and from what I have found the RT models single slide bar is just about right - the final kit will include connecting rods either in steel or in FUD (need to do a couple of test prints for both first). I will be looking at axles, worms, gears and motor as well, but for the moment I don't have a proper recommendation to make - if you would like to experiment or have any suggestions I'd be happy to hear them. The modular chassis was a bit of dead duck I'm afraid - and awful lot of time and development went into it for no result - I couldn't make it work properly no matter what I did.

They wouldn't look half bad behind R&ER O9 locos though...

Yeah, its defeinitely not protoypical for anything whih ran in the UK. However, the chassis is a very sweet runner and is one of the very few 0-6-0 chassis out there with otuside valve gear - which is great for any number of industrial locos

I'd tentatively offer the definition that Railway Modelling is where you create the railway and its setting, which can ina nd of itself include areas of Model engineering. I'd define railway engineering as the construction of a railway in a setting that already exists, although this can include elements of railway modelling. Please note that i differ between Railway Engineering and Model Engineering.

I ordered two austerities and they were in my hand within 16 hours of paying. I honestly cant be more satisfied than that

My two delivered this morning - loose handrail on Littleton engine, but a little cyano fixed that. Spiffing engines, wonderful at any angle you look. I'm currently in the shed at tussled waiting for a peckett to come past, but rest assured that I shall run them before the day is out

Slightly unusual this one - how about a really good 153 in 'O'? I was thinking about something like this because I've started a model of Ravenglass and I want something to run on the main line

NCB no.36 arrived last night. Got to run it for about ten minutes to check its running and it was then confiscated by the management who has contributed to the cost. Get it back at Xmas In my opinion , a truly brilliant model - one of the best in recent times.

Hoping to pick up a few of these once my money is sorted out. Peckfield and Mountain Ash are at the top with Littleton followin shortly thereafter

Trust me - Lichfield or Redditch to New Street is not a short journey. Perhaps give the winners of the franchise the ability to, I dont know, buy new trains or carriages without getting government approval (a.k.a ask us now and we will convene a hearing to talk about the possbility of a feasabiltiy study into us thinking about the chances of meeting the eight criteria points for a prelimary discussion)? the train providers want to spend money on this stuff (it is after all, them who get blamed for it all of the time) but the franchise system is absolutely the worst of both worlds between private enterprise and nationalisation.

I had to call to update my card information - they were politeness itself on the phone, but i do rather get the impresssion that I was one of the few who had called that didnt want a date for delivery...

My Pre-ordered NCB engine was dispatched yesterday - hoping for delivery today if all goes well

As far as I know, model rail aren't planning any more versions, but Chris L has said (on this thread or the other one) that Bachmann may introduce it in their main range in the future a la the arrangement they have with the NRM

I know Kernow are working through these orders, but is there any sort of timetable on when they might be dispatching them? I can see one post from someone who has ordered the NCB USA (say that three times fast while drunk) and received it, but I've yet to hear anything. Is there any sort of indication on time frame?