Hastings Thumper

Spotted this GBRf tweet this afternoon. That's a livery I'd not ever expected to see on a class 66, but looks really good IMHO.

Thanks Rob - that’s a great improvement

Pleased to receive mine this morning after what seems to have been a while since I ordered it. A lovely model, flawless blue finish and runs super smoothly. Mine also has the front lamps pointing upwards, so I expect this is a general assembly error across all of them. I've tweaked the lamp brackets (very carefully) to be more upright which sort of disguises the lamps not being vertical. Not a big deal, and here's hoping Hornby can fix it before Aberdeen Commonwealth (I think Belgian Marine is already on the way. I hadn't realised that the Hornby red boxes are now being supplied in a plastic outer bag within a robust cardboard outer (and then shipped in another cardboard box with padding by Hattons). Sam

One of my 56s (R2647) 56128 'West Burton Power Station', has decided to eject 3 of 4 buffers around the layout. I've found three springs but only 2 buffer heads so far - more searching later. I can't work out what keeps the buffer and spring retained into the shank itself - do they just push back in and click into place somehow ?. Also, I can't find any spares in stock anywhere, so if anyone has a pack of X6192, X9790 going spare I'd be interested. (also accessory pack X10029 which seem equally elusive at the moment). Thanks Sam

The Peak takeover continues. Seriously tempted to place an order for 45040 as well.

Just received my 45041 too - a very nice model. A question though, did 45041 run in-service with a crest on one side only as per the model ?. My photos of the preserved 45041 shows a crest on both sides.

Very pleased with my 45022 that turned up this morning. Already on shed with class mate 45120.

My sympathies to Kerry and the children. Blue skies Vern Sam

GBRf 50's - as a long term member of the Fifty Fund I can't wait to get my hands on those two. Some great (and unexpected) models across the range - exciting times. Excellent summary - thanks Andy Sam

Thanks for the photos - I've now successfully extracted the coal load from mine Sam

I picked up my E1 yesterday and have just had a chance to give it a run. Very noisy out of the box which is unusual for Bachmann locos, particularly in reverse. A quick oil round of the gear train though and now runs smoothly. Does anyone know if the coal load comes out though ? - it looks like a diecast mound of coal but seems reluctant to move.

As far as I can remember, you have to take the NEM housing off the front end which reveals another screw underneath. So one screw to release the housing - the bit with the 'V' shape in it, then another underneath. Two screws under the cab / back of tanks and one at the back I think.

Me too - breakdown cranes, 'Unknown Warrior' and BR large logo 66 all cancelled.

The instructions talk about a V2 PCB. There is also a list of various switches to control the headcodes and cab lighting. I haven't got a 73 from the original release so can't compare with this version.

Well these two look great to me. Paint finish is excellent, all parts present and correct and smooth runners. There's a bag of extra detailing parts that I haven't fitted yet.

A view of the other side (Bluebell railway model exhibition)

While still on tour, this time at the Bluebell Railway model show - here's a couple of views with SR bogie wagons,

And here's the full view of the Express Dairy van .........

Thanks for posting the photo Mike

Livery sample of Southern 'Sid' at the GCR model railway event. Quite tempted to add a 009 branch to the layout for this one ............

Livery sample of the BR red version on the stand at the GCR model railway event. Looks great. A question though - would these have run with the departmental yellow coaches that have been available over the last few years ?

Quick question for those that already have a J36. Is the coal load in the tender removable ? Thanks Sam

The 50 inside the factory was 50036. Also in the factory were 55014, 37180 Outside the factory was 47500, 56037, 33025, 86209 Around the turntable were 50003, 47158, 31207 and at least another four 47s that I can't identify from my slightly shaky 110 format photos on the day. Hope this helps Sam

Yes, seems to be a pragmatic approach given everything they are juggling at the moment. Looking forward to: Class 40 'Andania' Class 45 'Royal Tank Regiment' Patriot 'Unknown Warrior' (and of course all the other releases that I will find just too tempting when they are released !)

Very similar dry marks on the tender of my 34050 - also going back. Not sure whether to swap or cancel at this stage though.