97403_Ixion

I can see why you're pleased with it! Being honest, it looks quite heavy going but the bogies scream out dirty metalwork to me, especially with the cleaner exposed parts and the way it picks out Cavalex's attention to physical details in the bogie is particularly impressive. I remember seeing many locos looking rather worn over the years, especially those stored in yards which tend to look along the lines of the model you have. A loco towards the end of its life perhaps... maybe on its last freight outings?

Thanks for clarifying - our recycle bin is due the week after next, so can now get rid of some packaging with confidence! I have to admit, your packaging is pretty sturdy and good for keeping model boxes together (while the models are not on the layout that is...). It beats buying large plastic boxes that are probably not as environmentally friendly, though can be very secure and protecting. One recent AS box not only houses my RTC Mk2b set but also the several others I managed to get, all perfectly together! P.S.: Not going to recycle the models at any point though!

This is your exhibition layout, isn't it Andy? I remember seeing it and being really impressed. Good stuff! To Accurascale, can I just ask if all the packaging materials used are recyclable and does that apply to all those used previously as well? I have real problems at times determining which can and which can't go in our recycling bin from all suppliers - e.g. scared to put the wrong kind of polystyrene beading / bubble wrap into the bins for fear of being fined! As said once before though, some boxes make great storage boxes for paints, parts, decoders, etc.. Glad you're supporting the environmental push and as you say, likely to become more and more legislated against, so good to get ahead before then. Thanks, Ixion.

Hi all, Happily purchased a Dapol N 59005 to complement the Revolution pair I have. While very happy with sound on both (the Dapol was a little loud by default!), I noticed the side lights on 59005 (i.e. the Yeoman 59/0) only show on one side of the loco. The instructions seem to suggest you can have day or night lights, or off, using internal switches. Watching videos of 59/0's I cannot find an occasion of just one side light being on. Does the Dapol N gauge 59 only illuminate one white marker or should the model have both lit, i.e. as per the real loco? I have tried looking through this and the OO threads and it does read like there is/was an issue with the OO and I think I saw mention it may be addressed in future. I wondered if it may have been addressed on the N gauge model. Just trying to ascertain if my model is faulty, or as per the manufacturer designed it. Thanks in advance, Ixion.

Hi traincollector77 I find 'Ramsays Guide' is useful for details of past models... I believe Issue 9 is the latest (2 part book) and in printed form. I'm not sure of an online version or list but expect someone, somewhere probably has done one. I believe in Ramsays Guide (the 1st part of the book), there is a Grafar OO section. Hope that helps? Ixion.

I'd love to see 50017 in LMS Coronation - after all, it really did happen! Others oddballs of interest, in order of preference: 50032 'Courageous' in NSE with dark blue nameplate 50044 (D444) 'Exeter' in two tone green, with black side lamp surround 50037 'Illustrious' in Departmental Blue (to complement 50019 and 50008) 50135 (50035) 'Ark Royal' in Load Haul Not so sure of the Intercity 50 but it might be rude not to...

So many bespoke ones to choose from! I have to admit when I was looking at them online last week, I think I realised I had got the wrong idea... I thought it was just a renumber in regular liveries, though I am happy to admit that I may not have read the adverts thoroughly enough or looked online earlier, despite seeing the link earlier, so my own fault! I was however pleased to see some irregular livery variances in the choices, but was hoping to place an order for one or two... but may delay that until tomorrow if the books are likely to be held open a day or two more, like you suggest Mike. I keep forgetting which Farish/Dapol 66's I already have though, so am checking a.q.a.p. to avoid possible duplications. But I would like to see some EWS originals though... but will happily wait for that... but put in my bid for a 66001! All good stuff.

Thanks Albie the Plumber! Have to admit, it does tie in with my day job but it is all too easy for people to sometimes get the wrong impression. It's also true with colours due to different lighting conditions, film choice (in the case of 'old' film), polarising/other filters, colour palettes, scanner/display screen colour profiles, white balances, etc. - the list is endless... and even if you have 'Night Mode' set on Windows to view it, things go all very yellowy as I recently found out!

I agree about the photography! Lenses tend to distort things a lot, especially when close up. Unless both models are in exactly the same position in front of the camera, a close up or even near closeup view will always have a significant degree of distortion, even across a single image. A better comparison would be with the camera moved back significantly, e.g. 1 metre or even more... and zooming in a little to make the models fit the middle 1/3 or so of the image. This should help reduce non linear effects, including distortion across the full width of the image. At the risk of upsetting mobile phone users(*), this is where more professional cameras with their lenses are a better bet for achieving this. * mobile phones are superb these days and very effective at getting close ups, so not knocking them with ease and convenience of use, though when they cost more than some cameras do and get advertised for their photographic ability rather than their telephonic purpose, it is a little concerning to me. As far as the 47's are concerned, I have to admit, Heljan do seem to have got it right with the buffer heights matching the Accurascale Mk2b coaches, which is quite pleasing and the photos of the NSE one are tending to encourage me to get one in that livery, especially as, despite being a later comer, I managed to get a full set of Accurascale NSE Mk2b coaches. My only concern is the size of the headcode panel on all images I see - it does look rather big (cameras distortion aside). I guess I will only know for sure if I either see one in person (difficult for several reasons) or buy one... which is probably what I'll do. I am, however, looking forward to 47214 in Railfreight Red Stripe as I remember seeing it about and loving the livery with Tinsley motif below the nameplate on it. Cheers, Ixion.

It's tricky really isn't it? To try to compare without distraction of the rest of the surrounding image colours, I've snipped blue samples from each loco in the photo just above the cab, and put them side by side. The individual samples are so close to each other, except the further ones are perhaps slightly darker (starting at 59005 in the middle, maybe...) but remember that the intensity drops off with distance, so they may expect to be darker the further away they are. The photo is also of the shaded side, though it was trickier to get a shot of the sunny side, with all showing a significant length of blue. So, I would probably say little or no difference and certainly not one to worry about. That just leaves the detail differences of 59005 - nicely outlined in Ben's messages above - which will hopefully be available some time in the future. Either way... got the 59/1s and 59/2s to enjoy soon too!

Oh, I agree! A Pre-Order is effectively a promise from an individual to accept continuation of the request to purchase an item when it item arrives in stock, albeit on trust that it fulfills the description. In my opinion, a supplier should make this 'contract' as such, visible between the two parties up to and after fulfillment, so that it's understood status can be demonstrated at all times. On Rail's website, moving it from PreOrder to Order would make perfect sense for the customer and consequently where I looked first. I was particularly hoping for a tracking number, like I receive with most orders from the majority of suppliers, so that I can determine which day it would arrive. In fairness, the courier service did make contact later that day, so nothing went missing in the end. To give Rails fair room to comment, we don't know how difficult it may be in (their?) software. Also, we do not know how far along a replacement/upgraded system is, though I would hope it's not too far away now... I always keep meticulous records of all orders I place (with all retailers), including several other details of the advert, etc., so that should I have a complaint, I have plenty of records to fall back on. To be fair, I have found Rails a good supplier and continue purchasing from them happily. My only gripe currently is that of pre-orders disappearing with no trace. Thanks, Ixion.

Thanks MPR - That'll be the day, indeed! Great memories and a really good, sunny day to get good photos. They even built a temporary platform, presumably using rocks from the quarry, to receive the visiting passenger shuttle trains from Westbury that I had to use to get there! I still can't easily tell from any photos whether 59005's blue lining was any different to the others... angles and lighting can be so deceptive at times in photos but it would appear to be only slightly if at all different. Despite any detail differences and/or colour shades, I hate to say it but I may take the plunge and go for the other supplier's currently available 59005 to increase my fleet to 3 original FY silver/blue ones. I am really happy with my Revolution ones, so not knocking them at all but at least I can then judge for myself and maybe even weather it for that 'used' look, later on when I buy Revolution's one as well!!!

Thanks for the comments, Islesy. I guess my only concern is that many don't get to see the promotional material unless it gets included in a delivery over that same period - e.g. the many I have missed through not being able to get out to shows for many years. An electronic download would at least branch out to those unable to get to shows (for various reasons) and given, I assume, the printed version came from an electronic copy, making a download of it (e.g. in PDF form) should be a relatively straight forward affair I would imagine? If such materials are easier to do than a 'catalogue' as such, then that's fine but making them available to all would be greatly appreciated. Kind Regards, Ixion.

Oh I agree and take your point and that is where a single page 'flyer' works for the interim... though they do not appear to be downloadable at present, which perhaps would be better if they were? As McC said, a catalogue is in the pipeline, so I am happy with that as I am also sure those who desire one for reference or planning future purchases would also agree, despite potentially being out of date with regards more recent announcements. Access to past catalogues may also prevent people asking 'Why dont' they do a... <previously release> model?', only to be told 'They have already!'.

Fair play - a catalogue is not for everyone, be it in print or online. But I suggest to weigh up the Advantages and Disadvantages... Advantages: 1. To advertise models that are currently available and in stock (at the time of publication at least) 2. To advertise future models and perhaps show progress as of the publication date 3. List model accessories, e.g. buffer stops, figures, cars, buses, trees, bushes, etc. 4. Features to explain operating parts, etc. or how to use the manufacturer's own parts to setup a model railway 5. Contact details for the manufacturer and participating retailers (or list thereof) 6. Warranties and similar 'legal stuff' explained 7. Useable offline, i.e. without a PC/ipad/Smart Watch/Smart TV/etc... 8. Advertising media at shows 9. Collectable for some... 10. I have heard of people not knowing a manufacturer existed or what they produced, because the person is not online Disadvantages: 1. Takes time to put together and the cost of a person to do that 2. Costs of software to create it, printing costs (if in print), website costs (if charged per MB!) 3. Items do sell out at the manufacturer, making it 'out of date', but the retailer network often has allocations long after 4. Ecological impact of printed matter 5. Legal accuracy of detail (though usually covered by certain wording) I would imagine that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. I'm not saying that any company should create a new catalogue each time a new model comes out but quarterly does seem to be the period used by one other manufacturer at least. Certainly, yearly should be possible and a low cost impact I would imagine. When I go to a show, I always pick up catalogues so that I can read them without needing a PC (or other electronic device) to do so. I also often look back over catalogues to see if in a past run, the one model I wanted had already been released but I just never knew. The above are, of course, my own views and/or observations... others may think differently and they are free to do that. But I do feel there is a fair contingent of people who appreciate a catalogue, be it printed or electronic, to refer back to for various reasons. Accurascale's previous catalogues (the ones I have in print or downloaded) are pretty good quality and will always have a place on my 'shelf' for reference, along with all the other manufacturers who also release theirs. All I ask is please keep them part of the products you provide! Thanks, Ixion.

Thanks for posting the photo, RobSkipworth. I don't think I've seen (or remember if not...) a photo of the number panel unpainted as in your photo. I took one photo across a car park in Swindon once, when a Foster Yeoman 59 drifted along past, so will have to see if I can tell if it's painted or not. The photo is quite grainy and the shot is quite distant if I recall, but I believe it's the only photo I have of one before naming. I don't think I ever knew exactly which loco it was though and not possible to tell from the photo, if my memory serves me well. Will try to hunt it down. Thanks, Ixion.

Hi Ben, That would be superb - will be watching for news in the future. Quite right also to ensure the retailers sell their stocks and that us enthusiastic buyers help them do that too! I'll have to see if I can find my photos of the Merehead Open Day when all 5 were lined up outside the main shed and take a look at the blue. I may even buy the Dapol one anyway... I have been known to buy the same model twice, though usually by mistake! What really surprised me with your (Revolution's) model is just how good the sound reproduction is, despite the small size, along with the lighting functions. Thanks for your reply, Ixion.

Hi Ben & Revolution, These models are a real testament to the depths of research your team clearly goes to, to get things right. In your description above, I've already learnt more about these locos. I recall early days, seeing them on the Berks and Hants and always thought the blue was quite different and certainly that photo at Westbury shows it well against the wagons behind. I also recall seeing one at Swindon with no nameplate, in the days before they were named, though not sure if the number was a plate, transfer or painted on. Seeing the lineup of all 5 original livery ones at Westbury was also a special day in my memories. I'm not going to bash Dapol as I haven't seen one up close but am left wondering whether to purchase 59005 to broaden my fleet in what is my favorite colour scheme (original Foster Yeoman). Photos of the Dapol model suggest their blue is darker - did this 59 actually have a darker shade of blue while still in the original Yeoman colours? It may just be the photography of the model, so as I say, not going to criticise Dapol as their model does look good to me too and I would happily fill gaps with it. So, I guess I can only ask if Revolution are going to do 59005 in a future run, given the various subtle differences, which I was completely oblivious to? (Would happily request 59003 and 59004 too in original livery but don't want to be greedy!) Aside, I spent an hour or two running two of my Revolution Trains sound fitted 59s last night... they are a delight to hear and the lighting features are really well thought out. Running qualities are also exceptional in my view. Great stuff! Ixion.

Thanks @McC. A printed version for a pound sound great - though it would be useful if it could be added to say, a pre-order or to a regular in-stock order. I say this because once I had a credit card cancelled due to a small value (~£1) being taken as the bank thought it was someone 'testing' the card. Given the catalogue appears to be created in Adobe, if the older versions were still available, would it be possible to add those to a section for download from the site (probably under the News section)? It would then give a chance for people to get hold of past catalogue if they couldn't get to a show. Thanks, Ixion.

Thanks ERIC ALLTORQUE, I really appreciate your help in posting those images.

Thanks it's-er, very useful reply. I noticed that some models did get missed out in previous catalogue(s), which is OK if they are no longer available or perhaps weren't available at the time of production of the catalogue. I have also managed to locate an image of the front of a Winter 2023 copy too, so they are clearly available, or have been, in print form and perhaps quarterly as ERIC ALLTORQUE suggested. That at least gives me something to look out for if I can get to any shows, which is unlikely at present, sadly. But it would be worth knowing if they are planning on returning the online downloadable version again - good for the planet too, surely! Thanks.

Thanks for the reply ERIC ALLTORQUE - useful to know. I have copies of the Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023 downloaded, though would need to dig out any printed copies to be sure of those. Definitely no 2024 versions though... For info, I just tried searching for 'Catalogue' and it did return a link... but that was still the Spring 2023 edition and appears to have been created 23 Feb 2023. There is no link I can find via the usual website menus though.

I know what you mean robf... have to admit it concerned me a little at first. However, it is a very good runner and the sound is superb if you have the DCC version. A lot of thought has gone into the design, including the myriad of lighting settings. Well worth the money in my view. With that in mind the lift off lid doesn't tend to bother me so much now. Like you, I've opted for a Heidelberg Materials one too, so looking forward to that one! From a humble original class of just 4 silver Foster Yeoman locos, to now 15 across several owners/operators, a great choice for Revolution and one that fills a missing gap in my view.

Hi ERIC ALLTORQUE, The last show I was able to get to where Accurascale were in attendance was some time back (I think even pre-Covid) due to ongoing personal reasons. The hardcopy of the catalogue I obtained there has been very useful for reference and of good quality. There are plenty of people though who cannot get to shows for various reasons, so rely on online catalogues. Online, their Spring 2023 PDF edition was the last one as far as I can tell but was surprised it disappeared off the website, seemingly without replacement. I do not know what the latest hardcopy release is... is it later than Spring 2023 (per the online version)? I can't think that it could be a difficult question to answer... though hoping an updated one is in preparation? Thanks, Ixion.

One Accurascale box insert I have is perfectly sized widthwise for the LokSound decoder box I have to upgrade a 37 as well as a few 3D figures, etc.. They are very sturdy inserts and clearly fit inside the main box they come from, so presumably you could stack several of them inside the main box for safe storage/portability too.