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I am not so sure, as people have been denied some of these luxuries, so they have more money in their pocket to spend on other ways to pass the extra time they have on their hands. Demand for things will spike as lockdowns ease which will fuel inflation, driving up new prices, which drives the pre-loved market. I suspect another factor driving prices are low interest rates, supported by the manufacturers drive to feed the collectors market with limited or special editions. Leading some to purchase models for the perceived return on investment: Hornby Clans, Bachmann SECR C class, Sir William Stanier and the recent Hornby anniversary editions spring to mind. Not sure what all this means but prices will likely only go one way for the foreseeable future. I agree with other posters: kit and scratch builders will continue to be a niche market populated by those with the time, skill and inclination to build it themselves. For what its worth, I kit build/RTR bash many items to augment my reasonably large collection of RTR. My limited attempts to scratch build stock have been aborted because I lack the skill to achieve results that stand any kind of comparison to their RTR/kit built brethren. Steve

I have used Halfords self etch primer for both brass and WM engine and coach kits - works well for me and is much better than their regular primer, which is fine for plastics. Cant comment on the Phoenix product as I haven't used it. Saying it's "useless" seems a bit strong to me. Disclaimer: I am not an expert just a satisfied user. I suspect others will offer a better understanding of the scientific merits of the products on the market. Steve

Compulsive viewing again Mike, well done. Just one question, how long did it take that steamroller to get up to Monkey Beck? Steve

Hello Everyone, Not sure if this has been asked before, but does anyone know which is the oldest loco (not multiple units) still in revenue generating/earning service? I am not thinking of preserved locos that still run on the mainline, but those that are owned by the current rail operating companies. Any thoughts? Steve

SuperD, I believe there is a picture of one at Dent station in the early fifties in The Scenic Settle and Carlisle by Donald Binns. It is the only picture I have seen of that type of loco on the line. Steve

Hereford Models have posted 8x 14T National Benzole weathered tanks today: http://herefordmodels.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=369_370_576&products_id=14666. According to Bachmann the next release will be RRP at £27.95, with Hereford doing these for £8.95 each, seems like it might qualify for this thread? Happy hunting!

Hi Mike, just watched episode 10, very interesting. I especially like the camera work panning and following the locos. Will be even better once you have the gimbal to help steady the camera. Great stuff - thank you. Steve

MDF is pretty hard to push pins into, I would pre drill holes for the pins.

I have a spare Airfix tender drive unit if you want it, £5 including postage?

I have found myself in similar predicaments in the past. I suspect DJH will sell you a replacement valve gear etch, but it might not be that cheap. As previously mentioned, Tony Wright is the "A2meister" (amongst other things) and can probably offer some sage advise if you PM him.

Ross, The other thread I referenced mentions something about the distance been the axles being "adjusted" by DJH, which might cause some compatibility issues with other suppliers components. It is probably worth a quick read: Stephen

Some suggestions here about the chassis, including PDK:

I do the same with my DCC concepts RR with some locos. They don't all need it but I have never figured out why some do and others don't. Although I suspect it is due to weight distribution?

@thesignalengineer - these look great, could you tell us a little bit more about your painting and lining techniques - esp on the crimson and cream coaches. Thanks Steve

No pictures as such, but I came across this section of the BBC website that may interest readers of this thread. Some fascinating articles about some iconic aircraft: https://www.bbc.com/future/tags/aircraft Enjoy, Steve

Welcome back Mike, I subscribe to your YouTube channel and caught up with your latest installment earlier this week. Fascinating as ever, especially the intricate shunting of the pick up goods. Sorry to hear you are still not 100% but glad you are getting back into modelling and filming the next installments of the operating timetable. Steve

Coachman (Larry Goddard, formerly of this parish) used it for his (brass) coaches. I believe it is cellulose based, as the paint dries (the solvent evaporates) he said it was like it "shrunk onto the model". I find it has a smooth finish, but you must be careful to spray on several light coats and don't dwell anywhere. Probably worth getting a can and trying it on scrap etch or white metal and see how you get on? Steve

I use self etch primer from Halfords: https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/primer/halfords-etch-primer-500ml-370400.html Goes on well, is hard wearing and takes acrylics, enamel and cellulose paints without a problem

Doilum, You are spot on, it does. Unfortunately when the builders put the door in they didn't line up the frame properly, warping it in the process. As a result the door doesn't sit properly when closed leaving a draughty gap above the hinge on one side. Ho hum!

The other option is to leave the ceiling open and insulate and board the rafters, this will allow you to install skylights in the roof. I didn't do this as my garage is on a north facing wall and shaded by the house. so overheating has never been a problem, but it can get pretty cold in the winter and the lower level of the insulated ceiling helps protect against the worst of the cold. Another consideration, if you are buying a new build, I believe that you don't pay VAT if the work is done before you complete your purchase and if the builder (or their subbies) are amenable you may be able to get the work done at very reasonable cost? Stephen

That's pretty much what I did to my tandem garage, with a laminate floor with a DPM and insulation underneath. Had to paint the wall that adjoins the house to cut down the dust and installed a new, double glazed/opaque double glazed access door. It has worked quite well,my one regret was not replacing the up and over door with a roller shutter type. The current door is not well installed by the builders and is almost impossible to seal to keep out the elements, dead leaves and the like. Good luck, Stephen

Or Mike Sharman's "Wheel specifications for the modeller"?

Came across this site today, it is excellent. A free site except for a voluntary donation. It has Victorian maps of the whole of the UK, unlike other old map sites I have come across which can be patchy. Zooming in reveals a high level of detail,including track plans and railway structures. It also has a useful slider to transition between old and new maps. Well worth a look: https://www.archiuk.com/archi/index_mobile.htm Stephen

I have another bag of bits, but I have no idea which loco they are for!

A kitchen fitter I knew always rated IKEA units, no personal experience of them myself. We have granite/quartz composite tops laid on our original laminate surfaces. They have been very hard wearing and look great. Hard wearing but not cheap. If we fancy a change, we will probably keep the surfaces and carcasses and just change the doors.