70000 Britannia

Hattons offer DCC compatible or DCC+Smoke. I think that the DCCS version might be via Dapol direct ? I intend to add my sound separately. Personally, I would like to see a "thrusting" smoke exhaust example first, before going there.

As fate would have it, Hattons, have today emailed to say, they have been advised that my pre-order "will arrive" in November. So, suggests something is occurring.

Excellent news, and a sight to behold at Eastleigh. What I would like to know is when it will be out and about. What I would also like to see is someone from Dapol, demonstrating customer management, and making the effort to communicate with their customers - as to just when their 59s will be available. "Dapol Customer Relations, are you out there ??"

Judging by the reactions on here, it is being made to sound like the loco is a complete pup? I look at a loco and observe how it runs, what it can pull - and overall, ask myself does it convey a good representation of the original. Presenting it at an exhibition, demands that it adds an acceptable, additional dimension, to satisfy people's expectations on their day out. Generally, these models, are light years ahead of what we've had to accept. The image of NP 59204, presented on Kernow Models site, against the backcloth of one of Chris Nevards excellent dioramas, looks excellent to me. However, I do accept that the experience of stand up operating at shows is different to scrutinising something on the workbench, when we rest our chin on the worktop to get an "eye-level" experience. I am simply frustrated, just waiting for it to be delivered. I hope we may all be a little more satisfied, when we have all given the beast a a good look over, and then run the thing! Just get the damn thing delivered to your punters - Dapol !!!!!

I find this attitude somewhat blinkered. I have three layouts and all are illuminated, and each one has received recognition for the lighting/presentation on many occasions. Surely, one of the objectives when exhibiting is to optimise the presentation: quality of modelling, realism, operation, etc. I often see good layouts, demonstrating excellent commitment and modelling, but seemingly compromised by poor lighting. As said elsewhere, a lighting rig does not have to be expensive or complicated, and in any event, is hardly going to drain the resources of many modellers given the cost of locos and rolling stock. As for LED systems, they can provide perfectly good effect, particularly when compared to non-illuminated examples. There is no need to live in the dark-ages in the 21st century.

Absolutely. It has taken 2 years of loss of momentum driven by the Covid disruption. No doubt it will take a similar period before the various forces/dynamics, opinions, preferences of clubs, members, traders, exhibitors, and the public, begin to settle down. However, having exhibited at a dozen shows, and visited a further half dozen as a customer - the last 12 months - I am encouraged by the resilience of the hobby. So let's not prejudge how it will pan out. Dave

Very enjoyable weekend exhibiting, and excellent venue: spacious, set up arrangements, and atmosphere. Well done Andy and the team. Dave

Hi Ray, trust you and Dave are keeping well. It's always a mute point about layout mix and balance in exhibitions, particularly the larger venues. When you consider the geographical extent and potential variety of layouts possible, it is curious how layouts related to the continents of North America and Europe have such a low profile in many shows. Fortunately, we both have made the effort to also develop GB offerings. Must admit I'm getting choosier as to which ones I support. Dave

That looks to be a really interesting set of layouts. Looking forward to bringing US O Arcadia Pennsylvania Terminal - say hello.

Looks to be a really interesting set of layouts. Always a good show. How frustrating that we chose to be on holiday 350 miles away!

29th Street Wharf back in one piece. Congrats on organising and rolling out the show, Mark. It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and a great venue. Dave

"Welcome back" John - good to see you at the shows again. Dave & Sue

Great venue, well organised setup and support by the team. 29th Street Wharf installed and looking forward to a really good show.

Many thanks to Stan and the team for all your help and for a great exhibition. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

Excellent weekend - and thanks to the team for putting on the show, where special mention must go to Nichola and Angela for their outstanding help and support. Great to see the show attracted a good attendance, which augurs well for next year.

Looking forward to being back in the "Sheffield" area, with recently extended Clayton End Signalman.

Looking forward to this - always a helpful team and friendly atmosphere. Well worth a visit.

A great weekend and top marks for Les and the team for putting on an excellent show.

Clayton End packed and ready to travel - all of 10 miles! RMWebbers - come and say hello.

Looking forward to next week: Advance ticket booked. Hotel booked. Fuel tank empty - awaiting bank loan approval to purchase 10 gallons.

Not long to go now - always a good weekend.

Excellent news! Looking forward to this - will be there with OO Clayton End Signalman extension: Stone Terminal.

Arran With respect, the gentleman makes a perfectly good observation. If your comment is representative of the AMRSS organising committee then this needs to be clarified - regardless of not wishing to get into debates. I will be there with my wife, and I would imagine that many others on here will be concerned that there appears to be a suggestion that every exhibitor and stand have been excluded from conforming with the expectations placed on paying visitors. I think that some answers from someone in authority should be provided as to what is going on. Paying visitors surely deserve to know what situation they will be in during the day.

Yep, confirmed also on main BBC news web site in last half hour. Very good news, great show, will be going for sure. Happy days!