00ERmissus

Hornby web site now showing estimated arrival dates as follows: R3431 (BR E/C) 18Nov16 R3432 (BR L/C) 27Nov16 R3430 (LNER) 04Dec16

My twins (EC & LC) arrived this morning and what a pair of beauties they are too. Wonderful job Hornby! Now about that N7, count me in – see you at 0600………..ish.

That certainly wasn't the case with mine and I too have more than one item on order but it does hopefully suggest that they've now updated their system - possibly as a result of having had a number of issues over it. Since posting earlier, I've had another email from them stating my order should be ready for despatch on or after 14 November. Fingers crossed!

I received an email from them yesterday advising they had tried to debit my credit card but it was invalid. Not true. I called them and was asked if I'd updated my card details on-line recently. I said I had, about 6 weeks ago. I'd amended the expiry. I was told that although their system accepts this, it does not pass down to the original order which was still showing the old (expired) expiry. I was instructed that I should re-enter the full card details rather than just amend, not that I can see where it states as such on the site but I haven't looked since. Consequently, my order has passed to the next person on the list although I have been assured I will receive my P2 in the next batch. Certainly it would appear their system is flawed and I now have an anxious wait until the next batch arrives. It will certainly make me think hard about pre-ordering in future.

Yes, it is on the Buntingford Branch DVD and the film quality is very good, the SC running number is plainly visible on it too........

Thanks Ian. You’re lucky to have memories of them. Sadly I don’t remember the 23’s at all although I still have a vivid image of my first A4 at Kings Cross but then what right-minded rail enthusiast wouldn’t have been awe-struck by one of those!

Having decided to get one of the original versions of the BD when it comes out, I’m trying to decide upon which one and am a bit stumped regarding ‘with’ or ‘without’ frost grills and realise I’m not really sure of the difference visually. There are two excellent images posted earlier on this thread of both examples and the only difference I can see with my untrained eye is a diagonal plate running across the grill area. Also, did all versions receive them after production or were some fitted from new? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks all and a couple of nice photos, including a very evocative shot of an immaculate NSE unit departing Cambridge. Stewart, did you take that? There’s also a good one in ‘Diesels on the Eastern’ taken at Melton Constable in ’62, in original green livery and quoted as ‘comprising two cars from the first batch (of 58).’

Many thanks for that Stewart, sounds like I shall be employing a little ‘modellers licence’ (again) then! For a while, one was often timetabled to operate an early morning service between Elsenham and Bishops Stortford, to connect with the London electrics. Many a time it shook me to pieces on that section of the line but at least I and fellow commuters were wide awake for work by the time we got off. I could also smell it before I saw it as I walked towards the station. Happy days!

Did the design of these machines vary around the regions or were they much of a muchness? I remember them trundling up and down the line between Bishops Stortford and Cambridge in the late 70’s prior to electrification and it’s one of these I’d like to have in my collection although it would be for the green era. I was toying with the idea of a Hornby one but not now…

Two very handsome Railbuses arrived from Merseyside yesterday. E79962 & E79964. Unfortunately, the latter is a very poor runner even after running-in so is on its way back for replacement but I have to say they really are lovely models and I congratulate Heljan on this one. I too am without excuse now, it’ll have to be Saffron Walden station for me…………….

According to Hattons web site, they're 'due into stock on or after Monday 27th February 2012.'

Oh dear! Taken an hour ago, can't say I wasn't warned! Is this a replica of the uniform staff wore on Railbus duty?

Yes, a very pleasant place and walking distance from my humble abode! Looking forward to taking my nephew on Santa's train ride on the miniature railway there soon as well. As for 'bigherbs' comment about the actual fitting/construction of the destination blind, closer examination will possibly tell us if it may be a case of carefully scraping around the frame, pulling it out and transplanting with a homemade printed version. From the photo it looks possible but we'll no doubt have to wait and see.

I'd settle for that instead, BD! In fact, just off to Audely End station now as I have to go to London this morning.

Nope, Saffron Walden/Bartlow or bust! On the subject of destinations, the above ones will only be featured on the version with larger yellow panels, so I asked Howes if they would be interchangeable, as I intend to buy the two plain green versions which are Sheringham and Witham respectively, although still East Anglia of course. This is the response I got: This will not be possible. the models are supplied with destination boards fitted, and there are no plans for further destination boards. regards, Heljan UK Not the end of the world but I thought it worth mentioning. Looks like a lovely model though.

Thanks Pete, that makes every sense. Given all the new stuff (in addition to what you've even mentioned) that is due out in 2012, a little breathing space will be quite welcome as far as I'm concerned.

Not being able to make Warley myself this year, I was just wondering if there was any evidence or whether anyone mentioned progress on the forthcoming 21/29’s on the Dapol stand? From what I’ve see of the 22, I’m very confident we’re in for another superb model here.

That would be great, thanks! Meanwhile I'll take a look at the transition liveries page. Just out of interest, did any of them make it to blue livery or were they all extinct by then?

Many thanks, I'll have to get hold of a copy. I have the Paye book (my bible) on the subject. I used to live quite close to the line but alas, only after it had closed although I've walked along part of the track bed near Braughing. Not for this topic I know but I wonder if Heljan are still planning to produce the Wickham Railbus that was tested on the line before they went to Scotland? I also have a DVD of 'The Bunt' that was produced a while back and that has some very grainy film of a drvers cab view facing along the 'long end' of a NBL 1.

There is a super piece of very clear 35mm footage (albeit short) on the DVD ‘Diesel & Electric 1 & 2’ narrated by John Huntley. As he says himself, it’s difficult to find a good photo of this beast, let alone some actual film of one. It’s hauling a short freight train along the Kensington Olympia line, I think. As I am in the process of starting my Buntingford branch project, this news is right up my strasse, yet again, great news Heljan!

Mine too (Green SYP), very pleased. It looks far better in the flesh. Will be interested to hear what others have to say but to me it really looks the part. Thanks Heljan.

True. In fact, if you type ‘Hornby Gresley suburban coaches’ into Google and scroll down a little, you’ll immediately see more than one site selling each BR liveried version nicely under £30. Pretty good I’d say. Teaks are a bit more but then that’s to be expected.

Yes, the plain green one does looks nice. I too had pre-ordered one but cancelled when they announced it would not have the wrap-round windows. I can’t really justify one anyway but I would have made an exception for the original version. It seems quite a few others feel the same way. Was it just the windows that were modified or were there other noticable changes to the body detail made at the same time? If not, perhaps they'll do a batch if this one sells well? Here's hoping.

I have an early BR one on order and have just received my LNER version although I didn’t receive an email to signal its arrival but then I like nice surprises! I am very pleased to at last be able to see a r-t-r Dapol loco in ‘00’scale, in the flesh and running. It’s been a very looooooong wait but worth it. The detail is excellent and it operates beautifully. It now gives me greater confidence in the other Dapol products due for release this year and I look forward to those. Well done!