Steven B

It's an interesting concept - I've seen something similar done in 009 using Peco track. The builder had narrow (generally <6") wide modules that plugged together in any order to give a meandering single-track branch line across his table top. The videos do show how well Kato Unitrack can be integrated into a layout - once weathered I struggled to tell it from regular code 80 in those videos. Kato have been pushing their Mini-Diorama's in the UK for the last 18 months or so which are a similar concept (often with wild and wacky results) but using very tight radius curves. In the UK, T-TRAK has slowly grown in popularity over the last few years with several N Gauge Society Area Groups now having modules. They're a lot wider so allow for more scenery, but with a bit less flexibility in track plan compared to the modules above. Steven B

First I've heard of the Peco CDA (and presumably the HAA) being the incorrect length. Where's it been said? Steven B

If only someone produced a decent HEA! Steven B

It'd be nice to know if I'm budgeting for one or more decoders per unit. Likewise Next18 vs E24. I'd hope that by now they'd know this even if they're not 100% sure of the underframe detail. Welcoming a product announcement and then seeing little visible progress for months on end is rather frustrating. I think I'd rather manufacturers held off until there was at least CAD, if not an EP model to be seen. Steven B

Loco hauled, Intercity (exec) Pullman please! Steven B

Given Rapido's history of producing fun but not quite prototypical liveries, can we expect an up-to-date interpretation of Lima's infamous "Grimsby Fish" van? "Margate Fish" perhaps? 😉 Perhaps one branded for JR Hartley? With a headboard for the Flying Kipper?

Do you know when you'll be announcing what combinations of liveries and set lengths you plan to produce? Steven B

I find this very hard to believe. Does this mean that anyone who's ever produced a model of "Mallard" has asked permission from the NRM? Steven B

Unless I'm mistaken, two Rapido and one Hornby van could be found in Whitby yard 60 years ago: (Ernies Railway Archive on Flickr) Steven B

Given the 16.5 vs 14mm gauge difference, perhaps they should have modelled them to a different scale so the track gauge was correct! 😉 Steven B

Window frames and bonnet top would be black - a very dark grey (Humbrol 32?) would give a nice weathered effect. I use very light grey (Humbrol 147) in place of white for the same reason. With the 37s, the roof started out as light grey but soon weathered to near black - if you're not comfortable applying weathering then a dark grey wouldn't look out of place. Steven B

Large logo was generally: BR Blue BR Yellow Goose Grey (roof) The mid/light grey roof generally weathered to a darker shade with soot from the exhausts. Class 50s were the big exception - several large-logo blue locos had black roofs, others had black panels with cab roofs being blue. Twelve class 47 appeared with a blue roof. There were also some non-standard versions such as 37116 and 37361. Steven B

Lovely use of a photographic backscene; great scenic work - particularly the blending with the back-scene. Shame about the factory weathered loco and stock: (Trevor Plackett on Flickr)

I wish my scenic modelling was good enough to replicate this: (terry eyres on Flickr) "40152 climbing towards the high level bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal at Knutsford Road Latchford with 6E95 20.04 Arpley -Harwich PQ ( Whitemoor ) Speedlink" Steven B

Double check with the data sheet - many are rated at 3A or more per pin. Voltage also shouldn't be an issue with most rated for over 100V. I doubt you'll have any problems. Worst case (far end of the layout with multiple locos and several trains with track powered lighting) you may need to use a second pair of conductors. Steven B