antrobuscp

Just as a matter of interest, I've very recently managed to obtain an HM Walkabout unit after mine packed some time ago. In another thread there was mention of surging with some Bachmann Emus/Dmus, and I've experienced this with my other controllers. Interestingly, the Walkabout seems to "manage" these units better than any of my other controllers. Excellent controller. Colin

I use a Dell 15.6in screen portable, with an additional 19" screen. Both are widescreen format, and I would not now be without the dual screen facility for my main workdesk - I've even thought about a 3-screen setup. Initially, I did have some formatting problems when using a 4:3 format, lower resolution, screen, but it's all settled down now. I sometimes have to translate data between programs, or visually check consecutive years' spreadsheets against one another. Opening 2 instances of Excel, one on each screen is a godsend. I find cutting and pasting between programs is that bit easier as well. I still use one or two old DOS programs, and it all works very sweetly. I'm trying to run an office as "paperless" as possible, and the twin screens are a major help in making it work.. Colin

I still use a H & M Powermaster variable transformer unit. I have a mix of locos, and it is very useful to be able to use a controller that packs the necessary current requirement of "stone-age" motors. That said, a lot of up to date models are quite controllable using it. That could not be said for a similar aged Duette - a resistance type I think - where the locos hared off down the track as soon as the control knob was clicked out of centre. The best controller I ever had was the HM Walkabout - I'm still surprised no one has replicated it's features although I suppose that's DCC in terms of inertia, braking, etc. Colin

I bought an L1 a week or two back, but have only just had the opportunity to run it other than just as a test. Like one or two others, I found a slight tendency to derail at certain points. I have had the same problem on one of the LMS 2-6-4 tanks on which, because I had bought 2 and one was fine the other not, I checked out the differences and found the back-to-back on the derailing loco was too tight. I've done the same test on the L1, opened out the wheels slightly, added a bit of lead on the leading truck, and it's now fine. I don't really like this design of pony truck as it seems very sensitive to the back-to-back measurement and it takes up a slightly odd position to the rails on tightish curves - I think the effective pivot centre is slightly too far forward. On the other hand, it works when properly adjusted, and the lack of springing does improve adhesion. A bit of extra weight on unsprung Hornby bogies/pony trucks doesn't hurt. The L1 is an impressive model, and it pulls more than I expected too. I've just tested it on an 8 coach kit built and weighted set, and it pulled away with prototypical slipping on a slightly rising gradient. Colin

Thanks 34c for the clarification - The immediate need to get into the body has gone, but I'll bear your comments in mind for the future. Colin

Tried to get the body off mine yesterday. Saw 34c's post which appears at odds with Heljan's notes. Heljan say to take the cab off first, but it doesn't seem to want to budge at all - are there any release points? 34c implies the body came off first, but the base of the cab seems quite wide for spreading the body sides out to get the thing off in one piece. Can someone go into a little more detail, please - thanks. Colin

I'd love one, but not at that price. I'll do some real modelling and build the kit I've got. Colin

I received my Clan yesterday, from Hattons. Looks good, runs and pulls well - as per the Brits. One minor query, the instructions refer to a "bag of coal" as included with the Brits, and to a tender vac pipe. Both of these were missing from the box. Have others received these bits? Colin