antrobuscp

In a way, Keith, your last post answered this question, but I'll ask it anyway. I would like to ask those who have upgraded to Windows 10 if they are happy with it. There seem to have been a number of problems with the upgrade - even if they have been capable of resolution - and I wonder if the hassle that has been created has been justified in terms of the end product being a better operating system. I have 2 laptops which Dell recommend for upgrade and provide the necessary drivers. I have other systems for which they do not and which I will not upgrade. The logical attraction for me to upgrade is that Win10 will be supported for a much longer period, the 2 upgradeable systems are young, 64 bit machines which should, on past performance of my laptops, last into the 2020s and satisfy my relatively simple requirements in retirement. There appear to be available, W10 drivers for my printers and scanners and other bits of kit. At the moment, I am unhappy with the more or less forced updating policy - I know you can defer updates for a modest period(Pro version), but not permanently(as I have had to do on isolated occasions). In practice, I normally allow installation of updates as they are issued, and only roll them back if problems become apparent. From the comments here, it does appear that the updates continue to create unnecessary issues due to the changed methodology being used by Microsoft. I'm at the point of decision for me, and would appreciate any comments, or advice based on the upgrade experience. Thanks, Colin

I can't remember and I don't have access to my reference books, but was the only difference the style of windows or also their positioning? If just the style, could this be dealt with by a different glazing insert, meaning both versions could be produced at relatively little additional cost? Colin Colin

I'm sure you're correct, that some kids would want to create a "proper" train, after all 50+ years ago I was one of them. However, I'm equally sure that many would buy one brake coach to stick on the end of a train of other types. On pricing, it is not that long ago the Hornby were being criticised for being too expensive. The "dash for cash" has hit their pricing, but I suspect that when sanity returns the pricing of the 2 largest manufacturers will not be too far apart. Most people have/will, I suspect, become much more choosy about what they buy. Personally, I am not averse to a simplification of the detail on models - design clever as in a sensible thought process about what should be included and what is separately moulded or part of the main body components should be a reasonable response to increasing costs. As the idea was applied by Hornby a short while ago, it resulted in detail where it was not obvious, and poor compromises when the detail was obvious. Sensible compromise needs to be designed in from the concept stage - i.e. good planning and consistent policy, both of which appear in the recent past to have been lacking at Hornby. I rather suspect that when asked if we want detail on a model we say "yes", but then when the cost is known too many will back track and not buy. In that situation the manufacturers will eventually decide for us and make compromises - or go out of business. For example, I'm perfectly happy with the Oxford Rail Adams Radial irrespective of any extra detail that might appear on the Hornby version. I will certainly not pay the likely (even discounted) asking prices for the forthcoming Heljan GWR tanks - even if I never get one. That's my personal value judgement but I suspect many others will do likewise. If it's a choice between the manufacturers closing the doors or producing models, somewhat less detailed, but at prices the majority feel they can/want to pay, then I'd rather see the latter. Colin

I have to agree that the question of how many coaches of differing types - 2nd/3rd, compo, brake compo/2nd/3rd, etc - to produce is far from straight forward. We may know how to make up a set or train, but many will not. How each of us tackles the restricted space induced compression of train lengths will vary, and I (think I) remember seeing many suburban trains that did not conform to the brakes at the ends rule. The only real answer to the question would be historical buying patterns, but these would have to be amended to some extent with the change to a more discerning market(the kids market would not really worry too much about train formation), or to types materially affected by the make up of fixed train sets - as on the SR. Here again, feedback from the retail sector has the potential to be invaluable if the historical sales info is not available in house.

Derrr - don't Hornby know what they've sold through their own individual outlets and tailor their stock distribution accordingly? Or maybe they don't - which should be another nail in management's coffin. Or maybe they didn't and their new systems will tell them. So much we don't know. Colin

Why only the next 48 hours?

On the mixed subjects of Hornby, the retail trade, children coming into the hobby - I went to Hattons place at Widnes for the first time on Saturday - much easier and quicker for me than Smithdown Road. Very small temporary sales area which was filled when I arrived with 3 staff and a family with a youngster looking to his first model layout. One of the staff in particular was dealing with them, advising on the wiring, the precise track pieces required(they were setting up on a track mat), and making sure it all came together. Advice was offered and taken, and the goods were produced and tried in place. All as it should be, from a so called "box shifter", and Hornby should know better than to seem to be trying to sabotage their retailers. This is not the only way into the hobby, but it sure is one of them. Colin

Picked up the early BR liveried 30584 from Hattons this morning. I have to say I'm very happy with the loco - a little stiff straight out of the box, but running nicely now, no issues with track holding or tight clearances above the front bogie. Colin

I use old H & M Walkabout controllers, which I believe are of the feedback type, as my preferred option. I do have alternatives, but will only buy DJM locos when there is no alternative model as I so much prefer to use the Walkabouts.

Apologies. My comments were intended to be general although I can see my use of the word "you" would have made it appear to be specific. Cost saving was in my head, though, because the subject of CKD models usually comes up in that context, and this has been a thread partly about financial matters, and latterly business software and its implementation. i can certainly see the appeal where the purchaser currently has to disassemble a model to make modifications/improvements or to model a variant of the type.

CKD Kits - One of the points made against this suggestion has always been that it would not save as much as you think because the parts, at least in some cases, would have to be separately packed/protected, someone has to make sure that all necessary parts are included in the correct numbers, etc., thereby making the labour cost saving much less than might be thought. There is also the cost of producing assembly instructions and stocking parts that might be broken or disappear during assembly.

Looks like the early BR black ones are in at Hattons "Oxford Rail OR76AR002 Adams Radial 4-4-2T 30584 in BR early black is now in stock and ready to purchase Oxford Rail OR76AR002 Adams Radial 4-4-2T 30584 in BR early black is now in stock and ready to purchase " Colin

High quality Hornby CKD kits for the 21st Century - overcomes the high cost of assembly.

According to the "Revenue Recognition" accounting policy, sales are recognised when the goods are despatched to customers, be they the retail trade or end consumers in the case of direct sales. This applies across the group. The policy also refers to a provision for sales returns which, and I am guessing here, would likely be based upon past experience.

"Bean counters" though are, as often as not, NOT the ultimate decision makers. They provide information, offer recommendations, alternatives, etc., but others make any decisions based on that information together with advice and information from many other sources.

This could certainly be a significant part of the reason for the sudden change. The serious model railway market could be used in some respects as a management tool to smooth cash flow over the year when other channels of sales are quiet - provided deliveries can be relied upon. Past experience suggests that such a level of control over production does not, and likely won't, exist. Yet another problem requiring active management. Therefore, the need for additional working capital to cover the uncertainties should be built in to forward planning, and should not really come "out of the blue", and should not, on its own, cause the change in fortunes.

I agree with all the above, the only thing I would add, and it may not be inconsistent with what you have said, is that the deterioration in the company's position seems to be relatively sudden against a previous background of improving results and the anticipated further improvements. I think if I were the lender I would need to be satisfied - and I'm sure the questions will be asked - as to how, why, and when the stock write off and the worsening results were deemed necessary or became evident respectively. Depending upon the responses, management's apparent control, or lack thereof, of the business will indicate the appropriate course of action. This could largely be the new management unearthing previous problems and clearing the decks, or it could be their own forecasts and planning falling apart. Time will tell.

Agreed, I collect so as to avoid potential damage in the post, and just to look at what's on display. Colin

I was a bit surprised at the apparent suddenness of the move out of Smithdown Road. I do recall someone on here suggesting this, maybe 9 - 18 months ago, but it seemed to go very quiet. I regularly visited the shop to "collect", but was thinking of stopping as the part of the drive off the motorway was becoming a bit tedious at times, and was the relatively costly part of the drive. The Hub will be an easier drive I suspect from North Merseyside. I can understand the common sense of settling on one site. Even when my office was on 2 floors in the same building, a move to one floor saved a lot of time. Unfortunately, those using public transport will find access harder and Hattons may lose a little trade from those using the busy local shopping streets just up the road - Christmas trade? Colin

It will be less of an issue for me in the future, but at the moment this is a major reason why I'm reluctant to move to Win10. Tuesday's Win7 update caused Outlook to crash repeatedly after installation. It didn't take a great effort to sort it out, but had it been forced on me at a time I couldn't control, it could have caused serious problems for me. I understand that the November Win10 upgrade increases the ability to defer updates, particularly for business users.

If you are using Win Vista/7/8/8.1 there is an issue with Outlook crashing whilst viewing HTML email. Removing KB3097877 should solve the problem.

News item on BBC - different sort of washout. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-34499664 Colin

I ordered one of these back in July 2010. Yes, I'm disappointed it's not yet arrived, but I think Kernow have kept us informed of the particular reasons for the delay and, so far as they can, of the reasons for changing their chosen manufacturer. They have done all they could to keep us updated on progress, and if anyone's reputation is damaged, I don't really think it is Kernow's or DJM's. Colin

The sky from Gunwalloe Dollar Cove, Cornwall, on Monday evening. Poldark being filmed there as I'm posting this.

I've been travelling today, hence delay in posting. I think I'd become confused with the Chrome updates. The machine I'm on is at #45. As to Firefox this machine is updating 40.0.02>03 as I type. The updates I was referring to with Firefox were 39>40 and the "point" updates thereafter. These updates were on WinXP, 7, and 8. Colin