Stevelewis

During the short time I had a 4-VEP in my possesion (it was returned as not fit for purpose!) I found that it was incapable of moving its 4 cars up a 1 in 25 on a 36" radius incline it would just about manage 3 cars!. My Bachmann 4 CEPs will ascend the gradient with very little slowing and when tested would haul an additional 2 Mk1 coaches up the incline as well.

The LL Proto configuration is the same as the Bachmann 4-CEP, 2 EPB and the soon to be available MLV and also the Bachmann Diesel multiple units., These units will also haul much more than the 'normal, train.

I agree! If the price were to drop substantially it would perhaps be an option to re power the 4 VEP. A friend of mine is considering checking out the Bachmann MLV chassis when it becomes available and if suitable using that chassis in the 4 VEP and then using the redundant VEP chassis in the MLV . I am not so sure about this but I will report if anything materialises!!

I don't think that the 4 VEP if used to haul an unpowered 33 would actually be powerful enough! During the brief time I had a 4 VEP in my possession, it seemed underpowered ( mainly I think because of the DRAG imposed on the trailer cars due to the strange way the axles are mounted) It certainly had difficulty negotiating a 1 in 60 gradiant on a 30" radius curve

The same newsletter from Rails also listed 2 Hornby sound locos a class 31 & an 08, both at reduced further prices, but both of those appear now to be sold out, the 4 VEP was still available earlier this evening.

Rails Sheffield have reduced the price of the BLUE DCC on Board 4 VEP to £114.95! ANY TAKERS??!!

I wonder if the RRP will have increased by then?

It does not always follow that because a 'new' product initially sells well, subsequent production does likewise, it is not that easy to judge how ongoing sales will in the current financial climate. It could be that most of the demand is already satisfied. Also I would imagine that given the limited production facilities which seems to be available at the factory it might not be that simple to produce a further batch quickly.

I am not sure if this is correctly called a rumour! For so many retailers including the BIG ones, to have been giving the same ' no more stock' message at virtually the same time, it is clear to me someone 'in the know' must have given them the information. Apparently the inter retailer telephone lines were hot with shops attempting to buy up any unsold stock

I ordered another pair from Tim at ARCADIA Oldham today, as a result of my mentioning that he had stock on Saturday he has now only got one pair left (or at least he did have this afternoon even those may have gone by now). I got the impression that there were not going to be any more in the forseeable future from what he told me.

Probably a quality 1 amp decoder will suffice! Apparently delivery has been set back to early '13

Glad to help! Tim is a nice Guy its virtually a one man business, he has a website www.arcadiarail.co.uk but does not do online orders it is always best to phone and it is surprising what can be located there

Hattons have 9 only of the Loco + 2 coaches set left currently. Tim at Arcadia ( Shaw Nr Oldham 01706 882900) has 6 coach sets & £60.00 & 1 Loco + Coaches left

I second the 2 BIL Hope, but perhaps it may be produced by another manufacturer?

Re the VEP probably due to the fact that the Maunsell coaches were already developed and the VEP is a later development, which was perhaps subject to corner cuttng cost savings ( rather like the Belle)

Thanks for the info Graham, I have just been looking at some photos of the Welsh Dragon ( Push Pull Rhyl - Llandudno) which I was a frequent rider when on hols in Llandudno back in the 50s/60s, I note the cab end has a Horn fitted so presume this must have been worked with compressed air, although in all the times I rode that train I cant recollectever hearing it!. Now then Bachmann how about a LMR Push Pull set from yourselves ( would go nicely with the Ivatt 2MT )

Just recieved my 2 car set from Rails, absolutely superb! Well done Hornby! Also included in the pack an additional 2 pairs of alternative close couplings. ( The inner ends of the coaches already have close couplings fitted with slimline hook&loops at the outer ends) A QUERY for those in the know, A whistle is fitted at the driving cab end, how would this have been 'powered' perhaps from a 'connection' with the braking system.

Rails Sheffield have stock @ £58.50

The info I referred to was not obtained from their website!!

I have just placed order for ND dely from the Yorkshire retailer at a small saving on the Liverpool retailer's price.

I was advised it was due next week!!

I spoke to Kernow today (08.06.12 ) to confirm some details re my orders, I was advised that they expect deliveries to take place late 2012 but more likely early 2013.

This seems to be a bit confusing: To Clarify: The Brown Belle does not have illuminated indicator panels on the 2 driving cab cars ( the real thing's indicator panels were lit by 4 bulbs!) All the centre cars & unpowerd trailer car when coupled up to the power car should have illuminated table lamps irrespective of whether Analogue or DCC s used. The BLUE/grey unit is exactly the same as the Brown one E X C E P T the indicator panels are illiminated in the dierction of travel with a whitish/yellow light and the one at the rear is illuminated with a RED light ( I Must add though these 2 panels are not all that realistic theres a lot of light escape around the sides of the panel!!

It appears that th writer at Hornby is not familiar with the difference between LOKPILOT & LOK SOUND decoders!!

As a matter of interest do the 2 light sources for the Fibre Optics ( for the table lamps) illuminate OK these are 2 largish leds under the floor area in the non cab end I have heard that in some cases the fibre optic cables have been misaligned hence no light is getting to the lamps! One of our Belles has been sent to a new home