Lee m22

I guess there are actually few ways to permanently fix the spring in place during construction....given the size. Especially if they are a part that will age and therefore need consideration for replacing during the coupling's lifespan. I imagine the size, style and strength of the spring is in direct relation to the size/strength of the magnets... something that is already a compromise. A reed style spring for example - which would be much easier to 'fix at factory' would probably be too resistant for the magnets. I imagine with the relatively small number of steps in the construction process, that an additional process of permanently fixing the springs in place at the factory would probably cost more than supplying every coupling with spare springs. In turn, the cost goes up. In consideration of Dave's previous comments with regards to the price difference between the single and five pair packs, I think cost is a big factor for such a small product. Just a thought. Could and most probably am wrong LOL. I'd be interested to know if Dapol have considered feedback to offer spare springs, as I'm informed other brands do? Regards Lee

Ah, so I can see I'll make a note and hopefully say hi at a show soon!

Thank's Ian I've emailed them. Hopefully they may have some, but if not, I've been given some leads on another site. They suit my plan so well, I'll just keep searching until I find them. I will definatly be going to that show again this year so I can happily look forward to seeing Banbury in the flesh in September!! That's great news! Regards Lee

Thanks for the info, I've emailed them as I can't see it listed on their site. I'm modelling in the 70's so I think it pre-dates the pallisade style. Unfortunatly, the pallisade style must be far more popular as I've found a few suppliers for that! I went to the international N gauge show. I wish I'd thought to look then. Thanks for your help! Lee

Well Corby isn't far from me, nore is Peterborough! I Will definatly have to get my diary out for one of them then! Dunno bout playing though...too many distractions in the detail! What show is it in Corby? Only 20 mins from my home from home that Regards Lee

Hey My perception of this layout just keeps getting better as the photos roll in. Stunning work indeed! Might I ask where you got the mesh fence from that is in the picture above (the pic with the FL66 and Network rail wagons) ??? I'm hunting everywhere for such fencing! Thanks for the continued stream of pics! Regards Lee

The first thing I thought when I saw them photos earlier was "I thought he said this was 00?". I would have seriously have thought this was 0 gauge. The quality and detail is stunning! This is certainly one of the finest sets of 00 guage scenes out there! Please do keep the pictures coming! Regards Lee

Hey, Love the latest photos! This is a brilliant layout and so full of detail and consideration for the scene depicted! I second the question above...I'd love to know if your attending any midlands exhibitions. Regards Lee

Fantastic! I'm glad to see your efforts on weathering this loco. It was looking painfully plastic before, but you've given it a healthy coat of real world there! Although belated, the larger buffers get my vote too. Great result! Lee

Hey Loving the scenic work so far, espcially the foliage on the embankment and around the headshunt! It's all coming together brilliantly! AN enjoyable layout to watch progress! Regards Lee

I may just have to consider being at that AGM then Regards Lee

Hi Yep the videos are back up anbd working for me and I've been able to finish watching them Loving the new 60, Deffinatly loving the EWS 60 on the oil train too! Thanks for the comments on Hare's Run. I want to move to exhibition standards and exhibiting, though I've no direct plan to exibit Hare's run. The future will decide that I guess and next month's progress (week's holiday and an inflated pay cheque should see some progress, along with the local model rail show in Milton keynes for inspiration) I've read your on the countdown to Exhibition but I seemed to have missed which one it is that you'll be showing this off at? Regards Lee

Wow, this looks fantastic! You certainly have your work cut out for you, but this layout would deff be worth seeing in the flesh! I was enjoying your videos (class 60 a great choice to break the rails in btw) but they seem to have stopped working now Well done on the progress - you've earned your playtime with the trains Regards Lee

Second that! This is an exciting project to watch indeed Lee

Hey I'm liking the look of this a lot! Can't wait to see more photos. Have you got many exhibitions booked/on the cards this year? regards Lee

Hey Just like to echo the compliments that your work deserves! I really like the scene here and the ground textures are fantastic! Regards Lee

Thanks for the info Dave. I very much doubt you would have launched these quietly! It's a shame the local hasn't got the couplings stocked as I do like to show my support by going to them first - what with being the only decent N gauge supplier in a good 30 mile+ radius! Guess it'll be one of the online shops that'll get my order this time. Incidently, is there any more news on the 5 pair packs? No point converting half-hearted! Regards Lee

Hey I've tried my local (not-so-local) model shop before christmas and today and the chap there was unaware of the product having been released until I told him. Strange because they are normally on top of things there. The online shops seem to have them, but at the going rate, another £4 or so postage is just silly. My local modelzone doesn't stock N gauge unless its Limited edition either... Typical! I imagine the larger places will have probably expected a decent rush for these and soaked up most of the initial stock? In the meantime, I'm holding off the ballasting on my layout untill it's worth ordering online or they arrive in the shops Regards Lee

Love it! Lee

Thanks for the pics Simon. They certainly give a lot to think about! I like the result you've come up with, but I do rather like a slightly more sparse ballast. I guess I'm seeing a solution with taking a small rotary sander to the underside of the sleepers and leaving a channel that the magnet could sit in, without totally removing the original sleepers.......course thats no help when the track is laid already :'( Still, there seems to be some room to manouver! I may treat myself next week if my local shop is stocking them. I do so badly want them to work out! Regards Lee

Love the pictures! I think someone could loose themselves in your layout for many hours exploring all the scenes to view. I love the surfer photo! Great stuff! Regards Lee

Nice work! If I can get my green scenes looking as sweet as that when the time comes, I'll be a very happy man! I love the mix of static grass an the 'tufts' of the more dense media. The dusting of greenery amungst the ballast looks bang on too! Regards Lee

Hey I've got to say your work is amazing! I really enjoyed reading through the construction of your latest building, and it looks brilliant! Much envy indeed! I must also thank you for the inspiration, as after reading your post, I've finally got off my arse and....well ....sat down at my workdesk to finally cross the line into scratchbuilding buildings. I can't hope to meet your standards in the near future, but I certainly feel inspired to get on and have go! I'll be eagarly following your progress Regards Lee

Hey, Brilliant 'how-to' on the grass there! As i'm getting to that point, I'll certainly be re-reading your techniques for the perfect turfing! The progress is great to see on the layout, but it's the 'boxfile-type' yard that really caught my eye! I didn't believe it was so small until the pic of it on the wall! You get a great feel of depth when looking through the various shots. Again the grass area looks stonking! Brilliant modelling Regards Lee