dibber25

That's great news! CHRIS LEIGH

I think this is the original sample loco, in which case Ben has had over 100 hours out of it! However, its not a case of just being well run in, because it ran just as well right from the beginning and the production models should do the same. CHRIS LEIGH

None of the ones we've tested have behaved like that. 'Noisy' depends on one's perception. It's not silent but I wouldn't say any that I've run are noisy. Sounds like you've got the first one that's not up to scratch and it would be best to return it for replacement. CHRIS LEIGH

This was the livery that I wanted to do! However, common sense prevailed, because as I understand it, at this time Isebrook was not operational and was being used as a brake van. It also has too many detail differences from the model, most notably the curved top to the 'bunker'. I'd have ignored all that and done it anyway but that's mainly because my son lives a few hundred yards from where it used to work when it was in this condition. Oh, well, a chance to do a bit of kit-bashing... CHRIS LEIGH

Some locos were not vacuum fitted. The detail variations on the model include number of vents, whistle position and vac brakes. If the real thing didn't have vac brake then there's no vac pipes on the model. There are no separate detail parts with the models. CHRIS LEIGH

The first part-consignment arrives in the UK this week with further deliveries over coming weeks. We don't know which liveries are in which consignments so don't start worrying yet if someone receives theirs and you don't. CHRIS LEIGH

The models are now being manufactured and should be with us in early August. See the next issue of Model Rail for some pictures of the assembly in progress - and our handsome black and red boxes. CHRIS LEIGH

All three versions are reviewed in the next Model Rail which went to press yesterday. CHRIS LEIGH

I was supposed to photocopy the ad for Chris to hand out at the show but I forgot until after he'd left the building. We're planning to e-mail him a poster to display but in the meantime, here's the telephone number for the order line (at Kernow) 01209 613984. CHRIS LEIGH

SENTINEL AT RAILEX The proprietors of Combwich and Engine Wood are pleased to announce that it is planned to operate a service between their two layouts at Railex at Stoke Mandeville, May 28/9. Following successful negotiations with the manufacturer, a Model Rail Sentinel demonstrator is expected to operate this service. This is a rare opportunity for those who would like to see the Sentinel in operation. At the time of writing we understand that the models are in production and we hope to have delivery in August. CHRIS LEIGH

It is such an enclosed block that it's really quite difficult to tell. I've had another look and that appears to be correct. The metal block completely fills the lower half of the body and I believe it is a steel block for maximum weight, so its going to be next impossible to remove metal from it, should you wish to. CHRIS LEIGH

I've now had the chance to take the body off a sample. Unfortunately it isn't complete enough to be worth a photo. However, the steel chassis block and motor form a rectangular box shape which is about half an inch high and completely fills the bunker area and the lower half of the cab. It completely encases the drive system and gears. A pcb and decoder socket will be mounted on top of this in the top half of the cab. In short, the upper part of the cab is the only area where there might be space for any extra electronics and then only if you're not fitting a decoder. CHRIS LEIGH

It may take a while, but we'll get a photo taken, and I'll post it on here. The samples we've had have all been good little runners but I guess - on a non-commercial basis - things can always be improved. I'm sure you realise that if you interfere with the drive or the electrics, you'll invalidate the warranty. CHRIS LEIGH

I'll see if we've still got one with a full mechanism (a lot of the painted samples are unmotored) and if it's Ok to post a picture. I can't remember precisely enough to describe it, and I don't have either a copy of the magazine or a model here to check. However, I can tell you that there is very little space left inside for any extras. A DCC decoder will have to be of the direct-plug-in type (no wires)and there's room for that in the cab but nothing else. The motor lies horizontal inside the tank/bunker but the mechanism extends into the cab and is largely hidden by the cab doors. CHRIS LEIGH

The CAD images showed the mechanical arrangement - they should be on the original link, I think. CHRIS LEIGH

My understanding was that Colnbrook was brought in to use after the Langley fire (both depots feed into a pipeline to Heathrow)but primarily for 'emergency' use. It is precisely on the old station site and readily visible from what was the level crossing on the Old Bath Road. Last time I saw it, the motive power was a Class 60 and the train was from Milford Haven. Chris Leigh

The Cory depot at Staines West had two 'last oil trains' - one via Colnbrook and West Drayton circa 1981 (when the M25 construction severed the line and a new connection to the SR was put in)and the final last train via the 'new' connection to the SR Windsor lines about 10 years later. Trains of TTAs (bogie tanks were used for a time) carrying central heating oil were headed by Stratford Class 37s and 47s. The depot opened in 1964, shortly before the branch closed to passengers in 1965 (another case of one bit of BR not knowing what the other was doing!). The first train had a 61XX 2-6-2T, subsequently it was usually Hymeks, then Class 22s, although there is one recorded instance of a 'warship', one of a 'Western' and one of a Class 40 working through to Staines. The branch was GWR 'red' route restriction. I have photos taken throughout its career. CHRIS LEIGH

The plan was, initially, to do just the LNER-type Sentinels but the GWR one was added due to popular demand when we asked about which liveries people wanted. However, the spark arrester is a one-off and we can't tool up individual details for just one model. Also, we were unable to find any photographs which showed any GWR markings or logo, so we've done it plain green without lettering. Modellers who want a 'shirt-button' or GWR lettering can easily apply a decal. CHRIS LEIGH

We had to have them specially made up for the sample model that we sent out to China. CHRIS LEIGH

The present four in the first batch are: GWR No. 13, LNER No. 150, Early crest 68184 and late crest departmental No. 57. These were the top four choices on the reader survey which we conducted. There will be others - indeed there is a fifth livery variant among the samples we've received - but we will need to sell the first batches before we make firm decisions about what follows. CHRIS LEIGH

Painted samples arrived in the Model Rail office on Friday 18 March and they look good. Advance orders will be taken on the new Model Rail shop phone number from Monday 21 March. Delivery is expected during the summer. CHRIS LEIGH