The Nth Degree

There has been very little to report recently, so however much I'd like to keep this thread regularly updated there is not much to say. There is quite a backlog at the factory as it moves into a bigger site to accommodate the much larger demand on its services. It's interesting to note that a large majority of the 0 gauge RTR currently on the market and soon to be released are originating from this factory, as has been mentioned previously. Little Loco's is simply somewhere is a pretty big queue. The model is very slowly progressing through the chain. The steps are being worked on so that they are not fixed to the bogies, but are fixed to the running plate instead (which is what I wanted originally...). Some additional design work and subsequently some tooling amends are required to achieve this. Since my last post the most catastrophic referendum result for UK suppliers outsourcing offshore has occurred. I don't quite understand how a net purchaser would willingly devalue their currency in this way, pretty much guaranteeing almost every single commodity price would increase. But here we are. I'm not sure what I, or anyone else, can do to hedge against the inevitable price rises, but as I have already advertised the cost of the model, margins – and subsequent donations – are under threat. The only good news is that costs have not risen at all for the UK-produced model. In fact, UK production for many industries is now looking much more viable. I'm hoping that the time I'm spending putting together a UK supply chain will have much more value than originally thought. As alway, when there is a tangible update to give I will post it here. Steve

I've spent an evening thinking about the step problem and I will chat to the manufacturer after the weekend to see what solution can be implemented. Some parts are going to be etched anyway – the shed and builders plates, etc – so it wouldn't be much of a stretch to get the steps etched and fixed to the running plate, but modified in such a way that allows set-track radius curves to be negotiated. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, I've had some messages already from the contact page on the website. I'm very open to suggestions, and this is definitely the time to air them. Steve

I don't disagree with you in principle, it would be a perfectly accurate solution, but due to the materials involved this was not an option. I'll try to explain. The running plate is die-cast, which in thicknesses required to accurately reproduce the steps would have been too fragile. To strengthen the supports for the steps would have further reduced the available rotation of the bogie. The 6' radius was indeed something I had to bare in mind (and also the new set-track available from PECO), but it would not have been possible with the materials used in this model. As it is, the model now has an expected radius of approx 3'. Almost every single non-display scale replica produced to date from any manufacturer has some compromises to some degree or another, and this is no different. It is very possible that I or another organisation could introduce an upgrade to reproduce the steps more prototypically in a material other than those used in this model. I'll keep you updated.

Progress has been slow, but steady over the last few weeks, but tool testing has begun. I've attached some pictures I've received to show that something is actually happening (I do sometimes question myself!). The one major alteration to the tooling so far is on the bogies; due to severe restrictions in the available turning circle if the steps were included on the running plate they have had to be placed on the bogie sides (otherwise the turning circle would have been over 6') and the design to fix them in place is unacceptable at the moment, so these are being redesigned and retooled. You will easily be able to make out the large reinforcing strut behind the steps on the bogie picture – it's this part which is being eliminated to represent much more accurate steps. Later in the week I should receive the fully completed model pictures with all the smaller detail parts attached.

I've always loved the simplicity of this layout, it's really lovely.

Anyone who reserves one can create an account to update or change your reservation at any time. It's through this account that I send the newsletter updates. Those people are the first to hear any news, but I later update this thread and update other media - my first obligation is with my customers, of course. Anyone who has reserved a model but have not created an account can do so at any time.

You're correct. Weight and axle compensation/springing will be key to the success of any short wheelbase model. In addition, some form of mechanical or electrical flywheel-equivalent and nothing less than excellent electrical continuity are all absolutely necessary. My UK factory will be experimenting with some new high-density polymers to compare against traditional zinc alloys for weight comparisons. The model will also not use a worm gear so the geartrain will be very free-running to help it over potentially troublesome pointwork.

Thanks Dreadnought and all. I've just returned from a holiday so I'm catching up on where I left off in regards to current production and UK trials. I've received some initial test shots of the model so far, which included a couple fit issues. These are currently being addressed. I believe this model is the biggest or one of the biggest loco models this factory has produced in this style, so we are learning together as we go. New updated tooling will be completed as I write and new complete test shots will emerge early next week. In theory, a fully working prototype will emerge a couple weeks after this to be thoroughly bench tested mechanically, electrically and with DCC functions. In the UK work is progressing on the tiny 0-4-0 model. After a tour of production facilities a few weeks ago one very keen factory has been selected for the trial. We have agreed a schedule, which will mean this model will be ready for Christmas. I'm sourcing everything myself, and some parts – including the motor – are being custom made especially for this project. Only the motor and circuit board components are offshore products, everything else is British. As this loco was chain-driven, so will the model be. It proved impossible to source a chain small enough, so this too will be custom-designed. On Tuesday I'm also going to be briefing in the next large loco – as mentioned previously a Type 2 bogie loco. As my Chinese factory has even failed to quote for this model it will be produced in the UK also. Delivery is expected to be in March/April 2017. It will be marginally more expensive to produce, undoubtedly, but it will be backed by a British contract enforced by UK law. I think it's worth the extra cost. I am not, and I hope I don't sound xenophobic, but my company's reputation is worth more to me than saving a few quid. Feel free to post here, message me or get in contact through the website. Anyone who has done so already will know that I will get back to you pretty quickly. Steve

Nice plan Chris. I think a militarised Ruston 48DS with flameproof exhaust conditioner would look good trundling along those lines.

Have you started on the artwork yet Marcus?

It's all relative David, nobody's going to get hurt or lose anything valuable. All in good time.

Rich, firstly I didn't find anything you wrote to take offence from, so no worries. But, yes, I have been extremely busy. The next model using existing facilities is incredibly time-consuming to make sure I have covered all the detail differences during their working lifespan. A recognised expert on the class is helping out, and I will soon visit the NYMR for more help and some plans. I've also started the ball rolling on the 'experiment' loco that I'm producing in the UK. I have a list of parts and a shortlist of suppliers, and I can source everything here except for the motor. CAD is now underway. I dip in and make sure I'm not missing any messages, but this is mostly on my phone (like now), but I prefer to do this on my computer. If anyone has any questions, please fire away. I'm also open to constructive criticism, so please don't be shy!

That was an uncanny remark! You better prepare your letter to Santa.

Haha! Thanks Rich, much appreciated. The production run is quite big (I have a cunning plan later...) so there is plenty of unaccounted for stock remaining and there's no rush. The 'as-built' and the small yellow panel versions are head and shoulders above the others in terms of reservations. Heljan are producing the Class 25/1 at some point so I don't want to step on any toes there, so I'm looking at something a smidge earlier. The home-grown project – all being well – could be available by Christmas. A top quality British-built 0 gauge loco under the tree for about £150 is what I'm aiming for. There are one or two parts of the chain yet to fill/confirm, but they are at the tail end of the process, so I have a bit of time. And that isn't the most exciting thing – I'm going to... Hang on, someone in a suit wearing a Barclays badge has just turned up. Back in a bit.

Absolutely! My test tool worked a treat. I just have to scale it up.

Yes Jeff, thanks for asking. I'm up to and including the running plates (very intricate things they are!). I recently redrew the artwork for laser cutting to avoid cusps and provide a secure and consistent fit, but the experiment was not worth the effort in the end as so many of the pieces fold or have too much detail on them. My theory was to avoid filing and inaccurate etching by providing parts that are so accurate they lock together, you would then insert miniature bolts and rivets in place. In practice, the theory didn't work as it doubles the build time of the frames and I still had to provide etched parts that had to fold. I'll be back on them in a couple weeks once I get this busy period out of the way. Next I'll be working on the bonnets and radiator cowling.

A 'little' update. I know I should be all over this thread like a rash, but it's suddenly got very busy at Little Loco. Firstly the BTH Type 1. As I mentioned in passing a while ago, production delays have been unavoidable – I tried everything but nothing would budge. The delivery date is now August, instead of this month. To those of you h=who have reserved one and entered your email address, you will have had an email explaining this. That aside, in a couple weeks I should have the first tooling sample in my hands. This is essentially an empty shell just to test the tooling is accurate and the parts fit together as they should. A couple weeks after this the first working sample will be ready – all electrics will be fitted and thoroughly tested, including all DCC functions. Approx a month after this the first decorated samples will appear and then full production starts. Little Loco's next model is at the first stage. This time something slightly bigger – a Type 2 loco. There are so many variations to this type over its life that it's quite a lengthy process to plan it, but I'm determined to produce as many variations as feasibly possible but including many optional parts in the box to customise your model as you want it. Also, it will be nice to produce something that wasn't confined to the Eastern Region – they were literally everywhere, just like rats... In a totally new avenue, Little Loco is going to try to produce something entirely within the UK. The first 'experimental' model will be a tiny 0-4-0 industrial, something that I am personally fond of. Unlike Asian facilities, there is no one-stop producer who can die-cast, injection mould, source, assemble, print and pack a product in such limited quantities, so I'm sourcing suppliers and assemblers myself. The aim is to produce a complete UK designed, produced and assembled model for less than £150. I have no idea at this stage how close I'm going to get, but I'll give it a go. Steve

Steve, where was this announced - I can't find it anywhere

Sh*t, another one I have to cross off my production list...

I love to hear stories that bring ordinary objects to life - and make them part of our lives. Thank you for sharing. If you have any more history I would love to hear it - I'm sure the C15PS would too. Steve

Noted and very much appreciated. Thank you! Is your dad still with us? If so I'll see if I can arrange something special for him. Steve

Jazz, apologies for the slight detour, but have you built an L1 in your thread? When I search for previous builds your thread comes up, but I can't find the build anywhere. Thanks in advance, Steve.

I like your mod. I did the same to my J tanks. Not quite as neat as yours though

How's the S56 coming along Tom? I'm building three 7mm buckjumpers and spotted yours a while ago. All the of classes have a myriad of detail differences so it's really difficult to pin down any particular detail without multiple dated picture references. Steve

Don't worry, at least a couple NBLs are on my list, it's just they didn't make Model No.2 position. Perhaps No.3.