The Nth Degree

Good point! I have no idea. First for the UK I think, but not sure about worldwide.

The first batch of new transfers went out in todays post and will be with those lucky few shortly. Tomorrow I'm going to be sending all overseas transfers out, so if you're in Australia, Canada, USA and Germany you'll also be getting your transfers shortly. If you had bought your model through Amberly Services he has his own batch of transfers to send out, but from all other retailers you can contact me direct through sales@littleloco.co.uk

Small update on the transfers, unfortunately they didn't make the post today so I won't have them with me tomorrow after all. I'll start sending them out next week after they arrive. Sorry about that.

Good news! They should be arriving in the post today. I won't have time to post them as I'm busy prepping for the ALSRM show in Reading tomorrow, but if you're going I will have them with me. Just come to the stand and ask. I have a new insert for the manual too. If you're not able to make it I will post them Monday. I will eventually contact everyone, but if you'd like to jump the queue please email me with your name and address on sales@littleloco.co.uk and I'll make yours a priority for Monday's post run. Later tomorrow I will have a few special edition models delivered - fully decorated Liverpool Street pilot models with SYP. These are an additional £25 over standard prices. Eventually all versions of the LSP will be produced as special editions, so if you'd like to reserve one in advance please use the email address above. I have approx half a dozen CPS limited editions left. Once these are gone I can make the final £5,000 donation to the C15PS. Please use the website for ordering these, but I will have a few with me tomorrow. Thanks all for your continued support, I really appreciate it. If you read BRM you'll find a very brief history of LLC at the back. In addition to that an East Anglian newspaper group has been following the story of LLC and I'm now writing a more fuller article for them to appear in a couple weeks or so. I'll keep you posted. Likewise, when there is significant news to tell on the various projects we have underway you'll hear it here. Steve

Apologies, the show I referred to: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/calendar/event/1790-scale7-east-anglian-area-group-get-together/

Thanks for all your interest in all of LLCs projects. A few small updates follows. If you're in Hertfordshire tomorrow Little Loco will be at the Albury S7 show (details below) with a limited amount of stock for sale and free chinwags with yours truly. The superb layout Love Lane will be the centre attraction, so if you like finely observed details, this is not to be missed! The Class 50 is progressing. To avoid any sort of inter-manufacturer tangles I'm not going to say any more than that... Our anticipated Type 2 also continues, and fortunately the advanced systems developed for this model will be adopted and/or adapted for the C50. Both of these models will be state of the art in terms of embedded technology. The Rustons are in the factory and have been 'virtually tooled' to check for errors and fit before the actual tooling is complete. This potentially saves a lot of money adjusting tooling after the first mouldings come out of it, and saves the time required to correct those errors. I'd like to show you the level of technology we had to squeeze into this model to produce something that LLC would be proud to offer for sale, and to give you some insight into what is to come for future models. To begin with, we wanted as close to a prototypical drive system as possible, i.e. a central drive shaft that in turn powers the axles. We really tried to produce a real chain to drive the axles, but it would either require a very over-sized chain or for it to be made from titanium. Neither was viable. The motor has been designed by LLC and the factory to produce plenty of torque at only 5000rpm, which requires a much smaller geartrain. As a back-up to these toothed gears we have a helical geartrain just in case, but we feel we should need it. Next, we had to design the electrical systems to take up as little space as possible while also being capable performers, and these had to be secured in place. The die-cast motor block is screwed to the substantial die-cast chassis (shown next), and working from front to back we have the following: The speaker is the latest technology flat panel design and utilises the radiator cowling as the sound chamber. This will produce bass frequencies well below 300Hz. For such a small model and speaker area this is quite impressive. Behind this sits the built-in capacitor board, which provides several seconds of uninterrupted power – essential for such a small wheelbase model. This operates on both DCC and DC by utilising a unique feature of ZIMO decoders. On top is a cut-down version of the all new LLC common interface board, which will feature on all our models, and as every model will be DCC you only have to choose sound or non-sound, and you are able to seamlessly upgrade at a later date with no additional wiring, soldering or hunting for a speaker that fits – everything is already there and pre-wired. To give you some idea on the size of the mechanical and electrical systems, all of this fits in a volume of only 4x3x2cm as seen on this image. Finally, with the cab attached you can begin to see the model in its final form. The design leaves the cab interior completely free of obstructions for you to add a driver, his newspaper and packed lunch. Inside the cab is the prototypical combined battery and toolbox. At only approx 8cm long I really don't think you can pack much more technology into something of this size and scale. Thanks, Steve

I think I'd prefer to call BrushType4's post an educated guess, and time will tell if it's an accurate one. Little Loco now designs and manufactures its products in the UK, and although costs are higher, our lead times are less than half that of a typical Chinese factory. There are other benefits too - if there's a problem that needs solving I drive 20 minutes to see what it is, not 20 hours on a flight. I can be there and back again within an hour, not the 3 days I would have to find otherwise. There's a good chance we can turn this around quickly. Everyone - and I really do mean everyone - involved with LLC is a railway modeller. From me to the owner of my factory. Every one of us wants to see a perfect model as the primary focus of our effort. The bottom line is at the bottom of our checklist, so there's a very good chance it will be good value. With this project, as with all of our projects, we have a great team all doing their part, large or small, and all of them are passionate about the end product. I've just spent an hour talking to my Asian electric motor factory (unfortunately I can't find a more local supplier) specifying a custom motor for the Class 50, and in about 20 minutes I'll be making another call to my speaker factory. Also working with us are Preservation groups and individual private owners of Class 50s, along with some very passionate helpers, so we are also pretty confident that it's going to be accurate. Thanks for your input. Steve

Hello Norman, I've had them for a couple weeks but finding the time to apply them is tricky. I've done most of one Loco and all seems OK. I just need to add more OHL warnings to the sheet. I actually sent you a message on RMWeb to see if you wanted to test them for me while I was working on other things, but I don't think you've seen it yet. I'll post the results as soon as you get finished, but the quality so far is very good.

Not in the slightest Paul.

Regarding crowdfunding, there are a few examples in smaller scales. This is the first 7mm scale model as far as I'm aware. Ultimately the proof is in the pudding - and we are baking a very big cake.

Looks like someone has been rooting through our bins late at night...

Yes, but only in books... I don't see a problem with it if we plan for it. It's way more conceivable than a Class 40, or a Peak, ahem.

At the very grave risk of annoying you and others further, I will try to keep this brief. I'll start by saying LLC didn't even have a Facebook group until exactly seven days ago, and I didn't start it either, but I am happy that I've got one. If this was purely a LLC product I personally wouldn't have chosen FB to advertise it, I would have chosen here and GOG to reach as many people as possible. Regardless of that, LLCs FB members and those of Modern Image Group ran a poll, which the Class 50 won, and then Scott put forward a crowdfunding idea on Friday. By Sunday all the allocated spots had been filled with intentions to contribute towards the venture, but no physical infrastructure had been put in place – and still hasn't yet. There was absolutely no time to put the proposition anywhere else. We are now in the process of asking those who contributed to the poll whether they definitely want to go ahead, but we are asking them first as they all started the idea. If we have spare spots we will widen the call out, and will include members of RMWeb and GOG. In my post where I mentioned the project I clearly stated the information was on Facebook. Little Loco's website is not an information point, it is merely a sales channel and was always intended that way. All updates to LLC products are announced here and on GOG by myself – which are themselves, by definition, social media channels. I find this direct communication with you much easier and more beneficial to us both – I am always here, I try to answer every question and I can't hide behind a firewall or switchboard if there's a problem. I now have a new channel, and one that I wasn't exactly expecting. There are many modellers who neither belong to here or GOG, so you could argue that I exclude those on Facebook and other channels by not having a presence there. Please remember, this invitation is only for funding the project, the final model will be available for a really good price, just like all of our models are priced. The feature set is unparalleled anywhere and will be one of the biggest models on the market at just under half a metre long, all for only £500. Nobody will miss out on anything, I assure you. Steve

Not necessarily. Everything up until now has been a verbal intent, so until we set up the reservation structure no models have physically been allocated to a person. There is definitely still time to join Facebook and enrol in one of the two groups organising this venture - links above. Only 200 models will be available for earlybirds for only £360. For a model almost half a metre long, packed with standard features, even the full retail price is nothing short of a bargain. Steve

Hello Richie, I'm very sorry you feel that way. Allow me to explain in more detail. Firstly, this project is a joint venture, so is not solely a LLC project. On Friday an idea was born on FB and by Sunday just about the whole limited allotment had been pre-allocated - it was that fast. If, when we firm up those intentions, there turns out to be spare models available we will obviously widen it out, but it would be unfair of us to take away models from those who contributed and supported the idea from the beginning. Stay tuned, you never know what could happen. Steve

The Class 50 crowdfunding project is a social media exclusive at the moment, but we may widen it out a little later. The models will also be available for retail sale from my current stockists. Retail prices at the moment are £500 for non-sound and £600 for sound, but if possible we will try to reduce it. The models will be made in the UK. All models will be DCC (but will run on DC), all will include built-in speakers with subwoofer, and all will include a capacitor bank. Both original and refurbished models will be produced in all in-service liveries. Limited edition fully decorated late NSE models will also be available from a selected retailer – these will be named and numbered. Thanks, Steve

Hello all, several bits of new to catch up on. Firstly, Railtec have delivered the sample set of the transfers. They look very neatly done and high quality. I will have to write an application guide to go with them as the layout is compact, rather than in the positional way of the original set. I hope to get this done this week. For those of you so inclined, Little Loco has a Facebook page! A kind soul set it up for me, as I wouldn't have much of an idea, but I'm getting my head around it. I hope to be able to offer some exclusives now an again. First up will be fully decorated special edition D8234 LSP in 3 liveries. This will be very restricted in supply, so if you are interested please drop me an email at sales@littleloco.co.uk Finally, and possibly the biggest news, we are offering a crowdfunded model of the BR Class 50, a minor hero of the Western and South Eastern regions during the 80s. Full details are on the Facebook pages of LLC and Scott Bostock's Modern Image O Gauge Modellers group, links below: www.facebook.com/groups/1864404633848334/ www.facebook.com/groups/444710745629216/ Steve

I can't say at the moment, unfortunately. There are several individuals and one organisation to pass this through as yet, to make sure our models are the very best and most accurate they can be. I would hazard a guess sometime over summer. Apologies for being a bit vague.

Hello Tony, yes the Rustons will be available with S7 wheels. 50 models will produced for exactly the same price as the O gauge models. Steve

Hello CME, the Rustons will be out late June / early July. The factory and I have developed a very good scheduling and approval system that no Chinese factory can complete with, both in quality and timing. I am a stickler for detail and planning, so I don't expect any delays, but if there are any it will be by other suppliers - motors, electrical components or engineering supplies. Thankfully, one particular organisation has no power to influence Little Loco's production any longer as we don't now share the same production facilities. The delay caused by outside interference caused quite a lot of problems for us, and to say that I didn't appreciate that would be a significant understatement. Regarding other manufacturer's announcements, I have not heard anything. I was cycling with my son yesterday and in Kent today, so anything that has happened this weekend I'm blissfully unaware of. Regardless, Little Loco will produce variations of the LNER and BR brake van. Whatever any other manufacturer does is totally their call. Kind regards Steve

My best mpg performance was 94mpg at a constant 50mph. I've lowered my Golf estate by 5cm, fitted smaller mirrors, overinflate my tyres to 40-45psi and service regularly with synthetic oils and grease. I have a calibrated ScanGaugeII to monitor my driving, which reads the throttle position sensor, among many other things, through the OBD port. Typical driving at 65mph+ will get approx 70mpg+, depending on ambient temp and traffic conditions.

I think they are imminent Andy. I saw a layout of the sheet yesterday, so I'm guessing it's just printing and sending. I don't want to say anything public until I have them ready to send. Steve

Thanks for the question. The first issues will be in Ruston Green with appropriate lining for each cab type, but because we're fairly dynamic I'm open to other popular livery suggestions. One strong contender will be a black version of the closed cab. I'll also take this opportunity to thank my research team, and a very special mention to David Hall, who literally wrote the book on these locos. Because of the vigorous checking and amending this is a much finer-detailed and accurate model because them. Steve

Hello Michael, hope your dad's well. Any sign of the Derby Lightweight kit yet? I may be able to pop over to the club this Sunday, but is childcare dependant. Steve

On Wednesday the Ruston CAD was submitted to the factory. Somebody start the stopwatch! In China, it took over a year from this stage to reach model delivery, so let's see what the UK does in comparison. My money's on late June/early July – this year... I'm extremely proud of what we (Nikki Wilkes, Paul Chetter and myself) have achieved under the bonnet – literally – on the Rustons. As I'm sure you're aware there is precious little space to hide everything away on a 48DS – a large open cab leaves only a very small and narrow bonnet to put everything, and by everything I mean a motor and gearbox, the decoder, adapter board, speaker and capacitor bank, not to mention a prototypical drive system, on ours by toothed belt rather than chains. My only nagging doubt is the size of the teeth on the gears. Proportionately, they are quite big, but in a test rig there was no sign of 'cogging' or stepping (which was my worry), despite the size of the teeth, so to avoid all possible or potential problems we are creating a second test set of helical-cut gears to test alongside the traditionally toothed set. The best performing set will be chosen for the final model. I've had a few queries on specification of the models, particularly, despite all models being DCC, will they run on DC. The answer is, absolutely! You can even have rudimentary sound on DC if you choose the sound-equipped version. The reason all models will be DCC is that, being such a small wheelbase model, any irregularities in track could cause an interruption in current collection, and therefore a stall. To solve this, we have added a capacitor bank which, through only ZIMO decoders, is available to use on DC as well as DCC. So, despite dead frogs, overly-undulating track, or simply dirty trackwork, the Rustons will power through until they find current again. The factory is enthusiastic to start and I'm really excited to see it being made only 10 miles away from where I live – not only that, but in an historic wagon works building (the building was the ironworks and originally had installed a huge furnace and still has four-brick thick walls!). With only three people on the team, I think we've created something really special and at a price point that is unbeatable. Where else can you buy an O gauge model locomotive, produced in the UK with DCC decoder, capacitor bank and sound-capable for only £225? And with full sound for less than £300? Plus, and let's not forget, a healthy donation to Lincolnshire County Council's Lincsstothepast program, which is archiving and digitising the entire Ruston Works design archive for freely-available public use. The next model is already on the drawing board and will be announced at a later date. Again, we are teaming up with a charity and good base of experts to produce another highly detailed, good value model with unbeatable specification. We will also introduce what will become our common digital interface, which will feature on all loco models from then on. I'm hoping to also introduce this board as a stand-alone unit that kit builders can purchase to convert their DC models into easily-adaptable DCC models with very little additional work. Finally, with plenty of space in the next model, I'm concentrating on top quality sound performance, and have already started designing the subwoofer... Steve