I don't see many whitemetal kits in 7mm scale. It's a decent enough material if the kit manufacturer is skilled and the moulds are new, but frequently the quality and durability is poor. It won't be long before 3D printing rules the roost.
The tax rules in Oz remain far more permissive than in the EU. Only a few UK model railway retailers are likely to reach the threshold for charging Australian GST at source, whilst the rest can ship orders up to A$1000 without GST being levied at the border.
An article by Paul Chetter in the Jan 2014 issue of Hornby Magazine detailed two ways to install sound in the Fowler. One requires some internal body mods; neither require chassis mods. PM me if you want a copy.
Hattons have just sent out an "Update Regarding International Orders" which says the following:
They have confirmed that they will shortly begin collecting 10% GST on orders to Australia.
Three issues with fitting detailing packs - 1) do they restrict the loco's ability to negotiate curves? 2) how fragile are they? 3) will the loco still fit in its packaging?
Presumably the wireless link is via bluetooth and not wi-fi. A pity, as a wi-fi interface would allow the use of other throttles, including mobile phones.
Details of a new DCC Concepts power booster/wireless control adapter for Powercab here
The system allows the Powercab to be used wirelessly (via bluetooth, presumably), but I'm a little surprised that there's no wi-fi interface.
I'm pondering how best to engrave bricks on my new laser. In 7mm, mortar courses are 0.25mm wide, which is several times the laser kerf. So what's the most efficient way to engrave them? Multiple passes? Using a fill?