Perchpole

The latest version of the operating manual is now available on the web site. Click the image to download.

Couldn't agree more - but let's not forget that it's about to set a new benchmark in RTR EM and P4 gauge too. I may be wrong but I don't think there has ever been an "off-the-shelf" EM or P4 loco produced before. This release breaks so much new ground.

SLW have posted a new "Features" page... http://sulzertype2.co.uk/page.php?p=features

John Have you ever thought that perhaps SLW/RE want to do things differently? For years we've all had to twiddle our thumbs as one manufacturer after another promises the earth and then takes an age to deliver it. The hobby is stagnating with anticipation. Then along comes SLW with a new approach. "Hello, we've made this..." Ta-dah! The product speaks for itself. Why would you spend a fortune on advertising and give away free samples when the only recommendation you really need is from the people who open the box? We live in a new age; a largely Internet-driven age. The hobby needs more SLWs. More fresh ideas and less stagnation.

On what level has this been "badly handled"?! New manufacturer releases previously unannounced locos. Doesn't involve the press or any of the usual media outlets in the release but instead allows the quality of the product to speak for itself. Gives previous loyal customers first dibs and (once their orders are clear) allows everyone else an opportunity to pile in. You think this is badly handled?

You will only receive an error/security warning if you attempt to access the site via https://www.sulzertype2.com. For some reason this was given out as the address of the new website but it is incorrect. You are effectively trying to enter the site through a door that does not exist - hence the warning!

The contact info on the SLW website has just been updated: http://www.sulzertype2.com :0) Perch

Hi, Andy - Rail Exclusives engaged my company to build their first website some years ago - but that's all. I obviously know Philip Sutton and I'm aware of how much effort he puts into his projects. He's certainly working hard to raise the standards for the community.

Hi, Andy - Not at all. I certainly don't have a vested interest - nor am I aware of any impending legal proceedings. That said, I do feel companies such as Rail Exclusives deserve credit for standing firm when the odds are stacked against them. A victory for David against Goliath in this case.

The next time you pre-order an item, just remember that the company who commissioned the model has zero control over anything. Both them and you are entirely at the whim of the manufacturer. If the manufacturer decides to delay the project, what are you going to do? If the manufacturer decides to sit on the project, or maybe go and do something more lucrative, what are you going to do? The only thing you can do is cancel the project - but when that happens, the manufacturer might demand a cancellation fee. Sound unfair? Best let a judge decide.

When you're sitting on a big pile of your client's cash it pays dividends - quite literally - to hang on to it before you're told to give it back.

Given the circumstances I think that highly unlikely.

I received my couplers on Friday and generally I'm very impressed with how they work. My only concern is the springs. These do appear to pop out quite easilly and whilst they can be refitted the fine metal can become "kinked" in the process. I think each pack of couplers should include some spare springs.