andyram

In terms of the Santa set, they were being dumped in every Hornby outlet I frequented and in exceedingly large numbers. As regards the play value train sets. These could be steam as most children seem to enjoy these. As an alternative you could look at a Railroad 08 with some of the wagons I described earlier or the car / stone loading equipment.

The point I was making was the Santa sets are quite specialist and did not seem to sell well the first time around so why re-release in almost the same format. Might have been better to at least change the livery slightly. Was not sure these would sell well this time around. As this was a point about Hornby sales I hardly think the point can be called "tangential and diversionary". Continuing the point I think Hornby need both markets. The train sets, available all year around, will provide the starter for many with the biggest proportion selling at Christmas. This may be the reason for persisting with the Christmas set and, if the top five sellers are to be believed, they seem to be selling well. But what happens after the festive period? No one will play with a Santa set in February. Hornby may hope that will encourage people to buy something else soon after. But chances are they will get put in a box and forgotten about. Surely better marketing to produce a more play orientated train set that could be used all year around? Maybe they could deploy the old car loading ramp, the stone loader / unloaded etc. I would also question the release of gimic items such as the Fathers Day wagons. Who really buys this rubbish? The only ones that seem to sell are the Christmas wagons which has become collectable. For me: Hornby's range should include a play based train set for the younger market. The Railroad range should continue to include the cheaper old toolings. Maybe these could be supported by some wagons in recognisable liveries for children, carrying brands they would know (Coca Cola, McDonalds, Toys R Us etc). The more serious modelling range needs to continue as that is surely their main income through the rest of the year. Of course they need to seriously repair their relationship with local outlets to allow them to maximise their income.

Right now I am celebrating the departure of a brussel sprout manager. Ugly, pointless, hated by many and leaves behind a bad smell.

Great pics again Andy. I also like that Small Prairie. Sadly I missed the G.C gala.

This must mean that Andy's next plan is for a 00 gauge bakery or tearoom. It might just satisfy the boys before the next meeting of the Pencarne preservation group.

This is not pantomime season.

One of the members was disappointed by the choice of motive power for the train. Should the preservation scheme take off - steam will definitely be the order of the day.

There is a meeting of the Pencarne preservation society in the Masons Arms tonight.

Excellent to see others in a happy mood.

I must admit I did not go to the event either - but I am not one for big crowds either. Nor will I go to the end of season gala. I will be there on a normal operating day during the October half term because I enjoy the railway like that. But credit to them for seemingly handling a large and different event very well.

Such is the diverse interest in the hobby there is a need for all kinds of events. If the SVR made a load of money from Pacific Power then it was a worthwhile event. After all preserved railways need any money they can get. In fact the end of season gala is an extra event as a replacement for the usual Autumn gala. If they get a good return from that event too then 2016 will prove to be a profitable year. It may help to build up a war chest in the bank account for future repairs or developments. Every penny helps keep our railways running.

Draw an acceptable result. Shame we couldn't hold on for a few more minutes. But 4 points and 3 goals in two games since the obnoxious one was sent packing is still a significant up turn in form.

No. Had no choice to let him go. Poor results, obnoxious man. Once you lose the players and physically attack the chairman (allegedly) you are gone!

Nigel who?????

Right now I do not care about England manager's job. Cardiff City 0 Derby County 2 Two goals in a game. More shots on target than in any other game this season, playing the system that Pearson refused to play despite it serving us well for several seasons. A system that suited the current squad. Both goals scored by players who were low on confidence and form. Co-incidence? Not a chance. The final act should be for the chairman to sign that P45 for an arrogant, obnoxious, clueless individual who had derailed our club by ignoring what was staring him in the face. Taxi for Nigel Pearson. Do not darken our doors ever again. I was right about you all along. A large glass of scotch raised in celebration tonight. Now #### off

This particular supporter is delighted. Did not want him in May, been wanting him gone since then. I am hoping the players can prove a point with a resounding win tonight to hasten the writing of his P45. I will volunteer to drive him away from the ground to anywhere he would like to go. There was other issues with Clement's sacking. Hopefully we will get it right next time.

Just received a letter from the Yorkshire branch of the preservation society. They have heard about the total raised so far and reckon we are only £6.73 away from target.

Great photographs again Andy. In other news...I tried to book the snug at the Masons Arms for a save Pencarne meeting unfortunately there is a Bridge match taking place whilst the pool team is using the bar. Can't believe the pub is so busy!

Don't know what has happened to leopard

I understand your point, but think you have missed the point I was making. The number of unsold Christmas sets two years ago made me question the reissue of more or less the same set.

I question these Christmas train sets. Two years ago the set first appeared for £75. I purchased one, using my club discount from an out of town retail outlet. I set it up as an under Christmas tree decoration. For the following 12 months the set was then listed as sold out on the website, but many local retailers had significant stock and were dumping them in the sale for £40-£50. The set has now been rebranded. It has the same loco, truck and van but has less track (a circle instead of starter oval). It now retails around the £50 mark. I am surprised it appears to have sold so well. I would have thought, considering how its predecessor spent most of its time as a sale item, that most people who wanted one would already have the previous set.

It feels like Dr Beeching is encroaching onto Pencarne. I reckon the local residents should start a protest group to save it. I feel a meeting in the snug at the Masons Arms coming.

You know. There is nothing wrong with Derby County Old Boys Fc aka Burton Albion

The top five sellers posts have been happening for sometime through the social media outlets. It regularly appears via Facebook and Twitter. I cannot remember if I have received it via email before as it usually crops up via my alerts anyway.

You are correct.