rembrow

I think one of the problems is that the roof edge on the CADs doesn't seem to start dropping early enough. This affects the top of the double doors, but also the last passenger window at the other end. From photos, both the top of the double doors and the final passenger window at the other end, have a significant slope towards the cab, which leads to the top windows of the passenger window also being slopped to enable them to open. This leads to the fixed lower window glass having a sloping top edge but a straight bottom edge, to be in line with the bottom edge of the other passenger windows. While the CAD showing the other end with the passenger windows is not straight on, it appears to show that final window as rectangular.

Andy, yes I agree about Bachmann's intentions, however they would have had less dissatisfied customers if they had sorted out those that were OK and allocated them to retailers, to help mollify some of those who had pre-ordered 3 years ago. I don't share your optimism about the time it will take to be corrected, as one affected by the production faulty Modified Halls, still waiting 18 months later. I suspect it will be this time next year for the corrected Portholes to arrive, but we'll see and I keep telling myself 'it's only a hobby'

Mind you, the balloons at the corridor ends, if helium filled, may lift the coach enough to solve the low buffer height issue - quick get them out of that container !!!!

Just been into my local model shop and they'd had a delivery from Bachmann of both the LMS and BR maroon liveried inspection saloons. The frothing is nearly over. The BR Maroon looks superb, but I haven't got mine out of the box yet. Edit: to confirm one of the released versions is in BR Maroon

Just received this weeks Kernow newsletter and their is an update on the D600 project. The photos posted on Facebook show the master model being packed in Cambourne; unpacked in Hong Kong; and as a completed model in Hong Kong. The model is in Hong Kong for CAD design work, so is more advanced than I thought in the previous post. There is nothing stated about whether Kernow are using DJ Models, or working direct with the designers in HK. It is however a big step forward. Well done Kernow. Edit. Interesting, just noticed this thread is no longer linked to Kernow Models via the shops link, but is linked to the DJ Models threads, does that indicate the source of production, although no statement yet from Kernow.

Appears to be the 1/32 scale master model, being produced by Fred Phipps for Kernow, as a joint project. Fred was producing the kit for the 1/32 scale market, and Kernow needed a master model from the drawings they had obtained. They were awaiting the chassis components at their last update, which seem to now be in place. I'm assuming the model will now move to scanning/CAD artwork stage to convert it to 'oo' gauge. This is a model that does not have a production contract in place yet (with the Bulleid diesels), but I'm assuming Kernow will negotiate with DJ Models, as they have for the other rtr projects.

Very unfortunate, as the full six coaches in the range had already been delayed an additional year by a manufacturing fault identified at the first attempted production run in July 2013. The problem with returning product to the factory in China, is that its likely the factory won't attend to the issue immediately, if it involves further models being produced, so they will wait for a new production slot. Bachmann say that the problem is a decoration issue that affects a percentage of the stock received, that indicates that some are OK. It might have been better to check the items in the UK and separate those that are OK which could be allocated to retailers to partly satisfy the pre-order market (those of us who ordered them 3 years ago). Bachmann do have labour to do this as when they get a large delivery, they call in their regional reps to help with the stock unpacking.

Dave I don't think it has been posted before, can you tell us what the tipping point is with the ordered numbers that would allow the project to start, and will you give us weekly milestone updates so we can see progress, as I'm wary of having this programme open for an indefinite period with no stated goal.

The 57ft third brake does have a different side outline to the other 57ft porthole coaches, but that shouldn't affect the inner clear plastic wrapper. I'm wondering if a proportion of the boxes were damaged in transit as Bachmann has been showing this model as 'in stock' on their website for several weeks. It was due to be received and released with the 60ft first brakes, which came out about 3 weeks ago, so I'm wondering if they are in the UK but with damaged packaging.

Dave Brilliant news, have ordered the 2 BR (Southern) green liveried versions. Let's hope it's a success as this is a new method of customer participation and you deserve credit for organising this crowd sourcing project. Can't wait to get mine, now when will that be !!!!

This thread has already been locked recently, due to postings drifting into questions about Hornby's changing delivery timetable and suggestions around why that might be, so we need to be careful not to drift into that area again. Hornby are unlikely to provide detail about what has caused the delay, as that is not their way, whether we like it or not. They are not the only manufacturer who operates in that way, last year Bachmann suddenly dropped the 6 Stanier Porthole coaches from their delivery schedule, a month before the date they had advertised, with no explanation to retailers or end buyers and it has been a further year for them to appear. The model companies do not like having to send out bad news, so they tend to avoid it, leaving everyone in the dark. I think to suggest that the delay is linked to any financial or impropriety based cause is totally unreasonable and without any evidence to support those arguments. If you look at Hornby's recent work on new models, you will see that they have got 5 new models from the 2014 catalogue to artwork stage (K1, D16, Drummond 700, 2 HAL and Crosti 9F), that means that the most expensive part of those models, the new tooling, has been completed. That indicates to me financial viability and a desire to get new products to the marketplace. We don't know what has caused the delay to the P2 and we probably won't find out, so wouldn't it be better to accept it and avoid keep trying to undermine Hornby. Remember they are a PLC and such suggestions can cause concern to the share price.

Last year I found that Rails were selling an R2420 on ebay. the photos showed the cab ends (both) had splits from base to cab at both ends, which were clearly shown and described, but there was no info about the likely cause and the potential problems with the chassis. I e-mailed them via ebay messages and pointed out that the chassis most likely had 'Mazak rot', however they responded that there was no indication of a problem with the chassis. They did not post the e-mail correspondence so potential buyers were unaware of the issue and the model sold. Nuff said!!

I've just had a very quick response from Bachmann customer services to my query and they have advised that the Bachmann website is incorrect in showing Swithland Hall and Foremarke Hall as 'received in last 30 days' and 'In Stock'. They will arrange for the website to be amended. The correct position is as we heard at the recent Bachmann 2014 update, the Modified Hall is currently in artwork stage and once agreed will move forward to a production slot, which is expected to be in 2015. As far as the development of these models goes, once Bachmann made a decision to retool the bodies, having had the problem with the Hall and Modified Hall models being produced with some incorrect parts, they presumably didn't have to tool a new chassis, as the recalled models (Swithland Hall and Foremarke Hall) were produced with a new chassis, so I'm assuming the new tooling is for the loco bodies. The tenders were already retooled for the unmodified Hall in 'Blue Riband' format when that was released about 6-8 years ago, so it may not be a significant tooling issue. I believe what has taken time is the company making a decision as to how to correct the original production faults, and late last year I was told by a Bachmann rep that they were going to run off new loco bodies from the original tooling and fit these to the returned chassis. Since then Bachmann appear to have decided to retool the Modified Hall body as I understand it, which I think is the first of the old model upgrades that they have decided to produce newly tooled bodies for.

Re 'Tigger's' issue of the Kadee coupler height, it may be that similar to the Porthole coaches, the buffer height is too low, meaning the body is too low compared to other stock. As the coupler is linked to the body rather than the bogie, it will affect its height as well. 'Coachman' came up with a solution for the Porthole coaches, which is to insert a 2mm plasticard insert between the bogie and the body at the bogie rotation point. I've used it for all my Porthole coaches and it brings them to the same buffer height as other Bachmann stock and much closer to Hornby coach buffer height. It may be worth checking the buffer height. Details of the adaption are in the Bachmann Porthole Coach thread with photos.

Mike (The Stationmaster), my post 160 covers the query you've raised, the Bachmann rep visiting my local shop on Thursday advised that they were not in stock and unlikely to be until end 2014 or 2015, and the website was incorrect. I'll post any response I get from Bachmann which will hopefully resolve the confusion. Bear in mind the other point I made, the rep advised that retailers will not get automatic replacements for the returned Modified Halls of 15 months ago, they will have to re-order

I've sent an e-mail query to Bachmann concerning the re-release of Modified Halls, Swithland Hall and Foremarke Hall, as these are showing on the 'Received in the last 30 days' list, which was corrected in the last couple of days to remove the whole product list that it was previously showing and seems to now reflect products recently received. They are also showing as 'In Stock' in the general steam loco 'oo' gauge list on their website. However my retailer has checked with his Bachmann rep who advised that they were not in stock yet and would be late this year or next year. So I've sought clarification. I'm glad I checked, as my retailer established that there was no automatic stock replacement for my 'recalled' Swithland Hall and he would have to re-order.

Thanks 'toboldlygo' for linking the Hornby service sheet, I had signed off to have some lunch so didn't see 'TTAMTWASOOC's' request.

The Class 700 Hornby Service Sheet is now on line and does show some technical improvements compared to Duke of Gloucester and P2, in that there are pick ups on all tender wheels, with the DCC connector in the tender. This is the same with the forthcoming K1 as well. This is probably a happy consequence of having to fit the DCC connector in the tender due to lack of space in the loco body. It doesn't look as though the loco wheel set has bearings, another member thought the K1 service sheet showed bearings on the main loco wheels, but there is no evidence on the 700 sheet. Still it looks like some improvements, keep our fingers crossed.

Adams442, posted the CAD on the DJ Models Tiger Clay thread and I agree that it looks like an LSWR Road Van. The clincher for me is that at least one operated on the Bodmin branches from the late thirties and one is currently at the Bluebell Railway, so ideal for a Kernow model. I had hoped that there might be more progress on the diesels (10201/02/03) before any new commissions were started.

It looks like a bumper delivery for me tomorrow. As expected my BG is sat in the Royal Mail Warrington hub on a 2day tracked delivery, however today Hattons packed a green livery Bachmann Class 101 DMU on a next day Royal Mail delivery. My poor postie tomorrow, and he's one of those who carries parcels on his bike. Hope I don't have an H&S incident, especially when my rescue sheepdog gets to the front door before me. My wife knows about the BG as it was ordered as my 60th birthday present nearly 3 years ago, but she doesn't know about the 101, luckily she's on early shift at the local Co-op tomorrow morning!!!!. Can I be granted forgiveness or is a frying pan around the head the only option??

Interesting, I may be way off but it looks like a LSWR Road Van, built from 1898. Reason I say this is that I can discern from what can be seen on one side is a single end verandah handrails and a set of midway double doors, which typify this type of brake van. What makes this a possible is that one served on the Bodmin to Padstow branch from the late 30s and is preserved on the Bluebell Railway. Some of these vans lasted into the 60's so there are many livery options. Hope it is one of these.

Well according to H mine is packed and with Royal Mail tracked 2 day, which means it will be picked up by RM this evening and lie all day in the cold at the Warrington hub and then overnight on Friday/Saturday will be driven over the Pennines before descending into the flatter tranquil landscape of East Anglia. On Saturday morning my local postie will ring my bell at about 0830 BST and wait patiently while my rescue sheepdog collie throws himself at the door (he doesn't like posties), once my dog is safely away I will welcome the Garratt into chez nous (I thought a touch of French would be appropriate for Monjac). Now am I dreaming too much!!! in which case pass the pills Bob

This is good news and according to the Kernow advert they have extended the models being offered to cover the Tiphook blue livery as well as the Tiger Rail white livery, thus the new Tiphook JIAs with the ribbed lower sides will complement the existing curved side JIAs in blue or weathered finishes as well as the Tiger Rail PBAs in white and weathered finishes. Pre-ordering is now available again

Dave Are you going to start a thread for the Kernow Models commissioned Tiger Rail Clay Hoppers, as Kernow have now posted on their Facebook page that DJ Models has been commissioned to produce this model and that within 2 weeks the first CAD images have been produced. You have been busy, what with the recent DJ Models announcement of new models as well.

Just had an e-mail from Hattons that they have processed my pre order for Heljan 266208, BR heavily weathered - brilliant news. This was originally going to be a present to me from my wife for my 60th birthday, and it will hopefully arrive before I get to 62. Bob and Rob its nearly here!!!!