NHY 581

Paul, just re read the above. One thing, see the photo in my original post and your proposed amendment to remove the works plate. No so. Still in place, certainly in 1927 so in that respect, I'd leave it there. And wheels, should they be lined green ? Rob.

Fran, my apologies. Missed the above. Living proof that I cannot multi-task and read an e-mail. Thanks , Paul. Comprehensive as ever. I'm looking forward to the "revised" decorated samples. Only question is that of the buffers. In the image above taken at Battersea, they do look a tad tapered..... Rob.

I've just received the email regarding the decorated samples of the forthcoming P class and have a couple of questions relating to examples I have on order. First up is 325 in bells and whistles Wainwright livery. I have to say, this looks to be a different green, based on the images in the email. Now this may be the reproduction of the photo but it looks brighter and at odds with the earlier runs. The green should be darker. In addition, the lining seems to be missing the lighter green between the red and gold lining. I appreciate these are samples but it looks wrong to my eyes. Here's 178 from an earlier batch. Secondly, A556 in Southern lined green. I can't see any images of this in service with polished brass dome and safety valve thingy. Is this a preservation livery ? Here's an image taken from Klaus Marxs' The Wainwright P tanks ( Runpast Publishing ). F.R Hebron's image, as per caption, depicts 556 in 1927 at Battersea and this must be relatively soon after being painted in Southern Green as there's certainly a photo showing it still in SE&CR Grey in May 1926 at Redhill. I mention this as if these are errors, they can hopefully be corrected prior to production. Rob.

Sorry Tony, when I said vast majority, I meant in the context of those so inclined to purchase factory fitted sound locos. Rob

Sorry, that's not true. As an example, the Accurascale Class 37 is exceptional straight from the box. In addition, the recent Bachmann releases, such as their 9F and Austerity 2.8.0 are pretty good, as is their 94xx as is their Class 24/Class 25 on the subject of which, the Sutton Locomotive Works equivalents are again, exceptional. Rapido's locos are also well thought out with their Hunslet and 15xx, for all it's troubles, both make a nice noise. DCC is as hard as the individual makes it but these days, it is very easy to buy a decent RTR factory fitted sound loco and be satisfied with it. If however you feel compelled to tinker then carry on. It is after all a subjective subject but if you think you can do better, tinker away. Remember, things are improving all the time but to make such a sweeping statement regarding the poor state of factory fitted sound locos is wholly inaccurate and somewhat misleading especially for someone who may be considering moving into DCC Sound using RTR fitted models. They are more than good enough for the vast majority. Rob.

Thanks Will. Good to know and yes, your images correspond to "Type 1" as I call it. Your top image seems to be of the Neilson crane tank and that has the plate on the cab rear. Despite the angle, the text does appear to be high up within the panel which makes sense as this was not an Ashford built loco. Same with the A1, No.633. It built by Kitson so again, not an Ashford built loco so no "Ashford Works" beneath the SE&CR. Rob

That's interesting, Fulton. I approached Light Railway Stores some time ago regarding some plates to be informed they wouldn't be in a position to produce custom orders. I'm currently corresponding with another producer with a view to these being made. The colour scheme I have is white lettering on a Vermillion background. In conversation today with another SE&CR enthusiast, and pooling our respective research material, it does look like there are two types, which I designate as follows Type 1 plate. SE&CR lettering only as per Bachmann's RTR C class. Note this lettering should be slightly offset as in higher up on the plate for reasons that will become readily apparent as per below.. Type 2 plate. SE&CR lettering with TEXT beneath, NOT simply a line below the SE&CR as some have depicted. Text reads ASHFORD WORKS and the words are below the E and C respectively in caps. This style of plate was affixed to locos built at Ashford Works. If not built there, then the text below the SE&CR was not present and accounts for the SE&CR lettering being offset as per Type 1 above, leaving a gap courtesy of the vacant lettering. The third type seems to be the initial castings and has a more 'florid' type face which was peculiar to the E and C respectively. Pretty certain all these plates were cast metal possibly brass though given that they were introduced in the midst of WW1, would they have used brass given it's main use at the time was in the munitions industry....? Later maybe but happy to be corrected. Rob

Plus one for a D1. Excellent subject. Rob

Thanks Bill. I did have a look on your website. Rob

Sad times this morning at Chateau Sheep with the news that Dave Myers has lost his battle with Cancer. He and Si as The Hairy Bikers did so much good to promote two wheeled travel here and abroad and together they combined two great loves of mine, food and motorcycling. Never met him but he and Si became good friends to so many of us via their many adventures over the years. God bless you, Dave and may you now rest in peace.

Morning all, I'm trying to locate a clear image of the cast SE&CR plates fitted to the bunkers and cabsides of locos in the wartime/austerity grey livery and which were also seen on ex SE&CR locos in early Southern days. A line drawing/diagram or a clear image of perhaps a plate which has preserved would really help but to date I've failed to locate one. In particular, can anyone confirm what was below the SE&CR lettering ? Some, such as Hattons have a horizontal line beneath. Others have nothing. Also, I'm thinking white raised edge and lettering. Thoughts ? Rob.

What year ?

+1 for PVA. Woodland Scenics stuff also dries matt so no tell tail gloss edges to name plates etc. Rob

PM sent. Rob

Narrow planet will do a custom plate but just be patient. Rob.

Yes. It's usual for Bachmann to return bodies for exclusive editions to the commisioning retailer. Rob.

That's quite sweet.

Bachmann Spares department may also have stock. https://Bachmann-spares.co.uk/category/1-branchline-diesel-parts/class47 Rob

Understood.

No, I've not suggested buying at retail cost at any point. No need to manipulate my words. Rob.

Jumping back in here, I can see the points being raised by BBR as valid, tinged with frustration rather than confrontational. I have to say, despite assurances to the contrary, this does appear to be a bit of an off load to the retailer. Rob

Thanks for clarifying that. Rob.

I'm surprised that you've released this loco which clearly needs a bespoke decoder without ensuring that such a bespoke decoder is readily available to the customer, without a need for the customer to seemingly make their own arrangements to source and specify accordingly. Candidly, if other manufactuers can do it with their locos ( and at a very reasonable cost to the customer) why haven't you put such an arrangement in place for those purchasing your models, in this case, specifically the Class 56. With all the time and energy put into the development of this model, is it not only right and proper that every customer purchasing these models should be able to explore all the functionality that the model is capable of by having a bespoke decoder readily available to purchase ? Rob.

Many thanks, all. Understood. Somewhat surprised at this decoder issue but grateful for the clarity provided by other members. Rob

Sorry to sound dense, but for the avoidance of doubt are you saying that Cavalex have introduced their Class 56 and currently you cannot purchase an off the shelf decoder, fit it and then access all the inbuilt functions ? Rob