lee74clarke

12 hours ago, maico said:

 

That's right. I had one back in the 80s when they were winning world championships before going bust!

 

Restored ones like this fetch good money.

That is a a lovely looking motorcycle, and I think I've just got a whiff of two stroke fumes. Perfect.

I find these vehicle's interesting as well, 31A's version looks spot on to me. Now, i'm not going to show mine, as my 'standards' can be quite embarrassing !

But, i have two sets i've shodified, one of old Lima GUV's, which are of course completely wrong, length, style, etc, but easy to repaint and make transfers that fit between the windows.

The second set, is just as ramshackle, old Hornby Dublo Gresley coaches, with new bogies, roof and ends repainted and side overlays I printed to resemble the prototype. I made a rake of 10, and if I lower the light level and squint a bit, they're just about OK.

To be honest, I enjoyed throwing them together, more than seeing them on the track., but they run pretty well with an RTR A4.

On 13/11/2023 at 22:20, kelsh003 said:

 

Hi all,

 

Hope everyone is well.

 

I have an A2/3 in LNER green, Chamossaire, and an A2/2 in BR livery, Cock O The North.

 

Sadly, the lining on these engine tenders has begun to distort/rub off, despite my being very careful with every engine I buy, own, and run.

 

I have contacted Hornby who has nothing to offer in any form of spares for them, and I have tried other outlets and this is now a last resort.

 

So I wondered if anyone had a BR green early creat A2/2 tender, and/or an LNER apple green A2/3 tender they could potentially offer me, or know where I can get one?

 

The locos have also lost some lining on the running boards somehow, and I would love to replace the bodies of the engines too but I can cross that bridge when I get there. Equally though if anyone has a spare loco body/knows of a way to fix it or where to get a loco body, again let me know.

 

I always am so careful with my engines and these have been in a display cabinet for 3/4 of the time I've owned them. Disappointed that this has happened, as no other engine I have ever owned has suffered this unusual issue.

 

Many thanks to anyone who can help. 

 

Henry

Tender top posted today Henry

15 hours ago, kelsh003 said:

 

Hi all,

 

Hope everyone is well.

 

I have an A2/3 in LNER green, Chamossaire, and an A2/2 in BR livery, Cock O The North.

 

Sadly, the lining on these engine tenders has begun to distort/rub off, despite my being very careful with every engine I buy, own, and run.

 

I have contacted Hornby who has nothing to offer in any form of spares for them, and I have tried other outlets and this is now a last resort.

 

So I wondered if anyone had a BR green early creat A2/2 tender, and/or an LNER apple green A2/3 tender they could potentially offer me, or know where I can get one?

 

The locos have also lost some lining on the running boards somehow, and I would love to replace the bodies of the engines too but I can cross that bridge when I get there. Equally though if anyone has a spare loco body/knows of a way to fix it or where to get a loco body, again let me know.

 

I always am so careful with my engines and these have been in a display cabinet for 3/4 of the time I've owned them. Disappointed that this has happened, as no other engine I have ever owned has suffered this unusual issue.

 

Many thanks to anyone who can help. 

 

Henry

As Mick mentions, there was an LNER tender on e-bay last week, I've got it. However, I only wanted the chassis, PM me your address, and the tender top is yours. Can't help with the BR version though I'm afraid.

On 13/08/2023 at 15:30, Darius43 said:

Alas the top end of the outer track isn’t connected to anything yet as that part of the layout is yet to be built.  It will be going back up the inner track.  Both power cars are motorised, which should help.
 

The principle of inner down and outer up is the one that will be followed once the layout is complete.
 

Cheers

 

Darius

The full 14 car rake, does look impressive.

Am I right in thinking, that as standard, one power car is motorised, and one is unmotorised? Do Hornby make extra motorised power cars, or when I see footage of 2 motorised power cars, has the second been motorised by the owner?

14 cars a bit heavy for a single motorised power car, presumably?

Edited - I've probably found the answer myself (should look first, shouldn't I ?!) Looks like R30105 or R3948 may be spare motorized power cars?

Best Regards,

Lee

14 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

A couple or so more points regarding the 'Anglo-Scottish Car Carrier'............

 

Most of the prototype photographs I have of it show the southbound service, with the passenger accommodation at the rear (four Mk.1s, including a catering car). Does anyone know what these were, please (I don't have the relevant CWNs for the period)? Secondly, did they carry destination boards? 

 

Finally, if £200.00 is the price for a set of three of the Heljan models, what does a Southern Pride kit of one cost, please (if still available)?

 

Thanks in anticipation. 

Good Morning Tony

A quick search, and I found I asked you the same question on May 25th 2014! It was a BSO, FK, RU, and an FO.

Best Regards,

Lee

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Good morning Robert,

 

I believe one of the Blue Pullman sets was trialled on the ECML (as a possible substitute for loco-hauled Pullman cars?), but the notion was never taken up because (as you state) the maximum speed was only 90 mph, when the Deltics were going at least ten mph faster, and accelerating more quickly as well. 

 

I've had a shortened set running on Little Bytham..........

 

 

When the train pack was first released, and, believe it or not, running in DCC-mode.

 

 

It was very-attractively packaged.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Good Morning Tony,

I hope you are well? Think we've mentioned the Blue Pullman through Bytham on here before, the photo I have is dated October 1965, but seem to recall you saying the trees would suggest otherwise. 

I would have thought 6 cars would make it more comparable to The Master Cutler, than a 100mph Deltic hauled service? Did a Brush type 2 hauling six Pullman cars on the Master Cutler get anywhere near 100mph? I doubt it, think they were rated at 90mph, weren't they? Similar for an EE type 4? 

All irrelevant of course, but I always like a 'What if' scenario. 

3 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Continuing on with the discussion.........

 

I'm extremely fortunate in that Bytham's scenic-side trackwork was built/laid by the finest exponent of the craft in the land (or even the World?). 

 

 

 

Norman Solomon. 

 

Certainly, in the first of these two examples, I'd say it would be difficult to tell which gauge it was (it's fine scale OO, of course). 

 

Not everyone has the 'luxury' of having the master build the track (though it was part of a DVD series as well). 

 

Apart from a few adjustments, the trackwork seen above could equally well have been built in EM. But, when it came to the fiddle yard(s), imagine my having to make all the pointwork for this (there's no way I could afford for Norman to make over 90 copper-clad EM points!). 

 

 

 

 

 

I laid it all, but it's 'just' Peco Code 100 (for robustness and reliability).

 

In the wider view..................

 

 

I don't think the overall effect is that much different, whether it be OO or EM. 

 

Even in closer views...........

 

 

 

 

At track level, Norman's superlative track still looks well, even though it is only 'narrow gauge' (though the fast lines should be flat-bottom). 

 

The most important thing is the running - which has to be 'perfect'.

 

Speaking of perfect running.............

 

 

 

Back to Retford...............

 

I concede that in tight perspective, the wider (and more-accurate) gauge is apparent (as are the slightly-saggy baseboards), and I still wish I'd adopted EM all those years ago. (Both these locos, by the way, are RTR in their origins).

 

It's, as always, down to personal choice. As is well known, mine will be to always model an actual prototype, whatever the gauge.........

 

 

Good Afternoon Tony,

I trust you are well? I didn't reply to your B1 body request, although I have a spare, we're all packed up, waiting to move house. The plus side of that, is a very large garage, that I have already laid claim to. It will lend itself nicely, to a decent sized layout, which will just be standard OO gauge Peco track.

Whilst I follow these posts, for advice, tips & hints and such like, I don't kid myself that whatever I create, will be up to these standards. That's not to say I don't try to get things to the best standard I can, but everything has levels and I don't beat myself up if I can't match what I see on here. In terms of accuracy, I'm quite happy to run my old 1980's Hornby APT, with an A4 and the Tees Tyne Pullman. I might not even bother with a tail lamp ! Broad brush approach? More like a yard brush.

 I enjoy it though, and to me, that's the main thing. Speaking of A4's, I just went out to see 60007 on my lunch, running east out of Melton Mowbray, heading for Nene Valley I understand

11 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Soldering; black art or what?

 

I've demonstrated how I use solder for constructional purposes many times; at shows, tutorials and courses.

 

Now, here's a thought. I'll approach my local village hall committee and see what the rates are for hiring the hall for a couple of days. If it's feasible, I'll see if I can organise a soldering course over a weekend. Or, and this is off the top of my head right now, link it with BRM at Warners. 

 

Anyone potentially interested, please PM me. 

Good Morning Tony

I trust all is well? LB village hall cost is pretty reasonable to be fair, although I'm not sure what the weekend rate is. Parking is always the headache unfortunately, but there are ways around that.

I would certainly be interested, if it happens, please give me a shout and I'll help you set up.

Best Regards,

Lee

Surely, it's a scone when it's served to you, and it's scon when you've eaten it? Oh come on, it wasn't that bad..........................

16 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Many thanks for the interesting comments regarding lighting..........

 

The job is now complete (though three fluorescent tubes have been retained because they were installed before the layout was built and it was thought too risky to lean over some four feet of baseboards to try and replace them). 

 

And the results? I have no idea how long it might be before any costs are recovered by energy saving, but the illuminated meter we have now stays on green when I switch on the LEDs - previously it always turned amber. Not only that, the surviving fluorescents now have their own switch. Indeed, there are now five separate switches for the runs of lights, so I can just use enough to see well enough for running the layout but switch the lot on for photography (even the three lights over the MR/M&GNR bit can now be switched on/off separately).

 

Anyway, I've tried some photographic experiments. The LED tubes can be switched to any one of three positions - cool/natural/warm. 

 

 

This is cool.

 

 

This is natural (I can hardly see any difference).

 

 

This is warm. Too warm!

 

I chose natural.

 

 

The colours look fine here in my view.

 

The only bit of damage done was the felling of the yard's loading gauge when it caught on a dust sheet. As can be seen, it was easily fixed. 

 

 

Natural colours with a train in view as well. 

 

If anything, the LEDs on natural are a tiny bit warmer than the previous fluorescents, but the colours look fine to me (the Nikon Df gives muted colours, anyway - which I like). 

 

One other thing of note was the the exposures were slightly shorter; meaning, if I've got this right, more illumination but at less cost!

 

My electrician (Trevor from Bourne, who's brilliant!) told me that fluorescent tubes are being phased out and it won't be long before they'll no longer be available. 

 

I'm delighted with the results today...........

Good Morning Tony,

If Trevor was installing the lights, it will be years before you see a return on your electricity bill. The amount of times Mo must have had the kettle on for him, it's probably drained Sizewell B.

Kind Regards,

Lee

5 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

The EM B17 is now complete........

 

 

Good friend, Lee Clarke gave me a much-better B17 loco and tender body. Thanks ever so much Lee.

 

 

The new chassis is certainly different! 

 

Can you believe the one in the front was once the RTR standard?

 

 

And ready for delivery to run on Retford. It works fine on my yard of EM test track, but running on Retford will be rather different. 

No problem Tony, pleased to help. Apologies for the lightning visit, hope to catch up properly soon.

Just looking at the chassis, obviously yours will be naturally heavier, due to the materials and motor, but how will you increase overall weight to give the required haulage power? I can’t recall much of a void in the body to add weight into?

Best Wishes 

Lee

12 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Just occasionally, the 'spotters at Little Bytham will be treated to something really rare...........

 

 

A loco from far, far away being run-in from Donny Plant. In this case a Scottish-based A2.

 

 

Obviously, several photographers were out to record the event.

 

 

Including me!

 

 

And, another at the north end as TUDOR MINSTREL (DJH/Wright/Rathbone) departs. 

 

I think half of these shots have 'worked', but looking through Marsh Bridge does reveal the way, way too tight curve (out of sight from 'normal' viewing angles). 

 

What a 'cop'! 

 

 

Good Morning Tony,

I hope you are well?

I don't think the Marsh bridge curves are too much of an issue, but wonder if you could 'disguise' them a little bit, by making the board behind it black? Also, by stopping the light getting in from above, with black card or such like? If the curves were in the 'shadows', I think it would be much less obvious. Easy to mock up with some sheets of black card, or paper. I might even have some if of interest.  Just a thought.

Best Regards,

Lee

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

That's right Lee,

 

The only locos with streamlined dome covers over the round domes of their 117 boilers were the A1s, and the solitary A2/2, 60505. Of course, not all A1s received Thompson boilers.

 

But ALCAZAR did, for a time...........

 

 

DJH kit, built by me and painted by Ian Rathbone. 

 

 

On Stoke Summit.

 

 

And for real, at Little Bytham in 1961 (after the station was demolished). 

 

 

The nearest I can get!

 

 

Another DJH A1 model of 60136, this time with a 118 boiler. Is this yours, Ray?

 

And a few A2/3 variants............

 

 

60500 in late '50s condition, still with Dia. 117 boiler (but only in four sections of cladding, only found on this loco and 511 - for a short time). Original rimmed chimney.

 

Built by me from a much-modified Crownline kit, and painted by Ian Rathbone.

 

 

More normal boiler cladding division on a 117 boiler.

 

Built by me from a DJH kit and painted by Ian Rathbone.

 

 

 

An A2/3 with a Dia. 118 boiler. 

 

Built by me from a DJH kit, and painted by Geoff Haynes.

 

 

And, finally, a Graeme KIng/Bachmann A2 conversion to produce an A2/3 with a 118 boiler. 

 

Conversion by Graeme himself, patch re-painted/weathered by me. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Tony, all very helpful and much appreciated

Best Regards,

Lee

7 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Good afternoon Lee,

 

We're both very well, thank you. I hope you and yours are, too.

 

All Dia. 117 boilers on the A2s and A2/3s had round domes (the one fitted to just one A2/2, 60505, had a streamlined cover). Any A1s which received 117 boilers had streamlined covers over the domes (even though what was underneath was a round dome, not a perforated steam collector). The only exception to this was 60153, which had a round dome cover. 

 

Dia. 117 boilers had the dome further forward than the streamlined ones of the Dia. 118 type. All A2/3s at some time in their lives had Dia. 118 boilers, though some reverted back to 117s, later. All the A1s and A2s started off with Peppercorn 118 boilers, but some later received the Thompson type. The two boiler types were fully-interchangeable among the four classes fitted with them.

 

Four A2/2s eventually received Dia. 118 boilers (60501/2/5/6).

 

Since all of this is off the top of my head, it might be wise to check (you may borrow the books if you wish).  

 

Interestingly, in Hornby's latest catalogue, they show 60502 as becoming available later this year, but it's got a 117 boiler (the same as 60505). It never received this type, neither did it ever get the backing plate between the sandbox fillers, or the cut-back handrails at the front. I assume it's just a 'graphic' as far as Hornby is concerned, though I hope it doesn't appear like this. I'm going down to Margate next month, so I'll ask Simon Kohler.

 

Regards,

 

Tony.  

We're all very well thank you.

I have several books with A2/3 details, so had assumed I was right (never assume) but thanks for clarifying. I think the possibility of streamlined domes covering the round dome, as per some A1's, was confusing me, but that's all much clearer now. That wasn't a practise seen on A2/3's then, just the A1's?

Thanks again, and hope to see you soon

Lee

Good Morning Tony,

I hope you and Mo are well? Can I ask a question regarding Thompson A2/3's please, or more specifically their boilers?

Did diagram 117 boilers always have a round dome, and diagram 118 always have streamlined domes? Would the dome always be in exactly the same position, or would any engineering changes mean slight repositioning? I'm sure this is an easy answer, but as with anything, you only know if you know.

With the information sources I have, 117 round / 118 streamlined seems to be the case, but I am piddling about renaming/renumbering a Hornby A2/3 and want to ensure it's somewhere near. 

My thanks in advance.

30 minutes ago, daltonparva said:

If you want to test the chassis as is, straighten a small staple out and see if the end will push into the plug, if it will bend the staple in half and push it into holes 1 and 2, repeat with another staple linking holes 3 & 4. Make sure they don't touch each other. Your loco should now run. If you're happy with this and want to do the job as you envisaged, remove the sticky tape between the wheels in your picture, the 2 wires there are from the motor, cut them there and pull the ends connected to the plug out of the hole. The 2 wires left still connected to the plug are from the wheels, cut them so you can shove them up through the hole and connect one to each motor wire. Swap them over if it runs backwards.

That's really helpful, thankyou. I am sure what your describing, is what I have read before somewhere, but couldn't for the life of me find it again. I'll give it a try.

Thanks again

Lee

1 hour ago, 313201 said:

Hi 

 

Reducing the number of pickup wheels is ok if you have electrofrog turnouts / points ( whichever term you prefer to call them ) but as the D16 is a 4-4-0 locomotive the mote pickup wheels the better.

 

In respect of bypassing the loco to tender plug it requires a bit of investigation because 2 of the wires will be from the loco's own pickups going through to the dcc socket ( I assume is mounted in the tender ) and the other 2 wires will connect with the motor via the dcc socket.

 

Thd best way to do this if you want to not use tender pickups is to open up the loco, investigate the routes of the 4 wires and proceed from there.

 

As 2 of them will run directly to the pickups, you need to find out which these are, dewire the motor and connect the pickup wires to the motor terminals.

 

Once this is done, place the chassis minus the body onto the track and test it, if the loco runs forwards when you set your controller to forward running then the wiring is correct, if the loco runs backwards when the controller is set for forward running just switch the wires at the motor, retest and everything should be ok.

 

The plug can then be discarded but cut the other 2 wires off it and keep them, you never know when you will need wire especially pickup to motor wire.

 

Hope this helps, if you need any further help we're all here to answer any questions you have.

I appreciate the reply. The number of pick ups did concern me slightly, I must admit. I will investigate whether to give it a go, if not, i'll wait and hope to find a spare tender and take the easy option.

Many Thanks,

Lee

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but typically I can find no refence to it now. Please could someone tell me the best way to 'bypass' the loco to tender connection on this Hornby D16 chassis, basically so the loco will run without the tender?

This is for DC operation only. I feel certain I read the method recently, but then wonder if that was a DCC related project?

My thanks in advance.

10 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

And I've just offered you a further A1!

 

Yes, the J6s sold immediately!. One guy emailed me saying he was interested (in both) - one for him and one for a mate. He'd let me know. Too late!

 

I think I've got the chronology correct now, what with PMs and emails. I note the various times, and it's first come, first served. No doubt, some will be disappointed, but there's only one loco I posted a picture of today that hasn't sold so far - the A6. I've either got the prices dead right, or they're too cheap (the former, I think). 

 

Best regards,

 

Tony. 

Good Morning Tony

No problem on the J6's, more than happy with yesterday's acquisitions.  I will arrange payment presently, including for the A1. If ever a J6 or a K2 appear, please bear me in mind

My Regards,

Lee

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

More sales.

 

Without even putting them on the thread, an A2/1, A2/3 and V2 have also been sold. And, another A5 and the C12!

 

Anyone interested in these J6s at £140.00 each? 

 

 

The top one is etched brass (London Road?), powered by an open-framed motor, and the lower one is Nu-Cast, powered by a Portescap.............

Well, I missed the J6’s Tony.

If any still are available, I am certainly interested.

Why do I feel as if I should have a second hand Cortina to show for my visits!?

Best Regards 

Lee

19 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

A 'success' story...............

 

I mentioned I'm now in possession of many 'wrecked' kit-built locos (and a few carriages as well). Yesterday, four went to new homes, with proceeds to CRUK. 

 

Some have been so smashed as to being beyond hope (other than salvaging things like motors/gears), but one only needed a bit of TLC to make it presentable again.

 

This one.........................

 

 

A Millholme Q1 in OO. Body damage repairs consisted of little more re-fixing steps and vacuum standpipes. 

 

However, though the mechanism was undamaged (other than, thankfully, the rubbish pick-ups coming away), it was so stiff in its running, despite having the heftiest Portescap I've seen in any 4mm loco. So, this morning, I stripped it down, opened out the holes in the rods, reassembled it, made new pick-ups, cleaned and oiled it. The result, a super-smooth performer! Why do some model-makers accept a 'tight-spot' (or spots), giving the (hopelessly-feeble) excuse of 'It'll run-in'? No, it won't. 

 

The motor is visible in the cab, of course, but matt black and a crew (one each side) will soon disguise this. 

 

A couple of friends are coming over over the weekend, so I'll offer it to them first (I hope they don't fight over it!). Both model the LNER so it could be of interest.

 

If neither is interested, may I invite offers of interest, please? You might wish to, anyway.

 

It's all in a most-worthy cause.

 

 

Good Afternoon Tony,

If your LNER mates don't go for the loco,  please give me a shout. I would be looking to change into BR guise, which possibly seems a shame.

Best Regards,

Lee

On 16/05/2021 at 14:58, Tony Wright said:

I don't think many of the recent comments have been 'negative'; rather just 'realistic'. 

 

Staging a show at this time is really fraught with difficulty. Could it be cancelled at the last minute? If so, how much might already have been expended? I don't think these are negative questions.

 

If the worst came to the worst, it could see a club fold (with debts?). Long before Covid, WMRC decided it couldn't risk putting on a show any more because, at the last one, the exhibition only just about broke even. 

 

There are shows I know of which are no more because the organising club's membership is too old (and infirm) to carry on. 

 

It might well be that the hobby is entering an Indian summer, but such a 'summer' is merely the prelude to harder times. Speaking personally, I haven't been so prolific at making things in the last 15 months since I stopped building locos professionally, 18 years ago. Over 20 locos built, and counting! Granted, most of the kits for these were already in stock, but I've ordered far more motor/gearboxes, wheels and even complete chassis kits since the first lockdown than in many years before. All ordered without visiting shows and all delivered by post or courier. May I please thank all the firms concerned for their fantastic service during these difficult times? Particular thanks go to Comet, DJH, SE Finecast, Nu-Cast Partners, 247 Developments, Hobby Holidays, LRM, Markits, LMS and several others (if I've missed any off, then my apologies). 

 

Would it matter to me if I never attended another show? I'd miss the friendship, banter and enjoyable atmosphere, but I have that already with Little Bytham. The first 'guest' as restrictions are lifted is coming tomorrow and more old friends are due to visit later in the week. LB is a kind of fixed one-layout exhibition in itself, and already the diary is filling up with dates for visitors. I accept that not all are this lucky, but if it's the future way, then so be it.

 

It also has a 'trade stand as well'. I have masses of donated stuff to sell. All I do is to put it out on the table for 'punters' to browse - either all the proceeds going to CRUK or 10% if I'm selling stuff on on behalf of the bereaved.  

 

To end on a positive note, the Bingham Show is scheduled for the 4th and 5th of September. 

Good Morning Tony,

I trust all is well? Hopefully, you didn’t hear too much blue language across the boundary yesterday, when I was fitting a new light in my folks living room? 

I meant to let you know about the V2 chassis, donation made to CRUK last week, with Gift Aid, it added up to double the price you mentioned. 

Hope to catch up soon.

Kind Regards,

Lee

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

We're very well, thank you Lee,

 

Speaking with your dad yesterday (we walked to Careby Church and back (gasp!)) he and your mum are well, too, as I hope you and your family are.

 

As soon as I make a new chassis for the V2, I'll let you know.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony. 

We're all very well thanks Tony, although if March 8th hadn't been announced for school return, I suspect Claire may have gone mad!

A walk to Careby eh? I am assuming you had my great grandparents house pointed out to you, and the tale about the German bomber jettisoning its bombs nearby and the ceiling falling in?

I will be most disappointed if not, it's a 'standard' Careby story, no matter how many times I've heard it!"

Thanks for the V2, most appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Lee

13 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Chas,

 

The process of taking panning shots is very hit and miss. I set the D3 on 'burst mode', with the ASA at about 300, the aperture wide open, giving a shutter speed of about a 50th of a second, and set the locos' speeds accordingly. About one in 20 attempts is 'passable' (thank goodness I don't use film any more)...................

 

Some examples................

 

 

This is very typical. A nice sense of speed and nicely-blurred motion, but the loco itself is too blurred.

 

 

The loco itself is sharper, but the motion isn't quite as effective.

 

 

Success! 

 

 

The motion isn't blurred enough here.

 

 

Smaller-wheeled locos have to be driven faster to get the blurred motion look (in this case, not quite fast enough. 

 

 

And, I have tried fake smoke. A bit of a failure, really.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

Good Morning Tony,

I hope you and Mo are well? 

Should the chassis from the V2 become surplus to requirements, (if you replace with a Comet version) I would gladly make an offer to take off your hands.

I have a half decent looking NuCast body that would go over that nicely.

I hope it will be a safe to see you soon.

Kind Regards,

Lee