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Thanks Paul, one would have thought that decoder manufacturers would have maintained a common pin allocation through the 21 and 22 pin ranges. Mike

Ian, Mick, Thanks for the clarification, perhaps I should read the ESU web site more often, but to use the MTC 21 pin decoder the removal of pin 11 would apply,??? Mike

Mick, I have just picked up on this topic and you are probably already aware of this, however here goes. The PCB is designed for a 22 pin decoder hence the 10 function outputs using pin 11 (index) as an output. The decoder is a Zimo MX645 special to use pin 11 for the cab interior lights hence 10 outputs. I think to use an ESU 21 pin decoder pin 11 on the PCB needs removing, any chance of asking your demonstrator if this is the case. Mike Mike

Access to the moulded piping for removal requires lots of patience and care. I can reach it reasonably well with the boiler removed from the frame but caution is key word. I am proceeding with the mod little by little but if I ruin the model it won't be the first. Many many years ago I did the same to the first Bachmann 4-6-0 4MT and it wasn't too bad, remember Crownline. Mike

I purchased the The Tyseley Connection pack with Pitchford Hall included. I have started the usual mods to "improve" its appearance, smoke box darts, wire handrails on the cab, reducing the cylinder to boiler steam pipes and the tender handrails, lamp brackets and real coal. However, has anybody removed the ejector pipe running along the boiler, if so any tips please. I do have a replacement manifold. Am I right in thinking Chris Leigh of Model Rail performed similar modifications. Mike

In that case you contact the retailer and manufacturer, don't sit around waiting. Mike

With a great deal of warranted attention recently given to the Warships, I am however of the opinion the Hymek is still one of the "best" models around. I did a little updating to bring it into line with the current level of detailing on my own models. A roof grill and etched fan is fitted and is renumbered to 7017 with EE etches. The air tanks have been fitted in the correct location and full buffer beam detail with wire draw bars in loo of the tension lock couplings. A chequer plate foot shelf is added above the buffer beam with the foot iron added. Sound is fitted with the speaker located in the fuel tanks. A thumb print is attached attempting to show the work. I'm sure other chaps have done similar work so any photos. Mike

I made a "flocker" from the bog standard fly swatter. It works for me and applies 4mm and 6mm flock quite successfully all for less than £3, we happened to have an old tea strainer lying around. For my next trick the resistor will be changed to a lesser value. Question why is everybody referred to as "guys" Mike

I have built 2 Comet kits, a 4F and Castle and both are fitted with Zimo sound chips. Providing the wheels are insulated and prevented from touching the chassis and pickups are are not in contact with the chassis all should be well. My biggest problem was finding a place to house the decoders, they are MX648. Mike

Details of the Lydney Show The 2015 Lydney show is to be held on 26th and 27th September, Like last year we will using the Dean academy (formerly Whitecross School), which is 200 yards further down the road from the Town Hall. Show timings are to be 11:00 until 17:00 on Saturday and 10:00 until 16:00 on Sunday. Mike

Thanks Phil, Praise indeed from you. I loaded my sound into a V4. The sound is better due to the custom made base reflex speaker, BTW the warship sound is different to the western except at speed when it is similar. I'm still fine tuning the sound program, trial and error don't you know. I will probably run my hydraulics at the Lydney show in September. I'm making up the lamp irons similar to the ones I made for one of my old Warships Mike

Interesting review of the Class 43 so much so that when I had the opportunity to handle and inspect the blue one I was impressed but I was not tempted to spend my £119 having bought a blue and maroon version of the previous issue for less than £44 each. They have slept in my box for some time only being run to test they did run. I have now done some work on the Maroon one by fitting EE grills and fans, replacing the side handrails to the cabin with SS 0.4mm dia wire. Both ends are now full buffer beam detail including screw-link couplings. The buffers are replaced with Hornby oval buffers. I messed up the exhaust ports but ???. Sound is on-board, the speaker is custom made in the fuel tanks. Thumb nail photo attached. Mike

Why not run diesels on the club layout. Mike

Casssey, Providing the speaker is properly sealed to the base of the tanks the arrangement works and sounds fine. I have two 37's, one is sealed making a chamber of the tanks and the second is not, this is an experiment to test the tortured path method. It also sounds good. The photo shows styrene strips in the tank to fit the cover on, it can be glued in place or black taced to seal the cover.

Why not use the tanks as the sound box and create a base reflex speaker at the same time.

Ray, I am not sure whether fitting a speaker into a Hornby Scot tender helps you but the principle is the same. By cutting a rectangular hole in the weight to accept a base enhaced speaker maintains the clearances in the tender and to my ears produces a good sound. Mike

Tim, Is the cramk the wrong way round?. I had a similar problem with the Scot. HTH Mike

Try Comet for your cross heads and motions. Mike