MarshLane

I think there's likely to be a few reasons but also the modern image market is still small I think post late 1970s periods, it's a lot bigger for the green/early blue colours. But let's hope with all the new things on the horizon, including the HAAs/HEAs from Dapol that the marketplace builds. We might even be able to convince another manufacturer to produce the Class 56! Rich

Hi Jon, Sorry ran out of time today, but I'll put some pics up tomorrow! On another note, has anyone added headlights/cab lights to DCC locos in O gauge, if so any recommendations or tips? I want to improve the marker/headlight/tail/cab right options on the DCC fleet I've got, but not totally sure how to go with it. Must see if Pete Harvey's high intensity headlight is suitable to be modified. Rich

Hiya, yes know that feeling! Love O gauge but the cost is the biggest thing lol. I agree about the 56, I spoke to Heljan at Warley 2016 and asked them just that. Their response was "unlikely" at the moment. The gist was the 60s had gone ok, but not like their other locos, and the gist was that while there was a marketplace for pure modern traction, the view of the accountants was why produce something that gives us a slow return, when we could build crossover steam/diesel era types that have a bigger market place and a quicker financial return. As a business I can see and totally understand their point, but interestingly the comment was that modern era wagons however had sold better than they thought - so that could bode well for further types appearing. I suspect the 37s and DMUs in more modern liveries are all about trying to build up the 'modern' era marketplace, which we need to support. Rich

Another vote for a rake of these in 7mm please. In this livery - I'll put the cash up now! 7mm is a growing market place and if your not sure about demand. How about a crowd funded (Kickstart) project that is limited to those who commit. That way there is an incentive to go for it, our money is guaranteed only to be taken if you reach your target, and you guys know your not throwing money away. Bar for the odd changes for 7mm, i.e. Adding 3 links etc... looks like you've done all the hard work. Rich

Let's hope it's not crashing back! Looking forward to seeing how you progress this one. Rich

Hi Leon, Yes both time and motivation can be issues, especially when it's a one-man operation. Glad to hear that you've kept your interest in the layout tho, and look forward to the updates - what are the loco projects you've got started? Rich

My longest loop will hold 19 plus a loco, or 18 and two Class 20s, so I'd say your not far off with 15 as an average. Rich

Hi Paul, That's nice! Don't normally buy modelling mags, but might have to go have a look at Issue 116 just for that! Presume each LED is on its own output from the decoder? Can that be done with the decoder of yours I already have? Is there a list anywhere of the different light combinations and their meanings? I'm sure somebody has written, or I've read, that when shunting it was one white and one red front and back? Rich

I'll pop some up this afternoon Jon! All part of the build up to Arksey, which will be linked in with your signals and a miniature lever frame! Rich

Oh to be able to go sitting on the line side near Buckingham for a couple of hours with a camera!! Like the background Richard and the layout is coming on superbly. Rich

Ah! I'll bow to Chris's knowledge on that one, but looks like I got the same story from Joel. Looks like questions are will have to be asked at Bristol! I'm keen for them to arrive, but the number I'm after for two/three sets means later could be better!!!! Rich

Pleased I mentioned that odd arrangement at Barnetby East to you now Brian! Going to look superb on the layout. Wonderful work from you as ever Jon - Happy New Year! Rich

Good god! All the way over there ... no wonder the neighbours keep complaining about the noise

Hi Leon, Are you still modelling or progressing South Wales Freight at all? Love the layout and frequently come back and review the pictures for thoughts and inspiration! Hoping your still moving on with it as time and money allow. There are lots of good layouts on rmWeb, but South Wales Freight and Balbeggie Sidings are two of the highlights for me! Rich

Hi Brian,Thanks mate. Yes your right, there's nothing to stop other things from running, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist in someways. In my own mind I can get away with the A2 on blue/grey Mk1s because 'Blue Peter' was on the main line in the 80s, before its big slip tab Durham. So that works, but an 02 plodding up the main on minerals with a 60 alongside just wouldn't work for me!!! Just me being me. But I like to try and get things right, as I remember them. Hence the decision to stick with the 80s. Just I do agree, it's only a hobby and a model, so rule #1 applies at all times! As for expecting greatness! Oh my god, pile the pressure on why don't you hehe I'll be pleased if I can get the fiddle yard laid and trains running by Christmas. At least there are numerous little projects to keep me going and stopping me from getting bored. Made some progress yesterday on the signalling for the loft, the first of the original Derby block instruments was successfully tested ... oh the bells, the bells!!! A lovely sound, and memories of Barnetby East on a summers evening Rich

Talking to Dapol at Warley this year, they were saying early 2017, i.e. Jan/Feb, certainly for the HAAs. According to Joel they should have been December but the mix up with the factory between the Terriers and 08s had pushed them back slightly. I'm assuming they should be about due to begin production of them anytime. I think the quoted Facebook message referred to 2016 dates, unless things have changed since warley, but nobody has suggested that is the case to me. Rich

Hi Paul, Couldn't sleep so am wandering the halls of rmWeb on the phone!! That weathering detail on the 08 mate looks really good, well done! Keep going Rich

Thanks Peter - same to you. I draw much inspiration from Llanbourne! Cheers mate - same in return to you and the family. So am I - just want to get started!!!! Rich

Hi Craig, Just catching up on your thread - have you acquired these yet? A mate of mine is a trade salesman (i.e. to builders and DIY shops etc) for anything ... I swear he offloaded a couple of trucks of snow to some Eskimos recently! However, he has some heavy duty runners with versions that can be mounted vertical or horizontal (yes it makes a difference) - be happy to see if I can get you some details if your still on the look out. Rich

I believe Ian said back on Post #19 that it was from Martin Wood. Martin doesn't have a website, although I think he has a Facebook account, but ping him an email (see the other post), I've found him very approachable, and have just received a couple of samples - shall be making a purchase shortly! Highly recommended, the sample sheets look fantastic, some of the best brickwork I've seen in a long time. Rich

Looks nice Jinty! See the iphone is obviously and LMS fan as it doesn't try and change your name!! Looking good, like the blue 37 nice purchase. Really wish Heljan would do another run of them and the 47s, but the latter is going to be down to second hand options when they appear and JLTRT kits I think, although I'm no where near feeling competent enough to attempt one of those!! Can't wait to see the tractor weathered! Rich

Mornin' fella Haha! No you've not missed anything, I keep thinking out loud on here and confusing people! Arksey has always been 50s/60s in my mind, in terms of period, and I'm viewing it as a long-term layout. But the problem is conflicting ideas, not helped by acquiring a green 37 and 47 in November, and the Western/Hymek that should have been to be going to mates didn't help. They decided not to take them as they were blue ones, so them being here added more queries! In the end, I thought much over Christmas, and with a fleet of 19 made up 5x08s, 2x20s, 25, 31, 3x37s, 40, 3x47s, 58 and 2x60s, along with the new 37 and 45 that are coming out this year, I realised it would be a totally stupid move to change eras given the cost of these things, so reluctantly decided to stay 1980s, with the addition of my A2 on steam specials from time to time!! Plus I keep seeing Layouts like yours and remembering why I went for the 1980s to start with! Net result is that the two hydraulics will be disposed off and the green 37 and 47 will be heading for repainting during the year! With Bristol exhibition on the horizon I wanted to make sure I'd got everything nailed down once and for all. Think I'm there now. Might have to start the Arksey thread if only to avoid confusing people, to post the track plans and give the background! Well that's not good ... get it right!!! Haha! Hope the mistake is rectifiable or not noticeable - you've not painted it Network Rail yellow or something have you?! Hope I can live up to the expectation! Rich

Hi John, Thanks - Happy New Year to you. Thats a very good point - I've got a Lionheart Shell/BP tank here, and one of their mineral wagon's and both are superb. Was hoping to acquire a rake of 12 of the Tower commissioned minerals, but there were other priorities on the cash at the time. I'll keep an eye out on the Dapol offerings tho. Looking ahead to 2017 I think having finally settled on the background, the idea, and given a lot of through to the time period and etc, for the 'BIG' project, 2017 is going to see some departures from the fleet. I can see a couple of the wagons going to keep everything in the 1980s period - the Western and Hymek are also likely to be departing for pastures should the right offer come up, and my 1400 auto tank will finally be bidding farewell. Hopefully there will be an influx of '37s' and '45s' during the year, the 08s will be renumbered, my 'special' Class 60 should arrive back during February, and hopefully the track work that I've been building will get laid in the next few weeks, on the boards built last summer for Marsh Lane Depot. Im just chomping at the bit to get started on Arksey, just don't want to open a thread until there is progress around. Work on the Tyne & Wear Metrocar is progressing well, so that will hopefully put in an appearance during the year too! Busy times, plenty going on and without forgetting the 'chipping' in by friends on here, and following the progress of Andy, Jinty, Paul, Tove and everyone else on rmWeb with their own layouts, there's plenty to look forward to! Hope everyone has had an enjoyable and safe evening. Happy New Year all Rich

Happy New Year Andy Rich

Lol! It has! I've a Slaters box van sat here next .... and might even take the plunge and acquire a PRMRP BDA kit - then I can follow your instructions when you build yours! Can also see a rake of Parkside 21-ton hoppers on the horizon as well! So the wagon works could be fully utilised! To be honest, Im thinking of a way that will allow me to get something up and running quickly, while I'm laying the track for the rest of the 'BIG' layout which will take some time to build and wire up, as its over two levels. The wagon works idea I thought could be self-contained with a main line connection and fairly compact. I saw a picture of Shildon with what appears to be a level crossing across the middle of the works which brought a few other ideas too! York Wagon Works seems to be interesting, with two/three road buildings and a line running between them - gives the option for a red 08500 'Thomas' shunter as well!! Another reason is that id like to be able to replicate the old style ex-works shots for locos and wagons, i.e. one standard place that a shot can be taken with a decent background. Like the lawn at Doncaster Works - that kind of thing. As especially if I get into building kits, then it would be nice to do an ex-works style 'new build' picture. Rich