Rich Papper

Those DMUs do look a lot better that colour. Not that I think Bachmanns darker blue on them is far off (not like their first run of NSE mk2s), but this is better. Looking at mine now and wondering… Best of luck with the glazing. Rich

Some bank holiday deals at KMRC, like GWR liveried 121 for £99.99. https://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/52418/35-525Z-Bachmann-Class-121-Single-Car-DMU-Set-number-120-GW-150?fbclid=IwAR1odoZjAAl9UxTAIjCDhj2aBZ7hpbXYjKSmmQedmo1kDqzF9iHFLtsC7FA

You’ve spread them out well though, and your soldering is very neat. I squeezed four tracks onto Oxford Road’s traverser only to get to the first exhibition with it and realise that the lines were so close together I couldn’t take stock off or see to put new stuff on! It has since had 3 tracks. Rich

I saw the test one go through Willesden Junction high level when it was the only one about. That’s at least the same side of London. Not sure what they were testing up there. Rich

Spot on with that, couldn't agree more. Thanks for the video too. That is a lot smoother running than either of the ones I had, shows it can be done and you can get a good one if you can find one. Still the same eccentricity, although yours is really, really slight. The first one I had would have fallen off the rollers at that speed. A good check, if you don't mind going a bit cross-eyed but are thinking of buying one, run the video and keep your eye on the distance between the wheels. Ignore the rods and just look at the edges of the wheels as they go around. Weathered bits on this example aside, the centre and rear wheels are a constant distance apart all the way thorough this video clip, watch again between the centre and front wheels by the lubricator. The gap increases and decreases, suggesting that the wheel is not square on the end of the axle. I don't think it's the lubricator that causes this - but if anyone has removed it and seen an improvement let us know. If coupled wheels can be made to run true in N and 009, why are these not in OO? Rich

OK, my third replacement has arrived and it runs! Massive thanks to Kernow for their excellent customer service, but from the conversation I had with them on the phone it seems like I've had a 1 in 8 chance of getting a £170 locomotive that is actually capable of moving as designed. Not great odds if you're buying one of these sight unseen, so do be careful. One of the buffers is misaligned, the white handwheel that locates the lubricator is broken, one windscreen wiper is missing and the bonnet is one of those that doesn't seem to clip on properly, but I suppose one can't have everything! I can fix these things. Shouldn't have to though. Pretty shameful episode Heljan.

Looks a good space. Good luck with the move.

'Disappointed' doesn't quite cover my feelings today. Always wanted one of these. Ordered one of the pristine versions as soon as it was possible to do so. First one arrived broken. Pieces of the bufferbeam loose in the box and, like several shown above, ran like a rodeo horse. Returned, very quick and efficient turnaround from Kernow. Second one arrived. Intact, but wheels even more wonky than the first - to the point that Gaugemaster controller got to 45 before the wheels moved at all due to the binding of the connecting rods. Also sounded like it was full of gravel in reverse. This may have eased with running in, but a shunting loco that can only lurch from stop to a scale 20mph+ instantly with nothing in between is of no use. Also ran like a rodeo horse. Returned - third time lucky? Hopes of such were knocked back a bit this morning when I received a phone call from Kernow. The chap was terribly apologetic, and asked what I wanted to do next. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from the following, quoted verbatim: "I've got five others out and put them on the rolling road, there isn't a better one". "We've had a lot back. They all seem to run like this". Out of sympathy for Kernow, and respect for their honesty and excellent customer service in dealing with this issue (I'm a happy customer of theirs, will be again, have other things on order), I am going for a third one. I guess I've got the time until that arrives to decide what to do if it too waddles like a duck. I'm at a loss. Gutted. The Heljan 33s (of which I have many) are brilliant, and bulletproof under exhibition conditions. Same the 128s I have, the 58, and Sarah Siddons. But the chap I spoke to this morning didn't know of any plans by Heljan to rectify this (clearly known) issue. What does the retailer do in these circumstances? What of the investment Kernow and Model Rail have put into this? The loco itself is beautiful, and superbly decorated, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who balks at spending £170 for something that frustration will quickly relegate to a shelf. Waiting for the postman with everything crossed. Rich

I must admit I'd thought the same thing about the weathering so I went for a clean one I could weather myself. The two yellow weathered ones in the pictures are either multiple different models with different amount of paint on each, or they took one round of pictures and decided it needed a bit more and gave it another blast. My weathering job might not be quite so precise, but I like to know what I'm getting. On another note - can anyone recommend a Next18 decoder? Not sure I've bought one of these before. Rich

Just had a catch-up on this thread - what an awesome layout. I last had a read through after seeing the BRM article. I love how well you’ve tucked the storage sidings underneath to keep as much on the tracks as possible. Can’t help but feel there’s a career to be had as a contortionist to get in those gaps though! Rich

Have had a dispatch email through today from Kernow on behalf of MR for 97651. Fingers crossed might see it this week. Rich

Fantastic work as ever. Although I do get Shakin' Stevens stuck in my head every time you do one with a Green Door. Showing my age! Rich

Another taker for 7808 here. Have pondered for some time. Really don't need it, but it was the first steam loco I remember travelling behind.

Look forward to seeing them - I always seem to make a complete mess with glue and glaze. Rich

I've probably only chipped about a third of his collection. Usually with a budget decoder from Hattons or Rails picked up when on offer. I have a few who gained one that was unsuitable for something else - usually something that had a problem with a lighting function but the motor control still worked. Despite the age of everything I've only had to buy something specific for one installation - a 1980s Jouef TGV - because it was drawing way too much power for anything in the £10 budget range. The only thing that has defeated me so far is an elderly Bachmann Lord Nelson. The motor seems to be completely encased in a metal block that is used as one of the electrical route of one of the pickups. Will figure it out one day if ever there's a space on the workbench. Rich

A hat off here too. I did similar to do the retaining walls for a section of Sydney Gardens in Bath. Seemed like a good idea when I started...

I still have all of my fathers. Probably always will have. Some have been DCC'd and run regularly, others just sit happily in the display case. In many cases there are now more modern versions of the same thing, but I'm completely happy with them as they are. Not sure if my son knows what he's onto yet or not - but I have just had to pick up some stock boxes from Modeller's Mecca as his stock seems to be multiplying! Rich

An unexpected, and quite emotional return this week. This chap: Long story short: lost my father about 20 years ago at a young age, his closest friend was a huge fan of a Black 5. At the funeral I gave him this, that I had received from my father as a birthday present, to remember him and our trips on the NYMR together. A couple of months ago we sadly lost him too. Quite out of the blue his widow presented me with the loco back at his funeral. Very emotional. Very special. There seemed only one fitting thing to do: full service, DCC chipped and she's running again. My son already loves it and wants to see a real one. Isn't it funny what powerful emotions such simple things as these can bring. Rich

Wasn't planning on it, but can't resist a crazy colour scheme. I saw 31413 at Paddington at some point around 1989/90 with some parcels stock. This is proving quite an expensive year! Rich

Hello All A small running session tonight while trying to tidy the room. Its rather too full of other bits of the house at the moment as I'm supposed to be decorating. Was quite nice to be running a few things as not had the chance for a while. Main reason was this chap of course: Couldn't let the 100th birthday pass without a chance for a run. Not the most recent model - this one dates from the late 1980s - but great sentimental value. It belonged to a dear friend of mine who was sadly lost to the world at quite a young age. He passed me this and a Smoky Joe when his mobility no longer allowed him to use them and we've kept them going ever since. It runs brilliantly for it's age - happily romping around the room with as many coaches as one can hang on it. The second tender was a recent build at the request of my son (the Thomas version has two!). Most of the LNER teak coaches behind were a birthday present to me when I turned 3. Not as detailed as the more recent teak offerings, but always smooth running and very close coupled. New Bachmann 47 out and about tonight as well. Still haven't fitted the detail bits, but on the list. A bit of a large logo line-up at the stabling point. Look after yourselves folks. Happy Birthday FS. Rich

Just a quick one to say top marks to Accurascale for easy ordering. Ordered a blue/grey Mk2c last week - thought 'rats no 10% discount as only want one'. This week NSE ones appear. Checked my order for last weeks and there's a button that says something along the lines of 'cancel this order and add it to a new basket'. Did that, added the other I wanted. My email instantly showed that I'd had a refund on the first order, the second order was confirmed, I had the discount, and that I earned more reward points. It took seconds. Love it. Making life easier is important. You're lovely people, carry on. Rich

Absolutely not bored. Thoroughly inspired and humbled by your productivity. More please! Rich

Thanks for that. I share your frustration with the photos, although I know Andy moved heaven and earth trying to get them all back. I am still working back through a few - handy to have them there to remind myself what I've done when I can't remember. I'm hoping to do a bit more DMU bodgery at some point this year, but I've got some Underground bits to sort first. Rich

Good Evening All Just loaded OR back home after an excellent day at the Monmouth Rotary Club show. OR performed very well. Was next to a work in progress N gauge layout with the most stunningly well crafted woodwork though. Does make me feel like having another go. Busy day but good chance to chat to people. Many interested in 47526. Straight out of the box new Bachmann 47. Not had chance to fit detailing bits to it as only got it for birthday yesterday. Also picked up a new Rapido ferry van. Need another weekend to recover now though! Rich

Thanks. Funnily enough I am just getting together the bits to build some battery locos and have been trying to figure out a DCC shuttle. I have tube running beneath my layout - exactly as you say - something going on while I’m playing with the rest. I’m hoping Phoenix get the rest of the Metromodels bits out again as I’d like some more one day. Look forward to more. Rich