Tony Walker

Perhaps we will find out what the two catalogue numbers will be at the show, as both cat. no 2403 and 2404 are both missing from the catalogue number sequence. If you check the Rail Exclusive web show you can see we have had 2401, 2402, 2405 and 2405A. So one would assume there must be 2403 and 2404 still to come?

Also available on their website as well now, except the new issue ones. http://www.railexclusive.com/products.php

I've received an email as well today and I've gone for D5098 this time. Would have preferred another blue one, but seeing the picture above, with the polished grilles, it looks really good. I think it's now time for SLW to go mainstream and not remain in the small supplier section. We will have seen four locomotives released in the near future and others in the main section haven't released anything yet, but remain there. Don't know if others agree on this? Tony.

I don't thing it's a design fault, but a manufacturing problem. If you check the metal chassis part I think that the countersink part of the hole where the bogie screw passes, is drilled out slightly too deep and that means the bogie sits too low on the chassis and catches. As is suggested above, a small washer can be fitted on the bogie pivot pin and this raises the chassis enough to clear the bogie when the loco corners. Don't think there are any specific models it applies to, just a case whatever duff metal chassis gets fitted to which class 66. I've had to fix about three of mine. Not to much of a problem to fix, but yes it's something you shouldn't have to do. Tony.

Shedmaster, the three I've purchased all work well with, believe it or not, a Hornby Sapphire decoder. I've tried Lenz Silver and ESU Loksound (had a cl47 sound decoder handy), but the running is poor at best. Not sure why this is, but they run well. Tony.

Bachmann have a past and present list on their website, so this might help. Think it includes limited editions as well, but might not be right up to date. http://www.Bachmann.co.uk/past_and_present.php

I've asked Phil about the full instructions the other day and I've had a rely. They have been busy send out orders, so it's been all hands to the pump, so that folk could get their locos. The full instructions will be available soon Phil says, so I'm sure they are not that far away now. Tony. PS Looking at the support above it should win OO loco of the year me thinks!

With reference to post 787 above, if we are keen to support SLW and this class 24 model,l then we need to vote for it in the British Model Railway Awards. So get on there and make your choice and let's ensure Phil and Jamie and Paul understand they have our support! Tony.

Mark, I agree with you on this (Mark201 comment 751). I've got civil 73138 and GBRF 73206 and messed around yesterday with both, using Lenz Silver decoders. Whatever I did I couldn't get either of them to run properly. In the end I swapped over both decoders for Hornby Sapphire and it fixed the problem. Both Silver decoder are running Ok in the locos I swapped them with, so it's not the decoders that are at fault. Tony.

Mine's been working for about four hours today pulling a Dapol track cleaner around to hoover the layout. It's worked superbly all the time and having full control over the braking, this time I haven't had any problems running into other trains on the layout. Beautiful loco and I feel well worth the money for the sound version. Can't wait to see what is next. Tony.

My accessory pack is the same as well. Fortunately I have a few full defectors from previously purchased accessory packs. What has annoyed me on this occasion is that the pipes included in the pack haven't been painted red or yellow! In all previous packs the pipes have been painted, so you only need to fit them on the loco. This was the same with the latest Hornby class 56, all the pipes were there, but none of them painted. Must be desperate to save a few pence. Tony.

I haven't had anything to do with this loco or to do with Rail Exclusive either, except for being a long standing customer. I was invited along too and was expecting to see ViTrains limited edition locos for sale and not a brand new fresh out of the "tin" loco. In this day and age of promise from so many manufacturers, it has made a refreshing change to be told about something new and to be able to see it the same day! No pictures of grey moldings for us to drool over, no 3D scan pictures to pull apart etc., just a new loco to look at and, if you want one, buy one. Hence the call from both Nick (New Holland) and myself for Sutton's Locomotive Works (RE) for their own section under the Products and Trade banner. At least this is one new manufacturer that has actually given us something to discuss and buy, unlike one or two in that section. Tony.

Andy Y, Looks like it's time for another manufacturer in the Product and Trade Area on RMWeb - Sutton's Locomotive Works. This one thread will so spread to more as time passes. Tony.

Well I'm gob smacked Holland Park! You must get a video on Youtube for all the folk that couldn't be there or were never invited. Tony.

I went up there today as well and was very surprised at such a detailed release. One thing not mentioned is the name! Sutton's Locomotive Works - SLW. No plastic bogie chassis, but cast metal, full detail on the buffer beam. Twin speakers for the sounds with numerous sounds that you wouldn't normally expect to hear. The way the sound works in conjunction with acceleration etc., is very well produced. And now there's braking via a function key, allowing the "driver" to control how you bring the loco to a halt. Well done to Phil and Jamie with this new venture and every success going forward. For once an announcement on something new that you could actually buy there and then, but of course I wanted the sound version, so need to wait a few days. Tony.

Bob, Looking good. The lagging is probably due to the fact you're building two of them! I can see the crane in the background as well. Is that the same one that was shown in the BRM mag a few weeks ago? Thanks Tony.

Dan, There's a file attached to post 138 above. It's a Word document, so I hope you can open it. There's a couple of photos on the file. I have trouble adding photos to the posts, why I don't know, so have to add anything like that as a file. Hope you like them. Tony.

Here's a few photos of mine. Took some time, but managed to fit lights to it as well as sound. Must do a video one day and get it on YouTube. Tony. Tamper.docx

Ian, You are correct. Was with Ian at Peterborough and that's when I purchased the MPV sound decoder. Once he's done the grinder then I'll get the decoder reblown. Regards Tony.

Bob, Here's a couple of photos on a Word document, it's the only way it appears I can attach the file. Hope they are OK. Still need to glaze the model, fit lights and the interiors to complete. I've got a MPV sound decoder to fit as well, but need a bass reflex speaker inside the grinder cover. Tony. Rail Grinder.docx

Bob, It's looking good, nice neat soldering looking at the main body sections. I've finished the painting and transfers on mine now, must post a couple of photos if I get a chance to take them. Still working on the mechanism, so it's reliable. I've decided to go with a Black Beetle drive, as it's proving more constant with speed and running quality. Need to sort out the cab interiors and the lighting to finish off. Tony.

Charlie, How are the Great Western 143's going. Will you have them at Stafford this weekend? Thanks.