bill badger

The stone work on the box looks excellent. Can I ask: what is the smallest size of stone 'block' cut into the wall. I'm wonder if laser engraving would answer for cutting the shape of pavings slabs (with some cracks at rounded edges, perhaps scored by hand as you show) for a platform surface in N gauge. The real life paving stone are around 130cm by 90cm (although some half slabs are used), which I make to be around 9mm by 6mm at 1:148. Am I barking up the wrong tree? I do find that my eyes prefer to see 3D texture in structures even at N gauge; flat surfaces (e.g. brick paper coverings) don't look quite right. Even if the texture is a bit overscale, it seems to me to be the lesser of two problems. Cheers Duncan

These look excellent and as good as any N gauge stock I've seen. If it weren't for the couplings you'd be hard pressed to tell what scale they were. Seeing the efforts of Revolution, amongst others, makes me feel more positive about the future of N gauge and my decision to go all in on 1:148 for my 1980s layout. I was getting worried given the Dapol 'review' and the general lack of latter-day BR RTR releases from Farish, when compared to OO. Can you update when you decide on an order book closing date; I'd like to see about ordering a few more, should funds allow in a few weeks. Cheers, Duncan

Another Fusion360 newcomer here. Downloaded a couple of days ago and about 10 hours in to the adventure. I use 2D AutoCAD LT professionally, so I am familiar with some of the tool names and icons, but a real change in mindset is required, so I think prior 2D CAD experience is no real advantage and shouldn't put anyone off. I think once you've got the basic workflow concepts fixed (such as the basic: create sketch, draw 2D on the sketch, push/pull & then modify), the basics seem to click. Advanced commands required much more trial and error and learning - surely no surprise. I found the Lars Christensen Youtube channel excellent - this (and the two following episodes) seems like the best one to start with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5bc9c3S12g I started putting this model together for a station canopy support column (in N gauge). Much trial and error and reversing steps, especially around curved sections, but its getting there; a few tweaks and when grouped with some duplicates and some top / base supports added, Shapeways seemed to think it would print OK.

Thanks chaps.

I'm scratching my head a bit. Locos on my son's little N gauge layout started running roughly / jerking and with a reportedly 'odd noise' - both old and new Farish items. Wheels and track were cleaned with no effect. Checking the output voltage the reading at 'full whack' is 24V DC. Surely this can't be right? Starting to think controller is faulty. Don't really want to risk damage any of his or my locos. Can any electrical experts offer advice on what to do / check next?

Thanks. Not quite tall enough, as you say, or the right design, but's good to have a fall back if I can't get anything else to work.

Thanks for the info; I hadn't realised that things had become so accurate. Looking at the Shapeways site, there may be other materials that would get even more detail; the High Definition Acrylate is one that jumps out, although the brass would be much more robust perhaps. I'll put together a file and see what the costs work out at for a test print. I wonder if there may be mileage in getting a 3D print in the most detailed material and then use that as a master for resin casting.

Looking to pick the collective brain please. I'm drawing up plans for a scratch-built station building and integral canopy (for an N gauge layout). At 1:148 scale, the canopy support columns scale down to 1.3mm square by 21mm long (with a lower section of 2mm square). Whilst these columns are tiny and obviously can't show every Victorian embellishment, I want to try and give an impression of the tapering and a flared mid- section. They will also need to support some of the canopy weight (although the main effort will be done by cantilevering both sides through the building (an island platform). I've thought about several options: 3D printing - stongly suspect the size won't be achievable (with any degree of strength if a print can be done) Use brass square section tubes and try and overlay / detail in some way, perhaps with some bespoke etches to fold round? Resin casting - can such small objects be cast I think there are some kits for station canopy that appear to include injection moulded items, but then I would be limited by their size & design. Has anyone tried anything like this? All ideas gratefully received.

One of those stories where a slight chill goes down your spine both as parent and some who deals with SHE risks for a living. Irrespective of any other considerations, how on earth could anyone deem it acceptable to put this carriage back into service with the floor missing (signage and an 'attempt' to secure the door notwithstanding)? The main thing is that the child came to no major harm, but its hard to see this ending well for the railway and its staff.

On a purely selfish note, this is wonderful news. I tend to go very green on Pendolinos and it hasn't been unknown for me to have to make a dash for the toilets at Euston, or even on the train; motion sickness is no fun when you then have to sit through an all day meeting. I only ever go to London down the ECML now and view the extra drive to Skipton as time worth spending; lovely Mk IV, none pukey, direct trains from Preston / Manchester get my vote!

The photos do make it look a bit odd compared to real life; the pronounced tumblehomes on these units are a key defining element in the overall shape and perception, but I'll reserved final judgement until I can see one in the flesh. Having said that, its a bit academic for me as my time frame requires units in the original blue and white striped livery, which isn't being done in this batch, unless I've missed something. A common dilemma these days: Is no Pacer better than a bad Pacer...?

After a more thorough test, there were in fact a couple of places the pick-ups were causing tightness on the check rails. Applying this fix has solved it; as Merfyn said - ten minutes & no fuss.

My LMS version arrived with the post this morning. What an exquisite model; certainly up there, in terms of detail and crisp molding, with anything else I own. It seems to run fine on my OO-SF test plank with its B7 crossover; the pickups seem pretty snug into the back of the wheels.

My office is opposite the station, just on the other side of the wall; been watching progress with great interest. I know there is lots to do and its all very complex, but it does seem to take ages for thingS to happen! What's the current completion date?

These are very fine looking beasties.

Thanks for posting the EP sample; I think that looks excellent. With the recent Dapol 'entrenchment' its nice to have some good news on the N gauge front.

I see a deadline (28th Feb) has been set for gathering sufficient pre-orders to make this model wash its face. Is there any indication of how far from the go / no go threshold this project is?

Just ordered a couple of packs (unbranded livery). Got the 'Gateway' problem mentioned on the site banner, but it seems to be showing on my account OK. I assume the order has gone through?

Anyone know when the Farish version is due out?

The CAD for these looks excellent and I could Rule #1 a reason to run some in their late 80s 'state'. I'll need to do some investigation into what modelling I would need to do to the unbranded variant before I can commit. Any thoughts out there?

My contribution to the, so far, rather measured froth vat includes some re-liveries (including some current issues but without the awful factory weathering) and variations on existing 'new tool' classes: 150/2 in original 'Sprinter' livery Another large logo 37 A new 47/4 variation of some sort - boiler, tank, noses etc. A refurbished 31 (a longer lived 31/4 would be ideal and / or RF livery) A 25/3 Nothing original or that radical, but surely fairly easy to do and likely to be good sellers to those kids of the 70's & 80's... For some proper froth - lets have a retool of some 'inbetween' Mk2s i.e. between A and F!

Looks like a good start. I thought your last version was excellent and will watch this with interest.

For anyone considering a new acquisition it might be worth consulting other areas of the RMWeb site... Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more...

Wow! This is looking brilliant.

Doing some more research on 80's / early 90's cement trains to and from Clitheroe (hence the Tractor connection). Can anyone confirm the wagons in the linked picture - are they the Clyde Cement PBA Covhops? https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_felton/16302557975/in/photolist-nFhaWa-9gMAA9-kWMqmo-qJK5uz-qZL4ym-nVpWDR-na8DHL-e3CRfw-aUcoCH-bDfXnH-9HiYWf-dwywVy-hnu3j3-a8jwCh-ByjNfX-qnQPU8-bWPJzR-r1Dfrd-q2JTEY-p1ZnjP-kotJpK-q4DQ7P-eJ63SJ-kWzT34-pUNU31-pk8CnL-ar1yW1-r1DfwJ-pdbnMa-9Npb3z-qQtgNf-phtWZX-owyyyB-qQASvM-orBhqa-oWtXXb-oEgjFB-mJ6x5r-qoW17Y-gbyeUK-p9oCzc-Hue3HU-oy5E6x-oF7qH1-paoCjG-nE71iN-njpXkR-kGwsk8-nqEqeP-n2yJhF