Steffi_C

Did C of N have a lower Tender height than the standard Pacific version ? Compared with a decent detailed Hornby Pacific Tender to the C of N version shows a huge difference in the height of the fairing . I haven't got the RCTS book for the P2 and Yeadon doesn't have a decent side on photo of C of N and doesn't mention anything relating to its Tender. The streamlined P2's had the normal height of Tender as can be seen in other photos therein. The Hornby tender looks an absolute match for the one pictured on page 5 of Yeadon.

I would imagine that it was not your question but your conditional conclusion, "that seems to be a backward move", that prompted the disagreement (and presumably also the 'agree').

I've just had an email from Hattons suggesting 14th November as the new date when R3207 is expected in stock.

Hattons problems with failure to supply pre-ordered items such as the 2-BIL are down to Hornby, who chose to divert stock from independent retailers to their own website / concession / ebay direct trading operation where they make considerably more profit. The loss of Modelzone has (thankfully) made it far harder for Hornby to pull the same trick again. It's easy for a company to play the market when demand vastly outstrips supply. When the economic cycle turns again Hornby may well find that retailers have lost faith in them. I'm still hopeful that I'll get a P2 from Hattons, particularly with so many cancellations!

Can I encourage as many people as possible to cancel their main range P2 orders by way of protest. With a bit of luck my own order (which dropped to the bottom when my Brighton Belle was despatched) will soon be right at the top of the list again!

It's also worth double checking the card details. When you get a new card and give the details to Hattons, they don't automatically update the card details on existing orders - you have to change them. They're still expecting further stocks, so you should get one from the next batch.

Try this one: http://www.Heljan.dk/images/pdf/artikler/service-89121-dcc-turntable.pdf

Oh, I quite agree. I deleted my post when I realised that it was no longer relevant, but not quite quick enough! DHL are good, but they're not cheap.

Bachmann have Thames Clyde Express in stock: http://www.Bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php?prod_selected=branchline&prod=1 Should be with dealers early next week.

Rob, this particular discussion has been about the planned new Hornby King. Wouldn't it make more sense to post your pictures in another thread where they might be more relevant? I'd suggest the 'Hornby's Best Ever Models' thread, if you're that enthusiastic about Hornby's current offering.

Oh dear no. It's 180 days now.

http://www.locomotionmodels.com/ http://www.locomotionmodels.com/national-collection-in-miniature/nrm-exclusive-editions.htm

Since Hornby switched to having a 3rd party company handling their warehousing and distribution they have had far less say in where their models end up. They appear to get their own retail supplies via that same company. I wasn't wishing to put the evil eye on your purchase, simply to alert others who may have followed your earlier link. Jadlam Racing have history which means that you can never count on getting the model you order from them until it's actually in your hand. I'm assuming you've used PayPal. If it doesn't appear, you should at least see your money back in the fullness of time, even if you need to claim through eBay. Hopefully everything will be straightforward for you.

They're available because Jadlam Racing (the seller) is a Hornby dealer. They've far too much negative feedback, and potential buyers should beware. They may or may not actually have any stock.

Definitely black plates with the green livery. Red plates would only be for the later black livery - which would require a major rebuild to the Bugatti nosed version..

Steve, you can get the correct plates from Fox: http://fox-transfers.co.uk/2001-cock-o-the-north-54148 The Hornby 'etched' plates are a waste of space I'm afraid. Thanks for a really interesting review, can't wait to get mine!

You should try emailing Locomotion. Remember, you'd be supporting a good cause.

No, they've been going for very little for quite a while, at least the last couple of years.

A footnote for anyone not familiar with technical drawing pens who's suddenly tempted to get one. Rotring have two major models, the Isograph and the Rapidograph. The Isograph is the model to go for - the Rapidograph can only be used with compatible Rotring ink cartridges. These pens are pretty fragile and very prone to blockage. It's not a good idea to buy used unless you're familiar with how to service them. That warning applies to any old models even if eBay sellers optimistically describe them as "new".

I've picked up really clean current spec loco driven Kings on eBay this past year at pretty good prices - generally in the £30 - £50 range. Keep an eye out for auction listings, the BIN prices are always way too high.

Still being produced and quite a few specialist stationers carry them. It's not difficult to find online suppliers, such as here.

Just bumping this so we can see what we're supposed to be looking for in Kev's pictures.

Hattons only have one version of the Dapol model left in stock. The black versions sold out quite quickly.

Wouldn't it make more sense to PM Rob and ask him to quote you a price? I'm sure he'll be happy to accommodate you. "Raised paint", well, there's no accounting for taste I suppose.

History suggests that isn't the case. Heljan would in any case be looking to sell to a wider market, via their dealer network. If the DJM model arrives first and is available in sufficient quantity, Heljan will probably need to compete on the basis of quality and price. There've been numerous examples of different manufacturers taking on the same prototype, most recently Dapol and Bachmann doing the twins. Dapol's commission for Hattons arrived first, but both sold very well. And that was with a class of only two locomotives.