John B

I did think at the time that this would be the ideal candidate for a first ​manufacturer produced* ​ready to run P4 model... No problem with clearances or the ability to go around sub-4ft radius curves there! Bill - I think the "user applied" splashers could also be a great idea for those of us who want to re-gauge the beastie to EM or P4. Just the sort of innovative thinking I've come to expect from Rapido, eh?

Certainly look the part to me, Al. And if the lack of "daylight" is not obvious under the camera's scrutiny, I'm sure that they look even better rolling past.

I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that if Rapido was to announce a range of Mk3 carriages to the same standard as their US / Canadian offerings, they'd be on to a winner. How there is still no high quality Mk3 on the market is astounding, given their widespread use, liveries and longevity. Go for it, Jason!

Can anyone confirm if the rear truck frames are pukka Cartazzi and rigid, or floppy? There seems to be a worrying amount of daylight where none should be on a couple of the shots of the Garter Blue A4. At that price, I'd expect it to be ALL right..

I'm in. That's a stunning model, and really fills a gap. Is there a website?

My flabber is suitably ghasted. This is a stunning program and one I hope succeeds. The price point is eye-watering, but doubtless will be worth it. I can see a large clearout coming to accommodate some of these...

That shot of the Jubilee on the cricket ground curve is a real gem. One thing to bear in mind is that it's going verrrrrry slowly! Many a time I've sat watching cricket at Anlaby Circle ground (and occasionally playing) when a loose coupled freight has crawled around behind (usually) a class 37, flanges squealing loudly. It must be near radius limits for long wheelbase & bogie stock.

Resistance is futile...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-R106-10-TON-SHEEP-WAGON-S-R-BROWN-51915-00-GAUGE-/121768955632?hash=item1c59fecef0 ...and there's two at that price! And it's not even Gostude....

Mark wins, just for wearing a Wonderstuff t-shirt...

Rob, this thread has been a real trip down memory lane for me as I grew up in / went to school in Beverley from 1974-85. Parents still live in the area, but it's been many years since I've been back. I didn't take as many decent photos as you back in the day, but I'll see what I can dig out to add. Many thanks! Thanks also to MickNich as always for his first hand contributions of the "inner workings". And Mark for setting me right to credit Rob for the thread in the first place..

Illinois has a lot to offer! Chicagoland aside, I spent a fascinating day at the Illinois Railroad Museum in Union, IL last year (Best RR museum in the USA, by a country mile!). Peoria, where I spent a few months last year / earlier this year, is an amazing place for varied action. UP, BNSF, CN and NS all appear, along with a number of shortlines / class B railroads - IAIS, TP&W, and Keokuk Junction (who regularly use an A-B-A set of FP9s on freight!). Lots of unit variety too - even some green and whiteface BN to be seen..

Very nice, Pete. The D1 is lovely. How was the kit? I've built both Wills / SEF and Albion versions in 4mm...

Well, two LBSCR versions arrived across the Atlantic last week. I couldn't resist, having built a number in 4mm scale! The IEG definitely takes on a darker hue in more moderate lighting. I think it's a wee bit too yellow, but not far off. The application is wonderful, the details superb, for such a keenly priced model. I couldn't make one for that cost! With some muted weathering I reckon it will look superb. Only one buffer head loose. All other fittings present and correct. Slightly cracked plastic clamshell (bottom corner) was probably the cause. Highly satisfied customer. I may be tempted to an umber version....

Thanks, guys, for the appraisals. I've cancelled my pre-order on the basis of the poor QC / assembly issues, particularly the footplate. Sending it back is a non-trivial matter for me, and frankly (like others) I'd prefer to work from a decently-made starting point than pay GBP150 for a faulty one.

According to a well known Sheffield retailer, the 700s will be in stock next week. And are sold out at Hornby. So order now or forever hold your soldering irons..

There was a 4mm (OO IIRC) model of Ilkley Station and Shed in the Railway Modeller in the late 70s - 1977/78-ish, I think. Might provide some help with water tower & other structures. I'm long parted from my RMs of that era, so I'm sorry I can't be more precise..

As someone who has also struggled with the Jidenco / Falcon Brass etchings, I'm really looking forward to these. As etched, the Jidenco / FB kits have a fairly major (cosmetic) error in the driving trailer, on one side. So even those that have been seen built (I used to shunt a beautifully - built set up and down a P4 plank many years ago) weren't right. Thankfully the majority of the exhibition-going public hadn't a clue...

So, Damian and Paul, it's an easy job to re-gauge it to EM then?

I placed deposits on the GNR and LNER versions back when they were announced, but haven't had any emails (other than the order / deposit confirmation) since. What is the process for taking the rest? Do we have to call back in? Not too convenient for me as I'm 8 hours behind you.... Thanks!

The finish on all Rapido's North American models is as good as it gets. If not better. Buy with confidence!

The taped commentary on "Winton" may have been annoying to other exhibitors, but to a kid watching the layout at shows (York, twice, IIRC) it was enthralling. And informative. And hugely inspirational..

"Allied Marine" was a favorite of mine, too - back then you didn't see many (if any) industrial layouts, let alone grotty industrials. Some of the adaptations of kits were inspirational.

I built the footbridge as a callow youth, and it went together very easily. Makes for a good model. As designed it's for use at track level, back when I built it, it was necessary to the steps / side panels down if you wanted a platform level bridge.

Fine as the Roco beastie is, that REE model kicks things up a notch or three! Splendid looking loco...