RichardBenn

I was thinking I would probably try and etch a chassis - I need enough of these to make it worthwhile! Richard

Do you have any plans to make these available as kits, for those of us who have a similar desire but lack the hardware? 🤩 Richard

Surprisingly, it does export to .eps. Looking at their web site I see the cheapest offering is now called "Essentials". No idea if this is functionally equivalent to my copy which dates from 2014.

The cut down "Home" version of Corel Draw does not export to these formats, but is otherwise very capable for etch drawing (provided it is not used commercially). Richard

I'm just getting to this stage on my layout now so I would be interested to know what the particular uses are. I can't quite work them out from the drawing in a previous post. I recognise most of the connectors but are the blocks on the left Earth bonding blocks? The wire loops in the choc block connectors to allow for soldering droppers is inspired

You probably don't want to hear this but the SR changed to the small style of lettering in c1936 and this is probably more appropriate to the ply SR vans as they weren't introduced until c1945. Only the even planked vans were built whilst the large lettering was current. Sorry :-) Richard

A little word of caution about these as it looks like there may be variations out there. I bought a set but the light wasn't working (no output from the battery pack). Amazon's returns policy is strange as there is no option to exchange a faulty item - all you can do is return it for a refund and purchase another, so that's what I did. The replacement turned up this morning and as well as being a different shade of blue (!) the loupes are completely different. I hadn't yet sent the original back so I opened it up and compared the two. The original has loupes 35mm long and 32.5mm diameter but the replacement is 25mm long and 27mm diameter. The original came with a protective cover over the lenses whereas the replacement did not. They are both marked the same "2.5x-420" but the originals gave significantly greater magnification. I also found the wider diameter of the originals easier when setting the distance between loupes and they gave a bigger area in focus.The original is significantly heavier without the light, but by the time that is clipped on the difference is hardly noticeable. Suffice to say i did a bit of mix n' matching I haven't yet used these in anger but I think they will be really useful so thanks Tim for letting us know about these. They also look like a lightweight alternative to lugging the magnifying lamp to area group meetings. Richard

Just to let you all know that I am now the proud owner of a beautiful set of 31.5mm gauges from Debs, so thanks for pointing me in her direction. She told me that she has all her gauges in stock. Richard

Thanks. I've sent a PM so fingers crossed.... Richard

Hi, I'm new to 0 and about to build a first trial turnout using 31.5mm. I have the Roxey gauges but are there any roller gauges available? Thanks. Richard

If you are in the UK, then find your nearest Area Group. All modelling, but 2FS in particular, is about finding the way that works for you and unfortunately, this only comes with experience. Why do you think there are so many methods for building track? :-) What I can almost say for certain is that your next turnout will be a huge improvement on your first. As Jim says, don't use the three point gauge - it can give useful widening on very sharp curves but only use it on turnouts if you really understand exactly where you need to use it. Every failure is a gift in that it gives you a huge opportunity to learn and improve. And I've had more gifts than most in this regard. Richard

I too used 14.2mm axles but rather than file them I just fitted them, then gave the axleboxes a squeeze. Replacing the chunky axleguard tie bar with plastic strip is a worthwhile improvement as well. Richard

I tried Redutex a few years ago and found the brick sizes to be grossly overscale - in excess of 3mm : foot if I recall correctly. They may have altered it since. I hope so as the texture and colour were really good. Richard

I guess you will be considering traction tyres as part of this process. If these are deemed necessary can we also have plain alternative wheelsets (as paid for "spares" if necessary) for those of us whose layouts are straight and flat :-) Richard

My Revolution Class B tanks have arrived. :-) The N-Gauge wheelsets supplied are indeed 14.0 mm over pin-points but the good news is that, due to a bit of sloppiness and the different shaped coning, our 14.2mm axles fit perfectly. The brake shoes on my test example were now very close to the wheels and in some cases either required tweaking or filing/paring - not easy as they are so fine. Apart from renumbering the duplicates (the numbers are very prominent), weathering and fitting DGs there is not much scope for improvement. They are definitely the most detailed N Gauge RTR wagons I have seen. I've just put in a large order for custom wheelsets - hope it's not too hot for the elves in the workshop at the moment. Richard