Ian Hargrave

I am very sorry to hear of Matt's experience...obviously a negative one.I can only say that I have had excellent service over many years from HMC. and not once been let down.

Great sandwiches and wraps....great hospitality....good conversation...but I can dispel the myth that H.M. cracked a bottle of champagne over the C1 or that Mike and I consumed it on the footplate of 251 later.

If you really think that,you are not constructing a cogent argument and it is difficult to understand what it is you are trying to say.There is little evidence of profiteering in this small trade...because Bachmann is in no sense a multi - national.What evidence do you have that this level is unsustainable....do you actually have figures to support this assertion? Or is this a bit of crystal gazing? Please remember that what you post is read by others and is potentially damaging,causing doubt and loss of confidence. Do you really want to be without the cutting edge quality of the last decade.? I believe not.Do you want the role of the prophet of doom? Because on present showing Mick....you got the job

I think you just said you won't be buying one....

As a postscript to Tony's post 451 above,yesterdayBrian Greenwood said quite firmly that the one thing they would not compromise on was quality.

Then that will be your and their choice.Incidentally,who is "blaming " the workforce,,,,why use that word ? Everyone is entitled to a fair return for their labour.Do you seriously think that any of our Model railway companies could consider cutting their profit margins ? None of them are charitable institutions created solely for our benefit. Consider...where would any of us be without the quantum leap in quality that there has been in the last 15 years. "Scare tactics" ? I think not..And the many people with the same opinion ? No doubt we'll be hearing from them soon. The extent and quality of research and preparation over some years that has gone into the production of this model is awesome. You want something cheap....fine...then this is not for you. It seems we still want something without being prepared to pay a proper,costed market price for it.

That is a matter between Locomotion and myself and must remain so.

The "anything else" is,of course,that we have three editions/ variants,instead of one,as most of us expected.When my opinion was canvassed on which period Atlantic should be produced,I suggested the other two and one in wartime black. Not a bad result,I think? There must surely be no complaints over that?

That's not down to me but StuartTrains at Locomotion NRM.They are indeed ,as you say,exquisite.

Brian Greenwood stated at the launch that this is the case.I am unable to carve a tablet of stone for you,I am afraid....but that is what he said.I think,if you do read the posts,my position and Mike's ( The Stationmaster) at the launch is perfectly clear...we were invited guests. I hope this clarifies the situation for you.

I thought I had posted that they ARE Locomotion exclusives...that was made quite clear at the launch by Brian.....and will remain so.

Mike (The Stationmaster) and I had a truly wonderful experience today at Shildon.I deposited him at Durham station so he is safely winging his way back to King's Cross as I post,courtesy of East Coast Trains.Thanks,Sandra,for the directions! I'll take this opportunity now of a personal thanks to all at NRM Locomotion Models,particularly to Brian and the indomitable Sandra who were the soul of welcome,hospitality and good conversation and who allowed us both a uniquely satisfying experience And of course to Graham Hubbard and the Bachmann team...who made it all happen...and who were equally friendly and engaging. Thanks a million guys. I wish you every success with 251 and its "children" Mike and I indulged ourselves to start you on your way. Ian...now returned to Low Fell.

They are an NRM Exclusive and we were told they will remain so.

Totally exclusive....and when they're gone,they're gone. You want one? Don't hang about.

Three unpainted on show...one,at least working on the rolling road.One was posed for a shot resting on 251's motion outside..an amazing contrast.

If you want something of this quality then you have to be prepared to pay the price or be prepared to miss out,I'm afraid.The hike in costs and market prices is already well documented on this forum

They already are...good for you

And that is correct.

A good compromise between hard bargaining and sound economic sense when you hear the Bachmann team talk of the huge increase in wages in China.You will get value for your money.

And this is a point Mike (Stationmaster) made when we gave it the once over with its designer.It is ,you will be pleased to know a truly remarkable micro engineering achievement.The detailed research was open for us to examine and I assure you it is breathtakingly comprehensive.The amount of manhours that have gone into its development are evidenced in the end results.The word impressive is an understatement.

And of course,you have your proof of this for this,I assume,based on your own (.?) and anectodal evidence.Truly amazing....

No alcoholic beverage was on offer FYI.

Hope the Bachmann team don't get caught in the"upgrading" roadworks on the A1.....then it might be "Should have gone via Darlington"[not Specsavers]...

Go on...tell me...what's the buffet menu?