natterjack

I asked SK when he was still at Hornby whether the TT120 Pullmans might be available un-named and he cited a similar experience when Hornby tried it in OO. Those who care to fettle their own stock may be vocal but do not seem to figure greatly in the actual mass marketplace.

Much of what you list is ripe for the cottage/3D print industry and plenty of this sort of detail is beginning to appear (aside from using existing over-scale N Gauge options). I'd far rather that Hornby concentrate of the delivery of locomotives and rolling stock.

A number of the traditionally Russia based modelling suppliers now have addresses in neighbouring countries. I wonder why???

Not so easy when the supply point is half way 'round the World. I have thoughts of Ukraine and Poland and their proven talents in model production.

I have been a very happy customer of N Brass Locos and will miss both the range and the excellent service; and yes I have pre-stocked.

I'm assuming pinpoint bearings are to be used on the trailing bogies- just wondering if there is a regular UK source for the brass cups?

FWIW you could check out available N Gauge tyres and print your own centres, ( slightly thinner tread than TT120 commercial and the better for it) eg; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115292946314?var=415321829160

Thanks richbrummitt . To be convincing, the project I have in hand requires 3 layers; outer skin and inner skin with a glazing sandwich. The glazing is double layered but I suspect that would not really be discernible in 2mm scale.

Hi All Being used to larger scales I would like some guidance on the metal thickness being used for 2mm FS loco cabs, coach body shells and similar thin section constructions. Any help appreciated. Les

I hadn't twigged that- my stuff is some 50 years old and may well have been 'improved' along the way.

Quite right- blame it on me massaging my IR returns! Sorry but re-reading this, the traction tyred locos that I have are so fitted to both wheels of an axle so on a co-co four pick up points are lost, so I'll stick with 8 and get back to the IR forms.

Err- if the rubber is in contact with the rail the wheel is isolated other than the rim and If the rubber is not in contact it is not doing anything useful.. That is the main reason why I've opted for a tender mounted motor on my GT3 4-6-0 scratchbuild- to afford the space for a decent amount of ballast over the drive wheels.

Okay, I've got this- so we are looking at two different systems; one with pick-ups from all wheels (up to 12 for a co-co) and a traction tyre equivalent of 8 pick-ups. Much as this might seem dancing on a pin head but given the mechanisms will be equal it does make for an interesting opportunity as to how the different approaches will actually perform in like to like comparison. The real challenge will be on gradients.

Just out of interest, is your Arnold loco fitted with 'traction tyres'? There has been some discussion as to whether these remain a European market preference. If so the forthcoming Class 66 presumably will be featuring wheel options dependent upon target market.

Not so sure about that. There have been a few 'block' buyers of earlier stock and given the erratic nature of releases to date I wouldn't be at all surprised if pre- orders account for much of any new supply. Those who have 'suitable period' continental locos would doubtless get good use until the UK outline arrives- others may happily tow them with an A3.

There are recorded hints that JOP Hughes fancied 'Lord of the Isles' for the GT3 project. This is evident from at least one of the various concept sketches drawn by his daughter and I could well imagine it as his oblique homage to the GWR 4--6-0s.

Noting the cancellation of the annual Warley show, the reasoning is summed up in the following selected quote from the Warley Club statement; Steve Flint, former Railway Modeller editor and WMRC member added that although he was disappointed to see the end of the Warley National Model Railway Show at the NEC, he felt it was a carefully considered decision by the members. “The hobby is alive and well at grassroots level, but the commercial boom period of recent decades has probably run its course, having been slowed by the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the ever-increasing age of enthusiasts.” Interesting comments for those who have doubted the Hornby foray into TT120 in search of a younger long term growth market.

I think you'd find 'street level' steel sewing pin heads would be quite sufficient for the magnets and easy enough to hide with a thin coat of colour.

They were pretty bad direct from Italy, rusted like nobody's business- did the Russians make them any better? Decent engines 'though and I bet that's what gave them value.

Dipping will not affect the Pledge- just decant some and return to the bottle after use; cheap way to see if that approach would work.

Have you tried the usual trick of dipping in acrylic floor polish (Pledge)? Its very low viscosity might penetrate and fill much of the surface irregularity, maybe with multiple dip/cure cycles. 'Made for the job' varieties are available from such as Ultimate.

That ICE Train sings to me like a siren; Lorelei?

Regarding warping issues, whilst I see plenty of external support pillars in 3D printing I do not see the use of 'sacrificial' webbing and floors to maintain dimensional stability until cured- built in jigs if you will. Any particular reason for this?

Shades of Matchbox kits?