Scottish-Exile

Strathclyde Orange, Ayr - Girvan Strathclyde Ermine/Cream, Ayr - Girvan

"Shresbury" depot :nono: Delighted that you've teamed up with Legomanbiffo though. Will be opting for sound on my orders.

Great stuff. Sooooooo looking forward to this one

A question about Digital Subscriptions if I may. When you subscribe to a digital edition, is it yours to view for 'ever' on your laptop / tablet, or can it only be read while you have a valid subscription? I currently get a paper edition and have a couple of years worth of accumulated back issues that I don't want to get rid of as they are great for referring back to etc. However, space wise they are starting to take over. I'm leaning towards going digital but don't know if you can view your past issues, even if you subsequently cancel the subscription.

Had mine ordered with Richard since it was announced, so hoping for a phone call off him tomorrow

Oh, just found this thread. I'd be VERY interested in Arriva 175's and could even be tempted to a 5 car FGW 180. Here's hoping the project comes to fruition.

Hopefully either an uprated Class 86 or a load of BR blue post TOPS Class 27's.

Agree. Never knew the Penketh store as I only got back in to model railways a couple of years ago. However, I guess the rates in the city centre are extortionate and consequently, they now stock what sells : the cars, planes and wargaming stuff and not model railways. Another city centre toy store closed recently after more than 50 years, blaming the high rents and the lack of footfall in the city centre. https://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/great-sadness-beloved-chester-toy-14459145 As I said in my own previous post, I'm part of the problem. This is a local store, and yet I buy most stuff online or at shows and if I need something in a hurry, I can nip into Trident Trains where there is ample free parking right outside the door. A shame to see shops struggle and close, but it's the way of the world these days.

You're quoting a 5 year old post, and as the more recent posts in the thread report, unfortunately Chester Model Centre is a shadow of what it once was.

I've not been back since that December 16 visit (post 48) and as I say, this is my closest model shop as I'm just 8 miles away. Working in Crewe though, I can pop into Trident Trains near Nantwich on my way home, if there's anything I need in a hurry, or don't want to pay p&p for.

I just picked up 66 728 Institution of Railway Operators last week, in a flash sale by Model Railways Direct, getting it brand new for £114. This being from this years new releases in the standard range. Half wondered then if retailers are shipping out/offloading the Bachmann ones. However, that wouldn't make sence as if the Hattons model is only going to be available from Widnes (at least initially, unless they become a wholeseller) then for other shops wanting to offer customers a Cl 66, then they only have the Bachmann or the old Limby models to sell. Always hard to judge the appeal of new releases. I pre-ordered 66 711 Sence last year and paid full whack, only to see it on shelves today heavilly discounted. On the same day, I got Hornby's Colas Class 60 Clic Sargent which I'd also pre-ordered and is now going for a significant price hike on eBay.

I'd take both !!

As per Daves post, you have until 23.59pm tonight After that, price goes up 33.33%

Apologies Mike for going slightly off topic here, but saw on a Facebook page (Railways Illustrated) today that the real Dent Station is currently up for sale http://www.thwestateagents.co.uk/property/residential/for-sale/sedbergh/cowgill/100794004261 FOR SALE - DENT STATION, ENGLAND’S HIGHEST MAINLINE RAILWAY STATION Only the third time it has been offered for sale since being built in 1877 Offers over £425,000 Situated on the legendary Settle to Carlisle railway line, Dent is England's highest mainline railway station, and the station house is now being put up for sale by its owner, Robin Hughes. Robin purchased the classic Victorian station property in 2006 and following its sympathetic restoration, it has been available for holiday rental. Situated in beautiful Dentdale, Yorkshire, this iconic Grade II Listed property is now on the market either as a private home, or to continue to provide a distinctly different self-catering experience. This is a destination property that will not only attract those with a passion for railways, but also those who want to enjoy the perfect vantage point from which to take in some of the Dales’ most breathtaking natural scenery. Dent Station opened in 1877, and is around eight miles north of the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. The station sits 1,150ft above sea level, includes approximately 1/3 of an acre of land, and positioned alongside the railway line that weaves its way from the infamous Blea Moor Tunnel four miles away. The former station house and platform have been restored to the highest standards by Robin Hughes, a chartered surveyor who has always loved the railway. Steam excursions run on the line next to the converted station at weekends with visits from the Flying Scotsman and Tornado. Robin says: “It is tremendous to hear the distant whistle of an approaching steam train; it’s a sound that transports you back to a bygone era. Imagine stepping outside onto the platform with a mug of tea to enjoy the pleasures of Dentdale: views, fresh air, wonderful wildlife and a real-life train set on your doorstep!” This unusual property has been finished with a classic ‘first class’ period railway look. The restored woodwork is finished in Midland Railway maroon and cream, while inside a coal-fired Rayburn is welcoming, complemented by modern underfloor heating. Commented Robin Hughes, “I bought Dent Station in 2006 and ensured it was painstakingly renovated so it could operate as a comfortable holiday rental property, while retaining all its authentic and historical features. It has been a lot of fun, and I’ve met some fascinating people as a result, but I need to concentrate on other business interests, so very reluctantly it is now time to move on.” The accommodation has been imaginatively designed, with the former booking hall now a spacious lounge and the original ladies’ waiting room transformed into a kitchen/dining area. The three bedrooms sleep a total of six people. New bathrooms have been carefully chosen to provide a traditional look, in keeping with the property. Around five passenger trains in each direction link Leeds and Carlisle and stop at Dent daily, and the line is regularly used by freight trains. Dent Station is a great place from which to explore the Dales by train, with seven day rover tickets available allowing exploration of surrounding towns and villages. Dent village itself is around four miles away and has its own brewery. The trip from Settle to Carlisle is regarded as one of the most scenic and quintessential railway journeys in the world. This holiday home is a must for those who love the great outdoors, all the comforts of modern living and a good measure of romantic nostalgia thrown in. Joint agents J R Hopper & Co Tel: 01969 667744 www.jrhopper.com Thomson Hayton Winkley Estate Agents Tel: 01524 271999 www.thwestateagents.co.uk Dent Station - sales brochure www.dentstation.co.uk

Model Rail did a 37 in the RfD livery 'Grainflow' and I think they struggled to sell them, eventually offloading them to retailers. Will be interesting to see which of the 6 L/E 37's prove the most popular. At least they've gone for something different from the safe bet of a 37/4 in LLB.

Had an email today from TMC with a tracking number so it's on its way

Guess I'm going the long way home tonight. Been after one of these.

I was after a Bachmann Tops numbered Class 85 which had just sold out at all the usual places, and was getting £40-£60 more than retail on eBay. Eventually got one 2nd hand at the same price they had been retailing for. A couple of days later I was in the shop at the local Llangollen Railway and they had one brand new, in the cabinet at the standard selling price (RRP-15%). Adding in my postage, it would have been cheaper to have got the one in the shop had I been there a couple of days earlier. So worth looking out for other retailers who may not always advertise online etc. when you're after a recently 'sold out' model.

Duly ordered

Biffa is a waste management company, and the loco was named "The Flying Dustman" as part of the partnership GBRf have with Biffa https://www.railfreight.com/business/2018/04/01/gb-railfreight-to-carry-waste-to-manchester-and-leeds/

AFTER the Class 86 of course

As Bachmann have done 66 405 & 66 412 in Malcolm logistics livery, can Hattons PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE do 66 434 in Malcolm Logistics colours.

I have 3 abiding memories of the APT. My trip/cab ride as a BR YTS kid (see page 3 of thread) Seeing it daily at Shields rd as I passed by on my Ayr-Glasgow commute. Sitting at the old BR training centre at Rutherglen, that was on the WCML (not the new centre that opened in '86.) Was idly gazing out the south facing window when APT came into view from behind us, e.g. heading towards London. It was slow moving but we all watched as the whole train came into view, a coach at a time, until the very last driving car appeared, being propelled by a class 25 ! I'm buying mine to hopefully one day have a layout big enough to take a 14 car set. It may even have overhead lines. While I don't see me dragging/propelling the unit, I do think for the overall cost/authenticity, that having a lifting nose cone with a conceled NEM socket is an essential. I do however respect those who say it is an uneccessary cost/feature.

I got the advance email yesterday thanks. Can't find the order form on the website, but I've replied to the email to reserve one please.

Like me then. I don't have a layout yet and actually, don't even have a home to put one in as we're in the early stages of planning a house move. Hopefully by the time the APT arrives, I'll have a home and layout that can take the 14 car set on my helix. (Page 4, post 78)