Clearwater

I'd still like to see more carriages. Per the popular (!) North Norfolk railway accuracy thread , I'd love to see a quad art set. It would be then MY decision which inappropriate loco to run it with! I'd also like to see a rtr silver jubilee set. Possibly tweaked to be five cars to fit an average layout but appreciate that requires some compromise

Caprotti valve gear, crosti boilers??

Virgin's weekday pendolino first class breakfast is not too bad. Not quite as good as pre virgin but ok. However, the weekend service in first has deteriorated massively. The snack box is a total afront to the memory of proper dining trains... Agree GNR used to be ok too I'd also recommend the. Bluebell's directors' coach service on a Sunday afternoon. Very nice afternoon tea and great view of the engine!

I tell my three year old such abominations are "American engines"

I'm not an expert here but first 10, 1941/42 construction includes CanPac (surely a popular choice) as well as my suggestions of Cunard White star and p&o. Would also include 21C9 (35009) Shaw Savill. Given the latter's chequered history as one of the last to leave Barry and it's current uncertain future, would be a nice way to highlight the original's glory days

With 35006 due to steam soon, you'd have thought they might go for that. I don't have the list to hand of what they've modelled previously but, would seem to me to make sense to go for one they've not modelled in rebuilt form. Preferably one with an iconic name - Cunard springs to mind

Thanks Mike - is that comet on Bachmann bogies?

Thanks for your response john and fwiw, I am aware of the old airfix non-corridor stock. Given airfix as a model rail brand hasn't existed since the late 70s / early 80s, I'm rather hoping that new tooling, to today's higher standards can be developed. You make a good point that other big 4 names are equally poorly served for buffet / restaurant / sleeper cars. I suspect that the economics of producing them doesn't work albeit I think it looks wrong to have an express train without buffet cars. Happy to agitate for those gaps to be filled as well! When I get time, I'm going to have to learn how to build and paint comet coaches... I've always fancied slip coach for example. Can't see an rtr one of those without it being a gimmick like the mail coaches

It didn't sell and is relisted...

In terms of gwr rtr rolling stock, it seems we're poorly served for *suburban stock *autocoaches pre 1948 *sleeper coaches (I can't recall one?) *buffet / restaurant cars (I can only recall the one in the Hornby railroad range)

Did I misread the nameplate? It didn't say 'Exeter' did it?

Have done on the ones I've noticed (in contrast to H) Suspect depends on individual diligence in HK/China...

I agree with Ozexpatriate's analysis. Shipping costs are immaterial in the wider scheme of things. I've not checked his maths but even if he is a factor of 10 out, we'd still only be taking plus or minus a couple of quid.. Taking the point that each TEU carries several thousand units, probably accounts for why we get product in lumps over here. For example, I'd wager that the Drummond 700s, the k Pullmans, duchess variants and some new diesels all tightly packed the same one or two containers..,.

I'm more interested in the inserts. Need to be easy to take in and out, sturdy with limited risk of the packaging falling away and dropping the loco One simple thing Bachman do (but Hornby seem not to) is sellotaping the extras bag to the plastic case. Makes it far less likely you lose the damn thing!

I always thought: One source = plagiarism Two sources = research Three sources = PhD!

I think the regulator is spot on for the cut off my uncle bob used on 31st June 1943. Other than that, Dave's got it wrong

When I get chance will post a picture

Had my box arrive from Cornwall. Oddly there was no r4660 - did that not make the boat?

Having seen the case at Quorn on Saturday and Sunday, have placed order... I think, Dave, we need more high quality coaches!

Just posted on this relative quality on the djm thread. I agree that it's too early too judge however would be surprised if the djm model isn't more detailed. Which runs better, tbc Where Hornby scores is tts. Would bet djm's blue sells Less well as a consequence (absent KE3 considerations)

It's a great layout - loved seeing the bridge. As I said, magazine photos don't do it justice...

Yes- I had a good look too earlier. Am going back tomorrow for confirmatory check. Think I will end up ordering...

Useful clarification from Dave. Ordered two of them. Need auto coaches. Still hanker after quad-art set as well...

Thanks Dave - appreciated!

Apols if on earlier page and I've missed it, but where will the socket be for the dcc chip?