Islesy

Absolutely nothing wrong in that whatsoever, as that was (and to an extent still is) my main area of interest before I took the role of Researcher here. Railway modelling is the broadest of churches as a hobby and the differences should be celebrated, not castigated. Best wishes, Paul

You will need to use a micro, or nano, type 6-pin decoder. The new Hornby 6-pin harness decoder will not fit. Hope that helps? Best wishes, Paul

Quite simply, the answer is no. In my time here, the only locomotive that was scanned was the Class 71. Works drawings, reference photographs and, where possible, survey visits, are how we work on subjects. Best wishes, Paul.

Shame you did't come over and introduce yourself. Best wishes, Paul.

That is quite correct Robin, Duchess of Hamilton is modelled in its 1938 condition, and not 'as preserved', due to the modifications that have occurred in 're-streamlining'.

Yes, and yes!

Rather than let other sources interpret the data, based on the information we’ve received from the three TOCs concerned, the rakes are summarised below. Formation wise, the following applies/will apply (in theory!) GWR (the ‘Castle’ or ‘GTi’ sets as they have been referred to): 2+4 formations which should be (Coaches A to D) TS+TS+TSD+TGS in service. The first test rake was TS+TS+TS+TGS though, which is what I measured at Laira. ScR: 2+4 (x 9 rakes) and 2+5 (x 17 rakes) formations. The 2+5 should be (Coaches A to E) TGFB+TSD+TS+TSL+TSL and the 2+4 TGFB+TSD+TS+TSL in service. XC: 2+8 formation which should be (Coaches A to H) TFD+TCC+TSL+TSL+TSL+TSL+TSD+TGS. However, there is a 9th coach on the diagram specs, a TSD(V), which will only operate on XC04 and XC05 and will replace the TSD in those formations (the interior layout differs). The first rake into service was XC03 which was a 2+7 formation of (Coaches A to G) TFD+TCC+TSL+TSL+TSL+TSD+TGS. Until full squadron service is completed, there is likely to be some mix and match elements in play, particularly on ScR and XC. Hope that helps you all - just as soon as we can catagorically confirm vehicles numbers we’ll communicate them through the various media channels. Best wishes, Paul

Although it does sound comedic, there is a dark side to situations like this. I worked for Sealink on the Train Ferry at Dover’s Western Dock and wagon exams could be a daunting affair during the nesting season. My colleague, a big strapping chap, had climbed up the end ladder of a wagon to check the seals and as he reached the top, he disturbed a nesting Gull. These things are quite large and it flew up at him, all beak and bad attitude, and in trying to fend it off he fell backwards from the ladder, resulting in multiple breaks to his leg and a cracked vertebrae. It was six months before he could return to work, even on light duties...

That’s a really good point, and one which we’ll try and incorporate in the future. This year we’ve added the ‘Decoder type’ to the ‘DCC Ready/Fitted’ labels, so ‘Sound Ready’ is the next logical step.

I’d hazard the answer to that is no - I spoke to several knowledgable sources during research about this, as even the Swindon GAs stated ‘right’ and ‘left’ handed and there was no consensus of opinion. I guess we need to wait for the time machine to be invented...

Signatures no longer seem to pop up when posting, but as mine did explain, I'd prefer that these discussions could be played out in private to prevent misinformation and undue confusion among forum members. I believe that to be the 'proper' way of doing things Miss Prism. Hornby Researcher Constructive comments regarding newly announced Hornby items are most welcome, but correspondence should be via the messaging facility please and any responses should remain private. ​Unless indicated otherwise, any opinions expressed are entirely my own and do not necessarily reflect current Hornby policy.

Swings and roundabouts Londoner, every region and traction type will have its day - I'm sure when we were unveiling the B12 and Q6 in 2016 there were LMS enthusiasts saying the same thing...

That's correct., as does the Terrier. The Ruston also has a six-pin, but it will have to be a micro, or nano decoder as our new R7150 will not fit.

That’s great Phil, this “non-existant research department” bod has done the same, though for me it was the Queen Anne 48DS and the NCB Peckett B2...

Just to interject and spoil all the conspiracy theories etc, 87001 is being produced as part of the NRM (it’s hard to call it by its ‘new’ title of Railway Museum) Collection, hence the dual naming and Era 11 designation (because that’s how it appears currently). We measured 87001 at the NRM on the day after we measured 87035 at Crewe as a cross check to the measurements. Was an interesting trip across the Pennines as we tried to outrun the snow that was coming in....

Our reference comes from from the North British Railway Study Group, in their Journal 125 of July 2015. Euan Cameron, of that Society, states that several photographs in the NBR collection exist showing the engines painted in an all-over drab of either khaki or dark grey, although khaki would have been the easiest colour to apply over the NB livery of the time, similar to the GWS’s Mogul 5322 between 2008 and 2012. As we've dealt closely with the NBRSG throughout the J36 project, we see no reason to doubt their take on the subject and whilst I will cross reference against Aves, the information supplied by the NBRSG, along with reference to ROD files at the National Archives, has guided our interpretation of the subject. I hope that helps? Best wishes, Paul.

Withdrawal of the type from service commenced in 1957 and by 1961 just two remained, 55006 and 55037, lasting until 1962 and 1963 respectively. Some examples made it to departmental and internal use, with 55072 being noted at Gorton, Manchester in 1950 and 55025 being noted at Andover Junction between February 1958 and January 1961 as 080673.

Constructive appraisal and feedback, in my opinion Ian, warrants communication via DM with examples and sources. An exchange of dialogue such that we have enjoyed in the past.

Well, that's the waiting over then! Polite enquiries/questions/constructive suggestions regarding individual items/liveries will be answered via DM. Best wishes, Paul. Hornby Researcher Constructive comments regarding newly announced Hornby items are most welcome, but correspondence should be via the messaging facility please and any responses should remain private. ​Unless indicated otherwise, any opinions expressed are entirely my own and do not necessarily reflect current Hornby policy.

I don’t think our set of announcements will be upstaged Mike, there’s some very nice surprises in store come 10:00am...

No there hasn’t MGR - and it’s definitely not yellow!

'Fraid not...

Jim, it is likely that they would have travelled out to the Western Front from Richborough Port, however I haven't been able to confirm this (as yet). Best wishes, Paul.

Would more likely be Young, Scott, Johnson etc if it were my influence, however I’m not the only rocker in the Dev team

As yet, I haven’t been 3D scanned...