Ellis Clark Trains

On 01/02/2021 at 19:11, davidw said:

Shouldn't the oval window be white? Other than that excellent.

Hi David,

Sorry for the delay.

They hadn't done the window white for this sample, but it will be in production

On 02/02/2021 at 19:06, Pint of Adnams said:

It should not be clear, but photographs show any degree of translucency from slightly frosted through to white, perhaps with a hint of tobacco. There was less emphasis on the opaqueness of the oval windows on the corridor side cf the lavatory side, for obvious reasons.

Same as above

Afternoon All,

I have the pleasure of sharing with you the engineering prototype of one of the forthcoming Darstaed Finescale O Gauge Thompson BTK (Brake/Third) Coaches.

We have already identified a number of improvements/alterations and, as this is a pre-production sample, some parts including the interiors and the bogie steps have not yet been decorated.

As always, the spec sheet makes for nice reading with these Darstaed coaches:

Brass coach sides - professionally painted

Die-cast chassis

Sprung metal buffers

Die-cast tilt-compensating bogies

Magnetic coupling corridor connections

Kadee couplings fitted as standard (link couplings available separately)

Fully detailed interiors with coach pictures, mirrors and brass luggage racks

Installed coach lighting and working detachable brake lamps (on brake ends)

Will run on Peco 2nd radius curves

Removable ‘slot in’ coach nameboards

The models are priced at £229 with multi-buy discounts available (see website for details).

What do you all think?

All comments and feedback, as ever, are much appreciated!

All the best,

Ellis.

Morning everyone,

Just a quick one from myself.

We will shortly be receiving an engineering prototype sample of our forthcoming Thompson coaches which we are producing with Darstaed.

We have already identified a few minor improvements which will of course be made before release.

I must say, the quality and detail on these after applying the design changes back in June last year is quite superb.

As soon as I have the sample, I will be posting pictures here .

The first coaches are new expected to arrive in June.

Again, I do apologise for a further delay on the release of these models - but as I'm sure you are now aware, anything either myself or Darstaed are involved in has to be right.

All the best,
Ellis.

Evening all,

Hope you're all keeping well.

We've got a number of updates on the Presflos for you, numbered below for ease of reading.

1. I'll start with the bad news... unfortunately the release date on these has been pushed back to Summer of this Year. It's nothing Covid related, more myself wanting to get things right and not accounting for a couple of processes and also the fact they'll now be coming by sea as a-pose to air. Very sorry if this causes any inconveniences to anyone, but we're working hard to make them as close to perfect as possible/

2. We'll have some decorated samples in March - which includes a yellow Blue Circle, a Bauxite 'Tunnel Cement' and a Grey 'Blue Circle' variant.

3. We've added another variant to the range! Our ref: E73-1-8A, B, C & U (for the various running numbers & for the un-numbered version). This represents the TOPs numbered grey 'Blue Circle' wagon, but this time with the advertising board as shown in the attached CAD. 

4. All art sheets are now completed with some alterations having been made to the sheets originally posted on here. I've attached some of the altered art sheets for your viewing pleasure.

Anything else please feel free to get in touch.

All the best,
Ellis.

Morning all,

Thank you all so much for your comments.

We've taken everything on board and made alterations.

Please find the new artwork below .

All the best,

Ellis.

On 12/12/2020 at 05:55, suomen said:

Ellis, since I pre-ordered some of your models including Presflos, have you already got any informations about dealing with continental customers (as me) from 2021 on?

 

Thanks.

Hi Frank,

Sorry for the delay.

As far as I am aware, sending goods via post (Royal Mail, UPS, DHL etc.) remains the same.

I have been reading up and can't see anything changing in terms of import duties, VAT or customs declarations.

I believe the only change is for exporting/importing of goods between businesses - however I could be wrong!

All the best,

Ellis.

Afternoon all,

Hope you're all keeping well.

Please see below all the artwork's which Nikki has just completed .

What do you think?

We're still currently on for delivery in Q1 next year.

All the best,
Ellis.

2 hours ago, 37114 said:

The EP is looking great Ellis! Quick question, when do you expect to take payment for these, I don't recall providing my card details as part of my pre-order? Thanks

Hi there,

We're still expecting delivery in Q1 of next year so will take payment prior to dispatch then :).

All the best,

Ellis.

Good afternoon all,

May I present our next 7mm Finescale O Gauge project, Type 27 Wickham Trolleys and Trailers!

Here's all the info you'll want to know:

We are producing the Type 27 Wickham Trolley which will come accompanied with a matching trailer. Trailers are also available separately should you wish to add more.

Specifications
Super detailed body and interior, including dials, handbrake and etched grills
Die-cast chassis giving excellent weight for traction
Super-detailed finescale wheels
Directional lighting
DCC Ready as standard
Capable of running on Peco 2nd Radius curves

RRP: £159.95 - Wickham Trolley & Trailer, additional trailers at £34.95 each

Release Date: Q1 2022

Pre-order Info: As always, you can pre-order with no deposits or upfront payments, payment is taken once we have the items in stock.

I've attached a chart of the different variants, alongside some CAD renders in the four different liveries we are offering them for sale in.

What do you all think?

All feedback as always is most welcomed!

All the best,
Ellis.

And for those who like cab detailing...

Afternoon all,

Back in May 2020 we made the announcement of our first ever RTR project under the Ellis Clark Trains brand name, Finescale O Gauge Presflo wagons!

Now that we have our own manufacturer section within the forum, we will be posting all our project updates and announcements here.

Please find below specifications, variants table, CADs and the first EP!

All the best,

Ellis.
 

Specifications

Super-fine detailing throughout

Carefully researched and designed using original drawings and dimensions, cross referenced with pictures of original and rebuilt wagons.

Super-fine pipework, handles and small detailed parts in plastic and metal

Die-cast chassis

Sprung buffers

3-link couplings

Sprung axle boxes

Will run on Peco 2nd radius curves (1028mm)

We are producing 6 different liveries, with a choice of running numbers and, for each livery, an un-numbered version with a transfer sheet

Expected Release: Q1 2021

Retail Price: £69.99

Multibuy Prices: £67 each when buying 5 -7 wagons or £65 each for 8 or more!

Afternoon all,

Originally, this loco/post came under the Darstaed forum area, however after a number of changes and updates (listed below), this model will now come under the Ellis Clark Trains brand name.

Nothing has changed with the relationship between ourselves and Darstaed, as we will continue to work very closely on a number of different projects over the coming years.

As you may or may not know, we operate with a very "hands-on" approach, acting on all feedback we receive, with the end goal of supplying the best possible product we can.

Back in December 2019 we released our latest CADs and received superb constructive criticism from many of you.

We listened.

So much so, that in January of this year we made the decision to bring a full-time CAD designer to the team, and shortly after doing so, we began to re-design the Black 5 from scratch.

Below, you can find the specifications, production variants and most importantly, the brand new CADs!

Specifications
Super detailed die-cast construction
Genuine ABC Helical Gearbox - built, fitted and tested in the UK
Maxon motor with ball bearing racers
Super detailed cab
Compensating axles
Removable working loco lamps
Firebox glow
DCC ready

DCC Sound & Smoke Variants

Zimo MX699 Decoder
Boom box double speaker
Synchronised sound and smoke
Zimo exclusive sound project with 20+ functions

All the best,

Ellis.

Afternoon All,

We're happy to announce another exclusive Darstaed project.

May I present to you, The BR 63ft Mk1 Carflats

This project is a little different to others, here's whats happening...

These 63ft BR Mk1 Carflats will be constructed from the Darstaed Mk1 Mainline coach chassis and newly tooled bogies, the remaining construction is taking place in-house at Ellis Clark Trains, with a very limited amount being produced.

The carflats will be available in 3 Liveries, including BR Bauxite, BR Blue & BR Blue ‘Motorail’ - all coming supplied with water slide transfers including a choice of running numbers.

Specs & Info...

Release Date: December 2020
Prices: £149 Each or 4 for £565

Specifications:
Diecast chassis/underframe
Newly tooled scale Mk1 bogies & wheels
Finely detailed etched brass sides/stanchions, professionally painted in house
Laser cut wood flooring - stained in house
Sprung buffers
Finescale wheels fitted
Capable of running on Peco 2nd radius curves (40.5")
BR Blue ‘Motorail’ - provided with Sprung Screwlink couplings
BR Blue/BR Bauxite - provided with sprung Interstanter couplings
Waterslide transfers supplied with a choice of running numbers

Some CAD images below, however sample pictures aren't far around the corner! 

All three variants are now available to pre-order through the website, over the phone or via email.

As always, no upfront payments or deposits are required

What do you all think?

All the best,
Ellis.

Afternoon all,

Been a while since I posted on this thread!

It's just a quick one to let you all know that the Mk1 mainline re-run is now in stock.

This also includes the new coach to the line-up, the BSO (Brake Second Open).

Full list and picture of the BSO below.

All the best,
Ellis.

22 hours ago, 56038 said:

I attempted to fit some “no smoking” signs in my RMB.... few problems to overcome; the bogie with the power pick ups has very little slack cable to play with and doesn’t actually come off! However it does swivel enough to access the roof screws. My tip would be that once you have unscrewed the roof - temporarily fix the bogies back on to avoid damaging the underframe. The water pipes feeding the RMB are well fitted to the roof so suggest you gently slide out from the coach end brackets. Off comes the roof, but all it reveals is the circuit board for the lights which is well attached and taped to the coach sides. With no apparent slack cable to the bogie and possibility of broken wiring I decided to leave it to another day.... reassembly takes a bit of persuading, but at least got it back to original state. Anybody had a success with this? Tips welcome!! 
 

Should add - I realise the bogie with the pick ups doesn’t actually come off the coach, I meant it didn’t have enough slack wire to come off the mounting screw.

Hi there,

I'm happy to help here!

It is a little fiddly, but once you've done it a couple of times you become a pro (and that's coming from me!).

Essentially, you've done all the first steps correctly.

What I would recomend once you have the roof off is to remove the black insulation tape (this was added to ensure no light escapes between coach sides and roof join).

Then, undo all the small screws holding the PCB in place (best to have a small tray to put these in!).

Two options from here: 1. you can unsolder the pick-up wires from the PCB (take care note to burn the disc pads off) - you can then fully remove the bogie, or 2. Leave the pick-up wires in place and move the PCB to one side - although with this method and because the pick-up wires have little slack, we find the PCB can still get in the way.

Any issues, feel free to call/email us.

All the best,

Ellis.

On 20/06/2020 at 19:24, Clarky1000 said:

having spent 39 years building 12" - 1ft passenger vehicles for the Big Railway, price increases and a delay only add to the realism!!

 

They look fabulous to me!!

 

Unfortunately, as a BR 1970 modeller, I'll have to limit it to the BG .

 

Great job!

 

 

Hi Clarky,

Great nickname btw!

Thank you very much - that means allot coming from some one whose worked on the real things!

We've been working hard on this project and spent a lot of time at the NYM railway trying to catch the realism/feel!

I myself am looking forward to showing samples of the 'simulated' teak finish!

All the best,

Ellis.

On 20/06/2020 at 17:32, davidw said:

I'm amazed at such a comprehensive set BG,RF TO and pressure ventilation for the "lizzie". Would you ever shrink them to 4mm scale?

Hi David,

Thank you!

We'd love to one day (Neil who works for us keeps bugging me to do EM scale stuff! :D).

All the best,

Ellis.

Evening all,

Hope you're all keeping well.

Firstly, sorry for not updating everyone sooner regarding the Thompson project.

The past few months have been a tad challenging, but have also given us time to revisit many areas of this project, among others.

Essentially a few things have come from this. Firstly, and unfortunately, we are having to increase the RRP for these coaches.

Secondly, the good news, we have taken more time to improve the design, features and finesse of these models, with the latest CAD images attached at the bottom of this message.

The Price Increase
We have always worked closely with Darstaed to maintain what we think, considering the level of detailing and components, a very fair retail price.

Unfortunately, due to the increased levels of details and parts, alongside other factors outside our control, we are having to increase the RRP.

We have, however, tried to keep this as low as possible, alongside offering the following multi-buy deals!

A few bits of good news:

We will honour all pre-orders to this date. Therefore, if you have pre-ordered any coaches at £199, we will stand by this (when we take payment upon delivery of the coaches)

There is no increase on the RRP for the Elizabethan coaches or simulated teak coaches, which remain at £229 (individually)

We have a few 'multi-buy' options for purchases of 3 or more

The new price moving forward, for all liveries/coach types, is £229 with the following multi-buy discounts:
3-4 Coaches = £227 each

Release Date
We are now expecting these coaches in the following schedule

Q4 2020 - Elizabethan Coaches
Q1/2 2021 - Crimson & cream, Blue/Crimson BGs & some lined maroon coaches
Q2/3 2021 - Lined maroon & simulated teak coaches

5-7 Coaches = £225 each

8-10 Coaches = £222 each

11+ Coaches = £220 each

Improved Design
Over the past three months we have been working very closely with Darstaed on the design of these coaches, adding fine details and improving the overall look of the model.

We have added details such as etched brass steps to the bogie sideframes, improved interiors, finer detailing to the die-cast bogies, further enhancements to the chassis detailing (such as dynamos, battery boxes, tank reservoirs), and tweaks/improvements to many other parts.

We always aim to offer the best possible product with super fine detailing, whilst keeping the construction and quality to a very high and long lasting level.

A reminder of the specs
Finely detailed brass sides - professionally painted
Brass luggage racks
Fully detailed die-cast under-frame
Super detailed interiors with lights
Compensated die-cast bogies
Super detailed door hinges
Magnetic coupling corridor connectors
Kadee couplings as standard - link couplings available separately
Capable of running on 2nd Radius Curves
Sprung metal buffer
Brake ends and full brakes with detachable working (plug in) rear light
Sheet of prototypical running numbers for you to apply as you see fit
Removable slot-in coach name boards

And Finally...
I understand a price increase is never good news, it's also something we really wanted to avoid.

It's always a balancing act getting the best possible level of detail, whilst keeping the price point realistic and affordable.

We're always striving to deliver the award winning models and I believe that these coaches have raised the bar again - if you like the Darstaed mainline and suburban Mk1s, you'll love the Thompsons.

As always, I'd love to receive all feedback, both positive and constructive.

Once again, thank you to all for your continued support.

All the best,
Ellis.

On 05/06/2020 at 14:07, 37114 said:

Hi Ellis, quick watch out re E73-1-04A, you may have spotted this but APCM 8763 was the first of the Metro Cammell built batch that APCM had as such it has a rounded rather than angular body from the early Butterly builds? I am hoping the choice of number is deliberate as having both body types provides a nice variation but if you are using the angular body for all the APCM Presflos then this will need to be APCM 8762 or lower to be accurate. Ta

Hi Rob,

Thank you so much for pointing this out, we're on it! :).

Will let you know when we have an update.

All the best,

Ellis.

Afternoon all,

After a few requests, we have managed to add the 1954 Shildon built presflos to the production run.

They're now available for pre-order on the website, with updated chart and CAD image below :).

All the best,
Ellis.

16 hours ago, 37114 said:

You are joking me right?????  This is my afternoons work:

Seriously, this is great news and a fantastic price. Please can I check though (having learnt a lot about Presflo's in the last couple of weeks:) the APCM have the correct axle boxes, discharge valves and Angular rather than rounded bodies (although the latter point is ok as the later ones they had were rounded)? Put me down for 6.

 

Edit - Just studied the diagrams properly and lit looks like you have picked up on the above... Great job guys.

Hi Rob,

Sorry! Although the satisfaction of completing a nice build (which your is) is always great!

Have looked into your pre-order and sent an email to you.

Likewise! The rabbit hole of Presflo wagons!

I can't take too much credit, my CAD designer did the hard work in research and design and has done a truly fantastic job!

These railway contractors never think about us modellers!

All the best,

Ellis.

15 hours ago, Grovenor said:

Considering this is a new website I would have expected the 'Exhibition' page to read rather different, and the COVID news does not mention exhibitions either.

Stay well.

Hi Keith,

Thank you for pointing this out.

I must admit, we've been so focussed on adding to the online store that we have overlooked the Exhibitions page!

We will update that this morning.

There will also be a Covid19 updated post.

All the best,

Ellis.

Hi all,

As many of you may, or may not be aware, ourselves, Ellis Clark Trains, launched a brand new website two weeks ago called Clark Railworks!

We launched this (after many requests over our many years of trading) as a platform to market all our OO, HO, N gauge and other gauges smaller than 7mm O gauge.

You can view the website here: www.clarkrailworks.com

We'd also love to hear any feedback you might have for us, as the website has been designed around the input of yourselves and we would like to make it as appealing and user friendly as possible!

Hope everyone's keeping safe.

All the best,

Ellis & the team.

Evening all,

Hope you're all well.

A few updates on this ever-expanding coach project.

1. We are now offering, for each coach produced, the option of un-numbered or a factory applied running number, with a few options on the third class (TK) coaches. I've attached a full production table/list to this message, or you can go to the Thompson project page on our website (click HERE) to view it. I think the table shows the depths in which we've gone into, thanks to the help of some very knowledgable chaps .

2. We have removed the full brake in crimson & cream and replaced it with the Elizabethan style coach sides, as with standard coach sides it was painted in full crimson livery.

The table may look a little daunting, so let me know if you have any questions.

All the best,
Ellis.