PreservationModeller

May surprise folk but I prefer these NEM couplings to the close-coupling variant - better for shunting. Just find the CC's a little too fiddly for me. Back to topic, and I must say that, even from an angle, those are looking to be a mighty fine set of coaches. May well have to order some to go with my Maunsell Green SR O2 (and the Malachite version that I know Kernow will one day announce especially for me... no?)

Ooh! That does look nice actually - put me down for one in it's original livery...

I think a model of 16 would encounter a knock at the door from Mattel/HiT Entertainment... Meanwhile, I have had my artwork updated slightly, just to reflect the model a little close to how I am planning it...

I hazard a guess of decorated samples to surprise us with? No... just me then.

Had a call from Rails Of Sheffield about another order, during which I mentioned the LBSCR E4; their delivery is due Monday I have been told. Has risen in price from the original pre-order last April, but still has the free postage, so a little saving there. Not long now...

I'll get my credit card ready... again... Help!

And Thomas is back this morning.

Misinterpreted the original posts. Who knows then?!

I think the site may be having issues; all bar Thomas are showing up for me at the moment on the website.

Metal spring that forms part of the loco-tender coupling. Don't know if it actually serves any purpose - the one one mine fell off and it still works (bar the chassis disintegrating the wheels locking up....)

I've seen people still adamantly claim these are stock photos; they have new R codes which imply there are changes to them being made. Bar the obvious R code change, no proof provided anywhere yet for the claims. We may yet be surprised.

At a meeting with a sales rep last week, I was told that there is no confirmed date for the announcement nor whether the tooling is new or old - the details are being kept very hush-hush. That link above may well have been a test page; I notice they've revamped the description, which be part of new marketing guidelines for the range? Time will tell as to what we get in this new range...

Or maybe things take a little longer than people think? I don't recall OR saying the definitely will be showing samples in April mind you. Not sure if people are impatient or.......

Did Dapol officially announce the duplication of 96? According to this blog post, Caen is the name, the number being 90; http://grahammuz.com/2014/03/31/update-regarding-Dapol-ex-lswr-b4-announcement/ Caen Brown would be my choice if it isn't the preserved number - I'm picky in that respect.

For anyone looking for sample images, Howes Models have them on their site; http://www.howesmodels.co.uk/category/OO%20Locomotives%20and%20Units?start=61&order=NULL Picked up on the "Licensed Product" in the descriptions - surely Heljan don't need to talk to TFL to be allowed to produce these liveries?

I was just wondering if any updates were due soon on this front - seems I was pre-empted! Those decorated samples are sublime to say the least. Sorely tempted to add another to accompany my order of No.207, but the wallet can't take it at the moment! Now, if they announced a Malachite green version............

All; I have been made aware that the email in the top post is missing an 's' (how I missed that is beyond me!) The correct address should be: haywardstrains@gmail.com

Please please; let's not argue over who trumps who.... (We all know 3806 comes tops!)

Oh how I want! Despite the price, I may get one because it is such a beauty. Now, which tender... I hope other running numbers numbers are announced though some day....

Hi All First off, thanks to those who have already expressed their interest. I'm still in "setup" mode at the moment, but I wanted to get this announced now so that people are aware of it in good time. (And so I can see how big a mistake I am making!!) I shan't be anything big like the major retailers we all know and love, but I am setting up a model railway department within the shop on the Epping Ongar line - unless things go pear shaped. 'Wilbert' has always been a firm favourite loco of mine, and as there has yet to be a model of 3806, I thought I'd take a leap and do it myself to start my venture off. Unfortunately, to add a face would mean it is a Thomas character, and thus cannot be offered I'm afraid. Anyone having trouble getting in touch with the email, please drop me a PM and I'll help where I can. Thanks and regards Owen Hayward

30-525 is the Shakespeare Express train pack, as opposed to an E4...

I imagine there will bargains of some. Does anyone expect the LBSC version to sell out? I can see a repeat of the lined SECR C class. I'm a tad confuses at this thought though: How can the prise rise affect already-shipped models? It can't cost more to produce something that is already on its way to shops. I could understand it affecting future batches, but why this already-made set?

Mine arrived today, and very nice they are too. My only quibble (and very minor for me) is the NEM couplings are a tad low so linking up to stock requires some intervention. Found the free gift with each - Dave's calling card! These two models shall take pride of place on my shelf... until the J94 comes in... *EDIT: Seems its just 586's front coupling that is the issue. Should be an easy fix.

Packaging with not too-much waste. I rather dislike Hornby and Bachmann's current plastic-city packaging, favouring that used on the Well Tanks for example; protects the model well, but not too wasteful. As for models; a retooled Terrier in OO would be most welcome (if only for the lovely lamp irons!)

Mine in the post now too; the anticipation is torment! I'll have a DJM J94 next I think...