islandtraction

Thanks Phil, I have a home, a car, a staffy bull terrier and a railway, all with demands on my limited income! Anyone with the funds can throw vast amounts of money in the pursuit of ultimate accuracy. But is it always worth it? I have a lot of fun doing it my way. Keith

Ok about 15.5mm out, but given the light duties the coach will perform - often stationary partially hidden, I'm not minded to start all over again with a more expensive donor. My shelf layout already has Hornby (ex Triang) clerestories converted to a Push Pull set. Of course whilst this may appal some folks, its all part of the fun for me in taking something cheap or basic and being creative with it. Besides which the budget has already been spent on locos, scenics and wood supplies, so some discomfort in the rolling stock dept is to be expected! Pic of the "work in progress" Push Pull set is attached. I must add that this is not intended to be an exact replica of any prototype, just to a generic design which will suit my fictitious SR/lately WR branch line. Now wait till you see some of the train formations...

So happens I'm working on exactly this kind of project right now. I bought an old Hornby Dublo Pullman to do as one of the green ones in the Ocean Liner Express formations. As the attached pics will show, I've modified this to "broadly" comply with the 1926 Hastings prototypes. Took all the detailing off so I can replace it with Microstrip in the right places, and using Slaters sheet 0432 (1mm planking) I'm hoping to reproduce the match boarding. The coach is 234mm long and 33 wide, so not a million miles out. As was mentioned earlier in the thread, it will be a fun item to include in e.g. an excursion train, or based at the seaside branch terminus as a seasonal refreshments facility in the bay platform. Will post further pics as the project develops.

As others have said people are free to choose what they buy with their own money, and "heritage/preservation" etc style liveries won't appeal to everyone, but will to many. The hobby is or should be a broad church where enjoying how your money is spent is key. Most of us wouldn't have model railways at all if it was compulsory to be historically correct in every aspect e.g. you can't have 80032 on your ex LSWR line because it was at Crewe North throughout the period of the layout. Many BR layouts are of fictitious locations yet host regional types that wouldn't ordinarily have been seen there. Many have light railways where prototypical freedom is enormous with imagination. Manufacturers are well aware of the diversity of tastes within the hobby and thankfully strive to serve them all. As the French say, "Vive la difference".

I think the preservation liveries of D9523 and D9537, maroon and desert sand respectively are very attractive and would almost certainly have quite a crowd of Teddy bear enthusiasts willing to spend on them.

As you're not specific which previous posting you're referring to, I must ask if this is mine? If so, you make a number of assumptions that are incorrect, and you know what assumption does? I think Chris's reply besides quoting a mission statement on customer care and 4 lines on what a wonderful person his employee is, proves KMC's inability to accept even modest criticism where it's due, and offers little by way of apology. The number of sycophants bobbing up to dance to the piper's tune against someone rightfully challenging rude service from a supplier (with whom those concerned seem reverentially enamoured), is quite irrelevant. As has been said elsewhere here sic. "I think that if there is a thread about a business we should be allowed to issue constructive criticism as well as praise. The business should look upon criticism as an opportunity for improvement".

I absolutely agree with this post. There is likewise no bigotry or arrogance from my position, and I resent the suggestion. It is quite disingenuous to try and turn the situation around and into something else. The point I was making is that I have been the recipient of some brusque and unhelpful treatment by staff, where it was quite unwarranted. I have no doubt that your staff have more than enough to contend with from rude and difficult customers at times, but that does not and never will justify treating all customers as if they were a nuisance. I would be happy to speak to or email Chris given his personal contact details. I wouldn't like to end up in the situation of speaking to the wrong person.

I don't doubt it was the same female I encountered, she's clearly out of her depth in the trade, but the middle aged sounding gent was also lacking in manners. I had intended mentioning the previous incident but then he was just as bad. I'll still place the orders as nobody else stocks the items, but if they did.... It is a great shame that all the good work being done by Kernow can so easily be soured by these kind of encounters. The sums of money we as enthusiasts are parting with are not inconsiderable, so a little courtesy would go a long way.

Afraid to say I've phoned on 2 occasions to ask simple questions (nothing taxing or awkward) about their limited editions on both occasions. I felt I was treated somewhat brusquely by both individuals. Not downright rude, but as something of a minor irritant. Perhaps they soften up a little when credit card details are given?

Class 16s eh ?? Someone has a sense of adventure!

If you don't mind me asking, how did you manage to remove the old number so successfully? I tried turps substitute to no avail, likewise a fine rubbing compound (gentler form of T cut I guess). Having revealed a patch of bare plastic on one side I finally resorted to paint which I hope to rub in to match the surrounds when its had a decent time to harden. The other side still bears no. 45, so any help greatly appreciated! Keith

I agree that there's potential for further liveries on the Class 14, although whether these would sell well? I did contact a well known shop in Sheffield which specialises in DCC. On their site is a customer commissioned 14 in EWS livery, against which it quoted about £200 for supply of the model resprayed. I followed this up with an enquiry re D9523 in maroon to be told £200 for supply of model and respray + £30 for the number etches. I'm guessing D9537 in sand would be about the same plus BR cast lion and wheel etches (£6 pair from Extreme Etches). Am not arguing with the price, its just more than I can afford, and they won't respray a customers model. It has to be bought from them too, at prices I noted somewhat above most other sources. Beggars can't be choosers so am in the market for a decent secondhand pristine one, and will take my chances with the desert sand (I've settled on D9537s livery), a lining pen for the fiddly bits, and a ton of patience. Finding a pristine one is the problem. Weathered are still available at £75 from Hattons, but a nice new paint job with dirty windows?? Keith Just chanced upon a thread elsewhere concerning said business, in which widely conflicting opinions are expressed concerning pricing and quality of workmanship. At least am not alone in thinking them expensive.