PJ10

Thanks Ruggedpeak. My e-mail doesn't contain this text but just found the info in the Product Description on the Hatton's Website. Better get more chips in Thanks again. PJ10

Hi, I received an e-mail earlier today from Hattons with the update and revised pricing information. The ETHELs are now priced the same as the other non weathered models. I personally don't have a problem with this. Just wondering if anybody knows if they will now be powered or will be unpowered as indicated in 2018 by Brian Daniels. Thanks. PJ10

Err. No. Looks great. Some wonderful models. PJ10

Morning All, On Friday last weekend, whilst up in Edinburgh, I passed the Network Rail class 950 stopped at the Seafield Level Crossing. To my knowledge the branch, yard and line into Leith docks have seen little if any use since the imports of coal for Cockenzie Power Station stopped around 2013. Does anyone know why the unit visited the branch? Is it usual that track assessment is occasionally carried out on little used/mothballed lines? Or is it possible that some new traffic flows may again use the branch? Thanks. PJ10

Very disappointing news. It's my local shop. I've been in 3-4 times in the last couple of months and trade seemed pretty good. I had thought that the Oyston issue had been resolved. However I note the entire Mill still seems to be for sale with planning permission in place for student accommodation. Maybe it's a genuine retirement of one or both partners but if the Mill sale is hanging over the business I question if anybody would want to buy into it. However I'll keep my fingers crossed.Thoughts go out to the shop team. PJ10

Afternoon, Not just Aston Martin but linked to a possible buy out of Mercedes F1 with Toto https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/20/stroll-and-wolff-to-buy-mercedes-f1-team/ Pj10

Glasgow's the ideal place to announce some 37/4s.... But I wouldn't say no to some HAAs PJ10

Agreed, the handrails look much better. Which yellow paint did you use? It looks like a good match. PJ10

I've just received the following clarification from Bachmann. The model is fitted with a Loksound V5DCC and I have just inspected an example of the model from our warehouse to confirm this – the decoder is printed on the underside with “ESU LS5”. I have discussed this matter with my colleague who produces the instruction sheets and he has confirmed that the instructions enclosed are correct for the sound file in terms of operation, function mapping etc. but unfortunately states the decoder as being a Loksound Select in error. PJ10

Afternoon all, A slight word of caution. I have just purchased the Railfreight class 20 (20156, 32-030DS) having also been advised by Bachmann that a V5 sound decoder with new sound project is fitted. However the instructions in the box mention a Select although the function list seems to have V5 function. I'm not in a position to read the actual chip fitted at the moment and so have just e-mailed Bachmann for clarification. Pricing would also suggest a V5 but I want to be sure. PJ10

Morning, Afraid I've also just ordered a rake. Hmmm and I promised I wasn't going to be taken in by all the Black Friday discounting.... PJ10

Really looking forward to Accurascale's version of the 37. But your recent postings of detailed Bachmann offerings show that it's still a very good model. Love the 37/4s and 37012. Pj10

Evening, I find all this fascinating and very reassuring.When Skynet aka Google takes over I know the Terminators will completely avoid me if their current attempts to profile me are anything to go by. I have yet to see a Google served ad that appeals. And the advertisers are paying Google for this!? They may want to reconsider. Still if it brings in revenue for RMWeb.... PJ10

Morning, Very much agree. And with some class 20s to pull them. I’ll happily replace my Bachmann 20s for something much better. PJ10

Nope. Its OO. PJ10

Good evening. On a now scrapped false start to a previous layout I used flooring adhesive from B&Q to stick the cork to the baseboard. Typically I ran out of adhesive before all the cork was stuck down and decided to resort to the Copydex I had in stock. Drilling holes for wire droppers and point motor pins through the cork secured with flooring adhesive was no problem. However where I had used Copydex, the glue wrapped itself round the drill bit making a real mess and causing the cork to rise up. As this made smooth and level track laying impossible I ended up ripping up this small section, buying more flooring adhesive and doing the job properly. I'm not saying don't use Copydex for glueing cork, just be careful if you want to drill through it. PJ10

Had a particularly busy and tiring week at work. A gin and tonic and a read about this fantastic layout and I feel better already. Thanks. PJ10

Hi Selkent, I guess it's a dream of mine to have the time to volunteer. Unfortunately life and work commitments just get in the way. I have driven both a class 55 and class 40 on the East Lancs and have a steam loco experience booked for later this year. Retirement (still many years off) may give me the time but I would be concerned that by then my physical ability may limit my usefulness. Still I can hope that my numbers come up on the lottery and then I could live the dream. PJ10

Hi Zunnan, Hmmm. I have to agree with your observations. I too hope that something can be done. As its probably too late for major changes I'd settle for the rivets being corrected and a finer grill with the diagonal support added. Not particularly bothered if this means going back to a moulded grill as long as its fine enough. If there's no changes then I might have to limit myself to an ETHEL. At least the cab fronts won't be that visible between a 37/0 and Mk1s PJ10

Evening All, Typing this on a north bound Pendolino enjoying a Brewdog IPA after a very enjoyable exhibition. I echo many of the comments re great layouts and inspirational modelling. Yes it was a bit hot at times but I found a few places to cool off. I did feel it was a little cramped at busy times but i wouldn’t have any real issues if it was in the same location next year. Well done to the organisers for finding the location at short notice. Parrot Hall and Dalnottar Riverside were the stars for me and I had some good discussions with Tim Horn, Accurascale and the guys from Mickleover MRC amongst others. PJ10

Hi Classy52, I agree that from the information provided by Heljan, it would appear that the model of 45133 doesn't come with a headlight. However as the prototype only got its headlight in Aug 1986 (looking at Flickr photos) I suspect that the model is correct for the early to mid 80s, not as it currently is in preservation. PJ10

Hi Dave, Thanks for that. I had read that they didn't fit as securely on another thread some time ago. However looking at the video they look perfectly secure to me. And I agree with Colin Penfold. Great weathering and I love the snaking through Princess Street Gardens pointwork. PJ10

HI Dave, Great photos as always. I'm looking forward to seeing the new container rake. I decided against buying any FFA/FGA wagons as I felt the containers weren't quite right for the mid 80s. However seeing what you've done with the first rake and with C Rail container on the second I may have to reconsider and do a bit of container mixing and matching. You said the C Rail containers are "pretty much" a straight fit. If possible when you post photos of the new rake can you describe any adjustments made. Thanks Looking at the second photo, is that a sand box pipe hanging down from the front of 24081's bogie. Just mentioning it incase it snags on any point work. PJ10

Andy, I think you underestimate your talents. Cheers PJ10

HI Andy, Yes I've seen and regularly catch up on both your current OO layouts and impressive they are too. Although I have to confess that I think your best ever OO layout was the original Kingsmill. And yes both Seven Mills and Grundy Street could be created in OO. However I suspect that something would be missing, something that you and George seem to have been able to capture. Is it the detail, the presence, that O gauge and good modelling brings? For now I'll stick to OO - far far too much stock to change - and watch both your and George's creations come to life. Perhaps an exhibition invite may come to enable me (and many others I suspect) to enjoy them in the flesh. Anybody from the DEMU committee on line? PJ10