Neils WRX

I’ve asked them for a copy of the invoice but as far as I’m aware I paid VAT. Thanks for your help. Wish me luck!! Neil

Anyone had any success claiming for excess postage from HMRC using an online form. Just had to pay £42 to get a few bits and pieces that were less than £100. Interesting the shipping label had gone (plastic envelope sliced) and a £30 VAT charge applied plus £12 handling applied. No idea how they calculated that amount. Very nearly sent it back.

Forgot to mention 1 is enough….

One of those jobs I have been putting off (my wife says I’m not a completer finisher) is designing the way the pantographs will make contact with the ohle leaving the fiddle yards. The scenic catenary was always designed to enable electrics to run with pantographs raised. At home and at it’s only exhibition my fingers have to get involved to make sure pans meet the wires. At the longer 2 foot long fiddle yard I have added a SNCB catenary mast that was spare and cut up a couple of wire sections to make hooks to go around the top crossmember. I made a quick video showing different pantograph designs. It does seem to work quite well. Next job will be the short end fiddle yard which might be more of a challenge as there is very little space. Thanks, Neil

Should you want another 714, Menzels are selling them for 199 euro’s…. 50 euros off. Thanks Neil

Random video that I put up on FB. 749263 departing on a loaded cement train. Thanks, Neil

Painting Lampposts… Painted the base and a quick spray of Matt Varnish. Does tone it down a bit. A photographer even found a new vantage point…. Next job, bed it and power it up!!! Thanks, Neil

Lights ? I have recently been adding lights to the Czech layout, and happened to notice Lighting Towers on Amazon so ordered 2 as they were very cheap. The idea was possibly to replace the Scale Model Scenery ones with working versions. Anyway the models arrived and the actual tower is a much thicker structure than I was expecting from the photos. Here is a comparison: However I tried placing one in the middle of the layout and I actually think it works visually as it makes the more delicate ones look further away. Thoughts? Neil

Here is an excellent video from OnTraxs, showing the lack of barriers. Some excellent layouts on show. Thanks Neil

It’s been like this for a while. To add insult to injury one parcel then got charged U.K. VAT and handling charge in the U.K….. I certainly buy less on EBay now. Neil

Rule 1: I’m sure a local factory building project could do with a cement delivery ???

Pictures Update… Another photo update. I have been building a shunt signal but more of that when it’s finished as I’m awaiting bits from Belgium. All these pictures have been posted on the layouts Facebook page. A new Belgian Shed!!! The local photographers have turned up for a picture. Lineas 186 by Piko crossing the level crossing. 6255 by Roco “5901” by Trix Blue ones 1806 by LS Models Until the next update…. Thanks, Neil

Roco v Bramos As there are now some Roco cement wagons with more modern lettering I treated myself to a pair of ZSSK Onions. I thought it was worthwhile doing a quick comparison between the earlier Bramos version. The Roco model is a version is a finely detailed model, but the existing Bramos version actually stands up fairly well. So I won’t be rushing to replace them at £130 a pair. Which is which????? Roco on the left, Bramos on the right. Thanks, Neil

Will hopefully go with that option at some point. One daft question how do upload the file ? I’ve not used a Jacek project before. I have varied success using a Z21 Black to upload Zimo files which is one of the reasons I tend to stick with ESU products. From looking on his website I have to get the unlock code I have to purchase it from another website. Has this been trouble free? Sorry for the questions. Thanks, Neil

714 now has sound!! Installed the ESU speaker in the fuel tank space and soldered the wires to the circuit board. As ESU don’t offer a 714 sound file I’ve used the sound file for a “Google” which sounds dull enough…… So the 714 now has some noise, here’s a picture!!! Now it’s nearly finished it’s actually quite a nice little model, just a shame MTB expect customers to finish the model off for themselves. Thanks, Neil PS: no progress on getting any signals, nobody wants my money…,

Some 714 Progress (at last) Have made a start on the “problem child” otherwise known as the MTB714. I’ve soldered the ribbon connectors so I now have working marker lights and taillights. I used the Lokprogrammer to configure this. Couple of suitable photos. 714 on the programming track, I’m using a ESU Next18 sound chip. Headlights Taillights On the layout now with handrails, still need to add horns etc. Next job is make a speaker housing as i’ve drilled through the chassis to run the wires. Thanks, Neil

Just found this thread.... A Belgian version of a Kof. Could do with a Danish Kof for my next project!!! Thanks, Neil

Yes is a MCK one. Smashing model. Thanks Neil

Very nice I have a MT but would love a MH and a Kof Thanks, Neil

Last lot came from Hatton’s, £7.50 for 4 agree on the costs they have gone up of late. Brought another 10 packs for the next batch. Thanks, Neil

Must confess to avoiding 810’s, only times I rode in trailers when they had a loco on front!!! I will be recreating that scene in due course…. Still no signals :-( Do enjoy playing trains with route setting, no need to check routes just 2 buttons on the Z21. 749042 on a Regional Service A 770 arrives light engine to collect a cement train. 742086 arrives on a trip working Runs round ready to collect a couple of Eas wagons from the log loading siding. Pair of Roco 751’s, (749250 and 751219) parked by the station building. Cargo liveried 751219 on DMU trailers, just a shame it’s a silenced example…. The Bashers weren’t impressed!!! Next job will be to fit more Kadee’s to the freight stock to give more variety to my shunting. Thanks, Neil

Can I suggest Dr Quinn https://www.rmweb.co.uk/profile/7218-doctor-quinn/ Will be able to provide an answer as he’s produced a Series 4 MZ and would have painted that. I’d be interested in a MH as well keep hoping MCK will provide one at some point. Thanks, Neil

No update on the signalling issue, just been playing trains. A quick photo of a Roco 810 which has had a surprising amount of likes on Facebook. I post layout updates on the Belgian MPD page. Thanks, Neil

Saw it yesterday, looked really good!! Thanks Neil

All I need to do is find somewhere that has them in stock and will ship to the U.K…… The layout has taken nearly 20 years to get to this point so I guess a bit longer won’t matter. Thanks, Neil