GWR8700

When I asked about it in the shop they said 'later this year'. Which was pretty open ended

Although not something I am after, it looks an impressive piece of kit.

Whichever corridor toplights they choose to make, I hope they aren't the same prototypes available from Slater's in 4mm.

I would love to see an updated 57xx/8750 model. However, it must be available in pre-1942 condition and convertible to EM gauge for me to fork out over £140 on it. If not, I will continue to work onto my Bachmann 57xx locos. Would love to see a 74xx and 64xx in pre topfeed condition too. Not overly bothered about 2021, 2721, 1854 or 850 Class locos as they are available from good quality kits.

Very nice! So these were just used on London services until the sets were broken apart and transferred to South Wales? Does anyone know if they were used on the GC/GW mainline and did they any make it to Devon/Cornwall by the 20s/30s?

Some decent stuff in there. Glad to see some GWR too after Hornby ignored the western region again.

What does that have to do with this? Bizarre

I know nothing of Intellectual Property Rights and the legal issues surrounding this but it just leaves a sour taste. Rapido bought the rights to sell a set with 'Titfield Thurderbolt' and market it as such. Hornby missed the train and have decided to go ahead anyway and throw their weight around...again. I know they were in a difficult position for a few years and have to look out for number one, first and foremost. However, surely they can turn a profit without duplicating models by other competitors and in some cases, straight up copying their ideas!

Is there any news on the 4mm wagon range?

Sounds like it just got spicy! Taking a guess, I think one item being announced monday will be duplicated by both Rapido and Hornby. Unless I have misremembered, I thought it said in the Engine Shed when the Coronation sets were announced that they were one of 3 large projects I predict an LNER Coronation/Silver Jubilee set of coaches. Based on the TV show, I think there will be some smoke/steam fitted models. I predict this every year and I am always wrong but that won't stop me once again predicting there will be either an LSWR T3 or a Caley 439 class.

Weird. I assumed it was going to be smaller model shops. Strange system

Is there a way of finding out who is in tier 1 so as not to avoid disappointment?

Thank you, I will let you know how I get on

Thank you, I'll try with the brass chassis. Should I add brake gear at a later date in order to build up experience first? Thanks I'll try that for the motor mount. Yeah i was quite lucky it came with them!

That is also down to issues with customs. Have wages also not increased in that sector over the past year to encourage more people into that role?

Thanks, I'll look into those. I bought the On the Right Track DVDs on loco kit building which should hopefully be useful for demonstrating chassis building. Picture attached below of kit contents

I certainly agree most politicians are awful and in the throes of those who they accept donations from. I think one of the reasons we haven't yet had a cut in working hours is because of a concern it could lead to an increase in wages! Those who want to keep wages down though should be wary as it will only hurt economic growth if we (consumers) have no money to spend!

I can't quite remember how we got on to that one specific job to be honest. I don't believe that as yet there have been any specific studies relating to road haulage and a shorter working week. In relation to a shorter working week and wages. Supply and demand applies to wages too. If you reduce the supply of labour, the value of that Labour increases. if you want to read more about the impact of shorter working hours I would suggest some of the following links and 'having a google'. I would be wary of any arguments people use against a 4 day week that were also used against a 5 day week over a century ago... https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57724779 https://www.economicsobservatory.com/what-might-be-the-effects-of-a-four-day-working-week https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/work/four-day-work-week-trial-productivity-increase-1118522 In answer to the last point about politicians wanting to keep wages down. Well, that rather depends on which politicians you elect doesn't it? If the country keeps voting for politicians committed to supply side economics and neoliberalism then yes, wages will remain low.

Well to be honest I will take their peer reviewed papers and the experience of businesses which have trialled (and subsequently moved to a shorter working week because of productivity and employee well being improvements) a 4 day week over your abject dismissal any day.

Hey, Thank you for the words of encouragement. I have attached a photo of the contents. It's a brass chassis, has a motor and romford wheels. I am currently undecided on whether to build it to EM or 00. I've ordered the Iain Rice book on whitemetal kits and another wild swan book on chassis construction. I'll make sure to buy some low melt solder. It is something I have wanted to get into for a while as in order to make a layout really your own.

Thanks, I will buy the appropriate Alan Gibson parts but build something else in the meantime. Do Alan Gibson do compensated chassis?

Hello, I bought an old L&Y 0-6-2T unbuilt kit off ebay last week and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on improving the chassis? It doesn't come with any brake apparatus and the coupling rods are fixed. Are there any options for adding brakes to the locomotive. Are there any options for improving the chassis (possibly with compensation or making it sprung) that are available? I am new to kit building.

Apologies if this has been covered before, but was the dark prussian blue ever carried by Caledonian locomotives or is it merely a preserved phenomenon?

Fantastic, will be getting myself a couple of those when finances allow

Not heard anything from them but I am collecting so maybe they are getting the postal orders out first.