PhilMortimer

My parrot can! - She'd make a marine blush!

And to be fair, it was mentioned by Dapol some time Back (in the mists of time) that the model was being retooled. At the end of the day, they want to sell models and are not holding things up for the hell of it. It's sometimes hard to go back and redo things, but if it results in a better product (and a product that sells and keeps on selling), we are all the better for it. I respect the decision that was taken, as I'm sure it was a hard one. Dapol will have a lot of money tied up in the development of this model and the greater the development time, the longer it is before that money can be realized in sales. So I'm sure they want it out the door and bringing in cash. But one can just imagine the howling that would result if the model was released with known faults. Yes, communication could be better at times, but the world is not going to end if its delayed.

Look, you made a mistake. it happens. But don't blame the manufacturer. They are first and foremost a supplier of complete loco's, not components. Whilst they may have some spare components to hand for various reasons that they MAY be able to supply, it has been explained why they don't keep full bodies on hand. As has been explained by others above, yes, Bachmann may be able to supply bodies (at a significant cost), but most manufacturers don't. Some manufacturers may have some bodies available as a result of cannibalizing returned spares, but most don't or won't because it cost extra to produce and stock them. Keeping banging on about it does not make them a bad manufacturer, it is just their particular business model. Harking on about it, especially in the face of overwhelming alternative wisdom, just makes you sound petulant and annoying and uses up any goodwill that may have been there.

Actually 1953 in Washington. A couple of days before Eisenhower's inaugurations. Loco 4873 I believe - went through the bumper and ended up in the basement - later retrieved in bits and put back together again. It is now preserved at the B&O museum in Baltimore, though in rough condition.

Interesting! I now live about 5 miles form the new store. It used to be a great place to go and I did some exhibitions of my kit build stock there. (Kit building of loco's and stock being rare in North America). Unfortunately, it went mainly online and the showroom dissapeared and i haven't been there since before covid.

As noted above, it was reported last week on these pages that the 2nd batch had just been received at the warehouse, but that shipping would not be commencing until early this week due to travel / show commitments that had already been made before the shipment was released / arrived. And that stock would need to be counted in and checked.

I would be considering if placing the tender on teh track is somehow causing a short circuit or partial short (i.e. a short with a high resiststance) to develop, hence why things are not working as well when the tender wheels are in contact with the track. First thing I would do would be to contact Accurascale Warranty dept, giving all the information (and video if you have it) - they will be in the best place to help you. But for self investigation, I believe (and would have to check) that the tender has pickups. Therefore I would look to see if ther is an obvious short somewhere or if there is some wiring or solder assembly that isn't quite right in the tender, allowing a short to develop when tender wheels are connected to the track. PM

Ooooo!! Living dangerously!

Think of the size (and weight) of the box containing a model of one of those - that would get the delivery guy or gal puffing as they lug it up the path - no lobbing that over the garden gate!

I use household tin foil (or Aluminium foil) instead of fag paper. Solder doesn't stick well to tin / ally foil. Same principle otherwise though, just doesn't go soggy with flux. You can easily pre-pierce the foil for the pin without it tearing. (OK, you can do the same with paper, but I find it doesn't work as well). Along with use of grease / vaseline and / or marker pin, should keep those parts that should not be soldered from becoming so.

I have one of those exact same tool cases here at home in the US. Very useful for organizing tools and sturdy enough to pick up and lug around if needed. Just make sure the catches are fully closed before lifting the thing. Ask me how I know. Stored all my modeling tools nicely and easily find what I’m looking for. But then I acquired more tools so I now have two more of the same type - now I need to look through each cabinet to fine the appropriate required tool. Oh well……

Very Nice! As I remember them when I was growing up! PM

Love walking my parents dogs down on the water meadows down there. Often see the trains go by. Can hear them coming down the valley long before you can see them from Amberley or from Arundel in the other direction. Also, up on the top of the ridge at Burpham

I’d be interested in doing it if no one else will. Only problem is that I’m in North America and you may not want to subject it to a trans-Atlantic round trip (though I will be in UK for the next few weeks.). PM if interested.

Very nice Peter. Whoever ends up as the new owner will be a very lucky person. Regards, PM