SouthernEMU

Hi All. After scrolling through 55 pages of information on this forum regarding the 'O' gauge Dapol Terrier, I only found one reference regarding the B.R. late version 32636. I received my brand new model of 32636 late last year (from very helpful Tower Models), and it was in great condition coming all the way from the U.K. to Canada, except one of the upright tank vents was broken off, which I have yet to fix. I just received the April 2019 edition of Railway Modeller from my local newsagent (we get them very late here), and it shows a model of 32636 on the excellent 'O' gauge Arun Quay layout by Gordon and Maggie Gravett in the same late livery as my model. However, the Vulcan kit built by Mr. Gravett doesn't have the upright tank vents as per the Dapol version. I have checked the Southern email group site, and there are a few photos of 32636 in late B.R. finish. None of them have the upright tank vents, and all seem to have the 'flush' (or almost flush) fitting 4 bolt tank vents. So, I am wondering why Dapol had the factory in China fit the incorrect vents, and if I purchase the correct almost flush vents from DCC - who have them as spares for £1.00 plus postage - will they fit my particular model? If anyone has experience of fitting new vents on this particular Terrier it will be most appreciated. Cheers, EW

Hello, Thank you CME and HullCity for the information. I should have mentioned that I live in Canada, and although I will be making a short stop in London in late October/early November, it will only be for a day or two. I would really have enjoyed visiting Telford or Warley, but on checking the dates, neither is possible. I will keep an eye out for possible sales of Class 33s, and if you hear of any, I would appreciate dropping me a line to at least try to get a chance at one. I have just received some Bachmann buildings from Tower, and the prices were excellent and the models likewise. I will add a few personal touches to them to fit on my layout which is under construction. Another v. helpful 'O' scale modeller introduced me to Skytrex resin and white metal structures. A great place for Southern Railway/Southern Region buildings again at very reasonable prices. It's going to be hard to stop, but as space is limited, it won't be too difficult. Cheers, Ed

Those are a beautiful gear set, precision manufactured and worth the price. For what it's worth, like many (all?) of us, I have items in my home and garage of Chinese manufacture. I have noticed that all the items using a white plastic/nylon material as a washer or cushioning spacer have cracked - even though no stress has been placed on them. All the items I have that use this material are stored inside under normal room temperature but do not last long. Not sure if it is the chemistry of the nylon that the manufacturers cannot get right, or if their supply or raw material is to blame? Everything else that I use coming from China from car engine parts (Ford crankshafts) to model railway items, to tools have been excellent quality. I know some of the items coming from there are one job only and cheap, but so far I've had no problems. Changing subject if I may, having recently started modelling in 'O'scale and having purchased some really excellent Dapol wagons and locomotives from a Canadian distributor, I have been searching for a new (good luck!) or used Heljan Class 33 Diesel. As in other facets of my life, I have missed the bus one too many times. I did see one for sale for a reasonable price on the S & J Models site, but it has been sold, and they would not ship abroad even though their site provided options to do so. So far no one has advertised an 'O' Class 33 on any of the usual on-line 'bay' sites, and no one is even asking ridiculous prices as everyone that owns one wants to keep it. I wonder if anyone on this forum knows or has heard of someone who wants to sell a Heljan 'O'scale Class 33 in all green or green with small yellow ends please? I am not a collector or hoarder of model railway items, but just want to run one on my B.R. (S) layout. Tower Models advised that Heljan were really disappointed that it took 2 years to sell out their stocks of the 33 when it first came out. If the fact that they all sold, and none are on the market, surely even with the gear problems, they must be popular? I contacted Heljan, and a very helpful lady advised that they are considering re-runs of some of the 'O' scale models. Hopefully the 33 will be one of the runs. Cheers E.W.