dogbox321

7 minutes ago, lyneux said:

Not sure about the 50. Haven't the guys on Charwelton got a grid? 

 

Seriously though, looking forward to giving them a run on Whatley with appropriate traction!

 

Guy

Anything is possible on the current railway and 50044 has been on the mainline!  When Derby got its track renewal - on one occasion there were 5 Class 50's in the station at one time.  It was like Exeter in the good old days!

I suppose 50149 would have been more appropriate.  

Maybe its a subtle hint for the future................Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! Please! 

Best Regards,

C.

6 hours ago, Accurascale Fran said:

 

Hi everyone,

 

Our PTA/JTA/JUA wagons have FINALLY escaped customs and are en route to our warehouse!

 

Due to arrive later this afternoon, they will be counted into stock over the weekend and then dispatch will commence early next week. We apologise for this slight delay at the last leg of the journey, but this was beyond our control.

 

So, so close now! 

 

Cheers!

 

Fran

You mean the guys in customs have had to stop playing with them and give them back!

Regards,

C.

Just out of interest on these wagons - Heljan Product code 5021 -GRUP FERROVIAR ROMAN D-RADV 2797 698-8.  Did that vehicle actually run in the UK?  Whilst Rail Adventure wagons are used on EMU moves - I have not found anything relation to the above vehicle, and its unique livery of having its new owners name printed on top of the original Cargowaggon branding.

Best Regards,

C.

11 hours ago, AndrewC said:

From the Londonist's transport based FB group. 

 

Is it spot the difference?  I'm good at these.....

One talks to you as though your Peed,  but the other couldn't get you peed.....

Ones got a sensible head! (when poured)  

Both pictures show an animal - but one is good at jumping!

One has a smaller waistline than the other

Ones full of                   -  The other full of liquid

Both have appeared on telly, but only one has a spitting image puppet

32 minutes ago, jonhall said:

 

To be clear about Revolutions 'Vans', the bogie holdall is technically a covered flat, and the 4 wheel twins were a commission from Kernow, so its presumably Kernow who set the price.

 

Jon

Yes the holdalls are a good price and very finely detailed as per RevolutioN's exacting standards.  It depends on your modelling strictness - but its still a cargowaggon, and I think they will look very impressive.  I had some Roco Cargowaggons as their detailing was far superior, to Heljan's  - with just a couple of Heljan's Blue Circle Cement ones to go with Hornby PCA's.

Kernow set the price on the "Twins" in OO - which I won't be going for as I think it is expensive too.  Besides a good few years ago I got some Roco "Twin" ones for £29.99 each!  No ferry or Channel Tunnel logos, and the buffers a millimetre or so a little low -  but they are still a very nice wagon, especially for the price.  Also had 3 "Sea Rail" ones a couple of years ago too - at the same price.  Never ran in the country - but a good sensible name which could have with a little artistic licence!  

As per everything - you pays your money - you takes your choice.   

Best Regards,

C.

1 hour ago, F-UnitMad said:

Yeah I don't watch any of that, either. 

You gotta feel sorry for the animals.......

(and not the ones they eat!)

Mr Trump is so damn perfect and always has someone else to blame when things going wrong........

.......Maybe this time its the Russians?

........Only trouble is he cannot sack them!

Hi - without trying to take sides or anything-  The points I would like to make are:

Maybe KR want to show some tangible evidence of a products development prior to asking for expressions/initial payments on something such as the consett wagon.  Which then hopefully cuts down on the occasions people can moan about schedules slipping.  But on the other hand, to have undertaken your research and to send a product to tooling with major inaccuracies in the chassis such as missing tanks etc., is quite poor, and will possibly make a good many people think twice before ordering (even thought you are going to correct it) on the thoughts of what else is wrong/missing. 

What I am saying is - manufacturers nowadays go to extreme lengths to ensure details are correct, and if you produce "one" substandard product your reputation will be left in tatters, and people will not have the confidence to pre-order and pay for your products up front, which is the principle of your business model.  Plus I can totally understand the deposit scheme, so people are committed and don't just say they want one, but never commit to an order!  But in this scheme - people are trusting you, hence the details need to be right and you have a huge responsibility to deliver for those who are backing the company.  Likewise there was the "confusion" relating to the Nuclear Flask wagon.  Personally, I would be looking into my research techniques to ensure any flaws are identified and corrected prior to starting tooling, when mistakes start getting expensive, or worse still - slip through the net and onto the final production model.  Whilst Canada may not be the easiest of places to be based and get all the research required - I'm sure you must have "sources" within the UK and there are plenty of people with knowledge and experiences that they will share with you on a given subject manner.

I'm not complaining, just attempting to share my concerns in a constructive manner, so hopefully KRM can move forward in producing excellently detailed products - that both yourself and your customers can be proud of.

Best Wishes,

Christopher.  

The GT3 is looking nice!

Hopefully be with us sooner rather than later.

Ultimately Heljan do very short runs now as before they have often been left with too many in stock - which has ended up being dumped via Liverpool!

With respect to the Cargowaggons then if you can live with a slightly different version - then I am sure Revolutions IWA will be in a totally different league - plus a better price at circa £75 for a pair (engineering sample at this address:  "www.keymodelworld.com/article/revolution-iwa-wagon-samples-oo" ).  A good many years ago I had a few Roco Cargowaggons (they did a large loading gauge version in HO - which made the wagon look about right in OO), as unfortunately I have always found the level of detail on the Heljan model to be quite basic.  The £49.95 - £59.95 per wagon price tag via EFE seems excessive, but each to their own!  I wonder what Heljans next atch will cost?

Best Regards,

C.

Its certainly a question with many answers......Isn't that one for Graham?  Is Accurascale going to fund a PHD for me to answer that question?  

However - firstly there are two important caveats -

Firstly - I am in no way discussing the recent "HAA" as both manufacturers have proven themselves to be very capable in producing superb models, and are pushing the boundaries in model railway manufacturing.

Secondly - Model railways are a business- "fact".  Yes, sometimes those involved have a "healthy interest" but ultimately its a "business" that runs under commercial principles, especially when dealing with the Chinese manufacturers, bringing in cash to invest in other projects etc.    However, I do not believe that the Accurascale Team wish to do any damage to the hobby - in any form whatsoever.  However they are very proactive in developing the hobby, and this does give them from a business perspective - a very competitive position.

If you did a very brief analysis - then as a manufacturer - Accurascale products so far have been pretty spot on with your attention to detail and accuracy.  Likewise they are competitive within the market place.  It is an exceptionally strong position that can be maintained as long as fixed costs are carefully managed, fair pricing and the products quality remains very high.  More established manufacturers also have what I will call "legacy" issues - i.e. old tooling which they continue to attempt to charge relatively high prices for.  For example some very simple 2 axle wagons costing circa £30, whilst a MDO/V with all its refinements is still coming in at £25, and less with the previous runs of PCA's and PFA's.  There is also the case that certain manufacturers tend to try to "retaliate".

In view of this I think a three stage strategy is appropriate:

1 - "If" no one has declared an interest then it is highly appropriate to release a model at a time when you feel it appropriate.  Its your "baby"!  Ultimately - a time frame light years ahead is too long, whilst too short does not permit people to budget for their most desired purchases.  I'd also consider timing to coincide with "complimentary" purchases.

2 - If someone else announces a product then declare your intentions, but I do not believe based on your following then there is any reason to change course.  You can produce models as good, if not better than most of your established competitors.  As long as Accurascale continues to produce exceptionally high quality and value for model products, then your brand will make the sales, just like a competing product will stand up to the same scrutiny.  If both are great - then as soon as one sells out the other will follow very shortly!  The only exception is the start out "train set market" where you can pretty much "bet" whose product will be purchased.   It's not playing dirty - its just that sometimes 2 entities believe there is a commercial business case for the product in question.  (Note to modellers - don't lobby multiple companies for the same product - otherwise we get into the busses analogy - More than one comes along at the same time!)

3 - If going up against certain competitors - keep it quiet and announce "late" enough that they cannot retool hence then the only retaliation is a price reduction!  (But why have cotton when you can wait and have silk?) I'd also be considering getting it to market or announced prior to any popular re-liveries appearing.    Besides they like surprises..........  

Apologies to anyone to anyone who thinks the above, is too clinical - but as per my second caveat - model railways are a wonderful hobby, but its a business - you try to get a manufacturer in China to do things altruistically!  

Looking forward to the exciting times ahead and innovations from what I would term - the "3rd Generation" of model manufacturers (A non exhaustive list including the likes of Accurascale, RevolutioN, Cavalex and Rapido).  

Hoping everyone remains safe,

Best Wishes,

Christopher.

On 27/09/2020 at 15:00, gedlee said:

Hi Folks

 

If you are interested there is a chance to see the IPAs in action in my latest video. It features Pendolinos and other Revolution wagons. Also to whet your anticipation if you have ordered Class 92s, there are some CJM 92s and Avocet.

Here is the link:

 

 

Really nice layout and some fabulous stock, including of course the IPA's.  The rake, totalling 12 two axle units looks really good.  So glad I went for the same quantity when their "big brothers" arrive.

Plenty of time to enjoy them during lockdown!.

Best Wishes

Christopher.

Based on these - looking forward to the OO scale ones......

Best Regards,

C.

Just remember - What dosen't Mr.Trump like?

A Loser!

How are those who guide us currently spending lockdown?

Boris Johnson and Matt Hunt are currently writing a concise list of covid and lockdown restrictions.  They are calling it "50,000 shades of grey"

Whilst Uncle Dom keeps himself busy re-writing Charles Darwin's work on the theory of evolution and natural selection.  At least he's not driving to Durham!

5 hours ago, Accurascale Fran said:

 

You could say that about any new model from any manufacturer (or any product for that matter) going forward, but let's hope the new protocols are smooth and efficient!  

I think its the first time that sea freight has been used for a first shipment, but I would imagine air freight in the current climate is very expensive and quite a scarce commodity with the airline situation. 

At least Accurascale have been open and honest, about the delay - plus I suspect as disappointed as anyone else with the delay!    At least they don't need to use road as a bridge to Ireland and then back to England, Scotland and Wales!

Best Regards,

C.

Just now, Accurascale Fran said:

 

They're our blood diamonds really, we're all about the diversification! 

Soon be Saturday..... 

19 hours ago, dogbox321 said:

Big Box and Red Diamonds - Then the RFD Channel Tunnel Car Carriers spring to mind.....

Anyone else think these may be it?

Just now, dogbox321 said:

 

yes, but an OO and an N.

So Hornby have done OO, Dapol N, and Bachmann both.  All we need now is Hattons and then everyone has done it!

On 03/11/2020 at 15:37, TomScrut said:

 

Without wanting to sound patronising, if there is £60,000 going to the charities as a result of this then 500=£120 per set, 750=£90 per set, 1000=£60 per set. Realistically given he said "all proceeds" in the video IIRC then It has got to be in that region IMO but I do understand why they won't say due to the insights it may give. They may be donating more for a sound one too.

Yes, but both an OO and an N.

Not wishing to detract- But Bchmann and their Collectors Club also has the luxury of a double margin - that of manufacturer and retailer.

Just now, ian said:

 

Why, did it want to join the circus?

It weren't a very successful escape attempt.......

Just now, AY Mod said:

 

A pertinent question too but not for the reason you suppose.

I thought with that size box it must be a multi-pack of something.  Big Box and Red Diamonds - Then the RFD Channel Tunnel Car Carriers spring to mind.....

Best Wishes,

C.

P.S.  If it is - then I would very much expect Gareth will want to produce his "Pet" 47 - 47186 to go with them! (Sooner or later!)

19 minutes ago, The Stationmaster said:

What happens if it's the wrong box?

Worse still - what happens if you shake the box, it rattles a lot and then when you open it there are lots of little bits inside?  (And if it came via Hermes - in my experience you'll have a 3D 1000 piece jigsaw! - Jigsaws they say start with 4 corners, in such a case I suggest find the buffers and wheels and start from there!

Anyway - all this talk of diamonds - aren't they supposed to be a girls best friend? 

Not too long to wait - it just seems longer when your looking at a clock in lockdown!

As we approach lockdown 2.0 - is there any reason why half of those wearing Sunflower Lanyards can also be found outside a Costa Coffee having a drink with a Cigarette?

I thought the lanyard was to say they couldn't wear a mask for some medical reason, not that they'd found another way to kill themselves!  Just a thought.  

One I herd a good many years ago - hope it helps......

A little boys mother was cooking tea in the kitchen, with the door open a jar so she could keep an eye on her son, who was playing with his model trains on the floor.

When the train got to the station, she herd her son say "Hurry up you sons of bitches getting on and off the train - its ready to depart!"  So goes to her son to correct him and ask him to be polite.

As she goes back to the kitchen, he runs the train around the track again, and when it gets to the station he says "Hurry up you sons of bitches getting on and off the train - its ready to depart!".  This time the mother tells him, if he does it again he will have to go to his room until tea time, after which he will only be able to play with his trains after eating all his tea.

As she goes back to the kitchen, he runs the train around the track again, and when it gets to the station he again says "Hurry up you sons of bitches getting on and off the train - its ready to depart!".  This time the mother tells him, thats it - go to your room until tea time.

So the boy goes to his room, sulks on his bed for a hour or so and then gets called for his tea.  He eats his tea slowly, and after finally finishing it, his mother finally lets him go and play with his trains as long as he promises to be polite to his passengers.

The little boy agrees and his mother goes to wash the dishes.

As the train comes to the station, this time the little boy says "Ladies and gentlemen any passengers alighting please ensure you take all your belongings with you and take care when stepping from the train to the platform......".  His mother listening carefully, starts to smile at this point as his announcement continues...."We would also like to apologise for the two and a half hours delay to your journey this afternoon,(More smiles from his mother....) this was caused by the bitch in the kitchen!