FJ1701

I haven't ripped up the track per say, just changed the period where the amount of track for such a small terminus station would have still been viable to use with greater passenger operations from different companies and freight locomotives parking in the line side depot. But you are quite right, in peak hours, more platforms would be used at Bognor for example so I can replicate these passenger operations to give me a varied timetable when running the rolling stock at exhibitions, thanks. Rory

Many thanks for everyone's helpful and supportive comments on this annoying situation. As adb968008 said, the feedback could be removed if an agreement is made to return the item for a refund however in the light of this, someone has approached me who can make the necessary modifications to fix the model to a usable and presentable standard and even offered to buy it. I would have followed ebays procedure to return the item but frankly, its not worth the hassle if someone is willing to take it off my hands for a good price with the knowledge of how to rectify the various problems. This also allows the negative feedback I left to stay on the sellers page warning any future buyers not to or be careful when purchasing from them. This might not be the ending you are expecting but some Ebay sellers these days need a kick up the arse! Cheers Rory

Many thanks for your help, It's certainly annoying to make modifications to an RTR model but as you said, that has already been discussed. The model is using a Gaugemaster 8 pin 4 function decoder however I haven't tried the cv's yet so I will look into the threads you are talking about and see what I can find. Cheers Rory

I hope everyone had a great time over the Christmas period as I certainly have with some new additions to add to the layout. I wanted the station buildings to represent something similar to Chichester railway station with an art-deco appearance so I bought the Bachmann art-deco station along with the signal box in the range. These two buildings really set the scene for the layout but the rolling stock also help which is why I went and bought a Bachmann class 450 emu and a Hornby class 423 VEP which i'm not too pleased about but more on that later. So as you can see, I also bought the mechanical washing plant and the refuelling point to act as a small line side depot/stabling point which you see at Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. The station looks great but might need a few modifications such as a Southern green paint scheme. The Bachmann class 450 is such a great model with a wealth of detail and great running characteristics but the same can't be said for the Hornby class 423 VEP. It could have been such a great model but they messed up and unfortunately, the model and Hornbys reputation has suffered with one more person (me) being put off from future Hornby models. It's such a shame and they went cheap and look what came out, a turd. However I found one for a good price on ebay so I bought it but have somewhat regretted my decision as the model runs poorly with the internal lights not working under DCC power and the directional lights going in the wrong direction! So if any of you want to buy a Hornby class 423 then just message me. Cheers. Rory

There are probably a few grammatical errors that I missed however the last message just sounds different in the way it was written. This is a real conversion between me and the seller but It's just a shame to invest so much money into a model and receive little to no acknowledgement from the user that it has faults even after they tested it. Thanks, Rory.

Firstly I would like to apologise for this upcoming essay but I must express my concerns about my most recent purchase. Hello there, I recently bought a Hornby class 423 VEP off ebay (I know what you are all thinking) as it is an integral part of the area and era I want to model. With the model being somewhat sought after even with it's various faults, I found one on ebay for only £165 so I bought it. It came packaged well and I was really looking forward to opening the box and run the model for the first time however... The model ran poorly with a horrible grinding sound in one direction and the wheels all had different spacing's which needed adjusting to ensure it ran properly. Along with all that, the interior lights would not work under DCC power with a fitted chip and the directional lights ran in the wrong direction. These however are all issues which many owners are aware of but when it came to consulting with the ebay seller, they were reluctant to acknowledge the faults and would not allow a refund. Here is the description of the model from the ebay seller, note they state the model comes "DCC fitted" but I found no chip inside which makes me wonder if they even ran the model before selling it to me. Item description: "Hornby R2947 NSE Class 433/1 4 Car VEP EMU Pack. Although in a DCC ready Box this Set was supplied factory fitted with a R8429 decoder . Directional Headlights and illuminated Headcodes. Model is Mint as new condition. Box mint with Instrucions and only opened for pictures Accessory and Headcode Packs included. Although advertised as used this is an unused set in immaculate condition. You will not be disappointed. This will be well packed for postage and recorded delivery because of the value. Collection ba21 if better for you.thankyou for looking." My first message to the seller after finding the issues. "Hi there, I have experienced a few issues regarding this model so must request it be returned and I receive a refund. The description says that the model comes DCC fitted, I only found a DC blanking plate inside and the model is not a good runner with faults such as interior lights not working and directional lighting in the incorrect direction when fitted with a DCC chip. All of these issues I’m sure you are aware of but must be outlined when you resell the model. The motor also has a grinding noise when running. The model is still in the condition you sold it to me with no marks and the detail pack still intact. Many thanks and apologies that I am returning it but I am just not happy with the models characteristics and running quality after receiving it." The seller then sent me three messages regarding my concerns for the model: "This was first class when checked. No grinding noises. And working lights. This seems to be strange" "I'm sorry but you have taken this train apart and I can't guarantee that you haven't damage this unit you have already said you tried to fit a chip and have looked inside this train this was sold as brand new only opened to take a pictures and I do know that the train was running silent as I tested it. I'm sorry but if you wasn't happy you should never take the train apart you have now taking the train apart and I'm not prepared to refund you because I can't guarantee that you didn't damage it" "Maybe if you thought there was a problem inside you should have got permission from me to do so so I was aware what you were going to do first this is not good practice to take something apart and then ask for a refund" As you might be able to tell, these messages from the seller sound rude and unprofessional but store this in your mind. After receiving these messages in the space of three minutes, I replied back in a polite and conserved manner assuring the seller I had not tampered with the model. "First off, the condition stated on the items front page is “used” but differs in the items description which I found very strange and the model did not come fitted with a chip which proves you did not check the model. The process of running a model in DCC means a chip must be fitted so I had to take the body off. I can assure you no damage has been done however if you are reluctant to take the model back then I will sell it and write the description in a way which properly describes the models faults to ensure this situation does not occur for future buyers." Their reply to my message stating the obvious: "Ty" Yes, that's all they sent me but they quickly followed up with a message below: "I assure you I haven't done anything that I didn't believe was wrong. Thank you for selling this on. I believe this train is not a disappointment. I'm not trying to be awkward. But I'm begging to think that selling trains on eBay is more trouble than it's worth. The amount of people that break them and then want a refund is unbelievable. It's all becoming so frustrating. Once again thank you and I'm sorry your disappointed. I will say these trains are worth a lot more than I sold it for. So I hope you can make profit too. Sorry regards" It's very odd as that last message is written in a completely different way with no spelling mistakes at all! This leads me to believe that some child has sold me this item and has been messaging me until, his dad realised what has happened. That was a very long message but goes to show how some sellers can't be trusted so now i'm stuck with a Hornby class 423 in Network South East livery if anyone wants it. Many thanks. Rory

Maybe Hornby should take another shot at the 4VEP or even do a 4CIG

Some more progress on the layout, some metal brackets have been fitted to the end of the board to protect it when its being assembled or dismantled. Also, I have completed the track work into the staging yard so trains will be running once again. The metal brackets shown above allow the layout to be dismantled easily and without fear of breaking the wood. The track work has been pinned down with holes pre-drilled ready for the point motors. Below you can see the final track layout going into the fiddle yard, as the track curves round into the yard, the radius becomes tighter but doesn't ruin the appearance of the track when looking through the bridge as shown below. The point closest to the fore ground will be only set into the position where the mainline trains can pass through as the siding come off will be disused and overgrown. Where the boards connect, I have glued down copper clad sleepers and soldered the track to them to ensure a solid connection. Once I get my hands on a dremel, I will cut the track allowing me to disconnect the boards ready for transit. Cheers, Rory.

Perhaps some modern image rolling stock would be nice or shall we leave that for Bachmann to do . Perhaps that's what they're thinking. Rory

Has anyone heard if Dapol will be including a smoke generator? I'm not a fan of the steam ones as they just don't give out a proper puff of smoke but I heard somewhere (I know quite vague) that they are leaving room for both a smoke generator and sound speaker. Cheers Rory

I think I will happily stick to my Linn Index speakers.

Hi any idea what those hoppers are? As i'm modelling the West Coastway line and need these in model form, many thanks. Rory

If they both announce the same model, will one back off or will they both continue into production? An interesting point as we are somewhat limited in the modern image and pre grouping eras so allowing the other company to continue would open up other opportunities if the company dropped the model. Rory

I'm trying to find a somewhat rare item, a Hornby class 423 in NSE livery, please pm me if you have one you are willing to sell. Many thanks Rory

Well after taking a trip to my local model shop and buying some much needed items, I have started to work on the station throat and installing an additional 3 points which will provide better operational interest. Also I am currently enquiry about exhibiting the layout at next years Guagemaster exhibition so you may see it there! The Cobalt PSU+2 allows me to automatically switch the point motors and works like a dream. As you can see, I have already installed two points with the necessary modifications required to be used with the point motors. A Heljan class 33 waits at the platform below (which is for sale if anyone is interested along with a Hornby class M7 and Bachmann C class locomotive). Rory

Hi all, I'm currently installing two new code 75 electrofrog points onto my layout and have already connected the two pieces of track together with a metal rod to improve reliability as shown in the diagram and removed the jumpers underneath the point however I'm wondering if I should remove the springs within the points to allow the Cobalt motors to move freely. It maybe a simple answer but this is my first time venturing into point motors. Cheers Rory

Thought you may want to see this Everard, a crowd funded DJM APT project which is now taking pre-orders, multiple versions available both with yellow and black window variants. Just get everyone to place an order so we can get this beauty in real life! Cheers, Rory.

I understand but let me elaborate on my blind faith. Dapols history in the new era of model railway locomotives has not fared too well, with countless mistakes being made, the company is apologising and making efforts to customers who are unsatisfied with models such as the class 68 and 73. This information everyone has heard but to the point which is the class 59 has been in production for some time now even to the point where the showing will be delayed to next years Warley exhibition so time has been taken to hopefully improve and ensure the models success within the model railway community. "Hopefully" is not a satisfying word to hear but it is all we have for now. Rory

Very interested for what you have proposed for the layout, I too am modelling around the 2000 and will certainly be watching with interest. When constructing an exhibition layout, there are many aspects to consider but the one that rattles around certainly in my head, is "how can I make layout stand out from the rest". I think the idea for a quarry is perfect for giving your layout it's own identity and would add operational interest however if you are planning a station, perhaps modelling a depot would be a good side piece as you don't see many of those on layouts especially for passenger stock, cheers. Rory

What a cracking start to a layout, I certainly agree that the Bullhead rail is going to look far more prototypical. I was just wondering on how you constructed your boards as it would be great to get an over view of the current setup. Many thanks. Rory

This model is going to be great, I just know it. Dapol have the had the time and resources to produce a variety of models which they can use to improve their future projects such as the class 59. I'm sure they have learnt from the mistakes they made on the class 73 and 68. Rory

Sounds like a great idea as I definitely need some freight traffic in there, also do you have any images of the Serco freight services in Chichester yard? Many thanks Rory

Hold on a moment, I've changed my mind, I will now be modelling 2004 which is the transition period between slam door and modern rolling stock. This means I have access to a larger variety of units such as the 421's and the 423's in South Central, South West Trains and Network South East which still appeared across the network whilst also having access the the class 159'2, 450's and class 377's. Whilst looking over my layout and it's track-plan, I was thinking to myself that there was too much track and how Network rail would have streamlined it perhaps removing the sidings and a platform so I decided to bring the layout back a decade to a more realistic era for the track plan I currently have. Many thanks. Rory

Hi there, I have recently painted my backboards and was wondering how many of layers of paint do you have before you think, "that looks good enough for me"? Also are you sanding down after each layer has dried. Many thanks Rory

Okay, so about a week has passed since my last update but after moving the layout downstairs, I set out to paint the fascia and backboards. I also built the new storage yard which simply bolts onto the existing boards and allows me to have a full 9ft of scenic space perfect for viewing at exhibitions. More in the photos below: As you can see, the layout is now back upstairs looking very smart with the fascia and backboards painted in a sky blue colour. It's currently situated in a spare room so no one has to sleep between that small gap however this is the only room the layout will fit in and due to it's size, I have had to use the alcove in the window to enable the layout to fit in the room. The legs may seem wobbly but they are more than adequate and provide a sturdy base for the layout to sit on however when it is taken to exhibitions, the boards will be bolted to something more sensible. In the third photo, some plywood has been screwed down ready for the new track-bed. Whilst I was repainting the backboard, I took the opportunity to cut out the new opening for stock to pass through to the new storage yard. This yard is capable of holding 4 mk3 coaches which is fine as most of the stock running will be 3 or 4 car units however I could extend the storage yard along the back wall, thus allowing me to hold more stock. Many thanks for the supportive feedback and interesting ideas. Rory