midlandsbloke

Hello Steve. Hope you're ok mate, and I've just read the posting...all I can say is, you're reputation and that of LLC is, in my opinion, completely intact. I have to doff my cap to you, for continuing to persevere, amid this unfortunate episode, but remember this, there will always be those who "Muddy the waters" in life....and business, however, there are those of us who appreciate what you do to bring us great O gauge models...I still want one of you're Class 15's!!!! Also, there are those of us who have the thinking "Use it or lose it" JLTRT as a case in point...but there's been a FB posting by MM1 models who are reintroducing the range.....but will MM1 and Heljan produce the loco's LLC are producing???? Probably not Steve. I could be wrong, but I think there is plenty of room in the market for LLC, MM1, and Heljan, as there are plenty of models not yet covered in RTR. So, keep up the good work mate. If you're free at the weekend Steve, give me a call mate. Jeff

Yep...I totally agree Alan...the Deltics, DP2, and the 50's...would be great in O....all of the same "Family"

I agree with you Paul....it would be great to see ALL the prototypes produced in O gauge, Kestrel, Lion,DP2, maybe even the GWR Gas Turbine loco's....but as you say, they probably won't fly off the shelves...I think DP2 would be a good candidate for O gauge, as the livery changed. Now the 56 would be great...lots of livery's and they are still out on the mainline...here and overseas. As for the price difference for the DMU's Paul, it's not for me to comment on other business's pricing policy, but it is unusual. Regarding copying other people's method's, that is something that would most likely incur litigation from the owner, who will have most likely have laid out huge sum's of money for the design and production of their loco's, you just couldn't go there Paul. Not only that, CAD design is always evolving, so the designs would be outdated and unsuitable, it wouldn't be practical at all. Very best wishes, and keep sending your loco preferences.....you may be rewarded. Thanks. Jeff

Thanks Colin....and much appreciated. Jeff

Much appreciated Colin...and happy modelling. Jeff.

Hello Colin. Regarding the payments, the credit card payment system is being looked at now, if everybody has a particular preference of payment, then we will do everything to accommodate all buyers. As with buying a house on a credit card, the only really big ticket item that I know was bought on a credit card was a middle eastern gentleman paying $900, 000 for a Ferrari Enzo, I bet the salesman's commision was through the roof! Thanks Colin. Jeff

Thanks for the post Andy...already looking into the other methods of sending payments Andy....speak soon, Cheers, Jeff.

Hello Colin...its definitely something that we'll look at....however, a lot of people won't use cards because of the security issue, you'd be surprised at how many people won't use them...and looking at the news tonight, regarding TSB....I don't blame them. Jeff

Hello Andy....if you have a moment, could you give me a call on the website number...thanks, Jeff

Yes John, you are correct....now that JLTRT has sadly ceased to be, there is now a void of Locomotives in the O gauge world, and believe me, there were lots of their kits that were on my personal shopping list....so the twins were a logical choice, being so iconic. Although they only existed for less then 20 years, they would be more at home sitting amongst steam loco's than any other diesel's. As for the comment's about payments, there are an awful lot of people who will never use a credit or debit card.....indeed, when I asked all the gentlemen at the railway club last night, a high proportion of them have never given credit card details out over the phone....and a few do not have a credit card at all!!! Surprisingly....bank/building society cheques are still very common....I use them all the time....never had a problem. It's possibly a generational thing that more, I know a few elderly chaps who only ever deal in cash...."Money talk's" as one of them quoted. I think too much has been read into the word of thanks to the guys on the webpage, the guys mentioned have no involvement with lococraft at all, but they have all been exceptionally helpful by giving up a lot of their time by offering advice and direction, either by phone, or e-mail, which has been absolutely invaluable, you couldn't buy that of kind of support ...so no, we are not having a Martin Lewis moment. As for the customer research, it's simple....by talking to people in the trade, asking members of clubs, exhibitions, and many, many, other trusted people involved with model railways, but without the competition getting wind of the project. As for the Falcon.......I think Heljan just over produced produced.....it really was something of a "One trick pony"...which, granted, could be applied to the twins.......how many people have all three livery's...probably not many, hence the unsold stock, plus the twins existed far longer, and in my opinion were ground breaking in being the first mainline diesels. As stated previously.....If the project does not meet the required target, modellers will get their money returned, we are the only ones that will be disadvantaged. Jeff

Each unto their own Brian, you are perfectly entitled to you're opinion, which I value, but I have tried to keep the webpage and ethos of Lococraft reasonably basic, so that all can make an informed decision whether to buy into what we are providing. Thanks Jeff

Hello Paul, do tell...I'm interested in your personal choice. Jeff

Dava, thanks for you're very supportive posting...and I apologise for wishing to make loco's out of you're scale....sorry. Obviously, I will agree that social media can throw up negative's, however, I believe the posts here haven't been intended that way, in fact there have been good wishes from quite a few people here, and for that I am extremely grateful. However, I went into this fully aware that there will be one or two detractor's here who will pour scorn on any new venture, it's just human nature.....however, what I would say to those folks would be this.....if you aren't happy with what I'm proposing, then be my guest and try setting up a business to produce Loco's yourself, although not stressful (yet)...its very challenging, the hours spent sourcing design drawings, sourcing a manufacturer that can deliver a quality product, giving up hours and hours sending e-mails to the far east..endless phone call's, designing a website...the list goes on and on and on. And yes, we have been patient with some suppliers, but as suppliers, we can't be "all things to all men" Lococraft's philosophy is to try and fill a gap in the market with the support of crowdfunders, indeed, a question has been asked "Who are you're backers?" well, the simple answer is the crowdfunder's themselves, they are playing an active role by supporting Lococraft, and in return, we wish to supply quality products for our supporters, at a reasonable price, in keeping with current pricing of ready to run models. I think you hit the nail on the head with Dava with you're comment of summary justice....as it would seem to be apparent that one or two people think that Lococraft would "gamble" with their hard earn't cash....NEVER! As I have repeatedly stated, if the target is not met, we will never commit funds to the project, and refunds will be returned to those who have subscribed...I'm not sure if the webpage has been read through. You mentioned about the GCR modelling gala....yes, I looked at that, but it was totally sold out last year, which is a pity, as that's a bloody good day out...if it's not raining.....maybe the year after though! Once again, thank you for you're positive comments....and happy modelling for the future Dava Best wishes. Jeff

Probably not Colin....but she know's I'm into O gauge railways....some ex's can't let go. I don't wish her to know my business, as simple as that.

Hello Rich...and thanks for the message....sorry, I'm not ignoring you, I'm on a tight schedule tonight...very late getting in from work....a six car pile up!.....So when I get home tomorrow night, I'll reply to the above message Many thanks. Jeff

Hello Alan...ok...I think I need to clear up some confusion here.....I don't supply any other company....Lococraft is a first time venture for me, however, the company who I have contacted to produce the model's of 10000 and 10001 DO produce for other companies overseas, their wealth of experience is excellent, and yes, the model's will be finescale bogie's. I hope this has helped Alan. Jeff

Hello Pete....yes, you are absolutely correct.....the CAD drawing was used to illustrate just the gear train...when viewing the bogie from the side, the LMS twins had varying wheelbase within it's bogies...for instance, axle 1 to axle 2 (the centre axle) was a different measurement from axle 3. Rest assured this difference will be addressed during the design stage. Thank's for the heads up Pete. Regards, Jeff

Hello Alan, and thanks for the question. Ok....you are totally correct.....the manufacturer has a standard design that they use for other models, it's a good reliable robust unit and they supply models to other markets, especially the U.S. I've approached the company on a strong recommendation....and they have an extensive knowledge of the British model railway scene, especially O gauge. We approached this particular company as they make a drive unit with 3 powered axles....most don't. I hope this has answered you're question Alan. Jeff

Absolutely....without hesitation.....as it say's on the website Brian. Happy to help. Jeff

Thanks for the heads up Charles, and no...I had no idea whatsoever there was another Graham jones involved in the model railway business.....I use the pseudonym to avoid my ex wife prying into my affairs...I've used the pseudonym for years........purely random chance.

Hello Rich And I fully understand your cautious approach to what we are proposing regarding the crowdfunding project, however, I agree with you when you say that crowdfunding has to be done correctly....and speculation certainly doesn't help matters, however, bear with me on this one....its all new territory...and a huge learning curve, but one I'm enjoying...sometimes challenging, but never stressful. Lococraft is a bona fide company, and one that wishes to engage with modellers to develope a broad product range, to the satisfaction of all. However, it is also understood that with increased living costs, and people having less disposable income....that crowdfunding allows modellers to buy models without taking a big hit in their bank account.....smaller hits over a longer period of time, surely that makes thing's easier for all concerned. Indeed, after having a two hour conversation with a very well respected railway magazine editor just this evening, I have decided to extend the first payment dates by a further month, so the website will be adjusted accordingly. The reason for this adjustment is twofold...simply put, the summer holidays are not far away, and holidays are not cheap when mum, dad and the kids wish to go away for a nice break....then the next costly time is Christmas....and we all eat, drink, and spend too much, don't we. So for that reason we are altering the dates for the payments, hopefully this will be more accomodating for modellers. O gauge should not be a preserve for the well off.....O gauge should be within the reach of all modellers. Any thoughts would be most welcome Rich. Thanks. Jeff

Hello everybody. Ok guys, and thanks for the question, and to answer that question about the bogie CAD design, this is the standard drive unit that the company have designed to power all their loco's with the CO-Co wheel arrangement, which they supply to business's around the globe, it's a good, robust, proven design, its a standard component that they fit. Just to change the subject slightly chap's, I'm thinking of looking into having a replacement gear train unit produced en masse, as a replacement for Co-Co loco's that come in large blue box's, Not only would the gears be more robust, possibly even brass, but it would also convert the bogie to an all axle drive unit, I'm in the fortunate position of living near a very good toolmaker who would help with the design and production. Currently, this is only at the idea stage........so you're thoughts are most welcome on this subject. Regarding the Lococraft page.....as crowdfunding is becoming more popular, it seems a better way to go, HOWEVER, let me re-assure everybody, IF THE PROJECT DOES NOT PROCEED, EVERYBODY WILL HAVE ALL MONIES PAID RETURNED FORTHWITH.........however gents, the only thing it will cost is the price of an envelope and a first class stamp, to return your money. Many thanks to those who have wished success to Lococraft. Regards Jeff

Good evening folks. Apologies for the late post here guys. Allow me to reveal all......my name as pointed out by earlier posts is indeed Jeff Lynch, and I have established Lococraft as depicted on the webpage, indeed, if I use Facebook, I assume the pseudonym of Graham Jones, purely for the simple reason I do not wish my ex wife to pry into my personal life, if you all knew her, you'd completely understand!!! Ok....now that the personal information is out of the way, I have established Lococraft to try and fill a void in the ready to run market. I have to say that after seeing some of the superb work that modellers have performed in bringing O gauge to life, I feel that I'd like to help supply locomotives that are high on the "Wish list" of O gauge modellers, being an O gauge modeller myself, how good would it be to have quality loco's that YOU want, ready to go, straight out of the box? Although the Lococraft webpage has only been up a day or so......and it still needs tweaking.....we would love to hear from you which loco's, whether it's steam diesel or electric, which ones would be high on you're wish list, as we would certainly give everything a long look...however, I think DHP1 wouldn't be in high demand though! There have been one or two comments here that we are working with others/or using moulds and designs from another company...this is absolutely untrue, Lococraft are only working with the Ivatt re-creation society, as they are providing technical advice, photograph's, and more importantly, the original design drawings as prepared by the LMS. This is a completely new ground up project in producing quality finescale, O gauge models of 10000 and 10001. If you have wish to know more, than please e-mail us or call on the number that's on the website....and happy modelling folk's. Jeff.