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Here's a thing ... A/Scale managed to introduce brake linkage chains to the proprietary market, could it be possible they also introduce a lighting system for steam locomotives ... with any additional new steam locomotives introduced? Al.

Thanks. I was obviously wondering how difficult for Bachmann to apply their updated tooled Patriot bodies to create a parallel boilered Royal Scot - answer being 'not suitable' is coming out - so a parallel boiler RS is a prime contender then! I'd really like one of these. Al.

This conversation had me open up my higher detail DoG again - lovely looking model let down in so many places .... I still vote DoG and Jubilees (and parallel boilered Scots). Question: Weights and power ratings were different, but dimensionally were the parallel boilered Scots any different to the Patriots? (Bachmann did update their Patriot, which is quite a reasonable model, but not their parallel Scot). Al.

I understand the 'logic' of 'filling in the holes', but selecting a next marketable product doesn't normally fit that ethos. Model popularity plays a big part in selection as well I can imagine. I maintain DoG 71k and / or Jubilees ... Add parallel boilered Scots. Al.

Interesting, and astute observation! DoG would be an excellent addition - Hornby went part-way - one of those higher Railroad models - no sprung buffers! Black 5 - wonderful locomotive but too much hype on the new Hornby one at the moment perhaps. Jubilee - would definitely like. WD 2-10-0 - nice thought. Al.

I'm trying to think how working Caprotti could work? That shaft rotated to actuate the valves didn't it? Quite a challenge .... perhaps ... !! I'm sure there's someone who could get that going. Drifting smoke? Don't remember that when she passed through stopping at St. Helens Junction perhaps 12-13 years ago - quite a surprise, but brilliant to see!! Al.

How about DoG? 71k in detail would be a fantastic addition for the serious modeller. Al.

Another popular one, albeit a one-off, unless anyone else is doing it ... Decapod! Al.

Probably with recent-format stratospheric pricing as well ... sorry, shouldn't mention prices! A/S have good habit of a fresh face, fresh ideas and observations, excellent models and fair market pricing ... I recently modified a Bachmann 'Hong Kong' into a Bahamas, fitting an aftermarket chimney modified to try and resemble the double rings at the top, and glossed as Bahamas is quite probably the most impeccably turned out locomotive on the rails in half of the photos. Al.

Stanier Jubilees, in their various guises - (nearly) guaranteed to be a very popular choice!

Got to be a Stanier Jubilee, in all it's variations. Bachmann have produced very acceptable but limited variations - many preferred remain in the old tooling, if wanting to replicate preserved locomotives. Al.

Well I mentioned my dilemma to Rails, where I purchased Splendid, and within minutes, there's an email and postage label - FANTASTIC SERVICE (so far, here's hoping) and thank you Rails. Al.

If the Pendolino is the same as my Hornby one, it's top end is overscale, I reckon can approach 150mph, so 'not as fast' should be more than fast enough. I suppose it depends on the settings. Al.

Excellent photo. As stated without jumpers and also with window deflectors, as 'that other company' have applied to one of the 2 I have. Al.

I love my Dapol TPE 68's .... but: Splendid, which I fitted the front / rear handrails - reasonable but not perfect I admit - only runs in one direction. Separately powered the motor is fine, so that'll doubtless be a PCB issue. She's already on her 2nd motor as well. I only generally ran her with the A/Scale TPE 5-coach set. Brutus is on at least her 2nd motor, and needs another. I will set trains going at 'an appropriate setting' which for these is typically ~60% and can leave for perhaps one hour at a time, but I've plenty of Hornby and Bachmann locomotives still comfortably on their 1st motor with no drivetrain issues / motor wear problems. I admit I'm a little reticent to approach a 'Warranty claim' for the PCB as I was knocked back on a Western a couple of years ago. Splendid was purchased off Rails last year when they came out. Anyone have any ideas who could check out the PCB, and possibly repair it? Thanks, Al.

Did anyone mention the Class 40 ( ..... recently?) 🙃

Wasn't certain but thanks for the confirmation. Yet another '4F' 0-6-0, but in keeping with other Maunsell products, not a bad looking engine. I still reckon a U1 would be quite a challenge - a 'British Big Boy' you could say. Al.

I think this one wins 'the prize' !! Token idea no more! Al.

Where does the decoder go? ..................

Evening Star for me .... to run alongside my Bachmann 9F! Al.

Hornby's Q1 is still pretty decent in my eyes - can't make an ugly duckling look pretty! Al.

Had to look a few times to understand what was happening with the valvegear on the LHS!! Just an overlap. Lovely model - just needs glazing and crew. Al.

A nice challenge for somebody, how about a U1 ? !! UK's biggest mainline steam beastie!! Al.

Hi BB, yes and no. The hard part is drilling the holes into the lamp lenses. I failed on my 1st attempt - the blue one - I couldn't get a hole into the rear lamps, so I got modern image Springside BR lamps, removed the 'jewelled' part and drilled them out, painted black and glued onto the cab in place - been working perfectly ever since. Pulling the cab moulding off the body takes a little 'gumption' but the cab is simply a push fit onto the body, simply gently flex/pull out the front leading edges of the cab at the bottom, and slide up and off. You'll see in the video, the cab light is a little bright, so I'd 'dim' it slightly with a darker clear lacquer - I've done this on the new one. Any success on the new one? NO! Still had to replace what was the lamps with Springside ones. I've a 'reasonable off Ebay' replacement for my failed Dremel, but only figured out how to get a good adjustable clutch head onto it after I pinged the original lamps - got fed up of the pin drive! The kit's a perfect fit. If not received, ask Jason for fitting instructions, but the led pieces are perfectly proportioned to fit. Al.

This was the 08 last night - obviously running well - train a tad long but managed it! I'd had a few issues with a recently purchased over-weathered (I've removed a lot) super detail 56. Finally got her running, and needed to fit a light set to her: Another Stickswipe kit. I think in assembling I may have misaligned one amber lamp slightly, but it's still looking excellent. Main thing is, that 08 is running beautifully again - yes, I know about the coupling rod 'wobble' - happens where it's articulated, and the same on the other one I have. Related to power transmitted to the end axle I reckon, but she works very nicely, so I'm not worried about it! Al