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I have mentioned a very popular class of preserved locomotive currently, requiring a 'model update' - the ex. LMS Jubilee class. The WR has been a little neglected recently I reckon - OK a certain 'other manufacturer' will be bringing out Turbomotive fairly soon ... Another to consider I think, is the Parallel boilered Royal Scots - definitely in need of a major update / retool by the last manufacturer to make it ... Al.

Just dug out my latest-tooling 86 034 for a little run on the tracks. Reminded just what a superb runner she is - with a decent haulage and turn of speed! Resolved most of the only problem by removing the 3-link and the heavier pipe - obstructing the coupling on curves. A big WELL DONE to Heljan for this model!! Al.

Strange coincidence! I just received an email stating my request was closed by DCC Spares - without ever receiving an email update! Looking at the electronically indicated timeline, they replied immediately, but never sent it to me email / inbox. For everyone's future reference, it reads as follows: Hi Alan No the Class 68 will not fit into the Class 59. If you get in touch with Dapol, they have class 59 spares there. Al.

I'd sack the line painter for the road ... just saying !! 🙃 Nice layout. Al.

I've actually built up a few spare Bachmann motors, but it's fair comment. I do have an update to this little tale of mine. Since removing the smoke generator reservoir, the flywheel no longer catches. The motor is not 'firmly' located, the overhead brace sort-of holds it, but this means it could feasibly displace slightlyfore/aft, side/side, but ... I opened her up again this morning. She made a 'catching' noise when starting, but power required was acceptably low, so very little resistance. After perhaps 6 feet of running she went quiet. The motor appeared well centred, so the slips of cardboard work. Pressing on TOP of the motor at the reservoir (ex. for me) end, it wobbled. Motor is definitely one piece, but like it was pivoting on something below - this had obviously slightly raised this end, causing it to catch on the reservoir. 'Gentle but firm' press pushed the motor flat and level, nothing catching and no weird noises - all is well, and I could probably replace the reservoir, but don't have a need. All is well again. Design was fine. Al.

Looks like its multiplied the level of the Hornby underbody detail by a factor of 4 at least!! Al.

It's a centre motor, with twin shafts, one each end, each with hollowed out brass flywheels. Into each flywheel is fitted a slotted plastic cup. This matches the slotted plastic cup in each of the 2 bogies. Between the slotted cups, each end, is the plastic dogbone. This is a plastic shaft, which narrows each end, with each having a moulded ball with plastic cross pin. This cross pin fits into the slotted plastic cups. Al.

Well, DCC Spares recognised my request for assistance, then, erm, that's it - no actual reply ... never mind ... I finally opened her up quite a bit more, removed the brace - it's not a cradle - and lifted out the motor. Powered up, minimum power required compared well with all larger locomotives in both directions, and once warmed up, motor speed was near-matched in both directions - motor is fine. I replaced the motor, connected up the dogbones, and ... very slow!! The dogbones have to be located firmly into the motor drive cups, then locate into the bogies, where they slide. Sorted. Back onto the track - poor again! Mine's a simple DC locomotive, but I now found the flywheel was catching the exhaust 'reservoir' - don't need it, so left it off, reconnected all, and ... slow again!! The motor brace doesn't centre the motor and one flywheel was catching one side, so I centred and have now placed a piece of cardboard on both sides of the motor to better-centre it - perfect again! Motor is fine. Running is excellent again. Interesting experience. Thought I'd share. Al.

Simple things first, obviously. You've checked the BTB's. Are the wheels free-rolling and have full movement side to side? Any 'fluff' picked up? Anything potentially blocking their progress over said points? Not familiar with the model, is there any form of spring to enhance apparent bogie weight - possibly misaligned? Al.

Don't know if it's been mentioned before, but a Stanier 5XP Jubilee - various guises and livery options obviously would be excellent. A Class 40 might be nice as well .... 😶 Al.

Was there a St. Christopher? You could send that anywhere and know it would arrive OK !! Al.

Probably mentioned previously: Are the drive cups rotating in the flywheels - I presume this is all wheel drive / centre motor / dogbone drive to bogies? Is this happening on tighter radius curves - perhaps the dogbones aren't long enough? Is it a poor fit of the dogbones in the drive cups / slots opened up slightly? Al.

Hornby may be retooling one of my all-time favourite locomotives, since seeing them when a toddler in active service locally, the Black 5. Another of Stanier's favourites has been relatively neglected in the last 2 decades, the Jubilee. I've just attempted a conversion of a Bachmann 45611 Hong Kong into 45596 Bahamas - a good effort for me and quite pleased with it - a full-on factory version would be a totally different model of course. Al.

When I was 10 years' old, I fell in love with the Triang LMS 6201 Princess Elizabeth, and received it for a combined Christmas / Birthday present - then I bought a scale 4mm:ft Ian Allan book of locomotive drawings, and looked at the (lack of) safety valves, measured the wheel diameters, LoB ... and wanted to leave it under my Dad's car it was so incorrect!! Point? Times and standards change - we all move with them. Definitely agree, this is THE Class 66 by the impressions we all have, so duplication, or replacement with 'same but different' is quite simply a natural progression. Al.

Anyone know if the Class 68 motor can be used in the Class 59? Reckon I've worn down the brushes on my 59 and it's become hesitant ... Separate Class 59 spares aren't listed in DCC Spares. I'll drop them a line anyway. Al.

How about targetting Streamliners of the Big Four, and their coaching stock .... bit of a plan? !! Al.

Probably true. They'll knock it out of the park with the forthcoming 66 !!

A BIG thank you to Luke's Locomotives for the public video on YT - nice little summarised documentary on the locomotive. Please remove link if incorrect / not permitted. How about an LNER P1? Could be interesting. Could even remotely activate 'the booster' / separate switch for DC? Al.

I'd say for 'specials' the Flying Dustman and Evening Star would sell well. So many options I'm sure. Al.

I was going to get a few Hattons' 66's when they came out, but maintained one. I'm glad I did - the developed one should be brilliant - full of the recent experiences and 'practical touches', plus increasing the details. Al.

Couldn't resist putting a pre-order in - project looks stellar! Let's hope it completes on time - can't wait. Al.

Battleship grey? Looks like it's in primer before the paint goes on. I know, but for me, not a fan - each to his/her as they say. Al.

I understand your logic, yet I'm glad I got a Hattons' one - all 'of the above' of it's foibles are true, but what a superb running locomotive! I admit at times it's driver complains in a similar manner to Lewis Hamilton during last season's F1 with its 'porpoising'! If this is as good as the description says, and no reason to doubt, resolving most / all of the faults and issues, this will be superb!! I have one ordered, so something to look forward to .... next year! I had been looking into getting another shed - Bachmann or Hattons, then hey presto, this announcement !! Al.

No matter how 'special' a locomotive is, I'll purchase for one reason alone - to run on the rails, so that will consequently mean it'll need to be serviced on regular occasions. I love the initiative to move detailing parts to where they're more practically positioned, to permit easier body removal / replacement. Not 'thinking out of the box', just thinking - thank you! Al.

That's a good idea, assuming they're intercompatible. There's one problem - the doors don't open!! 🙃 Al.