atom3624

Just seen the latest update on this 2nd run project for the Deltic 55 - Q3 anticipated now. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop - news always available on the A/Scale site updates section. Al.

One nice detail I appreciate if/when seen and applied well, is 'wiper wear / smears' on the screens - plus the associated dirt around the areas not wiped. I sometimes have a minor issue with the kinematic coupling if it's been static for a while, so I invert and HoG physically moves it side-to-side up to 20 times, then it works just fine, with no derailments, and my Bachmann 100-tonne TEA bogie tankers are sensitive to these couplings as well. I've not had any issues with the sand pipes either. Sort-of got used to the gentle 'clicking' as the bogies turn. Al.

That weathering makes them look even more realistic - fantastic job - both you, and of course CavAlex. Al.

Totally agree - nice to see 'characters' inside the cabs. If there's a problem with the CavAlex 56, it's too well put together!! Most complain of 'finding bits in the box' when a new locomotive arrives. Nothing with mine, and virtually nothing mentioned with anybody in this thread. This holds true for the chairs in the cab I've found! They're REALLY well glued in place. 'Gentle persuasion' didn't work, so as a chair was included in the Modelu figures, I ended up breaking them off then drilling out the 'stumps', slightly enlarging, and simply gluing the Modelu figures in position. When I'm putting nameplates on bodies - each to their own - I spread out the smallest slither of black-tack and carefully press onto where needed. It does mean if I catch it when HoG (Hand of .. ) required, it may move a fraction, but easily re-positioned. Al.

TBH I've accumulated all sorts of paints over the years - mainly acrylic. I painted the shoes, chairs and 'dotted' the eyes in black. Eyes after a cream, red mix for skin colour on the hands and faces. Overalls were a mixed dark blue - I simply used Rail Blue plus a little black .... I then used the paint in an orange paint pen for the Hi-Vis jackets over the dark blue jackets. Hair - I've used black on one, copper on another!! Just to be different. The thought was there, the effect sort of! Hope that helps!! I'm no artist, and many on here will be miles better, but I'm quite pleased with the result. Al.

LoL! Sounds about right. Al.

I've fitted the Modelu crew into my 56. It got me thinking what 'other detail' might be of interest, so thought of newspapers - always saw the drivers carrying one or 2 when mounting the cabs at Lime Street in the late 70's. Thing is, the size of them. Tabloids are 17x11" (~6x4 mm) and Broadsheets are 27x22" (~9x8 mm). I copied and pasted BBC front page presentations onto a Word document, then reduced the size - might work for an effect at least. Al.

I've mentioned my principal locomotive interests for the 'to do' list. If you were to stick with GWR, an obvious one would be the 14xx. Another which could be considered, would be the County Class 4-6-0 - they have been produced but not recently. Al.

Was that Meghan who slammed the door, breaking the glass? .... 🫢

Is there any option for locomotive crew with this locomotive ... or indeed others. A certain Class 56 recently launched had Modelu design direct-fit replacement 3D printed crew. Anything similar here? Al.

I have Hornby with and without antennae, and CavAlex with. I can understand some liking the cleaner lines, and your loco, your opinion, but I'm really not that concerned - I like my 'Grids'! Al.

Strangest looking rabbit I've ever seen, if it isn't !! Al.

That's looking pretty good - amazed how advanced they've got with the project. Looks like a lot more saving is required!! Al.

Alright, let's get this straight!! LIKE THIS!! and this ....

Any chance the number '40' figures in this list ...... ?? Al.

Stanier 8F, Jubilee; Fowler parallel boilered Royal Scot .... and of course .... cough .... Class 40 ... Al.

I was wondering what these very recent comments referred to, then by chance went to YT. The yet-another producer's new 30/31 does look good, but this is AccuraScale. My order's certainly staying here. TBH all 3 look great - always been an 'old favourite' of mine! ~2 months to go .... Al.

Thanks for the confirmation McC. Looking forward to this one!! Been saying that a lot the last couple of years! Al.

Thanks Roy, just confirming I'd located the text - couldn't find it initially. I'm still curious for non-digital fan operation. Al.

To answer one of my own questions: Outer axles on bogies are driven (sprung dummy centre axle) and all wheel pickup Al.

Good spot, and great work A/S, as usual! Al.

For the model, you are correct. Hydraulics, like the favourite Western 52 are C-C. 37, 47, 56, 57 et al all have separate traction motors, thus individually driven axles. I concede to this, but my point and question remain - will the centre axle remain floating. Al.

OK, not one to be controversial, but I think potentially an interesting point ... These locomotives were known to have the wheel arrangement A1A-A1A. Another prominent manufacturer has just recently released a model which is powered in just this manner. To tie-in with the original 1:1 locomotive, and perhaps to agree with said other's comments, will these Class 30/31 models be A1A-A1A format, or Co-Co? Another question relates to the 'working fan'. Can this be activated / deactivated via dip switch on the DCC ready versions? Al.

Several things surprised I think most of us ... Just how precisely detailed the locomotive is. How well made and solid it is - nothing falling off, nothing 'found' in boxes on arrival. Just how easy it is to remove the body - unwittingly I think I've removed mine perhaps 10-12 times - each time removal has been easy and replacement just the same. Having stated the above, I have to refer to my item 2. above .... it had been mentioned by another that one of the 'line scrapers' (no idea what they're called - apologies for my ignorance) had been found in his box. Looking at mine more closely this evening, one of mine was missing!! Naughty words! I was certain all were in situ on arrival, so it could only be nearby where I fitted the buffer beam detailing .... and it was - located and reattached without issue - perfect again! Al.

Modelu crew now painted and inserted into my 56. Al.