atom3624

I seem to remember it was an actual pipe - hollow inside - and seeing wisps of steam coming from it? Long time ago - 1980 I mean, not 1830!! Al.

A bargain will relate to what something is worth, how much you find it for and how much you are prepared to pay for it. If you don't like it, move on - they're like buses - there's always another one - perhaps in 3-6 months' time, but you'll always find one. I would frequent some better stores but never the same one every time. Al.

It is a logical progression I suppose - very 'sensible' in view of the locally developing situation. I'm not one of the 13,000 so THANK YOU FOR POSTING. Having written that, I've not been in Hattons since the move from Smithdown Road!! .... Stay Safe everyone and glad that business continues, and care and consideration are taken. Al.

I was just going to say Cybermen scanning down the thread!! Let's hope the 'mechanical noises' aren't 'thump, thump' ... !! Al.

Better build up the rolling stock adequate for it to pull - it'll pull the house down if you're not careful!! Prototypical trains are easily achieved I reckon. Al.

Pete, that's even better. It'll account for wheel-slip as well - which should sound great if applied correctly!! Al.

Surely there can be some form of optical sensor / trigger in one of the drivers - micro sized even behind one of the wheel weights - not certain of what's possible? There are similar things with RC model cars to detect engine speed. Al.

I purchased one as soon as they came out ... so was younger than I thought - could explain my reaction and ignorance! I think it cost £14? Only a guess, it was 45 years ago! Al.

Didn't the Western come out under the Liliput name around 1976, 1977? I remember purchasing one then being gutted it was the wrong size ... !! Performance was good, with traction tyres as well. Al.

I suppose if there was a poorer power delivery the stop-start would mean the coaches contacting each other - and reading the threads they appear to be rather fragile. Al.

On a serious note, didn't Trix have some HO gear? I was 'having a little go' at the Black 5 sized old Princess - I had one myself when I was 12, then was gutted when I found out how much out of scale it was!! Couldn't knock the performance, it went great, even with 6' drivers instead of 6'6" ... Al.

Would be interesting to see a side-by-side of the OO and HO sized Princesses. Al.

For me the first port of call depends on requirement, availability and price. I don't default to one retailer, 'though following that general guide above there have been several prevalent sellers - Hattons included. It does appear that some communications were a little lacking, which was obviously unfortunate. Al.

Just received and 'as new used' 87 035. Looks superb and just as I remember the 87's as a lad going to University. Lovely looking model. Al.

To OP, that Rood Ashton Hall by Bachmann is a gem. I really like mine - so smooth, and for a 'smaller steam locomotive' it's really not bad at hauling stock. Al.

Maybe they mistook 1st March for 1st April? Failing that, and its real - why not? - it's a nice little locomotive, and very useful on longer branch lines. Al.

The flywheel is a dual edged sword, as it were. It can aid over areas of poor pick-up (points, etc) and particularly with locomotives with loco-only pick-up. I would NOT include the flywheel - which permits smoother slow starts (flywheel builds in too much inertia). I would look into including additional tender current pick-ups to compensate for the smooth passing over points. Al.

Agreed with the observation on the Heritage Railways, but ... how many of us are likely to be running these backwards? Al.

I noticed a 'recognised Hornby Retailer' (more renowned for Scalextric sales) has a Limited Edition Rocket on for £140 over list price .... 'nough said!! Al.

I get a reply between 1 and 6 weeks after I post on there - poor support. It should be advancing - let's hope the Q3 estimate is accurate, particularly bearing in mind other 'global considerations'. The latter are much more important than 'toy trains', so let's get this over with. Al.

I'm in one of the departments within our company which travel a lot during the year, and we've just announced that there's no further international travel to, or visits from other offices until further favourable clarity and progress has been observed. It is a fast developing situation as you state which has to be handled in a responsible manner. Let's hope that it is contained sooner rather than later, and we can return to the lives as we knew them ... including receiving the back-ordered locomotives! Obviously it will be hoped that better containment procedures are clarified with an increased rate of cure from this dreadful virus. Good luck and best wishes to all. Al.

6 years before they win the league again, or just until they qualify for Europe?

Everyone wants to provide a good service, and be known for that. 'Word gets around' and nothing speaks better for a particular company, whatever / wherever than having a good reputation. Al.

I'm noticing a slight trend here ... and I don't disagree, but ... What about Hornby's finest diesels .... 50, 56, 60? The Super Detail versions are absolutely superb - detail, features, running qualities, haulage capacities ... truly superb. I've a weathered EWS 56 059 on a 13-wagon TEA tanker train - near-silent and SO smooth ... brilliant. (Yes, all lights work perfectly.) Al.

How much further can the detailing go one could ask? How about .... There's been a problem with the A3 / A4 tenders being too high wrt the locomotives, which some say is 'load related'. It would make perfect sense - so much coal and water - fully laden it would be lower than when half, or less as can happen during a decent 'race to the North' .... What if there were a way to have adjustable height wrt load in the tender? Al.