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I was just wondering if there was a more-recent update. Al.

Keeping this thread 'alive', for what should be a superb addition to the fleet. Any 'latest news' on possible deliveries? Any updates on specific details - problems resolved, etc? Al.

I think Hornby have missed a trick. Bachmann have it sorted, with flanged pony wheels being on a 'floating' wheelset. I would guess that the tightest diameter with flanged wheels is on a piece of flexitrack - as it arrives from the distributor! Al.

It does appear that 'the very serious condition' appears to be being better controlled. Our own laboratory in Tianjin, MILES from the centre of the outbreak but nevertheless affected have been allowed to return to work. If this is a general indication that there is a feeling that the virus is under control, and indeed might have affected the 'second delivery' of the 66's, is there a delivery date other than FEB / MAR for them? Thanks, Al.

There was a question earlier on to 'new tool', replied with the screwdriver was replaced. It of course refers to the new tooling of the streamlined Coronations from last year, and the latest models are simply additions to the initial ones - 6229 Hamilton and 6244 KG VI. Al.

Hope you resolve your problem. I'm a fan of Heljan locomotives and have a few. I notice this "I have had a Heljan OO gauge 58 for many years ... " During this time, has it been used 'quite a lot'? It could be something as simple as worn brushes if it's been used frequently - just a thought. Al.

I'm glad they've near-rectified that chimney cap. Looks much better now. Fantastic looking little locomotive. Al.

Totally agree Rob. I've got an 'acceptably decent' older 6201 so I'm safe for now ... until 6202 might make an appearance .... !! Similar with huge differences I know, but one never knows .... Al.

Ditto here. I've needed 'assistance' on several occasions - details, repairs, motors - and not been a problem. They also reply no later than the next working day to e-mail requests ... unlike ... Al.

Did they give an indication of when they may start to be available? Al.

I reserve the right not to comment at this stage ... !! Even 'though I just have! Al.

Not your fault, but the same / similar photo has been bandied around for some time now. Would be nice, probably beneficial for Hornby for them to distribute a more appropriate photograph with the completed, no-parts-missing locomotive. Al.

It still appears that the smokebox door 'dart' is in the detailing parts pack ... !! Al.

I suppose traction tyres would give it the pulling power it requires, but being a tank locomotive 0-6-0, surely it's going to have power collection problems on DC power, if not DCC with 'stay alive'? A decent cast chassis, metal running plate, even body or tanks would give it more weight which would help considerably. Al.

Makes you wonder what they would charge if they made the effort 'under the skin' - chassis with bearings, skew-wound 5-pole, etc - that they do with diesels and Hornby do with their steam locomotives!! I'm a huge fan of the appearance of Bachmann steam locomotives - body detail, paint finish, etc, but under the skin needs to catch up in the steam locomotives. Al.

Possibly ViTrains ....

Fair enough. Just looked a bit strange in the photo - hoped it wasn't seated incorrectly. Al.

Is it me - possibly? !! That brass bush top left doesn't seem to be mounted properly. Al.

I believe a lot of what may have been prepared to be announced has been affected considerably by a certain very major and tragic situation. Al.

Valvegear is difficult to locate. I've seen spare chassis on Ebay. Intermediate / drive gears are also more available than before. With the motor removed, thus 'free running', do the wheels rotate fully? Valvegear is quite sensitive and can bend if picked up incorrectly / clumsily - easily done by anyone. Are you certain the valvegear isn't interfering during rotation? Al.

This also assumes that once matched, the wear - either bedding in or 'wearing out' - will be consistent, which I'm certain it won't be. One other 'variable' will be the consistency of strength of the brush contact spring - if a brushed motor, which most still are. I have some 'background' in highly tuned brushed R/C car motors, so am quite familiar with this aspect as well. I definitely agree that the better you can match locomotives' power characteristics, the better. I know from my professional background - analytical chemist - that regular re-evaluation will be beneficial as well. Al.

If the speed differential exists but is minimal, loading a locomotive will always slow it a little, so if another is slightly faster, it could also be that the latter takes more of the load, the former runs close to 'running light' when double headed. Al.

Is that a dual control - LH / RH - regulator on the A4-styled one? Al.

Be careful with the plastic, it's obviously 'aged' a bit. Without being excessive, perhaps a bit of gentle warming, raised above - not resting on - a radiator for a few minutes to slightly soften the plastic? Just a thought. Al.

I believe bogiegate is related to ABgate. I had a wobble when I first replaced, so removed and replaced more carefully and the wobble disappeared - assumed to be the AB rotating against the holes in the bogie sideframe. Whatever the case, mine runs perfectly, with all AB's intact after >5 hours' running. Al.