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I just tried the tracking number in the RM tracker again, and still not recognised, so not sent yet ... Probably going out today one thinks ... Al.

Hattons working hard to keep their promises of delivery of some models before Christmas. Hat's off and WELL DONE HATTONS!! Al.

See, I knew he hadn't been abducted by aliens!! Thanks Fran. Enjoy the party - you certainly deserve it after all of the contributions pending and produced you've made to our hobby over the last 8-10 months. Al.

I've just had an e-mail stating it is packed, and has been given a reference. When fed into the RM system they are unable to locate the reference at this time. I might be wrong, but that infers all is ready to ship, but has not yet been collected by RM. Al.

I've been billed as well ... for Patriot! Looks like delivery will be fairly soon, as you say ... Al.

That's me told then .... !! Is nobody interested to here of / see what further progress has been made? Should have colour samples now according to previous press. Al.

I'm getting a little concerned that Fran hasn't responded to any of the recent posts, whereas previously he was straight in .... Actually taking a rest? Al.

Hi Fran, seems like Zontar's interested in hunting down your Deltics as well!! Any further news / update available yet please? Al.

Smokebox door handle / 'dart' included as well!! Al.

I loved my Albert Hall. I even polished the chimney cap with Brasso if I remember!! It used to fly as well and I even changed the motor for an Airfix 5-pole I think! Of course it was very basic in comparison with today's iterations, but at least the dimensions weren't a mile out. Al.

Do you think somebody somewhere is busy gluing the axleboxes onto the wheel sets to avoid them coming off ... this is why we've not received any news of pending production-model deliveries? Al.

I have noticed that Sam does mention Hattons in virtually every video ... so 1 + 1 = ... or pretty obvious. Are you REALLY that bothered? Does it matter THAT much? I think the photos and videos, without paying any attention to the commentary say more than enough of what to expect and as stated ... we should be expecting some of them any time now .... 'before Christmas' .... 'though it has gone rather quiet so I'm not so certain any more about the before bit ... Al.

Wasn't 16th December the 'first delivery day'? Al.

In Sam's defence, he's the only one to have mentioned the faults observed during the video. In comparison to his videos of other locos, I suppose he didn't criticise the lack of slow speed on forwards initially - extremely controllable once run in, so resolved anyway. Al.

Going by those photos, I would say the numerals were close enough. Thanks. Al.

Lovely looking little model. Are those numerals correctly dimensioned - almost looks like O Gauge numerals have been used ? I know it would be highly unusual for Bachmann to make that kind of error but they look HUGE! Al.

Do we think that this latest slight delay may be related to the pre-production comparatives whereby it was noticed the axleboxes were loose? Even so, I prefer it to be perfect than some extra work required upon receipt. Al.

I think 'at the time' they were 'fit for purpose', could be 'played with more' but more aimed at younger generations not yet able to respect the finer points of 'don't hold here', 'don't touch there' that's required with the super detail of today. They were obviously more able to withstand knocks, bumps, shocks of general playing or parents cleaning up, knocking them off the tracks ... The market requirements, standards, call it expectations are vastly different now, with the rivet counters winning ... Different times, different production abilities, different expectations, different requirements.... and not that much difference in price when inflation corrected!! Al.

I was going to ask what planet you lot had been sent to / what you'd been drinking, then had a look at the Zontar videos - hilarious!! Al.

Hi Fran, Any photos yet? Can't wait for this one!! Al.

I've ordered a couple - excellent find!! Al.

Don't forget the 'easily caught and potentially broken' parts, so take care - think I'm talking to myself here!! To: Dave of Hattons, are the production ones ready for dispatch yet ? .... Al.

In the event the production runs don't include drivers, which would be the best after-market options available currently? Al.

LHS (inner axle)? Twin bogie powered? Won't convert me. I'll be interested to hear the outcome nevertheless. Al.

Looks like it's me again .... The Hatton's one is pretty close to 1st deliveries now, pre-production models are being handed out to 'selected testers' and they're generally absolutely superb .... Just wondering if they're close to 'pre-production' models over here at Dapol for the 59. It's going to be fascinating to compare the 2 models. If Dapol can maintain the advances they made with the 68, which they'll have to to compete, it'll be one interesting hobby all over again!! Al.