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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.

Horrible things traction tyres!! Stretch, go hard, crack, basically just wear out and locomotive loses performance. This way is much better - more 'realistic'. Imagine a 300g Hornby Flying Scotsman with traction tyres - featherweight, but no slip at all ... Not a fan. Al.

Fran, the 'OO Standard bar' has just been raised quite substantially by Hatton's new 66. Can't wait to see how much further up you push the bar with the Deltic .... !! Al.

Well it looks like Sam beat everyone to the Production Sample review ... It JUST beats the Dapol 68 on weight, which I weighed in - and others here on the forum - at just UNDER 700g. Sam weighed the H66 at just OVER 700g. Only weakness he found was the rotating axle boxes falling off occasionally. Hadn't noticed the cab interior before, that's SUPERB!! FANTASTIC JOB Hattons!! Slipped up here 'though - Bachmann fit a driver! Looking at Sam's, the buffers didn't seem to be parallel to the rails - possibly an end-plate-adjustment issue which should be possible without problem. One 'little detail' missed - considering the incredible detail elsewhere - there's no needle on the painted-white fuel gauge on the tank. IS THAT ALL I CAN SEE? WOW!! That's absolutely nothing. I've 2 coming - one soon, one in the New Year - CAN'T WAIT!! Was it QUIET or what? (Typical poor 'common English' I know, but you know what I mean.) Near totally silent. Al.

If they're designed that way, then you've a right to expect them to perform. If you simply add weight in the vain anticipation of gaining traction, then as you say, you may well overpower the motor. Kettles are notorious for being difficult to get 'right' - front bogies, rear ponies can carry some weight, but sometimes it's more than required, sometimes less than ideal and some tractive weight needs to be transferred to non-powered wheels to ensure they stay on, say, going over points. I've noticed Hornby Merchant Navy locomotives often need to have the front bogie mount bent down a little - putting more weight on it to ensure it negotiates points OK - yes, I've made certain the B2B is OK. Al.

Jenny's review reveals no warts at all ... very impressive and pre-production. Bottom line is it looks good and does what it says on the tin - is very powerful. Well done Hattons. Al. PS Has anyone actually weighed one? Dapol's Class 68 is ~700g for reference.

'New Junction' was the 'other review' I referred to Jenny. Did you perform a load test? Got to admit it's tempting!! Al.