GrumpyPenguin

Part of me wanted to say "see you in court", another part simply wanted to see the back of him without further ado - the second thought won.

If it's the store I'm thinking about it was always worth checking out when in the area - the "Aladins Cave" was out ther back, glad to hear it's re-opened.

Generally, the Piko Hobby Locomotives have less detail & the early OHE's had plain wheels without the "discs" & no traction tyres (a good thing actually). Motors were often slightly lower quality and no flywheels. As time goes on the Hobby range is getting better quality, anyway, they are great value & when on DCC run very well indeed. As an aside the Fleischmann BR218 only drives at one end (FWIW although similar to the Hornby/Lima motor bogie it's far superior). Some of the earlier ones can be tricky to DCC due to the metal motor backplate.

You could, but not every "layout assembler" is capapble of fabricating a micro-switch to do the task reliably.

Preiser may do - check out their website to be sure. Preiser availability can be wafty at the best of times though. (HO) You could also try Mike Pett on 01843 593417 He does a range of white metal figures. (OO)

At least these look like they were tested before they left the factory ;

As a matter of interest which solution worked ?

You beat me to it. Also, I understand that the new Eurostars cannot use the platforms at some stations because they are to UIC ?

Not just trucks & buse's ;

Bearing in mind you have waited a considerable time before trying to enlist help from "The MR Community" you are, to be blunt expecting far too much, especially from people you neither know or have met. Good "Professional" layout builders will have plenty of work already in hand, the "Community" ones will be "time poor". Although some distance away (I have family in the Midlands so accomodation is not an issue) I had considered offering to help for a contibution to my travelling expenses but held back to see if there was anyone closer, but, reading you comments, attitude & bitterness decided no way. FWIW I will give you some advice - IMHO DCC may be the better option for the pointwork but I personally would only use new kit. maybe, you need to consider downsizing to a much simpler layout. You will certainly have to spend some money, one way or the other. And converting locos to DCC (even "DCC Ready") ones for less than less than £2/pop, that's pure fantasy land.

I can think of one, but don't want to incur the wrath of admin' but publishing it.

You have to realise that there are a couple of types of collector out there that never take models out of the box (& check the box ends to double check) & those that never run the models and they spend their lives as "showcase queens", that could be why they are not checked, not even for basic running.

If that really is the case then you are buying from the wrong UK sources.

The problem is that many More Rons cannot read.

Thanks, I did try emailing them but it bounced back - I did rather like the look of the rail system though.

I've trawled the section but not found much information. I'm looking to add a simple loop of operational street running tram track to a part built HO layout. Apart from the now not available Hartel Range there does not seem to be anything ready made - anyone have any useful idea's/links please ?

TBH, I've not come accross this arrangement on Roco rolling stock before, however, I have on other makes. ( Some Piko "East Gerrman" have this arrangement especially the Double Deckers). Simply remove all the axles, place them so that they go back the same way round and "tease" the metal bearing towards earch other a little - I would use a small flat scewdriver as a blade may snap off.

There are two types of "frog juicer" - one uses a relay switched by the electronics & the other is 100% electronic which is quicker. Unless anyone has any 100% experience I would be inclined to try one first.

It would help people understand/appreciate what was involved if you posted some images &/oe details such as type of motor/poiny above/below board stc.

At the price of the cranks (available from any model stop that sell R/C models) it really is not worth the saving, especially as the ready made cranks come with bearings.

I've had similar issues with stock using a similar arrangement. Could you possibly post a couple of closeup images showing with & without wheelsets ?

As someone else said they are all part of the same group. However, MB & VW corroborate with the Sprinter/Crafter sharing a lot of the parts & they are effectivly rivals. Vauxhall, Opel, Renault, Nissen & Fiat do the same with their "transit-sized" vans. Many companies share engines & other parts. All this is done by mutual agreement - cloning knock-off decoders is not the same at all.

Personally it would not bother me as I would never buy either.😁

Although my "go-to" are Lenz Silvers I have Zimo (can't remember the number, but they are very small) in an 0-4-0 Glaskasten and an 0-4-0 Kof, both very light locomotives, also a Bachmann Tamper (also light). All of them run very well, the motor control/slow speed excellent. Clean track, wheels & pickups also help.

Much as I feel that companies/individuals should be taken to task there comes a time when life (or what we have left) is too short to pursue. Warn others yes, but move on ? As an example I had a heating "engineer" install three radiators in my workshop/hobby room. I specified exactly where I wanted them & what height. The pipework between the room and the boiler was already in place - 16/20 hours work. He put the radiators where he though they should go (without asking), one he moved begrugingly and he destroyed one of the drain cocks with grips. Entering the forth day I stopped him and paid him off (far more than he deserved) to get rid. He left me with a couple of leaks, a pump fitted the wrong way round, a bathroom radiator that has never worked since and worst of all, he left the boiler overheat sensor and the thermostat sensors off ! Sorry to ramble on.