z4driver

Re UK tax changes. Maybe things like Shipito will be the way to go. Then the US supplier will then ship to a US domestic address and it's forwarded on to the UK. Because it's not coming from a supplier, the old import system will be used, i.e. the Post Office collects duty.

2 hours ago, melmerby said:

It's strange to think that the US once had extensive networks of electric interurban lines, which these days would be seen as quite modern and eco friendly, but hardly any of these original ones remains.

The Pacific Electric alone ran over about 1000 miles of track.

All killed off by the rise of the private auto and freeway building..

A bit like in the UK where we ripped out thousands of miles of tram, trolley bus and branch lines only to be busy putting them back in at great expense!

I hadn't seen it so thanks.

$2 million of damage Yikes!

4 hours ago, rodshaw said:

If you want a fairly simple switchlist generator, you might like to try mine: http://mattersofinterest.co.uk/swsetup.exe

Instructions are available via the Help menu but if you want to read them before downloading the program they can also be downloaded from http://mattersofinterest.co.uk/switcher.pdf

The program generates a series of switching 'trips' based on the allocation of cars to loads and loads to industries.

There are a variety of options including randomly generated off-spots.

Just trying this, downloaded and install and I keep getting "Invalid filename. Press OK to ignore and risk data corruption. Press cancel to kill the program"

If I press OK, program seems to start but I get a continuous hour glass. When I pick Data set 3 i get the same message. Clicking OK this time, just puts me back to the same program screen I get when the program starts, i.e. no data. I'm on Windows 10

Lee

12 hours ago, Lovemymodelling said:

 I too had 4 freights last week in separate parcels  and no duty on any , is the $33.94 including what ebay would charge upfront customs fees?

The order wasn't through eBay, it was direct from a US shop so the $76 they quoted was just for shipping.

An belated update on my experience of Shipito.

I ordered some bulkhead flats from a shop in the US who quoted me $76 for shipping to the UK. Used my Shipito address, $13.95 shipping.

Shipped from shop: 13 July 20

Arrived Shipito: 17 July 20

Shipped: 20 July 20 Economy Airmail Cost $28.11

Arrived: 08 August 20.

Before shipping from Shipito, I filled in the customs declaration online with the correct value ($45.98) and wasn't charged anything on import.

So total cost of shipping was $42.06 saving me $33.94 so all in all a good experience.

Lee

Never had VAT charged on any book or magazine I've ordered from the US including ones I've ordered directly from Kalmbach.  As has been said books & mags VAT free.

Lee

On 10/08/2020 at 09:47, Alcanman said:

Invicta Models have a good selection of US models. They have a lot of Athearn locos and freight cars at good prices.

 

I've bought a few cars from them and found their service to be good.

 

 

Before ordering from Invicta, just check that they have what you are ordering in stock. Unfortunately one of the owners has passed away recently and his partner has not been able to keep the website up to date. I spoke to her today and she informs me that she is continuing to deal in US items and are expecting a new delivery next week.

Lee

I've found Mech Models to be really good. They have a reasonable stock and will also pre-order for you.

I've found Mech Models to be really good. They have a reasonable stock and will also pre-order for you.

My experience of Rails of Sheffield and Rapido preorders wasn't very good. Preordered a B36-7 before Xmas 19, despite several emails to them checking status and being reassured that all was OK never got it.

Lee

12 hours ago, newbryford said:

... there isn't a sound set for the Genset diesels.......

That's one good thing about the Tsunami 2, it does have the right sound set and you can hear the 3 diesels starting up in sequence as demand rises.

If it's the Atlas Genset, the ditch lights are wired so that each ends lights come on together. To get them to flash alternatively, you, either, have to fit separate LEDS or score the led circuit board to break the common link and solder in a 3rd wire. Each ditch light has to be wired to a separate function. I did the latter when I fitted mine with a Tsunami 2 decoder.

@Lovemymodelling

Which method of shipping do you use to forward your packages on from Shipto and how long do they usually take?

I'm in the process of my first order via Shipito. I wanted to order 2 freight cars direct from a US shop. They quoted me $76 for shipping to the UK. Decided to try out Shipito. So ordered from the shop using my Shipito address, shipping was £13.95. They did send me an email asking to me to confirm that the shipping address was different from the billing address which I did. Parcel was sent on Monday (13 July), got an email today saying that it had arrived at Shipito. Completed the customs declaration and other stuff. Total Shipito cost was $28.11 so a total cost of $42.06 so far.

Lee

I went to my first meet with the Midland Belt back in February. I didn't take any stock or loco's. Had a great time as part of a two main team switching one of the long branch lines. I would recommend it.

If you think that's expensive, look at this: https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZJ7YH3VY3/mk100x40-truck-loader-auger-ho-scale?optionId=62608547&li=shops

Found it, thanks Lee

Hi all

I've been thinking of getting a 3 set of the above in CSX colours. Never having seen these in the flesh (I'm based in UK) or being able to find a review of them, I'd be grateful if someone with experience of NARC/PWRS products in general and these in particular could give a heads up as to whether they are a good product.

Thanks Lee

@fulton Do you have a link to the forklift on Shapeways?

Thanks Lee

@Lovemymodelling How did you set it up on ebay to use the Shipito address? Did you set up a separate account. I've added the Shipito address to my normal account but it still shows the shipping charges and custom duty for shipping to the UK.

Lee

The N gauge was definitely running when I visited in 1981. I hadn't even realised that Dobwalls had closed until I found out when returning to Cornwall for the first time since then  in 2010. Such a disappointment, even the Lost Gardens and the Eden Project couldn't make up for that!!

Would using this be an option to get ProtoThrottle here in the UK?

On 13/06/2020 at 12:03, F-UnitMad said:

Sure I read somewhere only last week that the 'no VAT on goods under £15' limit is going to be removed next year.

So VAT will be charged on everything imported commercially, full stop. It may also come into force with stuff from the EU too, once we are out altogether.

I put a post up about this last week but it seems to have gone missing??

I'd be interested in how you get on with using Shipto as there's a certain item that I've been thinking of getting which doesn't ship to the UK.