Markn

That's very true and really exciting! It actually feels like something brand new for once. Be interesting to see what 1638 looks like in the preserved GWR green.

Go on then, which ones have people gone for?

The coal load is the standard lead design and is easily removed from underneath with 2 small screws. I took mine out to grind the top off and add real coal, but you could remove the full thing, fit it there with a plastikard lid? Doubt you'd notice the weight loss that much with the chassis. Other option would be some lead from the Panniers.

Ouch! Shows its made of stern stuff at least!

This issue of the centre wheel spacing is part off the issue I had last weekend. They can be adjusted quite easily and mine runs fine now.

Thanks! Yes I'm sure it will suffice and that you'll love it. Roll on next weekend for its arrival at your layout.

Right here we go. Turned into a bit of a mission to get this done, but here's the video. First up is the 94xx with a bit of slow running (15/128 speed setting). I think that this is much smoother than it was and am happy. Then I tested the 94xx, 56xx and 87xx on a couple of rakes. The 56xx is the baseline as these are so strong. This was all on the flat, but I could easily add in a 4% gradient if I wanted to (but didn't see the point given the below). Firstly I tried 7 coaches; 4 Clerestory and 3 Collett 60'. These have all had lighting fitted with all wheel pickup and have a bit of drag because of this, eg my City of Truro can only pull 4. The 56xx pulled them no problems, the 94xx seemed strained but coped and the 87xx couldn't manage it, so I removed 1 and it coped with 6. Secondly I tried 22 kit built 16t'ers which weigh 70g each and 2 brake vans at around 80g each. I like my wagons heavy for shunting and normally only haul a few. Anyway, the 56xx could probably have pulled another 22, the 94xx was a little strained and the 87xx was on the verge of struggling. All in all, this shows that after around 10 hours total running and a bit of fettling, the 94xx is now performing well. I probably got a 'bad' one to have to do that, but I'm happy now. Its also a strong puller, more so than the 87xx which I thought ample.

Right I think I've sorted mine. It ended up running around for six hours today (around 3 each way) whilst I did some painting next door. It was running better, but still had a tight spot when running slow. Took it apart and turns out the centre wheel spacing was not quite even, and when the left was at tdc it was pushing the pins out resulting in the couplings catching a little. Seems a lot better now I've sorted it.

DCC only here sorry, but I'll do a test later with 25 or so 16t kit built wagons. I've added 50g of lead to each one so they roll better, but they are a heavy rake. I've got a couple of 56xx to compare it to as they are not shy at pulling. I took the keeper plate off, oiled the gears and couplings and it's done just over an hour so far...

I didn't get any time yesterday, but plan to let this run for several hours each direction today and see if it beds in at all. Could take longer than that, but will return later with results on slow running.

Thanks. I tried the btb but they were alright. They lift off the track randomly, so I guess it's either not enough weight or not enough pressure. I'll have a sit down and experiment with it. Maybe a shim/washer on the retaining screws or something might help. I havnt weathered any locos yet, just stock and buildings. I'm building myself up to that level

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed it. Yep there does seem to be a bit of hesitancy in it at the moment when using less than 15/128 speed setting. That's a lenz silver+ chip, so it's safe to say it shouldn't be a chip issue. Hopefully like you say time and running will help. That Large Prairie is just not on the same level compared to this in finish or performance. Everytime I get it out there's a headache with something (normally the leading or trailing wheelsets). Might just take them off and run it as a 0-6-0

Here's a selection of running shots of 9402 from earlier this evening. Lots of GWR stock (earlier era's I know, but it's what I had out) and a mix of passenger and freight. There is some slower running towards the end and the best I could get from the firebox.

I found a bit of time earlier and managed to take it apart and fit the chip. Its very very tidy in there and its clear that time has been taken to raise everything out of sight. The next18 chips are also tiny and very easy to fit without the (from my past experience) 21 very bendy pins. I've got the wife out the way now, so just the little one to feed and get to sleep then I'll run it

So today is the day! 9402 has arrived. I haven't done anything to it yet, just sat there for half an hour and stared at it. What a model. So much detail, very weighty, and from looks alone, well worth the wait. I will run it later once the wife goes to work and the little one is asleep.

Yep! Not surprised to be honest, havnt seen them in stock anywhere else yet. I ordered mine off him last night (GWR 9402) and it looks like it's in the post now. Eeeekkkkk

Shape, sizing and fittings apart, the GWR livery looks impressive on those new releases! Especially that full brake (seen on derails).

Does anyone know which sound chips / files are in the fitted versions? At 85 quid difference I'm tempted to go for the full whammy this time.

I've just found this after struggling with my City of Truro's haulage capacity for many months! It will now haul 4 Clerestory coaches, each with lighting and pickups on all axles (so a fair bit of drag). Many thanks, you've made my day :-)

Hi guys. Could I safely buy the new release and change the tender decal for a great crest western one, or would any other external details need changing to drag it back to the 20s? Thanks.

I picked up an intercity RBR whilst holidaying in Cornwall today. Not at home to check livery against other coaches, but here's some pics for reference. Great looking coach with a well applied finish.

Apologies, wrong topic.

This week apparently according to rails. I'm looking forwards to getting a set myself.

Sounds great. Looking forwards to the Maunsell Green set being released.

I bought the green one which arrived today. I'm more impressed with the finesse and detail than I have been on any other model in the past few years. Really didn't expect it to look THAT good. No leaning either. Ps defo rule 1 for me as I model GWR, but at least I'll run it with clays so it's half way there.