TomScrut

In 20/20 hindsight I wish I still did in the case of WCRC! The other 37s I sold were more a clear out so less bothered.

Exactly, that's how I see it. They'll all look the part. Whilst I can tell a mk2b from an f, I don't really know (or care) about the differences in the types of mk2 for the sake of a rake of coaches. The livery is the most important part.

Interesting. Technically the coaches I have on order won't really fly for my post 2019 era, however I think they'll be close enough for the sake of having a WCRC rake. That's what I am doing. I have the Bachmann mk2 already and I have all 4 AS mk2 b/c on order and 3 remaining Bachmann releases. Just need a WCRC loco to pull them with. I sold my Bachmann 37s because the coaches were miles off and was expecting either a new 37 to be done by Bachmann or AS, or a new 47 from Bachmann.

Why did they get rid of the 153s though? I thought it was accessibility regs so how are the 155s compliant if the 153 wasn't? They run between Bridlington and York via Hull (unsure if they actually go on any other route nowadays), I am sure that when I went on one in 2021 they also had a 153 slapped on the end.

I'd definitely be keen on a present day 155. They run very locally to me.

Ah yes of course, makes sense that's what they are for. And yes, that looks like them. Good point. So will it be a separate function with a resistor in there that dims the lights or will they do markers/headlamp each side like most things that do have separate lights?

Also I didn't think I could spot the additional cooler packs (what are these for BTW, engine because of the power uprate?) on the roof that these carry. However, it does look like the buffet is reduced to two windows.

Not sure on the blue on the sides and ends of the unit Looks a little too dark to me, which probably isn't helped by the Dapol 68 and AS mk5 TPE stock being a little lighter than the prototype. Good to know they have gone to 21 pin for this and upgraded the lighting. The housing etc. lends itself more to a socketed than one with a wiring loom. I am glad Hornby seem to be taking stuff on board and reacting to feedback on things. I know it is sometimes controversial and can't do right for doing wrong (APT upgrades, anyone?) but ultimately if they are pushing their products forwards based on feedback then I only see that as a good thing.

I agree, that's exactly what I do! I don't have that many things on pre order that aren't sold out.

Yes I have done similar with Hornby items I definitely want. But there seems to be a lot of stuff that also hangs around and then ends up discounted. Some stuff sells out more or less immediately, although less so than 2-3 years ago.

I think that is the way Hornby might have gone to honest, plenty of stuff of theirs available at discount from shops but not discounted when it first comes out. I expect the issue with that strategy is that it means holding stock for a while as shops won't be keen on buying loads of stock at top dollar to be stuck with it when the manufacturer discounts it. Depends how important cash turnaround is perhaps.

My understanding is this... It's only the markers that don't work at that end. The rest of the lights are there. The first ones had headlights and tail lights all round, but non functional markers. Bachmann have added functional markers to the flat end, but as Andy says, this was discussed to death at the time as to how and why it wasn't practical for them to have the markers functional. The only reason I am adding to this conversation is that I think it looks like the situation is being misconstrued to mean no working lights on the nose end at all.

I concur, however, it would be that OR D213 I'd be getting so might not benefit Bachmann or retailers on my part! Leaning towards 345 now though given I'll have a rake of WCRC coaches soon.

I agree. Do it with switches for DC or the decoders instead for DCC. I don't like having logic on the boards at all. The Hattons 66 was excellent in this regard. Had simple lighting setups for those who didn't want to put a 10 function decoder in there however if you opened all the switches you controlled each function directly with the decoder.

Kernow are having a clear out on locos, £49.99 and £99.99 https://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/c/1801/4999-or-9999-Locos?fbclid=IwAR1dOT8hVKbJMpyu3wd3E8NCKCZTNc5s96SgWvbFnGVXgzkejwt5cEvxap4

My 608 went back for a new motor and it was back within 2 weeks. That was via AS directly though as that's who I bought it off. It was repaired.

Would be nice if they went to Scotland to supplement/replace (if there's enough of them) the HSTs. Going to Inverness on a 3 car 170 is ridiculous IMO.

And some mk5a stock

It's crackers isn't it. Almost as bad as refurbishing the 442 then scrapping them.

If there was one intermodal that would tempt me this away from my stance of "no more intermodal" this would be it I think. Currently I have FL and GBRF FEAs, IKAs, KFAs and FLAs. So the only hole really for me in terms of haulier is DB hauled ones which are often FKA and IKAs.

I suppose, it's just they don't really get up to much do they.

Whilst Hornbys model is far from perfect, is there likely to be demand for a new 67? My two Hornby ones are not something I'd be considering upgrading.

I think I have mentioned KXAs before, however on Thursday two of them have gone to Doncaster from Carlisle (I presume across Tyne valley line and down ECML). Unsure if this has happened before but it potentially opens up geographical relevance to these beasts.

Sorry that's just made me think of Tropic Thunder

Maybe not, and that's slightly different to the thing I thought you had issue with. I thought you were suggesting they should all be black, rather than being a more natural colour.