Iskra

It's always been that way. A couple of christmas' back I went to post a mate who lives out there a box of Timothy Taylor's Landlord (12 bottles) as they don't do proper beer over there. The lady at the post office quoted me a three figure sum and told me it could take 12 weeks to arrive. Needless to say, I took it home and drank it.

Let's hope it doesn't sell and set a precedent...

I don't think many of the big rail retailers who are on ebay are massively interested in selling stuff on there due to the fees and tax making it marginal business. I think they use it as a 'shop front' or way of attracting people to their own websites or physical businesses, where things can often be found at a better price.

Hornby LSWR Green T9 Locomotive is currently £111.20 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hornby-R3863-LSWR-Class-4-4-0/dp/B08485J16S/ref=sr_1_105?crid=1QMO28QMCFAF2&keywords=Hornby&qid=1639831180&sprefix=Hornby%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-105

Kernow have the below daily deal for £199.99 https://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/72831/K9957DC-Midland-Counties-InterCity-Pack K9957DC Midland Counties InterCity Pack Contains 1 x 31-651Z Bachmann Class 47 Diesel Locomotive number 47 973 named "Midland Counties Railway 150 1839 - 1989" in Midland Counties Maroon livery. Limited edition of 500 pieces exclusive to Kernow Model Rail Centre, includes numbered certificate of authenticity and etched name plates. 1 x 39-652DC Bachmann BR MK2F FO First Open Coach in InterCity livery (DCC Fitted) 1 x 39-701DC Bachmann BR Mk2F BSO Brake Second Open Coach number 9524 in InterCity livery (DCC Fitted)

There are complaints in reviews online that the Harry Potter station can't be extended as the pieces don't fit together correctly, is that true? This is the issue however; I'd buy a few right now if I knew the width of the platforms, whether they are curved or straight platform edges and if the platforms can be effectively joined together. I'm finding the extremely limited information, extremely poor from Hornby.

Thanks, can you provide any further information such as dimensions, would you need several of these to make a full platform? Being an island, are the platforms straight or curved?

This is a new release, but details on what it actually is are limited. Is anyone able to provide any further details? Suppliers pictures just show a West Highland Line island station. Is this kit just the platform, or is it the building or is it something else? Even if it's just the platform, it seems quite cheap so I'm not sure what you're actually going to get. Interestingly, it's available for pre-order- I doubt they've sold many with a description this vague. This is the description from the Kernow Website: 'R7304 Hornby Skaledale Platform Island. A detailed section of railway platform. Offering the modeller an extensive range of building styles from which to choose, the Skaledale range comprises a collection of detailed resin buildings. New release - pre-orders invited - expected 4th Quarter 2021.' https://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/70185/R7304-Hornby-Skaledale-Platform-Island

There are some discounts on Amazon for Hornby loco's too: Thane of Fife £150 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=thane+of+fife&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Steady Aim £157 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hornby-R3834-Thompson-Class-Steady/dp/B08485J163/ref=sr_1_22?crid=O82TFNPW13P6&keywords=Hornby+locomotive&qid=1636744000&sprefix=Hornby+locomo%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-22 Plus more if you search for them.

It will only be a skeleton service.

I recently had an issue with a Hermes (non) delivered parcel from a Mike Ashley owned business (the worst possible combination those two) paid for through Ebay. After raising a case and then sending a couple of factual, firm yet polite emails, Hermes admitted it was 'delivered in a non compliant manner,' and I was issued with a refund. I was quite shocked. So, don't give up yet. I suspect they photo every parcel they leave. Mine was only £30 however.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284418544555?epid=1673716182&hash=item4238aa93ab:g:6IIAAOSwDZ1hIOvw Some interesting weathering- £75. Anyone ever seen an 08 look like that in the flesh?

It has arrived. Still a little work left to do on it yet. Sounds are good but seem a little quiet so I will need to turn the volume up.

That's what I've ordered, weathered from TMC which they have now posted to me, so they are in stock there. Looks a great model, I'm looking forward to it arriving on Monday

Is anyone aware of what's happening with the new Bachmann Jubilee 'Hood' model with riveted tender? I think it was first supposed to be in stock in April, then June but I've heard nothing. Looks an excellent model though.

There’s been a repaint at Stocksbridge:

I’ve gone for one DRS 37 and one 20. Best of both worlds and a prototypical combination, although more so in the earlier DRS days.

I managed to catch one of the Stocksbridge Steel Works Yorkshire Engine Company Janus' in action last week. Thanks for this thread for making me aware that there are actually two different loco's on site, I always assumed I was seeing the same one. Still going strong after 60+ years this one.

The £20 GUV that’s newly listed is also a steal, as they are usually about £40. I can also vouch for the service and quality. All items come with 6 months mechanical warranty so less risky than Ebay.

That can't be Sedbergh, it's not raining! Great work though

I work near a steelworks sidings, and you have captured the feel of it perfectly. Great work.

The Times They Are a-Changin’

I find Samstrains reviews useful in that he reviews some fairly obscure models, they are easily accessible (and free too), I can physically see the product from all angles, I can see it run and I get a preview of the build quality etc. It's a nice introduction to be used with other sources to help me to decided how to spend my hard-earned effectively, which can help me avoid older models that are being sold at new prices, total duds, the odd bargain, a loco I'd never have thought of myself or maybe just entertain me for 30 minutes. That doesn't mean I blindly follow everything that he says, and there are some clear recurring themes in terms of which brands he criticises and which get praised which I don't always agree with. You just need to filter the facts from the opinion and apply your own judgement. It's no different to reading the news, even when I read the BBC website, which is supposed to be neutral, I sometimes detect the odd agenda or bias, but I just use my own brain to sift through it and come to my own conclusions, which everyone is welcome to do. Whether you like these videos or not, I find some of the personal attacks on Sam on this thread distasteful; no doubt some of those responsible have their own agenda too.

While your general point is correct, 67’s on RES parcels stock were still going this side of the millennium. 325’s have also been hauled by class 90’s.

Speaking of Gresley coaches, I wouldn't mind seeing the newest version of the LNER teaks brought into BR colours. The extant BR models looks very plasticy compared to the new LNER teaks which look very nice.