Marc Osborne

I guess someone else may have responded who is also an ECoS user. I graduated to one of these via Lenz and Fleischmann Twin in 2013 and have really never looked back. Sure, it was an expensive purchase at the start but it is such a powerful piece of kit I could not look at anything else (with the possible exception of Z21). I operate using either a VNC link on my iPad which replicates the ECoS screen, a mobile control II handset or an app called ECoS Cab which is really good. The unique selling point of the ECoS for me was the colour touch screen and the ability to control all points and routes using the display. Plus, once programmed in, there is no need to try to remember loco or accessory addresses. I have set it up to facilitate full route control but have yet to experiment with block detection which I perhaps do not need on my layout. I guess the message here is make the investment as this piece of kit is an all in one solution that avoids the need to build a separate control panel as it accommodates a number of layouts so is a multi layout tool, and which facilitates operation through the likes of iTrain.

Interesting topic. I have the ESU MC2 and like the knob as it replicates the knob on my ECoS. I have set up route control on my ECoS so can happily run trains in a paradestrecke format as well as send and return trains to and from storage yard to specific platforms using the routes. I don't like so much the way locos are accessed. I tend to use the search function to find the loco I want. In addition I use also an app called ECoS Cab. I can recommend this app for iPhone and iPad. it allows loco lists and accessory lists to be added that enables placing of locos and accessories in their own "folders". It also imports the loco illustrations from the ECoS along with all decoder settings and icons. The control is a virtual thumbwheel which replicates the real thing quite well. Has anyone else come across this app ?

Hi Folks has anyone been using Hunt couplings on continental N gauge stock ? I’d be interested in your comments and experiences. Marc

I should have known that as I've bought stuff from DM Toys and Modellbahnshop Lippe !!!! Doh !! No problems from either by the way and no strange surcharges either.

I should have known that as I've bought stuff off DM toys !!!!! Doh !!!!

It has been reduced to 16% which is a pandemic measure. It is a temporary reduction as far as I am aware.

I suggest you return it for replacement. My unit shows no such deficiencies.

Yep, those are the ones.

Thanks for the comments. Very helpful

I went to Wuppertal in 2019 in search of the Schwebebahn. It was out of commission as it was being modernised. Interesting journey from Dortmund via Hagen with its spectacular looking station.

Intermodellbau in Dortmund is excellent. The Cologne show which happens every other year was going to be moved to Friederichshafen but of course nothing happened due to the pandemic. The last Cologne show was in 2018 Stuttgart is good but generally n gauge only though other scales are on sale. Modelspoor at Utrecht is great especially for buying stuff. There are other shows I haven’t seen but can recommend any of the ones I mention here. A few years ago I went to a couple of the Munich shows which happened every other year. Not sure these days Check out the ads in Continental Modeller because they include the overseas shows. Don’t forget though we are no longer in the EU so beware of VAT implications of bringing stuff home. I understand there is no import tariff on model railways. Marc

Hi This wagon could easily be 40 years old. It has no K after the number therefore is not fitted for close coupling. They have fitted close couplers as standard for at least 30 years. Also, I used to work in a model shop selling Fleischmann and the rolling stock was available in plastic boxes way back then. Hope that helps

Hey fellow modellers i am considering the Ikea adjustable height trestles for base board support. Has anyone tried these ? Marc Osborne

Hi Ian I can recommend Modellbahnshoo Lippe from whom I have bought a lot of N gauge sound locos. Excellent service and quick and cheap delivery. Once registered you automatically get a discount plus you build up bonuses. Discounts are applied to bargain items too. At present there are no issues re VAT. You pay the German VAT. After the end of 2020 I don’t know. Incidentally German VAT has bern reduced to 16% for the time being. Remember also that German prices are generally cheaper than UK prices. I can recommend Osborn’s in the UK too. They’ve long been Z scale dealers including Micro Trains American outline. For real inspiration check out YouTube. There is a z gauge model of the bridge at Bullay on the Moselle which I saw at Dortmund last year. Simply superb.