Courtybella

I wasn’t, I asked a question based on the facts of what I do know about Hattons (as a joey no one), you on the other hand a industry face should be in a much better position than me to know more in-depth facts, I wouldn’t expect you to disclose those though. Anyway it’s been good talking to you, maybe others might take something away from our brief conversation.

You know full what I mean when I make reference to Lord Sugar, let’s not turn a discussion into a Micky take. Indeed I have zero evidence, I no need for such hence why I said assume as I can’t back up those assumptions with fact. However, do you really think Hattons have one person working on a project their Likely to of invested many thousands, if it hundreds of thousands of pounds into ? I think the assumption is a fair one, knowing Hattons are a multi million pound, highly staffed (in model retail terms) operation.

I would assume Hattons would of had a seizable team (more than one) on the project, it doesn’t matter how big or sustainable your supply chain is if your bottle necked at the design of custom boards, admin, packing, despatch stage. Hattons also have the huge advantage across the board of being able to plug into their existing set ups, just like Alan Sugar does with his new start ups.

Hattons are top of the food chain though, who can really compete with them ? That would be like Mr Jones Fruit and Veg taking on Tesco, no chance what so ever of a fair competition.

Ill be honest here, but I’m glad Hattons have dropped (at least for the time being) the project, they seem to be in mission to muscle in on every aspect of the hobby. One man operations like Tim Horn are the life blood of the hobby, once they go that’s it gone forever, Hattons are fast becoming the Amazon of the hobby, eating up those stand in their way. The attempted shut down of the supply chain at the start of C19 signalled their intention, thankfully the other big shops sent a very strong signal they weren’t going to be forced into closing because Hattons couldn’t trade normally. Hattons have long since left the “friendly local shop” beginnings, they’ve channels of not totally clear media “Sams Trains” being one it seems along with their own social media. There will always be a fan base who’ll rather cut their toes off than say anything negative aka the 66, A3/A4 quality or lack of topics etc. I honestly expect this post to be deleted, as it obviously rocks a boat.

As DCC Concepts has said, I did and they did - time hasn’t been on my side this week so it’s on my list for next week now.

Sorry gents, my notifications haven’t come up, thanks for all the in-depth info I really appreciate it. I’ll have a good read through with the kit in front of me and come back with any questions. cheers!

Evening all, ive taken delivery of a selection of DCC Concepts equipment for a DC operation. I want to control my signals and points via a separate bus wire to my track power. But I’m struggling to figure out how to wire it all together, even though I’ve spend a few hours reading all the instructions on the website and packaging. The signal is plugged into a mega points servo circuit board which requires a on / off switch, how do I get the 3 servo plug wires to plug into the 9 off the S lever ? Also using the S lever to work the point motor via the sniffer and ACU board please?

Ive only repeated what’s written in the book I’ve linked to, a book which is widely publicised.

Yes they are, but time shouldn’t discontinue any fresh look at the events of the night. The book I linked to has much more detail than I can type here, there’s a lot of information which points toward BR employee involvement.

There’s a fantastic book written by a time served BTP & Met Detective who has spent many years pouring over official documents, spoken to insiders who came to th3 conclusions I’ve wrote above. Regards the other robberies, in the main they involved robbing the guards locked parcels cage then pulling the communications cord - very hi tec ! This the book, a highly recommended read. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Train-Robbery-Confidential-Enquiry/dp/0750992328/ref=pd_lpo_14_img_1/257-0557882-4111415?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0750992328&pd_rd_r=2f49d1c6-774f-4314-8fe9-8ade7fbe6f60&pd_rd_w=4qAcq&pd_rd_wg=BYenM&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=N5T3H6F0BRWN69XFN80Z&psc=1&refRID=N5T3H6F0BRWN69XFN80Z

There’s significant evidence to suggest the Leighton Buzzard Signalman was involved, either fully or indirectly. He was a former resident of HMP, not something known by BR - the gang would of needed him not to follow the regulations in relation to “train unusually long time in section”, and the indications in the box with the tampered signals. Another suggestIon was that the traincrew, and guard where also involved - the latter taking a very long time to raise the alarm. The whole stand in driver myth is suggested to be just that a myth, the crew where already known to be co operative. There is some suggestion the Driver who never usually swapped turns, did so on this occasion. What doesn’t sit right with me is, the train was on the UP Fast, at the point of the robbery the layout is US, DS, UF, DF so the gang would of to cross a open line throughout the robbery. Even back in the 1960s the line was very busy throughout the night, how did they manage to stop, move and rob a high value and monitored train without not a single person noticing for some significant time ? It all leads to the signalman, traincrew and guard all being in on the job in some part. Mail train robberies where quite common on BR in the 60s, alarmingly so, even one of the West Coast not long before the big one. The crew must of had their senses raised when they got brought down to a red in the middle of nowhere at stupid o’clock in the morning? I assume you can/could lock the cab doors of a 40 internally, obviously not NRN, CSR, GSMR back in those days but why would the driver not secure the cab when the 2nd man went to phone via the SPT? Lots still don’t add up, it was in BRs interest to keep quiet any inside assistance. Add all the above to the fact the usual rake was out of service just adds more to the mix that the job was much bigger than some London crocks taking a chance it would be alright in the night. BR where also in a rush to clear the line, and totally destroyed any Forensic evidence in the cab.

Signed up for 60006 & 033 already :)

Typical Dapol, say only orders via email and post are accepted but don’t give any option to actually pay! I wonder if they’ll contact us to refund our subs, or rely on us contacting them.

We’ll see, if they balls it up they’ll lose money not us. I really hope it’s a stunner, but I’m afraid my confidence isn’t high through experience.

No idea to be honest, seems a little strange to model a incorrectly labelled wagon and leave yourself open to negative comment. Especially when the firm aren’t a shining star when it comes to QC and errors.

Reported by Dapol yesterday the forthcoming 66 is in tooling now, with artwork being worked out. A little concerning if there is areas which could do with correction that won’t happen now as metal has been cut. So the first we’ll see of it is when the prototype is released, errors or no errors this is what we have... Baring in mind the blinding cock up of the Turbot livery application “3 meters” vice “30 meters” it is cause for concern, but then ifs not right then we won’t buy it.

i was just waiting for this comment, they’ll look great with your other dozens of pre orders, you do seem to “have three” of every new loco release... Any chance of seeing your collection, it sounds awesome !

That’s great thanks for the explanation, I do intend to keep them totally separate so as you say there shouldn’t be an issue which is great news.

I plan on using DCC concepts equipment for my signal and point control, and Digitrax for my track power/train control. would this cause any problems ?

Is this equipment compatible with DCC Concepts equipment please? Thanks.

Would there be a link to this model carrying full DRS livery, and the Heljan standard model not? Perhaps the crowd funder has secured the rights to produce the scheme in O, or Heljan have signed upto a no “competition” for X months or years? No drama either way, just curious - if the funder could see their way to another 37/4 in EWS then that would be great.

Telecomms where hit as far away as Abergavenny, local signalling was also knocked out on the District.

O gauge versions would be fantastic as well