SamThomas

The problem with insulating Marklin wheels is that the tread profile is not really suiable for non-Marklin track. Most European manufactures produce stud contact AC versions as there is still a huge following of the marklin AC/DCC system, especially in Germany. As an aside the model railway depicted in a recent clip about German signalling is Marklin stud contact.

Thanks for the information. I thought that maybe the case. Could make an interesting consist.

I have my radiators hot enough to give Greta an early heart attack, so, the metal things on the wall piped to the water heating thingy** truely radiate the heat. ** I cannot call it a "boiler" because it does not actually boil the water & don't want to get rmdanted........

As healthy as you can get - untill I drown it in full fat milk & shovel a load of suger on it !

They do indeed, but it's more crumbly than it used to be. I do have Spoon Sized Shredded Wheat when I (or Mrs T) can get it.

I can just about tollerate it in milky coffee or maybe custard but it tea or on my morning Weetabix - I'd rather go to MacDonalds.

I only open the windows in the rooms that are too warm.

You can keep all your smart switches, thermostats & Alexa's - I just turn the heating on & if it gets too warm open a window or two.

For the smaller items at least - most of those that I purchase from. Royal Mail (to use their correct name) have upped their game & are competative to other carries for up to probably around 2kg.

If you are concerned about the resale value then keep the boxes. When buying used stock I'm not too worried about the lack of a box - I run the stock, not the boxes. However, if the seller wants "top dollar" pricewise then I want the box. To me the price is relative to the condition of the item & that include the box (or lack of). BTW - a loft full of empty boxes &/or packaging would act as a good accelerant in the event of a fire. FWIW I don't believe James May threw the box away - after all we did not see him actually bin it. Maybe he was in Clarkson mode that day.

I often see pictures of preserved locomotives running a long way from their "home base" in Mainland Europe. My question is - do they tend to run long distances "light" by rail or transported by road (assuming that they are certifield to run on main lines) ?

I was not awsre the Heljan & Trix produced 66's. I have a Mehano & would be interested in the Trix model, but I would not touch a Heljan one (or Heljan anything).

& also to see if the roof is strong enough to keep the panels in place when the wind gets under them. The panels them selves are relatively light. Don'y forget to check with your buildings insurance to see if the installation effects the insurance.

I thought that was what Alexa was for.......... (BTW, my comment was TIC & not meant to be taken seriously !)

Although not a UK modeller I see your problem. I would go for the Kato - once weathered & ballasted between double tracks it should look more than acceptable. As long as you are happy with the out come Rule 1 applies.

The reason for my post was simply to point out to many people that HGV's have calibrated speedometers, not to enter into a discussion regarding actual road conditions at the time, especially regarding the actions of the RM driver.

What happens when the car is away from home ?

Why should HMG respond ? The logistics industry took advantage of using Eastern European Drivers to keep wages down - nown they are reapinbg hat they sowed. The only long term solution is to make HGV driving more attractive is to make the job more attracctive. Stopgap measures such as using the Army, recruiting EU drivers & such will simply prolong the situation.

HMG probably do what they want with data, as & how they see fit.

Still would not encompass the self employed & those working (until IR35 kicked in) under limited companies.

Why ? 6 (or even 8) pin sockets are more than ample for many applications & of course the 6-pin tiny & ideal for small locomotives.

I see they still have that childish habit of their name all in uppercase.

Not always mixed together. Recycling plants are very good at separating the various dry recycleables.

You will only need an accessory decoder if controlling the signal with DCC. From what I can see you simply need a regulated power supply - if no one here has the exact solution I would contact Train-Tec for advice, they are usually very helpful.

Rule 1 rules ! Personally I rather like the wooden sides over the steel. For the time being you could have the two "Cynthias" spaced well apart & hope it is not to obsvious.