djparkins

CME, Exactly! - you have just proved my point - I would not recommend our kits to you for that very reason. Your pursuit is a different hobby to mine in a way. For me its all about detail - like Chuck Doan's buildings! - even if I only end up with one wagon in a siding! As for it being unfair to quote your post - if I'd have quoted either of the others, they'd have thought it unfair too! Nothing personal, I assure you. DJP

Indeed! But you need the full quote! ...in terms of build time

Not this pointless debate about kit build times again! I must say that I feel this discussion is somewhat unfair on MMP because we would be the first to admit that our Mk.1 kits are not really practical if you want to run rakes of ten coaches around the garden - what would be the point anyway? The number of coaches would swamp the detail present on any individual vehicle. As we say of our Mk.1 coaches on our web site - "They will appeal to those modellers who desire just a few coaches built to the very highest level of detail". So why the debate? There is no point in criticising MMP kits over their build-times because you would obviously not choose an MMP kit if this factor was of any importance to you at all - or if you needed stock for a 10 coach or 30 wagon train. It would just be ridiculous. Our kits are ideal for someone who is of the mindset that 'less is more' - maybe 2 locos, 2-4 coaches, 6-8 wagons [something like that] and who likes to build as much as [or more than] just run stuff - and whose scenics might be like this - http://public.fotki.com/chuckdoan/model_projects/ - my very favourite modelling web site and totally inspirational but a very different hobby in a way. I think [to follow on from this link] - 7mm does lend itself very well to diorama modelling. As I say, its all about 'Less is More'. David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

Brian - We have sold about 50-55 of the complete sets for the 47 + many more cab interior sets & a few bogie sets [other than to those who have the complete works] but I've never seen any of them finished by customers - mind you we have sold 150+ of our Class 08 Sets for the Bachmann brass job - and I've only ever seen one or two of those finished! Remember that it is thought that only one in five of kits sold ever get built [even less for plastic kits] and of those, maybe one in five get built anything like correctly and you'd only be expecting to see around two Heljan 47s nicely finished with all the sets on!!! Regards, David Parkins

They were drawn specifically for the Heljan - they are there in our set simply to correct the issue of the moulded frames standing too proud of the body & windscreen - and to also provide the screw head detail + to facilitate flush glazing. Thats all. David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

These castings are almost pewter. We put about 5% lead in to help limit the feed sizes - but the metal is very hard indeed. Plus, the vertical movement is perhaps .5mm. Given these factors, I hardly think that enough wear is going to occur, even over several years, to give any problem at all. David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

David, Surely that is not the only consideration. Another might be that you know the detail is there! On your reasoning, why also would anyone bother to fit inside working valve gear to a steam loco? or build fully detailed coach or wagon underframes with rivet detail you can hardly see, as opposed to a simplified moulded representation of the same? Its a matter of personal preference, surely. Regards, David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

Afraid they are not! - I just sent you some as a favour Brian, as you know! David Parkins, Modern Motice Power

Soon, Laddie, soon! Good things come to those who wait! DJP

Brian, I have it on good authority that one of the model military figure companies who specialise in the Highland Regiments are releasing a range of tartan paints in early April 2011. Regards, David Parkins

Craig, I don't think that was a JLTRT kit!!! Regards, David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

The only problem I'd say with using this process to produce something like a 7mm Class 40 Sideframe in one piece is that you get that 1960s 'Triang' look with things like the leaf springs, which obviously should stand off from the bogie side and is very noticable in 7mm. Regards, David Parkins, Modern Motive Power

I'm with you on this one Alcazar, The 48th Tamiya range is quite superb across the board and far superior in quality to any multi-media military vehicle kits that are currently available in 48th [as opposed to 76th & 35th - the other popular Military vehicle modelling scales]. I have the little 48th Tamiya WW2 Austin Tilley kit - it is quite faultless and one of the very best kits in any scale of any subject, military or railway, that I have ever seen. The problem is that there is no British modern stuff in their 48th range as yet - though I'm sure that might change in due course. Some FV432/4s, light tanks or Pingauzers would make really excellent loads for Warflats & Warwells. David Parkins, Modern Motive Power, Firing Line www.djparkins.com

Fully Agree with that! Locos are heavy machinery on wheels that needs to meet certain operating requirements. Anyway, I think they look great. Most interesting thing to appear on the UK scene since the Class 92s IMHO, David Parkins

Bob - Well in terms of the 'Blue Star' MU cable - this IS electrical in a sense & the use of the word hose is because in kits [including our own] we use the term 'flexible hose' to describe the material provided. In our kits it is actually now 'Symel' sleeving, of which we have just had 10,000 metres made especially for our diesel kits. It is heat resistant, UV resistant and approx. 50% of the diameter of that shown here. But none of this deals with Ian G's central point though. The flexible hosing on the loco actually appears thicker than some of those on the stabling point rig. Regards, David Parkins, Modern Motive Power