Oakydoke

The SET is an AT300.

Loco hauled stock would be the worst possibly solution. That's why it's ruled out in most instances both here and in other parts of the world.

On another forum, they worked out the time loss on the stretches above 100mph, accounted for a minute or two in total, offset by the acceleration and deceleration to max speed. Easily outweighed by the improved running times under the wired section.

How much of the line west of Newbury is over 100mph?

Indeed they are not. The difference is SET's ordered as part of the IEP and SET's ordered directly by FGW.

Sorry folks, but I thought this thread is about the Bachmann and BlueRail Trains Bluetooth base system and not about or for promoting Protocab?

The trains being described here as an AT300 is also a SET and all SET's are AT300's. It would have been easier to have acquired a TOPS classification before announcing the order.

It was stated at the time of the "AT300" announcement that these additional trains would be built in Japan and not at Newton Aycliffe. http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/03/23/hitachi-rail-europe-named-as-firstgroup-preferred-supplier-for-at300s

The latest news from DJM, is that the situation has now progressed in a positive direction, with only one permission left outstanding.

As far as I have read or heard, nobody has said they will be freely available in the shop. I agree that the video was very clear. Agreement or a decision on producing a second run hasn't yet taken place and will depend on the success of the initial batch. I wouldn't worry about the price. If there is to be another batch, they are more likely to cost more next time round and it's not as if they will be going on general sale elsewhere. They will remain a Locomotion exclusive model.

Absolutely brilliant work Andy, but go and buy some microphones. The laser scanning process and results are fascinating. A real miracle of modern computing and engineering. Fantastic.

I think he was talking about his own personal experience Edwin.

Now Ed Balls hints a Labour government may cut back HS2. London to Birmingham only? http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/hs2-labours-ed-balls-accused-8926044 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3013260/Labour-accused-delivering-slap-face-north-abandoning-high-speed-rail-Manchester-Leeds.html

Quite a few would be useful now, but many of those closed lines were not needed then and they wouldn't be suitable today. Just look at how some were compromised by their routing when first built, due to land and cost issues and such like. Hardly suitable for a modern railway. We could have done with a few of the more strategic routes that have been lost though.

There are other similar remote uncouplers, including ones based on Kadees, but the drive on this is a new variation on the theme. Some decoders have function outputs that are better suited to accessories like uncouplers.

Better than that link..... http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-31846301 http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/11852021.High_speed_train_arrives_at_Southampton_Docks/ http://www.railmagazine.com/galleries/first-iep-unveiled-at-southampton-docks Government press release. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-state-of-the-art-intercity-express-train-arrives-in-the-uk More to come.

The battery power issue is a distraction in this topic. It appears it will be an option with this new Bluetooth based system, but is already an option with DCC, but it's a bit of a sideshow IMHO. The whole quest for battery solutions has been very eloquently debunked in a very good post made on the Model Railroad Hobbyist forum a month or two back. Unless you really need battery power (e.g. Garden railways or some difficult application), direct communication (wireless) control systems are much better served by a simple pure DC or re-used DCC power supply and the employment of simple stay alive circuits. Stacking up the pro's and con's, battery power has only a few pro's but comes with a long list of con's. The track power option is the opposite. If I can find that post, I'll post a link. It provides a very compelling argument.

See post 160 on page 7, where Ron has posted some links to examples of various accessories that can be added to smartphones and tablets. The ESU handset shown is a dedicated DCC throttle using Android as it's operating system. The DCC manufacturers, or others, could start producing suitable clip on accessories or dedicated Bluetooth handsets. You could start off using your own touch device and then either add such an accessory, or buy a dedicated handset when funds permitted. I'm surprised no one has yet started producing such accessories for DCC operation using smartphones!

Most people seem to be missing the point about this type of system's key benefit. I.e. The cost saving of not needing to buy a control system (e.g. DCC). Not much use if you already have a DCC system, but for anyone starting out or converting from DC, this would be a significant saving. The control system is the app and if they do give away the app for free, that is going to be a very attractive proposition. Assuming the thing works properly and has all the functionality designed in from the beginning.

Which one, the original one or the Mallard version?

That porch effect with the connecting door being deeply recessed looks horrendous. That has to be one of the biggest gaffs with this model, but the blinkered seem to be ignoring it. The 4VEP is still a Dog!

Only briefly though, for five & a half years, before there was just under seven years of Canadian National ownership. As to the OP. Bahraini owned Arcapita (Freightliner's owners) have done well out of this deal if the reported figures are accurate. Bought for a reported £200m in 2008 and sold for £490m in 2015. Although it's not really that simplistic in reality.

Their racist tendencies probably extend to English only, British at a push, with a dislike of other Johnny foreigners too. Ironic if they do. Chelsea only have two white English players in their entire first team squad.

There is no mention of a maintenance contract in this deal. CAF are providing spares and technical support for an unspecified period of time. Technical support is not maintenance.

CAF will be making a decent profit from this contract. With the Scottish government footing 40% of the purchase cost (€80) and heavily subsidising the sleeper service operation until 2029, I agree with Joseph that the money could have been better spent elsewhere.