Mel_H

What - a whole 0.5mm ! I'll get back in my box now....

If anyone fancies a little game of 'spot the difference', this view of the real D1038 is on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertcwp/3278175865/ It only seems to have one windscreen wiper, plus an oil head lamp (!). You might want to measure up the exact position of the warning flashes and red route dot. Maybe the details have something to do after all? You decide! Mel H

Thanks Tim, that's really useful and as a result I've managed to fit a decoder without too much damage and no losses to the carpet monster! Mel

Hi Dave That's positive news then! Mel

While this is good news, I really do hope that Dapol finally manages to crack the BR blue livery application, rather than the peculiar 'thin' shade used on the Class 22, and dull green. The livery application is where Dapol still lets itself down (having improved most of its other failings in 4mm). Obviously, we just have to live with the high Dapol prices, but these would be easier to stomach, if the models were true 'five star'. I've also got some Dapol-produce Flangeway snowploughs, and again the'thin wash' livery application disappoints. Sorry to carp - I normally post positive stuff. I've been looking forward to a 121/122 for a long time too. I do hope that my negative comments are proved wrong. PS I do have a Western on order, obviously so far sight unseen. Fingers crossed! Mel

I have 31110 and it's fine - clearly the problem doesn't affect all models. If anyone wants to make an offer for it, I'm open to offers

Gary, wondering if you ever considered having a go with a Class 17 Clayton in Loadhaul? Fancy giving it a go?

I know that my maximum bid was 'optimistic (!), but the finish price (£53 plus postage) is a surprise... It's only an ordinary TSO Hornby InterCity Mk3 coach after all... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200838167630&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBUAA:GB:3160

I'm lucky enough to own a HO Eureka AD60 Garratt, that I bought in Oz. It is very cleverly engineered, and only has one motor. It is a superb machine - Heljan have some way to go to match it. More details at http://eurekamodels.com.au/Garratt.html