Andy1963

I like my models ex-works not weathered, but I have to agree with the no gloss solution here. If anyone has seen the full gloss Heljan 52's that are about at the moment, they look stupid, full gloss doesn't work on models.

Looking good, are we going to see them before Christmas?

I've been modelling BR blue since I was 5 (well playing with trains then), I'm now 49. I loved the BR blue, in the late 60's it was fresh and new against the drab green and maroon it replaced. But as I've grown older, I've started to appreciate the green and maroons more, and much more recently I've learned to like steam too. My love is the western region, the first train ride I can ever remember was a DMU from Teignmouth to Exeter and sitting in the front carriage watching the driver through the window going along the sea wall. This must have been 1967 or 68, and then coming back from Exeter, we were hauled by a green Warship, no idea which one, but it was the only warship haulage I ever had. In 1969, my love for the mighty Westerns began with a September haulage by 1054 Western Governor in maroon with a full rake of maroon marks 1's from Paignton to Teignmouth. But it was the blue I loved and still model today, and although I now have green loco's and a maroon western, and a rake of maroon mark 1's, I wont mix them up as they often were in the change over to the corporate blue colour scheme. I detest anything newer, the intercity livery, network south east and post privatisation liveries are vile to me. Let's be honest, even the HST's which we all hated when they started taking over loco hauled services look their best in their original blue grey and yellow livery don't they?

The Western Locomotive Association (WLA) has this morning announced a limited edition run of 150 Maroon with small yellow warning panels of 1062 Western Courier to celebrate Couriers 50th birthday next May. They are offering it to member initially at £149.95 plus £6.00 P&P. Each will come in a gift box with a number certificate. Another dilemma, already ordered a maroon one from Hatton's!

Phil, I'm not into chips in the way some people are. I use DCC because I like being able to run a loco up to another or in opposing directions on the same line, so I go for cheap rather than exotic. I've just purchased a Bachmann 21 pin chip because I have used several, they seem reliable and they don't cost too much. Andy

1054 Governor shawplan plates already on the shelf awaiting delivery of the loco to be attached. Even have the decoder sitting waiting for it. Andy

Can someone confirm the model with have 21 pin DCC socket? I'm sure I read that somewhere but I cannot remember and I need to make sure I have one to install as soon as my model arrives. Apologies if this has already been covered elsewhere, I've looked for it but cannot see it.

I can't wait to receive my model, although I doubt September delivery will happen. If it's a few months late, it will be a great Christmas present. As for all the comments, I admire Dave for developing this model, and others, in the public eye. I think I would get extremely frustrated with some comments. I'm sure he does it to get the best results possible and should be applauded for this approach.

There was a 4mm version at Alexandra Palace show, can't recall if it was a home or distant GWR. Looked pretty good to me.

At the risk of being shot down in flames for my unrealistic approach, I rather like my loco's in ex-works condition, bright and shiny. I know they were rarely in this state in real life, but through my rose tinted glasses, that's how I remember my first sighting, just as 1015 and 1062 are today. Maybe I should go away and base my model on the SVR.

My first Western haulage was September 1969 from Paington to Teignmouth behind 1054 Governor. She was in maroon with small yellow warning panels hauling an all maroon rake of MK1's. I was 6, and it was the start of a passion that lasts still to this day. I only have one photo of a western in service, 1043 at Teignmouth in 1975 while on holiday. We missed the last summer of westerns as we had to go on holiday somewhere else that year. All these photo's of westerns on the sea wall bring back so many happy memories. And everyone says the 70's were such bad years. Somehow, I just can't agree. For me, it was a golden age and one I very much wish was still with us. 1043 in July 1975 1015 at Swindon in 1980 1015 in 2007

I would have though a point decoder would work.

Dave, the final CAD looks superb. Some of the suggestions and remarks on this forum over the months I thought a bit over the top, but I take it all back. The end result must surely be worth all the helpful suggestions. Now to get some on order, judging by the enthusiasm on here you will be producing a significant quantity for the first batch?

I have 2 Heljan westerns and 3 Lima which I am in the slow process of re-motoring and detailing. The Dapol cad looks superb and I'm now torn between continuing with the Lima project, waiting for the Dapol or going for some more Heljan models. What a great position to be in, so much choice so long after these majestic machines were taken away from us.

Looks fantastic Dave, I cannot contribute to the discussion about the fine detail. My only hope is you supply a maroon version with no name and number plates so I can name it after my favorite "Governor". Never look right when i rename them over the existing plates supplied.

Looks great, now the question is how to afford 5 to replace all my Lima and Heljan versions.

Hi, I currently have 3 Lima Westerns and one Heljan. Although the Lima Westerns are poorly detailed and do not like running on DCC at all, I have decided to stick with them and a) detail them and B) re-motor them. I have started on one of the loco's and have removed the moulded lamps but not yet the hand rails. The motor has been removed and I am fitting a CD drive motor in it's place. Ultra Scale products produced some brass drive gears for me (not cheap, but I couldn't find an alternative) and I am currently working on manufacturing a plate to hold the motor in place. Initial tests with the motor connected to a decoder suggest a significant improvement to performance is possible. Couple this with detailing the ends and fitting fuel filler detail instead of the dreadful flat plates and I think the loco's will look and act the part.