Dan Hill

I think I might be able to help there as my parents bought me this train pack and they got it brand new from a mail order catalogue (possibly the old Parks Catalogues I think it was?) and it might well have been a limited run exclusive, as I never saw it available anywhere else and it came with a certificate. I think I got mine sometime around 2004, as Tangmere was hauling Excalibur Express charters after returning to steam from restoration in 2003. An Excalibur Express headboard (which I sadly misplaced) was also in the accessories bag along with the usual accessories and lamps and headcode discs).

I only ordered one from Gaugemaster I think on Friday, as part of an order for the 2021 Rocket Train pack as Hattons were unable to fulfill my order (at some point I need to order 2007 Prince of Wales as that too was unable to be fulfilled). The model was due to turn up tomorrow but was pleasantly surprised to receive it today and looks rather lovely, albeit a shame my BR Blue 35005 in rebuilt condition is not in great condition to go alongside 35024 and my 21C1 and 34067.

As understand it you are correct, it was just for show and made no difference to the performance of both locomotives (there is an old LNER publicity poster which showed one on the East Anglian I think along with the main streamlined services such as the Coronation, Silver Jubilee and West Riding Limited). I think they did remain in this condition until just after nationalisation so would have a couple of livery options if they did make one.

I've pre-ordered a 2007 and it'll be interesting to see comparisons with 2002 given how many differences between them (and indeed with all 6 P2's as I don't think any of the 6 P2's were the same). I already have the fully decorated Design Clever 2001 so will be interesting to see the upgrade with 2002 and 2007. With Hornby now boasting the A4, both versions of both the P2 and W1 I wonder, could we eventually see the 2 B17's East Anglian and City of London complete the LNER Streamlined range in 00 scale?

Am I right in thinking that Fulton Mackay is the narrator at the start of the programme? It is a really good programme and I occasionally go back and watch it from time to time.

My model of 323 in Bluebell Blue has been dispatched as well. Looking forward to it arriving.

323 and 27 did come direct from BR and 753 and 178 both were sold by BR to Mills (178 to Bowaters and 753 to Hudsons Mill Robertsbridge) before ending up at the Bluebell and KESR. I think 178 still has a hooter whistle (last time I saw it in steam it did) similar to that on Stanier locos but not sure if this an addition from its time at Bowaters or applied after the locos restoration. I love 323 in its current livery and that was the P I decided to order from Hattons.

Not sure what's happening with my subscription as I had the Small Prairie turn up yesterday on its own but no sign of my Princess or T9 yet.

I may have to be careful with my P2 then as I recently changed my card with Hattons and haven't had an email about my P2 since August 23rd.

Not heard anything about my P2 from Hattons as of yet since the last email about when they expected them in.

If I'm not mistaken doesn't 45231 have polished wheels so would be a good choice for adjusting..

My one has the same issue. Smokebox door 90 degrees the wrong way. I saw some in my local Smiths which all had the same problem.

Ah right thanks. Quite a lot of issues then. Still there's many models I'm looking forward too such as Rocket and Locomotion which aren't currently available in RTR.

I got the LMS and Southern ones along with the first 3 issues. Sadly I can't display mine well without taking them out the packaging they were sent in. I thought the case was like those on the Corgi Rail Legends but I suspect that may have put the price up. Mine must have been slightly damaged in transit as one of the handrails on my 6220 is split, there's a rattle in my 4472 but not sure whats come off yet and Mallard seems to have had a wheel come off.But still a great set of models and the magazines and Southern DVD are good as well but not watched the LMS one yet. Can't wait to see some peoples What ifs and ficitious livieries (BR Blue Streamlined Coronations and BR Lined Black and Blue West Countries would be good). But one question. How many issues are there? You get a binder every 16 issues so its at least 32 and the list posted a few pages back only goes as far as 20. Space for me could become an issue but sure I'll work around that.