James Hilton

Sorry chaps, I had left this for Steve and not responded - this is something he needs to deal with as although I design kits that sell through LRS, I’m not actually involved in the day to day running - I’m in North Wales and the shop is in Bexhill. I’m sure Steve will be in touch, he is usually very good with resolving issues.

Quadruple thanks, indeed - I’m afraid you don’t hold the record though!

I still have to pinch myself that we did this, a dream realised and not only that, one that has been such a rewarding journey with generally overwhelmingly positive feedback on the model and how we approached and communicated the whole project. Whilst you’re all no doubt wondering what we’re doing next I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a little longer. ‘Victory’ continues to sell well and we’ve not forgotten where we came from, a few modification kits for the model are due soon, along with more of our infamous cab conversions and kits in the wider range. Thanks to everyone who has bought one (double thanks to anyone who has bought more than one). Please tell all your friends and spread the word as we feel that Planet Industrials could do with becoming more widely known ahead of the next project.

All the sound fitted models and decoders went in the post this week, so it’s great to hear that despite the delays and heart ache it has been worth the wait for people, I do hope you all enjoy them!

We did a big batch before Warley last year but I don't think we've done a batch since. I know Steve was lookingto outsource the printing as he was finding it difficult to fit around running the shop and a full time job! I'm seeing him next week so we'll discuss and I'll try and expedite these and the Barclay cabs.

The Smiths 3 link do fit yet, but they're not held captive so can fall out. On Francis I've left the supplied hooks, on my black one I replaced them with the Smiths hook too, just filed down the tail to fit the hole. Andrew, no progress on the Rothervale plates - but when the time comes it's quite a quick job - I'm seeing Steve next week so will give him a nudge.

A second print run, it’s been discussed but I said to Simon and he agreed, it would be nice to get the second book done first. I’m in the process of producing that at present, and it’s going well. When there is more to share, I will do, but thank you all for the support and encouragement.

The Meifod valley is beautiful, I love driving that way to Llanfair Caereinion. If you’re ever in this neck of the woods with a little more notice do let me know and I may well be able to join you. As for a Planet Industrials mug, we shall see what we can do…

We ‘Planet Industrials’ are here too, but yes, other than KR I’ve not seen any others. It has been a really busy day, with lots of interest in Victory, our kit range as well as the layouts I’m exhibiting. Good to meet so many faces today, hope to meet some more of you tomorrow!

Indeed it was… I’m expecting the test etch for the spectacle plates imminently - if all fits as expected I’ll order the production parts. These have been produced from photographs, not drawings and with input an help from a number of kind modellers who have shared their collection with me. That said, I welcome more feedback, if you don’t think it looks right when you see it please let me know before we order a bucket load of the printed parts. For anyone interested, Steve and I will be at Doncaster a week on Saturday so come and say hello!

The right decision and we will sort it out for you.

So pleased to here such warm and encouraging reviews, and as Simon mentioned we’re talking plans for the follow up, hopefully to be produced next year. I spent an enjoyable hour re-reading and flicking though it today, it’s given me some renewed enthusiasm to write again. As it is, I understand we’re pretty much sold out nearly now; which is amazing. Thank you to all who have bought it and anyone who still wants a copy then pick one up now because any reprint will be a while off, I’d rather do something new, then repeat the same.

Glad the blog posts prove inspiring, I think the thing to consider in small spaces is the balance between realism and frustration. If you complicate a track plan due to perceived 'boredom' then you can fill a baseboard with track quite quickly. On the other hand, my experience of lot of North American prototypes is a lack of track either through simplicity or distance, i.e. things are spread out. In your space I'd be looking to reduce the amount of 'clutter' and looking for something more focused, but the main thing is enjoy it! I'd say buy a copy of my book (!!!) for more conversation on this sort of thing but I think it's getting quite difficult to get hold of (which is great news for me, but less so for everyone else!).

Thanks Justin, I discovered it by accident on a long weekend last year, of course I’d always known of it, but never had encountered it… that led to a dive into the history and the J94 was the result. Since sold on as I had a clear out if ‘I’ll never get around to it’ projects some time back.

I was hoping to stop by and chat to Revolution but was tied up all weekend at Warley, did anyone get an update on the second run of Class B?

I didn’t manage to speak to Cavalex at the weekend, did anyone ask about these and if they’re are imminent? I’ve a pack on order for my N gauge micro… and can’t wait!

Superb Dave, lovely combination of colours!

I think I mentioned it purely as when you put the crest above the number on the side tank it reminded me of the same arrangement in the North London tanks… they’ve a similar burly quality too, but I wasn’t suggesting it was even close to a stand in 👍

Indeed! All in stock at Light Railway Stores (and Rails), although grey has sold really strongly in recent weeks so will be first to sell out I think.

I’m really pleased you’re happy with it, and glad my sales patter was so effective!

We’re all set for welcoming you to stand A12 tomorrow at Warley, come along to see Victory in the flesh, buy one (or four!), pick up a signed copy of my book or a bargain wagon pack, a kit, have a chat or all of the above!

Great result! Hope you enjoy it when it arrives, tell all your friends!

I’ll just leave this here - fresh from prototyping the first test print of the Lambton cut down cab conversion… Come and see it in the flesh at Warley this weekend! Stand A12, opposite Kernow.

You'll find this on the bottom left corner of the back of the instruction sheet.

If the loco runs the same as your other models in DC, then yes, otherwise it could be that the motor has been wired in reverse. The ‘easiest’ way, if you’re a DCC user is to change the CV that reverses the direction, which will be in your decoders documentation.