RedgateModels

Just voted, only gave one 1,1,1 vote - that goes to the one that not only had all it's build thread images posted on an external source but also the one in the survey - can't really judge it if I can't see the images now can I?

To be fair, the modelling is that good can we not say that the real location is wrong?

Glad to hear it, it's done me proud over the years, but I just wanted one with more rollers etc

One of the reasons for lack of progress on the Duke is that I've been distracted constructing what has turned out to be a multifunction rig for shows and home. I've been wanting a programming track when exhibiting for some time, as I have at least one loco still running an R8215 decoder that resets itself to 3 when a short occurs. I have had to seek out a friendly trader or other layout who can reprogram the chip for me. Sociable though that is, I really wanted to be self sufficient. I've also fancied a more "commercial" rolling road than my old home made one - so combining the two ideas I bought a Hornby rolling road and combined it with a spare PCP panel and an autoSW to give me this: The box is 18mm gloss cream faced MDF left over from doing the kitchen, so does not look out of place on the kitchen table it's also VERY sturdy. The rolling road is wired to the autoSW so becomes a programming track when the appropriate mode is selected on my PowerCab. A flying lead with a 2 pin DIN speaker plug on the end is connected to the MAIN output of the autoSW and simply plugs into the existing socket on Summat Colliery. Since taking the photo I have also added a speaker socket to the front that is fed from a changeover switch so that I can switch the rolling road to an external input for use with the SPROG or good old DC at home when testing etc. I do not now need to buy a PCP panel for each layout I build, just add a speaker socket and away we go! However, I now have a "spare" PCP panel that was fixed to Summat Colliery when I first got a Powercab. I think I will move this to the front of the layout so that I can link them up and operate from the front if the mood takes me

It's been a while, as pointed out by Pete Harvey. Well, I've been busy exhibiting and building by Powercab PCP panel/rolling road setup, but I have managed to get the RHS lined up keen eyes will notice that I have brushed some pre-thinned PP satin varnish over the running plate lining to beef it up ready for me to tackle the other side ........

just an observation, isn't it an interesting part of human nature that we always assume we are personally in the majority ........

Ooh - I'm at Wirksworth at the weekend with Summat Colliery, I'll see how he's getting on

Of course all this chat has lead me to start mentally adding up the costs of the kit, wheels, motor, gears ......... It did run trials in the Nottinghamshire coal fields didn't it

There's a letter in this month's Hornby mag urging all you 4-VEP fans to stop picking fault with the model - in case it puts Hornby off from doing other EMUs such as a 4-CIG etc the parting shot is

Point taken, although Chris at Golden Arrow does offer this loco as RTR - £295 according to his website - Not a Hattons/Rails/Olivias commission granted

Golden Arrow ....... http://www.semgonline.com/model/gapldr-kit.html Ha! beat you to it Graham, serves you right for playing astonauts

Yes, the switches are single pole, double throw, or changeover switches as some people like to call them. For DC operation, IF all the roads from the point are dead ended - i.e. don't connect to the rest of the layout, you can dispense with the insulated joiners and the point will isolate the roads not currently selected.