finelines

I think people who describe the prototype as obscure should remember that the 50th anniversary of the end of steam is fast approaching and the only locos that will have much meaning to the average modeller are those that are preserved. This was brought home to me when I bought a book, the last year of the duchesses, a 50th anniversary. Roger

If you read this thread before my comment there is no mention of wheels falling out. Roger

I was not criticising Larry, only the wish to of some to be negative. I just wish I had his skills! My only complaint I have is I'm going to pay a fortune for the post 1958 maroon ones that I want. Until I stopped reading reviews on here I allowed myself to be talked out of buying perfectly good representations of the prototype. Roger

Who are "people" not "the people"? How many eyes? Roger

I read this review because it was written by Larry and he said "wow". When it comes to coaches, in particular, if Larry says "Wow", I say "wow"! The "people" promptly started chipping away at this glowing review. Because the coach doesn't do what you want doesn't make it wrong. Surely, rather than wading in with the criticism of minor points, a thread in a modelling thread titled "improving Bachmann porthole coaches" would be more appropriate. Roger

I am disgusted at the level of negativity in this thread. Roger

I am cross! I am returning to the subject if the thread. All this talk about "design clever put me off buying one of the iconic nostalgic trains of my childhood. I have recently looking at memories of Redhill and I thought perhaps I should get one. Somebody here mentioned a special offer and I bought one. It is superb! There may be small errors, but they don't stop it "being" a 2-BIL. Roger

Nitromors paint stripper. Roger

There were a couple of GWR Beetles in the North West in the 60s. A friend of mine asked me if I could identify two vans in a parcels train passing through Preston behind a Duchess. I was surprised to instantly recognise what they were! Roger

The sharks are not you, they're these critics! As you probably know looking a 3d renders gives you only a rough idea of what the product is going to and it depends on the angle of view. Roger

Just read the entire thread and there is a comment earlier on that kit makers should concentrate on prototypes that are unlikely to be produced rtr. We need to have our big sellers too! The following is not a winge it is a statement of fact. The arrival of the Dapol N gauge Utility followed by the blue spot fish van took out the 2 best sellers in the range. I have subsequently picked several new potential best sellers but none have replaced the first 2. Roger

Speaking as a kit designer, manufacturer and retailer rolled into one I couldn't live with the pressure in this thread. The Difference is, being a one man band, anything that goes wrong is my fault! If it were me I wouldn't show these drawings at all, knowing that the sharks are out there ready to criticise beyond belief. Roger Ps one of the sharks on here is responsible for the non appearance of my sea urchin.

As an exhibition layout, Garsdale Road showed how to do it and I don't think it has been bettered. However when I built something similar, having been inspired, I found it was exactly what I didn't want! Roger

Liverpool exchange. I made a mistake, thinking it was the same week as the 15 guinea special and missed it. At least I was on Ais Gill for Ollie. Roger

The memories of Blackpool book has been reprinted and therefor a second volume. Although not relevant don't miss out the Southport and Morecambe volume of Stuart's series. There is also a video of that includes the area but I can't remember the title. Don't forget the last but one ever steam train went this way. Roger

This was in the 1920s! I am not certain that he travelled in the club car, my mum said he didn't, but other members of the family said he did. He travelled as far as Bolton. I believe the last remnant of the club train was the morning and evening train worked by transpennine units. I don't know when they finished but it started when they were doing the duties they were built for. Roger

Almost everything you want to know is in one or other of Stuart's wonderful books. As a child I visited Lytham often enough to be an honorary sand grown un. After all I am the grandson of a commuter who used the club train! Fairhaven lake was our regular haunt. Although we rarely went to Blackpool these volumes are highly nostalgic for me. The nightime photos of Ansdell with the gas lamp almost bring the smell back to me. There are other books that contain sections about the Fylde. I remember reading the article in the Evening Gazette that Central had been sold for a million pounds. Even to my teenage mind it seemed total lunacy! Roger

I would like it to be sooner than later because when the boys and I were looking through the bits on my shelf I found some brass (N/S) castings and etches for a number of kits. All I have to do is the whitemetal parts and we should be cooking on gas. I am reluctant to forecast how long this will take because fate always sets out to make a liar out of me. For example this week the workload I had was on the margin of achievable but events culminating in a 12 hour power cut put paid to that! Ah well! Onwards and upwards! Roger

I'm sure it doesn't entirely help, but, as I have no photographs, it is worth looking at the picture of the Q6 in that thread. It gives you a feel of what we produce. It the rerelease of our 1990's kit. At that time there were more options about wheels but I don't know what the current situation is. This prototype had 2'9" wheels and the only manufacturer at that time the only manufacturer was Sharman Wheels. Some Manning Wardle F class were built with 3' wheels which are in Alan Gibson's range. Whether there are any new introductions from other makers I don't know. I understand if he's got them the chap who now owns Sharman will sell you them. Roger

Your PM has been read. When RMweb emails you that there is a message it includes the contents. Roger

The delay was I looked at question and said,"of course it does" to both, but I was trying to think of a more formal way of replying. I can't remember whether it has two or three sets of spacers or 00 EM and P4, it probably does. After all the years I exhibited at ExpoEM I would have been chucked out if you couldn't do EM! Roger

I have been slow in replying because I don't want to offend by saying "of course it does!" Roger

I have a batch of casting to do for other orders and I am hoping to include this kit at the same time, so it would be useful if you let me know you are interested. The price will be £60. Roger

Expressoins of interest to me in the first instance. Roger

Following the success of our reintroduction of the 7mm WD Hunslet 4-6-0T through SlimRails (there very few left unsold) I have decided to run a batch of 4mm Wantage Tramway No 7’s. The kit includes whitemetal body, etched chassis and cab roof and lost wax details. The kit requires wheels gears and motor to complete. Roger