Bill

Equally stunned and amazed of Canada

It will not be I - As Canada is a long, long way for the wee things to travel - and the overseas parcel post has recently ground to super slow running It will be 3 weeks, at least, before they get here...

On the basis of what I have read in this forum and elsewhere concerning the performance of the 4 VEP and Hornby's lack of response to those who are struggling with it, I sincerely hope Hornby are put off from ever making anymore Southern EMUs, thus leaving the territory open for others to step in!

I am sorry that you had to experience all that trouble but I am glad you posted it for all to see... (Note: Why do companies never say they are sorry when they screw up?) I once had a Bachmann DRS 66 that sounded much like that, checked the drive shafts but still no better running and very soon would not run at all, I sent it back to the retailer and then Bachmann repaired it - since I live in Canada the whole process took ages to complete - but no one ever explained what was wrong. Not much help i am afraid

I agree, but more than just a second run I would hope. First my thanks to all the VEP pioneers who are chronicling their experience and progress with it on this forum, Now, I could really, really use one - and was waiting for the roll-out with keen anticipation - but as things stand, simply because I cannot afford and don't have the required expertise to do all the remedial work required, I won't be getting one for now. A great pity but there it is.... For me, what is important is that a model runs properly, steam engines and Class 37's can look great on display, but an EMU IMHO needs to be seen in action... From all that I have heard, and read, and apart from the inaccuracies in the detailing of the body (which don't concern me that much), it seems to need a thorough rethink of the bogie axles and the method of powering it... The evidence suggests that the leading and trailing coaches need to run freely if it is not to constantly derail, and traction tyres at the best of times are, for me, a big no-no... ( e.g. I would really like to get a class 73 but won't) Maybe the best thing for one and all would be to rethink it from the ground up and produce a second run of completely re-tooled and re-engineered VEPs... I like Hornby as a company and value their products... I wish they would produce a quality VEP that fits the bill, even if it costs more,..

And you could then get some nice person to become a member and buy you another one from Bachmann - they are still available.... (Links eventually become out of date and disappear this is a NSE 2EPB EMU - Collectors club 2011 special edition)

Thanks for this posting, this is real progress! As it so happens I have some spare class 33 wheels.. Could you tell us how to get them in and if they need any adjustment? I can't believe that the Heljan cog wheel is an exact match for the Hornby.. B) I might now go out and buy a VEP - please keep us informed about the improved running abilities! Why couldn't Horribly include a set of tyreless wheels in the first place?

Has anyone bought one of their Brighton Belle models or seen one up clos in the flesh? I would like to know what your assessment of it is. How would it compare in all probability with the upcoming Hornby version of this train? Especially since it is a brass model!

I sincerely hope that this does deter Hornby from making any more EMU's that way others might take up the slack and do it properly..

Thanks for your views and wisdom... Much appreciated...Do you know what the rules on feedback are, the last time I posted Neutral feedback the seller slammed me. He only understood Good and Bad - neutral was an alien concept so he put into his bad department and I got flamed for his failure to send the goods! (It was the early days of Ebay back in the 90's) Since then I have only written the most glowing praise in the feedback department....No matter how the deal went down. Is ebay still like that?

I think this belongs here... I bought an OO gauge diesel model (unamed popular brand and number to protect the innocent) for a total of 95 pounds including shipping. Having received the package and having inspected the contents I was moved to write to the seller.. Here is a record of some correspondence between myself and an EBay seller.. Dear ZZZZZZZ Your package has arrived in record time, however I have some grumbles with the condition of the model, which you listed it as.. "New - A brand-new, unused, unopened and undamaged item. See the seller's listing for full details." WWWW Class ## 00 diesel model. "I am selling one WWWW Class ## (as shown in photo) with separate detailing pack (unapplied) Model so far has been sitting in box, therefore being sold as nearly nearly mint condition. Not being sold with box but will be well packed." "Photo for guidance only Buyer to pay all postage costs Combined postage if you buy more than one Lot" A. However the Horns have been rather inexpertly glued on, as well as using too much glue.. Which spoils the whole look of the model B. There is a piece of a fingerprint in glue on the roof C. Some of the paint on the roof has been worn away or scuffed D. The coupler is missing its hook - So the state of the body is not describable as nearly mint I'm afraid.. However on the plus side the chassis runs well in both directions over my pointwork And everything seems to be as it should be - but I will be giving it a closer inspection, and let you know if any further problems surface. So I am clearly not very satisfied with this deal. If you need photographs of these problems please email me using your email address so I can send the images My best regards YYYYYY The seller then wites back.. "This is exactly how I purchased it. Photos aren't necessary as I have the other partner and I now see the glue problem but it is not a pig of a problem - and can be cleaned up. The scuff mark is news to me, possibly thrown about during transit, my model looks like new and unrun no scratches. As far as I am aware mint condition means not as good as new condition - anyway there was no intention to deceive - and in order for customer satisfaction what would you suggest?" After further correspondence I simply gave up and bit the bullet... Has this sort of thing happened to you? What would you do in this situation?

Yes they are - The Condor flies again! http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=905 Pity about the windows

Big Trouble in Little China? - There seems to have been a similar problem a while ago with back to front assembly with the six wheeled T9 tender ... I've held off getting one for now until the extent of the problems has been fully plummed, I'm not an expert so I thank everyone for their wise input...