Neal Ball

I have today received a reply from Hornby, (who also apologised for the delay in replying). They advise that there are no plans at the moment to release a Great Western castle with a Collett tender. I guess this might change with the 2013 and 2014 release schedule(?)

Simply stunning!

Thanks very much Mike. I think at the moment I am going to stick with the 1930's era. In any case, I still have the Centenary project, so will concentrate on that ahead of going down a Hawkesworth route! - Thanks again though. I agree they must have loads of emails sent from the website. I have previously also sent them letters and received rather terce replies, as if suggestions are not really required. But at the end of the day, if you have that option on a website, you need to ensure its properly serviced. If you cant deal with the quantity of mail, take the option off the page! I remember years ago, a colleague was not getting anywhere with a supplier, so bought some shares and raised the issues at the shareholders meetings! - Anyone thought of buying Hornby shares to lobby for their particular model????

That typeface makes it look like a Tetleys house! - Is that right?

Last year I chose not to buy the Hawksworth coaches and have now caught a cold! I decided against as they are too late in the period I model, preferring to stick to the mid-thirties. I am surprised the coaches only stayed in the catalogue for 1 year though in the GWR livery. It's a good idea, but it's like the guys in the Dapol Western thread calling for un-numbered locos - that could limit the sales of that loco..... If tenders were available separately, again it could limit the sales of locos as it would be so easier to swap around. But I take the point about colour differences, which would show up very clearly and we would all be up in arms about that one! Clearly, I have a choice: 1. Wait until 2013 in the hope the Castle gets released as a GWR loco with a Collett tender. 2. Find another Tintagel Castle on Ebay and renumber. 3. Buy Wellington and put up with the Tender. 4. Find a Kit manufactorer who has a Collett tender. I have just found that the Hornby website still has quantities of Tintagel in stock, so option 2 it is then.... now which number will the new one adopt??? I guess the point though is that I would have expected a reply from Hornby. I received the auto reply, but nothing from a human. Maybe Dilbert could slip it into the conversation next time someone in the office talks to Simon!

I emailed Hornby last weekend to see if the Great Western Castle will appear with a Collett tnder, rather then the Hawksworth one. At the time of writing, I have not had a reply. Be nice if we knew a Great Western version is going to make it into the 2013 catalogue. Otherwise, I might have to buy Wellington, get a Collett Castle and back-date it to Devizes Castle.

Great looking layout, particularly like the Canal and Black & white 'photos. Thanks for sharing.

Dave, Thanks for the latest CAD designs - it looks fabulous - from every angle! What is the anticipated delivery date now? Many thanks,

Looking at Russell Vol 2 the Tare is shown as either 10 or 12 ton.

Wow! - I didn't realise they were allowed to haul so much.

Russell says they would often be seen off the GWR system. So time away from "Home" could possibly be extensive, in which case the mileage might clock up and general track rubbish accumulating etc. Off topic though - I was surprised to see the Bachmann cattle trucks labled as "Not common user" when given as presents at Christmas. Surely these would also have wandered off the system? Meanwhile, I am finishing off a Parkside Dundas N13 Horsebox. Is it just me, or did the Hornby stock sell out very quickly? - Hopefully I will have better luck next time round!

You have a great layout - firstly apologies that I have only just found the thread! - Secondly the questions!! I like the station building - how did you get the angles right for the roof? Did you scratchbuild the viaduct? You have put me to shame that my portion of the GWR is taking so long to come together :-( - I must get a move on! Keep up the good work and keep posting the 'photos.

At one time I had a load of slides showing the signals at Newton Abbott, taken in the 1970's - sadly now lost through the passage of time and several house moves.

Mike this sounds very interesting. I have always relied on the Adrian Vaughan book "A pictorial record of Great Western Signalling" published 1973 for £3.60 !! Your advice in this thread has been fascinating and I am sure (having seen a few of your 'photos) that the stock of 1000 will be a great treasure trove. Looking forward to the book Mike.

At the risk of it being a VERY expensive year - the DCC Sound, sounds very good!!

No very much Thames Valley GWR!

Wow, an excellent thread which having been out of the country I have only just caught up with. The advice from Mike (Stationmaster) is to top-notch and on the button - but we would not have expected anything less! - I know where I will be heading when it comes to paying down the signals for Wharncliffe Junction. However, I have a quick observation - I would move the Goods shed from the back road, generally the back road would be free for vehicle access and the Goods shed, could go onto the road next to the Platform. Hope that does not add to the confusion! Regards, Neal.

I used a Howes decoder and speaker for my Heljan Western, very easy to do, I wouldn't bother with a fitting service (personally). I also have a Bachmann sound fitted 47 which is fine. All depends on your preference - like so much of DCC! - good luck!

This also sounds interesting. I have long been fascinated with the GWR railcars and also like the idea of having a go at the twin. But the idea of all the kit bashing certainly puts me off! Has Chris Leigh covered this in an early edition of Model Rail? I am sure I've seen something in a magazine and didn't see MRJ that far back. The Worsley works option sounds interesting: http://www.worsleyworks.co.uk/4mm/4mm_GWR.htm presumably you would still need a Lima / Hornby donor body? Regards,

Terrific progress Chris.

Agreed about Cheese Cake and while I would not normally argue about London Pride, did you try their New York beer? - (Proper beer, not Lager!) - the Beers at the Hartland Brewery are to be recommended. Best pasties in the World are deffo in Cornwall - One brand had a great shop in Truro when I lived there.

Shouldn't that be a Pint of Tribute, in a Tribute glass? - Some great progress none the less Chris

Only just found this thread, sorry to hear that Tony has not been well. We also have never met, but through the magazines and the DVD I feel I know him as a friend. Get well soon Tony.

Some time ago, I worked it out at about 20 plus feet, but I suspect that was just the station area. Lots of things appeal to me about Henley, but mainly the lovely station building and the types of trains that can be run. (Mix of main-line and Branch-line). Plus of course being so close to Reading opens out the operational possibilities. My Lottery dream, would see it being built in its own purpose built railway room, together with Twyford, so I can get the main-line in as well. Which is really why I have opted for Wharncliffe, rather than Henley. I now have a two track continuous run main-line, with a large typical W. London station, with goods and loco yard. This is housed in a shed some 12ft long, by 4ft wide. This will be extended over Christmas to add about 15inches to the depth. 1 ft wide inside is very tight and if someone visits, very cosy! Just dipped into the topic again and its looking very good Jon.

Dave - It looks terrific - in fact getting better with every one of your posts. What sort of delivery date are we talking about? - Next year at some point? - Late 2012? Thanks again for sharing.