Mike at C&M

Motorcycle, As you suggest it is a wagon for carrying a transformer, and will be a heavy duty wagon with many axles as the transformers are very heavy, often into the hundreds of tonnes. Their main use is where power is taken from the national grid for feeding into the overhead lines. These structures are often fitted with a siding onto which the transformer and it's wagon are parked, before being wired in

We do still have 156s available.

Over the past couple of months, I have had a problem with one of my suppliers. Max, from Upstairs Downstairs in Sandown, isle of Wight, and Barrie from Widnes Model Centre have assisted me with this, and as such, we have been in regular contact. My thanks to them for their help. As a typical autumn set in at Carlisle, I would often sign off my e-mails to Max (Isle of Wight) with something along the lines of "All the best from a soggy Carlisle", and without doubt his reply would come back saying how lovely it was where he was. I even received a photograph taken from outside his shop to show this. Time for me to prove a point, having stayed near Sandown in 2013. I e-mailed him the picture at the bottom of this posting, saying "I have found a picture taken towards Sandown from Luccombe during our 2013 visit. You can’t claim the sun shines all the time." Max's reply: Regarding the sun not shining all the time on the Island, I have to agree with you: sometimes it is night time, like your picture shows. What I find amazing on your picture is the fact you managed to catch a firefly creating a lovely zig-zaging pattern on your camera. Another proof of how wonderful the Island is!" A brilliant response, Max.

I had 5 Big Jims in the shop this afternoon. The place was full...... Then again, he did have the kids with him.

Big Jim, It is obviously the grey platinum blonde hair that gives it away.

As Rob says, we don't have the financial clout that Hattons, Kernow and others have, so we do have to consider what production runs we can piggyback on to. He is also correct is saying that Dapol will do smaller runs than Bachmann/Farish, and they do smaller runs than Hornby. We did throw an idea at Bachmann for a limited edition, which will not go ahead for reasons I know, but I am not prepared to divulge. In no way must this count as a negative against Bachmann, they could not have been more helpful. There are ideas swimming around in my head, and some of the suggestions being made here give further food for thought. At some point in the future, a decision will be made.

And they have now arrived in Carlisle.... If you have one on order, then it is one of the 199 on the shelves in the bottom picture. Despatching starts on Thursday.

Just in case you are curious what 199 Dapol N Gauge Class 156s looks like, here is you answer.

I am delighted to report that production of our ScotRail 'Saltire' 156s has now been completed in China. They are being airfreighted to the UK, and allowing for customs, QC checks etc. , they will hopefully be with us in about a fortnight. For those who have pre-ordered, we will contact you when they arrive in Carlisle so that we can arrange delivery and payment (where details are not already held). Thank you for your patience, Mike

We have just received our invoice for the overhead wires, so should arrive by the end of the week.

"you didnt get a pic of me then" It must have been taken when you were in the local emporium of temptation!

So the question is, Luke Piewalker, what is the collective noun for 3 RMWebbers in a model shop at the same time? Mike - owner of C&M

Big Jim - Town Planner Is there no end to his range of talents?

Unfortunately, we have been advised that production of our limited edition Class 156 in Scotrail ‘Saltire’ livery has once again been pushed back. The problem is not with our model, but delays in production with models that are in front of ours within the queue at the factory. We now hope that the 156s will be with us some time in November. For those patiently waiting for the release of our exclusive model, our apologies for the continuing delays.

A glorious autumnal start to the day in Carlisle, this morning

One delivery of Crosti 9Fs just arrived at C&M Models in Carlisle. The wait is over.

Well that will keep you out of mischief for a while several years.

2 shots taken at Innsbruck in 1987 with a 1020 coming in off the Brenner, and a 1044 taking over for the run over the Arlberg

The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express regularly passes this way, despite the name suggesting it might go via a different way through the Alps. One of its' usual routes takes it from Buchs SG - Arlberg - Innsbruck (reverse) - Brenner and on to Venice. Some 17 coaches in immaculate condition.... Oh dear, Alan, I have just cost you another fortune.

"Looking forward to it ..." And so am I! As someone who models HO with nearly all my models being Austrian, German and Swiss, this definitely appeals to me.

Due to a lack of trade information, their new computer system means that for the time being, we do not have the information to which we traders have relied on so much in the past. We know they have arrived at Hornby, but we have not had ours yet. We would expect them to arrive next week so that Hornby get them on to our August monthly account. I too have tried to order more, but await confirmation that the order has been accepted, or rejected. Sorry I can't been any more specific, but we retailers simply do not have the relevant information made available to us any more.

I don't know the situation with other model shops, but there is no sign of our sizeable order for the Crosti's, yet.

Tillig track is now imported into this country by Golden Valley Hobbies, and distributed to retailers from them. It is possible to go to their website, www.goldenvalleyhobbies.com , and order the track you want. You then choose a retailer from whom you would like to collect this from, or have it sent out to you. C&M Models are one of the retailers shown, and we will be happy to help you. At present, we carry a basic stock of the most popular items in the Tillig 'HO' track range.

And for your further delight and delectation, we have been advised that the following items are now at Barwell: Branchline 32-045 Class 20 “Saltburn-By-The-Sea” BR Railfreight Red Stripe 32-065 Class 43 Warship “Zealous” BR Maroon Yellow Panel 32-066 Class 43 Warship “Pegasus” BR Green Yellow Panel 32-067 Class 43 Warship “Royal Oak” BR Blue Graham Farish 374-134 BR Mk1 GUV General Utility Van Blue Motorail 374-290C BR Mk1 57ft Suburban Second Open Crimson 374-292 BR Mk1 57ft Suburban Second Open Blue “weathered” 374-312B BR Mk1 57ft Suburban Brake End Crimson 374-313 BR Mk1 57ft Suburban Brake End Blue “weathered” 374-630 SR 50’ Bogie B Luggage Van Southern Green 374-631 SR 50’ Bogie B Luggage Van BR (SR) Green 374-632 SR 50’ Bogie B Luggage Van BR Blue

"Book Law" is sold out from Hornby, and there are no more. I have a damaged one being returned, and all they can offer me is either a credit, or a possible repair of what I send back. Needless to say, I now have one customer who has waited over 2 years for an A3 that fits into his modelling era, whose comments are unprintable.