'CHARD

It would be incorrect to say that all Sam's content, and certainly his prototype knowledge and accuracy, is popular with me, but, like many mainstream media outlets, I find it generally entertaining with the usual smattering of irritants and shout-at-the-screen moments.

In his defence though, his channel is maybe nearer to 'the average modeller' (RM tag-line of my youth) than many. It's certainly not aimed at the majority of members on here, so the cringe triggers within his script generally leave me unmoved. If his reviews do the job of raising brand profile for lesser known manufacturers such as EFE, that presumably benefits the overall turnover and relevance of product.

If it's prototype fidelity I want to assess, this place is my starting point, especially for items that aren't overly familiar.

A hilarious riposte to the froth enthusiasts. 

A sliver of Jalapeño rubbed in another manufacturer's eye.

It's certainly a competitive business this Modern Image ☺️

A limited run of 100 x 512-packs of 47555 retailing at 75 grand each.

Hopefully its the difinitave Class 25 because this moddle is overlooked by all the mane manufactirers 

31 minutes ago, Northerngirl said:

Wonder how long the real 170s took to design, probably not as long 

Factually no, they were an evolution of the 168s and designed/ built to an agreed contractual timescale. 

Whereas the models are a nice to have.

5 hours ago, Titan said:

Interesting to note the state of the brake cocks and the coupling on the rear of the front portion that made it to the station.

I don't know what I'm looking at/for, could you please help me out?

2 hours ago, Titan said:

Just came across this:

 

 

There is a lot of photographic evidence there to indicate what happened.

Fascinating footage that.

At 9.03 there's an 86 (I think) hauling a rake of what look like iron ore tipplers, which is pretty niche in itself.

Groan.

55 minutes ago, Hal Nail said:

Also must be an RMWeb record for raising an issue with the smallest possible window before release.

I don't think they'll be able to alter the smallest window now.

1 hour ago, trainsandco said:

The font in places still bothers me a little, and the finish looks a little off. Nothing a bit of weathering couldn’t fix!

 

For the price can’t really complain though. Tempted by another 😬

 

There were only two of the Crimson left, one of each running number; and item E87061 had decidedly dodgy 'BLOATER' lettering on its visible side.  This decided me to only buy its counterpart, which pragmatically was perfectly sufficient for my needs!

Picked up a Crimson example of these bargain vans today, and very good value it is too. Presently coupled in amongst some Dapol Fruit Ds it looks the part, but I don't really think I could justify more than one in the Borders around the end of steam.

The pre-production loco looks like its body colour is Rail Blue too.

I hate to be a doom-monger, but without even reading the article I imagine a nominal £1 was paid to Angel Trains, there's now a crowd-funder announced to raise 10k to move the unit to a non-electrified storage site, where the original interior will be restored and one or more coaches will be turned into classroom accommodation to educate youngsters about railways.

This is a very familiar initiative (spoken as one who knows what it's like to be involved with such well intentioned schemes), but they do have a tendency to go south. And I wish I didn't mean Newport. 

Despite suffering with Alzheimers disease, the campaigner reopened the Day Centre for carers in Hawick as recently as mid-April. Amazing, and what a credit to an indefatigable soul. R.I.P.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c72pd6x9nvno.amp

Thanks for your unstinting work and dedication, Madge. Your huge commitment and contribution to the wellbeing and future of the Borders community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. 

1 hour ago, rob D2 said:

I love the way these threads disappear off down the rabbit hole …!

No, that would be a Thumper thread, surely?

Good evening Anthony. 

I bought your book on the Class 17 'Clayton' diesels.  In fact I bought two examples as insurance against failure. I needn't have worried, they're smokin'. 

12 hours ago, scots region said:

 

I've said it before, but class 50s always look like you've just said something extremely offensive and they're too shocked to form a response. 

☺️ I can't look at the front end of a 50 for long, they really are ridiculous if you study them properly. The VF  industrial design department was truly AWOL wasn't it.

On 07/06/2023 at 09:52, letterspider said:

Well sir, it is hard to argue with someone when they are brandishing a weapon like that!

Nice touch.

49 minutes ago, Dicky L said:

Accurascale early class 37 crew fitted in it. 

No wonder he's cross, service was booked 37055 and look what was kicked out instead.

I'd like to know what the second-man is doing at the end of the video - looks like he's egging someone on for a bit of fisticuffs!

6 hours ago, Arunit said:

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

  please explain the data panel entries for class 92 especially the last two 

The Data panel on a Class 92 gives its different ETH ratings that apply if it's taking power from the overhead line at 25kVAC (180?) or third rail at 750V DC (108). 

The loco is mixed traffic, and has different brake system settings for passenger mode or goods mode, hence the two different brake force values are shown. The rating for passenger trains is the higher of the two.

12 hours ago, Steamport Southport said:

To be honest I've never quite understood the severe hairshirt approach, and I'm not suggesting anyone has that attitude on here

 

It's a bit like being a massive fan of Westerns....

...Jima .... aren't Westerns. 

 

Jason, we haven't met. My name is 'Chard and I have a wardrobe of hair shirts, only I don't promote this lifestyle as such.

Regarding Westerns, you mis-spelled Lima.  [I'm a massive fan (my favourite locos) but I own none because I'm modelling the Scottish Borders.]

Forgive me if I've missed something basic here, but isn't this issue about the bogies of latest release coaches having pick-ups just all about standardisation of product in the factory. Same as non-DCC/ DCC-ready locos having speakers fitted as standard with nothing to drive them?

10 hours ago, AY Mod said:

bufferbean 

Sounds like a B-52's song!