Accurascale Fran

Still no reply to either of my emails

Correct, all Irish MetroVicks had their Crossley engines replaced by GM 645 units in the early seventies but retained all their metro vick electrical equipment and generators.

Newsies here wont hold them for you so I've been told. So it'll be subscribe direct or nothing for me!

Have tried to subscribe but seems to be UK only. My fear is that the newsagents here will only carry it for a couple of issues then stop due to a lack of interest. I have emailed them through their website but have heard nothing back.

You could always bring over this side of the water, I know of a couple of nice 21mm layouts!

Mouthwatering! Excellent job. You going to build some stock for it to haul?

I asked Hattons on their live chat during the week and was told 'any time between now and March.' Didn't tell me what year mind you!

Nope. pick up on Loco only (on the driving wheels only as far as I can see on mine.) A real step back if you ask me.

Well it gives me 6 months to consider cancelling my order in the wake of 'Duke of Gloucestergate'. Have Hornby hit the panic button I wonder and are going to do take model production forward rather than back to the dark ages? I really hope so.

Interesting comparison. The sad thing is I would've paid Brit + prices for a top notch Duke no problem at all. Such a wonderful loco deserved to be done to Hornby Brit/Clan/A4 standards. Instead we got something not that cheap but pretty nasty in places. I can even handle upgrading external details and the moulded plumbing but skimping on the chassis with so few pick ups and poor bearings is a huge leap back. I'm seriously considering cancelling my P2 now and not bothering with future Hornby steam releases if this is the path they're trodding down. More of my money will be heading to Barwell and kit manufacturers.

I take it you're not called big James for nothing then

Stunning work, well done! Can't wait to see her painted.

If this delay is to add some brass bearings and proper all wheel pick up after the feedback from the Duke then I really welcome this delay! Sadly, I don't think it will be.

GE's aren't known as 'toasters' in the US for nothing!

Nope, they still look ruddy awful.

It looks like it's sporting a hitler tache as well. Bit late for movember, but these choo choos are always late to market I guess.

Now Dave if you're feeling really adventurous us Irish lads are crying out for a top of the line Metro-Vick A Class. Paddy Murphy doesnt have plans to do one so it's an open goal...

Yes!!!!!

OO Gauge Class 59 18000 CIE A & C Classes May as well dream here as in bed...

Wow, now that is interesting! They mention they're off to Crewe to check out the APT.... Well, one can dream...

Just wondering is there an alternative to cheque payments to buy this limited edition model WesternZenith? I have tried to use the contact form on the site but I cannot read the security code generator to save my life!

Decent puller all the same. Excuse the not entirely prototypical selection of wagons.

Latest batch (as per pic) is much improved over early versions. Consensus is that the windows are a tad too high up the bodyside. Looking forward to the Bachmann ones though. Two BR rakes planned at least.