Steven B

It's perfectly possible to have computer control of a DC layout, so saying that you need to create a track plan on laptop for a DCC is a fallacy. Similarly there have been many systems that attempt to add sound into a DC controlled environment. All DCC has done is to make both a little easier to implement for those that choose to do so. Yes a short circuit on a DCC layout can shut down the whole layout. What makes me smile is that for every layout paralysing short circuit I've seen on a DCC layout, I've seen a many DC layouts where the operator is pushing and prodding a loco to move because he's forgotten to flick a switch, or where a "parked" loco has driven off into the buffer stops because a switch wasn't turned off, or because the loco wasn't parked 100% on a switched length of track. Regardless of the control method the human controlling the train will always make mistakes resulting in shorts or crashes. Both systems have their benefits. I feel that DC is probably better suited to a large roundy-round layout where the track is significantly longer than the trains. For something where the train density is higher (a depot based layout, or a busy terminus) DCC is probably the one to go for. Happy modelling. Steven B.

If sound can be fitted to a Farish 03 or 08 then a Pacer should be easy. The toilet cubical is the obvious place for a sugar cube speaker. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Try searching Google for the sector, loco class and "steel train". I'm guessing over the years just about every combination happened. Some examples I found: Coal sector class 60 on steel train: http://petertandy.co.uk/class60.htm Petroleum sector class 60 on steel train: http://petertandy.co.uk/60054_6V92_Defford_010708.jpg Coal sector class 31 on steel train: http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7217/7232092338_92419607ce_m.jpg Some combinations would have been more common than others. I think all 50 class 58s were allocated to Toton depot which mostly handled motive power for coal trains, so seeing a coal sector class 58 on a steel train would be uncommon. Depots with allocations of locos from several sectors (e.g. Cardiff) would be more likely to turn out a loco with a sector livery that didn't match the train it was hauling. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Most (if not all) of the HST-P/HSDT coaches still exist. Some were converted to run with the production HST, a couple joined the Royal Train whilst others went into the Derby RTC fleet and still run today in the NMT. The Mk3s that ran with the HST-P has buffers fitted and different roofs to the production HST so you'd need to do a little more work to the Hornby models even if you're not critical about the rivets! Happy modelling. Steven B.

I knew both wagon loads (paper and Aluminium) started at Fort William, what I was asking (badly worded!) was where was their destination? i.e. can I add two or three wagons to a WCML Speedlink service? Happy modelling. Steven B.

Did the paper and aluminium flows terminate at Mossend/Coatbridge or sent on elsewhere? Happy modelling. Steven B.

Apparently Dapol aren't currently planning on releasing the HST-P power cars as separate models. However, if enough people pester them then they may consider it. Personally the full train is of little interest (outside my normal modelling era), but I'd like a power car for use with my collection of Derby RTC test cars. Happy modelling. Steven B.

You'd need massive fly-overs to allow the road to cross the railway/tram at every junction. The other major issue is that the maximum gradient on motorways is somewhat steeper than than on railways. You'd probably need a rack railway to get over the high points of the M62 for example. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Surely a Bachmann model of of Talyllyn or Dolgoch would be just that, not a model of Skarloey or Rheneas. Do Bachmann stop Hornby selling 14xx, Terriers or A3s in the USA? I dread to think what would happen if Hornby released a model of a tube train - would Bachmann take them to court because it looks vaguely like something from Undergroun Ernie? Happy modelling. Steven B.

The more details there are on the CGI loco, the longer it will take to render. Reducing the detail level will mean the animation is completed quicker and is therefore less expensive. I still struggle to understand why Bachmann can't release a faceless model of this in the UK as a model of Talyllyn. They sell a pannier tank engine that's not Duck, an class 08 that's not Diesel, or an Ivatt 2MT that's not Arthur. How can HIT lay claim to the UK rights for a loco that existed long before Rev Awdry was born? Happy modelling. Steven B.

So if I lived in Germany, France or elsewhere on mainland Europe I can buy a Skarloey and have it repaired under warranty it it went wrong? Where are European anti-competition laws when you need them.... Happy modelling. Steven B.

How much of this difference in interior space is down to changes in crash protection over the last 40 years? The Grayrigg crash showed how resilient the Pendo is. I wonder how the APT-P would have fared in a similar crash. Happy modelling. Steven B.

There's the tension lock coupling? What radius curves will it negotiate? Is this intended as a display case model rather than something to run on a layout. Happy modelling. Steven B

Unfortunately Dapol had to re-run the bodies of the N Gauge class 73 in intercity as the roof was the wrong colour. The bodies from the initial faulty batch are available on their website for £5 if you look hard enough: http://Dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=729 Dapol have been plagued with livery errors in N - incorrect Intercity/Intercity 125 branding on Mk3s, changes in colour & matt/satin finish between batches and not forgetting a maroon Western with no yellow warning panels. They're not the only ones though - Bachmann/Farish delayed the release of the Duchess due to livery issues. The problem is that these models are ending up in the shops rather than Dapol going back to the factory and getting new bodies made in the correct colours. I'm sure most modellers would rather a release be delayed by a couple of months rather than being released in significantly the wrong colours Happy modelling. Steven B.

You need to work out what you want from a layout, but to know that I think you need to build something to see what you like. Start off with an Inglenook or Timesaver style shunting layout; There are plenty of ideas for small but interesting small layouts on Carendt.com. 1000's of layouts have been built without the need for track planning software or relying on the internet/Google. Get some track and a few points, also, download and print the Peco turn out plans (http://www.peco-uk.com/page.asp?id=pointplans) to allow you to play around with a few ideas to see what you think will work for you. If your interest is in steam based industrial shunting then take a look at the track plan for the Heart of Georgia Railroad. Ignore it being a plan for somewhere in America. Instead, look at the concept and think of it being based around some docks or a steel works; i.e. somewhere generating a diverse range of traffic with diverse wagons. e.g. take a loaded wagon from the exchange sidings, move it to a dock, "unload" it, then move it to another dock for "re-loading" before taking it back to the exchange sidings. Add a branch off to a fiddle yard on another level allowing the rest of the network to be represented and it should make for an interesting layout to build and operate. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Converting Rapido's CAD into something that Shapeways can use is just a case of exporting the data in the right format. The N Gauge Pendolino that Rapido are producing for Revolution Trains has been 3d printed (although not using Shapeways) prove that it's possible to get a 3d print from Rapido's CAD files. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Try disconnecting the lights. I had to send 3 models back because of faults with the circuitry inside the Dappled ST. Happy modeling. Steven B

I doubt any receive coal from the national network - as far as I know the only coal left on the national network is for power stations and steel works. Several have received ballast or other civil engineering materials (or had them removed). During the building and subsequent upgrading of the Metrolink tram between Bury and Manchester, Buckley Wells shed on the ELR was used as a staging post between the national network and the tram network with three or four EWS 08s shunting the incoming and outgoing trains. Is the ELR unique in having/had two rail links to the national network? I'm sure there was/is a rail link between Metrolink and the mainline network on the approach to Manchester Vic. Heavy rail cranes also make use of links to the national network. Happy modelling. Steven B.

A Kickstarter project worked indirectly for Revolution Train's Pendolino. Why not wait for the APT-E reviews and start a funding campaign for the APT-P? Happy modelling. Steven B

I hope the model runs better than the prototype! Comparing Dapol's original CAD images (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/59092-Dapol-20123-new-catalogue-announcements/) to the prototype, I'd guess that the windows are about 80% the height they should be. So far the message I posted via the Dapol website has gone unacknowledged. Happy modelling. Steven B.

I've been wondering what's wrong with the cab - the increased hight of the lower panel is also throwing the cab out of shape. I'm wondering if the CAD for the sides of the Class 153/156 have been copied and pasted onto the basic body shell of the Pacer. I'd much rather see a part of the mechanism than have incorrectly shaped windows. The Worsley Works etch, and the DataJammer 3d print capture the shape better: http://www.worsleyworks.co.uk/N/n_gauge_142.htm http://www.shapeways.com/product/8NW6XSW4B I've been looking forward to these since Dapol first anounced them in 2010. Looks like I may have to do without unless Dapol change it... Happy modelling. Steven B.

A little to new for my own modelling tastes but I wish the project well (especially if it shows Farish that there's a demand for them to upgrade their TEA tanker). The graphic showing which livery ran where is an inspired idea! Happy modelling. Steven B.

JB, I was going off the model photos you included in your recent posts Happy modelling. Steven B.

Looks like the new Intercity DVT still has the white stripe as wide as the red (if not wider). Compare to the prototype photo in #384 above to see what it should look like. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Photo of E96347, one of the converted horse boxes: http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=2196 The stable doors have been replaced with standard Mk1 window panels and vent fitted at the end. Happy modelling. Steven B.