Steven B

Dave, can you test the theory by modifying a spare class 56? Happy modelling Steven B.

Nah, just give us a 1:148 RTR one from Dapol! Happy modelling. Steven B.

It's almost a shame that it's set in the current era. Back dating it to the late 60s/early 70s would allow all the lovely new Hydraulics to be used. Just imagine a class 22 shunting the works whilst a western purrs past on a passenger train with a warship sat waiting to exit the freight only branch. I didn't know Cornwall had much in the way of an electronics manufacturing industry. I'd have thought a cider or pasty factory would have been much tastier! Happy modelling. Steven B. (edited to correct smiley)

Never mind running them on Cross Street. I think you need a new layout based on an OTP depot! Excelent work. I look forward to seeing what you do next. Happy modelling, Steven B.

The backscene and lighting made this layout stand out above just about everything else that was at the Doncaster show last weekend. The train indicator boards hung from the layout displaying loco numbers and direction is very simple and very useful. The only think I would have liked to have seen was some more train movements. The yard and branch weren't in use when I saw it on Sunday morning. Hopefully next time I see it there will be more trains shuffling backwards and forwards. Happy modelling Steven B.

Reused under a kit body perhaps? Happy modelling. Steven B.

Is 3d printing the best medium for something like the rail grinder or tamper? For complex curves like the Pendolino it has clear advantages over other methors. For something simpler like the tamper & grinder would it not be better (& less expensive!) to use the 3d printed parts for things like the roof and tamping/grinding gear and scratch build the body from plasticard? Happy modelling. Steven B,

I'm guessing that most Dapol Mk3s will end up in HST sets. If that is the case I wonder why they went for the loco hauled RFB rather than a HST TRUB or TRSB? How many RFBs were there compared to TRUB or TRSB? Happy modelling. Steven B.

And the Intercity executive TF? Happy modelling. Steven B.

The rake of TEAs should be making an appearence at our open Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. I can't guarentee the class 37 will be rostered for it - a class 60 might make an appearence instead.

The C1, C3 & UK1 codes only applies to coaching stock (and DMUs). Frieght stock uses W codes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loading_gauge#Great_Britain There are links on this site http://www.btinternet.com/~joyce.whitchurch/gauges/text.htm which show pictures giving dimensions of each of the loading gauges. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Send an email to sales@Dapol.co.uk and they'll email you a PDF of the instructin sheet (it wasn't included in my grey livery class 56). I find a lot of Dapol's foam packaging to be rather tight. A few minutes with a sharp craft knife is normally enough to make life a bit easier. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Do any of the 3D printing sites offer clear material that you could use for the windows? Happy modelling. Steven B.

The market for a Pendolino won't be satisfied by a complete kit, never mind a few Shapeways parts (how ever good they're looking). A kit for a 9 coach train is a lot of work for even the most commited kit building. I can't see more than a hand-full of people having a go. One of the good things to come of Virgin loosing the WCML franchise is that the trains will get a new livery which may increase the chances of them being produced. Happy modelling. Steven B.

TINGS imminent? Happy modelling. Steven B.

Yes, the new class 20 uses wiper pick-ups acting on the rear of the wheels. Has anyone commissioned a Ltd Ed of the class 20 yet? I'd like a pair in Hunslet Barclay grey to top and tail my Hurst Models weedkiller train. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Your mystery object is one of the cages used to wind coal tubs up and down the mine shaft - a tripple decker one in this case. Your first photo shows the gates on the top two levels. The bottom ones have probably been removed to stop people getting trapped. The second photo shows the six eye-brackets on the top where it would be attached to the main lift cable. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Are you trying to do too much with it? Perhaps the cab and footplate should be etched leaving the 3d printing to do the boiler and tank? Happy modelling. Steven B.

Diesel hauled trains require a smaller crew. If you're a preserved railway trying to make the most of the school summer holidays and are short of volunteer drivers & firemen then diesels could be the only option. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Sounds like one bogie isn't picking up current from at least one side - does the loco stall when taking the same route through the point? With four axles collecting current over several inches there's no reason why a bogie diesel should stall on insulfrog points. Happy modelling. Steven B.

Constructive critism is fine but all to often it's used as another term for a long list of nit-picking. If the critism came with suggestions for fixing it then it'd be surely be more welcome. Happy modelling. Steven B.

There's always the CJM model if you don't like the Dapol one: http://www.cjmmodels.co.uk/V2-Products/CJM_Class_56.htm Alternativly there's plenty of Farish ones knocking about. Or the old P&D Marsh kit. Or scratch build your own. I'll be happy watching the Dapol large-logo grey one haulling 39 HAAs around my layout.... Happy modelling. Steven B.

With a class of 135 locos lasting nearly forty years there's bound to be some detail errors. What was right for one loco in one year might not have been correct a year later! If the detail differences bother you then at least you'll have a much better starting point for modelling your chosen loco than you would have had if you'd started with the Farish 56. How many people grumbling about detail errors ever corrected the roof-line on the Farish model? Dapol Dave's outlined the reasons why some details are missing or wrong. Realistically, once the model is running on a layout just how many people will know that some detail is wrong unless they're an expert on that class or have a picture of the real thing. I'm not the former and I don't do the latter! Happy modelling. Steven B.

i.e. large logo grey, no red-stripe? Would be great if you could list the catalogue numbers, loco numbers & liveries of each model you're producing. If Hattons haven't got it right what chance do the rest of us have? I suppose this is one case where a catalogue would come in handy! Happy modelling. Steven B.

Mmmm, fiddle yard roads long enough for two full length HSTs. I think we're going to need some more trains! Happy modelling. Steven B.