tomstaf

Whoops. I follow now. Hopefully my clarification will also answer Matabiau's qu. Regards Tom

It was undefined in the reply hence why I said watch this space. Hornby chose not to be too committal, I presume so they're not held to it. I thought it may be helpful for people on here to know that Hornby acknowledge that there are issues with the VEP and are looking into it as they've said. As I said in the opening to my post, that is surely a positive step. I hope that helps Mod6? Tom

Hello all, This sheds some positive light. I contacted Hornby last week via their website. The essence of my email reflects the issues discussed here so I shall no repeat them. I ended with: 'Please confirm if Hornby will attempt to remedy the design, production and quality control issues with an updated model.' I received an encouraging reply from the customer care team today stating: 'Your comments have been given to the Engineering Department whom will be rectifying certain aspects of the model. Kind Regards' Note that 'certain aspects' was not defined but suffice to say, watch this space. Regards Tom

Brian, Looking very nice. If you want a stop gap to the flywheel being on show, get the Birchwood-Casey out. I've applied it to my 33 flywheels to good effect. Cheers Tom

Simon, I think it's great that you're writing to them with criticisms and suggestions, but a few pointers. It's too wordy still which really detracts from the true point you're making. Remember that it may not be read by a specialist, particularly to start with. You really need to make the points shine out. For example, you say: "I write to you with regards a current product of yours, the Hornby 4VEP (the R number is R2947)." This is your opening which really needs to set the tone. So how about: "I purchased your new product R2947 which disappointingly has a number of significant design and quality control deficiencies." This identifies what you have bought, your opinion, and a summary of the faults. Using terminology that a manufacturer uses regularly will instantly register with the potentially non-specialsit reader. Then maybe set out the points numerically. It makes it easier for Hornby to refer back and find specific points you've made. This will also make it more persuasive and less descriptive. I hope that helps. Tom

Looking better indeed. Hopefully you'll also correct that orange cantrail line which should of course be NSE red. Tom

Well that does improve it significantly. I think if we get Mr. Extreme Etchings along to sort out window frames and replacement cab glazing, it'll be a fiddly, expensive job - but one that will make it truly look like a VEP :-) Can you commission a Connex South Central liveried on please Mr Trains4U? Cheers Tom

Hi Brian, It's looking very nice indeed . I think the JLTRT ETH cables are great. Perhaps a purchase form Laurie... Tom

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Part 2...

Matt kindly arranged a trip for reference phots. Here are a selection of 47105. My general photting methodology is a quite shot of the overall part I'm measuring, then a close up of the actual measurement. Hope they're helpful MORE TO FOLLOW SOON. Cheers Tom

Hi Matt, Some really useful shots there. Any chance of some more of the horn box on the cab roof, with a tape measure in shot too if poss? Thanks Tom

Hi Nile, I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Vallejo70.344. I'd be interested to know whether you found any Vallejo paint references for the executive dark grey, and the red (for the stripe)? Cheers Thomas

Well it seems like a lot of people want single ones, me included. So the simple solution which I'm planning on is: buy a twin pack having formed a contract with someone else who wants the other... I want 33046 in dutch, so who wants bean can 047... Or as has been suggested, await eBay/RMWebmarketplace etc options. Regards Tom

Hi Richard, having spoke with JLTRT earlier this week, all 33 variants are due out in the couple of months. Cheers Thomas

Brian, The 33 is rather tasty. Mine arrived today and I keep drooling over it. I'm impressed with the etched grills too. However, it does need the changes you've mentioned. Have you thought about filing back the joint lines on the roof too? Cheers Thomas P.S. Never mind 40s, peaks etc, How about a 33/2 and 33/1

John, Very tasty repaints. Have you considered the extra few £s for the new Shawplan MK2 (tinted) & Vi 47 glazing, I think it'd really enhance your efforts. Thomas