Intercity125

Monty Python springs to mind here. The bit where one contestant lists his hobbies as "golf, masterb*tion, and strangling animals". I was pressurised to apply for an internal position that I did not want but did so to show willing. I was asked about my hobbies and was tempted to use the above but thought better of it...............................just in case they happened to be the interviewer's hobbies and he offered me the job......................

I must admit that I'm a little confused by the postings on here about the alleged demise of the Engine Shed. John Storey's post clearly says that it has been postponed but it will be back in the New Year with more exclusive news. This seems to be a perfectly reasonable explanation to me and I guess Hornby want to focus on the 2018 product launch, with a bigger engine shed announcement than usual in January. I find it hard to believe that people jump to various conclusions and speculation just because one issue of the engine shed has been postponed.

I thought it was a thread about discussing modifying the Triang/Hornby brick viaduct..........

Same here. The recurring words within all the tributes paid to him on the BBC from those that knew and worked with him was that he was always happy, full of life, and was the same off-screen as he was on-screen. RIP Cheggars. A much missed man.

The Post Office should check one in ten parcels at the counter. Anyone who doesn't correctly disclose what's inside their parcel should be heavily fined..................or be given a custodial sentence. That'll learn 'em. Mr Angry of Rushden

I've just spent the past minute crying with laughter. The Hillman Hunter proved to be a good money spinner for Rootes/Chrysler/Peugeot. Seems that we're hell bent on sending our cast offs to areas of the world prone to instability. Perhaps the Pacer and the Hillman Hunter have a calming effect on the population.....................

Is this Britain's way of improving relations with Iran? A brave step me thinks...........

Plenty of room in on the Indian Railbus for another 50 passengers. Probably why they haven't got any roof mounted pods on them..........

I was in court the other day. I had been driving my car a few days earlier when I accidentally ran into the back of another at a junction. The young lady immediately got out of her car, and not looking best pleased said "ram me up the rear end why don't you". And that, your honour, is where the confusion began............. :-)

Personally I think Hornby needs to look at its long term strategy and look at owning its production facilities rather than being at the mercy of subcontractors and the availability (or lack of) production slots. Giving modellers the products they want and in a reasonable timeframe will reduce the likelihood of competition/duplication by other manufacturers/retailers, help restore sales, control costs, and return Hornby to profitability. The majority shareholder will have to invest in such facilities against the background of high debt which has arisen as a result of poor decisions made in the past. The Hornby brand name is one of the most recognised brands in the UK and held in esteem by modellers and children/parents alike. It's now time for Hornby's majority shareholder to come up with a cunning plan to guarantee survival. Regards, B Aldrick

What? Make it look like DLT or Jeff Lynn?

Love the plan. I look forward to following your progress on here. I'm a great fan of micro layouts. Paul (aka Intercity125)

What an unfortunate number plate.................

I was thinking along similar lines. I already have a Bachmann 64XX which runs beautifully and may well put my planned purchase of the Hattons 14Xx on permanent hold.

Thanks Mike. Paul

What time today is the press release re: Oxford Rail's 2017 range?

I think you're right, I saw this when I went past Margate the other day............

Hi Stu, I'm not an EM modeller but do admire those that do re-gauge to EM. Was it difficult to do, bearing in mind the previous posts on here from modellers saying that there wasn't enough play in the rods/valve gear to carry out such a conversion? Regards, Paul

It would be easy for me to say "Nothing in it for me", or "My wallet is safe this year", but I'm not. There are some interesting items and there will be many modellers who will be excited by what's been announced. Personally though I'm surprised that Bachmann haven't announced a rival to Hornby's Peckett, such as an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 or similar steam industrial.

It's not often that I disagree with Chris (Dibber) but Exet1095 is right - the recent Railroad 0-4-0s like Smokey Joe, Caledonian Railway, etc from Hornby have much better running speed characteristics thanks to a new motor. I purchased a couple of Bagnall Shunters over a year ago and they run slowly and are good value. I've carried out a couple of repaints which also transform the look of the models (one black and one in drab olive) and I'd rather carry out a repaint on a £25 model than an £80 one!!!! More importantly, Hornby need to attract children to the hobby and making locos affordable with a basic but reliable mechanism is the way to go.

Huntley & Palmer livery far too nice to heavily weather in my opinion.

Thanks Bigbee. Regards, Paul

Thanks Graham. Appreciate the web link too. Regards, Paul

Thank you for your wonderful reviews of the Hornby Pecketts. Well presented, informative, and I have to agree that they should be a contender for Model of the Year. Regards, Paul aka Intercity125

Really enjoying this layout topic Graham. Just of interest, what metal folding trestles do you use to support Canute Road? Regards, Paul aka Intercity125