Blue Max

You can purchase excellent quality brass Cartazzi axleboxes from either Branchlines or Puffers, I have both types and they are both equal to or better than the Finney ones. Not that I am knocking the Finney ones as they are excellent also.

Hope to see the 4mm Finney range back in production soon with the new owner. Pen poised ready to order a V2 as soon as available.

If the kits were to be made available in 4mm I would be interested in purchasing a set of coaches. SteveT

Arthur, How are things progressing with the D20, is there the possibility of availability for Scalefour North next month? SteveT

If you check the Coffman web site you will see that they already make a clamp with the end of the aluminium angle already machined out, giving clearance in the area you would solder the internal angles of a wagon, part number AC-7-1 Combo Right Clamp refers

Read the last post from Arthur and went in to panick mode 'whats happened to the D20 and the Q7' but read earlier posts and assume these will be ahead of the E and V/09, at least I hope I have that correct?

'Bill Bedford does a basic etch for a B3/3 rebuild' But a B3/3 Looks nothing like a B3, more like a B1. Interestingly just been on PDK Models website, front page suggests a P1 Mikado loco kit is not to far away. I'd better start building that massive rake of coal wagons for it to pull. There is also an indication that the LSWR/SR G16 4.8.0.T is getting close to release. That answers one of my wishes on the last post, just want someone to take up the challenge of the C9 now? SteveT

I'd be over the moon with a P1 even though I do have the Crownline kit, but would be even more overjoyed with the LNER C9 articulated loco.

'A new kit for an LNER main line loco should shortly be arriving for assessment. Please, watch this space.' Hi Tony, this was an interesting statement that certainly set the brain working overtime. Any idea for the timescale on this, or do we just have to keep reading the updates here for the time being?

Picked up a D&S kit for a GER Bogie Restaurant coach for £31 this week, the same seller got £80 each for the other 3 diagram number bogie coaches he was selling. Consider that a bargain.

Arthur, In case you are not aware, 52F models have announced they will be producing the LNER A8 which I believe you had on your longer term list to design. Perhaps you could replace it with the F8 tank you have also referred to, a Jidenco LNER F8 tank recently sold on Ebay for over £100.00 and there were plenty of people bidding on it. I know you posted that this loco had a fairly early demise but it still seems popular. Are there any updates as to progress with the D20 and the Q7 loco's and of course the gangwayed coaches? Thanks, SteveT

Do we now have two groups looking to get an etched brass Caledonian Jumbo kit produced, there have been discussions over on Modellers United (and the S4 Society) web sites regarding Alistair Wright producing this kit, with indications that the design has been underway for quite a few months now. Or is this the same requirement, by the same group, but now switched to 52F as a manufacturer rather than Alistair Wright (ex 5522 models). Clarification would be appreciated.

The V4 sounds good to me, will put that on the wants list. And perhaps after the J10 we might see the GCR Tiny (Q4) loco, an impressive looking engine.

Mike, Couldn't agree more regarding an A7, hopefully this is one that Arthur will consider in the future. Just another one to add to his list after the Q7 that is hopefully nearing completion for launch and of course the Atlanic he has recently indicated. SteveT

Thanks for the picture ROBMCG, just looked odd without any roof ventilator hatch covers but looks as if all the models are like this? My faults are - Front water tank filler loose Chimey not glued on square, actually looks as if smokebox top melted as chimney is sunk into top of smokebox barrel Cables under boiler actually dragging on track Distorted rear footplate Broken/loose front right valve gear Four corner footsteps actually glued in place facing inwards towards chassis Wiper contacts not touching wheels Distorted coal bunker cover Broken pipe under boiler hanging down to track level Plus a few other issues. This really destroys the pleasure in the purchase of what is a signifiant investment.

Just received and checked my Garret, so far 7 faults found to report to Hattons for replacement. Also can anyone confirm if the cab rooves are supposed to have the two large ventilator openings permanently open, with no sliding vent covers to close these off? A picture of a roof from someone elses model would be appreciated. Thanks, SteveT

Went to Doncaster exhibition on Saturday and was highly impressed with Sutterton in the GNR period.