Ian Fisher

Other than an a advance (fingers crossed) in shape of the forthcoming models. The original 2d models were /are good but just fail on a few minor details. The windows are just not quite the right shape and the tumblehome just needs a little more of a curve to it that can be corrected if thats your bent, as can the window frames with products from Southern Pride a vinyl sticker or Extreme Etchings steel window frames. Its your railway run what you like..just dont mix the eth indexes! Ian

And what off the very basic repair with gaffer tape on the roof end above the cab windows? Just what does gaffer tape scale out at 76 times smaller. What a bodge on the prototype! My 9714 is shaping. Ian

Yes! If you want a 2d that will match other models. I hope Bachmann get the character spot on, the Airfix, GMR, Mainline, Dapol and now finally Hornby 2d's are not too bad a model, just lacking in tumblehome and accurate window shape. For their longevity its still not that bad a model, but an upto date 2f mmmmmm just what is needed Ian

2f's would be more likely to have been used...biggest build of aircons. Ian

I thought accessory decoders were cheaper? Ian

Hattons playing safe...and why not! I thought they maybe commanding a higher sum..so I wonder does that come with accessory decoder too? Ian

Not at all Flood! 1800 would fit well with a APT too of course. Id say there history is more interesting involved than complex though! Looking forward to Bachhy's 2f's with the hope over the coming years of lots of colours and who knows maybe we may see other BR built stock filling all the gaps...can only dream. Ian

Harris mark2 book page 125 has a pic of rmbt ex tsot 6661 (6611) intercity buffet branding dated as being converted April 86, it states Ilford EMUD carried out several conversions for intercity during this period. It seems the original tsot conversion was budgeted for £4000 per vehicle. I know Rfb were a different breed! Ian

I did try to edit my post.. but I couldn't for some reason save the changes... Tsot's would seem to have been finnished by Ilford with br intercity buffet branding but yes the Rfb's seem to be swallow! Ian

The original idea to reuse 2f's and other air con stock came with the realisation with the HST fleet coming online just years after the mark 2 aircons had been built in 1979 50 plus were known to be "surplus" The main thrust began in 1987 with the rest being complete by early 90's, ten years after the scheme to recycle thrm into catering vehicles. I would think most would have been painted in intercity with swallow branding coming later. Ian

One vent over the near the plated over door 11 rib sections down? I would say and the two above the passenger door Is this based at Derby? If so I might take a drive down the A38 and see how close you can get to grab some images.. Ian

I would love a good shot of 9714 roof and those new vents for the generator. Has 9714 got any fuel tanks under it if you know Mick? Back to raid ebay to for more bso's Ian

Got it! The difference that is...few vents gone awol but so too has three foot of an opening aperture.... Nice...subtle I want one! As for roof panels AFAIK 2d 2e have the airfix size 2f's are bigger, Southern Pride do lovely affordable etches of em. Ian

Hi Nigel, Your question can be answered in post one of this thread. Ian

Steve, Not sure at all why you think Southern Pride's trading policy is a reason why it would put you off? It is one fella (I think) what level of service do you think you deserve? There are traders who promise items for years SP just gets his head down and produces items of value to me and seemingly at least ten others... Shame their perfectly good service via mail order isn't good enough for you. Bought off SP at Worcester the very good show that used to be in Kidderminster...normally there Ian

A good company, who have invested a lot into our shared hobby. I'd get a cheque from the bank, or a postal order is still available, Southern Pride like a lot of the creative lifeblood of our hobby aren't a huge commercial beast. Like most items made by cottage industry the manufacturer is the sole seller. Ian

Lima CCT needs new w irons as those moulded are accurate in what should be there but not necessarily the right size! ABS used to do a fine Whitemetal replacement, which I would assume is still current. Some floor chopping will be required to fit 14mm wheels, the model has always been fitted with 12mm or less. New buffers would also be welcome. The body for its age holds up well, the roof can benefit from new vents again available from a few sources. Can't recall if CCT should have window frames or not? Abs also do some nice wma battery boxes and other gubbins. Ian