Opelsi

it is probably just me and I do respect other's opinion to differ, but that motion looks dreadful to my eye. Takes me back to the Hornby-Triang models of the early 1970's which I started with! (I still have and love them but models and everything else in life is a world away now). Not over impressed to learn about the DDC socket and tender draw bar arrangements either TBH. I have Burton Agnes Hall on order though will seriously think of returning it if it arrives like this (motion). I might consider chemically blackening - or might not bother at all which would be a shame, especially given that I live not far from the real Burton Agnes Hall!

With the latest announcement of imminent releases including both another RTC Class 24/0 'Experiment' and the Class 46, I wonder if we might see the Class 46 return as RTC 'IXION' again for the next Collector's Club Model? I have already renewed my membership (excellent value) and could see this as a big carrot for others to renew/join the Bachmann Collector's Club!

I get the logic of that. I think it is only a matter of time before some company (be it Bachmann probably, or another) does the Mk2b and/or Mk2c coaches to complete the sub-classes. I would not be surprised if Bachmann did a Mk1 Bullion coach either as an interesting variation. What does however surprise me is the duplication and re-tooling of class previously done when there are things like Classes 01, 06, 74, 80. 81, 82, 83, 84 that have not been done, either to a decent standard or at all in recent times. For someone who has been in the hobby for almost half a century I realise how little I understand it's market sometimes!

Well, I did my bit and bought a full rake of the faux teak ones though was surprised that the BG was not retooled at the same time as all of the other variants.

My 86036 arrived yesterday [from Cornwall]. I will (although not pro-typical for this particular loco) be changing it to domino headcode. I would have preferred not to have the orange cantrail strip but the version Heljan are doing of that is weathered so a non-starter for me. I am sure I would not have been able to remove the weathering to leave a pristine finish and similarly don't think I could get ride of the orange cantrail stripe so will have to live with it for now and hope that at some point Heljan do a BR Blue TOPS without cantrial stripe or weathering, but with the perspex headcode panel, though appreciate that might never emerge.

Any update on how this is progressing please?

For my 321st post.................. I just tried to do the fingers trick, cannot post I may offend due to looking rude! lol Very much looking forward to Caroline when She get here, I am sure we will all be singing 'Sweet Caroline'!

We should know fairly swiftly. Anyone else with similar orders care to comment please?

I ordered a full set of of these carriages immediately they were announced. Today my chosen vendor of Widnes processed the first one R4962 FK. Hope they are working through the others as would be dreadful if I was not to get the full set! Fingers crossed all OK!

4 handles (Well there are presumable 2 on each side)!

Great news and I and likely to be in the market for one, though despite various manufacturers doing and re-doing both the Class 24 variants of 24/0 + 24/1 as well as the different Class 25 sub-classes, the missing link RTR still remains a Class 25/0 and I would really like one. Patience is a virtue!

Yes - I really appreciated you taking the time and effort to reply with an informative answer. Thank you.

Changing the CV's is the easy bit if you know what to change them too. I would be very reluctant to open up the model as at £285 and being so perfect is would be a crime to risk spoiling it. I think it is a forlorn hope that the LEDs will be dual colour and that you are right about a rewire/LED change. If it were relatively simple an exercise that someone had posted on YouTube I might think about it but I assume that it will be more in depth than that. A slight shame but nothing I cannot live with on this gorgeous model.

Only had a very quick look and left for running in on the rolling road. Front white lights I think are on all the time and white (as opposed to the white headcode lights can be switched off). The cab light is red - looks like a knocking shop! I am now wondering if there has been a mix up here? It is a fantastic model which I never thought would be available RTR. (I have a sound fitted version and run with an ESU ECoS)

Much appreciated information. I will go for the 4321-5322 conversion in due course.

Well the hoped for third piece of good news duly arrived promptly. Someone I know was told his Sister would not last 24 hours with COVID some considerable time ago. Today She is well enough to come home. Guess that trumps everything - never give up hope!

Renumbering suitability enquiry. Please could anyone advise me on the suitability of my 6336 to be renumbered as preserved 9303? I also really like the idea of getting 4321 with a view to changing that to other preserved example 5322 and wondered if that might be suitable too please? Appreciated positive comments from those with far more knowledge than I.

Mine just arrived - Chocolate Zephyr! So pleased - thank you so much KR for making this model and the others in the pipeline too. What a good day as had only just got back from my COVID inoculation! Hoping the third good thing comes too!

There again - I do have a few 'Dinosaur Diesels'

Wrong scale for me. Anyway, not my era!

Exactly the same with my Lenz Silver+ fitted to Heljan's 25252. An easy fix for me though as my ESU ECoS have an option to rectify.

86235 + 86251 I believe (had dominos). Possibly also 86243? Can anyone confirm or advance? Will defo be trying to recreate one of these in due course!

Yep - Julie called me too! I am sad to say I had originally pre-order elsewhere (Lancs) and was let down. So Derails filled the void for me with their great service (and a good natter to Dan too at the time). No prizes for guessing who is becoming my preferred supplier.

Hope the development is going well? Really excited about this still!

Hi Roy, I started spotting in July 1981 and definitely have a photo of a Class 25 at Crewe after October 1983. Possibly some time in 1984 or 1985 and possibly 25278. Photos are buried but will let you know when I dig them out! Simon