blackmoor_vale

I would like to remind you that in two days (1 of February) the deadline for the inscription for the Rapido O gauge model of the LNER J70 will expire. Rapido Trains had extended the deadline until the end of this month. Only then, if there are enough interested parties, will the model be produced. It would be a pity if not enough potential buyers were to be found. With the "expression of interest" one does not enter into any obligations and does not have to pay anything. It is only an anticipation of demand. Here is another picture of the OO model already in production, but the loco should be familiar from Wisbech and Upwell Tramway. Further, it also ran at Great Yarmouth, Ipswich and Colchester Docks. I think the price is quite reasonable, as especially the version with open skirts is quite elaborate. The O-model should also get a factory-fitted loudspeaker even for the analogue versions, which will make retrofitting sound much easier. The address for registration is: https://rapidotrains.co.uk/lner-j70-o-gauge Best greetings, Torsten

It should also be noted that the price of £376 to £476 displayed by Rapido is the recommended retail price. Most suppliers have the usual discount of about 15 per cent. At Hattons for example the price is currently 320 pounds for the DC model and 405 GBP for the sound fitted versions. Other sellers will be in the similar regions. Greetings, Torsten

Rapido Trains has extended the deadline, the expression of interest can be sent until 1 February 2023. I have done it, ordered two locomotives. The confirmation by e-mail went smoothly, maybe the small error has been fixed in the meantime. The registration does not imply any obligation to buy or pay. see: https://rapidotrains.co.uk/lner-j70-o-gauge/ I find the price reasonable, also compared to other Dapol models. The Walscheart control is much more complex to reproduce than internal cylinders. There was also that the loco ran with cowcatcher, but without skirts. See link below, fourth picture. The locomotive will also have a built-in loudspeaker, which will make retrofitting sound much easier. The doors will be movable to open and the windows to slide. A beautiful locomotive, very suitable for a small shunting layout, perhaps with a harbour scene. So, whoever hasn't done it yet should get in touch so that the project can continue. Best greetings, Torsten https://www.gersociety.org.uk/index.php/locomotives/j-holden/c53

Hello, thanks for the interesting pictures. Behind the access ladder to the driver's cab the mesh is still missing as protection. But I think that will be added. Unfortunately the small lamps above the buffer board are not wired. That is a pity. Maybe reconsider to do it after all. But if possible, please prepare the connections (solder pads) for the front lamps and stay-alive-pack on the decoder PCB. This is not a big expenditure. The decision for the PluX22 interface pleases me and is a step in the right direction. I am very satisfied with the fact that the model drives through the Peco Setrack radius. This increases the acceptance by potential buyers considerably. Thanks for your attention, best greetings from Germany, Torsten

Hello, I have here a link to a video. Three German railway enthusiasts were in England in autumn 2019 and visited different heritage railways. The video is mostly in German, but has many sections in original language or with subtitles. The sound is breathtaking. No translation is needed for the wonderful pictures, they are international. Without exaggerating, it is one of the best films ever made on this subject. The link to the video can be shared without hesitation. Thanks for the interest, best regards Torsten

Another absolute work of art from the master of building construction! I follow the progress. It gets better and better. The choice of role models is very good. Best greetings, Torsten

Hello, I have found a manufacturer in Germany for low-relief industrial buildings. The pages are sadly only in German, but the pictures speak there own language. Maybe it´s with some interest, to have varition. http://www.spurnull-magazin.de/neuheiten/anlagenausstattung/neue-fabrikelemente-harzer-stadthaeuser/ https://www.te-miniatur-shop.de/epages/79318808.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/79318808/Categories/Gebaeude/Fabrikrelief/%22Spur%200%22 Best greetings from Germany, Torsten

I suppose the issue is the analogue (DC enabled) control. If the decoder comes fresh from the manufacturer, the DC operation is in status „enabled“. You can control this in the CV29. Explanation about the principle of CV29 you can find in this page: http://www.2mm.org.u... calculator.htm It is for 2mm, but DCC is always the the same, for N gauge, OO and even 7mm. Most manufacturers have the CV29 on „6“ as default setting. In this case the decoder interpreted any „wrong signal“ or random, unwanted voltage as DC signal - and the loco will start in full speed. Therefore, please set the CV29 to the value of „2“. The working principle of the CV29 is standardised, all DCC deocder, sound or non-sound, despite from ESU, Zimo, Lenz, Digitrax, Bachmann, Soundtraxx, TCS, Gaugemaster etc, all the same manner. Greetings, Torsten

Here a picture of the two soldering pads for speaker connection (green arrows, red circle). Which way round, is not important. Plus and minus are same. Be sure, that the speaker have the right electrical impedance, 4 ohms for ESU and 8 ohms for Zimo sound decoders. It exists some versions of the 7mm Terrier with a black printed circuit board, the pads are the same. Greetings; Torsten

Hello Steven, short question. What is the length over buffer of the Ruston 48DS model? (must searching for the right size of biscuit tin) Best greetings from Germany, Torsten

Thanks to Steve for sending the new decals to Germany. The new sheet looks quite better and easier to handle like the first one. The „Addendum“ (description) is even very helpful. Greetings Torsten

Hello Giles, I suppose the issue is the analogue (DC enabled) control. If the decoder comes fresh from the manufacturer, the DC operation is in status „enabled“. You can control this in the CV29. Explanation about the principle of CV29 you can find in this page: http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm It is for 2mm, but DCC is always the the same, for N gauge, OO and even 7mm. Most manufacturers have the CV29 on „6“ as default setting. In this case the decoder interpreted any „wrong signal“ or random, unwanted voltage as DC signal - and the loco will start in full speed. Therefore, please set the CV29 to the value of „2“. The working principle of the CV29 is standardised, all DCC deocder, sound or non-sound, despite from ESU, Zimo, Lenz, Digitrax, Bachmann, Soundtraxx, TCS, Gaugemaster etc, all the same manner. And additional, some extra precautions. Create a mechanical stop (maybe soft rubber foam) on both ends of the programming track, similar to a buffer stop. Always only one loco on the track during the programming. And, if you set the loco on the track or lift off the loco, switch off the controller, no voltage and signals during handling is better. 97 percent of „unwanted moves“ are causing by „enabled DC operation“, two percent are both locos have the same addresses, and one percent a faulty decoder. Excuse for my crude English, but I am native german. Best greetings Torsten

Hello, I have the same opinion. The speaker should be in the loco close to the cylinder/chimney area, not in the tender. Maybe it is possible to change the specification. In total, the choice of this prototypes for O gauge models is very wise from Hattons. It will be a success. Best greetings from Germany Torsten

A un-painted version is even my wish. I would like to create this version: Here in Germany we have a small, but steadly growing community of British 7 mm modellers. At least three Terriers are now in Germany, and we hope the best for the future. Best greetings Torsten

Hello all, I´m from Germany, and some Germans even have british model railways. Here my last conversion, Bachmann LMS Patriot with Howes sound. Best greetings Torsten http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVaQda1-wAo&feature=channel&list=UL