muddys-blues

On 12/04/2021 at 11:06, natterjack said:

Any comments on the Dapol gangways?

 

I am looking into something similar for my somewhat modified Westdale Blue Pullman but using the gangways as magnetic coach couplings. Could the Dapol arrangement function in this manner?

 

Les

Hello @natterjack, have you ever seen or considered these Magickic coupling ? I have no connection with the supplier in the link 

https://www.magclics.co.uk/

Best regards

Craig

5 hours ago, Andrew P said:

I've still not worked out how a 7mm Mogul fits with a 4mm Class 24,

Confused of Cowplain.

Neither have I .... even more confused than you of Pwllheli 

On 26/03/2021 at 13:56, georgeT said:

 As l said 'ML' is getting bigger, as l have built an extra piece on to it, l think it will give much more variety in movements, we'll see...

Ha ha ha ha ..... you sound like that Bloke who used to live in Swadling something or other, but he 'as gorn orf back darn sarf Mate .... 

Looks great George, has me ticking in my empty head

Craig.

That is a great layout George, very impressed.

Craig

@hayfield, I say you  John you have to be commended with your communication on this thread, I'll be honest, in the couple of times I have dealt with Phil, I found him to be rather out of touch with his customer's needs, and communication skills to say the least, where I am at the point I'll try and buy C&L items second hand items, before dealing with Phil again.

Now this isn't kicking a man whilst he is down, I have said it before on forums about my experiences in dealing with Phil, but please try and get it through to him, he has a great market product here, and he should be endeavouring to satisfy his Customer base, with simple positive customer service skills, and meeting delivery targets within reasonable timescales.

If he did embrace more of the online / email ordering, he could probably spend less time, having to chat on the phone, probably it is time for him to consider employing a young enthusiastic Modeller, who could be shown the ropes, and be a positive addition to the business.

Best regards

Craig.

3 hours ago, Nick G said:

For those who don't have Facebook this is copied from the SLW Facebook page:

 

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF...

Never mind the 'hand of god' what about the 'eyes of god'? Considering we spend most of the time looking down our models from above, SLW doesn't skimp on roof detail... (Mind you, we quite like putting detail even where you can't see it!) This the central engine access panel on our new Class 25. Note the lifting points, unequal spacing of the distinctive securings and a nice panel line surround. Oh, we also decided to have some fun and add a representation of the rivet pattern echoing the structural framing underneath on our rendition of the semi-transparent fibre-glass covering. Go compare...

 

 

Wow ... for one of the best “small suppliers manufacturers” around, these models outshine those made by the big boys, who have their own pages.

Have these forthcoming releases been reviewed in BRM yet ? 
 

Craig 

Ok so SLW doesn’t have its own tab, for whatever reasons have gone on in the past between certain people.

Surely it’s up to us modellers and customers to spread the gospel, about SLW’s fantastic Rats then.

Hello Rod, those Greenwood points are an improvement on the Peco points, the timbers being in a non uniform varying length on the sweep, do give a nice pro-typical look.

Best regards

Craig.

12 hours ago, Patriot87003 said:

There’s a rat in my kitchen ....

 

... and now it’s on my layout!

 

An action shot below showing the domino marker lights (my layout is currently DC)

 

Within the box are the accessory bags with mini ploughs, plates, tension lock couplings and pipes etc.

 

My WCML layout is from around mid 1980’s to early 2000’s and during my first trip along the WCML during 1986, I can remember seeing a Class 25 at Stafford. Very pleased with the purchase so far ... very smooth runner.

Lovely looking layout Sir 

52 minutes ago, 61661 said:

Our new 25 does have etched metal grilles. Many moons ago we asked RMweb members whether they’d prefer moulded or etched grilles and although it was not unanimous, the preference was for the latter. We also showed photos of two styles of grille here and we went with the more popular option. However, I don’t disagree that they could be improved even further. 
 

Hope this helps

 

Ben 

Hello Ben, thanks for the reply, okay great to see the use of photo etched grilles, but may be an another improvement would have been to have holes behind them in the body shell, to aid the sound improvement.

Best regards

Craig 

25 minutes ago, rob D2 said:

Well, we haven’t seen it yet have we ? 

Rob,going off the Class 24 which is out, and which I have a couple of, and the pictures of the pre-production 25 samples, I would bet my weeks wages it will be on the same par as the 24.

I can’t see why Heljan couldn’t put in photo etched grilles as well, as I just see this as a release akin to the Bachmann 25 from years gone by.

That is just my humble opinion, on what I would personally buy.

I see the market place becoming crowded, and with Model Manufacturers starting to release the same models over and over, the game is being upped all the time with improvements and  finesse.

If some manufacturers think it’s okay to release slightly less detail then great, many modellers will buy them, but surely that must be reflected in the pricing ? 
 

My own personal preference, is if one manufacturer gives you more for £33 extra, I see that as money well spent.

Craig 

47 minutes ago, adb968008 said:

 

there are no under the body switches to control lights.

 

The circuit board is pretty basic.. 3 sockets each : lights, pickups and unknown spare)

I dont do DCC myself, but I dont see a specific place for a speaker mounting or wiring it to the board.

 

look at the unusual way of screw mounts... don't think I've seen it like that before.

 

motor looks like this.. same motor shaft length as the Hattons 66 motor, but a few mm thinner... gearbox- drive shafts are short, about 3cm end to end.

 

Is that what you get for a £152 DCC ready model from Heljan ? and people are niggling at a SLW at £185 for a DCC model, so for £33 more, it gets you photo etched grilles that will let the sound ooze out of the body, as well as looking so much better on the tracks.

I know where my money is being spent.

Craig.

17 minutes ago, The Ghost of IKB said:

Something thats really irritating me on the Heljan 25 thread is the relentless reference to the slw version being expensive compared to Heljan.  Even when bought at rails or hattons, the cost difference is minimal, 152 plus another 121 for sound (legomanbiffo price) meaning a price premium of 22QUID, for what already looks to be a far superior model.  (Buy at rrp and slw is the cheaper option!)Basic shape right, lighting functions, visible engine room detailing see through grille mesh and radiator detailing, cab interiors.....  295 looks like a bargain price for what youre getting!

 My own opinion, SLW all day, everyday of the week, and I think their class 24 loco & sound, is one of the best thought out projects I have ever heard .............. And I model O gauge, the clarity of the 24 sound, and how it oozes out of those etched grilles is Hi-fi fidelity in model form.

I now have 2 x 4mm 24's, hopefully being joined by  2 or 3 more, and I am now planning a few of the 25,s in the future for a Cambrian'esque layout.

These to me are the ultimate Rats.

Craig.

Rod, I’ve sent you a text and an iMessage.

best regards

Craig 

I have dug out my Easybuild Bubble kits, I am getting on with them instead .... I know people may be laughing at me, and it will probably not hold a candle against a RTR model, but I am going for some job satisfaction 

What is the room size & any track plans please Mr Fox ?

Best regards

Craig.

ooh Likey 

Interesting concept, watching with interest

Craig

@Wrenn there are plenty of "how to soldering" video lessons on youtube, have a gander at a few of them, it's not dark art, the simple tasks are a doddle, you'll feel empowered once you know how to , welcome to O gauge.

Best regards

Craig.

I bet you can't eat three Shredded Wheat ??? 

Layout coming along nicely 

Best regards

Craig.

Nice plan, should be interesting to operate, going with the theme of the year, and as it is being built at the moment:

Corona Street High Level Station

Best regards

Craig.

That Remington picture still chuckles me every time I see it  .... juvenile I know, but it's nice to have a laugh, especially with the present doom & gloom !!! 

Nadolig Llawen i bob.

Craig.

Hattons email, now due in March 21

3 hours ago, Andrew P said:

25054 prepares for a days work.

"25054 prepares for a days work"

More than what can said for that lazy so & so still lounging about on the fence !!! 

55 minutes ago, BokStein said:

Looks more like flat bottom from what I can see!

 

If you want a 20degree cant (IIRC) then look to DCC Concepts Legacy track

Are DCC concepts now in the O gauge track market ? I can only find 4mm or Tillig Ho track on their site, the OP is about Peco O gauge, so not sure if there is some confusion.

Best regards

Craig.