duff man

Rodger. Just wanted to say how wonderful it was to see Grantham in the flesh today. I have watched its development on the web since your first post. You and your team are creating something special here which can only be appreciated when you stand lineside and watch it perform. Well done. Craig.

Very nice modelling, would be great to see an update?. Craig.

thanks for your post. As a newbie to the continental sceine I found your article very interesting both from the prototype and model viewpoints. I just love the quality items the continental model trade deliver. Craig.

It would have to be Bachmann's workshop, it carn't be Hornby's there arn't enough spokes on them bogie wheels. Craig.

Hi Ian, Thanks for your comments. I have to say no I haven't seen the star run. I am quite shure its performance is exellent eaqual to the other Hornby items mentioned which I do have. I first saw the star last summer on Hornby's display stand at Burton on Trent and was disapointed to note all of its short commings as documented by others since its release. As my previous posts are already on record in the Star thread I will leave the matter here. Craig.

I will be watching with interest, if the Hornby Hall is anything like the Star or the 42,52xx I will keep well away. I to think the Grange was brilliant as was the 28xx and Castle, however I was dissapointed with the 42xx and didnt touch the Star thank god. As for Bachmann I have to say yes to their's if they produce A GWR version. I have just recieved a Dukedog and a small 45xx tank love them both. Craig.

well guys. I didn't pre order this one and now I am very glad I didn't. I was very happy with the Grange,28xx and the Castle. Then I got derailed by the 42xx etc and waited for the Star with bated breth. I wanted this loco to follow on in terms of quality, clearly this is as seen by us all not the case. I made my thoughts on the subject known back in the summer, then it was just moulded handrails, now we have a few more issues to take on board. What I find interesting is the fact that so many are saying they will buy this model because its the only game in town even though its got so many faults, at £100 plus as well. I would go on to question why steam allowed Hornby to make a pigs ear of this when again so many have stated they are buying one to support steam?. Did anyone at steam actualy see a model before it went to full production?. If so have Hornby delivered a lower spec item?. One or the other has made a mistake. For me, I am disapointed that Hornby feel they know what I as a customer want. They have lost the plot on this if not several new models.

Number of hand rails is 4. I don't have a problem with broken handrails on my Bachmann city, which basically has the same cab.The point I am trying to get at is why have Hornby taken this backward step. My pre order was based on the asumtion this model would follow on from the Castle,Grange,and 28xx, in terms of quality and fidelity.It clearly dosn't come up to the previous items. The Grange is now about 6 years old. I would like to see Hornby build on the quality not turn the clock back after delivering sutch goodies. Finally yes 4 small hand rails matter. Craig.

Further to my post yesterday, I have today cancelled my star order, having seen a display model/sample on Hornby"s stand at DEMU and feeling disapointed at what I saw feel this is the only opption for me. I still think the Grange is the GWR benchmark from Hornby. The Castle is a nice model to, why could't the Star at least come up to the same level. These hand rails are very noticeable and for me not a easy Item to correct without damage to the paint. I would be happy to find the extra cash and have the model spot on, Most of my continental loco's cost above £175.00 and thats without sound, no silly cost cutting there for the continental market. This inconsistancy is a strange way forward, I love my Hawksworth stock and pullman cars equal to any continental item and then we go back to the 42/72xx and now the Star. In my view Hornby have taken there product down market. Craig.

I also had a look, Bad news molded cab hand rails.

my local model shop advised my pre order for 1005 arrived. I collected it last weekend and have spent a few days geting to know its ins and out's, I have fitted the plates buffer beam details etc and given it a solid run in. My conclusion is this is one fantastic model I don't have any of the faults mentioned here on previous posts. My only issue is fitting a driver the cab interior is glued in so solid I dern't apply any more pressure, I will think on this point for a while. So to Dapol thank you for one hell of a model from a very satisfied customer. Craig.

Jon, This is just absoloute class modelling. attention to detail is remarkable.This will look a stunner when finished. Craig.

Hi All. Had a good look at ally pally yesterday. I thought It looked good. looking forward to filling a gap in my collection with this one. Craig.

Hi. What a wonderfull model. Full of good old atmospher with nice photographes. well done. Craig.

Dear Mikkel. I have just enjoyed a wonderful harlf hour reading through your Farthing blog. A fantastic atmospheric journey. Your ideas and modeling ability are inspireing. Craig.

Hi Les. I think you have made a great job of this layout. The way the back scine blends in and the way you have modeled and detailed the whole scine is wonderful. Your use of ready to run and kits is also very well done. Keep up the good work, I look forward to future posts on developments. Craig.

For me it was just a wonerful time to grow up in. Blue was the only colour I knew as a kid. I spent many happy hours with my dad spoting at Sileby on the midland main line, Peaks,47s,25s, 20s, to name a few. These memories have never left me, so blue it had to be.