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That's what I pre-ordered, erm, from another manufacturer ... Looking forward to it - due December this year. I've already got a Hornby super detail class 60, which let's be fair, is a pretty amazing model, so the newcomer has quite a hard task to perform ... Al.

I've been nearly getting one for 3 years, but finally bit the bullet, and what a beauty as well. I've got one of those 'use your holidays or lose them' end of year (we're on end of March to end of March now) long weekends, so I'll probably disconnect the tender and paint up the cab as well. Loco's more than heavy enough, but the tender's really light, so I'll be loading that up where I can. So far very happy with both of them. Let's hope the 52's PCB doesn't go fizz like my last Dapol 52!! Al.

Just received 2 little beauties - one a fair bit older than the other. Both appear to be fully operational - we'll see tonight!! The N-Class was 'bought for a song' but doesn't have any detailing - brake rigging on Ebay is £15!! Straight from Bachmann it's £2 / item + P&P - slight difference. Front steps could be an issue, but I have quite a few others which might do, that is assuming it can negotiate the curves with them on. I like to fit them, if the locomotives can still be used. If not, I'll leave them off. There's a seller on Ebay called Mr. Mike, who does have a lot of interesting 'spares' available, but his pricing leaves you seriously wondering why you really want the parts in the first place!! Al.

Multiple products - the scope is huge enough as it is with Hornby alone, but the Hornby brands included - Airfix, Scalextric - could feasibly make it more interesting? Agreed, there would be a huge implementation and learning curve, notwithstanding the skillsets, as mentioned. I was just thinking of the increasingly huge shipping costs, and risks .... these will now be a quite significant consideration. Al.

I've an older, fairly recent 'super detail' Stanier 8F 2-8-0, which looks great, but wasn't going brilliantly, but worked. 4 sanders on the base plate are there, but the 2 longer ones located in the body weren't in great condition. I removed what remained of these, drilled out the locating holes and replaced with wire I shaped into an acceptable profile - not perfect but sanders replaced. Now the chassis. 12-15 months ago I thought I'd try some silicone R/C car shock oil to lubricate, bushings, etc., but since found out it's way too viscous - motor removed, the wheels wouldn't turn properly when the chassis was pushed. Copious amounts of contact cleaner, dried, then light-oil-lubricated later, the motor a little as well, all replaced, and all is superb. I'd even ordered a replacement motor thinking this was the issue, but it'll be a 'standby' for now - same as the 2x Kings I have anyway I believe so a useful backup. Nice to see the 8F on the rails again and running very well. Al.

Is it possible that diameter is before the cladding is attached - as in the overall diameter is correct? Al.

I've probably another coming in the form of an N-Class - hopefully it's as smooth-operating as that J39. Even easing out very slowly, it can do as smooth as virtually anything! Impressive. Al.

Just won a couple of locomotives I've been wanting for several years, over the weekend. One, an older Bachmann N-Class, which may well be the split chassis design, so may have a couple of surprises, hopefully not initially - the insulating plastic axle centres effectively decompose over time and these 'self-destruct, 'though the locomotives are generally excellent and can run very well. The other was a gamble. Larger, more recent and more expensive. I set a limit value - if I win, great, if not, there's always another - and I won well within budget. A Dapol Western (BR Class 52 diesel hydraulic). I've 'history' with one of these previously, when a PCB failed, factory representatives said it wasn't purchased from an authorised dealer so wasn't covered by Warranty, but fortunately the original seller - an Ebay (smaller) shop accepted a full reimbursing return. Hopefully the story will be better this time. I like 52's. This one is a Maroon version, with name/number plates of D1010 Western Campaigner, one of the preserved ones, with 'small yellow ends' as preserved. Al.

I totally agree with the thoughts and opinions of all above. We are all enthusiasts here on the forum, wanting 'the best' and it's a totally natural instinctive manner to hunt out the best price to limit the depletion of our 'hard earned'. If it looks too good to be true .... Stay prudent out there - there are plenty of trustworthy and reliable outlets. If there's a specific model, invariably most if not all come up for sale from time-to-time. Al.

Let's hope they all have the 'daisy wheel' and are synchronised properly. Excellent initiative for these majestic locomotives. Al.

Locomotive Services Group video on YT - Blue Peter is back, fully operational, in steam, and in BLUE! Looking at today's videos, Crewe must have been similar to the way it was in 1960!! Britannia, SNG and BP were all in steam! Can't be long before 2007 Prince of Wales is in steam either!! Not looking like this year as hoped. Al.

We all love a good little rant and nowhere better than an open forum with 'like-minded' other enthusiasts .... Have said that, I've been looking at 0-6-0 tender locomotives - 3 of Bachmann and an old favourite Q1 from Hornby. I've given the Q1 a little check over - seemed to only run once the tender was connected, but checking everything there were no broken wires, just a good clean and light lube required ... running well. Other 0-6-0's in my little list are a Fowler 4F and a possibly-Johnson 3F - both more recent '21-pin models', and an old J39. The J39's an old 'split chassis' locomotive but runs like an absolute dream - slow and smooth are possible, even over express points, and with very low power consumption the equivalent of modern locomotives, plus a very decent turn of speed - this one's the 'surprise' locomotive for me, particularly with the other split chassis design 'experiences' I've had over the years! What's yours? Al.

The general Hattons' website, and Hattons' themselves was superb and very helpful. I'm glad this database remains accessible and that it will be updated - strange move that it remains a Hattons' domain, unless they're expected to return .... ?? Al.

TBH, why not Rob? They'll all able to transfer the precise location of every rivet, bolt and injector now, and moulding 'technology' is better than ever - not all has to be separately fitted. My latest CavAlex class 56 has fully 'see through' roof venting which is perfectly strong enough to be handled without flexing under 'normal conditions'. Al.

I do think that the 'now substantial' transport costs are starting to affect our hobby. True, one container can house half of UK's distributors' worth of railway items, perhaps, but together with production costs combined ... We still see there's a huge amount of highly skilled manual work involved - separately fitted and painted body parts for example. Is this something a 'modern UK workforce' would welcome as a 9 to 5, 5-day week job? I suppose it pays. Perhaps there's more which could be robotised in the 'separately fitted' listings? Al.

It has been mentioned before, and refused but there's an increasing 'element' of manufacturing enterprises who are doing just that. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68500499 Perhaps our hobby is too specialised / well established in China to happen overnight? Never say never, as they say! Al.

I can imagine what some of the other model shops will have to say next time I speak to them!! That 'Hattons name' was very important during my childhood, originally being from Liverpool and having used the original Smithdown Road shop on many occasions - Dad parking opposite, then using the pedestrian crossing to cross over ... Al.

I got the Bachmann 3F ready and started her running. Don't know how familiar you all are with that 4-pin loco/tender connection - basically to permit connection to the DCC hardware. It connects well, but is a pain if you need to remove it again - which you will each time some form of servicing is required. Hornby's I find is far too fragile, but at least the finer gauge wires are flexible. This is Bachmann. At least the connector / wiring is far less fragile than Hornby's, but Bachmann prefer to have the socket further back (direct plug into the hardware), which means the thicker (than Hornby's) wires can catch - thus drag - against the wheels. Some subtle repositioning of the wires - requiring me to remove the locomotive body - now means it's running quite nicely - and it is a genuinely lovely little locomotive. I'm glad manufacturers are transitioning to a new alternative combined drawbar / connection. Loco crew are now fitted as well and she's been circulating quite a lot today.

The 3F has arrived - looks a nice little but sturdy addition to the fleet. Al.

Not familiar with the track but I suppose it depends on the age of the rolling stock / locomotives, thus how deep the wheel flange profile is relative to the track design / profile. Al.

Transfer would be by usual means then - 'HoG' ! Failing that you could say the points are in the tunnel!! Al.

Goathland Farm Halt.

Turbocharging the farm!

I suppose it depends on: Just how much space is available? What Era interests you - early, pre nationalisation, post, early diesel, contemporary / current? There's a 'healthy choice' available in 'N'. but OO scale is the most popular by number of models. Relatively new on the scene, but the restart of TT120 is in between N and OO - choice is limited, but growing. What is more important - realistic, sweeping curves and sprawling scenery, or obviously tighter curves - relatively - but locomotives / rolling stock with obviously more detail. If just starting, before you start collecting (I already had >10 before I really starting 'thinking' so didn't), have a think about DCC - digital running permits much more interesting running options. If steam, avoid sound, unless going for more expensive installations, unless poorly synchronised 'chuffs' doesn't worry you - I hate it with a passion! A few thoughts. Al.

I had mentioned I'd received a new / replacement motor for one of my 08 shunters. Motor has been installed, chassis cleaned up, and all is working perfectly! Job done. That's 4 Class 08's now! Probably about right. Al.