Jules Hathaway

I had a reply from Hornby about the headlamps...... "We appreciate all positive and negative feedback when building future models. In answer to your headlamp query, they are detachable but only to be attempted by individuals with modelling skills as the parts are small."

Thank you to those who have replied. I am a little surprised that Hornby does not have a presence here so I take on board about contacting them direct. Hopefully once the model is finalised and ready for release there will be something said about the headlamps. If nothing by February then I will have to spear the guys on the Hornby stand at the Scottish Model Railway exhibition and get in about their box on the subject. As for Sam's Trains......I don't go there. What is the main thing that manufacturers say to avoid and not to do? Do not run your locomotive on track laid on a carpeted floor, and what does Sam do? I will post any reply I get from Hornby. Thanks

I have recently seen the sample of the new Caprotti Black Five that was shown at Warley this year. It does look a really good and I have one on pre-order as I do not have a Black Five on the board. I am pleased to see that the wheels have black tyres and not silver ones that is more common and, to me, spoils the look as the 12 inch to the foot version would not have silver tyre rims. But what does concern me are the headlamps, what on earth is going on there? OK I guess this is aimed at the DCC users and the lamps can be lit differently to represent different workings. But they are MASSIVE, way out of proportion and just do not look right. Every loco has the Royal Train headcode fitted irrespective of which lamps will be lit, that really is just wrong especially on the tender!! Will these oversize headlamps be easily removeable or will they be permanent? If they can be taken off are they lit by wire or fibre optic? What are the options with the headlamps?