Chuffing Billy

Just got a 'pre-loved' LMS Princess Marie Louise in wartime black. She looks really impressive. The model number is R2051 - does anyone know what year this model was released ? It's one one of the limited edition 'Top Link' series. Thanks in advance ! Chuffers

Thanks to everyone who has replied. At least I know it's now possible, so I'll give a go and see how I get on. Kind regards, Chuffers

Is it possible to hard wire a TTS Decoder into an old loco produced before DCC was ever thought of ? I've got a number of 'old' A4 locos and I'd like use the Hornby TTS decoder. The new locos have 8 pin sockets, which these locos don't have. Does anyone know if it's possible to hardwire them in and if so can they explain how or point me towards where it is explained ? The DCC section on this site explains how to hardwire an 8 pin chip plus lights, but not TTS. Apologies if this has already been covered on here, but having scanned through the 136 pages of postings on DCC matters, I must have missed it......... Thanks for your help, Chuffers

I've found all the items you mentioned and ordered them - thanks for the information ! Chuffers

That's looks great ! I've got one in my stash, I must look up the sources you mention and see what is still available.

There is one in the Hovercraft Museum at the the old RNAS airfield HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire. https://www.hovercraft-museum.org/collections/

I made this when it first came out, whenever that was. As I remember the fit if the skirt was dire ! But I finished it nevertheless. It must have looked awful, but to my young eyes, it was brilliant. Although, it didn't float as I remember and I never fully got the damp out of it either.............. But I do remember being disappointed that there were no passengers or crew included, especially with the clear roof that let you see inside. Happy Days !

You mention the Henry Grace a Dieu. If I remember correctly, the remains of this ship were found a few years ago by the Channel 4 Time Team, slightly up river from where the M27 crosses it, on the banks of the River Hamble in Hampshire.

Many of the sales issues stem from manufacturers not producing what the modellers want. If Airfix were to produce a list and 'ask us' - radical idea I know - but at least then they could gauge possible/probable sales. Just blindly going off and producing a new ship could be commercial suicide. Can I please put in a plug then for either 1/400 or preferably 1/200 Ark Royal lll, IV or V - or all three. Please !

I've got the Illustrious, KGV, Hood plus others in 1/400 from the Airfix/Heller range from years ago. And more recently the 1/200 Hood and Nelson from Trumpeter. But I'd love a 1/200 Ark Royal to go with them. In fact Ark Royal lll, lV or V - or even all three - in 1/200 would be wonderful ! Please Mr Airfix!

I'm sure that many years ago, Trumpeter announced they were going to produce a 1/18 kit of the Buccaneer. But it never appreared, so it might just be my fading memory. But if Airfix were to produce a 1/24 Brick, that would be great !

I love to see some more 1/24 jets. Airfix led the way in the early 1970s with the introduction of the 1/24 'Superkits' the Spitfire and the 109 - I've still got both of mine from the original releases - and then more recently they released the Mosquito and the Typhoon, both of which are in my stash. And of course not forgetting the Harrier and Sea Harrier. But I'd love to see Airfix build on these with some more classic British jets in 1/24. Given they have the cad plans for the Phantom FG1 and FGR2 either would be a good place to start. But equally, a Buccaneer, Lightning, Hunter or even a Sea Vixen in 1/24 would be just awesome ! I can but dream.............

A new set of motor bike and sidecars would be good. As would go karts and/or quad bikes, or even the pre-war Morgan 3 wheelers. We need a bit more variety, all the modern cars are fine don't get me wrong, but something besides cars would 'liven up the race track' a bit !

I love the anniversary set of the Ford GT40 in their GULF livery, but I'd love to see a comparable set of Jaguar XJ220s in their wonderful British Racing Green and Gold finish. Truly iconic British cars !

Most FAA aircraft have been released over the years, but there has never been a 1/48 AEW Gannet. There are1/72 kits available and 1/48 ASW Gannets, but the 1/48 scale version is missing. I'd be so grateful if Airfix could produce a kit to fill this gap.