ConfusedRobotCat

Anyone else think it'd be pretty neat if you could get some kinda capsule (maybe 1/2 dry ice 1/2 water) you could slip into an engine's funnel to produce "smoke"? Y'know, instead of having to go all the way over to Live Steam.

So... I have a silly question that really shows my lack of knowledge when it comes to model railways... Bit of background: I have a basic loop pulled out of a beginner trainset but with a few points installed, and my locomotives always lose power going over the points. I want to perform slow shunting operations, so this is quite a problem. I've asked around, and people have recomended I install droppers to boost the power near the points. As it's an out-of-the-box trainset, there's a powertrack (R8206) and a basic analogue controller (R8250) with a DC-out wire already attached and nowhere to plug in a new one. Is it possible to connect droppers whilst relying on the powertrack + standard controller, or am I going to have to shell out on a new controller (and replacement straight)? Are there any alternatives to using droppers for this problem?

Basically, Mattel bought Thomas & Friends, got really greedy, and now Hornby can't afford to keep the license and still make a profit. Aim your complaints at Mattel.

All very good points. I would expect Pinchy to be static, and have been considering attempting a custom build using Mechano to demonstrate (if I ever find a reasonably priced second-hand Warship), but I suppose even a static edition would be more redetailing than a T&F engine has recieved before from Hornby. I guess the only way it'd ever be likely is if the economy improves and Diesel 10 gets more screentime, huh?

For nostalgia's sake, I've been looking at Thomas & Friends lately and rediscovered Diesel 10. He debuted in 'Thomas & The Magic Railroad' as essentially the first actual villain to appear in the series. As far as sentient trains in a series for small children go, he was an absolute psychopath. He was a BR Class 42 warship (which I believe Hornby have produced before) with an illegal hydraulic claw attachment (which he now gladly uses to crush other engines for scrap - psycho). At first, it seemed he would be a one-off character for 'Thomas & The Magic Railroad'. However, he made a return to the series five years later and has appeared several times since. Now, being such a... unique character in the series... Does anyone else think he should join Hornby's Thomas & Friends line? Let's add a little murderous psychotic touch to our otherwise happy and playful Thomas layouts. Needless to say, I think he's well overdue for a Hornby model. But of course, one potential customer doesn't mean much to a corporation. So who is with me? Who else wants a murderous psyhopathic sentient machine barelling down their tracks threatening to destroy the island of Sodor and every steam engine along with it?