Angus1996

Thanks. Do you happen to know if there is an appropriate e-mail address for Union Mills? I don't live in Britain, therefore a written correspondence would be more convenient considering the time zone differences.

If anyone can clarify the present status of Union Mills I'd be grateful. The company don't appear to have any online presence or e-mail address, only a physical mailing address on the Isle of Man. Thanks in advance.

I have several Gauge 0 tinplate clockwork/three-rail electric locomotives from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. Some of these are in near-new condition, but are nevertheless starting to display a very minor presence of paint marbling. At this stage I am seriously mulling the idea of carefully coating them with a layer of clear varnish to stop the process. My question is this - Will ANY form of preventative restoration decrease the long-term value of a model? I understand the argument that doing this will decrease the value, but likewise the model will decrease in value if this deterioration is allowed to continue without any early intervention. I welcome any and all opinions on this topic.

What a wonderfull railway you have. What are the mechanisms under the bodies like?

Hullo all, I have a couple of vintage Gauge 0 three-rail coarse scale locomotives (Hornby E320 “Flying Scotsman” and a Leeds Pannier). These give me a lot of pleasure and I'm considering indulging in an ACE Trains 2-6-4 LMS Stanier Tank (specifically 2429, as the prototype appeared in the film “Brief Encounter”). Does anybody here own an ACE Trains locomotive, and are they a worthwhile purchase? I'm struggling to find anything online about the mechanisms underneath the locomotives, or any first hand knowledge about their reliability. I'd like to hear from people with first-hand experience with these locomotives before I part with any money. Thanks for any help in advance.

Thank you for sharing photos of your models. I intend to paint my finished locomotive in GWR green with "GREAT WESTERN" emblazoned in full on the side of each tank (ala Vale of Rheidol engines). Although fictional, I don't think it's unlikely or unreasonable to imagine a GWR tramway that could have existed pre or post grouping. Please may I ask, were your models glued or soldered, and would you recommend soldering as a safe option for somebody who has never soldered before? Thanks

Are we blissfully ignoring the fact that the contents of the set ARE PLASTIC!

Thanks for the reply, Peco recommend using the old Grafar 94xx chassis, and I was planning on using that. Do I need the chassis before assembling the body, or can I complete the kit and fit the chassis once acquired at a later date?

Hello all, I'm considering purchasing a Peco 00-9 locomotive kit, specifically the GVT tram. Are these kits good for beginners? Keeping in mind I've never assembled a kit before. Thanks.

Hello all, I have today purchased a South Eastern Finecast LNER W1 Class (Hush Hush) locomotive (complete and assembled, and in perfect running order) for the bargain price of FORTY POUNDS. The previous owner’s paint job however leaves a lot to be desired, so I have set out to dress it myself in original grey... …Thus my problems begin. I searched the internet for photographic sources and the differences between other models is startling. Differences to note include: Black cab roof/Grey cab roofRed buffer beam/Grey buffer beam Silver risen LNER lettering/Silver flat LNER lettering/Standard LNER lettering Top of tender black/Top of tender grey Photographic/film sources of the prototype are no help either as they are all black-and-white Given the differences between models, what is the most accurate scheme for me to follow? Welcoming all suggestions.

Hello all, I'm very curious about the upcoming Coca-Cola Christmas Train Set. Why have Hornby made a very deliberate and concerted decision to market this to "THE ADULT COLLECTOR" only, despite being a basic child-friendly entry level set? Is this at Hornby's discretion, or are there certain legal requirements that the set must adhere to?

Because I said "Mike's Models range of finescale metal kits"... not "Mike's Models the retailer". Sorry I wasn't clear enough.

I thought that was a different "Mike's Models"?

Hello all, I've recently discovered the Mike's Models range of finescale metal kits after purchasing their GWR pagoda shelter for my Truthall Halt/Helston Railway project. From the placement of the of the windows and gutter downspout to the overall dimensions this pagoda kit is a practically identical copy of the shelter at Truthall Halt, so I'm off to a good start. But it made me curious about Mike's Models. The only kits I have come across are evidently several years old and I cannot find anything online about the comapany. What happened to them?

There are three stations presently; the temporary Prospidnick Halt, Trevarno Station and Truthall Halt. The track at Prospidnick Halt is soon going to be extended backwards down the old track bed (now part of a farm) , where permission has been granted for the construction of a permanent station and base. Helston Railway has also recently obtained an original GWR Victorian footbridge from St Austell railway station which is earmarked for erection at this planned station. I am planning to model the stretch of track (as preserved) from Trevarno Station to Truthall Halt. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing the full line. The society's aim is to eventually extend over the Cober Valley Viaduct and get as close to Helston as possible, although it won't be able to go directly into Helston as areas have since been developed. If you follow the line from satalite image on Google Earth the original track path is easily visible past Truthall Halt.