GMD

Just had an email drop from Hornby PR, and it does say that certain exclusions apply to the discount. Could it be that whatever @Lyndon68 wants is somehow excluded?

Be interesting to know what 50s have you all got ordered? I've gone with the BR Blue with sound, Leviathan.

Welcome to May everyone... Just waiting now for these Class 50s to arrive in just over a fortnight! Oh, and the 21T wagons by the month's end too if the source code is correct... 🥳🥳

That's a good point @Kenneth-365689. Next up is certainly their signals. What comes after that is less clear. I do know that they were pleased with the sales of their wagons, so I would hope they are investing further in TT. However being all-british based for manufacturing means they are not always able to be speedy in terms of production.

I think the 66 was delayed largely because they gave its slots away to the second batch of Easterner and Scotsman sets. It certainly seems to have benefitted from the upgrades that are coming on stream, compared to the first locos, and yes, for those who were prudent enough to get in with quicks orders - an absolute steal!

Keep ‘em coming Tim. Look great!

@Bulleidboy - Spot on - many thanks - however being a goof myself what I meant to ask was if anyone knew what exact stay alive it was? Sorry for my blunder wasting your time.

Excellent @moawkwrd Already like the sense of vertical scale. So often we forget just how tall real life is!

I noticed this too - and was intrigued. However do note that Sam appears to be using the decoder in DCC mode, not Bluetooth mode, so the longevity of the stay alive is likely improved by that. Nonetheless quite interesting to note. Does anyone know exactly which decoder he was using? I felt that was the best Sam's episode in a while actually. Enjoyed it.

Now you've gotten me thoroughly muddled @Baz657! You win comment of the week!

I’m increasingly loving the simplicity and yet effectiveness of this scenic solution. Avoids the sense of a tail-chaser without sacrificing the benefits of it.

@That Model Railway Guy Totally agree. That's the best way - a sense that absolutely folk can disagree - but no mean-spirited personal attacks. Even bad language etc is n issue, as we hopefully have a hobby that can and does appeal to younger folks, and we want them to be able to watch and interact without any unease or exposure to crude language.

That’s an excellent start Marc. No need at all to be apologetic of the running of that. My own modules are grand on their own but don’t line up well at all which is making me wish I’d kept it simple too! As for the electrification of points etc, it’s a skill you always add in when you’re ready. With what you have it’s easy enough to reach and switch manually. And well done too for making the conscious decision to keep the railway ‘real world’ rather than being lured into a touch screen interface. HM7k is great but it’s not for everyone. Keep at it!

We feel your pain @Chris98! If the order was made with a credit card payment you may be able to reverse it. Small companies are often struggling to keep up with demand and if so communication is commonly the first thing to fall by the wayside. Had a similar issue a few months back with Modelux. Their models are genuinely pretty good though, even if Comms left something to be desired.

I agree Colin. I found it one of the most interesting in a while, and worthwhile test. I also rather regret starting this thread! But as with so many things hindsight is 20/20! Sam has huge potential for good in the hobby, and often his stuff actually very valid, just somewhat frustrating when things get out of proportion, which often seems directed at Hornby! Mods, if you think this thread has run its course and would be better locked, that’s fine by me.

Amazing the difference even that small step makes to the overall impression. Thanks for the update

@happy tt Just as @96RAF says - no need to assume others have any more importance. I totally understand your intention to show respect to those who are longer-time users of the forum, but whilst that civility is appreciated, in this case it is not necessary.

Thanks RAF - I think I understand that, and if I follow your meaning correctly that is not what I am envisaging. I like the tactile feel of a physical controller - either a slider or a turn-knob. When you do that on any current DCC-compliant controller it creates a signal, which signal is then transmitted through two wires, then on to the track and through this to the decoder, and the addressed loco responds accordingly. What I would love to see is some adapter that tricks the DCC controller into thinking its the track, when in reality it is intercepting the signal, recoding it as an equivalent HM7k-compliant instruction, which is then sent over bluetooth to the HM7k decoder in the loco. That may be impossible to achieve - or (more likely!!) impossible to decipher my logic - but allow me to dream!

Thanks to all who have watched and commented - it's great to have your support. Thoughts and ideas for what's next (apart from the obvious interview @Postman On The Rails!!) are welcome.

Yes, but still keeping the benefit of bluetooth connectivity, which I feel offers a more reliable connection and data stream than rails with their inevitable weak points. It may be niche but a lad can dream!

What I've been hoping for is a second style of dongle - but one that acts in reverse - ie from an existing DCC controller - via bluetooth - to the HM7k chip. Something that simply attached to the track output of a dcc controller - and converts the dcc signal into a bluetooth signal, so there is no need for a direct-to-track connection. Of Course it would mean a separate DC adapter to power the track. Maybe this has come up before, and so apologies if I have missed it.

Many thanks @Postman On The Rails - and appreciate you taking time to comment on YT too.

@That Model Railway Guy Great to have your input on this thread. A number of us have been watching your stuff for some time. And being the amazingly-patient chaps that we are, we're not at all bitter or twisted that the stone walls are not yet out for TT120!! 😁 Seriously though totally understand that you're not a manufacturer able to churn these things out by the bucketload. I think it is great to see what can be done with just a bit of thought. And one final thought - only a very minor thing - but I think having strainer posts for your fencing at the corners would add a lovely bit of realism to the excellent overall effect.

I'm in the same boat @Postman On The Rails. For me I am keen to get the 6pin for the 08 - and won't get another 6pin until there is an HM7k option for it. Unless I get brave and try to shoehorn in an eight pin somehow...

I suspect this is mostly of interest to TT120 modellers, but there are some wider perspectives too, which I hope are relevant and of use to the wider hobby - so posting here for any interested. Interview with Simon K (and co-hosted by @Peachy ) now on YouTube at this link. Many thanks.