SMR248

I have a N scale Lifelike American 0-8-0 steam loco which came with both types of wheel (this is not tender drive).

@Rallymatt mine was very chunky (compared to the picture on the box), poorly assembled and poorly painted. I wish i'd just bought the cheapo 3d printed version on ebay... I guess it is fairly robust though. First time I've bought Tt120 from a retailer hence reference to the picture on the box.

The bungalow looks to be very strangely proportioned and the roof tiles seem massive. The buildings seem rather hit and miss. Some are excellent but some aren't. Yesterday I bought the church, which is excellent and the footbridge, which most definitely isn't.

Specifically i asked about the grey one but I assume it's the case for both.

Also the grey 21t. I asked yesterday at B'ham and it appears that's because they've been put back to 2025 (they checked and they're still on the list).

The 2024 catalogue is now on the website. At least it was a few minutes back...

@Moccasin obviously they're pricing it in accordance with what they think the market will bear. Time will tell what the market thinks. However, it will be a shame if it doesn't sell well and this is translated into "there is no demand". It would not be my first choice of 0-6-0T so I'll probably wait for now.

@Peachy you know you've made it when the boys at BRM see you as competition...

@Rallymatt We'll have to agree to disagree on that. It's ten quid more than the 66 (I do realise that the 66 will probably sell many more units). It depends how much you want a J50 and I probably want one less than you do. Comparing it to what's available in N or 00 it seems expensive to me.

Unfortunately the J50 will be the same price as the 08. £140 seems overpriced to me, even with 10% off. Of course, that doesn't mean that the price means that's what it costs to produce so perhaps either the 08 or the J50 could be suitable candidates for a set?

Yes, I watched the video as well (well worth watching). Carl was very honest (probably got a kicking from his boss later) and said words to the effect that it was a manufacturing fault (or, if you prefer, the design tolerances are too tight to allow for the manufacturing tolerances). What I took away from this is that Hornby don't have much control over the quality of the products coming from "their" factory in China (not exactly a surprise). I'd contrast this with Rapido (also not perfect) who seem to make a point of showing images of the production in "their" factory. I hope they fix it before I get mine. If not I'll be sending it back.

Do the magazines reveal where they get their samples from? I assume that in most cases they get their samples directly from the manufacturer. Furthermore, I assume that the manufacturer is normally very careful to check the model before sending it. I'm more inclined to believe S## than the magazines, who now are extremely reluctant to say anything remotely negative. In the past, when I bought my (00) locos from my local model shop (sadly no longer there), Bill (the owner) would always test them on his test track so I didn't have the disappointment of getting home and finding that the thing didn't work.

Perhaps the simple truth is that Hornby have a problem with quality?

I can't really see why everyone was getting so upset. He made some fair points in my opinion and nothing obviously slanderous / libellous.

I'm pleased that you've told them. I hope they sort it quickly. I should have read through the whole thread - I did read your initial comments but must have misunderstood your conclusion. They should be paying you for testing their products!

Not much "testing" then! The big difference between TT120 and 00 is that TT120 is closer to scale and the clearances are less. I'm going to wait before buying any 57' carriages. Presumably they're frantically "fettling" them in China before shipping them. Or perhaps Hornby are blissfully unaware? I wonder how/if they fixed the Mk1s?

Re bogies rubbing, I'd suggest that the relevant parameter is the distance between the centres of the two bogies. That'll mean that the angle of turn of the bogies will be bigger with the 57' compared to the 50' so, all other things being equal, the 57' will be worse...

I've just received my latest delivery from MSL. The label on the package states total value 129.77, which is the amount I paid, excluding shipping, in Euros (as stated on the invoice they emailed to me). I don't expect to pay any extra - why should I? Of course I'm always a bit nervous that something will go "wrong"... So far I've had no issues with FedEx (other than their notifications aren't very accurate).

As I understand it, if it's less than £135, then the VAT should be paid in Germany and, if more, it should be paid in the UK. Duty is something different.

Yes, I agree, they're very good. If you don't want to be stung for tax don't exceed £135 including postage. Check the govt website but I'm pretty sure that is the case.

Not quite. One is missing - the fire engine I think. I wonder why - It's a nice model, as they all are. Perhaps a bit out of place at a country station outside London? What I find impressive is that they're all a lot better compared to the slightly smaller N gauge models.

In my experience Hattons used to have better prices for secondhand than Ebay. Of course they've gone now but I'm sure that it would have taken quite a lot of money out of circulation due to people (like me) buying stuff in their sale.

Thanks, I suppose I shouldn't have made light of this situation. Perhaps not a good name for a layout? Just glad I don't live in the village of that name!

I'd assumed it was a place name or an engineering term. If it got through the profanity filter it must be ok?

End of the month - he needs the money. One up from begging in the street whilst dressed as Mr Blobby