irishmail

Does the OP actually do any modelling? They quite regularly put videos on youtube and facebook about this or that, and various interviews, but cant recall anything about them actually doing any modelling. At least Jenny Kirk does have a layout and does tells you about it in her videos.

That's one thing I like about the Lima models, they are easy to strip down and service. Running can be improved by adding additional pick-ups. Though basic by todays 'standards' as others have mentioned, they are sturdy and robust and you are free to add as much or little detail as you wish. Before Hatton's closed down, I used to look at the pre-owned Lima items and would occasionally buy a non runner with the intention of stripping it for spares for the rest of my Lima fleet. However, on receiving the model most times all that was required was a broken wire needing to be re-soldered and a good clean of the mechanism and wheels. In fact I tend to run my Lima stuff more than the more recent detailed models.

Some more of my Lima upgrades. This time MK1 coaches, these have had the buffers replaced with white metal ones and kadee couplings fitted in the same was as the MK2's. I have fitted a bachmann slim tension lock coupling on the ends of the rakes for coupling up to locos.

Here are the pics of some of my Lima MK2 modifications. There is a before and after image. I have also modified the end corridor and painted the end doors red. I have a rake of 5 SO's and have renumbered them, also have an FO and BFK to do.

I am currently working through my rake of Lima MK'2s , I have removed the hideous tension lock couplings and replaced them with Kadee's, this helps reduce the gap between the coaches. In fact I tend to run my lima coaches more than the Bachmann ones! Will try and post some before and after pics later.

I'm getting this too, @BosKonay, @Warbonnet, could this be an issue with the server?

Like me, often buying stuff for a future project or a "roundtuit"

Even with parcels that are supposed to be "signed for".

The TT stuff has been on offer with Rails for a while now, the EWS 37 being the most recent addition. The GW HST is a good price which I already have. .

@Warbonnet Thanks for this update Fran, Having read through you replies the picture is much clearer now.

lol, your next loco, a new tooled 0 gauge 071 class loco for only €50.00. You want wheels, oh extra €30.00, you want it to run add optional motor for €40.00, Priority delivery, add €25.00. Oh you did not have the app, so we will have to print out your order, that will be another €50.00.. you get the picture.... Thought I would post a fun comment for a change.

Pams Sams (carpet boy) trains is quite often negative about most things (not just Heljan) by all accounts. Only ever saw one of his videos and that was one too many lol...

Re Heljan models, I have a 23, 26, 33, 45, 52, 86 and a DPU. Only real issue I have with the Heljan's is that they pre fit all the buffer beam detail at the factory. Quality control wise they are no worse than Dapol, At least the DPU runs well, whereas my Dapol 121 I have had to repair the drive shafts.

That's a fair point, but surely manufactures would not be selling stock at a loss to retailers unless they want to shift some slow moving stock. Having recently done a business admin course, there is no reason why manufactures/retailers can not sell stock at much reduced prices once original cost and margins have been covered, eg, Total fixed cost, Variable cost and Units produced, then once a set amount has been sold, what ever is left can be sold at reduced cost. Obviously the profit margins will not be so great, but it clears space for new stock.

Its that fact that it been mentioned about retailers discounting, but Accurascale/IRM/Heljan are now selling items at discounted prices, my point being why can you do so but the model shop/retailers cant. I stand to be corrected, but once the retailers have the stock to sell, have the manufactures not already got the money for them ,so its up to the shops if they want to reduce or not? I have no objections to direct selling, but why not give the model shops an option to stock items as well if they wish to do so?

I think Acuura/IRM/HEL are being a bit hypocritical here, from one of their post yesterday they were criticizing retailers for selling at a discount, but they are doing it their selves now! We are often told to use our 'local' model shops or risk loosing them this going to direct sales is not going to help at all. As you say, none of the retailers were made aware of this yesterday! Maybe the announcement should have been put out next Wednesday lol... "Unfortunately this is the only way we could save Heljan as a range and brand. When there is discounting of up to 62% in places it is absolutely killing the manufacturer".

Only problem Gaugemaster wont be doing that as they are going direct sales only!. Hornby tried that initially with TT and look what happened, retailers now selling it. Accura/IRM/Hel obviously do not want to support the model shops/ retailers.

Just received this email from Gaugemaster! An Important Update Regarding Heljan at Gaugemaster As you might have already heard, Accurascale have today announced the acquisition of Heljan which was concluded last week. As there has been no communication to us from Accurascale and given that they already have their own distribution structure, we are working on the basis that we are not part of their commercial strategy moving forward. We have of course, requested some dialogue with them on the situation and if our assumption is incorrect then we will of course, communicate this to you in a timely way.

Just received this email from Gaugemaster. An Important Update Regarding Heljan at Gaugemaster As you might have already heard, Accurascale have today announced the acquisition of Heljan which was concluded last week. As there has been no communication to us from Accurascale and given that they already have their own distribution structure, we are working on the basis that we are not part of their commercial strategy moving forward. We have of course, requested some dialogue with them on the situation and if our assumption is incorrect then we will of course, communicate this to you in a timely way.

So much for supporting your 'local' model shop then!!!

When I first saw his original ad, I thought it a bit strange when he mentioned only dealing via PM and not showing any pictures or prices of items he has for sale. I hope nobody has been caught out in anyway, of if they have delt with him they have received their items.

@Warbonnet Do some in TT please Fran.

Always wanted a Scalextric set when I was young, but never had one. Still occasionally think about getting one, but I don't think SWMBO would be too impressed!!

Still currently available. Price plus postage or collection (preferred) - open to reasonable/sensible offers!!

Where in Mayo Noel?