Warbonnet

I havent got any curves at all at the moment (well, apart from my backside and belly but that's a different story!) I think the overhang on the real thing means that even the most generous curves on the biggest layouts will still have it looking odd and possibly fouling stock coming the other way. I just cant say no to prototype trains from across the water though! Always thought it looked the business.

I believe it was run on such tight curves to show that it can be run on 'trainset' layouts if so desired. I know Rapido found it hard to believe that such tight radius curves were commonplace on British layouts and needed to be catered for. Can't wait to receive mine.

Was always a treat to see the collection when I visited Dave. End of an era, but onto your next project!

Agree, Blaine you could be more courteous in your posts. Thanks.

I've been telling myself it's too modern for my interests but I may find the DRS one hard to resist.

Are you trying to break the Internet???

Always important to survey these things while they still exist; as when they're gone, they're gone. A rake of them would look nice on our layouts though, wouldnt they?

You have a PM

Nice variant. Could have been a one off bought in to replace a damaged one or bolster the fleet and regauged from a British or European example?

According to the latest gauge o guild circular he's done 461, I'd say it's finished by now. I haven't been able to get to the club rooms due to work commitments but I'm hoping to return in the next few weeks.

Why would they bin 071s after spending money and time refurbishing them recently?

Superb!

Rare as rocking horse doo doo, great publications though!

Was wondering that myself. I dont think an 071 would manage that kind of weight, especially on gradients like the gullet. Maybe they could double head instead??? It might mean increased demand for 201s...

Ah now Noel, lego is the most popular it's ever been, and while I would agree that kids spend too much time infront of the telly and not enough running around outside I do think the media hype a lot of it up. I had both computer consoles (ah the SNES, them were the days) and train sets growing up. they were all played with and all still in my possession and work as well as a trusty football. I have young cousins between 6 and 13 and while they all play playstations and wii's all the boys play with hornby trainsets and they all have a shedload of lego. On top of that none of their interests are down to my influence. Plenty of kids still play with traditional toys, you only have to look in the like of toymaster for that. Train sets were the buzz toy of one generation and while the next generation moved onto something else they are still a part of most toy boxes today and plenty of lego bricks are the scourge of a parents foot across the land. I think one of Hornby's many problems (and I feel it's many) is the current prices. A new hornby class 60 is 220 notes in Marks without DCC sound. I really want one in the subsector livery but I just cant justify paying that amount at the moment as I have other financial priorities. If it was a niche model like the Murphy's stuff I could probably talk myself round, but not at the volume Hornby produce. I was buying them for €110 with three wagons thrown in not that long ago.

Evening everyone. Selection of pics from Clondalkin/Fonthill today including; HOBs, two liners, Cork trains, 2600, Unexpected Sperry (oo er missus!) and this materials train. Thank you to the usual suspects for the tip off (ye know who you are!) and thanks to all the drivers who gave a wee wave, great to see so many friendly staff members! click on the pic below to see them all. 086 Portlaoise Dublin Materials Train by franburke, on Flickr

Half mind to buy that downton set and stick it away for 40 years sealed. So bad it's collectable.

Yeah it's appalling. There seemed to be a shortage of Thomas items for a good while as licensing was up for negotiations which has always been a good money spinner along with Harry Potter. Hornby since secured it but looks like the items only from China after Christmas! Me and the other IRM crew must need our heads testing going into this industry! Hornby were in a very healthy position in the middle of the last decade. Looks like a lot has gone wrong in recent times.