Warbonnet

Privatization has been good for the UK when it comes to Rail Freight, there is no doubt about that. However, the passenger side is a mess. The subsidies paid out to operators by the British Government costs more now than BR ever did. It's also horrendously expensive to travel by rail. Privatization is inevitable in Ireland, I just hope we learn from mistakes made elsewhere.

Because there is no need to use heavier grade track which is more expensive.

If scale length/width is an option then count me in.

They should really rename Scotsman 'Trigger's Broom'...

Yep, it's either Birmingham New Street in P4 or Liverpool Lime Street (also in P4, or possibly EM) Two cracking layouts featuring hand built track.

I think I'd rather pay for a top quality RTR loco with a finish akin to one from the MM stable than something 3D printed with the finish of an egg carton. MM will do the 121s once money from previously released models has been recouped. Then it's a matter of giving China the go-ahead. It's his principle that has got him this far in his business and I'm sure that's what he'll stick to. I also dont think that a run of circa 500 locos is a 'big run'. Pretty much all previous locos done to this volume (or 252 when it comes to ltd edition 071s) have sold out.

So, you're relying on hearsay when it comes to PM knowing about the issue. I think if anyone wants the situation rectified they'd be better off contacting MM directly rather than moaning time and again on 3rd party forums and going over old ground. People power after all. Maybe PM isnt aware of the extent of the dissatisfaction among his customer base as they havent contacted him directly. Or is there a case that some people love having something to moan about and score cheap points with? I think he has handled the situation poorly (my own professional opinion, as I work in such an area.) but then again, has his client base also handled their end badly by not communicating their unhappiness directly to the man himself through his own official website and instead post on here and hope he might read it? Just a thought.

Happy to help!

It's super! Lovely runner and hauler, nice paint finish and decent level of detail. I love mine.

Maybe you should email him directly to discuss your displeasure about the Super Trains Mark IIs.

A fountain of invaluable advice as per usual Noel! Don't know why I didn't think of that myself in my previous post.

Hattons postage on track is actually very reasonable so worth giving them a shout first.

10 kits were made and Belfast Model Shop had one made up as a 111. We had a chat down the MRSI during the week and reckon he'd sell another 10 to our membership alone but apparently will not be producing any more.

Would also be interested in a kit, especially since I had my hands on a very rare O gauge 071 kit on Wednesday night and would dearly kill for one! Know a few others who would be potentially interested if it was up to scratch too...

I'd imagine it will be needed due to weight restrictions on 201s. I'm sure they'll want 216 as flexible as possible and fit TPWS.

It looks like a 111 will be hired for parts of the Northern tour though which is good news!

Pic of 8113 going into grand Hibernian livery doing the rounds. Looks similar to the Northern Belle livery on the 57s across the water. Genuine does anyone know? Edit; tis a photoshop. Ah well.

Nope! I warned you all at the start of the thread, don't come crying to me now if you're faced with a lock of the bank account and a weekend sleeping on the sofa

Quite like the seats on the ICRs, nice and comfy and line up with the windows. Engine noise isn't too bad considering it's a DMU. Streets ahead of a voyager for instance. The line to Wexford is a joke speed wise mind you.

Yes please!

It's up to the person how he/she spends their money. If they didn't have it they wouldn't spend it. There are more expensive hobbies out there, classic car restoration for example. You can have fun with a set for 60 quid if that's all you can do. I do feel a tad uncomfortable about the topic as how people spend their money to acquire their collections is ultimately their business and may not want attention drawn to it. However, I'll leave it open for now if the discussion takes a sensible route. I certainly don't want to think about what I've spent over the years personally!

Works for me...

Great edition as always. Really enjoyed the GNRI VS conversion from a Hornby Schools by Colm Flanagan. This GNRI steam is really starting to appeal..... Maybe when the soldering skills become more refined I'll be plumping for the SSM kit.

Some nice Irish steam from this pic onwards

Their Northern Belle and their VOSE are umber and cream a la traditional Pullman trains. Their Royal Scotsman is maroon.