RedRich

George I'd say that the kit is one of those that when you start to build it you don't want to stop. It really is a credit to John. Kit builders have an approach to building that is unique to each individual, and John seems to have designed it to appeal to everyone. You're doing a great job on her George and I look forward to more updates. Judging by what else is on the bench you must be up to your eyes. Rich,

Des I can imagine how much work has gone into these wagons. I have measured and photographed prototypes from top to bottom. They are a complex mix of angle and box steel. The under frames are a story in themselves. You have brought a lot of quality products to us over the last few years and these wagons could be the most important yet. I will support this latest venture as I will need fleet loads of these wagons. Off hand there are 5 different loads that I have them earmarked for, for my own geographical timeline. You have done so much for this hobby Des and thank you for continuing to build the SSM catalogue and releasing such great models. Rich,

Great work George. If I remember the Bill Bedford etches had no roof detail, only sides, steps, and 12 grilles for the generator ends. Rich,

Lovely job again Des. It looks very nice, the waiting is nearly over. Rich,

Good man Des it looks great. I can't wait to see more. Rich,

Nice one Eamonn, Rich,

It looks fantastic and compliments the rest of your fine layout, you are right to be pleased. Also huge respect to Richie for more amazing and inspiring work. Rich,

Thanks Kieran, they are a bit underscale when compared to the MIR ones, and that is assuming that the MIR ones are to scale. Nice work on the wagons BTW. Rich,

Cheers Eamonn. Rich,

Stephen has posted a video in post #2 of the Peco Smartswitches in operation and I agree, they do look good. Rich,

That get's top marks every time I see it. I am visualising a MK111 Push Pull set to that standard from D&M. Rich,

Good work Eamonn. What are the dimensions of the wagon bodies in mm. Are they prototypically correct, or are they designed specifically to fit a Dapol chassis. Rich,

They look fantastic Richie, and as Stephen has said a bargain. They are a great after sales upgrade for the models. I will order a set soon, can't wait for the website. Rich,

Plastikote Suede is another option worth considering and should be available in DIY stores. I've seen it used on a few layouts and it looks really impressive when painted. Rich,

Having looked at Stephen's pic of 217 is it just me or does the original 201 livery look more authentic colour wise on the Lima model, as opposed to the newer MM version. Rich,

That looks really well worth the effort Tom and well executed also. Rich,

I remember a similar question being asked many years ago regarding class 20's on a BR forum and someone had also asked Bachmann the same question regarding a DRS pair at Warley.. As Fran has said the answer was, it would cost as much. As far as a twin pack is concerned, I think a twin pack of 124 and 134 as they were before being withdrawn would be nice. Rich,

It has been a sad sight to see how many locos have been withdrawn in recent times, and with the stored 201's now looking like they could fall into that category it is looking like the end of an era. I can't say I could have foreseen this happening in the mid 90's to mid 2000's. Cravens, MK11's, MK111's, a huge downturn in freight. The railway certainly seems a lot less interesting to enthusiasts these day's. I find it hard to even find anything worth photographing on the rails now. Rich,

Enjoy the Birthday and the new year festivities Pat. Rich,

Happy Birthday young man, and here's to many more. Rich,

Richie that sounds exciting, I say that because I know how much you research things, and how much prototype to model accuracy you strive for. I am particularly intrigued by the ballast ploughs and MK111 push pull parts. Now if a correct chassis for the ploughs (was also adaptable for 21mm) could be produced it could open up a viable niche in the market. Utilising it for other wagons that have a 20 foot chassis would open up a big playing field. Roll on next year. Rich,

It will be in his DNA Seamus, he'll find it. Rich,

The very best of wishes to all for Christmas and the new year. Rich,

I'll echo what Eamonn has said Diarmuid and many happy returns to you. Thanks for not only joining,, but thanks for also contributing with your post. Rich,

I was taking the Christmas decorations down a couple of weeks ago and there were some Airfix MK11's that were earmarked for some surgery many years ago in the attic. I threw them down to be able to get better access to the decorations. Anyway when the deed was done I noticed that the coaches weren't there. The boy had them in the kitchen and played with them for hours, now this is a kid that you can't keep away from X Box and the Wii. Lad's I was proud of him. Playing games may give you good dexterity and eye to hand coordination but nothing beats actually doing something physical and I do hope that this will spur him into pursuing the hobby. Rich,