Garfield

True, gearing is a major factor, too. Alterations to the 071s gearing could be done at the same time as an engine replacement. Looking at what EMD are doing with SD40-2 rebuilds in North America (SD30C-ECO), the 071s could be fitted with engines from the 12-710 family, which would also increase their horsepower rating.

Looks similar to the Susu motors mentioned earlier in the thread... PS: Welcome aboard, Grandad!

I'll send you a PM in a bit, JB...

A very handy book to have. Just a note, JB... that's the 1987 edition rather than the 1979 one.

Hmm, done. But now that I'm looking closer at some of the discussion, I'm not sure it was the right thing to do.

There's a proposal to re-engine both the 071s and the 201s, which could theoretically boost their power ratings.

Impressive! I've been in nightclubs with less lights.

Yeeeeah, that's not what we're discussing right now, though. We're on that point you made about 'people buying any old rubbish'. As I said, the Downtown set is proof that they don't, and then you pointed to the Bachmann 'Irish Railway' to try and prove that they do, when that set clearly isn't "any old rubbish" but a decent representation of what it says on the box (and useful for serious modellers as well as casual buyers - more than a few of those sets have winged their way east across the Atlantic). The set is an Irish equivalent to, say, Hornby's 'Eastern Valleys Express' or 'Flying Scotsman' sets. Because people won't buy any old rubbish, right?

The penny still hasn't dropped, I see. And do try harder to be civilised.

Right. The set with a fairly accurate Irish locomotive and passable Irish coaches...

Hi Joe, modern lines are yellow but in the past there was a white line painted right on the platform edge.

Actually, the Downton set proves that they won't.

You've been hanging around Wrenneire too long, Fran...

That set is clearly marketed at young boys with an interest in playing with toy soldiers. The Downton set isn't.

Good question. I can't see who would've wanted to buy one. I'm not aware of a market for Downton collectibles, and as a show aimed at adults the set was never going to find appeal with children, while it wouldn't float the boat of anyone half-serious about railway modelling. It's one hell of a marketing blunder.

Don't panic... James May is on the case: https://www.newstalk.com/reader/47.301/65257/0/

I think the problem lies more in this area, rather than the 'End of Days' scenario being suggested about the hobby in general. Other manufacturers have adapted with the market and are fairing well, while Hornby have struggled. Also, I don't think this latest financial report would have been unexpected after the supply issues and computer problems the company had last year.

Nice one, Brian! Looking forward to seeing this progress.

I've just been looking through the photos Wrenneire linked to here: http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/3454-Bits-on-Flickr?p=85089#post85089 Among them is this nice shot of a Bulleid-bodied AEC unit at Bantry in 1960: Bantry station, with passenger and freight trains. 15.9.60 by Roger Joanes, on Flickr

None yet, Railer. We had hoped to get confirmation of a slot before the factory stopped work to celebrate Chinese New Year but we were unable to. CNY was on Monday, so hopefully the factory workers will be back in the next few days and we'll get an update then.

Ah here, JB... some people posted pics here previously of grey 121s without the lining and you insisted the lining was there and just hard to see.

The locomotive equivalent of this:

We have a shipment coming in from Columbia, which will be available to purchase separately. It's hard to source, though, so it won't be cheap...

Note that he's working in N gauge...

Well, here's a little something to tease you all with. Please remember it's a work in progress... Posted especially for Captain Buzzkill here...