Gilbert

Likewise... Chris

A P22 Herring would go down very well with those of us modelling the Forest of Dean/Whitecliffe Quarry. Pity about all the Dogfish/Catfish stand-ins I've built though..... Chris

I thought the green ones at Manchester - seen in the flesh - were a bit iffy colourwise. Chris

I was about to congratulate you on a splendid wind-up...and then I checked the TV guide.. does it get any better?

Cheers Steve I read the Model Rail article after I posted and its a good one Chris

Steve You might want to get hold of a copy of current Model Rail - 4mm layout plan and article on RB Chris

Good luck with this Steve I was a "regular" at your Dad's shop (nice break from work and much missed) and I've now moved up to 7mm too with the intention of building something small and shuntable based around Gloucester - possibly dock-related. Chris

It may also be worth trying to swap the NEM pocket with one off another wagon - the fishtail mounting can be levered out with a small flat screwdriver Chris

Ian Although I too have adjusted the coupler trip pin on various errant couplers I would stress its better if possible to get the whole coupler adjusted correctly then there is a better chance of them operating properly and not coming apart from couplers that are the correct height. cheers Chris

A small thin shim of styrene strip in the NEM below the coupling may help. I think you can also "bend" the NEM mounting up a little as well. Chris

TCS MC2P worked well on mine - and it comes "wrapped" so no short or insulation issues and the wires are quite short so there is not a bundle of wiring to deal with under the hood -it does cost a bit more than the Hornby though. Chris

I think earlier in this thread there was quite a bit about trapped wires - maybe you've got a break that causes an intermittent fault

Dave Thanks - I used a TCS MC2 P-1 and lights would not function with chip fitted both ways BUT- the lights worked on DC before and after the chip was installed and subsequently removed AND the chip lighting functions performed when tested on my Decode tester - so chip was OK and no wires were broken. Bizarre. Due to a number of "issues" the loco has been changed - with no problem at all from Hattons - and I've now run it in on DC and put the wheelset the right way up - I aim to try a chip over the weekend. Chris

Did the lights work with the decoder installed? Chris

I have to confess I spent a very frustrating hour last night doing decoder and headcode things during which steps, brake rodding and sand boxes made constant bids for freedom. I have now rounded them all up and hope they are firmly attached. Chris

Try some non-invasive running in - mine improved a lot - but needed a long session on the rolling road and a slight loosening and re-fixing of bottom keeper plate. I too went through the high/low experience of "it looks great oops it runs badly". Chris

I was begining to feel left out but no - I have part 49 missing - must ring Liverpool...

I fitted a TCS MS2 plug in with the decoder fitted in the slot provided in the left side of the long bonnet casting. I think the plug needs to be reversed as I have no lights and wrong direction - 0nly problem is the short wires on the harness may not reach the 8 pin socket that way round! I'd rather not have to lengthen all the wires so I may try to get a slightly longer harness. Chris

The two light grey upright internal cab ends should pop off - at least one of mine did Chris

John I had 2 sets of 3 brake hangers, the rodding frame that joins them up ( it clips in after they are installed) and the two sandboxes - I assume this is all- unless anyone knows better. FYI I used Pacer canopy glue to fix the parts as they are not a snug fit and will be easily lost as will the small piece on the short hood that covers the screw in the top - I've got blutak under mine. All seems OK after lengthy running in on the rollers Chris

I'd be interested to hear about performance - the review in the new Hornby mag says very smooth - I've got mine running in atm as it is decidely hesitant and feels as if something is catching. I'm also keen to hear suggestions for removing the D9500 numberrs? Chris

THe B&R DVD will not disappoint. regards Chris