If you're a serious modeller, you should follow the gradients that actually exist.

I think comments on the comfort, or otherwise, of the seats are valid, and something I noticed first time I sat down on one rather too quickly. I believe the amount of padding on the seat was specified by the DfT, citing trying to deter vandalism and fire risk, but all upholstered furniture has to be made of flame retardant materials for years. I suspect that has much more to do with cost.

Regarding the ride quality, there is not doubt that the ride is harder and nowhere near the superior ride of the Mk3. I also believe the track is not as smooth as it was when the HSTs were introduced.

Criticism of the lack of a buffet is also valid, but I guess for those who prefer to go to the buffet, there will be others that prefer the trolley to come to them. A case of not being able to please all the people, all the time.

Unfortunately train builders gave up trying to line up seats with the windows long ago and something that the Mk3s also succumbed to many years ago. Some people, myself included, quite like sitting an airline style seat so it will always knock the seats/windows out of line. I believe, and I've not particularly looked, the table seats to align with the windows.

Lastly, and I declare my interest here. I drive 800s for GWR on the Paddington to Oxford/Bedwyn routes and can say there is no instruction to switch to diesel on the approach to Paddington. There may have been some issue on that journey that made it necessary. The good thing with the 800 is if there is any problems with the 25kv supply, one button will set off the power change process.

Graham

But, like real railways, avoid gradients. 

The only way I can see haulage capabilities of a loco being a problem is on exhibition layouts, where you don't want a loco to fail.

Storm in a bloody teacup, I think 

I don't think so. It's not unreasonable that under normal conditions we would like models to be able to move realistic length trains.

Otherwise they simply don't fulfil many people's use cases - that may not be yours; but for many it is important, and not a remotely unreasonable expectation. Also, not a storm in a teacup given the amount of money these cost.

Cheers,
Alan

One question to those who have the Red version of the 45T crane.
Is the Red similar to that on the NGS Stove R/Dapol CCT/Cheltenham MC exclusive 10ft vans in Engineers Red. As I wish to assemble a breakdown train.

TIA
Martin