Mike:

Thanks for the info.  I am aware of both Thangs.com and Cults3D.com and I have seen Recreation21's designs available for download on the latter. 

Are his prints available on Thangs as I have not been able to find them? (Probably due to my inability to search the site correctly).

Ian

Quote from: icairns on December 01, 2025, 10:31:39 PM... finding new projects has become more cumbersome for several reasons including: 

1. The demise of the Shapeways' platform resulting in fewer 3D modelling opportunities.  Yes, I know that some 3D models are now available from other sources but Shapeways had a large library of 3D prints conveniently available from the same source. 

Shapeways are back for bespoke printing (in Eindhoven, Netherlands), but their Marketplace is now Thangs.com. Several of their UK N Gauge designers including Wageni, Recreation21 and I have (re..) uploaded designs, but speaking for myself, there's been little interest compared with downloading designs from Cults3D.com

Mike

Thanks, John.

Your information is very helpful.

Ian

Thank you for this John, I had been wondering how it was going to affect us with buying imported goods, had me worried I was going to be paying double the price of the model sale price for a while.

An interesting topic.

I haven't posted to my Ferryhill layout/workbench thread for quite a while.  In fact, my last post was on August 15, 2025.

There are several reasons for this, probably based on my main interests.  I am not a great layout operator although I enjoy watching the trains go around.  I am not really interested in shunting (too many things can go wrong!). 

My main interests are fiddling around with locomotives and rolling stock.  This includes building, upgrading, re-painting, and modifying these items.  As I have mentioned in other posts, I regard Ferryhill as a sort of scenic test track for my rolling stock projects. 

I do enjoy these little projects (and sometimes documenting my efforts).  However, finding new projects has become more cumbersome for several reasons including: 

1. The demise of the Shapeways' platform resulting in fewer 3D modelling opportunities.  Yes, I know that some 3D models are now available from other sources but Shapeways had a large library of 3D prints conveniently available from the same source. 

2. Although 3D print files can be purchased, I have not yet spent the time to research the availability of a person/organization here in the United States that could print these for me to a good quality.  I need to work on this.

3. The closure of N Brass Locos, restricting the supply of all those detailing parts required for my interests. 

4.   The US tariff situation that has resulted in either (a) small suppliers no longer shipping to the US or (b) larger suppliers adding a tariff handling charge (in addition to the tariff). 

I do still enjoy looking at the posts on the Forum, often checking in a couple of times a day (yes, I am retired).  Some of the layout topics I particularly look out for include Poppingham, Hillsden, Newton Kyme, Dawlish Warren, Sprey Point to Teignmouth, Lostwithiel, James Street (among others), and various workbench threads.

However, I do miss posts by some members that seem to have gone quiet including Ross Tierney (who has explained his absence), Dr, Al, and Steve Dacosta (Stevie DC).  I know Dr. Al still posts very helpful replies to members questions, but I used to enjoy his workbench thread as he always seemed to have something going on. 

However, I have just ordered four heritage diesel/North Eastern Region books from Strathwood for my wife's Christmas present** which hopefully will inspire me to get back to modelling in the New Year.

Ian

** Clarification:  These books are for a Christmas present that my wife will give to me, not vice versa. 

Yes - it's been an interesting season for different reasons throughout the field.  While there have only been 4 different race-winners (Sprint for Lewis doesn't count), 9 drivers from 7 teams made it to the Podium at least once. And 19 out of 21 drivers been in the top 6 at least once.

At the front, really the only reason there are still 3 contenders for the Drivers' Championship is Mclaren's equal treatment of the drivers meaning they've shared results. If they had given one preferential treatment like Max has at Red Bull or Seb Vettel before him, or Michael Schumacher and Fernando had at Ferrari, their wins would probably have been split 12/2 or 11/3 rather than 7/7 and it would be done and dusted long ago... Instead we have a situation like 2007 where Max has a chance to pinch it like Kimi did then from Mclaren's Lewis/Fernando...

As a long-standing Williams fan (from Rosberg Senior, Piquet, Mansel days) pleased to see them as most improved. Seems Carlos has settled in better than his replacement at Ferrari... Speaking of which those Red cars again fail to deliver on their hallowed past, looking a real handful to drive and seem expert at screwing up the strategy at every opportunity.

Contrasts at Mercedes - George solid, steady, quietly picking up results when possible, Kimi clearly quick but raw talent.

Red Bull continue the game of musical Chairs trying to find someone willing to sit next to the class bully (or head boy depending on your allegiance).

Aston Martin mostly marking time until Adrian Newey design and Honda power take effect next year, with occasional moments of brilliance from the wily old dog Fernando rather showing up the boss's boy...

At the tail end, Hass as usual showing flashes of form among budget-conscious mediocrity; Sauber clearly benefiting from an injection of German precision and so pleased Hulk (finally) got a podium. Meanwhile we continue to laugh at the French Farce - Alpine being included only for the comedy value...

I'm old enough to remember Fangio Hawkins Clarke Brabham Hunt etc when they used to race side by side! This procession stuff and tactics is not for me!

So with Revolution using Royal Mail.

Tariff was paid to Revolution at a 30% rate, no flat fee.

All originated in China.

VAT was deducted as normal, I can't think why this would change.

Tracking went dark for a day or two but the items arrived 1 week after dispatch which is as good as it was before the tariffs.

The cost difference was 30% (tariff) plus a 50p extra handling charge from RM.

Rails & Kernow are using DHL who want an extra 15 quid as a tariff handling charge.

Regards,

John P

Now that the dust has settled a little on the tariff situation, I would be interested to hear about US-based members' experiences in buying from the UK.

For example:

 - How was the tariff applied (in the UK or in the US?).

 - Were different tariff rates applied for different manufacturing origins?  For example, in an order that contained items manufactured in the UK and in China?

 - Was the VAT deduction incorporated as normal?

 - Any longer than normal delays incurred as a result of tariffs?

 - What is the difference in cost between a pre-tariff order and a post tariff order?

Apologies for so many questions but I thought some real world experiences would be informative for those of us living in the United States.

Ian
(Currently with several pre-orders with NGS, Rails, and Revolution).

 

Quote from: Newportnobby on December 01, 2025, 09:25:36 AM

Quote from: Graham on December 01, 2025, 02:34:31 AMAs for being refused a job because of being a communist, think about it, we were in the midst of the cold war. No way was anyone going to get a job in an organisation which could involve touching national secrets.

But the UK suffered more spies than it wanted in the Cold War, mainly from Cambridge Uni

Totally agree.