Hi

I would suggest starting with a simple wagon kit to build your confidence and experience before attempted something as complicated as the 444.

If you are a member of the N Guage Spciety they do a few kits that are ideal for a beginner.

A few examples
https://www.ngsjoin.com/kit-14-lnerbr-8-plank-mineral-wagon-ngsk0140-611-p.asp

https://www.ngsjoin.com/kit-47-br-ex-lmslner-highfits---twin-pack-ngsk0470-820-p.asp

https://www.ngsjoin.com/kit-61-br-vanwide-van-ngsk0610-8335-p.asp


Cheers

Paul

Thank you to everyone who has offered advice it is appreciated and it has helped me a lot to understand

With all what has been said I think it's best to forget the idea of trying to get a class 444 for the moment as it just seems to complex, I'm definitely glad I asked about the possibility though in this forum as I now understand it's far more complex then just using a class 350 as a donor like I initially assumed


So with that - you all recommend someone who is good at painting I'm wondering if this would be possible (I'll try my best to explain)


So get a Graham farish class 350 appollo silver for instance then add another coach to make it a 5 car class 350 emu

Then have it painted into the white class 444 SWT livery as the only obvious thing to me would be the door arrangement not being the same as the real class 444 on the class 350 but they could still be painted red to give the best representation - hope all that makes sense


And thanks for all the encouragement for building models and starting somewhere - I'm fully prepared to learn and make mistakes and ask questions etc and yes I guess it can take years of practice to get to a decent level

But I should add I have tried to build very basic n gauge station platforms in the past and I have even messed that up - I'm truly a terrible modeller so I'm starting at the very bottom like ultra basic stuff it's kinda embarrassing really hence why I have been thinking of building a layout for over 10 years but nothing to show for it

Saying that I'm determined to learn and do it this year - it's just going to take me a lot longer to grasp certain things - that's ok with me but while a lot of things may seem obvious to most to me it can be challenging to understand. But I'm definitely willing to learn

I just need to settle on a theme and period to build a layout ideally would like to start off with something small to learn more and was hoping to do a South West trains theme hence why I asked about the class 444

Anyway I apologize for rambling on and going slightly off topic, thanks again for everyone advice it's been a great help

Quote from: daffy on Today at 12:47:10 PMThanks particularly for your insight into the Spring and Autumn 'best times' as well as reminding me of the last time I sold anything through eBay, over twenty years ago - to end an auction on a Sunday evening.

Should you have a Backmann/Kernow OO thumper DEMU, which retailed at around the £200 mark in 2015, this can now be sold for £400+
That's about the only item I have seen that makes you money (and I don't want to sell mine)!

@Bob G . I appreciate your comments. I'm now looking into what I can sell items for, individually and collectively. So far I am getting the distinct impression that I'm not going to be boosting my pension, such as it is, by much. Well, at least not to allow me to live a riotous existence of extravagance and care-free indulgence.   


Thanks particularly for your insight into the Spring and Autumn 'best times' as well as reminding me of the last time I sold anything through eBay, over twenty years ago - to end an auction on a Sunday evening.

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 12:21:04 PM

Quote from: Bob G on Today at 12:12:18 PMDare I ask about the BB/WC?

No

I wasn't aware they were due Q1 2026, the Dapol website (September last year around TINGS) suggested it might be Q2, but with an obvious (and necessary) caveat.

However, thus far we have not yet seen revised/further EPS with "improvements" or been told the models are in production, so realistically I would have thought even Q2 might be a touch optimistic: -

Decorated samples were flown in for TINGS 2025, our design team are currently reviewing the samples and preparing any necessary feedback for the factory to make improvements where required.

Based on the most recent information we have we anticipate that these models will be in shops in the second quarter of 2026.

For full specifications please see the original post below.

Quote from: Bob G on Today at 12:12:18 PMDare I ask about the BB/WC?

No

Quote from: Adam1701D on Today at 12:10:10 PMIt is going to be an expensive few months for modern modellers, with Dapol's Classes 33 and 87 due February and the 56 due April. The remaining Mk3s should now be due in July.

Dare I ask about the BB/WC?

Quote from: cornish yorkie on Yesterday at 09:14:56 PM
  Fingers crossed I have Class 313 arriving from Revolution Q1 2026
  stay safe regards Derek

I have Classes 314 and 483 on pre-order. Looking forward to these immensely.

It is going to be an expensive few months for modern modellers, with Dapol's Classes 33 and 87 due February and the 56 due April. The remaining Mk3s should now be due in July.

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 11:53:37 AM

Quote from: Bob G on Today at 11:49:40 AMI think of my collection(s) as (1) giving me pleasure in collecting and playing with them, and (2) supplanting my pension when I sell them. 

The proceeds may well supplant your pension but you'll get nowhere near what you paid for them in the first place (in the majority of cases)

If that's what you tell the taxman that's fine 

I'm happy so say that I do pretty much get what I paid for them, with the exception of wagons, and minus the EBay fee of course.

You just have to choose your time when selling. The periods February to June and September to November are best, while summer, and December and January are out. Sunday evening is a good time to end an auction.

Last year I was very surprised to sell all my old BHE and Worsley MU kits, because I would have thought 3D printing would have taken over, but with the demise of small producers like N-Brass and Worsley (heading to retirement) they have a certain niche value.

Bob
 

Quote from: Bob G on Today at 11:49:40 AMI think of my collection(s) as (1) giving me pleasure in collecting and playing with them, and (2) supplanting my pension when I sell them. 

The proceeds may well supplant your pension but you'll get nowhere near what you paid for them in the first place (in the majority of cases)