Yep - he's currently soliciting interest in his 58 to decide whether to complete it despite the Dapol version.

Quote from: njee20 on July 19, 2013, 08:24:52 PM
Coz I like twinkly lights :-)

The quality is stunning, and I get why he doesn't fit them, but I personally think that's a +1 for the mainstream manufacturers.

Really? Each to their own, but I think lights look toy-like. More of a gimmick than giving any added sense of realism, unless you're doing a model set at night of course.
Back on topic; it'll be sad to see Chris go, although it is a few years away. Over the years he (and Bernard Taylor of TPM whose done patterns and masters for CJM) have shown what can be done in British N, especially when it was overshadowed by the quality of American, European and Japanese N products. And during the late '90's and early '00's CJM models kept British N alive almost, at a time when it looked doomed.

Carl

Quote from: porkie on July 19, 2013, 09:12:22 PM
I have to admit I have a couple of Cjm master peices and they are a work of art. And im sure
He will be missed.

Kinda feel sorry for Chris as his 66,67,56,60,67,59 And 73 locos were always a hit until the big boys upped their game.  So in all fairness his orders were always going to take a dip as these are available at 1/5th of his prices.

Who knows maybe tpm will by his 89 moulds and restart their old kit version again

Actually Chris's orders haven't been effected that much by the announcement of R-T-R products. In his newsletter he said he's struggling to keep up with demand and he saw an increase in orders for his 56 when dapol released theirs! Strange but true.

Carl

Shame to hear about  Chris M winding down the business for retirement but im sure he deserves it.

I own a class 60 that i got Chris to build for me 2 years ago. It is the best model in my stable, and before 2018 comes i will be buying at least one more of his excellent models.

All the best Chris for the next few years!

Hello all,

I think Carl makes a very good point - there was a time when the only 66 available was the CJM version, while the Class 59 - arguably the most significant new locomotive design of the last 40 years as it (a) was the first privately owned type to be introduced in squadron service and (b) blazed the trail for the massive GM invasion that was to follow - has only ever been available RTR from him.

His models are exquisite and working with Bernard Taylor there is no doubt that Chris did show people that British N gauge could match anything achievable elsewhere.

However, I do think that for modern models a lack of working lights is as issue.  They don't show up that well in photographs of real trains, but every time I see one "in the flesh" so to speak I am always struck by how bright the lights are!

cheers

Ben A.

I bought my first CJM loco at Warley in 1996, the 89. It was on his stand and i wanted it so paid the 248 notes required.

17 years on, the finish is still as the day i purchased it and the Minitrix derived chassis still runs sweetly.

I went on to get a National Power 59, Freightliner 66, Loadhaul 56 and a 92, the last two at Kettering show in 2007.

RTR have caught up over the years and I do think the Dapol 58 would take some beating now, the running is now as good as CJM, and that for me was always the big attraction for buying.

It will be a sad day when Chris packs in, but the world as always, has moved on. I have enjoyed his work over the years.

 

I know a man who needs a job and is more than capable of taking CJM onwards and upwards..

Cheers

Mark

Quote from: scruff on July 25, 2013, 12:26:42 AM
I know a man who needs a job and is more than capable of taking CJM onwards and upwards..

Cheers

Mark

Me too. I wonder if a soon to be former Dapol employee has been seen in Whistable recently...

Quote from: Chetcombe on July 25, 2013, 12:43:08 AM

Quote from: scruff on July 25, 2013, 12:26:42 AM
I know a man who needs a job and is more than capable of taking CJM onwards and upwards..

Cheers

Mark

Me too. I wonder if a soon to be former Dapol employee has been seen in Whistable recently...

I doubt it. This is quoted from Chris's newsletter; " Once I do retire there are no plans to pass CJM to my sons and in reality CJM is not really a saleable proposition either. "

Carl

Seems fair enough, doesn't want to risk devaluing it.

Oh well 5 years to buy a 92!

I see that CJM's website seems to have disappeared - has he now retired?

Chris had some health problems soon after announcing his intention to retire, which rather brought forward his plans. I suspect the website expired and he's not bothered to renew it.

A real loss to the hobby. He was very responsive on email still earlier in the year if you had any specific questions.

Should've bought a Hanson 59 

I resisted the urge to use a "holy thread resurrection" meme, mainly as Chris's website has only gone within the last couple of weeks, so it is quite relevant!

As there was already a thread there didn't seem much point creating another one...

Its a shame Chris is no longer trading in the hobby but i wish him all the best for the future . I previously mentioned owning a class 60 built for me by CJM. Still faultless after 10 years now.
Chris's workmanship is second to none and now he is out of the game, his models will no doubt start to fetch a Kings ransom if and when they start to find themselves on the 2nd hand market.