evening all looking for opinions on ixion loco's how they run etc 

Very well in my experience. They have the Dapol tender drive mechanism which is reasonably powerful but the Manor loco itself was designed by Phil Badger at Ixion. He took care to position most of the weight over the main drivers and as such it is a very good hauler, even without traction tyres.

Dapol have now bought the Manor tooling meaning they are available from normal stores rather than just from Ixion direct as used to be the case. The decoration and finish are to a high standard and they are probably the best GWR steam loco available at the moment.

I've got two. They both run a treat.

I have two of these locos and I can sum them up in two words "Rolls Royce". Look great, move from slowest shunting speed up to full speed and have great pulling power. Just wish all other locos were the same.
Elmo

thanks everyone much appreciated