Fedup with Steam Locos.

[bridgiesimon]

I have just come home after a day helping to exhibit a layout owned by a mate of mine and we ended up with joint runner up best in show! We were running 1990 diesel stock today and the only issues were one failed class 37 with split cogs, mine aaargh and a few problems caused by operator brain fade!!

the running quality of the diesel fleet was spectacular I even had my very old brass geared class 37 running at a clawl that took around 3 seconds per sleeper spacing - more than acceptable slow running that I have NEVER been able to match with any of my steamies!!

I thoroughly recommend the diesel models from both Farish and Dapol for superb detail, great accuracy, a decent range of liveries and running qualities to match any other scale.

I do wish that the manufacturers could release steam models to match but fear we a re a long way from that day still although things are improving.

Best wishes
Simon

[johnlambert]

Dave, I don't blame you for giving up on British outline N gauge steam locos; I'd have probably done the same in your shoes.

I must be one of the lucky ones because I don't seem to get many problems or do much fiddling.  Last weekend I took my layout to an exhibition and ran a selection of steam engines; Graham Farish Fairburn and Standard 5 plus Dapol panniers, 14xx 0-4-2 and 28xx 2-8-0.  Each one ran without fault, the two Farish locos seemed particularly smooth and sweet-running.  All I've ever done in terms of maintenance is light oiling and cleaning the wheels.

[longbridge]

Turn to the dark side like me.... Replace your old kettles with big oily smelly things

Thats exactly what I did, as mentioned by others the Farish and Dapol oil cans work as good as the American outline stuff, I am more than happy being able to model British just a bit sad about the steam side of things