Where is everybody??

[Bob G]

I'm on a voyage to the dark side too. DCC sound in OO.

...and chat on RMWeb about Bulleid shunters with their outside frame connecting rods fitted back to front, and 4DD units that don't run a single circuit without derailing. Oh and Bulleid booster locos that derail too.

So it's not just us N gaugers having fun with locos and rolling stock!

Looking forward to Christmas when my Z21 can be unwrapped. And very pleased that Revolution's 313 is at least 3 months away!

Bob

[njee20]

we seem to have no troublemakers of note

I'm still here, don't worry 

[JimSan]

I've been checking in, and slowly working on things (only just finished my 6PAN!) but due to family things I've just been busy sorting that lot out.

[icairns]

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. 

[maridunian]

... 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

[icairns]

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

[maridunian]

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

It seems I'm mistaken about that:

https://www.rue-d-etropal.com/3D-printing/3d_printed_designs.htm

Yes, the search facility is dire:



I found Wageni's prints very easily however. I see he's cunningly included 'wageni' in each design's list of search tags - I shall do likewise!

Mike