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Post by dinmoremanor on Jan 22, 2007 14:41:06 GMT
Hi, Does anyone know of a supplier of castings (other than Reeves) for the 3 1/2" gauge GWR Saint to the Don Young design? Cheers, Mike
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Post by Nexuas on Jan 22, 2007 18:15:27 GMT
I believe that Reeves' are the only people to hold the design and casting rights for the DYD range.
You will find that there is little cross over with designs by Reeves', Blackgates, MJ engineering etc... It is a problem as it does not induce competition and competative pricing...
I am "stuck" with Reeves' with my current DYD "GEORGE" but I am keeping casting use down to a minimum, just wheels and Eccentric staps so far...
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John Lee
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Post by John Lee on Jan 22, 2007 18:22:27 GMT
I believe that Reeves' are the only people to hold the design and casting rights for the DYD range. You will find that there is little cross over with designs by Reeves', Blackgates, MJ engineering etc... It is a problem as it does not induce competition and competative pricing... I am "stuck" with Reeves' with my current DYD "GEORGE" but I am keeping casting use down to a minimum, just wheels and Eccentric staps so far... Ohh I dunno, Blackgates are trying. Check their "Black 5" in 5". Reeves supply the plans, but they supply much cheaper and far superior castings. I hope this is the thin end of the wedge. Regards John |
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Myford Matt
Statesman
There are two ways to run a railway, the Great Western way, and the wrong way.
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Post by Myford Matt on Jan 22, 2007 19:01:10 GMT
John - interesting, are Blackgates castings consistently better and cheaper? I've never used them, but would certainly consider it if their were a concencus on this.
Cheers
MM
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simonwass
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Cecil Pagets 2-6-2 of 1908. Engine number 2299. Would make a fascinating model....
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Post by simonwass on Jan 23, 2007 2:06:18 GMT
I've not used Blackgates castings, but I have used ones from the very foundry that Blackgates use! Their iron castings are very nice, done to my own patterns. Last time I went there were piles of model wheels etc all piled up awaiting collection by Blackgates.
Simon.
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Post by Nexuas on Jan 25, 2007 10:36:21 GMT
I have yet to machine my GEORGE wheels from Reeves so can't comment on them, but the slate waggon wheels from Blackgates machined up a treat, infact they were much easier than I expected, no hard spots, and a really nice finish...
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Post by ron on Jan 25, 2007 11:51:38 GMT
I've used Blackgates castings almost exclusively for Simplex, they are considerably cheaper than Reeves ie anything up to 50%, the quality is excellent, the wheels machined beautifully and there was minimal casting flash, my only complaint is if you're dependent on mail order their service is very poor, they could really do with getting their act in order, if it wasn't for their price I don't think they would survive.
Ron
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John Lee
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Post by John Lee on Jan 25, 2007 19:19:42 GMT
I've used Blackgates castings almost exclusively for Simplex, they are considerably cheaper than Reeves ie anything up to 50%, the quality is excellent, the wheels machined beautifully and there was minimal casting flash, my only complaint is if you're dependent on mail order their service is very poor, they could really do with getting their act in order, if it wasn't for their price I don't think they would survive. Ron Yes, they are not a class act for delivery Ron. I live 30 miles away.. and sometimes they just have not stock when i called in.. a small outfit compared with Reeves, but they do their best. You will get it.. they are honest and direct about this...but it may take a while. However..I stick with the above.... Castings much better.. I guess its a case of the big boy who wants profits (Reeves) and enthusiasts who want a small business and survive |
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Post by alanstepney on Jan 25, 2007 22:19:33 GMT
When Don Young died, his designs were sold to Hugh Mothersole.
He also had some other designs including some marine engines.
A little later he retired /semi-retired selling the design rights to Reeves.
Hence, they own the rights to all Don Young designs.
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John Lee
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Post by John Lee on Jan 26, 2007 16:15:51 GMT
When Don Young died, his designs were sold to Hugh Mothersole. He also had some other designs including some marine engines. A little later he retired /semi-retired selling the design rights to Reeves. Hence, they own the rights to all Don Young designs. But its not stopping them supplying castings for the Don Young "Black 5". I quote " Plans available from other ME suppliers" A mixture of castings from Dave Goodwin from the works drawings, and tender bits and bobs from the highly detailed "Galatea". Cheaper too, peruse both catalogues perhaps. Usual Disclamer, but if you are prepared to be patient (they operate out of a small unit on a trading estate, which is a large step up from the previous leaky premises occupied by the now retired founder  ) ......... nice people too, as are Reeves staff if you ever visit. As I said before, I hope this is the thin end of the wedge, competition will drive prices down to more realistic levels. Tot up the price of castings for a typical loco or anything else from Reeves. Hard to survive I know, and they don't want to go bust again or that would be a major loss to the hobby if they were not revived; but still, on the other side of the fence, as a consumer, I will look elsewhere if I can John |
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) ......... nice people too, as are Reeves staff if you ever visit.