Gladiator kits

G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
Had another warning email from PayPal this morning about attempted fraudulent attacks on the website. I strongly suspect that this is a follow-up to the previous mail rather than a new notification as there have been no reports of attacks since I restricted purchases via the website to UK only. However, it did goad me into contacting the website hosting service to do various things that I had not been able to do before, such as updating the website software and backup software to the latest versions and install a reCAPTCHA plug in. I had not been able to do this before for some obscure technical reason that has now been resolved.

I have now changed to website to allow sales to all countries except those within the EEC as recent changes in EU laws make it illegal for us to sell there. Well we could, but we would have to get every product independently certified as safe by an EU-based certification agency (the EU doesn't accept that certification bodies in the UK are competent, even though they accept Chinese and others as being so) and it simply isn't economic to do that. If the new plug-in doesn't protect the site I'll restrict sales to UK again. Unfortunately Northern Ireland counts as being part of the EU and I cannot add that to the list of restricted territories, so if we do get an order from there I'll have to reject it manually. I'll not comment further.

On a brighter note parts for the new kits have arrived sooner than expected. Just waiting on tender body etches for the Q7, and some brass castings for the Fowler (though we have some in stock and it may be possible to put one or two kits together next week). The O4/8 needs instructions and the saddle casting so again will be soon-ish.

David
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
We are still waiting on tender body etches for the Q7 kits. On the bright side, the castings for the Fowler tank have arrived so we will be able to pack these later this month. We have also received the cast saddles for the O4/8 so I just need to do a build of the body and complete the instructions. I am hoping that all three kits will be available for the Guild's Kettering show.

Following feedback on the Crab kit, John Firminger has kindly revised the frame etches which now include a modified arrangement for the rear brake cylinder and a revised drag beam. The new arrangement allows the exhaust steam injector to be located properly. If you have an unbuilt kit in your stash, we will shortly be able to provide you with a replacement fret containing the modified parts. Please contact us via the website - www.gladiatormodels.com - or by email - railwaycitytrains@btinternet.com - telling us when you bought the kit and we will send a replacement as soon as they are available.

David
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
Have just been to the post office for stamps: Aargh! Regrettably we now have to increase the packing and postal charge to £3. This now applies to all orders under £30. Orders over this are post free within GB.
David
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
A quick update ahead of the Kettering show this weekend.

The good news is that the Limousine cab Fowler tanks are now in stock.

The bad news is that we still haven’t received etches that were ordered at the beginning of December. This means that we probably won’t have the Q7 kits in stock (waiting tender body etches).

The middling news is that I have discovered a small error in the redrawn etches for the O4/8. The locating slots for the cab front are in the wrong place. We are getting the etch redrawn. In the meantime we have packed kits with the current etch and will offer these at £50 off the list price (plus information on how to overcome the problem). I just need to finish the instructions. Pictures to follow.
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
Latest update is that a batch of etches has just arrived. Haven't checked yet but they include the tender etches for the Q7, so these will be in stock too!
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
Please note that we are no longer using the
gladiatormodelkits.co.uk web address.

We are moving to use only the gladiatormodels.com address.

Just essential cost control.

Dave
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
There is a (small?) possibility that the preproduction Caprotti black 5 will be on our stand at Guildex this year. Yummy!

As hinted above, we are going to start distributing the locos that were lately sold by Geoff Stratford under Javelin label. These include:

Black 5 with short firebox
Black 5 with long firebox
Black 5 with long wheelbase
NLR tank
SECR C
SECR D
Cambrian 15
Cambrian 844
GWR Collett Goods
GWR Dean Goods
GWR Bulldog
GWR Dukedog
GWR Tre Pol and Pen

Prices are likely to be £525 for the black 5s, £250-300 for the tank and £4-500 for the others. Will depend on what new masters are required.

With the other kits under development (Urie S15 and Stanier 3PT) this makes the range almost unmanageable especially in terms of the huge amount of cash tied up in stock. It is therefore likely, that with the possible exception of the Black 5's, we will move to a supply to order basis for the Javelin kits and also slower moving items in the main range. Now that I have (just about) given up travelling, this becomes an option. The critical path will be lead time on delivery of etches but I am hoping that we can get that down to 2 months.

David
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of John Firminger, ex Signature Models, and designer of the Fowler 4PTs, B16/2-3, Crab, O4/8 and Q7 kits. John was a real gentleman and I am going to miss him.

John was working on the design of the Caprotti Black 5 kit and had nearly completed it. Most of the hard work, including cylinders, came boxes and firebox, all of which will be resin castings, are complete. Castings for slidebars and crossheads are complete. Frame etches are complete with just some body etches requiring modifications. We have the part welded tender. So not much to do but there will be an inevitable delay in introducing this kit.
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
On a brighter note, we were pleased to display the excellent Stanier 3 PT kit at Guildex. Michael Edge is going to make a couple of minor tweaks following Peter’s excellent build and then we will take orders. I am hoping that they might be in stock for the Guild Wigan show.
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
Regrettably, this year there have been large increases in charges for postage so we have had to revise rates for shipping. We now offer free postage on UK orders over £50 (previously £30) but have raised the charge for small orders to £6 (previously £3.50).
On a brighter note, other input costs are more stable so we expect to be able to hold prices for some time.
David
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
SALE!!

Black Friday tomorrow so we have activated a coupon code on the website. If you use GLAD10 at the checkout you will get 10% off the order value, so that double headed garratt becomes more affordable! Valid until tomorrow.

David
 
daifly

daifly

Western Thunderer
Genghis said:
SALE!!

Black Friday tomorrow so we have activated a coupon code on the website. If you use GLAD10 at the checkout you will get 10% off the order value, so that double headed garratt becomes more affordable! Valid until tomorrow.

David
Click to expand...

David

Can't access the website - Error 500. Internal Server Error. It's not browser-specific. Failed on Firefox and Safari.

Dave

Tried again later and access now OK.
 
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G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
We think that not many people used it, but we have had to disable the facility to register on the site as a user. We have been getting hundreds of logins daily by users such as 'testing-1234'. I think that the only potential downside for this is that if you are a registered user the security checks that PayPal has mandated are slightly less intrusive. If you do try to log in you will be diverted to the Joy Valve gear page!

We are aware that some users are having difficulty navigating past the Google re-Captcha test. It doesn't seem to be a universal issue but clearly is a problem for some. If you are having problems ordering, do contact us by phone or mail and we will help.

Thank you,

Dave and Trisha
 
S

southern rambler

Active Member
Hello Dave
I forgot I was supposed to call you Friday 1st May after speaking to Trisha earlier in the week to enquire regarding a kit building service will try to call Tuesday 5th if that is possible.
 
G

Genghis

Western Thunderer
southern rambler said:
Hello Dave
I forgot I was supposed to call you Friday 1st May after speaking to Trisha earlier in the week to enquire regarding a kit building service will try to call Tuesday 5th if that is possible.
Click to expand...
I am home tomorrow (5th) but will be battling room redecoration : keep trying if I don't pick up immediately.
David
 
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