As a hobbyist, Charles carries out repairs and service to the majority of 0, 00 gauge locos and rolling stock, such as Hornby, Lima, Triang, Wrenn, Main Line, Bassett - Lowke® etc. etc. Special facilities are available for Hornby Dublo ( 2 and 3 rail) and Wrenn locomotives. Engines which won't go, soon will after a careful, complete overhaul, clean and lubrication. Even the ones which go only with hesitation are like new after Charles has given them a little time and loving attention. Every serviced or repaired item runs around a Somscot test track ( 10 metres ) for a 1/2 hour in each direction before it is considered ready to be returned to its owner.

The motive power in most 00 gauge trains comes, not only from the 12 volt electric input, but also from a tiny permanent magnet at the heart of the motor.

This magnet can be a small cube, a ring ( hence the name 'ring field' ) or a horse shoe type. After several years the magnetic strength of these magnets can deteriorate. Somscot have in their workshop a re-magnetizer appliance which will put new life into a tired magnet and this makes engines produce the same amount of power as they did when they were new. As part of the servicing schedule to a train, a re-mag would be carried out if necessary.

It is very difficult to give a fixed price for this type of work but as a guide an uncomplicated clean and service without any replacement parts would be up to £10.00. Some older models can cost more, where scarce spares have to be found or made. A re-mag will cost extra, from £1.50. 'Basket cases', though welcome, tend to cost a little more.

Somscot repairs are not limited to just trains. Work can also be undertaken on all types of model boats, from Nelson's Victory to Titanic as well as modern radio controlled kit built models.

Estimate requests for specific work via. telephone or e- mail are welcome.

RE. POSTAGE: Many model trains are very valuable and it should be noted that a jiffy bag gives insufficient protection, particularly to delicate connecting rods and valve gear. These items should be packed in a box, for preference and well bubble wrapped. However, do not put polyethylene or any other bubble wrap material next to paintwork or nickel plate on a model.

N.B. If you are immobile or housebound, pickup and collection can be arranged locally. ie. South coast of England.

If you have patiently reached this part of the site, here is a question for you to ponder - " Would you run your car for 5 - 10 years without a service? " Of course you would not. Your old banger needs its water, oil, battery and tyres checking regularly. Even twenty first century vehicles need plugging into a computer occasionally to ensure that all is well with the chips, solenoids and electronic management system.

So why neglect your locos? Don't just keep pouring oil into them, or worse still WD40! In its life time your loco will only need a minute amount of oil. WD40 is a moisture inhibitant, not a lubricant, and will do nothing but gum up the works. Let SOMSCOT put new life into your mechanisms.

NOTE: The names Hornby, Bassett Lowke, Lima, Wrenn, Triang, Mainline, Airfix and Peco are all trade mark names registered to those companies.