Etched number plates..

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Hi all,

In a bit of a situation at the minute..

L1 is nearing completion for Telford, but I need numberplates... Completely forgot about them, being a pre-grouping modeler..

Spoken to Guilplates, and they are 4-5 weeks (not that I'll ever be welcome there again - long story), I've sent an email to Seven Mill plates and awaiting their reply, and Diane Carney no longer produces nameplates, only artwork..

Anyone have any other ideas, other than etching my own? I would have done, but I've run out of time I think..

JB.
 

OzzyO

Western Thunderer
If it's a smokebox door number plate, someone did them that you made up yourself (Peter Kay?) You got a set of numbers and a number (sorry) of backing plates then all you had to do was add the numbers on to wet paint.

Sorry it's not much help,

OzzyO.
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks Ozzy, I've had a search but no luck unfortunately...

Has anyone any experience with using plastic numbers at all? Just a thought...

JB.
 

OzzyO

Western Thunderer
Cut around them and put three or four on top of each other and you've got the cast plate.

I think it's now time for bed.

OzzyO.
 

7mmMick

Western Thunderer
Spoken to Guilplates, and they are 4-5 weeks (not that I'll ever be welcome there again - long story)

JB.

You and me both pal, mines not that longs story though :)) looking forward to seeing the L1 at Telford, smokebox door number or not :thumbs:

ATB Mick
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks Heather, they do look a little large though eh?! Do they have only LMS numerals?

What did 'you' do Mick?

JB.
 

Heather Kay

Western Thunderer
I'm not sure what they modelled the typeface on, but it is a bit LMS in style. I think you'll have to go the Fox route for the Gill Sans form until something better can be arranged.
 

7mmMick

Western Thunderer
Thanks Heather, they do look a little large though eh?! Do they have only LMS numerals?

What did 'you' do Mick?

JB.

Basically I rang on a Sunday. I know that would annoy anyone to be fair but in my defence I'm a shift worker often working long hours and I loose track of all days. Needless to say Guil plates were not at all happy and I got a severe dressing down without an opportunity to apologise and explain why I had inadvertently rung before the phone was slammed down. If you'd have been sat in the room with me it would have been one of those cartoon like phone calls with a gale force wind coming out of the handset :)) I felt really bad afterwards though. Daren't ring back again in case they have my number down in red somewhere !!!

ATB Mick
 

oldravendale

Western Thunderer
I'm interested and saddened about the reports of problems with Guilplates (notwithstanding that some people simply don't like the design and/or they don't look right. They certainly don't get a great press on here but I can only speak as I find). All my dealings with them have been excellent, over many years although they've not made anything diseasil for me. I'd have thought that, in the absence of other alternatives their smokebox numbers would have been OK. Most of the stuff they've done for me has been "specials" in that it's not in stock, and my opinion is that it's reasonable for there to be a lead time in such cases.

I asked them to do two sets of "Express Dairies" plates for a couple of Slaters milk tanks a few years back which they duly did and delivered. A couple of weeks later I received a note to say that the plates were wrong (despite my asking for Express Dairies) and it should be Express Dairy. The new plates were included with the note without charge. I thought that was pretty good service, personally.

Brian
 

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Basically I rang on a Sunday. I know that would annoy anyone to be fair but in my defence I'm a shift worker often working long hours and I loose track of all days. Needless to say Guil plates were not at all happy and I got a severe dressing down without an opportunity to apologise and explain why I had inadvertently rung before the phone was slammed down. If you'd have been sat in the room with me it would have been one of those cartoon like phone calls with a gale force wind coming out of the handset :)) I felt really bad afterwards though. Daren't ring back again in case they have my number down in red somewhere !!!

ATB Mick
I feel for you Mick and your experience has stuck a cord. They're a business and unprofessional by the sound of it. If they don't want to speak to customers out of their business hours, then why on earth did they answer their phone. I've not used them, but their reputation now negatively precedes them.

Cheers

Tom
 

Heather Kay

Western Thunderer
Like many small businesses, like me, they probably answered the phone because it's their home phone number. We can't afford the luxury of a second line just for business. ;)

Having said that there's no excuse for rudeness. It does sound unprofessional.

I've had good service from Guilplates, though most of my integration with them has been at shows and via email.
 

oldravendale

Western Thunderer
Like many small businesses, like me, they probably answered the phone because it's their home phone number. We can't afford the luxury of a second line just for business. ;)

Having said that there's no excuse for rudeness. It does sound unprofessional.

I've had good service from Guilplates, though most of my integration with them has been at shows and via email.

You mirror my own thoughts, Heather. Absolutely no reason for rudeness. However, one can only speak as one finds and I've always had good service.

Having said which, when I was working and the phone rang at night I could be more than a bit shirty! It usually seemed to be about 2.30 in the morning, though, so perhaps I had a little more excuse. Or not!:p

Brian
 

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Like many small businesses, like me, they probably answered the phone because it's their home phone number. We can't afford the luxury of a second line just for business. ;)

Having said that there's no excuse for rudeness. It does sound unprofessional.

I've had good service from Guilplates, though most of my integration with them has been at shows and via email.
Hi Heather, I agree that they may not be able to have a second line but as they use it for their business as well then they must accept that they'll receive calls outside of their business hours sometimes. Such a pity they reacted so rudely.

Cheers

Tom
 

7mmMick

Western Thunderer
Great news JB :thumbs: I agree with everyone's comments really and if I'm honest I just wish it hadn't have happened as I've used Guil plates in the past and as Brian and Heather say they have been spot on communicating through email. I do also get annoyed about being rung at strange hours but I wouldn't have responded in that manor. That said the last time prior to the phone call I sent a picture of the loco I was modelling and I got a prompt response saying I would need this and that and an order time, at a good price as well. No complaints at all and I will use them again, but will I ring them again, I think not.

ATB Mick
 
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