Having owned a RH SL for a few years now I can say although it's very pretty and has rivet detail, simulated drain cocks, sprung chassis, etc if I could start again in this hobby with the knowledge I have now I would of gone down the kit building route and bought a Lady Anne saving myself quite a few quid. I really don't think the sprung chassis makes a difference in performance in this scale.
I can't take credit for the paint job on the chassis as this was done by a family member who runs
www.smtsmodels.com as I am building their website. It has a satin finish unlike the RH factory paint which I prefer. The boiler is due in October which seems a long, long time away!
I would of liked a 0-4-0 from Riverdale, however, Elke (Billy) was only on offer at the time and I wanted a British looking loco. Also, Amy (Lady Anne) has all her batteries hidden inside the body whereas on Elke and Irene (Katie) the batteries are underneath the cab roof.
I think I need a diesel next for the line as sometimes you just want to sit back and watch a train go by.