Sixties Snapshots - 00 scale

The bogie pivot point looks shockingly woeful for a model that commands a £100+ price tag to my mind.

Kelly, yes - I did think of posting a picture of my Bachmann A2 for comparison.

Kelly, yes - I did think of posting a picture of my Bachmann A2 for comparison.

 

If it'd of been a Railroad model, then I'd still of been less than impressed, as I'd expect those to be simple yet rugged.

 

Bad on Hornby I think this one.

Hello Kelly,

 

I don't want to be critical of a British Company but I have overseas friends who are not happy about the astronomical prices and the rather indifferent quality of Hornby products.

 

I feel sorry for the retailers who have to pick up the pieces (literally).

 

Regards Ray

When I read the review in BRM Magazine, I did wonder if that had been a 'one off' model that had escaped from the factory with perhaps a temporary fitting used during the assembly process, but seemingly not. Very disappointing for a premium priced model,even moreso I wouldn't want to be paying the price of a sound fitted version with a decidedly 'Cheap' but not exactly 'cheerful' piece of engineering (?) like that.

I don't do 'sound', but am thinking of a friend who does and has been considering the Castle. He needs a warning about this.

 

Regards,

 

John

John,

The same point was made by Kelly in February when the Blog was first posted. I can now add three months on that my four Castles all perform very well and the massive can motor is in a different class to the old Dapol / Hornby ' so called 'ringfield' motor.

http://youtu.be/ud-nhB0FL60

The introduction of the Dapol engine driven Castle was I think one of the biggest disappointments of the 1980s and I converted a couple back to Airfix type tender drives - including a Hawksworth version of 'Swindon' which I still run.

http://www.flickr.co...eds/6635395915/

Regards Ray

..............that on first removal from the box, the front bogie was detached..................

 

 

Thanks Ray. What a valuable resource you blog is for identifying and curing problems.

Thanks Ronnie

......identifying and curing problems.

I have been trying to keep up with your latest Castle saga. RMweb is a fantastic resource.

 

I am thinking that you too must have acquired a Date with the Duchy - mine was a 'second' direct from Hornby.  It turned out rather well in the end after a new set of wheels - something that I seem to have had to do with a lot of Hornby's recent offerings (full price as well as 'seconds'.)

 

Keep up the good work

 

Regards

 

Ray

I opened my Date with the Duchy, Barry Freeman pack today to find my castle with this awful set up. The pack wasn't cheap at

Hello Simon - good to have your thoughts.  I too think Hornby's Castles are rather well detailed.

. Hopefully a 1 off as the models there producing are exceptionally well detailed. Simon

The Castles also run well - especially with a bit of extra weight inside them.  There are a some shots at the end of this short video to encourage you.

 

I am guessing yo have seen my comments specifically about the Date with the Duchy.  As regards value and money I would simply point to the second hand value of these engines - particularly 'Swindon' produced for the Great Western Museum.

 

I have to say that I have had more quality control issues with Hornby's models this year than with the older Castles.  I shall be interested to hear how your runs.

 

Regards

 

Ray