Having read on another forum of an increasing number of the new class 47s failing and having to be returned I quickly got out my three recent purchases for a full running-in session and more thorough check up. Previously I had really only unpacked them for a quick look and photo call and a once around a test track circuit. However, they are now running around and around a small test track to run them in and fortunatelly all three 47s (and a new class 24) seem to have performed pretty well straight out of the box. When they have had a reasonable run I'll give them a light oiling, check out the pick-ups (they have also been reported as bent and problematic) and a further spell on the track.

While they are all out I've had a chance to compare with the old Farish model;

I'll probably be putting the old one (back/left in the pic) up for sale. It's an old Farish body on a new Bachmann chassis (not the latest all new version but not the old Poole chassis either). The paintwork on the old model has been touched up a bit but the differences with the latest all new class 47 are quite obvious. The new roof is better detailed with crisper moulding, the paintwork is also crisper, the bogies are beefier and the windows and window area looks a whole heap more accurate. Obviously there's working lights on the new model but the IC words and logo are at the opposite end - I'm not sure which is correct.

In reply to James Hilton who kindly left the comment below (as you can't add pics to a reply); The Farish class 33 isn't that bad. With a bit of work and a new chassis it can look quite respectable;

G.