David12

Unfortunately, I had exactly the same problem with my Highlander eight coach set. My layout is 8ft x 8ft and the length of the train caused the magnetic couplings to fail around cars 1/2/3. By reluctantly replacing them with Kadees, the problem is solved. Cars 4-8 are still magnetic couplings.

In my view, the best value for money, reliability and flexibility is the SC1 from signalist.co.uk . They operate 4x2 aspect signals straight out of the box and can easily be reconfigured for 3 or 4 aspects, with or without feathers as well as a host of other configurations. They are also totally British!

Has anybody on the forum received their Mk5 despatch notification yet?

… and an update on the Mk5s that were also supposedly being delivered on Friday last, please. Some of us are beginning to wonder if we are going to see anything before Christmas…

Could we have an update on progress of delivery of these magnificent models, please? It’s been some time since we last heard any news and Christmas is getting closer! Thanks, Fran, in advance.

Hi Ian J, I am quite confused by some of the replies to your problem, as I use the JMRI suite of programs, including Decoder Pro and SPROG 3 with no problems at all with functions above F28 in Loksound 5 decoders. I have seven locos (fitted with ESU Loksound 5 decoders) and they all show functions up to F31 on Decoder Pro's "Labels and Media" page. My JMRI is version 4.26 and runs on a Windows 10 PC. Have you fully read the decoder into the roster? Some people don't have the patience as it takes (on my machine) around 2 hours to read all CVs.

Spoken with Clive at Bachmann and he has solved the problem: CV 31 = 16 CV 32 = 1 CV 468 = 1 CV’s 31 & 32 need to be altered before CV 468 is altered Hope this clears the problem for everybody.

Has anyone noticed the slight error on the 90 supplied sound file? F18 is the cab door open/close function, but it only works if F0 (battery switch & compressor) is ON. The first action a driver takes is to open the cab door!

I can only sympathise with your predicament. Over the past three years, I have lost a total of 7 channels from three ADS-8fX decoders, with no apparent reasons. One decoder had to be completely replaced with the newer DCC Concepts 8 channel decoder; fortunately, that hasn't had any problems - yet.

SPROG3 will fulfill all your interface and controller needs. The Roster you build in JMRI DecoderPro will contain logical names, functions, etc. that you are seeking. All the information will transfer to PanelPro where you build your layout diagram and interactive accessories such as points/turnouts, signals etc. Operation of the layout can be from your laptop as well as smartphone or tablet through WiFi. It will take some effort to learn the intricacies of the JMRI suite, but it is worth it in the end.

It isn't only the top headlight that's different from the HST "standard". Note the driver's side window - it has been partially blocked out to give a clean line around the livery. I cannot imagine for one second that Hornby will correct that detail, either. And don't even ask about the Kitchen and Buffet car modifications. I was totally committed to buying a set - no more. This is an example of Hornby modelling expertise at its worst: minimum effort, maximum profit. Thank goodness for the likes of Accurascale and other manufacturers that care about those of us who are prepared to pay for models and not accept second rate efforts like this is already turning out to be.

Not sure if these are what you are looking for. As you can see, although there are 3 pantographs, there are only a total of 4 insulators. If it is a current Hornby/Lima model, then I have few Hornby insulators that you are welcome to. PM me if I can be of assistance. David

I totally endorse Meil's advice. You will spend far more time "faffing around" by NOT taking up the suggestion. Using JMRI/SPROG as a decoder programming toolkit is a lot easier than you might be led to believe.

If you still need the parts, I have two old unused Lima Class 92s which I would be prepared to part with for a reasonable price. They are both in working order with after market fitted working pantographs (ex-Hornby) as they were used on a OHLE layout. PM me if you are interested.

How many do you want? I have an almost inexhaustible supply of the exact size buffers you require, but only in brass. They are available in buffer plus shank pairs, as per the attached photo.

Darren, I moved away from Hornby Railmaster/eLink over a year ago to JMRI/SPROG for the same reasons as you and have never looked back. The level of functionality is orders of magnitude greater with JMRI but, as Grriff states, it is not always easy to find information on the "help" pages. Also, be prepared for a very American-centric feel to the package, but there is an excellent suite of British signalling symbols and icons. It took me several weeks of trial and error to get the system I wanted but it was more than worth the effort. Good luck, you will not regret the change.

I always use Signalist accessory decoders with CR Signals signal devices and, to me, they offer a wide range of configurations, perfect accuracy and reliable operation. Train-Tech offer a limited range and, in my opinion, are somewhat over scale.

Got my GWR sound fitted 158 today. I can confirm it is a Zimo decoder and, in my opinion, the sound could be better. A little too much mid-frequency gain which gives a muffled sound, otherwise a stunningly good model.

Now gone to a new home.

I have inherited 2 x 1" A4 ring binders full of "vintage and heritage" service sheets. There are far too many for me to whip up the enthusiasm to catalogue them all, but they are free to the first taker. All I ask is that you cover the delivery cost, unless you wish to collect in person (Somerset).

And mine as well!!

Just to redress the balance, I am pleased to report that I have today received my Legomanbiffo sound fitted model from Rails and it is PERFECT. Thank you, once again, Rails.

OK, so tell me I should read the bulletin closely, but I cannot see for the life of me which Function operates the pantograph, nor which CV allows the variation of the height of the pan when raised (as in the Bachmann/Zimo decoder).

Spoke to staff on the Bachmann stand at the Bristol exhibition yesterday and they insisted that all variants will be available "this month". Also spoke to DC Kits about the availability of a Legomanbiffo ESU sound decoder and got a VERY interesting account as to why there has been significant further delay to the release of the models and why Bachmann aren't producing a sound decoder (despite the model being pre-fitted with a speaker) for the foreseeable future. I would print what I was told, but it could be interpreted as libellous. Suffice to say that Zimo do not have a suitable sound decoder and DC Kits will have just as soon as they can lay their hands on a Bachmann Class 90 to configure the Loksound V5 decoder ...

I operate "under the wires", so naturally have all my AC electrics with pantographs in contact with the catenary (admittedly not live since conversion to DCC some years ago). Will the operational pantograph arms on the 92 allow this to happen i.e. flexible elbows to allow up/down movement when raised with the loco runnning under bridges/tunnels etc. ? Many thanks for what is going to make a superb model. David