RMweb Gold Roy Langridge Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 1 hour ago, Markn said: Haha hadn't noticed until you said it. No he's sitting, but the seats are a bit high I guess. Will lob a bit off the pedestal when I open it up again, which by the way its really really easy to access the internals without using tools. Driver doesn't look that high to me: https://tomcurtisrailgallery.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/0/3/6903499/w55000stavertonsdr250611.jpg (not my photo) Roy 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Zunnan Posted June 22, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 22, 2020 My local shop was indeed open today which was a really nice surprise as I wasn't expecting it. Even better was the news that they have 117s, so the pair I had ordered what seems like an age ago were ready to come home. Blue/Grey for me, I spent my entire childhood riding these units...well, more accurately whatever hybrids Tyseley decided to chuck out to service right up to their replacement by class 323 EMUs. I almost walked out with a 121 as well, absolutely stunning those are. The Dapol units are decent (mechanically and electrically not so good, I've had to sort too many issues with my remaining two 122s), but the Bachmann 121 is in a whole new league. First impressions handling while unboxing, really was the lack of weight in the DMBS and DMS. Then the detailing hit, these really are eye candy! And when the separate parts are fitted along with some generous weathering, these units will be absolutely wonderful. The B/G units underbody doesn't stand out nearly as much as on the Green units, but it is impressive none the less! The hand grabs on the cab front are a bit heavy handed, especially when compared to H0 models I have, and the windscreen wipers are also a bit clunky, but to be honest they are still equal to the Dapol units in that regard. I prefer the finish of these Bachmann units. Then when railing up one of pleasant surprise, because both the DMBS and DMS are motorised on the inner end, which I hadn't really read much about. Suddenly lightweight goes out of the equation. My big concern going in to these units was the couplers. And having handled them, to be honest, I still really do not like them in the slightest. They aren't too obtrusive when running, certainly no more so than on my N Gauge class 101s used on Bournville. But what I really don't like about them is the force required to couple and uncouple them. Those sprung buffers are actually needed! One of the very first things I did was to see if these units operate as a DMBS/DMS twin set, which they do. However, uncoupling those two even with the tool provided it felt like I was going to break something in the close coupling cam. Having done so now, I think my method of uncoupling is going to have to include a scalpel blade to insert between the coupler faces in order to pry them apart. I really do not trust the coupling cam to last very long otherwise. When running in, the interior lights on DC are a little overzealous, they are certainly something I'll be toning down. Those toilet windows positively glow! But for now they do show off that lower floor achieved in these units. It makes a world of difference when you are used to Dapols effort along with a plethora of windows to look into. The interior colouring is pleasant, the partition walls aren't just bare plastic coloured and match my memories of walking along these units some 27 years ago. Outside, I do like the bi-colour marker lights, the warm white isn't overly bright like on other units and the red is quite subtle too. My trepidation over the couplers aside, I'm actually quite impressed at the amount of model we're getting at this price point. Maybe that's the past few H0 scale locomotives I've bought conditioning me to higher prices, but these cost the same as a single (sound fitted) 4 axle US diesel locomotive. Class 116 next please!...(with a class 127 TSL) 12 1 3 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Market65 Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 Oh happy day! The 117’s have arrived at Monk Bar Models in York. I’ll be going on Wednesday to purchase a set, plus a 121. I’d go tomorrow but other commitments are preventing me from doing so. What a great week this has turned into. Rob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class 158 productions Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 How was the noise? I have noticed on the newer 158s that the motor is louder than other units, obviously not a deal breaker just interested. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markn Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 1 minute ago, Class 158 productions said: How was the noise? I have noticed on the newer 158s that the motor is louder than other units, obviously not a deal breaker just interested. Negligable really. Certainly nothing to make me think it was loud. Going to do a little running video later so will try and post a link here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zunnan Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 14 minutes ago, Class 158 productions said: How was the noise? I have noticed on the newer 158s that the motor is louder than other units, obviously not a deal breaker just interested. There is some motor noise from each twin as you'd expect for two motors per unit, but its not obtrusive. Wheel on rail is probably louder than mechanism noise from both of mine. Both units are also very well speed matched, with current draw almost identical for each unit. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Market65 Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 With the same motor and drive train on the class 158’s, that’s what I’ve found myself. Wheels on rails being the loudest sound. It’s certainly what I’m expecting from these excellent looking models. Rob. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Markwj Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 How easy are they to dcc fit, I struggled to find the socket on the 158 and pulled off some detail while trying to find it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 22, 2020 Moderators Share Posted June 22, 2020 15 minutes ago, Markwj said: How easy are they to dcc fit, Very straightforward, unclip the body and the decoder socket has plenty of space in the guard's compartment. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Thanks for the info zunnan ...I’m jealous ! Unfortunately I don’t have a station on the plank so need at present, but hopefully one day - what I’d really like Is a bubble plus one combo like those that ran in the Marlow branch as this was my main riding experience, before swapping to the 117 at Maidenhead for the journey to reading , and then HST to Weston ! Happy days ! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aureol40012 Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Has anyone taken delivery of one from Rails yet? They usually are the first to get stuff but I’ve seen nothing saying they’ve even received any yet! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Market65 Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) Hi, aureol40012, I’ve just checked Rails site, and they are not yet in stock, but, like I said earlier on, Monk Bar Models, in York, have eight in stock of each of them. I hope that is of some help. Rob. Edited June 22, 2020 by Market65 To correct a letter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gwiwer Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 22, 2020 35 minutes ago, aureol40012 said: Has anyone taken delivery of one from Rails yet? They usually are the first to get stuff but I’ve seen nothing saying they’ve even received any yet! It rather depends upon the distribution logistics. At least some retailers were expecting them in late today but probably too late to get any out or on their web sites until tomorrow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold adb968008 Posted June 22, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 22, 2020 Is this the first rtr model to represent Carriage key lock holes in the doors ? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markn Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Here's a short collection of running clips including a run up the branchline, cab lights on/off, down the branchline, then a few fast shots at various vantage points. Absolute cracking runner. 10 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zunnan Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 35 minutes ago, nat37670 said: Can you leave the centre car in the box and run this as a two car with no issues? Yes, the DMBS and DMS will run without the trailer. I've already begun to wonder if I can capitalise on people only wanting 2 car units and cut n' shut some TCL to stitch together a TS for a 4 car with the cab roof domes replaced to have destination blinds. Technically that idea will also need the windows of the surviving TCL altering too... 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fezza Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 I'd be interested to know if anyone has fitted sound and what sound product they are using. Is the speaker the same as the 158? Is sound fitting straightforward? Thanks! Incidentally, does anyone remember what years these operated around the Exeter area? I seem to remember 118s, but don't recall 117s appearing very often. Memory may be playing tricks of course... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gopher Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 13 hours ago, aureol40012 said: Has anyone taken delivery of one from Rails yet? They usually are the first to get stuff but I’ve seen nothing saying they’ve even received any yet! No - I phoned them yesterday, they do not have them is stock yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
89A Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 18 hours ago, Zunnan said: My big concern going in to these units was the couplers. And having handled them, to be honest, I still really do not like them in the slightest. They aren't too obtrusive when running, certainly no more so than on my N Gauge class 101s used on Bournville. But what I really don't like about them is the force required to couple and uncouple them. Class 116 next please!!!!! Just received my first from Derails. I coupled up by laying the coaches on their side on a clean flat surface. There's better ability to exert gentle pressure on the underside of the coupling. Haven't uncoupled yet. 116 for me as well. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fezza Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 Uncoupling was the problem with the 158 - in fact it was so tricky and fragile I resolved not to uncouple unless absolutely necessary. With a 3 car unit you will need to uncouple individual cars sometimes just to move it safely from one place to another... I think these are great units overall but Bachmann seem to have come up with a coupler that is both too chunky and too fragile. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phatbob Posted June 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 23, 2020 1 hour ago, fezza said: "but Bachmann seem to have come up with a coupler that is both too chunky and too fragile." Schrödinger’s coupling? 1 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zunnan Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 6 hours ago, 89A said: I coupled up by laying the coaches on their side on a clean flat surface. There's better ability to exert gentle pressure on the underside of the coupling. Care is certainly needed when coupling these, laying on a soft flat surface to couple putting as little force into the coupling cam and then tilting the model upright to rail it is certainly more ideal, but that in itself presents issues. What if that is not an option? What if the constraints of the layout mean it has to be assembled and then lifted to a storage cassette? I know plenty of exhibition layouts where there just isn't room to assemble a 3 car unit in anywhere near as ideal a manner. Having to couple and uncouple this unit repeatedly for exhibition or even club room conditions is going to present problems. My units simply will not be going to the club, or be made available for exhibition use. I've killed a Blue Pullman doing exactly that already, I've learned that lesson. Also, if anyone is interested I measured the max current draw on straight DC of each 3 car unit to be 205mA and 202mA, with a 40mph(ish) canter coming in at 120mA. Throwing a spirited start from an isolator straight to half power registered 180mA before settling down to 120~130mA. I have to say, I am more than impressed. By comparison, one of my Dapol 122s drew 160mA to get moving, 320mA for approx 40mph running and peaked out at 420mA. And that's one which I removed a driveshaft and geartrain on the now undriven bogie to improve its running. For now, I'm holding out on DCCing both of mine until a v5 project is ready from a certain someone... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuTheUseless Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 (edited) I say, here's fun, some side-by-side pictures of the Dapol 121 and the Bachmann 121. OK, they're not at the same angle, the lighting's rubbish, they're dusty, etc. etc. I've brightened the side-on one so you can see the underframe. The guard's door handrails are different on each model, they're two separate rails on the Dapol model. The handrails on the cab are very different, much more prominent on the Bachmann. The Bachmann also has that excellent speedo cable. The Dapol cab has a slightly more angular look which I think might capture the appearance a tiny bit better. Edited June 23, 2020 by StuTheUseless I'm an idiot. 3 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aureol40012 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 14 hours ago, Gopher said: No - I phoned them yesterday, they do not have them is stock yet. Cancelled my months long reservation with them and gone with Derails instead! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Rails Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) 8 hours ago, aureol40012 said: Cancelled my months long reservation with them and gone with Derails instead! Hi, Our stock is arriving today. After contacting Bachmann to see why ours seem to be arriving after others, they informed us that social distancing is causing a few delays in the warehouse. Furthermore it seems our new arrivals order has been picked with a large restock order which has meant it took slighter longer to pick and pack! Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Regards Oliver @RailsOfSheffield Edited June 24, 2020 by Oliver Rails spelling 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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