Class 37, by Accurascale

[Melton Works]

On 16/04/2023 at 12:56, D400 said:

DCC Function Issues. 

 

I don't know if this just affected me (seems unlikely?) but both the card that comes with the loco and the function table on the decoder itself contain a few errors. Fortunately I have a LokProgrammer so most of these have now been sorted and I can pass on to you how to fix it with your chosen DCC programmer. All at own risk, accept no responsibility etc!  

 

First of all the card:

F17 Spirax valves - No spirax valves but this appears to turn the tail lights off which should be... 

F18 Tail lights on/off - This turns the headlight on and off but not the tails! Same thing is also performed by F22 and F23. F22 doesn't actually apply to my model but I would guess would be relevant for those of you with 37423 with its wipacs. I've been careful to make sure that my mods *shouldn't* affect this, but obviously I don't have one to try so can't be 100% sure! 

F31 - Card states this has a soundslot but no description! - It is the compressor for those of you who were not sure. 

 

The pink section of the card is very useful as it correctly identifies which AUX function is attached to what with the expectation of AUX13 which is incorrectly labelled as "Top Rear" - same as AUX12. The decoder is set to provide power to this function all of the time so I'm not sure what it is! 

 

The following CV changes will correctly restore the Spirax sounds to F17 (they were the there but unallocated to any function!) and move the tail lights to F18 as per the card. Please note these use Loksound v5 extended programming table. This means you MUST change CV31 and CV32 FIRST before changing the CVs listed below in each section. I hope that is clear and as I say I accept no responsibly! 

 

CV31 = 1, CV32 = 1
----------------------
CV291 =  64
CV292 =   6

CV31 = 16, CV32 = 4
----------------------
CV325 =   0
CV326 =   2
CV341 =   0
CV342 =   2
CV358 =   0
CV374 =   0

CV31 = 16, CV32 = 5
----------------------
CV405 =  64

CV31 = 16, CV32 = 10
----------------------
CV408 =  16

 

One final item on the card which I can't seem to access is the cold start which is mentioned on F8. I am currently presuming this particular sound set doesn't have one. 

 

Constructive criticism for future locos; it might be worth putting a dip switch on to turn on/off the stay-alive pack. It can cause all sorts of problems while attempting to re programme. 

 

Cheers!

Bruce 

Hi

 

I have changed these CVs on my 423 and 425 and has made a hell of a difference! Can now use Spirax valves on F17, Taillights on/off F18 and hall sensor on F11 now enabled. 

 

But for some reason, F21 and 31 control the engine room lights? 

 

Anyway your information is very much appreciated! 👍👍

 

Kev (Melton Works)

[cessna152towser]

So I got fed up and frustrated of waiting for my first Accurascale 37 to arrive and after Friday evening wine I bought a second hand Lima 37 184 in Railfreight petroleum grey on eBay for 33 quid.  It arrived on Monday and by Lima standards is a good runner and has been running up and down my layout all day Monday and Tuesday but will probably be sidelined once my Accurascale 37 423 Spirit of the Lakes arrives later this week.

[PaulRhB]

Hi Guys! 
It’s a lovely speaker, the edges are spot on just like the prototype and I particularly like the rippled texture, so evocative of the real thing, we just need the loco bodysides treated to a similar beaten metal texture. It looks real almost irony.

The speaker grilles are spot on with five lovely ‘petals’ on the front one and I measured the raised ring to within 0.005mm of the real thing. 

The wires and connector are stunning, flexible just like real wire and the connector looks as if I could just plug it into my non sound 37 043 when it arrives. 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

 

 

 

Well you did ask 😂 

 

Yeah I love automated review requests, 

😈

[97406]

The new arrival meets 2 of the residents.

 

Edited April 26, 2023 by 97406

[97406]

8 hours ago, adb968008 said:

A bit of time to spend a few minutes looking over my 37’s I thought i’d offer a comparison. This is like Oasis and Blur (Ive thrown in Pulp for good measure as too were knocking around a bit before gaining fame).

 

 

 

First glance I feel i’m looking at three pretty nice 37’s. Thats right I dont think the 2018 Bachmann 37 is that bad either.

 

The dimensions, basic shape are all pretty good, though you start scratching the surface…

 

 

lets compare the orange jumper socket.. a basic lump in 2018 is a highly detailed socket for both Accurascale and Bachmanns new offering.

 

How about the cab sides…

 

I do like the cab handrails on the 2018 model. The sandbox on the nose is well represented too.

 

But on Bachman's the cab doors handrails could definitely be better.. it doesnt go into the sides, but simply folding and bending straight into the door.
 

 

Accurascales does the same with the cab door handrails but definitely blend in better (but to be fair the Bachmann handrails are painted and appear wider).

 

The sandbox cover on the 2018 model I still this is best moulding, with Accurascales just behind.

I note Bachmanns 37401 has the wheel guards, where as my Accurascale ones do not have them fitted.

Accurascale has the etch cab step, where as Bachmanns is moulded.

 

Both have the well documented bogie chains, mounted to the frame.

 

now what about the roof…

 

Theres 19 squares diameter on each 1/4 upto the outer circumference frame.
 

Bachmann 2018 - 13 Squares

Bachmann 2022 -12 Squares (and 2x 1/2’s).

Accurascale 2023 -21 Squares

Whilst on the roof, lets look at the hatches…

 

Bachmanns has finely refined outlines of hatches, latches, hinges and grab rails…

 

Accurascale has separate grab rails and yes the latches are a separate piece as well.

 

Now comparing the all important cab front windows, horns… ive got to be honest I’m not seeing much to pick from here, despite others concerns / feelings, I think Accurascale have nailed it pretty well… 

 

note Bachmann on the left does not come with eth cable prefitted, Accurascales does.

 

 

This however does need to be unclipped to go inside..

 

 

Unclipping the body shell is a doddle… unclip the eth both ends,  just run your fingers along one side, then the other and the body comes off.

 

not forgetting that ordinarily you only need to unclip the roof for dcc fitting and adjusting the switches anyway.

 

by contrast my Bachmann body requires 8 screws and 4 JSTs to undo, to be able to access the interior.
 

 

comparing interiors…

 

Bachmann has cab lighting switches under the chassis, negating need for body removal, Accurascale has an array of switches on the DCC blank chip itself, accessed via the roof..

The dates on the boards are 

Accurascale v12 2022

Bachmanns is v01 20th Oct 2021

 

A quick look at cab interiors..

The Accurascale has angled handbrake wheel compared to Bachmanns straight.

Both have painted back heads, and interiors.

of course Accurascales has a lighted display panel..

 

Both use JSTs for wiring connections.

 

The motor in Accurascale looks like the same as used in the class 92 (and very standard to several models by an array of manufacturers) on the desk  is an identical one ( except a smaller flywheel size). The flywheels look the same as used on Hattons 66.

 

By comparison Bachmann uses a slightly smaller motor..

The Bachmann motor is hidden inside there, and just for comparison ive posed it alongside the Motor size as used in Accurascales 37 and an identical sized (but not an actual Bachmann) 37 motor, to give an idea of size difference.

Note Bachmanns chassis comes with a prefitted speaker..

(it was a further 10 screws to reach this point on Bachmanns).

 

Onto performance…

weight.. 

Bachmann 37401 - 522g

Accurascale 37425 - 675g

Accurascale. 37419 - 670g (yes I triple checked both, it is 5g lighter and ive not lost any screws).

 

Startup power

Bachmann 2018 - 0.08A

Bachmann 37401 - 0.08a

Accurascale 37419 - 0.14a

Full power

Bachmann 2018 - 0.14a

Bachmann 37401 - 0.18a

Accurascale 37419 - 0.3a

 

Both have a reasonable start up and top speed but Accurascales definitely eats more.,

(Ive cross referenced this to the same motor in a Hattons 66 and its comparable).

Bachmanns goes faster but not discernably.
 

Conclusions…

 

Price 

 

Lets face it, on price Accurascale has won… £169 vs £250, even though you can find Bachmanns as low as £180.

 

On detail

 

The old 2018 37 wasnt bad, and with cab handrails and sandboxes it still wins, but its age shows on the electronics, bogies, moulding intricacy, especially that eth socket send it to the past.

 

Accurascale nudges ahead of both Bachmann 37’s imo with the separate roof details. I find not enough in it to judge on the cab front windows, which was a concern for some ahead of release. Equally Also I cant say the separate nose seam on Bachmanns is a killer either (but is useful for modelling converts), though on large logo or plain green it may start to show.

 

The fan grills are wrong on both, but I think Bachmanns looks closer to reality, despite Accurascales looking more pleasing to the eye, and the outer rim being better and closervto accuracy.

 

In short two very good models, but its definitely an A* to Accurascale vs an A for Bachmann.

 

On access

 

No question the separate roof piece on Accurascales is a great innovation. Coupled with the switches on the chip makes for easy DCC configuration.

By comparison 10 screws and 4 JSTs to get to the chip on Bachmanns is a bit of a chore (and anecdotes of some jst sockets coming lose on the cab board have been reported).

 

On electronics

 

I’m a fan of jsts over soldering, for timesaving and both use these.

Bachmann does well with the factory fitted speaker, and cab light switches under the body, but the sheer range of control on lighting for Accurascales is a winner, Its also less complex.

Accurascale Concerns

The separate roof hatch lends itself to handling damage, and neomagnets can wear down over time.

 

The motor in the 37 looks similar to the Hattons 66 which has had issues, but equally repairable and looks industry standard. This motor does use a bit more juice than others though, and the bushes are a bit thin.

Bachmann concerns

 

Accessing the interior is a little picky, undoing the tightly fitting jsts which could break. This especially as your more likely to need to go in for DCC work than the Accurascale one.

 

The motor is smaller, but its also lifting 100g less weight. I’d be hoping its up to the job long term, and suspect its ability to pull maybe constrained compared to Accurascales.

 

 

Overall

 

ive posted this in the Accurascale thread as its a clear winner imo.

 

Thats not to say the Bachmann 2022 class 37 is bad, it is indeed very good, to be able to even compare two such highly detailed models spoils us consumers.

 

As yet (aside of 37043) weve not seen much head to head competition so theres room for both, but as the pincer closes in over time, if Accurascale sticks to this standard then they will win the war.

 

Not that you would want to, but Accurascales body does fit the older Bachmann chassis..

 

 

And finally…

 

37425/419/401..

 

 

Back to Britpop…

 

Bachmann’s “Great Escape” made a “Country House” with this 37..

But Accurascale have “Rolled with it” and produced “Whats the story ?” Album with this model….

 

Back in the Britpop days, I was riding the same. 37’s in the same liveries then too… in Madchester an all that.

 

its great having great 37/4’s… 

 

 

 

I do enjoy these sorts of comparisons. Without opening my recent Bachy 37 up again unnecessarily due to the detaching jumper issues, do you reckon an Accurathrash speaker will fit in there? I have a 40 with sound that also may get one fitted.

 

I am very pleased at the ease with which the Accurascale body can be removed, too. 

[Br60066]

Agreed. Fantastic comparison. On thing I would love to see is a sound comparison between Bachmann and Accurascale. That's where you spot the Bachmann models big problem. It rattles like an old wind chime in a hurricane when you turn the sound on. I've tried everything to isolate vibration but there's just too many rattles to catch them all. At that point it doesn't matter if the sound file was ultra HD or taken from an old amateur VHS recording. Maybe it's a feature and class 37's in reality are fond of rapid unscheduled disasembely by vibration?

[97406]

The Bachmann 37 needs more bass (in your face). The Accurascale one stands head and shoulders above sound-wise after an initial thrash last night. I think adding an Accurathrash speaker to the former will sort.

[Andy7]

41 minutes ago, 97406 said:

The Bachmann 37 needs more bass (in your face). The Accurascale one stands head and shoulders above sound-wise after an initial thrash last night. I think adding an Accurathrash speaker to the former will sort.

It won’t sort it as the file is rather basic. It’s on full power by about a quarter to a third of the power selected. Also only seems to have about 3 notches. On the whole it’s crap.

[Bucoops]

30 minutes ago, Andy7 said:

It won’t sort it as the file is rather basic. It’s on full power by about a quarter to a third of the power selected. Also only seems to have about 3 notches. On the whole it’s crap.

 

That's my kind of review. Short, but thorough.

[meatloaf]

Ive managed to pick up a RR one from rails of sheffield. Had to get the DCC ready as there was no sound ones left. 

 

Decoder wise will the lokpilot listed for the class 92 fit/work ok?

 

Failing that ill pick up a basic 6 function chip until the sound chip comes into stock

[Bucoops]

Just now, meatloaf said:

Ive managed to pick up a RR one from rails of sheffield. Had to get the DCC ready as there was no sound ones left. 

 

Decoder wise will the lokpilot listed for the class 92 fit/work ok?

 

Failing that ill pick up a basic 6 function chip until the sound chip comes into stock

 

The correct ones are due in in a couple of weeks - wait for one of those?

[97406]

38 minutes ago, Andy7 said:

It won’t sort it as the file is rather basic. It’s on full power by about a quarter to a third of the power selected. Also only seems to have about 3 notches. On the whole it’s crap.

 

7 minutes ago, Bucoops said:

 

That's my kind of review. Short, but thorough.

Firm but fair 😆

[nightstar.train]

1 hour ago, meatloaf said:

Ive managed to pick up a RR one from rails of sheffield. Had to get the DCC ready as there was no sound ones left. 

 

Decoder wise will the lokpilot listed for the class 92 fit/work ok?

 

Failing that ill pick up a basic 6 function chip until the sound chip comes into stock

It will certainly work as it’s a standard Lokpilot 5. But it will need a lot of reprogramming to get all the lights working as you want. 

[Accurascale]

How about some good news to brighten your day!? 😁
 

Arriving into stock within the next couple of weeks are the next three Class 37s from our first run, 37051, 37026 "Shapfell" and 37027 "Loch Eil".
 

While they are currently all sold out we may still have a few to go on sale when they arrive, so make sure you click that 'Email me if becomes available' button on our website.

https://www.accurascale.com/collections/class-37

[RedgateModels]

Oh, I thought the Scottish large logo ones were next 🙁

 

EDIT:

 

just checked on the website, I see that the 37/4's are due after 37051, 37026 "Shapfell" and 37027, but it does say they will be late April, which is kinda now, hence my confusion. 

Edited April 26, 2023 by RedgateModels

[sulzer71]

Oooft! Glad I ordered 027 yesterday just hope TMC get enough stock to complete my order 

[97406]

They look fantastic.

[McC]

[franciswilliamwebb]

Just having a 37 sitting properly on the bogies makes a world of difference.  Roll on the third shipment😎

[Ryan91]

They look splendid! Can't wait to see photo's of 37043 though! 🤩

[slow8dirty]

6 minutes ago, franciswilliamwebb said:

Just having a 37 sitting properly on the bogies makes a world of difference.  😎

They do have a certain presence don't they? Which I didn't even realise was missing with earlier renditions.

Edited April 26, 2023 by slow8dirty
The first rule of editing club....

[97406]

38 minutes ago, slow8dirty said:

They do have a certain presence don't they? Which I didn't even realise was missing with earlier renditions.

The toughened screens alter the character on the prototype and those models

 

ETA, I realise now you probably meant earlier models from other manufacturers, not the first batch of Accurascale 37s.

Edited April 26, 2023 by 97406

[billywhizz]

They look stunning. Can’t wait for my order to arrive. When is 37043 likely to arrive? I thought it would be the same time as the other 37/0 split box locos. 
Sound chips now pre-ordered for the 2 I stupidly didn’t order with sound. 
 

[mallaig1983]

6 minutes ago, billywhizz said:

They look stunning. Can’t wait for my order to arrive. When is 37043 likely to arrive? I thought it would be the same time as the other 37/0 split box locos. 
Sound chips now pre-ordered for the 2 I stupidly didn’t order with sound. 
 

043 is in with the other large logo ones Billy

[sulzer71]

One thing I have noticed and can't unsee is how the panel where the headlight sits has been 'notched' into the nose?

Edited April 26, 2023 by sulzer71