RMweb Premium Hilux5972 Posted March 23, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 23, 2023 On 07/03/2023 at 05:07, Chris-ECT said: Ok, we've kept you waiting long enough... May we present to you the first decorated sample for our forthcoming Black 5! Now, there are a number of alterations and improvements we have made to this - but what do you all think? Where’s the green one with the face on it? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-ECT Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 On 23/03/2023 at 08:21, Hilux5972 said: Where’s the green one with the face on it? That's the un-announced limited edition 😃 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Hilux5972 Posted March 27, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 27, 2023 3 hours ago, Chris-ECT said: That's the un-announced limited edition 😃 I’ll wait for the announcement then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 5, 2023 Share Posted April 5, 2023 (edited) I would like to buy one of these for my O gauge garden layout. The Hornby Bluetooth DCC chips will be a game changer for my layout as no more DCC problems outside..the locos can be controlled via bluetooth with the track still DC powered. So my questions are 1/ Will the Hornby DCC HM7000 Bluetooth chips be power matched OK with this loco's electronics (If I order the DC only version) 2/ Does the DC only version still come supplied with a speaker prefitted fitted in the loco? (the Hornby HM7000's are tinny and crap) 3/ Where is the DCC plate located? in the tender or the locomotive 4/ Is the DCC plate easy to get at? 5/ What wheels have power pickups? Just the loco or tender as well? Thanks! Edited April 5, 2023 by wappinghigh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 (edited) I doubt that compatibility with a low end OO gauge sound decoder will be a primary concern for ECT. The model will be suitably heavy (I have held one), and have a corresponding current draw. I would hope that ECT design the motor and electronics for performance and reliability over power consumption. As the sound version is Zimo, I would think that the 34pin L interface will be provided - such as: https://www.coastaldcc.co.uk/products/zimo/decoders/o-gauge/ The price difference between dcc ready and sound fitted appears to be in this range. Nonetheless, there would be an hard-wire option for other decoders, but experience would suggest that models of this size would draw more than 1 amp peak, most likely defeating the HM7000. I have dabbled with using TTS chips for ‘sound only’ in 0 Gauge This works with diesel sounds - the class 50 is remarkably good - but the steam sounds rely on BEMF for chuff sync (what little there is). I would imagine the HM7000 is similar. ~ Obviously using them for sound only would obviously defeat most of the Bluetooth benefits. It might be worthwhile lobbying Hornby to produce a range of decoders for 0 Gauge, with relevant large scale sockets. Alternatively, Soundtraxx are already on this with their Bluetooth enabled range: https://soundtraxx.com/blunami Neal Edited April 7, 2023 by neal Posted before complete 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-ECT Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 (edited) Good morning Wappinghigh and everyone else, Sorry I didn't get back to this yesterday I ended up out of the office. To make life easier I have copied and pasted the questions and I popped the answer below them for ease. 1. Will the Hornby DCC HM7000 Bluetooth chips be power matched OK with this loco's electronics (If I order the DC only version) Unfortunately, Hornby doesn't make a chip to fit this interface. 2. Does the DC only version still come supplied with a speaker prefitted fitted in the loco? Just the DCC Sound models will be pre-fitted with speakers, as we have opted for high-end 2 x Zimo 'The Boomer' SP18x13x13 Dynamic Speakers 3. Where is the DCC plate located? in the tender or the locomotive? The interface is located in the boiler in a removable fixture, it is fitted with its own 34 pin interface which is developed for and around the Zimo MS950 Sound Chip, as they are our DCC Partner. The Zimo chip also has a built-in stay-alive. 4. Is the DCC plate easy to get at? There are two screws at the rear and two at the front to remove the boiler and the smokebox so the speaker X fitting and DCC interface can be accessed. There is also quite a bit of room in the boiler for other fittings if required. 5. What wheels have power pickups? Just the loco or tender as well? The driving wheels have plunger pickups, the bogie is unpowered and the last two tender wheel sets are also fitted with pickups. I hope this helps and if you have any more questions please drop me a line Edited April 11, 2023 by Chris-ECT Updated spec info 3 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 ^Thanks for all this. The Soundtraxx Blunami for large locos looks the go as long as it is compatible with 34pin L inferace which I assume this model uses? I highly doubt they have a Black5 recording though? Anyway. The world will move towards bluetooth now Hornby has joined Sountraxx..and like I say this has major benefits for large scale models as many of us don't have the room for O scale inside so like to run them outside or on a suitable club layout. Bluetooth control really suits O scale.... Just MO 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 I don’t think that the Soundtraxx decoder will be compatible with the ECT DCC ready socket, but this could be hard wired. This would however require the ‘hard yards’ working out wiring relevant to the decoder connections. I don’t know what sound files are available for this decoder. In all honesty, Bluetooth is new to the UK DCC market, and expecting manufacturers to respond in weeks or months to a new technology is unrealistic - particularly for O Gauge where production volumes are less, and commercial risk is very high. As far as I can see, Bluetooth DCC still requires a solid AC or DC power supply, which could equally provide a DCC signal. In my mind the ECT sound fitted loco, supported by a well installed DCC network still remains the way to go. That said, such comments echo those of analogue supporters 10-15 years ago! There are parallels with going electric for your car - I have just bought my ‘last’ petrol powered car but was torn over the decision! N 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 (edited) ^Thanks for the help Neal I'll order a DCC sound version And swap out the chip for bluetooth (if and when? a suitable one ever arrives) It will still run on DC right?... I get that magnificent Black5 original soundtrack.. Just not the direct whistle control etc.. Cheers Edited April 8, 2023 by wappinghigh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 I thinks that’s a good call. I’ve ordered DCC ready and will take a view on decoders available at launch. Can’t wait for this one! Neal 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 Check with ECT whether the decoder will support DC operation for sound. Neal 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauliebanger Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 Don't be shy, the RTR sound fitted versions will be the way to go. I'm working on the sound projects for the factory sound-fitted Black 5s currently. They'll knock your socks off. Full suite of authentic sounds, playback in 16 bit resolution, plus a host of added functions and features. The sound will operate on DCC or DC analogue by default. And you will get far more on analogue than just the exhaust sounds. Paul 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 10, 2023 Share Posted April 10, 2023 ^This "sounds" like it's going to be awesome! Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 10, 2023 Share Posted April 10, 2023 I am trying to work out right now which "Iconic" Black5 with sound to get.. now all the Eric Treacy's (with sound) seem to be accounted for.. ) 😀 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wappinghigh Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 On 01/01/2021 at 07:34, Adrian Stevenson said: It has a riveted tender. https://thewatkinsontrust.blogspot.com/ Cheers, Ade. And should be modelled domeless? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Adrian Stevenson Posted May 28, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 28, 2023 Here is a video of the running sample of the new Black Five. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-ECT Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 On the 2nd and 3rd of September we will be at the Gauge O Guild's Guildex at Stafford Show Ground We will have the latest samples and updates on this project! Come over and say hello if you are visiting Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted October 15, 2023 Share Posted October 15, 2023 The EC guys at GETS say these will land from next month, excited now! N 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ressaldar Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 (edited) Hi Chris-ECT Is there any chance of a lined, un-numbered livery but with BRITISH RAILWAYS on the tender, or alternatively, with nothing on the tender for application of our own transfers? regards Mike Edited November 20, 2023 by Ressaldar additional wording Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Latest YouTube vid suggests the new year for most/all - can’t imagine my unlined late BR would be delivered to me on the the 23rd Dec… Ahh well, best things and all that. Slippers for Xmas! Neal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-ECT Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 Good afternoon all, For everyone joining us at Warley this weekend, we'll have the latest samples of our Black Five on show, including production samples, ahead of the first models arriving next month. Feel free to drop by and say hello! If you can't make it, check out our latest update videos on the Black Five below: Chris 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Adrian Stevenson Posted November 25, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 25, 2023 A couple of snaps taken this morning at Warley. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted November 25, 2023 Share Posted November 25, 2023 Ooooh! Tempt not this flesh. A beauty but a bit out of my price range and a little too big for the layout. Nevertheless, my feelings may change. Too much good stuff coming all at once it seems, like buses. John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Dare I ask whether the early batch landed, need to brace my bank account….!? N Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis Clark Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 Hi Neal, They're currently scheduled to arrive W/C 15th of January :). Shipping is a bit up and down at the moment - but it's looking like this timeline will be held. All the best, Ellis. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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