RCAR6015

My wife and I very much enjoyed a visit last Saturday to the East Somerset Railway at their base at Cranmore.

After the train ride and excellent cream tea, we ventured down to the maintenance facility.

Inside were two ex GWR / BR 6 wheel milk tank wagons, which were being externally cleaned by hand / mop and bucket.

I was advised by a member of staff that the external cleaning was to do with a forthcoming photographic session.

Am I reading to much into the situation?

Will be interesting to see which manufacturer gets to the market the earliest!

13 hours ago, Black 5 Bear said:

Sir Nigel Gresley by any chance ?

Bang on!  Black 5 Bear.     

 

Pleased to hear Hornby have picked up on the comments advised on this thread and are taking measures to rectify the situation.

I will now consider the purchase of a re-issued model at a later date, dependant on the outcome of Hornby intervention.

Will be interesting to see how the awaited releases of the next batches are reviewed

The management at the factory that produced this model appear to have at some time in the recent past joined the -S.N.G Appreciation Society 

I really hope that the factory that produced this model has not been awarded the order to assemble the forthcoming re- release of the B.R. class 6 Clan locomotive

My sincere thanks to - Black 5 Bear -  for taking the time to investigate and reply to my enquiry.

 

Such a shame, as etched plates would have been the " icing on the cake "

Can I seek members advise?     A few months ago I purchased the R3713 - Princess Arthur of Connaught.

I would like to fit etched brass nameplates, can anyone who has fitted brass plates suggest a suitable supplier or which make may be the best fit to cover the existing one.

Many thanks!

Hopefully the photograph on the Rails web site is taken of a pre production model, and the main production release will have it correct.     Not trying to "nit pick" at Hornby but having received an email earlier today from Rails advising the imminent release of the model, the location issue immediately caught my eye from the image they used.

The illustration on the email is not the same as the illustration used on the reply from knowledgeable  member gwrrob, which shows it in an accurate position.

Maybe I just " jumped the gun " 

Have just viewed the photo of R3723 BR black large prairie 6145 on the Rails web site,  a small query - is the blue route availability mark on the bunker, located in an incorrect position?

Thanks Ian. Just what I need to create ‘Earl of Clancarty’ (I think!). But what’s happened to that ejector exhaust - hope that’s a one off!

Was going to buy this release, however the observation above and the pictures on the Rails web site has cast doubts in my mind. The footplate above the offside cylinder also look to be uneven!

More QC issues fron Hornby?

I have raised the issue / my opinion with Bachmann and we shall have to wait and see, that's all I can say for now, it will ultimately be their decision taking into account their previous releases and standpoint I am sure.

Your reply does not give much hope that Bachmann will make any change.     Possibly a situation of " We know best! "

In the photograph does the dimension shown relate to the diameter of the of the buffer head on the chosen subject?

Can any " experts on rolling stock buffers "  help on a possible connection?

Personally, I'd like them to do something in between. The last lot were more-or-less spot on for prototype colour but it looked too dark on the models. I haven't yet decided if I'll get two pairs of these and renumber one or just one and wait for an "A" release.

 

Whatever happens, I have very little need for crimson/cream Bulleids (one SK will do me) and I'll be waiting for the coaches to make 3/5-sets to be released in green before I replace my old ones, several of which I only refurbished a few months ago. 

 

Probably just as well, if they were doing everything in BR green this year it would reduce the number of Hornby Maunsells I can afford.

 

John

I much prefer the Hornby shade of green that they use on their B.R. Southern Region stock ( Mk 1 and Maunsell coaches )

To my eyes the shades of green use by Bachmann have never been quite correct!

Perhaps they can take the time to review the colour specification on the new release of Bulleid coaches

If Guy didn't build any in Wolverhampton and Daimler didn't build any in Coventry, I don't need any.....

 

OK, OK - I'll stop.

 

BCT? Waiting for one, then two arrive together! Love the blue and cream livery with the distinctive coloured roof!

 

 

 

-Jason, several thousand miles from Warley

Re post 972.

Please note loco to tender drawbar has a perfect " dog leg " to it - should in not be flat?

Boxed locomotive was received as a loose/floating fit in the DPD outer poly bag.

Not a happy bunny! Took my R3555 SWS to the Solihull Model Railway Club to test run this evening.

Item received on Tuesday but not inspected until now.

Hornby quality control can only be described as " dire ". A pity that major suppliers do not have time to check for major faults prior to dispatch.

Faults include: loco chassis loose from body above the cylinders. Able to get clear daylight between both - front securing lug appears to have snapped off - a similar problem having already reported on this site just a few days ago.

Incorrectly fitted bar between loco and tender - possibly fitted the wrong way round - bar retaining screw to loco loose. Unable to get tender to sit level when on the track. The interaction between loco and tender can best be described as a " see-saw" motion.

Near side drivers door broken.

Off side cab window wind shield missing.

Battery box off running plate loose in tray.

Inner tray has two broken loose pieces above the cab, with part of the top edge of the tray just to the front of the cab being completly broken off also. However the outer polystyrene sleeve and cardboard outer show no signs of any damage.

The outer cardboard box used for despatch also shows no sign of damage, I am confident to state that that the damage was not caused during transit by the UK carrier.

I will be on the phone to the supplier at 9:30 promptly in the morning in the hope of a positive solution.

i.e. Even if they are out of stock - I need a replacement item.

I also intend to email Hornby to voice my concerns. Having paid RRP less £10.00 I should not have to receive crap!

Up date Tuesday 07/11/2017.

Have received very polite email from supplier Friday pm 03/11.

They attempted to contact the Hornby rep for S.W England on Friday but could not make contact with him, in an attempt to source a possible replacement - not heard any update since.

The retailer has requested I return the item to them asap.

Many thanks to the many members that posted their support to me over the last few days!

 

I have never attempted to post photographs on the site before, but here goes ( pictures are better than a thousand words )

 

Sorry most of the photos appear to have been taken in Australia!

This is an update.

Following a 30+ minute phone conversation, the supplier has agreed to contact Hornby to find out if they have a replacement item to send. Getting them to agree to this was like " extracting blood from a stone "

Initially advised: Sold out at Hornby!!!

This major retailer does not hold back any items in reserve to cover any major defects. ( Not a very clever business model )

When they are gone they are gone attitude - end of story

My other options are to return for a refund or they require the item returned to them for it to be forwarded to Hornby, with no guarantee that they will have the parts to effect the repair

Any body like to know the retailer?

It's not: Hattons, Rails, CMC, Invicta but a major retailer. so guess who!

 

During the telephone conversation I mentioned I had posted the problem on RM web, the reply being " not to believe everything that is posed on there".

I personally find that a rather arbitrary attitude

This is an update.

Following a 30+ minute phone conversation, the supplier has agreed to contact Hornby to find out if they have a replacement item to send. Getting them to agree to this was like " extracting blood from a stone "

Initially advised: Sold out at Hornby!!!

This major retailer does not hold back any items in reserve to cover any major defects. ( Not a very clever business model )

When they are gone they are gone attitude - end of story

My other options are to return for a refund or they require the item returned to them for it to be forwarded to Hornby, with no guarantee that they will have the parts to effect the repair

Any body like to know the retailer?

It's not: Hattons, Rails, CMC, Invicta but a major retailer. so guess who!

This is where Hornby , and other modern companies, really go wrong. They are prepared to accept a certain % of defects. Well that's ok if you get a good one, but if you are one of the unfortunates its a major hassle

 

a) the initial disappointment

b) the issue of negotiating and organising return

c) getting a replacement , if indeed there is one to be had and its not sold out.

 

I think they fail to take into account the effect that small %(assuming it is a small %, not so sure about that) has in trashing their reputation , especially with internet , forums, blogs etc .

 

What to do ?  Well firstly I'd beef up QC at factory . It may just be model trains but ignore that for a moment , if you are spending £169-£189 on something , wouldn't you expect it to be perfect and working or have we all got money to burn?

 

Secondly I would have a strategic reserve that retailers can call down in the event of returns to make sure everyone that has pre ordered gets a good model. This is sensible DJM did it with his 71 and is now selling off the reserve he didn't need. So there's a small working capital cost on this

 

Thirdly, Id have a genuinely helpful customer helpline .

 

Yes it all costs money but QC is not optional. Many companies seem to think it is these days.

 

If manufacturers really want us to pre order with confidence  there is a quid pro quo , and that is we everyone that ordered gets a model in good condition and working. One comes with the other, its not tough luck

This is where Hornby , and other modern companies, really go wrong. They are prepared to accept a certain % of defects. Well that's ok if you get a good one, but if you are one of the unfortunates its a major hassle

 

a) the initial disappointment

b) the issue of negotiating and organising return

c) getting a replacement , if indeed there is one to be had and its not sold out.

 

I think they fail to take into account the effect that small %(assuming it is a small %, not so sure about that) has in trashing their reputation , especially with internet , forums, blogs etc .

 

What to do ?  Well firstly I'd beef up QC at factory . It may just be model trains but ignore that for a moment , if you are spending £169-£189 on something , wouldn't you expect it to be perfect and working or have we all got money to burn?

 

Secondly I would have a strategic reserve that retailers can call down in the event of returns to make sure everyone that has pre ordered gets a good model. This is sensible DJM did it with his 71 and is now selling off the reserve he didn't need. So there's a small working capital cost on this

 

Thirdly, Id have a genuinely helpful customer helpline .

 

Yes it all costs money but QC is not optional. Many companies seem to think it is these days.

 

If manufacturers really want us to pre order with confidence  there is a quid pro quo , and that is we everyone that ordered gets a model in good condition and working. One comes with the other, its not tough luck

 

Hi Legend

Many thanks for your post. I certainly agree with the points you highlighted in a/b and c.

Organising the return for me personally is a major problem.

In 2002 I was diagnosed with a very rare incurable illness ( Wegeners Granulamatosis ) incidence is between 6 to 8 cases per

1 million head of population. The illness is a blood disorder where your own immune system is attempting to kill you by attacking various body organs. I am truly lucky to have survived for 15 years, however the initial illness has caused kidney failure, reoccurring skin cancers, and Axional Sensory-Motor Peripheral Neuropathy to both lower limbs - virtually unable to walk or stand..

My problems with R3555 are rather insignificant!

Not a happy bunny! Took my R3555 SWS to the Solihull Model Railway Club to test run this evening.

Item received on Tuesday but not inspected until now.

Hornby quality control can only be described as " dire ". A pity that major suppliers do not have time to check for major faults prior to dispatch.

Faults include: loco chassis loose from body above the cylinders. Able to get clear daylight between both - front securing lug appears to have snapped off - a similar problem having already reported on this site just a few days ago.

Incorrectly fitted bar between loco and tender - possibly fitted the wrong way round - bar retaining screw to loco loose. Unable to get tender to sit level when on the track. The interaction between loco and tender can best be described as a " see-saw" motion.

Near side drivers door broken.

Off side cab window wind shield missing.

Battery box off running plate loose in tray.

Inner tray has two broken loose pieces above the cab, with part of the top edge of the tray just to the front of the cab being completly broken off also. However the outer polystyrene sleeve and cardboard outer show no signs of any damage.

The outer cardboard box used for despatch also shows no sign of damage, I am confident to state that that the damage was not caused during transit by the UK carrier.

I will be on the phone to the supplier at 9:30 promptly in the morning in the hope of a positive solution.

i.e. Even if they are out of stock - I need a replacement item.

I also intend to email Hornby to voice my concerns. Having paid RRP less £10.00 I should not have to receive crap!

Have also received confirmation this morning by e-mail that my model of " Harry Beck" is on its way to me.

Item ordered early January!

Update -- postman arrived just after mid-day. Signed for recorded delivery.

Model looks fantastic -- well pleased. Hope it runs as good as it looks!

Have also received confirmation this morning by e-mail that my model of " Harry Beck" is on its way to me.

Item ordered early January!

Due 28th March according to a well known retailer.

 

Cheers,

Mick

If these items are half as good as they look and considering the likely selling prices, I don't expect to see them gathering dust on retailers shelves!!

With alll the price rises on standard models announced I am wondering as to whether these will actually go up in price. And is that the reason they have been taken off the 'for sale' position 

Don't get giving Bachmann any clever ideas!!

Arrived with me

 

 

Also can be bought and sent out today! Why wait around ?

" Sorry ". It's the wrong shade of black - for me!!