Andy7

I did complete a pair of them and they were really good (goes off to find some pics). I later sold both wagons on as my interest was caught by something else, ha. Only did 2 though and then sold the rest of the parts to someone who has then started to build their own rake.

Class 57 is a prime candidate I would say. Current only option is quite basic and there are lots of improvements that can be made to bring it up to accurascale spec. Along with this the 57 is now out decked in various different liveries and used by at least 5 different operators.

This is not the loco you are looking for! You Sir, need a Lima model.

Why on earth would someone with a controller from the ark be interested in the best rendition of a class 31 ever produced. Seems bizarre to me.

Exactly this. Why would anyone watch some clown review a toy train to decide they want one or not. accurascale would no doubt refund you if the loco wasn’t what you were expecting versus their claims. If you need (want) a 31 then buy it, hope for the best and if it wasn’t then use the above option. I personally had a lovely Hornby 31 that I repainted and weathered to be 31128 in its current condition. It was stunning to look at and ran really well, I loved it. But, on finding out accurascale were doing 31128 I immediately pre-ordered off spec and sold the Hornby item asap. Why? Well it was the electronics that were the main draw. Stay alive, multiple light functions, proper working fan, cab lights and flange squeal with sensors. On top of all that I got the most accurate model of a 31 (my opinion), excellent sound and a very acceptable price for a top drawer model. I’m a very happy bunny. The world has moved on, YouTube exists and it’s excellent but model trains have moved on as well. Every single model on sale today (locos for sure and most coaches and wagons) are Limited editions. Very few specific items will be re-run (even if they do you will have to wait years maybe decades). I realised this a few years back and I will never be bought out by missing out something that I want due to apprehension over the details. Almost any minor issue can be overcome and indeed that is part of the fun. I like to do some modelling! and I also like to have a bespoke model of my chosen subject. accurascale gave me an amazing starting point and I have personalised to my standards. Well done chaps. My tip is buy the loco you want as soon as it’s announced or you will probably miss out. Don’t wait for a review from a nobody who doesn’t have your eyes.

The first Mondeos were a huge leap forward from everything that went before. They were probably one of the new generation of cars. I had many a journey in an early (L reg) 1.6 petrol. To say they will go the way of the Cortina and Sierra is wishful thinking in my opinion. Good as they were, front wheel drive does not compete with rear wheel drive. What actually would be desirable about them? Nostalgia would be the only thing i can think of.

Fran you are doing a great job. My limited understanding is that eventually accurascale want to have the majority of loco classes (diesel at least) in their line up. Unfortunately that will tread on some toes and others it will shake up (good). At the end of the day it is a business and that means it is out to make money (treading on toes is part of that). Some companies in the model railway world think that it’s okay to say it’s a part time job and that means customer service goes by the way side (or an acceptable excuse in my book). accurascale are all in on that front and all the other fronts. Well done chaps, keep up the tempo and take all (at least most) of my money. I have been a supporter from day one and I will continue to buy everything that suits (be that accurascale or otherwise, zero allegiance, purely out for myself). Bring on my DCR, GBRF and EWS/DB tugs I have on order.

31128 doesn’t have those holes btw.

I took the buffer heads off (not difficult at all) then drilled the holes above and outboard of the yellow pipes (also need holes drilling). My pics above to show the locations.

31128 is now ready for weathering. Detailed as per my requirements, drivers at both ends, wheel faces painted track dirt brown, cabs and fan weathered. 37422 will be joint it tomorrow for hand and airbrush weathering. Both stunners.

Can’t remember the exact setup but between F17 and 21 they can give you, no lights one light or both. It’s all in the instructions.

Works perfect on 31128 as soon as it moves on a curve. Changes as speed increases, a very nice feature.

I would also be interested in an answer as to why the latest accurascale model can’t have the bass and treble adjusted yet the last batch of 37’s can have it. I tried it as soon as it arrived on Monday just gone.

Not tried to fit as the end I have detailed doesn’t have it fitted on the prototype.