Nick-L

22 minutes ago, HarryLamb2 said:

Whilst waiting for my 1 Deltic from Rails I have just received 2 sets of 18.83mm gauge replacement wheels for my EE types 3 and 5 from Accurascale (very tasty wheelsets, very similar to SLW ones) So, I removed the wheels off one axle and replaced them with Ultrascale 3' 7" disc wheels just for comparison and here is the result. I will have a crack at using the Ultrascale wheels but if it doesn't work out I will be quite happy to use the Accurascale jobs as they are of excellent quality. Incidentally, the min. radious on my plank is a generous 4-5'. 

Look at bit..well…undersized?

22 hours ago, Accurascale Fran said:

Hi everyone,

 

As above, the eagle eye of @Nick L spotted our ventilator was well, quite misshapen and did not capture the look well at all. So, we went back to the factory and asked them to change it, which they have done! It has now been tweaked to the original measurements, something which got lost in translation in the original design brief stage. 

 

 

 

 

Now the issue has been resolved, the CDAs have been redone and will now ship next week. We apologise for this slight delay, but we think it's well worth it to get the final models spot on so they can be enjoyed for many years to come.

 

 

In recent times we have had some "interesting" comments sent our way online that it's "unprofessional" to show pre-production images as it's not the finished product. We found this thought process somewhat strange. We always said from the outset we would show our processes from beginning to end, so you can enjoy every step and we provide transparency as much as possible on progress and take you along on the journey. 

 

Showing the samples of these wagons allowed you to see something was amiss; something we had a "wood from the trees" moment with. This meant we were able to take the feedback on board, and rectify. If it wasn't for Nick's observation they could well have arrived with the original ventilator. Thankfully the factory acted quickly on the instructions of our project manager to sort the issue and come up with a much better solution. They have turned all this around in a matter of a few weeks which is extraordinary work. 

 

If it's okay with you guys, we will continue this way, show progress and be transparent about any issues that may pop up along the way, and of course show the solutions and talk through the processes. 

 

We now look forward to these arriving in July!

 

Cheers!

 

Fran 

 

 

 

 

Where can I send my details to claim my prize??! 😁

Well I can’t wait for these.  It’s a shame Cavalex and the two retailers have got this set back but having handled the samples at Alexandra Palace I am confident they’ll be worth the wait.  Being a hair shirt wearing P4 modeller it was great to see first hand what’ll be needed for conversion (fair easier than a Hornby model!).  And look at that CDA! The cover is beautifully rendered.

One question on these. The large ventilator - it looks quite different to photos of the prototype that I’ve been looking at. Any thoughts on this?  Maybe there was variety between batches?

6 hours ago, Enterprisingwestern said:

 

Whilst the thrust of your argument is valid, the whole point of this particular can of worms is that the original wheels aren't to the "standard" spec of 12.5mm x 26mm x 2mm thereby putting another obstruction in the way of a straightforward conversion.

Not all P4 modellers compensate RTR wagons, many just swap the wheelsets without any further issues, as indeed do I in EM, so in this respect Bachmann/Hornby et al are a simpler conversion.

I doubt anybody is buying these wagons to junk the majority if not all of the chassis and replace it with a more scale alternative, because, niotwithstanding the wheelset issues and their knock on effect, it's a good, well detailed underframe, although not perfect.

 

Mike.

Totally agree. And furthermore, they were advertised and sold as “Designed for easy conversion to P4 and EM gauges” with clearly specified dimensions associated with the wheelsets suggesting this was the case (“26 mm over pin points”).

Thanks for that Fran.  Will look forward to seeing the video too.

Thanks for the update.  As production models are in hand, can you give us a demonstration of P4/EM conversion please?  

16 hours ago, mike knowles said:

Further to the reported problems converting to P4, I received my wheels from Alan Gibson this morning (very prompt service) so set about doing my three MDV wagons.

Firstly some comparative measurements done with my digital calipers.

Accurascale; axle length 25.35mm, axle diameter 1.5mm, wheel diameter 11.8mm.

Alan Gibson; axle length 25.90mm, axle diameter 2.0mm, wheel diameter 12.3mm.

With the brake gear removed I found that on my wagons at least the new wheelsets ran quite freely with no adjustments needed. In fact I was surprised how easy they went in considering the longer axle length. 

However fitting the alternative brake gear did cause some binding issues. Partly with the brake shoes rubbing on the wheel treads (possibly due to the larger wheel diameter) but I think mainly due to the link joining the two yokes together. This link passes over the top of the axle and as supplied just about clears the 1.5mm diameter axle but binds quite severely on the 2.0mm diameter Alan Gibson axle. A bit of work with a file on this link plus the faces of the brake shoes soon provided the necessary clearance to allow the wheels to turn freely again.

Maybe I've been lucky with mine I don't know, I'll see if my three Coil A wagons turn out the same.

I do wonder if Accurascale actually tried fitting some EM/P4 wheels during the development stage but hope they take note of these comments and make due allowances on future models. Some comment/feedback from them here would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks for posting your findings Mike.  Good that you get free running on the MDV chassis. I am going to Investigate a couple of other wagons from my 9 coil A’s to see if they are any different to the first one I pulled out.

Yes, that’s right.  A very welcome addition it has to be said.

As regards the Coil A’s, It’s not about mileage or fine tuning - the wheels sets quite literally will not turn with a replacement AG or Exacto wheelset

 

You may be right about filing the end of the axles in terms of time saved.  Neither is a good option in my view….particularly when the wagon is described as being designed for easy conversion…which in my book means a wheel swap without filing, drilling and what not (plenty of that to do on the rest of the wagon fleet…).  
 

However, I’ll be keen to see what you find with yours and what solution you settle on, so please do post your findings.

I agree they are light and could use weight. Completely agree that springing something like this isn’t required.

 

Yes…removal of brake gear required to swap axles.  You can’t swap wheelsets without doing that (you will see why when you get hold of your wagons).

 

Reducing the axles…really not something I want to waste time doing at this point.  That will be a last resort.  Likely to try the truck tuner (or similar) before that.  You are correct as regards the absence of pinpoint bearing, and I am considering drilling out next with the relevant tool and fitting some.

13 minutes ago, Fat Controller said:

It may be worth using a file to reduce the thickness of the brake shoes to give a bit more wiggle-room. I've done this before; not too difficult, but you have to watch you don't catch anything else.

That’s not the issue because I am fitting the wheels without any brake gear fitted.  There is, commendably, no clearance issue to deal with, but there’s more to ‘P4/EM’ compatibility than ability to just drop the wheel set in (although that is most welcome).

35 minutes ago, Wickham Green too said:

Looks like the Accurascale wheels are on a 1.5mm axle - so Gibsons won't just swap - and I measure them at 25.5mm !

I have got Gibsons in by - slightly - deepening the holes and re-profiling with the Micro-Mark 'Truck Tuner' so I have one wagon, of three, that runs OK though the brake blocks are extremely close to the - slightly larger - wheels .......... each of the other wagons have one axle OK and one jammed solid by the brakes ! 

Just been back to mine. And you are spot on as regards the axle diameter.  I think i’ll have to resort to deepening the holes in the axle box too.

21 hours ago, Wickham Green too said:

Has anyone ( Ruston ? ) succeeded in converting these wagons to EM or P4 ? ..... I don't know about the vacfits but the MDOs seem to have a 'spare' hole that repositioned safety loops might fit into - but that implies that the plastic brake hanger must fit into the tiny hole that's currently in use. Moreover, I've given everything a tug and the only bits that show any sign of coming loose are the lift-link side vee hangers - which doesn't help in the least !

No, but I have tried (with a Coil A).  The ‘as supplied’ axles are shorter than the usual candidates you would try for a drop in replacement (I should point out that the as supplied axle appears to be spot on 26 mm as I measure it, whereas the replacements are a tad longer). I have attempted to do it with Alan Gibson and Exactoscale sets.  There is binding with both (clearances are otherwise fine) and no chance of the wagon running.  Elsewhere the suggestion has been to use the as supplied axles with AG wheels, re-gauged.  I have tried this but not yet managed to get the non insulated  side off (and have now bent one Accurascale axle in the process!).  Assuming I can get the other wheel off I am fairly sure this will work.

I should also add that recesses for the upper handrail brackets are not present on my sample, although the instructions imply that they should be there.  Somewhat curiously there is ‘ghosting’ of them on the moulding on my sample, as you can see on the sprue photo, yet they have no relief.

3 hours ago, rope runner said:

Any chance of posting a photo of the sprues here Nick? 

 

Thanks

 

Paul A. 

Sure.

 

5 hours ago, Bishdurham said:

 

Have you built it yet?  Any pictures or comments about the build?

 

Thanks!

I have got a rolling rigid chassis in P4.  I just need to add the brake details and buffers (which I am replacing with white metal versions).

 

Personally, I’d describe it as a bit of curate’s egg: good in parts.  I built the 4mm version more as a curiosity  than anything and won’t be doing any more.  I intend to get a couple of the 7mm ones next year.

 

On the positive, getting a rolling chassis in P4 without trying to bodge suspension/compensation is a positive and so I am sure people will be able to build it nice and square in OO and get a good runner.  Under frame detail isn’t bad and I like the detail of the wooden hopper doors.

 

There is a generous sheet of decals included from Modelmaster, which look excellent, in good register and include a range of markings for different traffics (including sugar beet - who knew?).

 

I am less impressed with the multi part hopper body and it seems to me that not producing it as a single part is an opportunity missed.  This being said it’s easier than than the 21 ton hoppers from the same stable (which incidentally build into very nice wagons…I digress).

 

I will be posting the finished thing on my Instagram in the next week when I get around to adding details, which you can find by looking for ‘railfreightrelic’ if you are interested in seeing a bit more.  I have posted a picture of the sprues there too if you would like to see those.

 

hope that helps?

I can confirm it comes with transfers, supplied by Model Master.  These include markings for ‘sand’ and ‘iron ore’.

Here’s one I picked up. Shall be building it tomorrow.

 

On 26/11/2019 at 18:42, 61661 said:

OK. Here goes...

Class 27s - due December 

Class 33 rerun - Jan/Feb

Class 33 V3 with headlights - Q2 2020

Class 25 - delayed to make mods/improvements but hopefully end of Q2 2020
Class 45 - Q3 2020

Class 47 retool - Q4 2020

Class 86/0 - Q2 2020

Class 86/4 - first half of 2021

GWR Railcar - Q3 2020

Gresley O2s with GN tenders etc - Q4 2020

 

As with the O gauge list, all dates are provisional and subject to alteration. 
 

Hope this helps

 

Ben

 

 

First, thank you for taking the time to reply and provide your current outlook on these projects.  Would you mind elaborating on what you thought needed fettling on the much-anticipated 25?  Thanks again for your response - it's appreciated.

Very nice indeed.  How long before these drop on to the door mat?

Any chance of similar for the OO releases please?

With all these announcements and more scheduled at Warley, I have been contemplating a little wider analysis of model types could be started, admittedly covering my particular interest in OO gauge diesel and electric locomotives. I will admit I thought a bit before posting this… being as I have been a more of a lurker.  Having thought a fair bit around recent developments and chatted a fair bit ‘offline’, I thought it worth a shot to see what others think about this.  And with thanks to newbyford who was perhaps thinking the same way as myself:

 

 

So, what started off as a pub table discussion about Accurascale’s Class 37 with a couple of mates over a pint has become more wide-ranging. I find the way the model market is shape-shifting absolutely fascinating. Those into aircraft construction kits, like myself, will find many parallels with new entrants coming all the time, and a fair bit of duplication to boot.

 

Accurascale are clearly well resourced, undoubtedly enthusiastic, are full of optimism and have significant marketing clout (counting a PR professional amongst their ranks) with very eye-catching stands at Ally Pally and the NEC. They have picked-up where the Canadian’s left off it seems, after Rapido seem to have come to the conclusion that the UK was not paved with gold… With four AS/IRM locomotives announced (Deltic – Due Q4 2019; IR A Class – Due Q4 2019; Class 92 – Due Q1 2020; Class 37 – Due Q4 2020) it is a shame that two of these are already seeing some slippage and a third (Class 92), a significant delay. Still, those of us relying on manufacturer’s announcements are more than familiar (happy?) with long delays… I’m personally mindful of where this can lead having seen a large sum disappear with a now defunct company. Success breeds success and looking back at the early days of Accurascale they said project announcements will only be made when the models are only 10-16 weeks months away from delivery, that now seems to have shifted somewhat. The direct-to-market sale model also seems to have been re-interpreted. Maybe we should cut them some slack though? The pre-work on new releases looks great, and the HUO’s I have are certainly top drawer. 

 

More importantly, what will be the effect on the Big Four?

 

There was a post somewhere that suggested that Bachmann might not be best pleased with recent developments. As Bjørge Lillelien might have said, the Barwell boys are taking ‘one hell of a beating’ as the information below bears out. I’d have loved to have been a fly-on-the-wall when they heard that their core diesel loco models (37, 47, 66) had all been announced by other companies. They are seeing core product picked off all over with Heljan taking a big chunk (47, 45, 25) and Accurascale taking on on two long-term popular sellers (37, 55). Hattons’ (66) will make a significant effect in the next few months. This must be especially concerning for those at Barwell because both Hattons and Accurascale will have models with numerous livery options and are currently developing and expanding their own retail networks to extend their market reach. Let’s also not forget that retailer commissions are also risk-free revenue that may be lost to Bachmann. There is, however, a protective defence being mounted, with several recent revamps having taken place recently or pending (20, 24/25, 40, 45, 42). Having had its large range chipped-away ineffectively by several new but very small entrants, my thinking is that Bachmann simply cannot ignore so many of its core products (popular diesels) to be rendered obsolete by bigger concerns in the immediate future. Will there be a fight back very soon, and at express speed, with a majorly revamped Class 37, Deltic or even a Class 47. Probably after a final big push of the existing toolings with an accompanying price incentive a la Class 66! Can they afford not to react? Surely, at least, they should try and make a race of it?

 

Hornby are in a different position, having concentrated on steam locos of late. Many of their diesels are from their early-2000s purple-patch and are pretty good (older doesn’t automatically translate to bad). The Accurascale Class 37 could be a cause for concern at Hornby as it also provides the bogies for a certain Class 50… Could the Hoover be vulnerable (see below also)? Their electric locos are being picked off (admittedly these were very old tooling) with only its hold on the Class 87 tightened due to last year’s all-new model. However, the Margate team have always said they want core items in the range that have longevity (the explanation given for the Class 08 duplication way back) so who would bet against them having a bash at a decent Class 37 or 47 on January 6th. Both of these have a long Tri-ang/early-Hornby sentimental heritage which will help with the marketing, not that they need it with such a strong brand name. As someone else on here put it, I cannot help thinking the timing of the Irish Class 37 reveal was unscheduled and seemed a bit pre-emptive – could this be the real reason? The news was the worst kept secret in the diesel modelling community due to a lot of gossiping.

 

The Danes – Heljan - have been prolific in recent years and have become even more active in the last few months with an incredible number of announcements in both OO and O gauges, all heavily promoted by their agent in the UK. They are not afraid of bold duplication or going up against Bachmann as shown by the recent big announcements (47, 45, 25) which sees them explore a more competitive market than the odd-balls they were previously fond of. They also seem market aware with several protectionist revamps taking place (86, 33) and minor rejigs to other classes to keep them fresh and off anybody else’s radar. The new items seem to be making use of O gauge development work (research and CAD) to sensibly save time and money. What have they got in the senior scale that could make major impact in the OO market?  37/4 or 50 anyone?

 

Dapol have ramped-up production in recent years and are spread across three gauges. In OO, their Class 68 is impressive and other items are of recent parentage are pretty accurate if not the most reliable of performers. They seem to have enough on their plate with the Class 59 coming to fruition and the Danish challenging them in O gauge. The in 7mm scale Class 66 must be a very big project for them and the attraction of better margins in this scale may mean a scaled-up Class 68 could be on the cards. The Chirk OO range seems safe from threat for the time being - I suspect they are glad to be keeping a low-profile in the current melee. I do expect the dual-mode Class 88 sooner or later, though.

 

There is an awful lot of planned projects here (with more to come). Will it all arrive? On time, very late or at all? Can we afford it all? There are some mighty big log-jams heading our way. For instance, Accurascale’s Class 37 and 92 will now arrive at the same time: Q4 2020. Is this strategy sustainable in the light of DJM, etc.? Are the sales sufficient to support so much duplication? Maybe they are, noting that It is common for the same loco to be available from several different manufacturers in Europe and the US. 

 

Perhaps, somebody else can take up the challenge to produce a similar body of work for steam and units. I must admit that much my info is from memory so dates may need changing/correcting in the table below. I apologies in advance for any errors or omissions. Maybe the Mods might want this long piece to move into general discussions if this isn’t the place?

 

Bachmann   

Class                Superseded by

03/04               Bachmann revamped 2012

08                    *Hornby 2010

20                    Bachmann revamp 2020

24                    *SLW 2015 + Bachmann revamp 2020

25                    *Heljan 2020 + Bachmann revamp 2020?

37                    *Accrascale 2020

40                    Bachmann revamped 2014

42/43              Bachmann revamped 2015

44/45/46        *Heljan 2020  Bachmann minor revamp 2020

47                    *Heljan 2020

55                    *Accurascale 2019

57                    (Overtook Heljan in 2008)

66                    *Hattons 2019

70                    New in 2013

85                    New in 2014

90                    New in 2019 (targeted Hornby)

DP1                 New in 200?

10000/1         New in 200?

 

Hornby (recent)

Class                Superseded by

08/09              New in? (targeted Bachmann)

31                    New in? (replaced Lima)

43 HST            New in? (replaced Lima)

50                    New in? (replaced Lima

56                    New in? (replaced Dapol)

60                    New in? (replaced Lima)

67                    New in? (replaced Lima)

71                    New in 2016

73                    *Dapol 2017

87                    New in 2018 (replace Lima)

91                    *Cavalex 2020

90                    *Bachmann 2019

92                    *Accurascale 2020

 

Heljan           

Class                Superseded by

05                    New in 2015

07                    New in 2018

14                    New in ?

15                    New in ?

16                    New in ?

17                    New in ?

23                    New in ?

25                    New Model 2019 (targets Bachmann)

26                    New in ?

27                    New in ?

28                    New in ? (Hattons)

33                    Heljan revamp 2014

35                    New in 2006               

45                    New Model 2020 (targets Bachmann)

47                    *Bachmann 2012 + Heljan revamp/respond 2020 (targets Bachmann)

52                    *Dapol 2014

57                    *Bachmann 2012 + Heljan revamp/respond 2020?

58                    New in ?

DP2                  New in ?

Falcon              New in ?

Lion                 New in ?

Kestrel             New in ?

76/77              New in 2013 (Olivias)

86                    Heljan revamped 2019

 

Dapol

Class                Superseded by:

22                    New in 2015

21/29              New Model 2019 (targets old Hornby)

52                    New in 2014 (targeted Heljan)

59                    New Model 2020 (targets Hornby RR)

68                    New in 2017

73                    New in 2015 (targeted Hornby RR)

Great to see this class being re-done...long overdue.