I was looking at the Hornby website on these. Hornby's own description lists a 'normal' configuration that Hornby doesn't support. Unless I missed the Third Opens somehow?
I very honestly think many of these aren't too quirky anymore. The Sentinels and Neilson all have a strong chance at market share. Industrials are 'in' lately.
I did wonder, and I did look. I admittedly found myself more fascinated by the OHLE.
I know they were real. but a lot of the earlier LB&SCR locos look like they should be imaginary.
Have you investigated, I believe, Loksound doing a chipset with integrated stay alive? I believe I saw it mentioned in relation to the forthcoming Rapido Port of Par Bagnalls.
Things are looking better here. I may be on for a preorder, if I can run it through a retailer.
May be time to see if my first-run LMS Garratt will tolerate DCC and sound after 10 years of abuse...