chris37422

Would tend to agree with you. I’m settling on a refund for my 2 and will order the Bachmann ‘Biffa’ (as well as the FL) Maybe it’s a case of retailers stick to retailing and manufacturers stick to manufacturing? But then again, Kernow (for example) seem to manage decent QC on their projects.

Finally got round to testing.... both going back :-( Contacted Hattons who were helpful and going back with Collect+. Initially for replacements, but not 100% sure what to do now. Really want the ‘One’ loco so will probably replace that.

Received my Biffa and ‘One’ liveried sheds today. Dont think I’ve felt so scared when opening model railway boxes before.. Nameplates were wonky on both, and one of the front handrails is floating as per my other two. A loose pipe in the box of the ‘One’ loco, not sure where off but I’ll figure out when I can be bothered. Yet to run either, but the bogies on the Biffa one have a lot of glue marks and one of the axle boxes is caked in the stuff. Livery application on both is generally good to my eyes. Being a bit critical I’d say the ‘Zero Injuries’ branding on 66587 isnt the best. To summarise, as per my last two, I’d say the model is definitely an upgrade on the Bachmann offering but let down by some pee poor QC. Will be ordering the Cemex next and would have had the orange FL but for it being the wrong shade, cant understand that one. Off to test.... Happy Modelling! EDIT: Upon closer inspection one of the buffers was missing from 66587. Will use the spare provided.

Yeah for me the front end needs the yellow breaking up a bit. I think if the window surrounds/seels were painted black it would help it somewhat. i don't mind the rest of it! Apologies for the livery froth lol

Today received the O gauge 33030 in EWS via DPD which was ordered from Hatton’s yesterday. Credit where it’s due it was a rapid dispatch and packed well. Upon opening the box I discovered there was a cab handrail missing and this was lay at the bottom of the box. Disappointing for sure but what a lovely model. Got in touch with Hattons who swiftly arranged for a returns label. Asked the guy I spoke to if I paid for another one there and then (refund the original when received back) could he try and get it posted today for me. Unfortunately he wasn't able to do this as it was after 14:00 which was a shame. Sure enough I’ve received my returns label no fuss and the model is on it’s way back for a refund. I’ve ordered one from Rails of Sheffield on next day delivery and pray for better luck lol

Yeah must admit the only disappointment I had with my Rails DRS pair was the printed panels beneath the grille. Was surprised to see this on a new tooling. Shame as not too bad a model otherwise.

Yeah 4x Bachmann 90’s, 3x Hornby 87’s and there is a Bachmann 85 there as well somewhere. Have a Heljan 86 but it looked pretty rubbish when next to these so back in it’s box. Here’s to the Accurascale 92 :-)

Just a message of appreciation for Derails. Ordered a Bachmann ‘Area Special’ 37704 in EW&S livery at 10:45 yesterday and it landed on my doorstep via DPD local at 1045 this morning in perfect condition and tested. The model is lovely and the loco was a particular favourite of mine, seeing regular use off Arpley and semi regular on the Arpley - Allerton crippled wagon runs towards the end. I seem to recall it being stored at Arpley as well in the yard. Bearing in mind the current Covid situation this has more than exceeded my expectations (all with free postage too!) Now to find some room for it in the cabinet! Thanks Dan n’ co!

90043 was the only 90 to gain Powerhaul livery with the Genessee and Wyoming branding. Bachmann's subject, 90042 (as well as 90045 90049) are in original ‘Powerhaul’ but like almost every Freightliner loco, has received the ‘Zero Injuries branding’. Hope this helps.

Treated myself to 66418 ‘Patriot’ and it’s just arrived via RM. I was umming and ahing with this particular one knowing it has the lighting issue. But I’m in the (probable) minority who actually like the Powerhaul scheme and like the story behind the Patriot naming. So I took the plunge.... I’m delighted with it if I’m honest. It’s my second Hattons 66 after 66789 which I got before Christmas and at the time felt a little underwhelmed with (probably because of the various documented issues) although I thought it was definitely superior to the Bachmann offering (of which I have 30+ and still rate) I hastily arranged a quick comparison shot of My Hattons 66418 and Bachmann 66416 which has shown different tones of green used. Opened a can of worms with myself though and hastily compared with the other Powerhaul locos in my collection (Bachmann 08, 70 and 90) and the Hornby 86) and i don't think any of the shades match each other lol but thats one for my OCD to get over! It’s not perfect, one of the handrails on the cab front was dislodged and I couldn't see anywhere obvious where it should pop in to so I’ll have to glue that in place. The box was in poor condition too, scratched quite a bit on all sides but theres more important things going on in the world right now! I’ve got a Bachmann 66413 on order and look forward to receiving that but will likely be back for FL 66593 and 66528 from Hattons. Gets a thumbs up from me! Happy Modelling!

To be honest I’d have to agree with you, the 90 is the best model I’ve bought. I’ve got all 4 of the releases so far and have had the bogie issue on 2. They were dealt with and repaired by Bachmann in a rapid fashion so no complaints from me.

I must admit I think this is a commendable and realistic approach by Hatton’s. These are unchartered waters and no-one wants to be here. I wish them (and all other retailers) well.

Brilliant news! I didn't realise Gareth was on board, that's a bonus for sure! 37423 is a must for me and maybe/probably/definitely 37419.... Good work guys and good luck!

66413 was painted in the incorrect shade of orange when it was released from Arriva Train Care at Crewe. I believe the Americans at the launch observed it was the wrong shade and ultimately corrected the specification for future repaints. 66623 was the first to receive the amended/correct shade when painted at Eastleigh. There is definitely a difference between them. Unrelated to sheds but the G+W livery has seen a couple of adjustments on the way to getting it how they want it. 90044 recently finished at Arriva has the corrected orange but with a subtle difference with the main logo on the bodyside so the logo stands out more against the orange. HTH

Got mine today, must admit I’m happy enough with it. Only the naff pantograph that disappoints me with the 87, but seeing as this is my 3rd I cant be that bothered about it. Fingers firmly crossed for a DRS livery 87 one day (short lived but I thought they looked great!) Many thanks, Chris

I just need the coaches and DVT now :)

Some good Springs Branch workhorses there, 08485 and 08815 in particular come to mind Thanks for sharing.

Oh yes of course, I know. The point I was making from my own perspective was about what they have worked with the bulk of their lives and has been 'standard' as such. We'll get there in the end no doubt... one day.

A few pics of the Trafford Park FLT pilots over the past few years. First up 08585 'Vicky' in the Powerhaul scheme. 08585 relieved 08624 here in 2015 and would stay until being replaced by 08785 in Oct 2017. Secondly then is 08785 which completed a 2 year stint here from Oct 2017 until November 2019. It being moved to LH Group for a well deserved exam and repairs. And finally, 08530 is the current pilot having taken over from 08785 in November 2019.

Disappointing news. It’s tricky with a 91 in that they only work with Mark 4’s (other than L/E obv) and have never been freight locos. For me there seems little point in me purchasing a Hornby 91 with no MK4s and DVT as Cavalex were to produce. You have conducted yourselves perfectly gents and I feel very sorry for you. I wish you well for future projects and hopefully some that I will be able to support. Chris

Great list - thank you. I believe the Grand Central livery ones are actually planned to be 90020, 90021, 90026, 90029 and 90039. Believe 90020 and 90026 will be receiving very shortly... As ever, time will tell. Keep up the good work.

Refurbished MK4's I think

To echo the above, I’ve also replied to say I hope the project continues and that I look forward to receiving my 2 Cavalex 91’s in the near future.

Hope you get it

Tell them they probably wont be wrapping one for xmas 2019 Joking aside I've accepted I wont be receiving my two in time for Christmas now so have treated myself to a pair of Bachmann 37/7's instead Will look forward to getting them in the New Year at some point. Have a great Christmas all.