DoverPriory

A good idea - will have a look through ebay for an analogue controller. Can easily construct a small oval track underneath the main layout. In the meantime I've dusted off the Hornby 73's City of Winchester and Stewarts Lane and will put them back into use. Will look at Dapol again if they sort out their product. Just thinking how different the launches of the SLW class 24's and Dapol 73's. Not an awful lot of difference in price, if,like me (poor eyesight), you have to get the sound fitted for you.

Yep I bought two. Both, sadly, also appalling runners. Don't know exactly what the fault is - both of mine were sound chipped. The symptoms you describe are exactly what I experienced! I did get some improvement by adjusting the back 2 backs and running them slowly (less than18/28). But ultimately the motherboard failed on BOTH. My system is Peco track and a Gaugemaster controller. And if I can run Bachmann E4's and Hornby 08 shunters on my layout, although far from perfect, it can't be too bad!!! Thankfully Hattons havent quibbled about taking them back with a cash return and I can get the removed chips re-blown. So lets put this down to experience and get out the old Hornby/Lima class 73's - they may be poorly detailed - BUT AT LEAST THEY RUN!!

I expect it will turn up........I expect these guys are rushed off their feet trying to fulfill orders.......so I will try again after the holiday period

Mine arrived this morning via Royal Mail - with prior email announcing delivery. Professionally parceled all the way down to the 'tin' they are contained in. Only prob I've got is that the website with the instruction manual wasn't available - TalkTalk was directing me to amongst other things a site about Type 2 diabetes!! However I will send off for a paper copy after Christmas. Initial impression is of a superbly detailed model the like of which I haven't seen before. Sadly I've got to go out shopping now for all that food that isn't going to get eaten this next weekend. But look forward to getting my type 24's onto the track later and using the sound chips- hey they even contain detonators guys. Happy memories of travelling between Folkestone and Dover in the sixties (along Little Switzerland) in the fog behind Mr Bulleid's steamers with detonator accompaniment!

You wouldn't get more bitchiness at a kids pony gymkhana than you see in these in these columns! The RE class 24 is, I think, about to set a new benchmark in quality for RTR OO gauge locomotives. True there may be some faults, but those who don't make mistakes don't make anything! A maxim the moaners might take to heart. If folk don't like what is being offered or the way it is being sold then walk away and leave it alone - don't keep clogging up these columns PLEASE! I'm in the process of buying both models and look forward to quality locos going round my layout producing quality Sultzer music.I am not related to, or in the pay of RE - just happy to see someone injecting some enthusiasm and quality into the railway modelers scene. I for one wish them every success for the future after some difficult times.

A mate went up to the launch and reported back that the model has the most stunning detail of any RTR model he has ever seen and also the most brilliant sound. Looks like a lot of thought and effort went into the creation of this model. RE was very badly let down over its class 33 production and so very much deserves to succeed with this class 24 venture! The class had only a slight dalliance with the Southern Region of BR ( the theme of my layout) but I have ordered both the blue and green versions. Now all I want is Father Christmas to get a shuffle on and bring them ready for Christmas.

I bought 2 E4s and they are both pains in the proverbial. I will endeavour in the winter to remedy the pickup problems as outlined above. My green southern was a particular pain in the *rse and I had to go round my layout getting the track ABSOLUTELY LEVEL, what fun! It's pony wheel was also a problem........the back 2 back has to be absolutely correct (to the nearest micron I suspect) and the track absolutely level as well to stop derailments. Both my E4's are now servicable but no more Bachmann steam locos for me thankyou very much. I am no engineer/mechanic but in my humble opinion this is not the best model Bachmann have ever produced!!

Thanks 34C and Chris G for taking the trouble to give me help with my E4 problem. Once I have finished the domestic chores I've been allotted (decorating and putting a sound system into the conservatory) I shall set about the E4s. Getting the running gear 'looser' sounds good and I will have a go at that first. Interesting that others have had problems with E4s as well. Thanks guys.

Having problems with two E4's (both sound chip fitted). They stall going through (Peco Setrack) points in a coach park/marshaling yard at speeds < 6/28 which they will have to do. I can't fathom why they will go through 'no probs' in one direction but splutter/stall going in the opposite direction. So far I have checked: 1. The pickups make contact with all 6 wheels ( back 2 backs OK) when wheels are moved from side to side. 2.Wheel rims and insides are clean (used surgical spirit on a Q tip). 3. Track is clean and level (tested with spirit level) I have found these locos (both) very intolerant of minor track imperfections but have leveled track where there are issues. Before I give up and consign them back to their boxes and the store cupboard does anybody have any ideas please. Have brought back the class 25's (not PC on a southern-themed layout) but hell they do a good job and sound good to.

Got my Jacobite headboards, and a few other bits from 247 developments. The K1 plus maroon coaches can now do guest appearances (along with Tamworth Castle and Mallard) on my southern region themed layout. And I can think back to my Scottish holiday as I look on. Thanks davidw for the info.

I certainly do not want to pour scorn on Bachmann's E4s, Yes they do look good. I bought two. As I said earlier one was taken back because it was a poor runner and something wrong somewhere - not obvious from external inspection. The second (a Southern) is OKish - it will try to stall at slow speeds where my little red spirit level (ex B&Q) tells me the track isn't PERFECTLY level. Some small strips of plastic bricking sort that - good job I haven't ballasted the track! I would add that other locos (diesel and steam) run perfectly on this track! Also had to sort out the b2b on the pony wheel of this one. It constantly derailed until I did and it needs to be accurate to the micron I suspect! In conclusion I would say that these short wheel-base locos will run fine if you have a simple ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY laid down track. Where they are required to run through masses of points and diamond crossings etc I have my doubts about them.

I have to agree that these E4's look good. But I have found them temperamental to run. I bought 2 to replace Hornby 08 shunters. Well one E4 had to be taken back it was so bad. The other is 'tolerable'. And the shunters have come back into service ferrying rolling stock round the layout.

I had my K1 re-weathered by TMC (after being warned about the yellow factory weathering) and sound chipped. I said I was going to boycott Hornby for 12 months. But I have never been so pleased with a loco - it runs superbly. Now all I have to do is find a Jacobite headboard for it - no luck so far - any suggestions!

Try looking at the back to back on the pony wheels. Mine had the same problem. Resetting the pony wheel back 2 back allowed the pony wheel to travel through the gap between the catch rail and the rail iself. Problem solved.