BritishRail60062

I managed to get myself six of the VTG Grey ones for my Hornby Class 60's. They are nice models and they are about 30% heavier than the Lima ones. A long rake of them would surely test the haulage capabilities of the Class 60 from Hornby. Here's 60008 with mine :).

I wouldn't rule it out but highly unlikely and yes they do now fetch silly money on eBay. Probably better to get one resprayed and save some money. Anyway best we should not go too far off topic as I don't want to get roasted! . As for this HST and with the new Mk3 SD's coming out. I can legally have a short HST on my twin oval of track with the new Mk3's which to be honest. I am looking forward to it .

Nice one Ian, When I get mine. I shall be adding a Kato driver into the cab and I may add Legomanbiffo sound as well as his MTU sounds are pretty good in my opinion. Should be interesting to see the new Mk3 SD carriages once they are released . Just out of interest Ian, will you be getting the model of 60081 in the EWS/GWR livery? For some oddball reason that one would fit in amongst the GWR trains due to its Brunswick Green livery . Shame the real one is in a right state rotting away at Toton since it failed in 2004 but that is the way things are and nothing lasts forever.

To be honest opening doors is nice from a function point of view but for me. Its just another gimmick like having opening cab doors on some models. Will I even use them? Nope but just like you, I would rather pay around £30 or even £35 for a carriage with decent detail rather than extras like lights etc which I could always retrofit myself if I needed them so badly .

Well at the rate the prices have risen in the last decade. I think I will be back at the Job Centre looking for a newer job with a better pay packet to buy them then .

Perhaps because people like me want that model but are forced to buy the TTS version because there is no alternative as a DCC ready model like 60044 on this occasion. I will be buying more of them but I shall just remove the chip and flog the decoder on to those that want them and will replace them with V5 LokSound with Legomanbiffo sounds. That way I can enjoy DC mode and when I get DCC, I can use them on DCC whilst enjoying the best of both worlds on that choice. I too would welcome that move as then we won't be forced to buy the TTS version that in reality I do not want at this present time . They haven't done this with all models yet mate. Otherwise I would have bought the DCC ready version in the first place .

Oh that's new to me then. So does that now mean that Hornby are intentionally disabling DC mode on the TTS decoders now? If this is going to be norm then perhaps Hornby should release two versions of the model. One with TTS sound that won't work on DC and a DCC ready model that WILL work on DC like they did in the past when Hornby did DCC ready and DCC fitted models of the Class 153 and the new models of the HST. Or maybe just leave DC enabled for non-DCC users and leave it up the the DCC user to manually disable it or not .

Hi there. In truth, this is a brand new problem that I have experienced and considering that all past purchases of DCC and TTS fitted have DC mode enabled by default. I was kind of surprised because the first one I just sent it back as I thought it was just a bad egg or a dud and that one had a nasty scratch on the cab roof. But when I bought my replacement and put it on my DC loop of track. When I applied power, there was nothing and I thought to myself. I'd better alert potential users to this issue as my gut instinct told me that there was something wrong with the decoder and power was not reaching the motor nor the lights. After testing with a blanking plug once I got confirmation that it wouldn't invalidate the warranty by doing this test. The model worked and responded like a DCC ready model with the planking plug in place. As a result, this confirmed that the DC mode on the decoder is turned off as default by Hornby which I found to be a very odd movement. As to fair to Hornby on this issue. I am 99.9% certain that this was not intentional but for those that do not yet have a DCC system like myself or those that are not interested in DCC. It will be somewhat inconvenient and perhaps could cause hassle to buyers that buy the locomotive from a retailer or on eBay and think they have a faulty locomotive when infact DC mode is disabled. That was another reason I raised this matter to help sellers and retailers be aware of this issue so they can take counter-measures if necessary . I will look forward to seeing what the response will be on this matter and hopefully they can fix it on their supply of models and all retailers can fix their stock before shipping it out onto the buying public. Its better to avoid a backlash of complaints using prevention than cure . I have used them in the past via eBay and they have given me an exceptional service in the past and I have no problems using them again mate . I don't mind DC mode being disabled as long as I know beforehand as then I can buy the model and put it away until I get my hands on the NCE Powercab or remove the chip entirely . As I have said before. I am doubtful that Hornby would intentionally do this because it would be bad business practice and the reason I am bringing this issue to light now is to prevent a backlash of complaints from non-DCC users such as myself. That way Hornby and the Hornby retailers can take appropriate action on this issue imminently. Prevention is better than cure I think . Disabling DC mode if you are a DCC user is a good thing to do if you use DCC only as it will prevent runaways and random runaways like on the older TCS decoders which I found quite annoying to be honest . But new models should have DC mode enabled by default which was sadly not the case this time for the Hornby TTS Class 60. All the best Ash.

I am liking this and I will probably get the two from Rails as well. I too would like to see a Stobart model of 92017 come in the future. Probably as a limited edition and then it will be time to put my Lima and Hornby examples to bed .

Just had a good Ian and I am so excited already because I have always wanted to have a GWR HST in my collection and I will be adding a Kato driver into the cab as well by carefully sliding out the cab floor with the chairs on and then add the driver and put it all back together. I will be buying some extra Mk3 SD's to repaint into the Iarnrod Eireann livery with a Mk3 DVT to match as that will also take care of my Murphy Models 201 class model at the same time . I will do a running session video on my channel I promise .

Unfortunately where I live. There is no local model train store here in Derry and Enniskillen is too far and there is no model train store in Belfast either. That means I have to rely on online shopping for my model train needs unless a model train shop does open here in Derry although I would have expected a model train shop in Belfast but this is not the case sadly. That's a point. Does that mean that these Class 60's had DC mode enabled and then a delay of 2 minutes before the model starts to move or even respond? That's fair enough for me because my two LokSound Hornby Class 60's have a delay whilst the start up sounds play etc on DC mode. But if this is the case with the TTS Class 60 then surely the lights should come out to let me know that power is getting into the model. That would make things a lot easier for us. Its when the model doesn't respond at all that signifies that either DC mode is disabled or the decoder is dead which is my concern on this occasion . Thanks for that Keith. I am pleased that I am not alone on this unfortunate experience and that indicates that DC mode is disabled by default on these models which is not usually the case . I am sure that this is a genuine mistake from Hornby this time because although there could be an element of truth that it is quite possible that Hornby could have done this to get more sales and move people into the DCC market but I am doubtful and I will explain why I think this way. Its bad business practice for a start because that could deter people from buying TTS/DCC fitted models in the future which would only have a negative effect on the sales of that model. I am quite cynical on a lot of things as that comes with my age unfortunately. But my instincts are telling me that this is just a genuine mistake from Hornby on this occasion and I am doubtful that it would be something deliberately done. Communication has slipped somewhere between Hornby UK and Hornby China when the models were made. I totally agree with you buddy. Once Hornby are alerted to this issue. They are usually quite swift on dealing with these problems and they can alert all of their outlets and official stockists to the problem. Then the stockists can either check each of their models and manually enable DC mode on each of their models or send them all back to Hornby to rectify this problem . We'll just have to wait and see what Hornby will say on this issue next week. All the best Ash.

I too would like a set of Irish Mk3's with the proper plug doors on them for my Orange 201 models . The closest to those would have been those on the Class 442 EMU's that are used in the UK and the buffet car on the Irish Mk3's is more identical to the RFM. Maybe Murphy Models could make those Mk3's once the Class 121 is out to market. I will have three of them as I will have two in a pair on freight (similar to how the Class 20's are used) and one on the back of a rake of repainted Mk3 SD's with a Mk3 DVT on the other end .

I might repaint the Mk3 SD coaches from Hornby and just use a Mk3 DVT as that would be a closer match. Because the Mk3's are closer to the CAF Mk4's but I won't give up on proposing them though. One manufacture might not be interested but that doesn't mean that all will say "no" and I am happy with using repainted Mk3's with a Mk3 DVT for the time being. But it was worth a shot though .

Hi Fran, No problem. I will repaint a CAF Mk5 set instead .

Good points there. But the Murphy Models Mk2's are quite popular and is the case with the Cravens coaches as well. When I was living in England before 2017, I had a load of Irish model trains before I had to dispose of them and all but one went to buyers in the United States. That must mean that there is a lot of American modellers that like Irish trains as well as us here in the Isle of Ireland and the UK. Infact I think that it would be a great idea for anyone else besides me that likes the idea of having a Mk4 CAF set to compliment their 201 locomotives to post on this thread and share it because. That would aid Irish Railway Models in how viable it would be to produce the models and if there is enough demand for them. I know I would need two sets for another layout project I am going to do in 2020. But being a realist. I should well know that it is going to take a lot more than two sets ordered to make this a viable selling product hence why I made this more of a question with a proposal rolled into one thread . All the best Ash.

I quite like the Tulyar model and I am liking the detail on the unpainted sample. So well done to both Accurascale and Rails for bringing this one on and others to come as well such as the two Class 92's but I will talk about those on another topic. I have NEVER owned a Deltic model before and I don't know the real ones too well as I don't remember seeing them hence being about 2 years old when the HST's replaced them. But I like the BR blue so I might treat myself to a TULYAR model of it .

Hi everyone. I was thinking that as Accurascale are to produce the UK CAF Mk5 packs for 2020 which do look great I must admit. So this got my brain ticking and I would like to propose something new to the Irish Model Train field and I hope that the sister company Irish Railway Models would consider making the CAF Mk4 sets that are used on the Dublin to Cork routes that are hauled by the GM 201 Class locomotives. I have found some photos here which I have linked to for reference by pasting links which shows the photos of the trains which courtesy of Finbarr O' Neil. The train formation from memory is 5 standard saloons + one bar car and one first class with a DVT generator unit at the other end whilst the GM 201 Class only provides traction to haul or propel the train depending on direction. I would be down for buying two sets to go with my Murphy Models 201 class locomotives and the reason I am proposing these is because at present. Irish Railway Models have not yet produced any passenger cars in their range and this would probably make a good start. Another two reasons I also proposed this CAF set is because the first reason is that Accurascale are doing the UK CAF Mk5 sets and the second reason is that Murphy Models have produced the Mk2's and the Cravens and I wanted to avoid anything that would duplicate them although I will propose other passenger stock in other threads later but this one seems to be a safe bet to go with for now . As with my suggestions. I welcome feedback on my ideas and suggestions and I hope this will be helpful and useful for Irish Railway Models in the future as and when they come around to new product proposals as they have a lot on their plate with other models at present and I am not in a rush for these. So I am quite happy to wait because I have other projects that need to be tackled first in terms of model railways like the new Class 92 and the new CAF Mk5's that would fit well with my other model trains . All the best Ash.

I am so getting this pack although I will need some Mk3's to match it though. Thanks for the photos mate! .

I can understand the benefits of having DC mode turned off as default as when I used TCS decoders in around 2008/2009. I had a few scary rides with those and some random runaways in the process as well. I had to literally catch a few model trains with my hands to stop them flying off the board and smashing onto the concrete floor when the decoder chose to throw a wobbly on me for no apparent reason. So whilst I respect its benefits for those that do not use analogue 12 volts DC. I think it should be enabled as default on RTR model trains with DCC/TTS decoders fitted and standalone decoders for rookies that don't have much experience with using DCC at first because it would make life easier for all of us .

Thanks for that. I will let the NCE Powercab handle the settings of the decoder in that case. Its been a while since I used one that I forgot about its unique features on this function. So maybe that will take care of the problem with DC mode . I agree that if Hornby has chosen to disable DC mode by default then maybe they should state this in the instructions and on the model train box for TTS fitted models and also inform all official Hornby authorised outlets as then they can alert any potential customers like myself that do not currently use DCC. It would make life easier for everyone and all I wanted to do and expect to do is be able to do a basic running session of the model train when I buy it new without any fuss or the hassle of getting someone to enable it on DC mode before I use it. To be honest mate. I was surprised that Hornby made this move to disable DC mode by default considering that in the past. This function was not default on the older TTS models and I could use "muted" on DC with no issues and I have never had a problem with a brand new Hornby Class 60 before this model. I will have to assume that the newer TTS models and decoders are set with DC turned off as default and that it would need to be manually enabled in the future? I don't mind doing this as I am going to be getting an NCE Powercab for a model railway that I am going to start building in September that is called "Bloomfield Lea Road" and its a fictional UK/Irish layout . At least I now what to do with the TTS decoders/fitted models if they don't work straight out of the box and I don't need to send the Class 60 back to Rails of Sheffield of whom I have used for years and was the dealer I bought the second Class 60 from All the best Ash..

I too hope that Hornby will get on top of this because as a Hornby loyalist that's on the brink of a fanboy. I only want the best for Hornby because in my opinion. Hornby is like the Toyota/Lexus of the model train market in OO gauge. They can and often do produce some cracking model trains when they put their minds to it. I too will forward to their feedback. I am happy to fix CV29 myself when I get my DCC controller from NCE next month. So I only need to change the decimal place from 02 to 06 to enable DC mode. That's a point. Does this now mean that all newer TTS decoders including those fitted inside RTR models now have DC mode disabled by default? Whilst this won't be an issue with those that only use DCC. But what about those that do not use DCC and those that may take that model fitted with a decoder to their friends DC layout thinking that DC mode is enabled by default only to find out that the model is dead useless on DC because DC mode was turned off by Hornby? I will be getting a DCC test station soon myself as I think I am going to need one for the future once I get my NCE Powercab .

That could be a possibility too mate because I thought this was the case with the first model I had hence no response on DC which considering I had some TTS models in the past that did work on DC in passive mode (no sound). This was abnormal from the previous experiences I have had. Until I get the NCE PowerCab controller. I won't be able to diagnose the decoder is at fault or if DC mode is turned off . In truth. I am a bit of a Hornby fanboy and have been a loyal Hornby customer for about 3 decades as I am at the tail end of my 30's and I try to see the best in Hornby as well as defend them. But sadly. I cannot do this on this occasion and I will tell you why. Most of us on here have a lot of experience in the model railway field and kind of know what to do to fix most things. Now what about if this happened with a rookie that has little to no experience in the model train field and that they were not confident with using a blanking plug and only have a DC layout? A hiccup like this would probably put them off buying a nice model train like the Hornby Class 60 in the future because of Hornby's error of disabling the DC mode. I would have probably put it down to that the decoder could have been faulty but this is the second model of the same Class 60 as I sent the first one back as I thought it was a faulty decoder in the first place. So this begs the question that is it quite possible that I bought two models of the TTS sound Class 60 with faulty decoders then from two different suppliers? Because if this is the case, then that would surely put the Hornby's quality control into question? . Just some food for thought?

Well, well well. I have some good news although it has left me a bit miffed with Hornby. I put in the blanking plug and I am pleased to say that the model train does work perfectly fine. It appears that DC mode has been disabled by Hornby on this occasion in regards to 60044's situation. Hello Ian. No bother at all buddy, infact I appreciate any help on this matter but I am rather disappointed with Hornby on this occasion because I have two other Class 60's with LokSound V4 decoders and they work a treat on both modes without a flinch. I used to own a TTS Class 47 in the large logo blue and that worked fine on DC albeit muted which I didn't mind as long as it worked okay . I am a bit miffed with Hornby on this occasion because I am lucky to have 33 years of model train experience up my sleeve and had the instinct to try the blanking plate method once I was clear that it wouldn't invalidate the warranty on the model train by doing this. The model is fine and I will enable DC mode myself once I get my hands on an NCE powercab controller. You have good taste in quality as far as Gaugemaster is concerned mate because I used to have their Model D twin track controller and that was almost bulletproof and could handle any OO gauge model train I could throw at it metaphorically speaking. Even the power hungry Heljan models didn't even make it flinch. But then Gaugemaster is like the Bentley of model train controllers (or atleast in my opinion) . All the best Ash.

Cheers mate. In truth I wasn't sure if I was allowed to do this incase I did void the warranty but I will give it a try. I am happy to use a planking plug if that means a working model at the end of the day . That way, I won't have to scramble around to get a DCC controller. All the best Ash.

Hi Nigel, Come to think of it. I don't know why Hornby didn't issue this model in DCC ready format (which I prefer) and DCC fitted with the TTS sound model like this one. I was kind of forced to get it with TTS DCC sound because I couldn't buy it without sound. Hornby in the past did DCC ready and fitted models of their Class 153 and HST models and others. Other makes like Farish/Bachmann do two versions with or without DCC/DCC Sound on some of their models. If Hornby did this model without sound, I would have later on added an ESU LokSound V5 from Legomanbiffo as I prefer his sounds. But the sound is not my issue here. Its the fact that Hornby have either mistakenly disabled the DC mode or have cunningly disabled it in attempt to make people buy a DCC controller in order to use it (I hope that the latter is not the case as it is bad practice in my opinion). Personally I like Hornby, so I will go easy on them and put it down to a genuine mistake on their part. As for DCC decoders. Personally I like ESU or Lenz as I do tend to find them very reliable and robust decoders in my opinion . All the best Ash.