classy52

Just received an email notification from Hatton's to say the Bachmann model of 37099 will be available between December 2017 and January 2018, gives my wallet some breathing space.

Just to confirm a few things.

 

A new thread regarding improvements to the OO Gauge Class 68s has been created on the Dapol Digest. This is a new and a different thread to the previous ones mentioned.

 

Dapol are asking for people who are interested in having new DRS liveried bodyshells to come forward and comment on the Digest. I think at this time they are just wanting to know if it's worth producing new bodyshells because no doubt this will be a costly job if say a couple of thousand new bodyshells have to be produced.

 

I have commented and expressed my interest in new bodyshells for 68002 and 68005. I and a few others have also asked if new 68001 bodyshells are going to be produced. As yet no Dapol staff have replied regarding this so hopefully this week coming we may know if 68001 is going to be included or not.

 

Personally I wouldn't mind paying a fee for new DRS liveried bodyshells. I would be willing to pay £30-£40 per body. In theory the new bodyshells should be free considering that Dapol made the error in the first place. However I understand that this will no doubt be a costly job and therefore I wouldn't expect Dapol to have all of the expense otherwise this project may not go ahead if they have to stand all of the costs. Anything above £40 per new bodyshell I would not be willing to pay considering that the standard models were only £124 each originally.

 

I do agree though with Class52s comment regarding the new bodyshells for 68001 been free. Considering that DRS are selling this loco for £200 each and that's just DCC Ready without a DCC Decoder, I think it would be a nice gesture to offer the 350 customers who have/will buy a model this for free considering the significantly higher price tag compared to the standard 002 and 005 models. It would be taking the proverbial to charge £200 for the loco, then a cost of the new bodyshell and the DCC Decoder for people who operate on DCC. This could mean a cost of £250-£260 for this one loco which even though it's a Limited Edition it's too much. You can buy sound locos for cheaper than this.   

I think Dapol need to create an online form and announce it on their website homepage and via the model railway magazines they are requiring an expression of interest from everyone who purchased a DRS Class 68 to come forward to their website and fill out an online form like a pre-order to gauge exactly how many customers would want a new body shell for whatever cost they come up with, run it for a specified time period and then decide to go forward or not because otherwise it will be a pointless exercise and Dapol will end up doing nothing if they are just talking about it in their digest.

So it seems that the mods did not like the terminology I used in my deleted post for which I apologise - it was intended to be supportive of Dapol. Read the thread on Dapol scaling back their plans and the statement that they made, it is obvious that at the current time with the currency fluctuations that abound they are having to be cautious and understandably so. Mention is made of protecting the financial stability of the company - including paying their staff and that is exactly what I would expect of the senior management - they are to be commended for being so open about why they acted as they did.

 

Dapol are not a big company yet have produced one of the best RTR locos following on from a number of other successful models. Yes, they have had some quality issues but which of the big names hasn't?

 

As for replacement body shells, for 68001 I think the vast majority of people bought it knowing the livery error. Having done so it seems slightly unfair for there now to be demands that Dapol change the body shells. As you say, the cost would be huge and could impact the funding available for subsequent deliveries.

 

So, I have two 68s, neither perfect, but they are amongst my favourites. I have another (68008) on pre-order and I really hope that we see an 88 in the future.

 

Roy

I didn't see your post as particularly derogatory towards Dapol and just an explanation around economics but hey each to their own.

Anyway I don't fall into the 'demand' category and surprised to hear there are people demanding from Dapol a free replacement body shell for 68001 and as I have stipulated already I would pay for it but as long as it is limited to the original customers and only 350 are made with the corrected livery, if it comes free then that's a bonus.

I think we can leave the speculation for now and just wait & see what Dapol do in regards to all 3 DRS variants and just accept it if it's knocked on the head and if customers have to pay extra for the corrected body then so be it but ultimately this is for Dapol's PR Dept. to handle...like you said everyone has purchased the DRS Class 68 product knowing full well there was a livery hiccup on an otherwise top class product and personally really looking forward to the next batch of 68's and hopefully the Class 88 beyond that.

I'm not privy to Dapol's financial issues or seen anything regarding this but do agree that offering replacement body shell's would be a bridge too far for a company of their size, even just doing 350 replacements for those who purchased 68001 would be a stretch considering the cost to get them made in China and shipped to the UK let alone the numbers required for 68002 & 68005.

I'm sure Dapol are reviewing this behind the scenes and working out the pro & cons before making any announcements and like I said their Digest thread about this was neither here or there and non-committal and for me personally, even though I have spent a lot of money already, I would entertain the idea of paying Dapol a certain fee for a replacement body shell for 68001 but as long as only 350 body shells and no more are made for 68001 so it doesn't de-value the limited edition exclusivity and only 1 per customer from the original invoices.

As for 68002 & 68005 I think Dapol would have to charge people for the body shell's because the financial burden of offering for free would completely eat into their profits for this product.

You say this, not sure if you have checked the digest in recent weeks, but they seem to be offering correct liveried body shells with the next batch. I think you have to sign up for iy.

 

Ben

Yes I did say this and no I hadn't checked Dapol Digest's until now thus here is the link to the rumour about replacement body shells for 68001 and/or for the other two, really vague at this point so not holding my breathe.

https://digest.Dapol.co.uk/forum/main-forum/class-68/5317-next-batch-of-class-68-s-any-improvements

If they want to charge customers for the corrected replacement body shell who purchased 68001 then Dapol will be taking the proverbial so let's hope it is a free replacement program, even better if it is extended to those with 68002 & 68005 which I have also but like I said wouldn't mind if I was charged a token fee for those two, I do understand the economics may be a bit too much to do all of them.

This is really disappointing.

 

Similar messages have been posted previously regarding the exact same issue. Considering that 68001 is priced significantly higher than the standard 68002 and 68005 releases you would think that it would come with a proper outer box and well packaged for postage. The fact that water has leaked onto the box of the loco and the loco is £200 is completely unacceptable. Personally I would contact DRS and inform them of the issue and request that they swop the loco and box and from now on that the locos are dispatched with a proper outer box and are well packaged.

 

This is a shame because I am considering buying this loco but for the money and the issue raised and the fact that the loco and box could be damaged or faulty is really bad.

DRS Crewe I had purchased 68001 as a pre-order and yes the packaging of the product was pretty crap, luckily mine came when it wasn't raining and intact and yes it was only wrapped within a thin covering of bubble wrap and brown paper and expected to be in it's own cardboard box with bubble wrap as well.

Too be honest the more I think about it for me Dapol have been quite poor in not at least offering a free replacement body shell with correct livery positioning for these 350 special edition 68001 examples as a good will gesture and perhaps charge people a token amount, like £20-£30 perhaps, for the mainstream models as an option for people to get a replacement body shell if they wanted. I did suggest this to Dapol at Ally Pally in March but it was sort of shrugged off as a wait & see which basically means I don't think so and let's move onto the next question.

If I hadn't already no I wouldn't buy the 68001 purely based on the livery error as £200 plus postage for a non-DCC fitted/sound fitted model with that mistake is just not worth it thus you see the reason why they haven't sold out considering the popularity of the model and that only 350 units were made.

Just wait for the next batch and get one re-numbered to 68001, probably end up being cheaper and with the correct livery.

I have finally finished the Colas 67 and 95% 56098 in UKRL colours, (just needs some nose end pipe colours changing, wire couplings eventually and some weathering). Colas 67 is in gloss as ex works and looks great. A complex respray with lots of tricky areas but I'm really pleased with it. 56098 is DCC chipped and will get a run on the big layout this week. Tomorrow night I will have 37254 fully complete so will add some pics then. Hope you like, comments welcomed.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Andy,

They are both just gorgeous especially the Colas 67, if I hadn't spent so much earlier this year on all 3 Class 68's & Kernow's NR 37 I would be definitely bidding for the 67 until I've won it.

Have always said the 67 in Colas livery looks absolutely stunning...great job and hope it finds a worthy home.

Cheers

Steve

YouChoos does one.

Ok didn't know that, thus according to Olivia's everyone else's Class 68 sound projects are fake, lol my sides are splitting...moving on.

I was just browsing around Olivia's Trains online shop and their homepage is stating the following;

Class 68 Sounds Now Available

Recorded at Wembley Depot using 68010 (Oxford Flyer)We have now completed our Olivia’s Sound of the Class 68.
All these sounds are Authentic unlike other released copies...now that's a curious statement

Not being funny but if I was the one who had been commissioned by Dapol to provide the Class 68 sound project as per recent release would I take the above as an insult or just brush it aside as friendly banter?

​​Apart from DC Kits and now Olivia's I am not aware of anyone else who has re-produced the Class 68 sound project for ESU or Zimo decoders, has anyone else completed the Class 68 sound project and selling it?

It only goes to show, that you have to give them (any company a chance) and things will soon get on track. Hornby is another good example of how they listen. Dapol and Hornby will always get my vote for manufacturers who are willing to go the extra mile for a change.

Well there you go, Dapol have now released an online catalogue on their website which covers all gauges and will be proactively updated when required thus keeping everyone informed of all their products currently available and those coming soon or down the line.

Well done Dapol and a very positive move in the right direction.

When people ordered 68001 from DRS how long did it take to arrive and what carrier did they use ?

I had pre-ordered but came within 5 days of being released and delivered by Royal Mail signed.

Well this thread has turned into a 'willy waving exercise'

I bet my loco is bigger than your loco, oh wait maybe not...

Th

Hornby Magazine - October 2009.

Thanks, that's why I missed it...time to buy the back issue.

Fantastic selection of locos.

 

I have all of your DRS fleet of locos except for 68001.

 

I too am hoping to acquire 37424, 37688, 47805, 68003 and 68008.

 

I have wanted to acquire the Model Rail Limited Edition 97303 for a while now but they are very rare to find for sale. Hopefully I will acquire one in the future. I would really like the Hornby NR Class 43s. I just don't have the money for them at the moment and I definitely don't have the money for the NR MK3s to go with them.

 

I'm the same. In the past three/four years I have lost count of how much I have spent on locos and rolling stock. But as most locos are only produced as one batch and rarely re-run you really have to buy locos quickly to ensure that you have them before they sell out.

Don't want to make you spend more money but DRS 68001, strangely, is still available to purchase from the online DRS Shop.

I luckily got a brand new Bachmann NR 97303 last year for £155 off eBay which was pure luck as they normally sell for over 200 quid, also have all the NR coaches from both Hornby & Bachmann as well as Dapol's NR MRA's & IOA's, still working on getting the JNA's. Have an array of intermodal wagons & containers from Dapol, Bachmann & Hornby as I intend to build on side of the layout a Container Terminal and on the other side of the layout a DRS TMD thus two scenic areas with both having a different purpose, anyway that is the plan.

Yes have to agree on the fact if you don't buy the desirable model loco's, wagon's or coach's when they are released you will miss out and pay over the odds down the line off eBay or somewhere else, also what I have noticed recently in the past 12 months is that online model retailers are now getting in on the act in ripping people off with high prices when runs are sold out even when they have 10 or more in stock but for me this is a recent thing as I didn't notice this happening a couple of years ago unless I'm mistaken, the Dapol DRS 68 a particular case in point but have now noticed reduced prices for these on eBay now the dust has settled.

I actually have a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing all my stock and how much they cost, what I have sold, pre-orders and what I am still searching for and too be honest to this day from 2014 I have spent 7.2k, I have everything including the Gaugemaster Prodigy DCC02 controller/DCC Concepts rolling roads but except an actual layout which would probably double the cost by the time I start and finish one in the near future.

To say this is an expensive hobby would be a gross understatement but hey those are the choices we make and nobody is forcing me or us to do this, at least I'm contributing to the model railway industry.

Good Afternoon

 

Have been playing around with wagon building, making card buildings  and collecting various loco's and other items over the years, but never got round to actually having a layout.

Built a base-board to fit on my home office window ledge. Dimensions 5'9" x 9.5".  Want to just run loco's up & down but also practice creating a diorama.

So many Ideas came and went, stopped and started and I also wanted to do a little shunting. So an Inglenook with extras seemd a good idea.

Faffed about for many years, other interests kept me away, but finally decided to get on with it.

This will be a first build, but I do have a workshop (which is used for Picture Framing) where I hope to build a larger end to end layout in the future.

 

Have been inspired by some of the models on this site, large & small and thought perhaps it's time to show what I am attempting, and hopefully get some advice along the way.

Am certain it won't be a quick build, especially as Summer is here (it is isn't it??)

 

So here are a few photo's of what has happened so far. The boss is helping with the backscene etc and painting of the boards.

 

Track will be Code Peco 75, DCC (love the ability to use different loco's without having to isolate them), and the points on this board will be live frog, manually operated.

I plan to have a 3way point just after the bridge which should give me more room. Trains will not run past either end, so the bridge is just a scenic finish. One track is supposed to be from elsewhere, the other side will be as if the track has been lifted, so is now a siding, (if you follow me)

 

The left hand end will have (hopefully) 2 Scalescenes Low Relief warehouses (one is partly built) reduced in height and possibly a middle platform for goods, running from left to right.

 

Will do my best to keep you up to date as we proceed.

I was also looking at doing the same thing as you, have plenty of loco's & rolling stock which I've collected over the last 4 years but they are just on display as I haven't built a proper layout but can't atm due to space limitations and looking to move house over the summer.

Anyway, I also have a home office and was thinking about building a very small 4.5' x 2'  DCC diorama such as a TMD so I can practice by starting off small and get used to installing track, points and scenes before I venture into a proper sized one, that way mistakes won't be so costly and easier to fix but the learning factor will be a big plus.

My intention is to put the layout in front of my window in the office as a display feature with live running loco's chugging up & down the TMD with a few points to add variety of movement, haven't started as it is only in my head but seeing this thread might just inspire me to get started and also follow your progress.

I'd welcome everything being brought back to UK ... Hornby, Dapol, EFE, Corgi, etc. I've had a lot of expensive models reduced to scrap after they were well out of guarantee and only ever in a display case .... EFE lorries turned to dust, Klein Modellbahn 1180, Hornby 31, all because of crap quality materials.

Sounds like something out of the movie 'Time Machine', you didn't go 1000 years into the future watching your models turn to dust did you???...only joking

Suits me. After endless moans on here and other forums about the difficulty of putting pre-made details into pre-drilled holes, I wrote a 4 page article explaining how to do it. I could easily drag it out again and collect another fee...

Hi Phil,

Where and when was the detailing article published, as a beginner I would be quite interested to have a read and pick up some tips.

Cheers

Steve

Wages is one thing, skills are another.

 

China are used to churning out highly detailed RTR models. A UK manufacturer will need to build that skill set up. Simple models, made with a few parts is viable (an old UK made class 47 only has about 50 parts vs 300 for a Bachmann one).

 

Of course, we could see a change in strategy whereby you end up with a pre-painted kit and you fit most of the 300 parts yourself. I can see a period where a model costs £200 + in full RTR or £120 for just a set of parts to assemble. A few years ago, the difference between the two would have been £20 or £30 meaning no one will waste a few evenings assembling a model when you can buy it ready made. However a difference of £80 or more might.

Basically return to the Vitrains school of thought, which too be honest if it reduced the price of a loco by £20-£30 then yes I would still buy it and have fun fitting the detail.

56098 is almost complete. Need to find a DCC chip for it, then fit the body, fit wire couplings and fit the detailing parts. Then weather. Never ending modelling for me.

Also started weathering 47535 after some detailing work.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally a bit of a current work bench overview. More to come soon.

 

Wow they look excellent, top draw modeling.

Just one question, which paint did you use and how did you apply the cantrail stripe around the loco?

This is something I may perform on a spare loco body if I'm brave enough...

That's brilliant. I really like these five 47s. The prices were quite cheap and reasonable too considering that they are all Limited Editions. I am also hopefully going to buy DRS Compass 47805 when it's released. That will be another nice loco to add to the fleet.

 

 

You're right. I do need to set up my own thread on here. The only reason why I haven't is because I am not a modeller as such I just have a layout, with track down, with painted baseboards. I just don't have the time for modelling as such and I am just grateful to run the locos. I started off originally modelling Leeds Midland Road with Freightliner locos. But since I built this new layout a year and a half ago I decided to have Crewe Gresty Bridge as the depot because I had a lot more DRS locos than Freightliner already at this point. I will definitely find some time to set up a thread and add some photos and captions. Thank you for all of the support Jim. Very much appreciated.

 

 

Thank you for all of the support. I really appreciate it. I will definitely set up a layout thread. The layout is pretty basic at the moment and mainly consists of the baseboards, track and locos and stock but as suggested it must be worthy of it's own thread by now.

 

 

This is good to hear. At the moment I currently have no Colas locos. But I have big plans for big changes regarding this in the next year or so. I have had one Colas loco previously but unfortunately I sold it. This was ViTrains 47739. I really wish that I had kept it now and modified the couplings. What Colas locos do you currently have?

 

I think that the cost of overhauls is a big factor regarding the older DRS traction. I am sure that Network Rail provide funds to overhaul the 20/3s for the RHTT season but that's because they are required for the Yorkshire RHTTs. The likes of the 37/6s and 47s that are not really used on RHTTs therefore won't get the funds off of Network Rail to overhaul them. Overhauls for these locos would cost an absolute fortune meaning that it isn't financially viable to overhaul them. Especially considering that Colas now have their own fleet of 37s for NR test trains. They no longer require the hiring of DRS locos. Flask trains are now mainly in the hands of other overhauled 37s, 66s and more recently 68s. I agree it's a shame that the 47s have now been sold and the 37s are slowly either been sold on or scrapped but they have served their purpose and have been very useful to DRS when expanding and developing in previous years.

I currently have the following Colas Loco's;

37421

47727 Rebecca

47739 Robin of Templecombe

47749 Demelza

56094

Waiting on 37099 Merl Evans, 60087 CLIC Sargent and 70805 but still need to purchase 66841 and 56087 if I see them for a good price.

DRS Loco's

37402

37405

37409

47810

47813

47853

47790 NB

47832 NB

57305 NB

57309

68001

68002

68005

Pre-ordered 37558, 37688, 47805 John Scott, 57302, 68003 & 68008

Not to mention I also have both Network Rail Bachmann 37's & Class 43 HST, Paired Royal 67's and 5 Class 66's in various latest limited edition liveries as well as pre-ordering Rails Class 66 Freightliner Poppy, GBRf Maritime One & Locomotions GBRf Evening Star.

Yes it's become an addiction and maybe I should seek professional help but hey that's why I come to this forum constantly, to engage like minded people...

It's no wonder the wife nags me when she comes into my home office as they are all on display on my shelves along with my Star Wars action figure and vehicle collections.

Hey mate it wasn't a dig at you. Your equally entitled to an opinion. Its more a case at a load of others who spout the same stuff all the time, without thinking what they say. A lot of what your saying obviously comes from experiences you've seen. So glad your having fun and got your own choice and opinion.

 

Meanwhile, 68002 is getting chipped with sound too to go with 68019 which is done. Ready for the Shildon show in June - where DRS run locomotive stock in the North East! Theres even 37's on that job too.

I know mate and didn't take it that way, compared to most of you guys I am quite raw and learning all the time about modern British traction and too be honest have zero interest in model Steam but marvel at them when visiting a Heritage Railway Line.

I am pretty much only into todays railway freight/infrastructure traction but starting to get an interest into earlier BR days but with the amount I spend on model railways that will stay in the back of my mind for some time to come, would love to come to Shildon in June but my biggest issue is living in South London thus getting to the shows anywhere north of Watford becomes an issue especially with the amount time it takes to get around from where I am.

Which layout will your DRS loco's be running on in June?

Btw love your Railway Photography website...top photos

Y

Well that's what happens when your older fleet gets no where near the mid 90s % fleet availability. Personally, I love a class 66. Yes they might be mundane and common on the freight scene now, but then they are really hard grafters and really reliable. They are true workhorses and often unloved by those that wear tinted glasses or others that follow the usual recital of heritage traction being proper engines. I don't know of how many 20 year old diesel enthusiasts I see chase around for a class 37, 47, Deltic, etc in BR blue when they haven't grown up with them really and instead just spout the lines out of a magazine that's aimed at an older generation. And while a 37, 47, etc are good machines when given some TLC its progress and evolution that lead to class 66 and really people should make their own minds up. I don't doubt that some will prefer a class 37, over a 66 anyway, but its obvious that many do and say such stuff to fit in - but that's true of any mass interest, like football, F1, etc

 

68s are showing that some modern designs can have the shape, power and appearance to be equally impressive, but a 66 is not a bad machine.  

Yep fair points and personally I have my fair share of 66's in model form and agree they are the workhorses of the modern day railway and will feature heavily on my future layout when I get around to starting it, I have just restricted my purchases of 66's to unique limited edition runs or liveries which are quite colourful sitting on my shelf atm.

Too be honest I love British traction overall and love the way the Brits from the spectator, modeler and right up to the CEO of Freight/Infrastructure Companies who have the same passion for the railway which has grown on me quite considerably even though I am Australian and really only have known the scene since 2012 when I re-settled here, previously lived here from the late 80's to 2000 but didn't really take much notice of the railway scene.

Anyway, I actually have a vague but a fond memory of standing on a platform at Wimbledon station in 1990 waiting for my train to Waterloo during a bleak winter's morning and it was snowing heavily with the trains being severely delayed and just standing there watching a Class 50 slowly rock up and sat idling at the platform for ages with it's rake of NSE coaches...snow, diesel rumble and fumes...classic.

Now everyone knows my nationality and brief history...please be gentle.

Come on DRS crewe, stop tantalising us with lists of locos you have bought we want to see photos!!

 

(Not that I don't believe you have them or anything but you claim to have bought pretty much the whole Bachmann modern image back catalog over the last couple of years but are reluctant to share them with us!!)

Big Jim, secretly my Colas fleet is steadily growing in size as I love the livery and their choice of traction alongside DRS, but to be honest how long can DRS/Colas go on with operating heritage traction and just end up being like DB/EWS & GBRf where they mainly consist of boring Class 66's...DRS are now flooding their fleet with 68's and probably 88's and selling off their 37's and 47's which is a bit of a shame but all down to creating profit and efficiency.

I'm completely the same. I bought 790, 810, 813, 832 and 853 from Rail Exclusive and I have already decided that I am never going to sell them because like you say they are practically collectors items. They are very nice and the liveries suit them well. They work really well on the short set and I am currently in the process of adding a second short set that could see another pair of 47s at Norwich and possibly some 68s. I really like DRS because of the variety of traction. Just about anything goes. Not to mention all of the different liveries. We are big DRS fans

Yep have all 5 DRS RE Vitrains 47's with sound, best purchase I have had since coming into model railway back in 2014.

Currently have 13 DRS loco's comprising of 37's (x3), 47's (x5), 57's (x2) & 68's (x3) with further more added later in the year when Bachmann & Dapol do their releases including the John Scott DRS 47 from Bachmann which is the rep limited edition, looking forward to that one.

I'm the same really. It does feel a bit strange though having four Northern Belle liveried locos on the layout at the moment. It's good though because if I have one pair out of service on repairs/exams I can use the other pair. Although last year some other DRS Class 47s and 57/3s featured on my Northern Belle trains.

 

I may have to replicate 790 and 305 working the Belle. Not sure if I have replicated that yet with those two specific locos.

 

Hopefully as Dapol produce more DRS liveried 68s I can have them working the Belle occasionally too as they have in reality.

To me especially the RE Vitrains with Chetter's Class 47 sound project are collector items thus would never sell those off so I don't mind having the later NB 57's as well and maybe some time in the future the NB 68's...I just love my loco's...