Kaput

After having a proper shot of it now, I'm majorly impressed. Probable model of the year and its only Feburary. The cradle could do with using thumbscrews, possible idea for future runs and the Class 60. Now I just need the sound upgrade and some actual suitable rolling stock.

They may very well be at sea but I'm not overly convinced they are on a boat

Anyone actually had a sound fitted one to report on yet?

In good news, doesn't seem to be any weird noises running on actual track. Panic over for now. Might have to trim the sand pipes a tiny bit to stop the clicking as the bogie pings past them when moving but I'll leave that till after its sound fitted and see if the sound hides it enough. Next trick, how exactly do you fit the nameplates. The template seems like a neat idea, are the strips double sided tape? What about the little badges, are they self adhesive?

Well, I caved and got a Colas one that turned up today. One issue, there seems to be a bit of a thumping type sound from the inner axle of the number 2 end bogie while its running on a rolling road (actual track test will need to wait till tomorrow). Its very odd, if i remove the rolling road cradle from that axle the sound goes away. Have checked the bogie towers and they seem clipped on securely. Anything else easy to check? Would rather not have to return it as I think I got pretty much the last one.

The fans are on Aux3 and 4 while the cab lights are Aux 7 and 10 (at least according to the ESU mapping file for the Lokpilot). An 8 function should have no issues with the fans (again, if its the right type...logic vs full power)

I had worried that would the only suggestion. For a hamfisted numpty that hasn't attempted to paint anything other than an Airfix model plane in years, what exact sort of paint should I be trying? I also assume applying with a brush will be better than trying to spray it.

Assuming the Dapol 8 function has the right type of functions (logic vs full power) then I think you'll only really lose out on the cab lights.

They look like the NEM363 type that's becoming quite common on Rapido stock. Do wish they'd make a Kadee for it.

Any ideas on how to reduce the light bleed through the closed discs? Even setting the brightest as low as the decoder (Zimo MX637P22) will allow the discs may as well be transparent.

Reduce the value in CV4 to make it slow down faster. Or increase CV179 (assuming the brake function is properly setup) to make the active braking on F5 more effective.

They used to (their ebay sale page even still comes up in a search but out of stock). Only seem to have a plug for the Cavalex 56 now which looks to be too big.

Heljan supply a little 2pin plug with trailing wires on most of their recent models for connecting the speaker. Anyone know where to get replacements or even what type of plug they are in reality (some sort of JST type thing)?

The Hatton's 66 uses a different type of 21pin decoder from almost every other one (The only other model I can think of that needs the MKL version of the decoder is one of the O gauge Dapol 08's iirc). Do you mean an actual Hattons branded decoder from a DCC fitted (but not sound) version or one from a DCC sound version?

Who's sound project is on the decoder? The door lights are on Aux5.

Accurascale have amusingly developed quite a cult following, I especially loved the early days when everyone and their dog was wanting an Accurscale version of <insert loco here> insisting it would the best model ever.....before the guys had ever released anything. On the Cavalex front the feedback in here for the 56 is so good that even though I have zero interest in the real 56's I'm quite tempted to get one of the models just for being such a well received release.

In short: The PCB has circuits on it that can somehow combine multiple functions into one Aux output on the 21pin socket. This combination is seemingly understood only by ESU decoders (bets on it only being understood on V5's as well). Probably should be listed for future models in the specification that some functions flat out won't work on DCC with non ESU decoders if this is the desired path. Fully agree that all headlights/tail lights should be on normal functions and the fancy stuff like desk lights and engine room should be on the ESU only functions, would make so much more sense. If I'm reading the Lokprogrammer correctly the top lights are on Aux11 and 12 while the desk lights are on 3 and 4, they really should be reversed since I imagine more people will care about the top lights than the desk lights. Good thing DCC has all these NMRA and NEM standards to standardise everything....oh wait.

Or maybe even just make Kadee compatible couplers under the Rapido branding that can fit straight on. Could be a nice little accessory pack to sell separately.

Since the sound decoders are fitted in house by Kernow I'd be beyond amazed if they managed to mix up DCC ready and DCC sound orders

Zimo swiss mapping can do most of what ESU decoders can do function wise. ESU does have a little edge on some light modes (i.e. if you set a light to turn off when moving on Zimo you can't make it also slow fade in/out). Both a bit of a nightmare to utilise all the fancy options without a computer interface of some sort.

Probably be around the 7th

Thats similar to my Hornby Class 71 in OO, noticably faster running with a Lokpilot 5 in it compared with a new Zimo MN decoder.

No way for me to know for certain but I assume its more like a power pack using 3 wires because a Lokprogrammer has no issues programming a decoder while in an Accurascale 37 and the Lokprogrammer is known for being a bit picky with programming when only a bog standard stayalive is connected.

I have a vague memory of Accurascale mentioning ESU helped them design the PCB to get more functions than is normally available. I have no idea how they managed that and based on my knowledge of decoders it seems a bit defying physics. As an example, the ESU manual says AUX9 needs to be set to Power Pack Control for a stayalive but the Accurascale 37 has AUX9 as a working light while still having a working stayalive. I have no clue how that works.

Seems to be a common observation with Farish new tools lately that they don't seem to go very fast.