tlm

Kaput may be right on the QC issue, and I suspect the final EPs ran superbly. I've had wobbly running with several recent steam models, and not just from the volume producers. Recent examples include an Accurascale Manor and a KR Model GT3 (ok the GT3 isn't steam but it does have a 4-6-0 chassis with connecting rods), and while both were simply stunning in every other respect, the waddling along just ruined it completely for me personally. A second Manor ran perfectly, so it seems there's an element of the luck of the draw presently as to whether or not you get a good one from any manufacturer. I've had nothing but excellent service from Rapido in the past with my American models, and the way they dealt with the dynamometer car issues shows they listen and take notice. I'll wager they are less than amused to note the sheer number of unacceptable issues with the production 15xx. Personally, I'm happy to wait and see how they propose to deal with them, rather than returning mine now and adding to what I suspect is an increasingly worrying volume of returns both directly and via retailers.

According to Alex at Rails last Wednesday, they're not expecting their 606. 608 or 609 until the end of this month/early October

On further examination last night, one body side (right hand looking forwards) also seems out of alignment. This is particularly noticeable with the firebox light on, as there distinct light bleed through gaps to the right of the backplate - see first pic. The second pic shows the left side of the cab interior with the firebox light on - just a realistic glow as it should be with no light bleed. Perhaps mine was just an end of the production day example - bit like the bad old days of Friday afternoon British Leyland cars !

Ordered my DCC Sound 1504 directly from Rapido at full price when they were first announced and, it having finally arrived today, my initial thoughts were that it was well worth the wait. On opening and examining it, I was delighted with its weight, overall finish, finesse, and attention to detail. It is truly a stunning model, the sound files are superb, and the firebox effect is the best I've seen yet on an English model loco. However, it has running issues, not dissimilar to those that others have mentioned so, with many thanks to RapidoCorbs for his recent post, I've emailed via the Rapido UK website for assistance or suggestions. The first problem is that it won't crawl for more than about half a wheel rotation, as there appears to be a slight catch somewhere in the valve or running gear. The second problem is that it has the pronounced waddle that others have mentioned. Running in might potentially cure the catch or whatever stiffness is causing the first problem, but I doubt it will do anything for the waddle. The problem might even be a wheel not quite concentric or perhaps even a dodgy axle as, at certain points of rotation, the loco can actually be rocked from corner to corner, with the front left or rear right raising very slightly from the track. This might of course also be the cause of or reason for the first problem. I made a very brief video to demonstrate the very obvious waddle for them, but unfortunately there was no means of uploading it via the Rapido UK website. Drafting this post reminded me that I had precisely the same issues with one of a pair of Oxford Rail Dean Goods. They supplied me with a replacement complete wheelset with connecting rods pre-fitted which solved the issues completely. Echoing G-BOAF's comments, I'd be happy with a replacement wheelset, as I suspect this is where the problem lies.

Correct on the Sale of Goods obligations Matt, and Bachmann are perfectly entitled not to accept returns direct when purchased from retailers. However both locos were retailer special order one offs and Bachmann invited me to return them for replacement or rectification when the retailer was consequently unable to replace them. Not a mistake I will make again. My experience in the States with Bachmann US on the other hand could not be more different. As for AS, they also have great patience . . . . .

Unfortunately my 97301 arrived with one end of the loco box badly crushed; so much so that I couldn't even get the plastic sleeve off without cutting it which I decided best not to try - see attached. There was actually no packing at all inside the posting box which was a bit unusual, although in the standard cardboard posting box that Accurascale seem to be using recently, there is no room anyway for any buffer packaging at either end of the loco box. The Accurascale loco boxes are pretty solid so this damage would have needed some force. When I questioned the same DHL driver when he arrived the following day with 605 and 607 his reply was "Not my problem mate"; no surprise there I suppose ! However, this post is really just to highlight and complement Accurascale on their returns arrangements, supplying a prepaid returns label at their own cost in stark contrast for example to Bachmann UK who flatly refuse to to do so or to pay or reimburse the cost of insured post for returns of brand-new locos for replacement or rectification. While no one likes to have to return any loco, particularly if it arrives damaged, full marks to Accurascale in this respect. There is a minor corollary to this tale, in that when I took the package to three separate Collect+ collection points, none could tell me when the package would be collected, one actually suggesting that it could be the following week, so I gave up in the end and sent 97301 back by first-class insured post. I see from the photo on the Post Office tracker site, that this and another package containing a first batch of faulty Class 37 decoders (no flange squeal and the permanently on desk lights issue), have arrived safely, although I've heard nothing further as yet.

I echo what others have said in recent posts about hopes for the sound files on these, although was impressed with what we've heard so far on the June 16 update, and the earlier YouTube video of sound recording from 97205 on the C&PR when the model was announced. However, one of the criticisms of the Refurbished Class 37 sound files is the absence of a proper cold start sequence. English Electric engines can be a pig to start when cold, and what I'd really like to see on the DCC Sound fitted versions of these is a lengthy and preferably playable cold start sequence. For those of us with depot-based layouts, this is a must have. Although this will be absolute heresy to some, the Hornby TTS version (I believe recorded from 31206) is not half bad imho - all that's lacking is the dense fog of clag produced at the same time - as per attached brief mp3 just using the primer (F15) followed by the cold start and main engine start (F9 and F1). This is from a Hornby 97204 fitted with a Rail Exclusive speaker in place of the rubbish that the TTS decoder came with. Note also how on this decoder the primer (F15) is playable before activating F1, essential but not available on some decoders, and the whole sequence can last as long as you like. I'm a huge fan of Jamie Goodman sound files, and I believe I'm correct in saying that he did the recordings for the forthcoming Accurascale 31. If so, let's also have a really impressive cold start sequence please. 31 cold start.mp3

Echoing G-BOAF some time ago - Fran - please can we please have the plastic sleeves back. They are excellent protection for the box. With all previous locos, it's just been an example of one of those extra attention to detail items for which Accurascale is well renowned. My first Manor (not sourced directly I must admit as the ones I wanted were already out of stock when I ordered) arrived today, and the first thing I did was clean the finger prints and other detritis from the box ! Also, the literature in the box was not in its own plastic sleeve. Now I know I'm nit picking - but it's the attention to those little details, and when they're suddenly not there it's very noticeable. Like many I'm sure, the only reason I've bought these is because of the excellence of your other products.

To G-BOAF - I've had the same rocking issue with 4 so far. It was so bad on one of them that in exasperation I sent Accurascale a video to prove it. The response was not what I anticipated. I have pasted it below exactly at it appeared (typo et al), without comment . . . . ! To stop the rocking you can place a small thin peice of plasticard under the two pins on each side of the bogie and this will stop it. The two pins can been seen if you look at the bogie and chassis, where the bogie tower goes up in to the chassis block.

To Cliff- Exeter TMD - I also had an odd 423 which was a DCC Ready version. When fitted with the Accurathrash decoder and speaker with the light switches in the "correct" position, none of the lights worked at all. I then changed the light switches on the motherboard for operation with a non-ESU decoder, namely 2, 4, 5 and 6 on. That gave me front and rear lights correctly changing as per direction, cab light at number 2 end only and when facing that way and instrument panel lights on at both ends, but nothing else. It wasn't the decoder as I tried one from a DCC Sound 423 and got the same results. My tracking details show it was delivered to Accurascale Warranty on 27 July , but has not been returned to me yet.

Does anyone know when Kernow will be getting theirs ?

Odd lighting issue I have a curious lighting issue with three recent 37s acquired as DCC Ready versions and retrofitted with Accurathrash decoders and speakers, in that everything works fine apart from the dashboard lights which come on at both ends as soon as power is supplied to the track (but before selecting any loco), and which permanently stay on at both ends irrespective of the direction of travel, or the operation of F19 which has no effect. Everything else works as it should. Can anyone suggest the appropriate CV sequence to remedy this, presumably using Aux 3 and 4. This has only happened so far with a 37026 and 37409 x 2. I have retrofitted several others which, apart from one with a different issue, have all worked fine. The lighting switches incidentally are correctly set as per the Accurascale guide and match those in the DCC Sound versions. I did raise this with Accurascale support some time ago on receipt of the 026, but haven't had a suggested fix.

There are a few DCC Ready 043s and 409s on the Accurascale website now - grab them while you can !

Module00 in his post about the brake and horn sounds is of course referring to the non-refurbished Class 37 sound files. The refurbished version brake sounds on the other hand I regard as very good. I also regard the refurbished sound files generally (with the possible exception of the start-up sequence) as better than the non-refurbished version - I hasten to add, just my own opinion of course. It is possible substantially to increase the sound level of the horns as with the individual sound files generally, although I've not yet found (I'm sure there must be a link somewhere) an updated version of the the ESU Loksound V5 manual which shows the revised higher maximum values for CV259 et cetera. I've seen mention in other posts, but not a response, so I wonder if Fran or one of his colleagues can confirm if re-blows will be made available in due course for the first and second batch DCC Sound 37s (and the early separately available Class 37 decoders) in order for flange squeal to be enabled, or if there is a sequence of CV changes to achieve this. It may be of course that some other general improvements are also being planned to the already largely excellent sound files, the most important missing element in my humble opinion being the very prominent turbo whine on throttle back, especially on the refurbished locos, which is simply missing. Sound quality, in the sense of reproduction, in many respects is down to the speakers used. Very slightly off topic, although in praise of the Accurathrash speaker, those who have the DCC sound version of Bachmann's latest 37 incarnation (for example 37430 Cwmbran) will know that the speakers fitted by Bachmann are simply not up to the job, which is a great shame as the sound files are very good. Yes, I know it's fitted with a Zimo decoder as opposed to the Loksound V5 in the Accurascale model, but I agree with 55020 and I'm not going to say anything to trigger an ESU v Zimo debate. However, I had to order a new PCB for mine (long story that I won't waste your time with here) and took the opportunity to modify it to take an Accurathrash speaker. Quite why Bachmann don't fit much better or more appropriate speakers is beyond me, as the difference with the Accurathrash speaker fitted is simply astonishing.

If I could throw my tuppence worth in regarding the YouTube Bachmann 37430 and Accurascale 37402 comparison, if it's down to a comparison of the DCC Sound version of each, imho the Accurascale version wins hands down for its sound quality. Quite why Bachmann have to utilise such cheap speakers that are simply not up to the job in locos costing so much is beyond me. I opted for the version of 37430 with working fan, which frankly you can hardly see in operation, the mechanism for which takes up any potential remaining room for a better speaker. It's a crying shame because many aspects of the Bachmann sound files are excellent, including particularly the turbo whine on throttle back and the multiple cold start options, neither of which the Accurascale version has. The sheer depth of sound and accuracy of the Accurascale sound, at least on the refurbished version, however in other respects is excellent and, particularly if you're fortunate enough to have a decent run, if you close your eyes it's almost akin to standing at the lineside and there's simply no doubting what's approaching. I was talking a friend not happy about her DCC Sound 37402 engine noise being too quiet and, with apologies if this sequence of CV adjustments has been mentioned before in this thread, and to those to who know this stuff backwards, but if you have the same and want more volume, try the following. This is just for the engine noise of course; other sounds can be individually adjusted. You do however need to remember to allow sufficient time after selecting the loco for the capacitors to charge otherwise you'll likely be faced with the sound cutting out on start up. The alternative is to start with CV 63 at a value of say 150 and then increase it. Try it with the loco with sound on and ticking over while programming on the main having started up with CV 63 set at150, and note the difference, particularly with the CV 259 setting: CV 63 = 192 CV 32 = 1 CV 259 = 255

Thanks McC. Can you confirm when Durham Trains will be sent theirs ? They paid you on invoice and customers including me had paid them in full. As of CoB yesterday, they were still waiting for any information as to what's happened to their order

Many thanks Markn Sadly Acadia appear only to have the DCC Ready versions. To retrofit these with Accurascale's own decoder (currently out of stock), and speaker, is just under an additional £25 plus whatever postage Acadia may charge, and then there's the interminable wait for the speaker clips when these eventually become available. I'm also less inclined to go down the retrofit route again, as I've has lighting issues with a 423 and an 026 already where I did this. The 423 is back with Accurascale for what I expect will be a warranty replacement motherboard, and I'm waiting to see how they deal with this before sending back the 026. Having paid in full for the DCC Sound 043 and 409, I've decided (I may well regret this I know) that I'm going to risk it and wait to see how Accurascale respond. I doubt they'll want a PR nightmare on their hands, and hopefully will sort out the supplies to what appears now to be several retailers who have currently been left high and dry without their 043s, 402s and 409s, before releasing any remaining stock on to their website.

Rails announced on FB that they had a few DCC Sound 043s yesterday but they'd gone before I could finish logging on to their website. Come on Accurascale, if Retailers have paid you in full on invoice, often long since, and especially where they in turn been paid in full by their customers (as in my case in both respects), where are the locos ?

I agree with the sentiments expressed by Cessna152towser (although I confess the mere mention of Cessna 152 brings back many happy memories of golf bravo mike mike mike - I digress). Anyway, I made what is very rapidly looking like a mistake in paying for DCC Sound 043 and 409 from my local retailers in the North East, only for them still to have received none of their order. I called in today to chase it up, and while I was there the manager went on to the Accurascale trade site, only to note that while his 043s are showing correctly, his DCC Sound 409s have disappeared from his order and he is left with only the DCC Ready 409s instead. However, there is still no indication when any of these will arrive even though they paid for them some time time ago on invoice, which included 001s which arn't even due for another month or so. He was still waiting for an email or telephone response when I rang several hours later. I've already had this issue with another retailer on a DCC Sound 37026, but don't get me started on that one. Fran - by way of a plea - I appreciate that this probably sounds like stating the obvious, but please do not release remaining stocks to the website until your retailers have received their correct orders, particularly where the ultimate customers have paid in full, often long since. .

With acknowledgment to the superb Kyle Law videos, I'm pretty sure 608's top light of off in the attached

Apologies for going back nearly a month but I'm just catching up. I agree with ERIC ALLTORQUE in his comment on 17 June, which reminded me about a very valuable lesson I learned (showing my age here) from the legendary Frank Dyer in terms of rationalising the reason for, and history of, the fictitious location that you model, if only on the basis that very few of us have the luxury of being able to model the full length of a real location. In terms of the Deltics, with assistance from Railtec I am also now running an Accurascale 55023 Cameron Highlander. Heresy to some I know, but my rationalisation for this, admittedly slightly altering history, is that after the success of DP1, the decision was made to have a fleet of 25 EE Type 5s, including DP1. 24 production body shells were built, one ultimately becoming DP2, leaving 23. I do wonder what would have happened had DP1 not been withdrawn. It always seemed to me that it wouldn't have been a huge investment, by comparison to the production of a new locomotive, to have given it to the apprentices at Vulcan Foundry or perhaps at Crewe for a complete electrical upgrade to the production version, perhaps with new engines, main generators, etc., fitted at the same time. I wonder if they'd have removed the headlight cowls from the bonnets, and ultimately what liveries it might have carried, assuming they wouldn't have just kept it in either of its West Coast or East Coast minor variants.

derekdoestrains is absolutely correct, but the point is that out of the box the roof light is far too bright and needs its CV value reducing dramatically. I assumed from the function card that it would be aux 5 or 6, but that changes the intensity of wipac high intensity light, not the rooflight. I've not been able to find that any of the brightness CVs that alter the roof light, although while going through these (page 85 of the loksound v5 manual) have found those for both the cab light and engine room lights. I'm sure there's a simple solution and would be most grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Sorry about my last - finger trouble - that's RHTT trains of course. However, listening to the RHTT vids again reminds me of the only thing that appears to be missing from the otherwise terrific Accurascale Refurbished 37 sound decoder sound files, and that is the very prominent Class 37 turbo whine, especially on throttling back. Fran - any chance of that on another version in due course ?

37423 - top light I remember seeing 423 running in daylight with and without the top light on and have just found the following which might help to illustrate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66H1AdZw0sE - the opening sequence shows 606 leading with the single wipac high intensity light illuminated but without either the marker lights or roof light on. In https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lGYWkjBYVE - 423 appears to have the top light on but it's no brighter than the marker lights and there are several other vids showing the same, even at night. For those who've not not seen them, I heartily recommend the superb RHHT in Yorkshire Parts 1 and 2 videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLYNLH9VLZA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFbjUxy7lpA - which incidentally include footage of 419, 423, and 425. In Part 2 at minute 5:02 there's an excellent day time view of 608 leading with wipac marker and high intensity lights on, but with the roof light definitely off.

Full marks to all for contributing, and to Brian and his team for such sterling work. As a North Eastern Region 1960s era modeller, almost everything one could see in the Newcastle area is available in RTR form in 00 gauge, notably apart from the EMUs - the South Tyneside 2EPB stock and North Tyneside Gresley / Metro Cammell 1937 articulated stock. Even ES1 is available and had an even smaller sphere of operation than the EMUs, with the two class members essentially restricted to the Newcastle Quayside branch and occasional forays to South Gosforth, Heaton, and Percy Main. I may have missed it but an oft requested elsewhere carriage is the TSO (centre car) for the Kernow / Bachmann 2H or 204 / 205s, which could also be very useful basis for several SR 4 car EMUs. Still, you never know, Bachmann might just plug this hole, and at the same time upgrade (long overdue) their Mk 1 Suburban range, with the Accurascale product due Q3 this year. Never say never as they say !