atom3624

I liked the bit where it stopped and got a 'gentle thump' off camera! Generally excellent, but I've done similar on several occasions with Hornby Princess Elizabeth, Royal Scot and Bachmann Rood Ashton Hall. Some is 'general build' but I've found much relates to the individual locomotive. My Sir WIlliam Stanier will be very good as well, but many of these have 'sticky chassis' - tight spots in the gears / possibly quartering as well. Al.

This has got to be one project to keep an eye on. I'm wondering how much extra detail and additional drivetrain modifications (cf what we're accustomed to with Hornby) they'll be bringing to the table. Al.

Is it confirmed there is a 'failing part', do we know what it is? Simple replacement without this knowledge is not the point. If it is a failure, there must be something triggering the failure. Al.

May I suggest anyone declaring they have an issue to start with their operating system - DC / 12V or DCC, and perhaps which chip / power supply? It may assist narrowing down what may be the issue. Al.

I'm definitely looking forward to my 50 .... and 2G 55 model, when they both arrive. Should be fun, and no shortage of motive power on both Western and Eastern regions - depending on which period obviously! Al.

A video of the power / speed variations would be informative. Just one thing to clarify, I use a GM D dual transformer / power supply, but only continuously operate with one outlet. The second I use for testing. I don't know the different GM models, but all photos only indicate a dual controller (in case there was a single for example). My layout's a simple double loop with a single track for part, so only one required. I would be surprised if it's power drawn by the locomotives - I've had several on the same track at the same time without issue - top and tail trials, etc. Al.

Have we confirmed that this is a voltage-related issue only affecting various operators using DCC? As stated earlier, I'm DC / 12V only, using a Gaugemaster model D. I've had mine hauling 13x Bachmann bogie TEA Oil wagons at 55% power setting for nearly 2 hours this morning - no variations anywhere. Just coming up to 2 hours' continuous operation now, so will remove, but barely warm, perfectly smooth and just as quiet as when first operated / received a month ago. Al.

Much has been implied wrt the motor - size and poles. Problem is, a lot depends on their design, materials used, manufacture and quality. Winds can be critical, consistency of wire - uniform coating and thickness, etc. If brushed, is there an attempt to compensate for brush wear - eg a small spring to maintain 'comfortably firm' contact with the commutator? How tight and uniform / snug but smooth are the bushed fittings? (Still too small to consider bearings I believe.) Magnet - how strong and 'permanently charged' is it. This smaller motor may be very well designed, of very good quality and could be more than a match for many larger, poorer quality ones. I've criticised many Bachmann steam locomotive motors for their size, but some, for whatever reason just are obviously better - my modified 'Hong Kong' (mine's with double chimney, glossed and renumbered for 'Bahamas') has a really good motor, as does my 'Rood Ashton Hall'. I used to see huge variations in motor quality and manufacturing consistency when heavily into R/C cars and trucks. Al.

Can we safely assume that delivery is on schedule .... just asking? Al.

My 37 has been operated with various loads, at various speeds on DC only, using a Gaugemaster model D for a total of perhaps 5 hours - no problems at all - super smooth and quiet until approaching 80+ percent power. No fluctuations or variations in speed whatsoever and not once derailing. Nothing appears to have 'fallen off' either, so very well assembled as well. I have a 37 043 Loch Lomond. Al.

How critical is gearing in the locomotive design stage? Will the forthcoming 50 be noticeably faster than, say, the 31 and 66? Al.

I'm a 'traditional' B.R. blue / large logo preference person, but must admit the DRS and ROG variants look pretty good! Al.

Just a thought ... When these locomotives slow down, I presume we're considering a poor contact somewhere - rail, PCB, motor, whatever - do the lights dim at the same time? Al.

I run DC Analogue and use the Gaugemaster model D as well - not noticed with 1 hour's use of my Class 37. Have you set the dip switches - perhaps it's related to this? Al.

Love the U1 idea, or failing that, how about Big Boy? !! A little more sensible, how about a Terrier? Al.

Well 'Splendid' is in name and nature - running brilliantly!! One small 'negative' is it seemed to have lost one of those small handles, except not one of the ones I fitted - it was one of the locomotives which sold without the windscreen corner handles. Positive is that ... I still had loads of spares!! I soon cleaned, pin drove a couple of holes and mounted the replacement within less than 10 minutes! All sorted - running extremely well. Al.

Could they be repainted and made to represent the LNER Coronation coaches - that way you'll have ready-to-go streamlined, modern-appointed coaching stock for SNG? Just a thought!! Al.

That's precisely where 'the set' has been for the last 4 months!! I'll have them circulating for now. Just think what those carriages will look like on the Severn Valley or NYM Railways !! The Mk.5's'll have to go somewhere! Al.

'Splendid return' - indeed it has. As advised by Rails, it now performs perfectly. A quick 'desk test' with a 9V battery does indeed confirm operation in both directions. THANK YOU to both Rails of Sheffield, and to Dapol / DCC Spares. Al.

Well here we are, nearly 4 weeks on .... Rails called yesterday to say 'the manufacturer' has fully repaired the locomotive, and they've just tested her - both directions - and all seems fine. I should receive her tomorrow or Friday - great news and THANK YOU RAILS once again. Al.

Top photo, LHS.

Are we viewing some top secret development models here? Hymeks, 33's, .... and more !! Interesting! Al. 🤔🙃😄

This is an excellent, if unfortunate (for the fireman) photo!! Thanks for sharing. Was this common practice? Would the prime express trains on the East and West coasts have a similar mix, or is this for the 'lower priority' still obviously important services? Al.

A 'Bo-Co' class 28 may be an interesting addition .... Al.

My Heljan 58 is nearly as powerful as my Hornby 56, probably more powerful than my (previous issue) Bachmann 47's - definitely not a poor hauler. Al.