atom3624

Thanks.

Didn't know if I'd missed something.

Looking at early February '23 at that rate, and with the Festive Fiasco at full bore now.

Al.

Anyone had theirs returned yet?

Mine was sent back a month ago - no response or sign of anything!!

Al.

Has anyone received theirs yet?

How does it compare with the Hattons 66 - weight, performance?

How 'safe' are the axle boxes - popping off like many of the H66's or more robust?

Thanks,

Al.

That'd never get up our driveway !!

I don't have anything really against it at all.

The Hornby Class 50 is finer detail than the Heljan Kestrel, yet everyone is happy for A/S to proceed with a Hoover.

This is the basis, just to move the standard on with one of the most interesting prototypes ever produced on British rails.

I had one years ago, and really liked it - smooth and good power, as with all Heljan Co-Co's.

Nothing against it at all, just wondering what it could be like with newer standards - better mouldings, etched grilles, etc.

Al.

2 hours ago, andythenorth said:

One word: Heljan. 😉

It's ancient, and over-priced as well.

Detailing is very 'average' by modern standards as well.

Chassis is quite reasonable, but can be improved, hence the mention.

Al.

Why not just make THE diesel electric - the Kestrel - wrong thread, but that was the real 'mother' of diesels!!  Even if it went somewhere East.

Al.

I'm wondering if they'll have the weight and power of a Hattons H66 (plenty of weight, LOADS of power) or the weight and power of a Dapol 68 (plenty of weight, not much else ...).

I've kept my National Power order and eagerly anticipate its arrival as agreed with the supplier.

Al.

Any photos of 'the chains'?

Al.

The doors don't open!!

Nah, not interested .......

Al.

There were 200 40's weren't there?  ........

I probably mentioned this earlier in the thread, but if you need to replace the plastic final drive gear, use one of these:

https://www.ultrascale.uk/eshop/products/CAT015#RTRRG

Al.

How does the 'weight per 100-metres' or similar work against the maximum permitted axle loading?

Surely there must be a consideration for 'minor earth tremors'?

Al.

I have a couple of previous generation 'SD' models - moulded roof, but glazing and lamp brackets.

Handrails do not go to front of smokebox, and there'll be a couple of tiny slots where the blinkers locate.

I wanted to do this with a DoS 6233 to make it like I remembered at Bressingham, but renamed an Abercorn I think.

Al.

I still think Decapod is in with a shout!!

Nice little tank engine!!

OK, got to be a Class 40 then!! 🙃

Al.

Just received mine, off Rails, today.

All I can say is WOW!!  What a fantastic-looking model.

VERY free-rolling as well.

Al.

Does it have a plastic drive cup inside the brass balance weight - perhaps it's just spinning inside the weight - not a snug fit?

Apologies if already mentioned.

Al.

Looks like another nice model.

Perhaps look at a 397 - could have a TPE version to complement to the coaching stock version?

Al.

There's mention in the Class 37 update that the 'next batch of 55's' will include the updated chains .... oh the chains . ... ...

What's the difference between B1 and B2 Deltic brake chains please?

Al.

I would like them to make available an upgraded motor for the Class 68 - too easily stalls / seems underpowered - both of mine are well cleaned / maintained / oiled/lubricated and run equally well but just feel under-powered.

Al.

18 hours ago, Ian J. said:

The most likely cause of the derailments is the Close Coupling Mechanism cam point. As you've done that, that should be what has resolved the issue. I don't think the brake chains are a cause of derailing.

Hi Ian, whatever I've done does seem to have worked.  It's now run faultlessly for hours since yesterday's 'adjustments'.  Running again now - for perhaps 3 hours again - love to keep excellent runners operational!

I do suspect the chains had caught in the gap between the bogie frames and the body, restricting movement on occasion, as I always started her off with the chains fully freed / loose on the sides (when attached at both ends) to find part of some jammed inside that gap.

I did end up with just one chain totally intact, the others have their 'plugs' (for want of better description) into the body detached / broken from the chain during removal.

I also observed the tiny corner ladders have completely disappeared!!  Time for the hi-power led torch and magnifying glass again!  Curious that all 4 have gone.

Al.

Well, well, knock me down with a feather!!

I had the chassis running in both directions, hauling a 'prototypical 12' coaches - 5 being lit Bachmann Pullmans.

It performed perfectly for perhaps 3 hours' plus running - as had always been anticipated.

I decided to open her up even more - putting a dab of oil on 'the oily bits' including the still cool relatively hard-worked (by me) motor.  It hadn't given any signs of needing it, but I had had it running perhaps a total of 6-7 hours since receipt.

Beautiful build and lovely little screws!!

I also took the opportunity to fit the Accuracrew - think I've got it the right way around, but not changing if I haven't!

I replaced the body, then started to fit the remaining 2 chains ... after perhaps 5 minutes' trying, I thought I'd simply remove and store them together with the 2 I had previously removed ...

Body on, crew installed, dab of oil here and there - running perfectly for the next 3 hours' time - already been going 30 minutes!!

Al.

3 hours ago, Islesy said:

Your view, and an opinion you are entitled to. We, on the other hand, disagree.

All materials used are recyclable, if that a concern for you.

The main point is when not in use, I like to replace locomotives into their boxes - having boxes this big can quickly become quite a considerable problem - certainly would be for me, and I'd be surprised if I'm the only one.

I would never wish to discard locomotive boxes. 

Most 'premium' coaching stock boxes I keep as well ... 

Only some 'lower grade' and smaller wagon boxes I would discard.

Like you say - my opinion.  Thanks,

Al.

7 minutes ago, Islesy said:

Well, as it forms a core part of our corporate approach to modelling, and the way we want to portray our brands, then yes, absolutely.

The point I was making, was I'm not convinced there's a need for so much extra 'cushioning'.  Some 'intelligent economising' of packaging is required I reckon.  Maintain the integrity with 50% of the volume.  All original Bachmann boxes - pre 'ice-cube' seem fine - and you'll get 5 or 6 of them in one Deltic box.

OK, slight exaggeration, but I think we're all being a bit wasteful and not 'thinking of the planet' here!

Al.

I've stayed off this thread, as I've been patient, waiting for a moment to be calm enough to start to try and resolve the issues I've been having with my KOYLI.

1. Chains dropping occasionally - having to reglue.  Nearly lost my 'rag' one time when the inevitable happened and one tiny drop of superglue was on my finger as I touched above the cab - most has 'carefully Brasso'd off' but there is a mark if you look.  My fault.
2. Consistently derailing.  I only use express points and 4th radius set-track curves, but do have 90mph (80% power) zig-zags in a few places.  Nothing else derails.  If KOYLI gets round once, it might a 2nd time, but the 3rd time it'll ALWAYS derail.  Cannot leave for an hour or 2 as I like!!

Well, I've trimmed a little off the coupling guide to round off the point, and then I un-pinned all chains (2 remaining glued to the body, 2 not) and removed the body.

She's been circulating at 70-75% power for the past hour without a single problem.

I think I'll remove the other 2 chains, as these could also be a reason for the derailing - potentially jamming between body and bogie - restricting the articulation on the higher speed zig-zags.

Initially I'll try re-pinning the 2 which are still connected to the body and see if it stays on.

If it starts derailing again with the body on - she's been running without body without issue - then I'll remove the remaining 2 chains.

Actual running and detailing of course are absolutely superb.

Al.