atom3624

OK, is this just for effect, one-upmanship, and to appear there's more thought put into the packaging, or is it really necessary?

I've had hundreds of locomotives and coaches received over the last 5 years' time, and perhaps 3 have been received damaged - one, a Hornby Castle was obviously poorly inserted / placed in the ice cube to start with, the other 2 were received damaged, the other perhaps 500 boxes from various manufacturers' origins, were near perfect.

The only consistent marks I've seen were through 'near new used' items no longer having the poly film to prevent marks on the paintwork.

Bottom line, is it really necessary to send a 280mm long 800g locomotive in a box you'd normally get a pair of trainers in?

Al.

TT does seem a 'nice size', but I totally agree with Scumcat - far too invested - time and money - in OO to make the change.

The annoying anomaly is the relative agreement in scale and gauge, not present with 'normal' OO/HO.

Al.

Might be an idea, don't know if it's been mentioned earlier .... how about a Class 40 ......  🙃

Al.

I can never understand why people cannot straighten buffers out before taking photos ....  gets my wick TBH !!

Al.

Well I've had several replies, fortunately.

One stated that the return the model for fitting is still ongoing.

The same one offered the option to send out handrails for me to fit - this is what I requested.

I'm not certain if it's a result of this, or the separate email I sent, but I received another from DCC Supplies saying they'll send out the handrails today for me.

Whichever happened, I'm not bothered provided I receive the handrails, and will then fit them!!

Al.

Agreed.

It appears to be one end - 4 handles.

2 packets seem to be required.

Al.

Hi Chris, glad it did.

I'll be happy just with the handrails, and I'll fit them myself.

I'm open to reading what they say.

On Rails' site for Splendid, the photo indicates the locomotive without the handrails and there's no mention of a reduced price in view of ... anything.

If not one, the other has an obligation to help as far as I'm concerned ... 

Before any serious considerations, I'm staying positive.

Al.

I purchased off Rails, receiving on 10th September.

It was at quite a 'bargain price', which I wasn't that curious about - they do sell at a discount and Rails are frequently one of the most competitive, so I wasn't too aware of opening a can of worms.

Link to handrails: https://www.dccsupplies.com/shop/class-68-oo-handrails-cab-front-2-pairs/

As said, I'm prepared to receive the rails and fit myself - sounds like a good option in view of some questionable fitting services!!

Al.

There is indeed a date limit of 31AUG22.

I've sent an email directly to Dapol asking to clarify how they can assist me.

I've given an option to send me the handles and I'll fit myself - what could possibly go wrong?  ..........

Al.

17 minutes ago, ERIC ALLTORQUE said:

Its the handrails at the window bottom that Dapol have left off and are fitting if you return the body to them.Thats what the last few pages are about.

Mine came from Rails.  Do you return to Dapol or to the supplier?

Apologies, I'd just 'fallen on' this realisation all were aware of!!

Al.

On 04/09/2022 at 10:21, Ncarter2 said:

Well, got 68027 back yesterday, extremely disappointed. Windscreen is scratched, fitment isn’t that great, the same end with the windscreen damage are not aligned correctly. Having read a few concerns on here and else where, I marked the inside of my body shell prior to sending away, it’s not the one I received back. Also, the packaging I sent it in is not what was returned, which wouldn’t have bothered me too much, but I wrapped in three layers of bubble wrap, used a three core box and  they sent back in a box that was cut up to fit the model and no additional wrapping, it was no thicker that a cereal box! Hope for a swift response and resolution, but thought I’d give a view on my experience. 

I'm getting curious now!

I have OO Scale 68 019 Brutus, with the handrails either side just at the bottom of the windscreen, and I now have 68 027 Splendid, which seemed identical - except it isn't - it does not have these little handrails - yet yours does!!

When I 'Google' search TPE 68 027 full sized photos, they do have the handrails.

When I do the same for the Dapol model Splendid, she doesn't have them.

Has your been renamed / renumbered or did you receive this as is?

Mine is one of the '2nd batch'.

When the model is 'searched' it comes up without the handrails.

RMS list 'Splendid' 68 027, but it's a photo of 68 019 'Brutus', with handrails.

Al.

Another we'll see them when we see them!

I've quite a few pre-orders in the pipeline - all have been delayed but it is what it is ...

Just replaced a motor in my first Dapol 68 'Brutus' - starting to arc one way, so the brushes had worn down.

'Splendid' is getting impatient as well!!

I've 2 TPE 68's.

Al.

Any 'latest' ETA?

I thought these were due during September?

No pressure!

Al.

Same moving AB's as the Hatton's one, or might they stay on?

Does the full sized one have skewed steps or is that reality going too far?  ....

Al.

Very informative, and quite a load for that test.

Is there a 'standard condition' for the load hauling - like 'x' tonnes over a distance of 10km, >= 20km/h ... etc.

Al.

I'll remove the motor, check over the drive train to see if there are any pinch points, and once #3 has been received, I'll run in, light to check it's as free-running as possible.

I do remember Brutus was quite fast initially, which Splendid is now.

With the 2nd motor it was smooth running, but I would say not as fast - perhaps it was the quality of the motor, perhaps it wasn't mounted perfectly.  I wouldn't say it had been overheating, so it didn't appear to have been continually slightly overloaded ...

Perhaps the motors aren't as good as they could be ... I'll see soon enough!!

Al.

My Brutus is on her 2nd motor, which as effectively failed.

The 1st motor stalled / burnt out when she separated from a train on a continuous loop, and 'gently bashed' into the back end, derailed when not 'supervised' and promptly burnt out, and melted the motor cradle.

The 2nd one has been running for at least 40-50 hours .. now just stalls, but confirm why.

This could possibly be burning out - so motor #3 on its way ....

Al.

I already have Brutus, and have the A/S TPE coaches on their way, soon .... so I decided to take advantage of the Splendid Rails' offer ... nice one!!

Al.

The 'previous model', like the one you've just purchased is an excellent runner and I was going to mention B2B on the bogie - I've had that before.

If you get used to running prototypical loads, and run her harder, the main drive gear can wear - option alloy or brass ones are available which are miles better.

Glad you enjoy it.

Al.

7 hours ago, Ian J. said:

 

page before this one we're on now.

 

I'll look into this on my return.

I'm away 'on business' for the company for now.

Al.

I remember reading that originally, but never found the original post.

It may be something worth looking into.  I hope so.

Al.

I have sidelined my KOYLI through derailing when all others stay on.

I was about to replace safely into her storage box, when, yet again, I saw a detached chain.

Beautiful model, but mine has made me very frustrated I must admit.

Al.

If not already mentioned, Sam's Trains had a thorough review of the Bachmann 37.  Some very nice detailing, and ideas (brake chains easily removable / replaceable), but not exactly blown away.

No obvious 'flywheel effect' - no flywheel?

Al.

It's a nice idea, and could be adapted with small 'Neo magnets' carefully placed on model cranes to lift and remove as well as HoG.

Al.

I'd be interested to compare this against the already very capable Hornby 56 for haulage .....

Then against the Hattons 66 and A/S 55.

Al.