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I am very happy with my Freightliner Patriot. There is a huge amount of finer detailing parts fitted - none has fallen off, despite the 'all angles' viewing - it's one of several locomotives I have 'on view' alongside where I sit in the living room, so I'm continually moving it around to get different angles on it. My loco's axle boxes seem to be quite solidly attached, but in time you never know if one or more may detach - probably not judging by the percieved impression of quality I have so far. I especially like the extra clear windows - and viewing the detailing inside. Al.

I've not noticed this with mine. Looking again at the production locomotive video I did see a wobble going around a curve once. Is this axlebox location related? Al.

I think you'll find that slot cars, like model railways have been increasing their accuracy in dimensions and realistic representation. Fly Sky have been a very decent 'average good' slot car for quite a few years now, their cars being keenly collected - despite the 917 headlamps being incorrect, for example. Scalextric have evolved with the times as well, and I would say can be compared well with the better ones. Al.

Reviews are starting to appear on YT. Looks even more impressive, and no holding back on 'prototypical load tests' either - very smooth and quiet as ever. This is one fantastic locomotive. Well done Hattons. Al.

I did also notice that parts of the metal chassis had the black paint rubbed off - fuel tank corners and off little specs on the wheels - touched up now and not noticeable, but not noticed with other manufacturers in the past. Al.

Just close the curtains, switch the lights off and put some Pink Floyd on .... !!!

Mine arrived without anything being loose - one buffer was a bit tight, but that's resolved. One comment, it was obvious the bogies had rotated a little in transit - retainers like Dapol use could have been helpful!! Al.

What I really like about mine is the fineness of the smaller detailing - wipers, sanders, grilles ... Really nice - well done Hattons. Al.

They look superb. One of my favourite locomotives in the late 70's, early 80's. Just to see 'that little loco' at the end of a huge passenger train, driver climb into the cab with 5 minutes to go, then with seconds, cooling fans fire up and off it goes ... so effortless!! Al.

Here's a close-up of my Patriot - absolutely superb!! If I remember back to my - sold - Bachmann Freightliner, the green seems a little brighter, but I'm no expert in which is correct, and certainly not bothered!! For those interested in faults and failures, one buffer was a little stiff, but a little 'light exercise' had it springing in and out without problem. Al.

Me too. It was a simple question!! I won't contribute to this thread again ... until I receive my Deltic. Al.

The 68 is no longer king of the heavyweights!! Mine weighed in at 698g, but the Hattons Patriot Class 66 just received has just registered 742g !! Wonder what the Dapol Class 59 will weigh? !! Al.

Patriot arrived at 10:50 - is absolutely perfect. It's not totally silent as Sam intimated but is VERY SMOOTH and quiet - slow is as good as ANYTHING I've seen on this forum - including that continental locomotive video. Weight - electronic kitchen scales (within 2g accuracy I reckon) = 742g. Dapol Class 68 = 698g. It's on 'display' now, alongside the 68, Royal Scot and my TTS DoG. Al.

I tried! Have to admit you're correct, of course. Pity. Al.

It appears the Hattons' alignment = Hornby's = this: http://rickinghamphotography.co.uk/gallery3/index.php/Railway/Class-66/IMG_6859 Al.

Well, I've just confirmed that my Patriot is in the RM sorting centre in Warrington .... If they make late deliveries I may receive it, but I doubt it ... tomorrow it is!! WOW!! Fantastic service Hattons - well done, in anticipation!! Al.

Did anyone mention axleboxes ....

As Dave stated, my tracking number is registered and recognised in the RM system now. .... Looking forward to this one!! Al.

I just tried the tracking number in the RM tracker again, and still not recognised, so not sent yet ... Probably going out today one thinks ... Al.

Hattons working hard to keep their promises of delivery of some models before Christmas. Hat's off and WELL DONE HATTONS!! Al.

See, I knew he hadn't been abducted by aliens!! Thanks Fran. Enjoy the party - you certainly deserve it after all of the contributions pending and produced you've made to our hobby over the last 8-10 months. Al.

I've just had an e-mail stating it is packed, and has been given a reference. When fed into the RM system they are unable to locate the reference at this time. I might be wrong, but that infers all is ready to ship, but has not yet been collected by RM. Al.

I've been billed as well ... for Patriot! Looks like delivery will be fairly soon, as you say ... Al.

That's me told then .... !! Is nobody interested to here of / see what further progress has been made? Should have colour samples now according to previous press. Al.