atom3624

I asked for and received a replacement motor - I didn't complain so it was at my cost. Only difference was it had capacitors - I presume - soldered onto the motor which the original didn't have. The '5' remained stamped into the outer casing and all dimensions, weights, etc were identical. As stated ... not what I would expect. Viewing, its superb, of course, but I would like it to perform, basically like the Hornby Pendolino and Class 43 / HST's - the latter being the 8WD, non-tyred variety with opening doors. Both Hornby items have lights, etc., so have the extra drag of blades yet can easily surpass prototypical speeds, hence I have no need to 'crank it to the max' - simply wind up to perhaps 80% throttle, giving just on scale operating speeds. The idea of winding up to maximum throttle, just to approach operating speeds is not ideal - not just for the 'speed thing', but I never like to operate at full throttle anyway, for motor longevity. I've got a Hornby Class 43 motor with weights and cups coming and will see if I can adapt it - and if the electronics will handle it, and if it will make any difference - a lot of what ifs, I know ... might get lucky!! Mightn't even fit, which is probable!! Al.

Is that where the 'Lake' comes in - something dark and grim stirred up from the murky depths? Jubilee looks superb - nice balanced lines to it. Al.

Hi there. I'm still new to this forum, so my apologies if I've posted in the wrong section. I've a Bachmann Super Voyager. It doesn't derail - as some have been known to do - but I cannot remotely compare it's performance with that of my Super Detail Hornby Class 43, or indeed Hornby Pendolino. I believe I SHOULD be able to. I received a replacement motor from Bachmann, ensured all is running smoothly, the 'dogbones' were correctly inserted, etc., perform some degree of running in, and to be honest ... extremely UNDERwhelmed!! Bogies were greased and oiled, wheels oiled, etc. All running as well as possible. Running 'light' I maxxed the new motor and it seemed quite reasonable - obviously faster than the old one. It might reach a scale 60-80 mph all 5 connected using a HM2000, and on its own, the power car is definitely 8-wheel-drive and runs reasonably well, but ... sorry, the only phrase I can use is 'gutless'. Are there any suitable motor transplants which can be considered ? I prefer to have too much performance and tone it down, rather than have to set it on maximum, in the hope of keeping up with a 9F express freight!! Yes, I understand the 'wipers' on the end cars will give some drag, it's not that much, and I'd certain anticipate a better performance than I'm seeing. Al.

Thank you - both replies. TBH I feel a bit happier - should be taking delivery of a crimson Duchess anytime soon, so better it's staged as indicated ... sounds like it'll be next year then - that's fine. Al.

Thanks to this forum, making me aware of the 92 - I was looking for 'a decent one' and couldn't find one to match the Super Detail qualities of my 56, 60, 67 (and Dapol 68) ... until now!! - a deposit has been placed on an EWS 92 001 ... That mention of 6-8 weeks, is that for a 2nd payment of £30 or anticipated as the date available and will be a request for the balance outstanding? Al.

Thanks for the reply. It would be a pretty 'obvious' livery I suppose. Interesting that 'modern locomotives' have appeared in so many different ones .... Al.

Hi there, sorry to 'interlope', but touched on something I have addressed a little on my Hornby A3's and A4's. I found the Hornby 'look' excessive - it seems to relate to the front-most axle mount on the tender. I've Dremeled a couple of mine down a bit - still a little high, and fully understand the comment above, but I'm happier with the look - runs OK so nothing spoilt. Al.

Hi there. I'm new to this forum so please bear with me, a little ... I'm tossing the coin between a Hattons 66 and a Dapol 59. I like 'gimmicks' or gadgets, so the more the merrier, if they work that is!! I also have a small 'fleet' of EWS locos. Is there any chance of Dapol adding an EWS 59 in the future, or is this it, do you think / know? Al. PS: I like the NP livery of the available selection - doubt they were ever that clean, for long!!

I've been reading snippets of this forum where appropriate for me, for a while. I was a teenage fan 45 years ago and am sort-of re-starting in the hobby, but am new on the site. Hattons was always my 'go to' shop, being born a 'Scouser', when I was considerably younger, when it was run by Mr Hatton, with his pipe, and in the older shop. My dad used to park in the side roads opposite and we'd cross Smithdown Road to browse .... How things have changed ... certainly the detail, quality and choice of models available, across almost all ages / eras. Now Hattons have this fantastic model made available for the enthusiast. There's been mention of a few things and doubtless the rivet-counters - used to be one myself!! - will find things to comment on, but criticism should be constructive, unless really necessary. From what I see here, it's a superb effort - from me, I definitely give a 'hat's off and well done' to Hattons. I already have a Bachmann Freightliner (single bogie pick-up) Class 66, which apart from the obvious potential for stalling over points, is superb. It does appear this model moves the game on a little further. Al.