Johnfromoz

So in an attempt to move off the endless speculative discussion about future moves by Hattons, , how about any Freightliner livery afficionados’ thoughts on a possible livery error on the green/yellow versions of this product? A credible You Tube review suggests that the slightly darker green oblong background ‘patch’ behind the large bodyside Freightliner logo is not in fact prototypical. I am aware that this darker background has been used on other Freightliner traction (57,86 etc). But starting my own research am struggling to find a 66 with it. Any views? Is this another livery error or in fact based on some prototype loco?

And not one mention of this product, such as ‘we’ve rechecked those for sale’ or ‘in fitting more with sound we’ve checked for running’. Nope, a big solitary nothing.....

Thanks Andy, I think 3002 is from the first two (early version).. I was referring to the latest batch with just the lower Lights fitted. Anyway, I will try a TTS 08 chip when it arrives, as my prior experience with the first batch was been great sound and loco control. (Idid fit megaBass speakers to them) but limited lighting.

In theory then, a TTS 08 decoder should at least operate the marker lights directionally on F0, assuming F0 is the same in any decoders language.

Thanks so much Nick, That’s really helpful. Superb weathering on that 08. John

Has anyone out there chipped an 08 from the latest (modern batch)? Curious to know the lighting operation functions. TIA

As per meatloaf’s experience, I have used TTS in about four Dapol 08s from the first batch, with upgraded speakers they run and sound brilliant. As said, the shunting lights were inoperable but top lights worked. i have now ordered one of the modernised 08s from the new batch (with the lower level lights only) and am pondering whether TTS will now operate these. In fact, can anyone recommend a decoder, sound or otherwise, that will control the shunting lights on this new batch? Thanks

Returning to the latest batch, earlier content in the thread records incompatibility with the Dapol imperium. Does anyone know of the best option decoder for controlling the (reduced) number of marker lights? i have fitted Hornby TTS 08 sound with a megabass speaker to four of the earlier batch with great results (No lower shunting lights tho). Was wondering if anyone has tried the TTS in the new batch?

Hi all, looking at some fairly recent video footage, it looks like quite a few of the Greenergy TEA tanks have been de-liveried and can be found mixed in with DBC powered oil flows. Can anybody confirm that the Greenergy flows from say Cardiff to Port Clarence have finished? TIA

Wow, the pile of returned Hattons 66s must rival the Christmas tree in Times Square.

I had been wanting a 90042 Freightliner version since its release, but reading the horror stories on here, had no confidence in ordering one from the UK to my home in Tasmania. Eventually I bit the bullet and ordered one locally from a retailer in WA. Amazingly, it has arrived perfect in every way, even more so given it’s total shipping miles around the world has been close to around 25,000. This suggests to me that the issue of overtightened bogie pivot screws on some is the more lightly culprit, probably exacerbated by shipping shocks and knocks. Anyway, a superb model in pristine condition so feel very fortunate.

Carrying over from the Traintronics thread, I have today finally got two cobalts prepared for horizontal use and they are up and running on the layout BUT I flag something here for the sake of other newbies if fitting these units. Going to the DCC concepts web site for a photo of how the adaptation should look, I observed their assembled unit with no fulcrum, using only the metal fork of the adaptor kit for leverage (or so it seems) . This lead me to waste two hours of my life trying unsuccessfully to get the unit to change points on the track above. Only on re-checking the instruction card is their brief mention of the fulcrum. A lesson for me in not reading instructions true, but I certainly found the official photo misleading. For information of others thinking of using this kit.

WI, Thanks for that. I am guessing the wire in tube makes the action a bit more sturdy and direct in action. Mine will be underboard mounting so we shall see.

Hi all Cobalt users, while I await the arrival of my right angle adaptors to enable me to mount the Cobalt IP motors horizontally, was curious about wether any RM Webbers have used cobalt motors in this way? I must admit to a bit of concern about using an extension pin at right angles and its accuracy re fine adjustment etc. Also, there is a curious void in the top face of the motor block when mounting horizontally, which precludes using double sided adhesive pads? perhaps I can place some foam in this space to reduce noise. Any thoughts appreciated. John

Further to my last, this is what is so bloody great about this forum; thanks to ALL who offered information and options! the Cobalt is what I particularly wanted to use, but would never in a million years have worked out that they could be used horizontally without advice from Ron. The depth is then spot-on for my needs. I will place an order for the adapters. again, thanks to all. John

That’s really interesting and useful info about the cobalt Horizontal mounting using an adaptor. Has anyone tried one this way?

Hi, Hunting for a couple of these low profile DCC fitted point motors, due to height restrictions Under my baseboard. (Cobalts too big) Are they discontinued? Cannot find any in stock anywhere. Hattons have them on order, but they seem to have been missing from the shelves for some time.

Hi Mark, Many thanks for this helpful information. It has indeed saved me a lot of mucking around. Will just have to enjoy Sorrento as is ( or scratch build window frames which would be tedious). Might be an aftermarket opportunity for someone as more and more 66’s get the new windows. cheers John

Thanks for that

Recently stumped up for one of these in KMR's exhibition sale, before realising that it has the wrong type of cab side windows for this livery. Does anyone know if the correct two piece window frames (as fitted to various Bachmann 66) are available as a spare part? (Yes I will ask Bachmann, just checking to see if anyone here has done this mod? TIA

'Login unavailable' message for me too.

Had something broadly similar with this mob some years ago. In my case, eventually got a refund for the faulty loco but not return postage costs. All fine and friendly until a problem occurs, then a PITA to deal with. Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole now. Go hard on them.

Appalling quality control, yet again. There is no way I'll be touching these until or if improvements are made.

Danny, A considered, balanced and thoughtful posting. I thoroughly agree. Marcus is to be be commended, not attacked for highlighting the manifest quality control issues relating to this model. John

Marcus, Thank you for an excellent, informative and constructive review. I found it extremely useful in weighing up my decision to purchase at present. John John