scottrains29

It could also be due to the Easter holidays. I'll not collect my 001 until this weekend when I'm back home. I have 20 odd Hattons 66's so it'll be interesting to see how the improved Accurascale one compares.

I'm in the same position as you, although my e-link is still working. I've decided to hold off and hope Hornby release an updated dcc controller/ elink type device. Their previous dcc controllers are getting quite dated now and with the popularity of HM7000 I think it's inevitable they'll bring out a new controller that doesn't require a dongle to work with the app. Saying that I've been waiting over a decade for their Railmaster Loco Detection system they announced but it never materialised, yet...

You might find that Accurascale may offer their sound chip to buy separately along with their accurathrash speaker but I think their 66 circuit wiring is going to be different, so you may not get all functionality. I have some 20+ Hattons 66's including factory sound ones. I've also added TTS and HM7000 sound to a few too. To be fair the HM7000 ones sound pretty good for the price especially when using a good speaker. You get all forward lights and switchable tail lights but no cab light. May be worth trying this option. If you don't like it you can simply reprogram it and stick it in a different class.

I guess the easiest way to fix the mistakes on this unit would be to update it to a later version by adding the roof pods, fixing the fictitious destination blind and maybe replacing the warning flashes with the later style. To back-date the unit to a non roof pod version you would have to remove the ScotRail swoosh logo and replace it with the black BR double arrow logo, and also fix the fictitious destination blind. Does anyone know why this model, R30172, is a standard RailRoad model yet the Network Rail 101, R30195, that has also just been released is RailRoad Plus? I can't see anything better on the Network Rail one. They are both the same price. Also, the Network Rail 101 appears to be boxed in a standard RailRoad box without the RailRoad Plus branding. I've never really understood what Railroad Plus means and perhaps Hornby don't understand it either. Personally, I think they should ditch Railroad Plus and just try to make the livery look good on all the RailRoad models (including accurate destinations that actually exist!). Surely it can't add much to the cost.

It's not as bad as when Hornby put a Norwich destination on the Scotrail 156! Details, details..... Perhaps they'll send out more accurate destinations to fit ourselves, as they did with the 156. Lima tooled the later roof pod version but I don't think Hornby have ever used this tooling. Can anyone find a photo of 101695 before it got it's cab roof pods but after it got the BR logo replaced with the Scotrail swoosh logo? The early warning flashes also suggest it's pre 98 but I haven't yet found a picture of it as Hornby have modelled it. Could of course just be Hornby's 'that'll do' attitude to detail! It's also odd it's got traction tyres. It's a lightweight dmu! The Hornby spt 156 didn't have tyres yet can easily haul the two car unit. It's easy enough to replace the traction tyres with the non tyred version. I might get one to go with the previous release, but I'll probably wait until the price is more realistic for what it is.

I agree, a 185 would be a great choice. It's a popular DMU and covers a relatively large area including up here in Scotland. Using the tooling for the various desiro classes would be a smart move. I'd love to see a Scotrail 380 in RTR form!

I signed up almost immediately after they announced them on the 6th Feb but didn't get the stock notification. I guess it just shows there is high demand for another run! Hopefully the next run will include the deck extensions.

Did any of the modern version come back into stock? I didn't get any notification.

If only Accurascale did an AccuraTrunk service!

SPT Carmine & Cream for me please!

With such a low production run I wonder if this set will be produced at the same time as the R30097TXS InterCity 125 set. I know it'll use the later power car version but the base livery on 43184 is essentially the same, so could save on production cost. Is it a coincidence the two models are also due out around the same time later this year. This leads me to wonder if Hornby might also produce a standard XC twin pack at the same time and give a surprise announcement during the year. I reckon a standard release XC pack would be more popular than this very limited period (just 6 months for 43184 Laira Diesel Depot) set, especially when looking at the extortionate price the previous version goes for on eBay.

The Dapol 73 is now £76. Rapido Titfield Thunderbolt now just £153.

Hornby brought out the dongle to allow users to use non HM7000 decoders, so they know people want to use other decoders too. If Hornby do produce a Bluetooth enabled "elink mk2", this could generate more sales including HM7000 decoders, improved Railmaster software package and a possible loco detection system as mentioned by Simon last year. The previous detection system (R8306) announced around ten years ago included the module, tag strips and track sensors and was to retail around £80 with additional items to add on. Simon recently mentioned the new HM7000 system would make full layout automation much easier, so clearly had something in mind.

I do hope Hornby produce some sort of basic dcc controller that links to the app, allowing you to control both standard dcc and Bluetooth locos at the same time from the app. I only have a Hornby elink and the HM7000 app so annoyingly can't even use the dongle. Simon K mentioned in a video last year that the system would allow for loco detection and full automation, so perhaps Hornby are working on a Bluetooth enabled elink mk2? Many people may be put off investing in the HM7000 system if there isn't a way to control dcc fitted locos from other manufacturers unless they also invest in an expensive expressnet enabled controller with the Hornby dongle.

Thanks, yeah unfortunately I didn't make it to their stand as I was unaware of their 00 announcement. I'm sure others probably missed it too. Last year Accurascale generated loads of excitement before and during the show as people waited for their big reveal at 10am. Anyway, I'm sure a crimson & cream 320 in 00 would sell very well. Previous 00 DMU's from other manufacturers in this colour scheme have sold well. Scotrail now also have class 320/4 units that were originally 321's with their small/large side windows after the cab, as opposed to the usual double small side windows on the other 320's. This would add extra variety for modellers!