Mel_H

If it's not been noted before, then the Bachmann 101 in 'refurbished white' is 40% off, making it £137 at Kernow. Stock levels show 'more than 10'. The 'going rate' seems to be around £170 normally

http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/54537/32-289-Bachmann-Class-101-2-Car-DMU-BR-Refurbished-White-and-Blue

11 hours ago, Dominion said:

Hi Mel, I have just sent a scan of the rest of the manual. the first few pages have colour.

The rest is black and white.

Tom

Many thanks for your help; it’s really appreciated!

6 hours ago, Dominion said:

Have sent you PM with a scan of the function page for now. Can send rest tomorrow if you still need.

Have fun with it.

Tom

Excellent! Really helpful. Isn’t RMWeb just brilliant!

1 hour ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said:

Mmmm. Never thought to run one through a scanner and keep it on file for future customer enquiries?

 

My sole Dapol loco is the very neat altogether and most satisfactory NBL DH type 2 (TOPS 21): no documentation supplied at all. Enquiries at time of release indicated that this was 'correct'; no documentation available.

 

Something of a pattern there. I like this product, but no documentation of assembly and parts, not even a download?

Yes, bit of a shame as Dapol's 'Technical' part of its website is silent on almost all instructions. I suspect it would save them a lot of time answering enquiries if they popped PDFs up (how hard can that be?). Mr Red box does that, which probably reduces calls allowing them to get on with something else....

To clarify, it's just the instructions I'm after, rather than a copy of the actual booklet

Although this topics appears to be dormant, I'll try a post anyway...

I've got a secondhand Black Label A4, but it doesn't have any instructions. I contacted Dapol for a spare, or even just a PDF and they responded: "Sorry but there were only 1 booklet per model produced and, as we are now out of the Black Label Models we do not have any

Booklets left, sorry."

Does anyone have an instruction book, if so, would they be prepared to scan/photograph it for me please? My model doesn't have smoke (it's been binned by the previous owner).

And no, the seller didn't have the instructions either...!

Slightly off-topic, I know, but this seems to be the only active thread?

I've got a secondhand Black Label A4, but it doesn't have any instructions. I contacted Dapol for a spare, or even just a PDF and they responded: "Sorry but there were only 1 booklet per model produced and, as we are now out of the Black Label Models we do not have any

Booklets left, sorry."

Does anyone have an instruction book, if so, would they be prepared to scan/photograph it for me please? My model doesn't have smoke (it's been binned by the previous owner). And no, the seller didn't have the instructions either...! 

Going back to the original question, just in case somebody falls over this topic in the future like I recently did, I have had experience with both electronic and relay-based systems.

I’ve just installed a hex frog juicer to control a return loop, where the polarity is reversed.

It’s a DCC layout and elsewhere I’ve installed Megapoints relay systems.

The hex frog juicer is brilliant!. It’s great if you have a number of frogs you want to control in a short area. And it’s also brilliant if soldering isn’t your bag! You simply connect power in from the track to the juicer, and there are six outputs, which you connect the Central wire from an electric frog point. The hex from juicer connections are all screw based, and you could use miniature chocolate blocks with screw connectors to extend the wire from your electric points. Obviously soldering is preferred but this is a great get out.

It works absolutely brilliantly and takes up only a small amount of space, Being roughly 4 in. Square

The only downside is the cost per frog is more expensive than the gaugemaster, or megapoints solution.

I haven’t used the gauge master solution, as I wasn’t aware of it when I started work on the layout. It looks pretty straightforward, but clearly you need to be A dab hand with soldering.

The mega points relate based unit works on a similar principle, and will also throw your turnouts. Are use a server controller version. Again it’s more cost-effective than the frog juicer (depending on how you throw your frogs) butIt does take more physical space on the layout and involve more wiring as you have to take a wire from each of the stock rails plus the point frog, in other words three wires in total, back to the relay driver.

if you’ve got a lot of points, then this can be quite a bit of wiring.

In terms of running through a point the wrong way by accident, the hex frog juicer is the best as it will simply sort everything out and you won’t notice.

This would be ideal if for example you had trading points with the springs removed on the exit from Siddle yard. And, you deliberately want to run the trains through the points without having to change them. 

Also, due to the way the hex frog juice works – by automatically detecting and changing the polarity – if you want to hand work your points it’s the best solution.

With the megapoints module, and by the sound of it the Gaugemaster version, if you run through incorrectly set points it will cause a short and bring your layout to a stand. For the layout I’ve been wiring this is a very good safety feature as it prevents derailments and collisions caused by operator error. Which system you would prefer in that case is entirely down to how you view running through points that have not been set.

So in summary, the hex frog juicer is the most Expensive, but the easiest to install and use. The megapoints and gaugemaster system are less expensive, with the gaugemaster being the cheapest and suited to any type of point operation apart from handworked, but need more skills with the soldering iron. The Megapoints Controllers could be wired without using a soldering iron as again it’s all screw terminals.

Hope this helps anybody who wonders about the answer to the original question

May I add my heartfelt thanks to the Poll team for their hard work and friendly attitude.  It’s been a blast!

It's hard to tell from the pictures, as they are not quite close-up enough, but the cab rain strip looks to be on the heavy side which doesn't help its looks. Yes, it does look like a 25/3, but for those obsessed who care about the finesse of the look may be disappointed. And that's a great shame.* Big question, how much better than the Bachmann version will it be, and how will actual (not RRP) compare? Sales will be hard to tell, but if It's stuck in the Hatton's 'Best Sellers' list, then it's probably bombed (I still can't believe that for months the ICI 'Janus' has been in the top 10 best sellers. Either they must have hundreds of , being doing hardly any overall business, it's a 'marketing' thing, or their algorithm is broken; who can say!) Sorry, strayed OT there

* At least the Heljan 45 is looking good so far...

On 13/09/2020 at 13:03, bmthtrains - David said:

Where is UK manufacturing going? Where it now now for a while probably - the old, formerly dominant big boys no longer leading the pack as many small, dynamic, but probably short lived start ups take a bigger combined chunk of the market.

 

By short lived I mean 10 or 20 or so years as their proprietors commission/manufacture models. These firms are disrupting the market in a very welcome way, but long term, Hornby and Bachmann will still be here in 40 years time, long after the smaller ones have gone.

 

Not because they fail, but because they are the work of specific individuals rather than large companies. For example (not presuming to know anything about their plans), will Revolution or Cavalex continue once the talented people behind them eventually retire?

 

I see a slow shifting carousel of these small disrupters continuing for decades, all the while the big names carry on as now.

 

David

Most industries, and model railways are little different, show that when the founders retire they either sell the business or pass it on. 

Growth by acquisition is a common method. Most recently we've seen FTG Models' SPA wagon pass to Kernow, and DJM tooling pass to Kernow.

We've also seen this in the 'cottage industry' sector where volumes are relatively small.

Smaller suppliers aren't mainly motivated by profit per se, but by a passion to produce something that won't otherwise be produced - generally due to the risk and perceived small market volumes. 

RevolutioN is possibly the best example of this, although there are others, including Model Rail, which has brought a number of models through (despite being relegated to the 'Smaller Suppliers' section of RMWeb, due to it being a competitor, when it's produced more than KR Models (just an observation).

It's only the likes of Hornby or Bachmann that have a big enough range to have a catalogue and product longevity. Smaller supplies tend to be 'one shots' for many of their models, although EFE Rail has the potential to change that.

With regards to the future, in our little inward-looking world, we can all get excited about TT, P4 and other details, but most of the people, most of the time buy RTR from a model shop and play trains (young and old).

Boys are fascinated by movement (a bit like cats) and want to build bigger and better things, hence the continuing popularity of Brio et al. 

As long as manufacturers keep innovating - of these Hornby is the most innovative - then the younger market will continue to be engaged.

Hornby's innovations, such as TTS (twin track sound), TTS van, forthcoming bluetooth control, etc are in the 'affordable' end of the market.

What people on here generally are is in the niche, specialist, low volume end (I include myself in this). Where we get our 'play value' costs a lot more...

For the younger market, having a physical catalogue (or chart like Hornby used to do) is key (it's about aspiration) and showing what can be done.

Hornby's brand is so strong, that it's recognised and trusted by the general buyers/entrants. And, it offers a complete range.

Finally, additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) offers huge potential as the costs fall and quality improves. This is being driven by manufacturing where small runs - or products called off as they are needed by customers - obviates the need to hold inventory for slow-moving lines. For example, Mercedes-Benz trucks now provides some parts that are 3D printed for exactly this reason.

It's got huge potential - probably on the same scale as the explosion of growth in plastic injection moulding did, replacing die-cast/tinplate, in the 1950s/60s.

It's an interesting discussion. Let's come back in 10 years and see how wrong we all were?!

On 10/09/2020 at 16:34, Joseph_Pestell said:

My only comment on this would be look across the Channel and North Sea. Large numbers of new small producers (commissioners) have thrived there since the last recession and made the historic manufacturers look rather flat-footed.

And in Australia Accusion Models is doing a nice line in high quality items too (modern traction)

Had an interesting afternoon with a BR black example which resulted in a complete strip down as it had multiple issues. It was obtained secondhand but stopped working. 
 

Then, orange smoke appeared!

Removing the cab revealed a slightly fried decoder. Popping it back on the track was spectacular 

A previous owner had removed the DCC plug and hard-wired a decoder

With the decoder removed, it still didn’t work
 

Opening it up ( a challenging in itself) revealed that the heat shrink on the black terminal was slightly too short, causing an occasional short to the chassis block. 
 

Repairs, an extra piece of packing to hold the motor firmly and a new decoder and it’s back to full health!

https://youtu.be/MXsthvRNMeU

On 01/06/2020 at 21:13, jonnyuk said:

i've took the plunge and ordered one from gaugemaster, reduced to £79. it arrived today and i have to say im in love. its a stunning loco, weighs a ton and is soo smooth. granted before i ran it i checked the axles and they where tight so i loosened the keep plate as described above. it's now ran in, i have just bought a stay alive and zimo decoder from youchoos (bought the same for my Hornby terrier and they work great in fact transformed it).

 

my only question, how do i get into the cab because i think that's where the stay alive will have to go.

Access guide here

On 01/09/2020 at 16:50, Rhydgaled said:

Do these have coreless motors? I'm trying to decide between a 1366, 64xx or 8750 and this could be a deciding factor; I am non-DCC and I fear my controllers (HM2000 and Hornby's old train set one) would damage/destroy a coreless motor so would avoid those.

Yes, coreless 
 

Yes, very helpful. A bit more detail below. The pannier support brackets are a very tight fit and have a touch of glue. Pull them down and away. 
 

Also, when you slide the tank body off you need to prise the sides apart slightly as the tank drain cover catches on the front support bracket. 
 

If there’s someone else to hold the chassis while you do this it’s a help. Putting it back is easier 

Finally, the long screw that goes through the weight forces the front of the body up near the chimney upwards. Look carefully and you can see the witness marks. Pictures below

On 23/08/2020 at 12:14, PhilJ W said:

 

There is also the factor of limited storage space, this I understand is a particular problem for the LTM shop. Keep an eye on their web site over the next few months* and you might find a few bargains listed under to clear. This might be cushions finished in LT moquette rather than models but its worth a look. *With the motorised tube stock coming in and Christmas coming there should a few bargains.

As well as watching the website, you can go onto the LTM's 'shop' page and sign up to receive emails, which will alert you to bargains (of all kinds).

At the moment for signing up you can claim 10% off your first order (some items excluded).

They don't bombard you with emails, and when they have a 'clearance' you have to be quick as I suspect the list is large (there's worldwide interest in LT). They do have some good bargains occasionally. And, you also get that nice warm feeling that you're supporting the museum which, this week's email told me, costs £25,000 per day to run.

On the LT subject, I suspect that EFE Rail is (not surprisingly) testing the water with the first release. If it goes well, I'm sure more will follow (69/62 stock, Isle of Wight etc?).

On the other hand, I suspect a number of us (yes, I'm one of those who motorised the original release with SPUDs) are just waiting to see a review or how buyers find them before committing 300 notes.

I reckon there could be mileage with LT; Bachmann have done the LT panniers a few times. LTM did a limited edition with the LT150 red prairie.

There are all sorts of possibilities, including, I might suggest, the battery locos (see another thread).

Finally, according to a note I made in my diary much earlier in the year, this weekend was due to see the last-ever Steam on the Met (new signalling means it won't happen again). Sadly, this was cancelled a while back due to C***d.

Apologies for going OT...

4 hours ago, LMS2968 said:

The collision happened at Warrington, Dallam shed, 28/8/61 and involved 5XP 5630. I think it was the latter coming off shed and the Five was working a train on the running line. One of them passed a signal at danger, and this was the result. Both locos were withdrawn.

45401 was hauling a southbound freight from Liverpool past Warrington Dallam shed when it was in collision with Jubilee class 45630 Swaziland coming off the shed.

One person was killed, and six were injured, according to Railways Archive, which suggests there wasn't a public report; a little surprising these days when there's a fatality, but 1961 was a very different time (only 16 years since the end of WW2, when there were so many deaths...)

On 21/08/2020 at 16:56, Jack374 said:

Possibly a wagon repair trip? I saw this photo today and on second glance it’s actually quite a mash up...GBRf-operated working led by 66763, hauling a dead DB Maritime livery 66005 (these workings often used to transfer locos), then a DB red MXA 'Lobster' bogie box (ex-BDA chassis), YSA 'Salmon' bogie flat, then what appears to be a blue livery BDA. I’ve never seen the blue BDA before, very modellable I’d have thought...

 

(Flickr link)

 

Jack.

I have a vague recollection that the blue BDA is an internal user wagon. If so, it's escaping!

13 hours ago, hmrspaul said:

No they came from an acquaintance whom I believe posts on here occasionally and I've never met. Quite clear on both photos that, for EWS livery, Dapol have copied correctly. The only EWS wagon I have a photo of is the rebody displayed at Toton open day and this doesn't have any of this writing. https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/brturbot/eaf7c157

 

Paul

Ah ha! Just found a picture by Geoff Sheppard from April 2018 of a 'Turbo' at Dunster, West Somerset Railway, where it is now resident.

As well as the missing 'T' on Turbot, it also shows the '3m' radius (I believe the correct figure is 31m?).

While it may be that the figure '1' has dropped off or been removed, there is no doubt about the miss-spelling of 'metres' - which is shown as the measuring device (e.g. a gas meter), rather than a unit of measurement (metre). It's a common error that you see everywhere, even from organisations that should know...

Anyway, picture below. Perhaps this was the reference wagon?

On 27/08/2020 at 23:46, hmrspaul said:

The EWS version

 

 

PS now confirmed that EWS have these as "3 METERS" for the minimum curve. Dapol have copied it correctly - including the mis-spelling of metre. 

Do you have a picture of the original that you can share if the full size wagons’ panel please?

While maybe not strictly a full-on 'bargain', given that the new batch (through EFE Rail) is retailing at £135 (also from Rails), then £99 for a Heljan Hymek in 4mm is a price we're unlikely to see again. The 35 is no longer in the Heljan catalogue, and some retailers (usual suspects) have some stocks of the last batch, generally around £110.

https://railsofsheffield.com/products/31170/Heljan-3524-oo-gauge-class-35-d7076-in-green-with-full-yellow-ends-preserved-

On 15/08/2020 at 16:43, Philou said:

Is that 4mm? Crikey!!

 

Philip

No, 7mm. Nice, isn’t it?

On 07/08/2020 at 15:52, Jeff Smith said:

Andy, I guess it depends how much effort you want to put in to super-detail them.  It would be easy to scrape off the molded-on handrails and maybe some of the other end detail but it would probably require a complete re-paint.  The glazing doesn't look good but replacing with individually cut panes would be very time consuming as I found out making Radley white metal Standard Stock.  The glazing would look much better without the hollows behind each window.  Flat back glazing with the molded windows to give flush appearance without the thick edges would be better - think of how Airfix does airliner windows.....

Laser glazing!  How many people would be needed placing orders to persuade Shawplan to do this?!

On 19/07/2020 at 19:12, simon b said:

As we cant leave negative feedback for these people, I've left the usual "positive" comments on his profile.

 

At least you're able to leave comments.

My current non-payer 'Scooty-Boy' has made his feedback profile private. No contact from him either after four messages. I thought he might be ill (gave him the benefit of the doubt), but when I saw he'd made his feedback private, I doubt it. So I'll leave this feedback here!

⛔️⛔️⛔️NO PAYMENT OR CONTACT, AVOID THIS ! ⛔️⛔️⛔️