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I wonder if Hattons are going to get a supply of replacement axle boxes for those that come of and disappear into the ether? If any of mine drop off I will ensure I mould some more using a two part resin kit I have. just a thought, but if you are replacing the axle box using super glue and are worrying about it catching the sides of the bogie, perhaps smear the outside of the box with a tiny bit of Vaseline to prevent sticking or fouling.

There is a layout on the circuit that has steam locos (mainly BR/GWR) which has superb smoke/ steam effects developed by one of the guys who helps run it. It is certainly the most realistic I have ever seen. I believe he wants to develop it commercially but is having patent problems (I may be wrong), it can be done but needs people to develop a realistic system that people will buy into.

The HO 66 looks ok, but to see how good it really is it would have to be compared alongside all the other offerings. The smoke unit is woeful.

I have 66957 on order, I like named locos and this one obviously has historical connections which for me is special

Thank you rembrow, looks a straightforward fix without altering the look of the loco. Of course I am hoping I will not have to alter mine when they arrive.

I wonder if you could post a photo or two showing the parts you filed, so much easier to have an illustration to back up the description.

It is good that people be honest about being annoying etc. But, every opinion has its place and if we did not have a wide range of views it would be a boring world we live in. The Hattons 66 is one of the most highly anticipated models in a long time so there is bound to be a range of reactions. Far from being annoying etc. Peoples opinions help us to learn a bit more about the 66. I am no expert so when so when it is pointed out that something about the livery, windows, etc is not quite right I take notice and look. If we did not have the input from those who drive them or follow them assiduously we would be In a less enriched group. So well done those who have apologised there really was no need, you added to the knowledge of the 66.

No apologies needed really Danny, you are entitled to your opinion, but thank you all the same. Enjoy your Christmas.

Thank you Ian for your comments. By far the most sensible evaluation to date. I have 789 on order with sound fitted. Although comparisons are sometimes subjective it would be interesting to see the Hattons loco alongside the Bachmann loco, then (as you indicate) we will see the definitive 66. The King is dead Long live the King.

Looks superb, especially the head on shots, the model captures the muscular look of the real thing. Haulage capacity looks handy too!

Whilst it is a bit sad that bits fall of new models, I suppose the more tiny bits that go into the detail, the more likelihood of accidents. Fortunately these things are normally rectifiable one way or another, and Hattons have an excellent record of customer service. At least the faults are not on the scale of Bachmann building a modified Hall with the front end of an unmodified Hall. To those who berate the livery shades and lettering size/ placement, you must decide whether you can or cannot live with them. The option not to buy is always there. All that said, when you look at the loco it is magnificent and I for one would not let minor discrepancies put me off purchasing the two I have on order.

The model looks fine to me. As a photographer I am aware of the way colour appears in different photographs. Also, calling on my medical knowledge our individual perception of colour tone varies. So my perception of Orange or any other colour for that matter may be different from others. Add in the fact that there are many people with different degrees of colour blindness/eye problems and the permutations are endless. And to be frank nobody is forced to buy the model so instead of the pedantic nit picking just hold counsel and keep your wallet closed. The model is now being distributed so too late to change it unless you respray or weather.

That the deliveries have started and are being despatched to customers is indeed good news, well done Hattons. I assume the sound versions are still on course for some time in January then, must contain my excitement a little longer. Hopefully we will et some photos/videos on the thread soon then.

Oh dear, humour gene disengaged.

BRM have received two 66s for review, but they could be biased because Andy once spoke to someone at Hattons.

I posted similar a couple of days ago, it is amazing how much mileage some people can get out of trivia, but each to their own. The model will be here soon and there will be as many opinions, moans, groans, superlatives and exaltations as variants planned. I cannot contain my excitement.

It really is interesting (not) all this waffle about whether a reviewer is affiliated to Hattons or not. The model will be out in a couple of weeks then the thread will be inundated with videos of hopefully happy but not connected with Hattons other than being customers with all manner of opinions. The people who have given these reviews do not force you to view them. I have seen a couple and quite frankly could not care less who is giving the commentary because I am capable of making my own mind up about the loco.

I have been informed by a retailer with a Hattons business account that the 66 will only be available through Hattons. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this, but I am passing it on in good faith. I assume from this if it is accurate those wishing to see before they buy will have to go to Hattons shop or wait until Hattons are at a show nearby.

Howes do sound chips and spares for Heljan, they stopped retailing models a couple of years or more ago

Do Hattons do a list of the retailers they supply? That would make it easier. Unfortunately I believe Oxfordshire does not have any model shops now.

It has been said before and bears repeating. It is difficult to judge colour depth because of the light falling on the subject. The shots above are a case in point, the model 66 has been shot in very flat light conditions that make the colours look paler. Also the reflection/absorption of light from the colours has to be taken into account. The shot of the real loco has been taken in a shadow so there is no reflected light. It’s complicated and not worth getting too hung up on at this stage. Photograph your loco in different lighting conditions and you will see a myriad of differences.

Super review by Jenny, all looking good.

Couldn’t get to Warley but good to hear they are on the radar.

Price comparison: Bachmann Cl 121 £149.95. April 2020. Dapol Cl 121 £79 at Hattons now. No brainer really.

If August 2020 sees the release of Class 66s. One could speculate that the market may be saturated by then with Hattons (Superior?) versions, and conceivably there will be quite a few Bachmann 66s in the second hand market, a case of shutting the stable door? Food for thought.