richierich

Ok will do that.

I've installed test release 5.7.5 and the communication to the SPROG is fine. The issue I have found is the direction control on the throttle doesn't work.

I installed 5.7.5 and Java 11, and the Sprog is working fine . So it was a bug in 5.6. But within 5.7.5 on the throttle the direction control doesn't work. So I guess a bug in the test release.

I wasn’t aware of who the contract manufacturer is for the 142. Appreciate Rapido produced the 156 for Realtrack. Accurascale seem to offer good post sale support, although it maybe different because they are just a contract manufacturer.

Not a lot happening on the workbench, life is sadly taking over. But visited York MRS on Sunday 31st March. So some photos of two key models on the horizon the Bachmann Class 31 and Realtrack Class 142, and a few other bits and bobs of interest from what I saw.

There are a lot of factors. Suspension inflation is one. As would be wear of the wheelset. But it will be within a tolerance. I’m sure the information is out there from the prototype, it’s just accessing it!

The lighting was quite deliberate to show the gangways in shadow, to make the dimensional differences clearer. I wish I could obtain a a drawing of the corridor connection for the real units and hence have base information to validate this exercise.

It’s that time of year for the annual visit to the York Model Railway Show, which is the local show to visit. The show was ok, but personally disappointing at the lack of BR sector period layout representation. The most interesting layout was O gauge set in the BR blue period. However there was two key forthcoming products of interest in the Bachmann Class 31 and Realtrack Class 142. Bachmann Class 31 Bachmann had their stand and I was particularly interested to see the Class 31. My initial impression is there is something just not quite right about the cab front. It’s feels a bit flat or slab like. Maybe the side pillars don’t have enough curvature in profile, thus making the front feel slab sided? I’m not sure but just doesn’t feel right. I’ve not seen the Accurascale Class 31 close up yet, so the jury is still out for me. Although personally I don’t see a lot wrong with the Hornby Class 31, it’s dimensionally accurate (except the roof fan) and I do like the opening cab doors - a controversial view point. As the price of models march ever higher, while wages aren’t keeping pace it makes a me quite careful as to what I spend my disposable income on. I’m sure many are in the same place. These are some more photos. Realtrack Class 142 The other model of interest is the Realtrack Class 142. A key model for my period of interest and my interest in second generation DMUs. I could potentially buy many of these. Although it still surprises me why Bachmann or Accurascale didn’t pick off the Class 142, especially considering the popularity of the EFE Rail Class 143 and 144 (I’m still looking for the weathered Regional Railways 144 with the very suitable York - Leeds destinations). That said Accurascale haven’t produced a DMU yet as far as I’m aware. From my experience with the Realtrack Class 144, which I’ve one set where the circuit board has failed in the dummy car and detailing parts have been lost, but aren’t available to replace, I’m a little anxious to spending nearly £300 per set on a Realtrack 142, if it’s a similar experience to the 144. At this price point my expectations is for good spares support and availability, much like Bachmann provide via the spares web site. Anyway here are some photos of the latest samples. They do look good, wish the Skipper destination was St Ives / St Erith because I remember riding these when brand new on the Carbis Bay Branch in 1985. Note the GMPTE livery example has the body from a 142/1! Bachmann Class 69 Although out of period for me, the Class 69 has a passing interest because of its Class 56 heritage. Here are a few photos of the EP sample Interesting N Gauge Tower Light Thought these might work well as tower lights on a future N gauge project I have in mind Finally a few photos of an O gauge layout I particularly liked

Thought the show was ok. But for my modelling period BR sector period mid 80 to privatisation didn’t see a layout that represented this increasingly poplar era, which was a bit a disappointment.

I cannot get JMRI to communicate with a DCC fitted loco on a programming track. The MacBook Pro can see the Sprog on the USB bus. But JMRI doesn’t doesn’t send commands. The version of JMRI is 5.6 so maybe that is the issue ?

A bit of a simple question, after messing about and getting nowhere. I have the following set up:- MacBook Pro (mid 2012) running Mac OS 10.15.7 JMRI Decoder Pro 5.6 SPROG II v3 Is this setup subject to obsolescence issues?

Second generation DMUs please!

Interesting question. I’d suggest:- Class 37 - the Farish model is ok, good for the time, but not so sure now. Class 50 - The Dapol one just doesn’t do it for me. Class 56 - Dapol got their measurements wrong and used width over handrails, hence it’s a tubby “56”. Also no real distinction between the different builders and batches. Second generation DMUs Class 142 - the Dapol one is okish. A must for any North of England modeller for 1985-2019. Class 143 - just look how popular the EFE model is in 1:76. Class 144 - same comment as above. Also similar underframe to a Class 142. Class 153 - Dapol version of the time was ok, but expectations have moved on. Class 155 - nice extension of the work to model the 153. Class 156 - same comments as the 153. It was good model at the time, but just look at the latest Farish class 158 and the standard that sets. Say no more! Generally I prefer Farish models to Dapol, which just don’t have the accuracy or attention to detail, so personally find they are disappointing although decent running qualities.

To add some balance one of best running locos of any I have is a Hornby R2421 31 110 in BR Civil Engineer dutch. The fan can rotate when it’s at an imperceptible slow speed. The issue from my research is the lubricant Hornby use, which dries out and causes drag. Once mechanism is cleaned, checked and lubricated with decent quality oil, I’ve not had any issues with the belt driven fans. To be even more controversial I quite like opening cab doors. Adds a real touch of realism seeing a loco with the cab door ajar. But that is my personal preference, and others will have theirs.

You can please some of the people some of the time. But you cannot please all of the people all of the time…