Hi John, Back with positive news. I've got it running as it should: nice and smoothly, no stalling no derailing. This morning a unscrewed the pony truck and the rear bogie and guess... the dam thing ran smoothly. So I noticed that some paint at the round rear of the rear bogie was rubbed of by touching the underside of the coal bunker / cab. I filled it at this point so it doesn't touch the plastic housing. The pony truck was filled thinner at the round pivot center. I put a tiny strip of insulation tape in the screw hole and reassembled the pony truck taking care to leave a lot of play but the screw tight in the hole. I also put pieces of a plastic tape 0,4 mm thick between the keeper plate and the chassis. The pickups full of black dirt, wheels and bearings all had to be cleaned. And after a general light oiling I assembled everything and put it to the test. Perfect free wheeling now ! What a nightmare not mention the time I spend - as you experienced yourself ! Think I'm gonna send the bill to Hornby. I do not understand that these basic faults where not seen before the production run. "We don't care - as long as it sells" mentality plus Chinese QC not existing. Anyway we have become 'Hornby experts on repair'...but without pay. Best wishes and happy model railroading ! Filip
Yay, great news! Ill certainly take a look at the pony trucks. Thank you Good luck with hornby... you are so right but they know we’ll buy the models...
Hello John, after seeing multiple unboxings and reviews of model locos, I have come to one astonishing conclusion. The companies don’t perform any quality control. Put the damn thing on a test track before you box it up! Sorry, I got a little hot under the collar. We spend a lot of money on our trains. They need to run like champs coming out of the box. No fiddling around getting it to work properly. Anyways.......you did a superb job sorting it all out and installing the sound decoder. Nicely done. You should be very proud of your new loco. See ya next time.
Thanks Norman, you are right ofc. But this is the ‘climate’ we live in. 8/9 of my OO locos have had issues. The bachmann 158 was only one that ran perfectly out of the box.
Well John...That was a task and half..am well chuffed ..lol..you got it sorted.But there`s only a few of us willing to do what you did in the real world..And like you said should we have to do it in the first place..and if you don`t fix the problem who will..if every one is like that you could say the rest of them are of the same production line.. Any way ..top job done and see looks and sounds SUPERB.. Top man John.. your mate Allan
Ahhh thanks Allan, yes you are sooo right, not many of us prepared to get stuck in. Many are really easy fixes, with doesnt excuse the factories but thats the way it is.
Brilliant video, thanks for the tip with the screws, mine ran fine but weakly on DC, but cut out on DCC until I slackened them off very slightly, runs much better now. I’m surprised hornby have had so many problems with this model, makes me wish I’d waited for the Dapol one now...
Hi Joe, glad to be of help. Im am surprised that noone seemed to pickup on the binding mechanism. My only concern for loosening screws is that they drop out. So probably best check from time to time. Not the best solution bit it kinda works. The dapol may prove to be better, but sadly all manufacturers are plagued with issues with varying locos. Thank you Joe for taking the time to comment.
Hi John, Nice to meet you ! Your video is absolutely revealing and very helpful. Thanks ! This new loco comes with a very bad reputation and packed with trouble. As I wrote to Sam a longgggg while ago: RTR now means 'Ready To Repair'. There is simply NO Quality Control !! I had a lot of issues even to the point that the motors fail after just a few hours of running. ( ex. Hornby S15 Maunsell ) And what I do not understand is that they do not react to avoid all these problems. They bring out fantastic looking models but the running quality out of the box is just not acceptable anymore. Your score of 8 faulty to 9 confirms this ! Anyway, thanks for showing the repairs and the sound install. I have this loco on my wishlist… but I truly hesitate to burn money. Success & Greetings, Filip
Hi Filip thank you for taking the time time to comment. Yes there were a few issues but I still thing it’s a great loco and as long as you are aware.. get it. Many locos have issues these days. Although more Bachmans seem to be a higher quality and this is reflected in the price.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, Thanks for your reply. But regarding Bachmann loco's: No wheel bearings and they rarely put a 5-pole motor under the hood. And I experience a more difficult maintenance. Maybe the new releases are better but I'm not enthusiast about their 'high' pricing ratio quality. Greetings
Nice loco and you did a great job, sound is fantastic, I have no idea what that clunk is good luck finding out. till the next lesson lol. Take care, Stay safe, and have fun.
Hi John, great video, beautiful loco but unfortunately I have the same problems as you, following your tips I have loosened the base plate screws and bogie screws, but I've noticed that the pickups don't always stay in contact with the back of the wheels, did you have to bend them to ensure consistent connection? I've fitted the ESU Loksound Micro with sugar cube speaker and it sounds great, probably sound better with a larger speaker but I did not have the nerve to carry out drastic surgery on a new loco to make the larger speaker fit, Well done on your installation. One extra point, to avoid any risk of the loosened screws dropping out, do you think it would be OK to add a drop of non permanent threadlok to secure them in place, I've used it on RC cars and it seems to work well.
Hi, you could try using thread lock, if it’s non permanent shouldn’t be an issue. TBH though, I moved mine on as reliability was always an issue, yes I did have to adjust the brass pickups, and constantly clean the wheels. When you have other locos that ‘just work’ it was highlighting the prarie’s poor performance. Hope you get yours sorted. You might consider a stay alive, never know might solve the issue. However, it’s where to mount that too.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, its such a shame because its a really nice loco, but running issues do seem to be a bit of a problem at the moment. I recently started to dabble with N gauge but the 2 new locos I bought just would not run so went back for a refund, these things are being sold for quite high prices but unfortunately are not fit for purpose, its all a bit frustrating,
Hi David, sorry for the delayed response. Sadly new faulty locos are a thing, and yes it is not acceptable, but something we can’t always avoid. I have found OO to be worse though, in my experience. If we return such stock it will send a message that greater quality control is needed and is so important for customer satisfaction.
Such a great looking model. Very disappointing that the model came with dirty wheels. You would think they would be cleaned prior to packing at least. But the pickups... far out. Thankfully both can be addressed but it’s issues like that, that really make new starters disappointed and even quit the hobby early on. Funny you mention that every OOgauge model you have bought has had some issues. My record is about 60% with issues weather they be big or small and I have experienced more issues with Hornby than any other manufacturer. That sound is lovely! Great video showing the install as well. Clint
Cool...nice retro fit..great sound..I only use Zimo ,Esu and Lenz chips as they are superb for low speed running...its a shame some of the new Hornby locos require adjustments out of the box to work to a atceptable standard... All the best Jim.
Nice video John! So pleased you got it working properly! what a lovely loco! but I'll stick to N-gauge :) It is a lovely sound file I have the same one but it's on a next18 chip, I picked mine up at Warley last year. got a funny look of John when I wanted it on a next18 chip but that's another story LOL! All the best Tony.
Hi John, Do you think like me that the new models from the likes of Hattons and now Hornby are although super detailed they seem to be forgetting that we do like to run them also and the quality control in these areas are wholly lacking which is a shame and its only that we are a skilled lot that they are not getting loads of them back however now you have sorted it it is a super addition to the layout and will look forward to seeing how you weather it. Do we still need to talk about the streams as am waiting for a reply to my email but please keep safe and well. Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert yes probably. I do feel there is a lack of control at the Chinese factories, and they send out any old thing. I don’t blame hornby & Hattons too much as they must be as frustrated as the rest of us. Talk? Yes please Ive just replied to your email. That address is rarely looked at. My tel no is there so you can call me or text and I’ll call you back
Great Video John , Unbelievable how poor the running was to start with. Ive had a few New N gauge models with issues straight out the box and had to return them . Interesting to learn the Hattons decoders were DCC Concepts (ZEN). what a difference the Zimo made( thats my choice as well) . Great job with the sound bet your really pleased , Geoff
Thanks Geoff, yes it is scandalous, 8/9 locos have needed work. Only bachman 158 has ran as expected out of the box. No 2 dapol 121, but that tripped up on the steps and kept derailing initially. I have had poor running N gauge, pendolinos (both of them) are by FAR the worsed train Ive ever had and the support was diabolical from the RT. Forced to go to Rapido in CANADA, but the guy brought my parts to warley. They were amazing. Most (80%) run beautifully out of the box especially dapol diesels and leccies.
Well done on persevering with it John. I honestly would've sent it back (generally have no patience). I've got a few bigger steamers (not yet dcc but have decoders) or a real track 156 east Midlands trains you can borrow for a while if you like?
Thankyou Chris, yes we shouldnt have to do these things, but wanted to check it wasnt something simple (which it was), was thinking it was motor. But mechanism was binding as screws were done up too tight. Its very lovely of you to offer the 156, thank you. I wont if you dont mind as Id be afraid to run it Chris not wanting to damage
Hi John, Just to report my experience with the GWR version of this loco. Out of the box it ran quite well on the rolling road in DC mode (Dcc-concept type) although very wobbly. Very slow speed forward was also a bit erratic but not in reverse. Bizarre. Maybe some quartering difference. After running in I put a Hornby TTS decoder in and the slow speed onward from step 1 is just perfect. The top speed is far to fast but no CV's 2-5-6 on this decoder. And when I put the loco on the tracks the 'cruising speed' became very erratic. I released the screws on the bottom plate a bit but no difference , even stalling at every point. I have the impression that the weight on the driving wheels is out of balance so the front driving wheels fail to make proper contact with the rails. And then the derailing of the front bogie even on strait track. I've spend a whole afternoon to try to get it right but give up. See what I can do tomorrow. I watched your video over and over again to take note of your problems solving. Now I'm going to check the internet...
Hi Filip, Im so sorry to read you’ve had so many issues, but sadly thats about right. Ive put a zimo sound decoder in mine and that helped a bit, but its a case of constantly cleaning the wheels and the contact strip on the back wheels where the brass pickups touch the wheels, and... ofc the track especially the switch rails where they touch the stock rails and over the frog. I use IPA on an old tooth brush. Its is a faff but once its going it runs well, but sadly its not hornby’s greatest hour. Ive got a feeling it has a 3 pole motor, not sure, but it would certainly explain the constant stalling.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, Thanks for your kind reply! Since I was digging a bit deeper I found a comment on a AU forum. The Model railroader found that 'loss of power was due to the rear pony truck lifting the loco of the rails. Needs adjustment. And filing down the bogie of the pony truck to provide more movement as well'. So I'll try that out tomorrow. Track cleaning is indeed a major ongoing concern but I'm on top and no other loco shows difficulties not even the little 2-4-0 Fleischmann tank engines. Keep our fingers crossed. The prairie has a 5-pole motor. I'll keep you updated. Greetings, filip
I've watched both yours and Sam's reviews on the Prairie. I like the black one more than the green, the detailing, although the same, seems much better on the black. However, what are Hornby playing at? You can't be paying around £120 for something that needs so much faffing about with just to get it to run! I'll be honest, it has put me off buying one of these. I expect a loco to run straight out of the box, maybe not perfectly, but enough to allow you to run it in without it stalling. I get the feeling that Hornby are concentrating more on detailing but not in the actual running of the thing. Sad really as most of my older Hornby loco's run lovely, but the detailing isn't quite up to the mark. I like to use my fleet of loco's, not just have them in a nice display cabinet to look pretty. Great video, many thanks.
Hi Wayne, thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes I completely agree, you maybe right about Hornby’s priorities I dint know. The issues I found akrgough unacceptable were easy to solve and mine runs beautifully now. Running in was key
Good review and it's a really nice looking locomotive. Unacceptable though that you should have had to make those adjustments to get it to run smoothly...and scandalous that a brand new model should have dirty wheels. Surely it's not too much considering how much these cost to quickly check and test each one before it goes out.
Hi John- i enjoyed the video and it is indeed a fine looking loco just a shame that it had its teathing troubles and I feel your pain as I have had a few similar issues from Hornby, dapol and Heljan so its almost as if it is acceptable to send them out not fully functional. But on a positive note the sound is brilliant I have mostly TTS decoders for sound but I hve treated myseldf to You choos for my Class 07 diesel shunter, and N & C Class steamers nd boy what a difference also the active break I like as well as shunting mode that reduces the speed by half. Looking forward to seeing you work the weathering magic..............Cheers Kev
I love Youchoos sound / zimo. If you press function 2 that is a brake. When you’ve stopped the loco drive press function 2 either dabbing or long press. Works brilliantly
I hope someone at Hornby monitors these channels and sees the problems people are having? Clearly the people are not doing their jobs properly and QC needs to be undertaken before packaging! I really wanted this model but am somewhat put off! of course you could have sent it back. then Hornby would be able to tell that they have a big problem. Thanks.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 I too model N and OO but have been lucky with my OO purchases, unlike N with which i seem to have no end of problems! I know now to steer clear of Dapol locos.
Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to comment. Well yes I have to agree as Ive had issues with every hornby loco so far. The only one without issue is the bachmann 158 which runs like a dream. I would imagine it takes quite a while to create a sound project, so Im not surprised at that. However, the zimo decoder with sound or any from ESU are going to be far superior to the Hornby TTS. Definitely not knocking them and would happily have them, when and where appropriate, but hornby have to make them to a budget so they wouldn’t be able to go to the same extent as the other sound companies.
Hi John, Back with positive news. I've got it running as it should: nice and smoothly, no stalling no derailing. This morning a unscrewed the pony truck and the rear bogie and guess... the dam thing ran smoothly. So I noticed that some paint at the round rear of the rear bogie was rubbed of by touching the underside of the coal bunker / cab. I filled it at this point so it doesn't touch the plastic housing. The pony truck was filled thinner at the round pivot center. I put a tiny strip of insulation tape in the screw hole and reassembled the pony truck taking care to leave a lot of play but the screw tight in the hole. I also put pieces of a plastic tape 0,4 mm thick between the keeper plate and the chassis. The pickups full of black dirt, wheels and bearings all had to be cleaned. And after a general light oiling I assembled everything and put it to the test. Perfect free wheeling now ! What a nightmare not mention the time I spend - as you experienced yourself ! Think I'm gonna send the bill to Hornby. I do not understand that these basic faults where not seen before the production run. "We don't care - as long as it sells" mentality plus Chinese QC not existing.
Anyway we have become 'Hornby experts on repair'...but without pay. Best wishes and happy model railroading ! Filip
Yay, great news! Ill certainly take a look at the pony trucks. Thank you
Good luck with hornby... you are so right but they know we’ll buy the models...
Glad you got it sorted in the end John, It sounds very nice... Great video as always...stay well, stay safe and take care my friend, Chris
Hello John, after seeing multiple unboxings and reviews of model locos, I have come to one astonishing conclusion. The companies don’t perform any quality control. Put the damn thing on a test track before you box it up! Sorry, I got a little hot under the collar. We spend a lot of money on our trains. They need to run like champs coming out of the box. No fiddling around getting it to work properly. Anyways.......you did a superb job sorting it all out and installing the sound decoder. Nicely done. You should be very proud of your new loco. See ya next time.
Thanks Norman, you are right ofc. But this is the ‘climate’ we live in. 8/9 of my OO locos have had issues. The bachmann 158 was only one that ran perfectly out of the box.
Great job John!!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers Onno.
clever video guide... well done she looks great on the micro layout...
Well John...That was a task and half..am well chuffed ..lol..you got it sorted.But there`s only a few of us willing to do what you did in the real world..And like you said should we have to do it in the first place..and if you don`t fix the problem who will..if every one is like that you could say the rest of them are of the same production line..
Any way ..top job done and see looks and sounds SUPERB..
Top man John..
your mate Allan
Ahhh thanks Allan, yes you are sooo right, not many of us prepared to get stuck in. Many are really easy fixes, with doesnt excuse the factories but thats the way it is.
Brilliant video, thanks for the tip with the screws, mine ran fine but weakly on DC, but cut out on DCC until I slackened them off very slightly, runs much better now. I’m surprised hornby have had so many problems with this model, makes me wish I’d waited for the Dapol one now...
Hi Joe, glad to be of help. Im am surprised that noone seemed to pickup on the binding mechanism. My only concern for loosening screws is that they drop out. So probably best check from time to time. Not the best solution bit it kinda works. The dapol may prove to be better, but sadly all manufacturers are plagued with issues with varying locos. Thank you Joe for taking the time to comment.
Nice review and work. That was a bit of scary work having to cut away, but it went "easily" enough. Definitely a nice sound and gorgeous loco! Cheers!
Thanks Anthony, I did want something little bigger, so this fitted the bill beautifully
I would suggest that the ‘clunk sound’ is the reversing lever? ( gear selector).
Ok thanks Simon
Hi John, Nice to meet you ! Your video is absolutely revealing and very helpful. Thanks ! This new loco comes with a very bad reputation and packed with trouble. As I wrote to Sam a longgggg while ago: RTR now means 'Ready To Repair'. There is simply NO Quality Control !! I had a lot of issues even to the point that the motors fail after just a few hours of running. ( ex. Hornby S15 Maunsell ) And what I do not understand is that they do not react to avoid all these problems. They bring out fantastic looking models but the running quality out of the box is just not acceptable anymore.
Your score of 8 faulty to 9 confirms this ! Anyway, thanks for showing the repairs and the sound install. I have this loco on my wishlist… but I truly hesitate to burn money. Success & Greetings, Filip
Hi Filip thank you for taking the time time to comment. Yes there were a few issues but I still thing it’s a great loco and as long as you are aware.. get it.
Many locos have issues these days. Although more Bachmans seem to be a higher quality and this is reflected in the price.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, Thanks for your reply. But regarding Bachmann loco's: No wheel bearings and they rarely put a 5-pole motor under the hood. And I experience a more difficult maintenance. Maybe the new releases are better but I'm not enthusiast about their 'high' pricing ratio quality. Greetings
Yes I do mean the very latest releases, my 158 is by far the best OO gauge train Ive got EVERYTHING else has needed work, to get it how it should be
very nice purchase
Nice loco and you did a great job, sound is fantastic, I have no idea what that clunk is good luck finding out. till the next lesson lol. Take care, Stay safe, and have fun.
Thanks Carl, yes it is very odd. The sound sheet simply said ‘clunk’ so I have no idea lol
Nice loco Keep up the good work.
Hi John, great video, beautiful loco but unfortunately I have the same problems as you, following your tips I have loosened the base plate screws and bogie screws, but I've noticed that the pickups don't always stay in contact with the back of the wheels, did you have to bend them to ensure consistent connection? I've fitted the ESU Loksound Micro with sugar cube speaker and it sounds great, probably sound better with a larger speaker but I did not have the nerve to carry out drastic surgery on a new loco to make the larger speaker fit, Well done on your installation. One extra point, to avoid any risk of the loosened screws dropping out, do you think it would be OK to add a drop of non permanent threadlok to secure them in place, I've used it on RC cars and it seems to work well.
Hi, you could try using thread lock, if it’s non permanent shouldn’t be an issue.
TBH though, I moved mine on as reliability was always an issue, yes I did have to adjust the brass pickups, and constantly clean the wheels. When you have other locos that ‘just work’ it was highlighting the prarie’s poor performance. Hope you get yours sorted. You might consider a stay alive, never know might solve the issue. However, it’s where to mount that too.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, its such a shame because its a really nice loco, but running issues do seem to be a bit of a problem at the moment. I recently started to dabble with N gauge but the 2 new locos I bought just would not run so went back for a refund, these things are being sold for quite high prices but unfortunately are not fit for purpose, its all a bit frustrating,
Hi David, sorry for the delayed response. Sadly new faulty locos are a thing, and yes it is not acceptable, but something we can’t always avoid. I have found OO to be worse though, in my experience. If we return such stock it will send a message that greater quality control is needed and is so important for customer satisfaction.
Very nice, I much prefer the black. Will you do a video of the sound installation?...Simon
Sorry, meant say not to do a video of the sound installation but a comparison of the sound project...Simon
Hi Simon, yes Im liking the black, will be better once detailed and weathered, thatll be next week. Sound installation is in this video
Such a great looking model. Very disappointing that the model came with dirty wheels. You would think they would be cleaned prior to packing at least. But the pickups... far out. Thankfully both can be addressed but it’s issues like that, that really make new starters disappointed and even quit the hobby early on. Funny you mention that every OOgauge model you have bought has had some issues. My record is about 60% with issues weather they be big or small and I have experienced more issues with Hornby than any other manufacturer. That sound is lovely! Great video showing the install as well. Clint
Thanks Clint, yes its awful how we are often left with sub standard models, and you are right it can only damage the hobby with new people joining.
Cool...nice retro fit..great sound..I only use Zimo ,Esu and Lenz chips as they are superb for low speed running...its a shame some of the new Hornby locos require adjustments out of the box to work to a atceptable standard...
All the best Jim.
Thanks Jim, yes I agree. I now have 9 OO gauge locos and 8 of them have needed work. Not good
Nice video John! So pleased you got it working properly! what a lovely loco! but I'll stick to N-gauge :) It is a lovely sound file I have the same one but it's on a next18 chip, I picked mine up at Warley last year. got a funny look of John when I wanted it on a next18 chip but that's another story LOL! All the best Tony.
Thanks Tony and yes I’m so relieved all works
Hi John,
Do you think like me that the new models from the likes of Hattons and now Hornby are although super detailed they seem to be forgetting that we do like to run them also and the quality control in these areas are wholly lacking which is a shame and its only that we are a skilled lot that they are not getting loads of them back however now you have sorted it it is a super addition to the layout and will look forward to seeing how you weather it. Do we still need to talk about the streams as am waiting for a reply to my email but please keep safe and well.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert yes probably. I do feel there is a lack of control at the Chinese factories, and they send out any old thing. I don’t blame hornby & Hattons too much as they must be as frustrated as the rest of us.
Talk? Yes please Ive just replied to your email. That address is rarely looked at. My tel no is there so you can call me or text and I’ll call you back
Great Video John , Unbelievable how poor the running was to start with. Ive had a few New N gauge models with issues straight out the box and had to return them . Interesting to learn the Hattons decoders were DCC Concepts (ZEN). what a difference the Zimo made( thats my choice as well) . Great job with the sound bet your really pleased , Geoff
Thanks Geoff, yes it is scandalous, 8/9 locos have needed work. Only bachman 158 has ran as expected out of the box. No 2 dapol 121, but that tripped up on the steps and kept derailing initially.
I have had poor running N gauge, pendolinos (both of them) are by FAR the worsed train Ive ever had and the support was diabolical from the RT. Forced to go to Rapido in CANADA, but the guy brought my parts to warley. They were amazing.
Most (80%) run beautifully out of the box especially dapol diesels and leccies.
Well done on persevering with it John. I honestly would've sent it back (generally have no patience). I've got a few bigger steamers (not yet dcc but have decoders) or a real track 156 east Midlands trains you can borrow for a while if you like?
Thankyou Chris, yes we shouldnt have to do these things, but wanted to check it wasnt something simple (which it was), was thinking it was motor. But mechanism was binding as screws were done up too tight.
Its very lovely of you to offer the 156, thank you. I wont if you dont mind as Id be afraid to run it Chris not wanting to damage
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 wouldn't worry about damage John ive had it apart loads of times fitting the sodding sound decoder lol
Oh I see Chris, you want me to fit it for you. Lol
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 🤣🤣 i actually managed it myself! Its just not had the run/display is deserves 😊
Oh right, Piccadilly Sidings is a shunting layout and couldnt give it a good run anyway, thanks for offer though
Great instructional Video John.... Where did you purchase your Zimo Sound Decoder from for the Class 61xx ?
Hi John thx, the decoder came from YOUCHOOS. 01380 530530, hoping thats helpful.
Hi John, Just to report my experience with the GWR version of this loco. Out of the box it ran quite well on the rolling road in DC mode (Dcc-concept type) although very wobbly. Very slow speed forward was also a bit erratic but not in reverse. Bizarre. Maybe some quartering difference. After running in I put a Hornby TTS decoder in and the slow speed onward from step 1 is just perfect. The top speed is far to fast but no CV's 2-5-6 on this decoder. And when I put the loco on the tracks the 'cruising speed' became very erratic. I released the screws on the bottom plate a bit but no difference , even stalling at every point. I have the impression that the weight on the driving wheels is out of balance so the front driving wheels fail to make proper contact with the rails. And then the derailing of the front bogie even on strait track. I've spend a whole afternoon to try to get it right but give up. See what I can do tomorrow. I watched your video over and over again to take note of your problems solving. Now I'm going to check the internet...
Hi Filip, Im so sorry to read you’ve had so many issues, but sadly thats about right. Ive put a zimo sound decoder in mine and that helped a bit, but its a case of constantly cleaning the wheels and the contact strip on the back wheels where the brass pickups touch the wheels, and... ofc the track especially the switch rails where they touch the stock rails and over the frog. I use IPA on an old tooth brush. Its is a faff but once its going it runs well, but sadly its not hornby’s greatest hour. Ive got a feeling it has a 3 pole motor, not sure, but it would certainly explain the constant stalling.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Hi John, Thanks for your kind reply! Since I was digging a bit deeper I found a comment on a AU forum. The Model railroader found that 'loss of power was due to the rear pony truck lifting the loco of the rails. Needs adjustment. And filing down the bogie of the pony truck to provide more movement as well'. So I'll try that out tomorrow. Track cleaning is indeed a major ongoing concern but I'm on top and no other loco shows difficulties not even the little 2-4-0 Fleischmann tank engines. Keep our fingers crossed. The prairie has a 5-pole motor. I'll keep you updated. Greetings, filip
I've watched both yours and Sam's reviews on the Prairie. I like the black one more than the green, the detailing, although the same, seems much better on the black. However, what are Hornby playing at? You can't be paying around £120 for something that needs so much faffing about with just to get it to run! I'll be honest, it has put me off buying one of these. I expect a loco to run straight out of the box, maybe not perfectly, but enough to allow you to run it in without it stalling. I get the feeling that Hornby are concentrating more on detailing but not in the actual running of the thing. Sad really as most of my older Hornby loco's run lovely, but the detailing isn't quite up to the mark. I like to use my fleet of loco's, not just have them in a nice display cabinet to look pretty. Great video, many thanks.
Hi Wayne, thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes I completely agree, you maybe right about Hornby’s priorities I dint know. The issues I found akrgough unacceptable were easy to solve and mine runs beautifully now. Running in was key
the chunk bang could be putting the chain on the hook
Oh ok, thanks
Good review and it's a really nice looking locomotive. Unacceptable though that you should have had to make those adjustments to get it to run smoothly...and scandalous that a brand new model should have dirty wheels. Surely it's not too much considering how much these cost to quickly check and test each one before it goes out.
You are so right, it probably comes down to the cost of quality control. Got to be the bottom line - money
Hi John- i enjoyed the video and it is indeed a fine looking loco just a shame that it had its teathing troubles and I feel your pain as I have had a few similar issues from Hornby, dapol and Heljan so its almost as if it is acceptable to send them out not fully functional.
But on a positive note the sound is brilliant I have mostly TTS decoders for sound but I hve treated myseldf to You choos for my Class 07 diesel shunter, and N & C Class steamers nd boy what a difference also the active break I like as well as shunting mode that reduces the speed by half.
Looking forward to seeing you work the weathering magic..............Cheers Kev
I love Youchoos sound / zimo. If you press function 2 that is a brake. When you’ve stopped the loco drive press function 2 either dabbing or long press. Works brilliantly
It’s a great feature for sure
I hope someone at Hornby monitors these channels and sees the problems people are having? Clearly the people are not doing their jobs properly and QC needs to be undertaken before packaging!
I really wanted this model but am somewhat put off! of course you could have sent it back. then Hornby would be able to tell that they have a big problem. Thanks.
Its a lovely loco, but many models from varying manufacturers suffer from the same issue. I didnt get this with N gauge, not to this frequency.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 I too model N and OO but have been lucky with my OO purchases, unlike N with which i seem to have no end of problems! I know now to steer clear of Dapol locos.
Dapol steamers, but I have many diesel and electrics most are great Graham Farish can be just as just as temperamental
boooooo no class 67 haha, that does look really good its such a shame there was so many faults with it luckily they where all fixable
Thank you and yes gratefully sorted. I have a DB cl 67 on the N gauge layout pulling the WAG train.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 need a 00 wag set ;) even if it doesnt fit haha
Between this and Sam’s video I am not impressed with Hornby’s quality control. Plus they should come with sound already installed.
Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to comment. Well yes I have to agree as Ive had issues with every hornby loco so far. The only one without issue is the bachmann 158 which runs like a dream.
I would imagine it takes quite a while to create a sound project, so Im not surprised at that. However, the zimo decoder with sound or any from ESU are going to be far superior to the Hornby TTS. Definitely not knocking them and would happily have them, when and where appropriate, but hornby have to make them to a budget so they wouldn’t be able to go to the same extent as the other sound companies.
I wonder what Simon makes of the QC issues?
I dont think I will buy a brand new model again. Having to go through all that fuss every time. Not for me.
Hi Tim thats a shame, but understand. If you are happy with what youve got thats what matters.