HORNBY 2020 ROCKET, ANY GOOD? - FOR MY OO GAUGE MODEL RAILWAY, PICCADILLY SIDINGS
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- HORNBY 2020 ROCKET, ANY GOOD? - FOR MY OO GAUGE MODEL RAILWAY, PICCADILLY SIDINGS
I been waiting a while for this one, thanks to the global situation, but its finally here. Hornby’s brand new Rocket. What is it like? Join me now lets find out.
In this video I:
- Examine the model, and for this odd one release, the packaging too.
- Explore a problem that I encountered and what I did about it.
- Check out the DC running capabilities.
- Demonstrate how to fit DCC decoder and explore potential issues and what I did to solve them.
- Demonstrated how the couplings.
- Demonstrated a simple modification to enable me to run the loco round to the front of the train and reverse off.
- Tried out running on Piccadilly Sidings.
- Explore more discovered issues and what I did to solve them.
- Sum up with final thoughts about the model.
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Hi John, Very ingenious. As an aside I used your recent Heljan class 33 review as an aide to installing a chip in my newly purchased Construction sub-sector version. Thanks & keep up the good work.
Thank you, you are very welcome, Im so glad they were useful to you.
Great review John the best I have seen so far, shame we need to fix Hornby's issues to get it to run nicely Andy
Thanks Andy and yes it is a shame, the weight has made ALL the difference, even when hornby released their video with some static wheels I was concerned, but all good now.
John, that is an amazing model... I think I can clearly say the footage you have of Rocket passing under your foot bridge was beautiful... it is a great model for your micro layout. Neil
Thanks Neil, has bit of a ‘scare’ at that same point as it caught the bridge on the first time, gratefully slight move all ok lol
Thank you for this; I've been having similar problems with my Rocket but couldn't think of a way to add weight, seeing how tiny it was, I can't believe I didn't think of the chimney! I too have a soldering job to do, but that was probably my own fault as the wires between the loco and tender are so fragile. Despite all this, it is an absolutely exquisite model, very glad I pre-ordered early too!
Thanks Lukas and you are very welcome. The weight replacing the coal load was the main one as this holds down the middle two axles and keeps the wheels on the track. Mine runs like a dream now.
We shouldn’t have to repair a brand new model, disgusting isn’t it. I have 8 trains / locos on my lil layout (all of them less than 6 months old). and 7 of them needed some repair.
Cool John and looking great on your layout. Hope you and your family are all ok. Take care - Kevin
Thanks Kevin- just me, you get used to it!!
Great Review on the Hornby Rocket John...
WOW John...Great engineering job on the Rocket...Best demo i have seen on the net to date..
Allan you do make me chuckle so lol, I recon yours and Peter’s effort on the varying 66s take that, by far. When I put rocket on the layout my heart sank, as it couldnt make it from one end of the layout to the other stopped 6 times. I soon realised the wheels were lifted off the track by tiniest bits of debris, that weight solved all the issues. I was soooooo relieved I cant tel you lol
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 TOP MAN This week
Hello John...superb video to watch.. I think the chimney weights is a brilliant idea and they are in a slightly cantilevered position forward of the BIG wheel. The weights in the tender are counterbalancing this perfectly. Wonderful decoder fit trick..My Rocket just arrived along with R7150 Hornby chip (as recommended in Tech spec). I`m quivering,shaking and breaking out in a cold sweat at the thought of fitting it..God help me..LOL...
Hi Martin, thank you for your kind words, just take slowly the wires into the barrel are very generous and appear quite sturdy. If necessary take a fine screwdriver and ease them back under the chassis which will pull the dcc socket lower in the barrel. Then put the plug into the socket easing it to one side of the barrel. The decoder should fit down the side.
Alternatively a local model shop may do it for you for a fee. Happy to help if I can, if necessary.
Hi John, I got the red box version. Only difference is the names of the coaches, I also sent mine off to a chap called Alan Thompson, who for a very reasonable fee, installed a Zimo sound decoder, speaker & a glowing firebox! No mean feat as you can well imagine. He also improved the running of the loco too.
Great video, keep up the good work.
Hi Boa, yes I’ve seen a couple Alan did for people they do look fantastic, I’m thinking about sound fitting. One step at a time
I have now solved most of my Rocket problems except for the added weight in the coal tender..your mods are great...thanks for the tips..jim
Thank you Jim, fantastic I’m so pleased. From your video I could see your predicament, incredibly frustrating!! Clearly the choice is yours, but TBH I’d forgotten about the tender weight, I just don’t notice it. You could try making the coal bunker from a 5g wheel weight and see how you go. If you don’t like it, it’s easily removed. I do hope you resolve this issue, love to see it running again
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Thanks....I noticed my loco is stalling at alk my double slips but when I put pressure on the tender it ran again...so I have now found a good weight to fit in the coal bunker....I Just hope it works when fitted.
Hi John,
You do after all your efforts to give yourself the model that Hornby should have delivered in the first place seem happy you have it I think we can say 10 out of 10 for presentation and 5 out of 10 for execution but does I admit look super and look forward to seeing it on the sidings but again a case of manufacturers relying on us to sort there models out but there we are!!! Keep well and safe and be careful when you light the blue touch paper!!.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, do you know I couldn’t AGREE MORE! They DO rely on us to sort out these issues. On PIC sid Ive got 8 trains or locos, and every, one bar one has been in need of some kind of repair. Why? We pay a lot of money for these trains and the least we should expect is quality. Prices go up, quality comes down. The best Ive got by a country mile is the Bachmann 158, ran as intended first time, every time. Having said that it needed a speaker upgrade, easy yes, but would it have been such a loss for them to fit it?
Great review and a good fix on the faults, a bit harsh on the coupling criticism though as Rocket never ran tender first as wagon type turntables were sited at both ends of the line, not many people will run tender first and Hornby probably took this point of view. Keep up the good work and i'm enjoying "the sidings" videos. 👍
Hi Steve, thank you. If you watch the video carefully I did not criticise the coupling except they were incredibly fiddly to fit. Regarding reverse running. I know rocket would never run tender first, I phrased as ‘something I want to do’ ie as my choice, so that is not a criticism if that’s my choice. I don’t have turntables and won’t be adding them so the coupling thing hornby’s solution is fine, and my situation is a very personal one and my choice. Every review I’ve seen mentions the couplings being fiddly. It’s one of those situations when you do it, you see what ‘we’ each mean. I do hope you see where I’m coming from here.
Excellent commentary on this model! I agree that Hornby should have rectified the weight, couplings and DCC issues with the locomotive and carriages. They must be aware of these problems and at around £180 each you would expect better. Yes, the overall appearance is brilliant which makes up for the operating drawbacks.
Hi James, agreed I paid around £160 but never-the-less.
Great video John. Thank you for giving us a constructive review and finding a solution for the poor drive. After seeing another review this morning I thought it was a white elephant and was only a display model but you have changed my mind on that 👍
Exactly I saw that review too, but I’m not one to sit on my laurels and just accept the inevitable. I had same with my 4 wheeled peckett awful runner at first now runs beautifully. I think this Rocket will be the same
Piccadilly Sidings OO Gauge Model Railway
Thanks again John and if you need any more of those weights I’m selling them on E-bay for £1.50 a strip of eight, four at 5g and four at 10g
Lol, thanks I got tons of them hahaha. I bought what I though was a few. Turns out to be abt 1000. Thank you though
Piccadilly Sidings OO Gauge Model Railway, Same here John thats why I’m selling some off lol 👍
Great looking unit, love the look, thank god you had the skills to fix the issues with it, just a hint, using tungston is a bit heavier and can be molded too. Just love this little thing....thanks for sharing....Jack 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Jack, I didn’t want to go too heavy as that would strain the motor, but hopefully the 5g is a sufficient balance.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 look like it was enough, but you did mention it slipping...😲
Yes initially when it set off. Ive run it all over my layout it’s improving with every ‘pass’
Very nice model.
Hi john
Yes when review my centenary version I was very very disappointed with the model
I stand by my review.
I do like the weight idea you did.
I understand that hornby won't be doing the rocket as a pack again so I heard.
Great review and tips
Keep safe arp
Hi Adi, yes I remember your reviews and I know the issues you had. The extra weight makes a huge difference as the middle two axles of the loco / tender together some how hunch up lifting them off the track. With that I found the slightest bit of fluff would lift the wheels then remaining set of wheels hit the dead bit of the frog, lol hopeless, the weight solves that. I know you had decoder issues too, but with bit of fiddly bachmann 6 pin 90* angled decoder does fit. Mine’s ran like a dream since.
Yes Jenny Kirk confirmed with Hornby’s Montana that no more sets, but that does not mean rocket sold on its own or coaches, who knows? We def know that there will be a third class wagon, which after originally saying Sept now I understand has been delayed till Q1 next year already! Hoping thats wrong.
Wow. Glad I didn’t invest in this. There is no chance this would have run on my layout and I definitely don’t have the patience, knowledge or capabilities to do what you have done. Well done.
Thanks for your kind words Roy, but that is a shame because its a beautiful model, and yes dcc fitting is tricky, the problem is positioning the decoder, socket and wiring to allow the top of the barrel back on with leaving visual gaps. Yes it does need more weight for efficient running I cannot deny, but Im sure you would have loved it.
Hi John a very honest appraisal of the model without getting emotional as I've seen on other channels re the Hatton's 66. However it's a good job you're such a proficient modeller and able to get around those problems, I just think of the average modeller like myself being faced with these things on a brand new model!! It does look a nice model but I didn't get one as I couldn't justify that cost for something that I knew I wouldn't run and, it would be in my display case just looking pretty, also there are so many locos and accessories that I need on my layout that my money has to be targeted towards those items. I enjoyed it tho John as I've said good honest appraisal, can tell you're a teacher my wife's the same I sometimes think she's writing reports when she watches my video's cheers Andy
Thanks Andy, well I cant see the point in painting an ‘all is rosy when blatant issues are in front of out faces. I trained as a designer back in the day and design is basically problem solving so what I did wasn’t difficult but I can see that some may not see the solutions I did, that partly why I share on YT, as many could make a coal load and fill the chimney with fishing weights. I definitely could not afford to display this as other model would take priority. On PICSID Im gathering a whole variety of stock purely because I can in the heritage line guise. I can happily run the 66 and Rocket at same time as it is quite possible on a heritage line, anything can appear.
Rest assured Andy your wife is definitely writing reports on your videos, assessing your progress and will be presenting your ‘next steps’ shortly. Progress data has been logged and recorded, as I have done already. ha ha ha
Great job John on converting your Rocket loco to DCC. Lucky you had that bachman decoder. I ordered one of these, but decided to cancel it when Hattons informed me that it was ready for posting, because I don't think I would have used it on my layout at the end of the day and thought it was a bit too expensive to just have on display. So Hattons refunded me and some luck person on Hattons cancellation list for this model was able to purchase it, as it had sold out almost as soon as it was introduced for order. The cost has enabled me to increase my motorised tram fleet, which I will get more benefit from.
Cheers for now.......................Geoff
Fair enough Geoff, we each decide on what we want. I cannot see the point in having it as an ornament, although many do I know.
Great review and, mods required aside, it seems special and I am very very jealous...
It really is a beautiful model. I only got mine as I was able to preorder within minutes of the announcement. I do realise I was one of the lucky ones on this.
Piccadilly Sidings OO Gauge Model Railway Hereford Model Centre appear to have some, or rather their site has let me order one anyway. Guess the credit card isn’t getting paid off this month 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ I almost hope they say it’s a mistake, have the money back lol. But, clearly this is a decent asset and whilst I also intend to use it like yourself, pretty sure it’ll be worth more-or-less what I’ve paid for a while...
Probably, I honestly dont know. Its a very quirky and gorgeous model to any layout.
Piccadilly Sidings OO Gauge Model Railway website says 9 in stock so if anyone wants one, it’s there. I’m sure some other shops may have some, I’m in no way endorsing one shop over another.
Fortunately I’m all DC at present so I’ll be able to bypass the decider issues, but will definitely be rewatching the addition of weight. Thanks again for the video, my bank account says the same through gritted teeth 🤦♂️
Nice video
Morning John just watched the video, and I agree no you shouldn't have to do all the modifications that you have done, but as you say its your model and your decision to do them, but a lot of less experienced modellers will be only be able to showcase them and not get the enjoyment of seeing them run on their layouts. A very informative video for the owners of the new Rocket.
Thanks Steve, I agree, although the mods done are really not difficult, but I suppose it depends on a number of things whether someone can do them. Its a crying shame if someone retires it to display, when bought to run. Thanks as always for your time in commenting Steve, always appreciated.
John you go to a lot more effort doing the modelling and making and editing the video's, if I can show my support for you and your channels by commenting then I will continue to do so In the future mate.
Bless you, thank you!
Great install and mod.....I have just got this set...and yes my wire snapped...also snapped a lenz 6pin decoder trying to squzee it in ...next attempt will be to install a Esu micro or nano 6pin harness decoder....
Thank you for the kind words and I’m so sorry to read about your trials with this model. I’m hearing from a growing number of people who say they’ve had issues with their rocket. Think issues are sadly becoming part of buying model railways. It’s so wrong when we pay considerable amounts for our models.
Ouch!! Over the lenz decoder. Ive found that the Bachmann 90 degree harness does fit with slight jiggery pokery, if that helps. Mine now runs sweet as a nut but, you know the efforts taken to get it there. I hope you get yours sorted,
The alternative is to return it through the shop to hornby. I needed a part for something else had to phone 3 times and email, hoping the part is now coming but not good.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Many thanks for the info....
I have now broken the harness wire on the interface and on the tiny wires under the tender...
Mine is now a static model...lol...
A full gut and rewire is now required..
Its such an arkward model to work on too..
Thanks againg for your advise...
Take care Jim.
Oh Jim, sorry to hear that. I would be tempted to hard wire it now. With care the tender does come apart which would make rewire easier. The only issue is all wires out of loco are black so you would need to work out what goes where
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Yeah...I do have a multi meter to test and track the boiler wires...
This mode for me is like working on a N guage model...
You have great skill working on your N guage system.
Ahhh thx, it is very much like N gauge, and have many locos much bigger than rocket. Bizarrely the N gauge 08 was much easier to work on than than lil beastly. It’s just a shame quality control was seriously lacking
Rocket? More like Perseverance! Entertaining as ever. Problem solving personified!
Well... least I got it running properly.
I've got the same problem so I've gone for it. Carefully removed the coal and made one with some weight. Its drying as I write so I will have to report back. Great video thank you
Its such a shame for such a beautiful model. Im hearing from more and more people who’ve had similar issues. The 5g weight makes all the difference as it is just enough to keep the wheels on the track. Mine runs beautifully now. Btw I didn’t glue my weight, so the choice to remove it remains.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 no I haven't, I made a base as well. I noticed a couple of contacts and my weights had no insulation. I need to get shots for the funnel, what's this black tac ? Is it like blue tac
Yes blacktac is very similar but much more tacky. Photographers use it. You can get it off eBay. I only used it be it was black but anything to hold the lead shot in place was my thinking. Hope you get it running as you would like. Happy to help where I can.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 its working, I had to use a 10g lead weight. It looks like a good load of coal has been dumped in the tender but it's easy on the eye. I like your video presentation, how do you you edit them ? I have a UA-cam page and mine are terrible. Check them out
Glad you got it sorted, time to enjoy it. I use IMovie to edit my videos, works for me,lol
Hi John. Beautiful collector’s item, ( soon to be ). I pity those buyers that have similar issues, that don’t have your skills. What’s happened to quality control? Thanks for sharing.
It is a gorgeous train Norman which reaches right back to the beginning of passenger trains in the UK. Ive only seen my model but even if the wiring is good the decoder fitting and the weight issues will remain. Hopefully though my lil weight fix isn’t too difficult for most
It's interesting to compare your review with two others. What seems obvious is that there are faults which are unacceptable for an expensive model, whether it's the pickups, wires/connection between loco and tender or adhesion quality. Why so much inconsistency? A beautiful model spoiled by basic issues. So well done in showing how to overcome some of them
Thanks Leslie I agree some of these issues could have been solved in minutes. Once I realised the issue it took me about 5-10 minutes to find the bits problem solved in abt 45 mins. So why Hornby designers could see the same I don’t know.
Perhaps its time to bring production (and quality control) back to Margate? At least then it would be easy to take the part back! Great video, as ever you explain things so well.
I,dbcome taken by Sam,s review s I wanted on e of this new loco thanks for the offer
Lol, they are great, although not very powerful. Does manage the three first class coaches but struggles with the two extra third class wagon type coach.
Mine is not for sale, sorry
Dcc sound fit I did mine and put it in the neighbouring carage
I know people have done it, but it’s not something I’ll be doing in the near future. Thank you for commenting
Nice video John, if you want to install a better DCC chip have you thought about "hard wiring" the decoder? Cut the socket off and solder the wires directly to the pins on the chip?...Simon
Hi Simon, good to hear from you. Well, Im just glad the chip fitted.
I did try that with the straight pin chip on another project few months ago. It was a nightmare the lightest touch with the soldering iron the pins fell off the decoder, I had to give up after that and even soldering directly onto the decoder proved impossible as the solder pads were so small and so close to the next pin I wasn’t able to do it, sadly a £30 decoder bit the dust. Eric French is going to post a video today of a sound fitted one, now that will be good to see. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Many thanks for letting me know about Eric French, just subscribed to his channel...Simon
Well done fitting that chip ,looks a very smart model ,but a very fiddly job .
Thanks Ray, it’s a gorgeous model and with the extra weight runs beautifully too. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for video. Great !
Have you extended wires from loco to tender?
Thank you Kaustubh, I did have to replace one wire yes, only because it was far to short and did not allow the loco/tender to turn left. Daft I know, but once extended it works perfectly. I know we shouldn’t have to do such things but I may not have got another model if I returned it. Sadly Rocket was not Hornby’s greatest hour.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 ok Thanks for reply....one followup question.... Is it easy to replace wires from rocket loco ?
Hi, well before I answer that, have you got one? As that is probably a much bigger problem than replacing the wires and unless there is a problem you really wouldn’t need to. I only did because one wire was far too short. I watched all the reviews on UA-cam and I was the only one having that issue. Most I’m sure are fine. I was unlucky
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Yes sir, I brought it from Hornby, and it came with broken wire from loco to tender. I soldered it but rocket didn't worked. Then I send it back to Hornby for repair.
Once it came back after repair, I am planning to replace loco wires with male -female connector so that I can detach tender from loco and avoid risk of wire broke issue in future,
I understand, personally if it works Id leave it alone, put it on the track and try not to touch it too often. The solder tabs are really close to each other, so no it’s not easy to replace the wires. They also go into the loco and thats not easy to open either. Its a case if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Clearly its your choice but even the smallest of connectors is going to be clearly seen, and what if it doesnt work afterwards? Hornby wouldn’t touch it as the warranty would be voided. Hoping that helps.
Also mate how did you make the design for your picadilly sidings 3D printed sign I need some !
Hi I made them using Tinkercad, export the file into Cura, this ‘slices’ the file then its ready to print. I’m not printing files for sale atm, I may… but it’s it takes a lot of thought, effort and risk to start a business
great video. you can buy smaller 6 pin decoders made by lenz, ct electronics and other brands.
Hi Tim, yes the new Bachmann decoder isn’t the smallest, but sadly I think even the smallest decoder would be a struggle getting to fit. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
well done making it run better with the weights
It looks really good, imagine an n gauge one, it runs really well for its size, its lucky you have those skills its such a shame there are a few faults for such alot of money especially considering you will only get £160 back and not a new loco
Thank you, sadly out of the box it is a poor runner, but with the extra weight it makes all the difference.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 such a shame at least you fixed it
Definitely, Im just watching Sams Trains review now. He’s got one with bent pickups, that could lead to broken pickups
hello
sorry for my english
i have teh same problem with wire too short and are cutting, also the decodeur,
ti si very nice, but for look in the box,
it si difficult for runing !!!
what you do for reparing this pribleme, my loco don't run, it is in the box, i am agree
thank you
and bgood day
Hello, I would send it back the shop, if there isn’t another rocket the shop can send it back to hornby for repair.
Hey... what is your opinion about putting some hot glue on the tender , where wires from rocket loco gets soldered ?
Hi, I understand that you are concerned but I really don’t think it’s necessary. Ive had N gauge locos with wires that break if you look at them. Rocket’s wires are very robust. I only added a bit of wire because one of my wires was short and restricted movement. It’s be fine ever since. I would advise against putting hot glue as you could cause more restrictive problems and if a problem does develop all wires would be removed and as all are black it really would then be a nightmare.
The biggest problem with Rocket is making sure the wheels contact the track as there is a tendency for them to rise up hence why I put a weight on the tender it’s been fine since.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 Thank you :)
Hi John and fair and honest review I get very frustrated and annoyed when models are made with obvious design faults . No you should not have had to re-solder wires that a lot of people like myself have not got the ability to do that. Why design the DCC socket as they have and I don't think their decoder will fit. I had a similar problem with their Wainwright H Class I bought the Hornby decoder to go into a Hornby model and I could not get the body back as the harness got in the way. I bought a direct fit one from Hattons and all ok !!
Also surely when they tested it they would have seen the traction issues and rectified it. You should not buy a new model then do all theses fixes which could invalidate the warranty. Rant over it is a good looking model and hope that it continues to be a runner rather than on display......……….Cheers Kev
Hi Kev, you step down off the horse now lol. Yes you are sooo right, I have 8 OO trains or locos and 7 of them have required some form of repair. The best by far was the Bachmann 158, but even this required an upgraded speaker to make it sound right. Someone else commented that it was done deliberately to keep costs down but we all realise this could only damage the model railway industry. I do know if I did do these lil jobs it would have been a refund and that’s the end. Hornby may have repaired it, but when?? No ones knows when they will reopen their repair service, but the backlog would be insurmountable. Rock and very hard place... thanks for commenting Kev
John you did the right thing as having the ability and know how you have got a runner. rather than a display item.😀👍🏾🔨
Definitely. Jenny suggested it would be a display model. If that was the case no need for a motor. With that and DCC people will expect it to work!! End of... lol
Where the wire solders on, did you strip it down to solder the joint or leave it all in situ?
hi James, thank you for your question. I’m not entirely sure what you are asking. On the tender there are 4 tiny solder pads where the wires come in from the loco. The one broke because it was too short and was restricting articulation of the loco and tender. It was obvious which pad this was. These solder pads were painted with a silicone like goo. I removed that around the one solder point and refreshed the solder. On the wire I carefully removed a small amount of sheathing and tinned the end of the wire. This enabled to use another piece of similar wire, solder on to the solder pad and reconnect the original wire to my new piece. Tiny bit of blacktac to cover the joint. Hoping that helps
The weights are Steel, with a plated surface, hence they are magnetic whereas S/S is not. How do I know? see my removable load video! Nice review, shame Hornby didn't apply your logic!
Thx Timbersurf, I’m just so glad I remembered them and the added sufficient amount of weight to solve the issues. Since them it’s ran beautifully
Why is everyone saying there will be no more, surely Hornby are going to do another Batch, this is not marked as Limited Edition! Is there any official News of this?
I’m not sure but I did hear an interview with MONTANA from Hornby and she did say there were not going to be any more, but Hornby do and have changed their mind. If you want one get it or pre-order immediately. I ordered mine literally minutes after they were announced in January. With some models you can’t hang around I’m afraid or they are gone.
hmmm... have you seen Sam's Trains review? I wonder if your real problem was the pickups not connecting properly rather than weight...
Hi Neil, yes Im watching Sam’s review now. My pickups were fine, I made a real effort to check that. If you saw Jenny Kirk’s review and even pre-release videos by hornby you can clearly see some wheels are lifted off the track meaning they are not picking up power. Since I put the weight in its been perfect, so clearly, for me, the weight was the issue. Mine did have very dirty wheels so I obviously did that too and gave the track a thorough clean. All good now. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Both models were limited edition if I had known that I would of got one
Hi, the model has only just been released, hunt around the smaller shops you may find one if you are quick. Cant remember where now, (sorry) but one shop had 9.
Seems to be some at Olivia’s Trains. www.oliviastrains.com/trains/mt/hornby-steam/hornby-r3810-era-1-lmr-stephensons-rocket-train-pack/
And bound to be others its only been out 4 days
Hi wood a n gauge chip fit in?
Hi Steve, the 6 pin decoder is an N gauge chip. I am more familiar with those than the 8 / 21 pin OO gauge decoders with my N gauge layout. TBH the decoders that will fit are incredibly limited, the bachmann /zimo chip that I was going to fit is general incredibly smooth and reliable, but sadly far too big. Think the 90* decoder is amongst the best options. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
John, have you seen this new Hornby Rocket / Lion 3rd Class open coach R40141 www.hornby.com/uk-en/l-mr-open-third-class-carriage-era-1.html £16.99, but Hornby say they are only making 1000 !!! so you need to get in quick if you want one.
Hi David, yes I saw the announcement this morning, sadly Rails of Sh had to cancel theirs but I did order a couple of these wagons hoping the loco will cope lol
Yes I tried Rails first off and then panicked when they could not accept my order, so I went direct to Hornby. Regarding DCC chips, some people have said theirs got very hot after prolonged running and actually distorted the water barrel, so worth keeping an eye on that. I have just ordered a 6pin Right Angled Bachmann decoder as that might run cooler :)
Ooooooo David overheating decoders does not sound good, was that the hornby decoder? They do come covered in a sheath, may have an effect in that tiny space. The bachman one seems fine atm. Controller’s has been on all day, no issues. The right angled decoder clearly fits but bit of ‘playing about’ will be required, it not straight forward fit. Yet easier than others Ive seen. Bachmann 6pin decoders are generally very reliable.
@@piccadillysidingsoogaugemo6445 I beleive it was the Hornby decoder, but can't be certain, I heard it from Jenny Kirk on this weeks Monday Club live.
ESU nano?
Hi Frankie, no idea Im afraid, Ive got mine going, the bachmann angled decoder is working beautifully, Rocket is now smooth, sure footed and a pleasure to have on the layout. Since the 5g weight was fitted she has not put a foot wrong. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
You have to use a wired decoder NOT direct
Why? Who said? It’s my loco! Ha ha ha
Why are you adding weight to the tender? Surely its just adding the weight of the load, the loco has to pull!
The trick is to watch the video ha ha ha
Mine was rubbish
Sorry to hear that, if you saw the video - mine wasnt great at the start but the mods made a world of difference, or you could return it to Hornby for repair.