Wonderful review Ian, nice to see some of the history of the 122. It looks like a great loco and you might have convinced me to get one 👀. Thanks Nat 🚂
Thanks very much Nat! I quite like doing research into the history of the product I'm reviewing! Thankfully it's much easier to research locos than it is wagons! I don't think you'll be disappointed if you decide to get one - just be careful when handling it! All the best, Ian.
Morning Euan! Interesting to know that you haven't had any problems with the paint! May just be my model that's affected! I was worried about speed issues running on DC as it's way too fast when using DCC - even when using my Powercab! Good to know yours is a good runner though! All the best, Ian.
I have the 121 and 122 in Green. I haven't run the latter much, but the 121 was over enthusiastic on the throttle. I adjusted the CVs and it ran better. I damaged the 121's more fancy exhausts and had to glue one in place. I don't know how I damaged, probably removing it from the foam packing.
Hi David! I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a 121, probably in BR blue livery! Yes, I'll have a fiddle with the CV values of the 122 at some point, when I've decided on which DCC controller I'll eventually use! I wondered if they'd made the exhausts from metal, but obviously not if you managed to break yours! They do fit snugly into the foam packing, so I'm betting that it's the most probably cause of it breaking! All the best, Ian.
I have fond memories of them being used for extra services for the RAF Leuchars Air Show back in the 90s. They would round up anything that would move to help run shuttles to/from Dundee, so we had a wide variety of older DMUs and loco hauled Mk1s resurrected for the shows!
Hi Ian, I have a Dapol class 101 Bubble car but had the same running issues, where it just went berserk! It started off just fine when I first had it, it now doesn’t run at all and is in the send for repair file. I’ve had a fiddle with it when it started running funny to no avail, I may try another decoder, mine is only a 6 pin, I think🤔, I’ll have to have another look before sending it off. It is though, a lovely looking model, I’ve had the roof off a few time but all seems ok with the exhausts and the paint. Lovely to review though with some great pictures. Cheers for now mate, John
Morning John! Hmm! It seems to be an issue with the decoder for both of us then! Mine was factory fitted, so I'm assuming it has a Dapol Imperium Next18! My Dapol class 57xx pannier tank has a 6-pin Imperium, although I've not tried that with the Digikeijs system yet! I like the Bachmann 6-pin decoders that are made by Zimo, and I know they work fine with both of my controllers! Good to know you haven't had any problems with the paint! Maybe it's just my model that missed some sort of "finishing off" process? Yeah, thanks mate, I really enjoy photographing my models - almost as much as running them! All the best, Ian.
Hi Josh! I'm considering getting a 121 too, but will definitely go down the route of fitting my own decoder! I'm pretty sure Peters Spares and DCC Supplies stock Dapol spare parts, including exhausts! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian interesting video, I do love how you go into the history of the loco and the pictures you share. Definitely a decoder issue, the Dapol decoders aren't very good, better of putting a better decoder in it and saving the Dapol decoder for a dummy loco, like the dummy end of a HST or a 2 car dmu. All the best Tony.
Hi Tony! I quite enjoy doing a bit of research into the locos and wagons I review! Yeah, I'm beginning to realise that there are compatibility issues with Dapol's Imperium decoders! I've got one in my 57xx Pannier and need to test how well it performs using the DR5000! I'll probably get a Zimo for the 122 at some point, and change it when I eventually get a light bar for the loco! Need to spend my pennies on points at the moment though, so I can finally begin the build!!! Cheers, Ian.
Yes James! I can understand why you have a few! I may dabble with their class 121 at some point too! Thankfully the exhausts are still intact! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian. I think I would have returned the model asking for a replacement; I would cite the missing accessory pack, but also mention the flaking paint - this should *not* happen.
Hi Paul! To be honest, I didn't notice the flaking paint until I started taking close-up images for this review! I don't normally fit accessory packs, so that was no great loss! I agree about the paint though! Nobody else has mentioned it, so I'm assuming my loco missed out on some sort of paint sealing process before it left the factory! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, That's a nice review video - whilst I don't particularly like bubble cars myself the video was interesting to watch - I especially liked the introduction about the real things. I agree about the gearing, though I think it won't be any more of an issue for DC users than DCC - the great thing about analogue control is that it's possible to turn the power dial a microscopic amount (so long as it's not a cheap and nasty one!) - I actually prefer analogue control of things like volume and speed on any device. The problem I see with inappropriate gearing, whichever way you're controlling it, is that you have to starve the motor of decent power in order to get the right running speed, so it's going to be more prone to stalling. At least a unit like this isn't going to be pulling anything, so it might not be as much of an issue. Out of interest, what need might arise for another one? An unexpected surge in model passengers wanting to travel? It seems like only a matter of time until another one joins the Shelfington fleet 😉
Thanks very much Jonathan! I enjoy doing the reviews, and researching the "real thing" is fast becoming my favourite part! Regarding gearing, I think that the Farish class 08 sets the gold standard, so mentally, I tend to compare everything to that, as it's gearing - and pulling power - is amazing! There's always a need for more motive power on Shelfington! Lol! I think I'll try a class 121 at some point! There are actually a load of passengers in a big plastic bag, all awaiting paint jobs, so there are lots of potential commuters to come! All the best, Ian.
Greetings, Shelfington, and hello Ian 👋 That was an exhausting video 😲 The pipes are precariously perched on the periphery 😇 but are robust enough 🤞 and only really a concern when clipping off the roof 👀 Definitely do get the light bar and add some people to the seats 💺 as it really is a simple job and well worth doing 😇 Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️
Good morning Paul, and to Wickford and the Shelf! Haha! Very exhausting! They don't look robust, but I'll take your word for it! Yes, a light bar is definitely of interest, but I need to purchase points before anything else, although I'll have to start looking for little people to populate it! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian I'm hoping to get one (or two?) of these at some point (when I have some finance..lol), although I think I will go for the non-chip fitted ones and buy my own (Zimo's). Great review though and I would be inclined to try (very carefully) to take the roof off and fit people and a light bar. Thanks
Hi Pete! Thanks! You certainly won't be disappointed by the details should you get one! I think fitting your own Zimo decoder is an excellent idea - just watch out for those fragile looking exhausts when you take the roof off! I'll probably do something similar, and fit a light bar and people at the same time! All the best, Ian.
Nice locomotive. Kind of a bummer that it is so fragile and the paint chipped off. Wonder if a dab of super glue as a preventative on the exhaust stacks would help. As you know I'm getting started with the basics. I've got an Amtrak set and Kato N Gauge E235 Series Yamanote Line Basic Set 4 cars. Maybe tomorrow I'll have some time to get the 3X5 up on a table and lay down that roll of summer green material that looks like short cut grass.
Hi Frank! Yes, it's a lovely loco, with plenty of detail, and a good runner - as long as you use a compatible DCC command station! Not sure about glueing the exhaust pipes, as they're a pretty tight fit anyway! I'm just concerned about knocking the tops off them! Good luck with getting your kit up and running! All the best, Ian.
Thanks Chris! I'm assuming it has a Dapol Imperium decoder fitted, as it's factory fitted! As I haven't been brave enough to take the roof off yet though, I can't be sure! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Colin! Sometimes I take the foam out, and then take the loco from the foam, and sometimes I tip the box up and try and let the loco fall out of the foam - into my hand of course! It's pretty tight fitting whichever method I use, hence worrying about breaking stuff! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian, very nice looking model. You probably done this but have you checked that your DR5000 is still working ok with other models? Seems a bit weird that it works ok with he NCE but not the DR5000.
Thanks John! Yeah, the DR5000 works great with other models, other than the WiFi is still broken!!! I'm certain it's an issue with the decoder, and will be replacing it at some point - I got a cheap Next18 decoder from Hattons for Christmas so might give that a try until I can get hold of a Zimo one! All the best, Ian.
Wonderful review Ian, nice to see some of the history of the 122. It looks like a great loco and you might have convinced me to get one 👀. Thanks Nat 🚂
Thanks very much Nat! I quite like doing research into the history of the product I'm reviewing! Thankfully it's much easier to research locos than it is wagons! I don't think you'll be disappointed if you decide to get one - just be careful when handling it! All the best, Ian.
Evening Ian 😊 I to have of these in my collection. Lovely loco. Not had any issue with the paint nor the exhausts. Runs beautifully in DC.
Morning Euan! Interesting to know that you haven't had any problems with the paint! May just be my model that's affected! I was worried about speed issues running on DC as it's way too fast when using DCC - even when using my Powercab! Good to know yours is a good runner though! All the best, Ian.
I have the 121 and 122 in Green. I haven't run the latter much, but the 121 was over enthusiastic on the throttle. I adjusted the CVs and it ran better. I damaged the 121's more fancy exhausts and had to glue one in place. I don't know how I damaged, probably removing it from the foam packing.
Hi David! I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a 121, probably in BR blue livery! Yes, I'll have a fiddle with the CV values of the 122 at some point, when I've decided on which DCC controller I'll eventually use! I wondered if they'd made the exhausts from metal, but obviously not if you managed to break yours! They do fit snugly into the foam packing, so I'm betting that it's the most probably cause of it breaking! All the best, Ian.
Great looking train thanks for sharing 👍
Hi Clive! Yes, it's a lovely looking loco! Cheers, Ian.
I have fond memories of them being used for extra services for the RAF Leuchars Air Show back in the 90s. They would round up anything that would move to help run shuttles to/from Dundee, so we had a wide variety of older DMUs and loco hauled Mk1s resurrected for the shows!
Hi Ed! Glad to have brought back some happy memories for you! It's what the hobby is all about really, isn't it? All the best, Ian.
Thanks Ian, a concise and detailed review, great job, cheers. Phil
Hi Phil! Thank you! It's a really nicely detailed loco! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian, I have a Dapol class 101 Bubble car but had the same running issues, where it just went berserk! It started off just fine when I first had it, it now doesn’t run at all and is in the send for repair file. I’ve had a fiddle with it when it started running funny to no avail, I may try another decoder, mine is only a 6 pin, I think🤔, I’ll have to have another look before sending it off.
It is though, a lovely looking model, I’ve had the roof off a few time but all seems ok with the exhausts and the paint.
Lovely to review though with some great pictures.
Cheers for now mate, John
Morning John! Hmm! It seems to be an issue with the decoder for both of us then! Mine was factory fitted, so I'm assuming it has a Dapol Imperium Next18! My Dapol class 57xx pannier tank has a 6-pin Imperium, although I've not tried that with the Digikeijs system yet! I like the Bachmann 6-pin decoders that are made by Zimo, and I know they work fine with both of my controllers! Good to know you haven't had any problems with the paint! Maybe it's just my model that missed some sort of "finishing off" process? Yeah, thanks mate, I really enjoy photographing my models - almost as much as running them! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian,I have a couple of these, they are great. Good review
Thanks Colin! I think I'll be getting a 121 to join it as they'll be perfect for Shelfington until I get the whole thing built! Cheers, Ian.
I have a br blue grey class 121 and i love it only thing that worries me is lack of spare parts such as the fine exhausts. But other than that 👍
Hi Josh! I'm considering getting a 121 too, but will definitely go down the route of fitting my own decoder! I'm pretty sure Peters Spares and DCC Supplies stock Dapol spare parts, including exhausts! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian interesting video, I do love how you go into the history of the loco and the pictures you share. Definitely a decoder issue, the Dapol decoders aren't very good, better of putting a better decoder in it and saving the Dapol decoder for a dummy loco, like the dummy end of a HST or a 2 car dmu. All the best Tony.
Hi Tony! I quite enjoy doing a bit of research into the locos and wagons I review! Yeah, I'm beginning to realise that there are compatibility issues with Dapol's Imperium decoders! I've got one in my 57xx Pannier and need to test how well it performs using the DR5000! I'll probably get a Zimo for the 122 at some point, and change it when I eventually get a light bar for the loco! Need to spend my pennies on points at the moment though, so I can finally begin the build!!! Cheers, Ian.
These are lovely (I have a few), but definitely be careful of the exhausts.
I was just going to say the same thing. And no damn spares from Dapol.
@@ngaugeonashelf4417Peters Spares are now the big holder of Dapol Spares. DCC Supplies may also be able to supply
Yes James! I can understand why you have a few! I may dabble with their class 121 at some point too! Thankfully the exhausts are still intact! All the best, Ian.
@@ngaugeonashelf4417 - I was just going to suggest Peters Spares, but Mark beat me to it! Cheers, Ian.
@@PiddleInTheMarshbyMarkIreland - I knew Peters Spares had Dapol stuff in stock, but didn't know about DCC Supplies, so thanks for that! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian. I think I would have returned the model asking for a replacement; I would cite the missing accessory pack, but also mention the flaking paint - this should *not* happen.
Hi Paul! To be honest, I didn't notice the flaking paint until I started taking close-up images for this review! I don't normally fit accessory packs, so that was no great loss! I agree about the paint though! Nobody else has mentioned it, so I'm assuming my loco missed out on some sort of paint sealing process before it left the factory! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian,
That's a nice review video - whilst I don't particularly like bubble cars myself the video was interesting to watch - I especially liked the introduction about the real things.
I agree about the gearing, though I think it won't be any more of an issue for DC users than DCC - the great thing about analogue control is that it's possible to turn the power dial a microscopic amount (so long as it's not a cheap and nasty one!) - I actually prefer analogue control of things like volume and speed on any device.
The problem I see with inappropriate gearing, whichever way you're controlling it, is that you have to starve the motor of decent power in order to get the right running speed, so it's going to be more prone to stalling. At least a unit like this isn't going to be pulling anything, so it might not be as much of an issue.
Out of interest, what need might arise for another one? An unexpected surge in model passengers wanting to travel? It seems like only a matter of time until another one joins the Shelfington fleet 😉
Thanks very much Jonathan! I enjoy doing the reviews, and researching the "real thing" is fast becoming my favourite part! Regarding gearing, I think that the Farish class 08 sets the gold standard, so mentally, I tend to compare everything to that, as it's gearing - and pulling power - is amazing! There's always a need for more motive power on Shelfington! Lol! I think I'll try a class 121 at some point! There are actually a load of passengers in a big plastic bag, all awaiting paint jobs, so there are lots of potential commuters to come! All the best, Ian.
Greetings, Shelfington, and hello Ian 👋 That was an exhausting video 😲 The pipes are precariously perched on the periphery 😇 but are robust enough 🤞 and only really a concern when clipping off the roof 👀 Definitely do get the light bar and add some people to the seats 💺 as it really is a simple job and well worth doing 😇 Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️
Good morning Paul, and to Wickford and the Shelf! Haha! Very exhausting! They don't look robust, but I'll take your word for it! Yes, a light bar is definitely of interest, but I need to purchase points before anything else, although I'll have to start looking for little people to populate it! All the best, Ian.
Hi Ian I'm hoping to get one (or two?) of these at some point (when I have some finance..lol), although I think I will go for the non-chip fitted ones and buy my own (Zimo's). Great review though and I would be inclined to try (very carefully) to take the roof off and fit people and a light bar. Thanks
Hi Pete! Thanks! You certainly won't be disappointed by the details should you get one! I think fitting your own Zimo decoder is an excellent idea - just watch out for those fragile looking exhausts when you take the roof off! I'll probably do something similar, and fit a light bar and people at the same time! All the best, Ian.
Nice locomotive. Kind of a bummer that it is so fragile and the paint chipped off. Wonder if a dab of super glue as a preventative on the exhaust stacks would help. As you know I'm getting started with the basics. I've got an Amtrak set and Kato N Gauge E235 Series Yamanote Line Basic Set 4 cars. Maybe tomorrow I'll have some time to get the 3X5 up on a table and lay down that roll of summer green material that looks like short cut grass.
Hi Frank! Yes, it's a lovely loco, with plenty of detail, and a good runner - as long as you use a compatible DCC command station! Not sure about glueing the exhaust pipes, as they're a pretty tight fit anyway! I'm just concerned about knocking the tops off them! Good luck with getting your kit up and running! All the best, Ian.
Very nice Ian, do you know what decoder is factory fitted? Nice review as always.
Thanks Chris! I'm assuming it has a Dapol Imperium decoder fitted, as it's factory fitted! As I haven't been brave enough to take the roof off yet though, I can't be sure! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian do you take the foam and train out of the box together then take the train out of the foam. it's a lovely bubble car great choice. Colin
Hi Colin! Sometimes I take the foam out, and then take the loco from the foam, and sometimes I tip the box up and try and let the loco fall out of the foam - into my hand of course! It's pretty tight fitting whichever method I use, hence worrying about breaking stuff! Cheers, Ian.
@@iansngauge That paint was not stuck very well at all
@@collinsngauge5493- I agree Colin! I suspect that it missed some form of quality control at the factory! Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian, very nice looking model. You probably done this but have you checked that your DR5000 is still working ok with other models? Seems a bit weird that it works ok with he NCE but not the DR5000.
Thanks John! Yeah, the DR5000 works great with other models, other than the WiFi is still broken!!! I'm certain it's an issue with the decoder, and will be replacing it at some point - I got a cheap Next18 decoder from Hattons for Christmas so might give that a try until I can get hold of a Zimo one! All the best, Ian.