Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Hi there, can I ask your advice please? I ordered a Dapol 156 and a Pannier by mail order. When they arrived the 156 was in a really badly scratched case and looked used. The Pannier had a handrail on the side of the coal bunker that was pushed in at one end. I sent them back. Just got the replacements and the 156 has 3 smaller windows at the cab ends that have whitish frosting (2 on one car, 1 on the other) covering at least half the window. The Pannier yet again has a handrail pushed in at one end on the side part of the coal bunker so it doesn't look like it's been seated correctly. Am I being too much of a perfectionist here in expecting clear glazed windows and correctly fitted handrails or should I send them back again? I have to admit I am not that impressed so far
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
I need more space !
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
I don't buy models to sit on display in the box, so a slightly damaged or marked box is often an "acceptable loss" for me. As for the pannier, I'd expect a model of something to be a reasonable representation of the real thing, what you define as reasonable is debatable of course, but distance selling regulations are in your favour here.
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
I should explain, my concern with the heavily scratched box was that I had paid full new price for what to me looked like it might have been pre-owned.hairyhandedfool wrote:I don't buy models to sit on display in the box, so a slightly damaged or marked box is often an "acceptable loss" for me. As for the pannier, I'd expect a model of something to be a reasonable representation of the real thing, what you define as reasonable is debatable of course, but distance selling regulations are in your favour here.
I need more space !
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
It is your money, and if you don't feel the product is up to the expected standard, then reject it.
FWIW, two out of two cosmetic failures supplied says to me loud and clear, do not waste any more time on these products.
FWIW, two out of two cosmetic failures supplied says to me loud and clear, do not waste any more time on these products.
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Ditto with Bigmet. Couldn't put simply Ditto because it wasn't enough characters.
Pete.
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Thanks all for your replies. Have sent them back.
I need more space !
- ModelMinutes
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
I bought a N gauge Class 73 (in NSE livery to go with a Grafar cl33) and it seemed to be amazing at first - Being one of the new generation of models with flywheels, better detailing and directional lighting.
After about a week however, the lighting only operated in one direction at anything other than full power. I took it back to the shop for consultation, it was taken for repairs, when I received the model back, it was in a dirtier state than originally submitted. Looked like grit in the gears, and the lighting issue still hadn't been resolved. Took it back for refund. Was very disappointing. Put me off Dapol Diesel/Electric models ever since..... Having said that, I've had a 14XX, M7, Q1 and Ivatt tank from dapol and they've all been great!
On a side note, back when the 14xx was first released, a friend of mine bought one and said his had a distinct "wobble" on the track. He contacted Dapol about it, wondering if there was something wrong with his model, as I'd never noticed a wobble with mine. The response from Dapol was that his could have been an isolated case, and he could return for checking/repairs if he wanted, but that the 14xx had a prototypical "wobble" in real life . . . So if anything, his model was more accurate . . !
not sure . . .
After about a week however, the lighting only operated in one direction at anything other than full power. I took it back to the shop for consultation, it was taken for repairs, when I received the model back, it was in a dirtier state than originally submitted. Looked like grit in the gears, and the lighting issue still hadn't been resolved. Took it back for refund. Was very disappointing. Put me off Dapol Diesel/Electric models ever since..... Having said that, I've had a 14XX, M7, Q1 and Ivatt tank from dapol and they've all been great!
On a side note, back when the 14xx was first released, a friend of mine bought one and said his had a distinct "wobble" on the track. He contacted Dapol about it, wondering if there was something wrong with his model, as I'd never noticed a wobble with mine. The response from Dapol was that his could have been an isolated case, and he could return for checking/repairs if he wanted, but that the 14xx had a prototypical "wobble" in real life . . . So if anything, his model was more accurate . . !
not sure . . .
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- flying scotsman123
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
It is at least reassuring to know that dapol still have folk in customer service who actually know about the prototype, which is nice.ModelMinutes wrote:
On a side note, back when the 14xx was first released, a friend of mine bought one and said his had a distinct "wobble" on the track. He contacted Dapol about it, wondering if there was something wrong with his model, as I'd never noticed a wobble with mine. The response from Dapol was that his could have been an isolated case, and he could return for checking/repairs if he wanted, but that the 14xx had a prototypical "wobble" in real life . . . So if anything, his model was more accurate . . !
not sure . . .
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
I don't normally look down this section but three cases have come to my attention in the last week re Dapol.
One was a steam outline loco making horrible graunching noises as new from the box. He was a local modeller who had contacted our club for advice.
Another was a Club member who came in with an 'as received' 9F where all the connecting rods were all over the place on one side because the holding bolt was missing, and not in the box.
Finally, and I find this so hard to believe if I hadn't been there, a another modeller arrived with a brand new Class 33, put it on the tracks, directional lights came on, and nothing else. Whipped the body off and lo, no motor, shaft or worm to connect to the cogs on each axle.
All three brand new, and bought from various traders at the right price.
Is there something wrong with Dapol quality control, or is this not unusual ? Need less to say they are being returned for a refund in case one, and changes with the other two. I can't believe it really is as slack as that.
One was a steam outline loco making horrible graunching noises as new from the box. He was a local modeller who had contacted our club for advice.
Another was a Club member who came in with an 'as received' 9F where all the connecting rods were all over the place on one side because the holding bolt was missing, and not in the box.
Finally, and I find this so hard to believe if I hadn't been there, a another modeller arrived with a brand new Class 33, put it on the tracks, directional lights came on, and nothing else. Whipped the body off and lo, no motor, shaft or worm to connect to the cogs on each axle.
All three brand new, and bought from various traders at the right price.
Is there something wrong with Dapol quality control, or is this not unusual ? Need less to say they are being returned for a refund in case one, and changes with the other two. I can't believe it really is as slack as that.
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Wasn't on Candid Camera with the third one was you ?
Pete.
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
[quote="Peterm"]Wasn't on Candid Camera with the third one was you ? [/quote
Strangely co-incidental I grant you, but I don't model in N gauge anyway but was disappointed for those that bought in good faith only to be let down like that. I can't believe it is normal.
Strangely co-incidental I grant you, but I don't model in N gauge anyway but was disappointed for those that bought in good faith only to be let down like that. I can't believe it is normal.
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
My brand-new class 33 sounds like a small noisy chainsaw and is easily the loudest loco I have. Moreover part of the light circuitry went POOF and all the smoke escaped, so I'll be sending it back for repair/replacement, together with two other Dapol locos (a 22 and a 52) which have also suffered light failure. All lovely looking locos, pity about the bits which make them go. An earlier Dapol 52 went back for repair after failing completely....senorsenales wrote: Finally, and I find this so hard to believe if I hadn't been there, a another modeller arrived with a brand new Class 33, put it on the tracks, directional lights came on, and nothing else. Whipped the body off and lo, no motor, shaft or worm to connect to the cogs on each axle.
All three brand new, and bought from various traders at the right price.
Is there something wrong with Dapol quality control, or is this not unusual ? Need less to say they are being returned for a refund in case one, and changes with the other two. I can't believe it really is as slack as that.
On the other hand the Dapol 86s seem fine (I have 4 or 5) and my sole 58 too; I've never heard of any particular issues with those.
Overall, living in distant foreign parts, I've come to the conclusion that it's actually less risky to purchase second hand British outline locomotives rather than new ones, as (provided the seller is reputable) they will have already got past any "teething" problems (which leads us to the Farish split gear problem...).
- Bufferstop
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
If there are two or three of you who have had quality control problems with Dapol products then you should cooperate in sending a joint letter to them explaining the problems you have had and asking them to comment on the QC implications of your experiences. The dealer may well carry the liability for ensuring merchantable quality but Dapol should be made aware of their shortcomings. If you don't get a reply, the next step would be to start attending the events where someone from Dapol is going to be on hand and start asking questions, loudly if necessary.
The loco with no motor, reminded me of an incident when I was sent to install a photocopier, not the tiddly little things we have today, a brute the size of a chest freezer. Under the cover taped to the glass were 50 various prints it had allegedly produced on test. As I was fitting the various separate items something felt wrong, couldn't pin it down. Then when I went to fasten on the big wing nut on the end of the mainshaft it put up no opposition to my attempts to tighten it, just turned with me. Peering in down between the frames with an inspection light I could see the drive chain on top of an idler sprocket where it should have been below it. Lying on my back and peering in through the end, it went the wrong way around another sprocket, so it had no links in contact with the main drive cog. Could never have run. Had to get my boss and his boss to come out and take a look before putting it to rights. QC inspectors don't you just love 'em.
The loco with no motor, reminded me of an incident when I was sent to install a photocopier, not the tiddly little things we have today, a brute the size of a chest freezer. Under the cover taped to the glass were 50 various prints it had allegedly produced on test. As I was fitting the various separate items something felt wrong, couldn't pin it down. Then when I went to fasten on the big wing nut on the end of the mainshaft it put up no opposition to my attempts to tighten it, just turned with me. Peering in down between the frames with an inspection light I could see the drive chain on top of an idler sprocket where it should have been below it. Lying on my back and peering in through the end, it went the wrong way around another sprocket, so it had no links in contact with the main drive cog. Could never have run. Had to get my boss and his boss to come out and take a look before putting it to rights. QC inspectors don't you just love 'em.
Growing old, can't avoid it. Growing up, forget it!
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- michaelasc
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Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
I had one of these a few years ago although not from Dapol but from Ixion (who were taken over by Dapol), The loco arrived in the US with no motor and they apologized profusely, told me to keep it for double heading and sent me another one as a replacement.senorsenales wrote:Finally, and I find this so hard to believe if I hadn't been there, a another modeler arrived with a brand new Class 33, put it on the tracks, directional lights came on, and nothing else. Whipped the body off and lo, no motor, shaft or worm to connect to the cogs on each axle.
That was good service.
This is not my circus and these are not my monkeys!
Re: Dapol imperfections or am I expecting too much?
Been there, done that: https://digest.dapol.co.uk/forum/n-gaug ... ht-failureBufferstop wrote:If there are two or three of you who have had quality control problems with Dapol products then you should cooperate in sending a joint letter to them explaining the problems you have had and asking them to comment on the QC implications of your experiences. The dealer may well carry the liability for ensuring merchantable quality but Dapol should be made aware of their shortcomings. If you don't get a reply, the next step would be to start attending the events where someone from Dapol is going to be on hand and start asking questions, loudly if necessary.