Possible problem with brand-new Hornby Class.31 ?

[GWR_fan]

As a child I had the Triang P5T (transistorised). Wow, what a piece of junk. It seems mine was not unusual as I recall many reports of others suffering the same problem. Once power was applied the overload light would illuminate and the unit shutdown. I had it back several times for repairs but it always came back the same.

The reason for this statement is that while I like my old H&M Duette, like others, I now just use it as a source of AC to power a more modern electronic controller. I have a suggestion if getting hooked on the hobby, pension off both the 2016 Hornby and the old Triang P5 and opt for a modern power supply (not from Hornby). You will get more enjoyment from your purchases as the trains will perform better. I am not a fan of controllers with feedback as while they may offer super slow running, many motors simply do not like them.

Some recent releases are offering coreless motors and a feedback controller will smoke them. I am aware that your power supplies are still working, but a lot has changed in motor technology in recent years and a fifty year old Triang really needs a life in retirement. Perhaps save your P5 for nostalgic running of any old Triang you may have, although even an old locomotive will benefit from a modern controller.

[Bigmet]

...& didn't even KNOW that track had been upgraded & changed...

Hornby don't fully appreciate that either, and have supposedly been in the business full time since you were last actively engaged so don't feel bad.

I should think you have noticed that the quailty of models has somewhat improved all around. But the set track by Hornby (and compatible Peco and Bachmann set track ranges) retains the ancient geometry, with ferociously curved dead crossing points. Move on to a flexible track system - Peco's product sold as 'Streamline' is what is generally available in the UK - and there is much better on offer. The new locos and stock will both look and run better on it too.

If you are ever tempted by one of the Heljan products you will find these have a finer flange profile, and that may make difficulty on set track crossings, Their coverage of diesel subjects fills in many of the gaps in the Hornby and Bachmann ranges. If you want a Baby Deltic for example like me, then they are the only RTR option. (And it is quite an option, superb model and currently on giveaway pricing.)

[Hornchurch]

'
So, just to put the fly in the ointment...,

Have you ever considered any other controllers than Hornby/Triang?

(My electrical knowledge is not my forté, but I wonder if you might have found no problem with your 31 had you been using a Gaugemaster?)

[/quote]'



Well, I sincerely hope that BigMet & the moderator team won't lambast me for raising & dredging-up what is almost a NINE year old thread (?)

I went looking for this thread & by Jeeez, it's MUCH further back in time than I'd thought

Where the hell does Nine years, nigh on a full decade go ?????

Anyways...

Yesterday I went to a very local model railway event & about halfway through the morning I stumbled quite unexpectedly on a ( for me at least ), major league bargain.

One of the lads with a VERY small new layout he'd aquired was selling two items

First was a vague ugly looking carriage, lacking in detail, but not in colour, that I had absolutely ZERO interest in, although it was in '00' scale (his layout was 'N' gauge)

2nd item though caught my attention & I noticed he had a sign up, selling it.

Had to do a double-take, as to me it seemed almost laughably cheap & too good to be true.

It was a Gaugemaster 'D' type twin (cased) controller & it was up for just £30.00

Casing looked nigh on immaculate & at first, I thought & feared it might be a dud (?)

Speaking to him (nice fella) turned out it was all genuine & "all singing & dancing" too.

I didn't ask, but he even plugged it in to show me it was fine, perfect, 100% working.

It's rare that I get THAT lucky & stumble across a bargain -


Waking up this morning, I still couldn't believe my luck.

I had been planning on buying one late last year, but had been mortified as to by just how much they'd risen in price - £129.00 cheapest, not including P&P of course (!)

Buying secondhand controllers off the internet (E-Bay) is always gonna be a risk...

But to see one quite literally 'in yer face' & check it out personally, is ideal.

Pretty overjoyed with it (to be frank) & reminds me of my £995.00 Suzuki ( GS.500 )

I got that on knockdown in late 2020, coming out of Covid.19 & bought from a dealership.

Just 9,000 miles from brand new, year's M.o.T & including delivery to my door -


Saving £100.00 has done me a treat & I noticed yesterday that the Gaugemaster 'D' is now up to an astounding £140.00 (New) from a famous Northern town in Yorkshire (!)

I know the casings ARE made from lovely metal & solid, but it does also make ME wonder as to how much the mark-up is AFTER they've bought the components in & constructed them.

I think I've just gotten used to prices of random gear & items bought from China, like mini-chainsaws etc and am left wondering as to 'why' such a fine, but OLD looking analogue model railway controller costs quite so much, in this digital age ?

'

[Hornchurch]

I've been following this with interest, and am glad you are sorting things out.



So, just to put the fly in the ointment...

Have you ever considered any other controllers than Hornby/Triang?


( Hornchurch's original x 2 controllers from earlier in this thread seen below )

'



Well, I sincerely hope that BigMet & the moderator team won't lambast me for raising & dredging-up what is almost a NINE year old thread (?)

I went looking for this thread & by Jeeez, it's MUCH further back in time than I'd thought

Where the hell does Nine years, nigh on a full decade go ?????

Anyways...

Yesterday I went to a very local model railway event & about halfway through the morning I stumbled quite unexpectedly on a ( for me at least ), major league bargain.

One of the lads with a VERY small new layout he'd aquired was selling two items

First was a vague ugly looking carriage, lacking in detail, but not in colour, that I had absolutely ZERO interest in, although it was in '00' scale (his layout was 'N' gauge)

2nd item though caught my attention & I noticed he had a sign up, selling it.

Had to do a double-take, as to me it seemed almost laughably cheap & too good to be true.

It was a Gaugemaster 'D' type twin (cased) controller & it was up for just £30.00

Casing looked nigh on immaculate & at first, I thought & feared it might be a dud (?)

Speaking to him (nice fella) turned out it was all genuine & "all singing & dancing" too.

I didn't ask, but he even plugged it in to show me it was fine, perfect, 100% working.

It's rare that I get THAT lucky & stumble across a bargain -


Waking up this morning, I still couldn't believe my luck.

I had been planning on buying one late last year, but had been mortified as to by just how much they'd risen in price - £129.00 cheapest, not including P&P of course (!)

Buying secondhand controllers off the internet (E-Bay) is always gonna be a risk...

But to see one quite literally 'in yer face' & check it out personally, is ideal.

Pretty overjoyed with it (to be frank) & reminds me of my £995.00 Suzuki ( GS.500 )

I got that on knockdown in late 2020, coming out of Covid.19 & bought from a dealership.

Just 9,000 miles from brand new, year's M.o.T & including delivery to my door -


Saving £100.00 has done me a treat.

I also noticed yesterday that the Gaugemaster 'D' is now up to an astounding £140.00
That of course is brand new from a famous Northern town's supplier in Yorkshire (!)

I know the casings ARE made from lovely metal & solid, but it does also make ME wonder as to how much the mark-up is AFTER they've bought the components in & constructed them.

I think I've just gotten used to prices of random gear & items bought from China, like mini-chainsaws etc and am left wondering as to 'why' such a fine, but OLD looking analogue model railway controller costs quite so much, in this digital age ?

'

[Bigmet]

...Well, I sincerely hope that BigMet ...won't lambast me...

I assure you that I have zero lambasting powers. A slightly eccentric sense of humour occasionally elbows its way onto my posts.

[BHD]

Good to hear from you!!

Dare I ask if 31256 is behaving..?

Forgot to mention all those years ago (as 6C), my controllers were a Gaugemaster DS on the layout, a Hornby HM2000 in sidings and MPD and a 2015 vintage R8250 (same as yours) for the test track.

My 31256 still works as converted to DC fine

[Hornchurch]

'

To see "if" the (or any) decoder blanking-plate was fitted, I took both the liberty & risk of removing the body (!)
(well, I've already removed various Lima-Loco' bodies for light-oiling purposes, so, thought W.T.F)

Naturally being clueless on 'blanking-plates' & decoders,
I'd done a bit of brief internet research first, so I had a vague idea what to look for.

Yes, an '8-pin' blanking-plate WAS fitted, but I noticed the li'l white arrow (on one side), didn't match,
so I flipped it round 180-degrees
(surely not that it would matter that much, would it ?)

After that, having hooked-up to the cheap Chinese plastic controller, it managed all speed parameters.

I had similar issues - with this very model

- ended up re-wiring it to a DC setup - works fine now.

I would suspect the 'DCC-Ready' aspect - maybe the blanking plug itself is fritzed and not performing its desired function ?.

'


Many thanks '6.C' for letting me know that I'm (apparently), NOT the only guy who has stumbled upon this issue, or been saddled with an apparent 'dud'.
(after buying this loco' "brand-new" & in good faith)

Blanking-plug/plate looks fine & doesn't appear to be toasted !

Sadly, I'm never likely to convert to DCC, so, won't have the same (happy) outcome as yours !

Glad you chimed-up tho', to let me know that it's not just an isolated case.

Good to hear from you!!

Dare I ask if 31256 is behaving..?

Forgot to mention all those years ago (as 6C), my controllers were a Gaugemaster DS on the layout, a Hornby HM2000 in sidings and MPD and a 2015 vintage R8250 (same as yours) for the test track.

My 31256 still works as converted to DC fine

'


Hi 6C - ("sexy 6C" would be a great nickname BTW )

Sadly the position I'm in at the moment revolves around me living in a largish sized UK house, but sharing with other family members, so, due to space constraints & the fact ALL me stuff is brand new, but "00" Gauge & DC.only, I do not currently have a layout set up (but will, one day, during my retirement & pensionable years).

So as of now I am currently restricted to running my Loco's on the Hornby Rolling Road, of which I have several.

Back when I wrote this original thread, I did from time to time put my stuff out on a temporary layout (!)

This went out from time to time on what was (at the time), the only track I had available & that was LIMA

Back in 1978 as a teenager, I started working @ ARGOS.

Today, they ARE a shadow of their former selves, whereas back in '78 they used to carry huge stocks & stock levels.

I was tasked one day with 'stocktaking' (& accuracy) for re-ordering in our huge Ilford, Essex store

Top shelves were about 12-15ft up & req'd an Aircraft type old 1950's 4-wheeled industrial step-ladder

Venturing up top, was covered in dust & I thought "W.T.F is this HUGE dusty silver box ?"

Turned out it was a full-on LIMA container freight set, containers, crane, Scanias,Volvos, engine & wagons.

I'd stopped playing w/my Hornby Frieghtliners & Pullmans by 1971 as the grip of AIRFIX a/c took over (hardcore)

Then of course I graduated over to "Girls, Electric Guitars, Girls, M/cycles, Girls, Church & Girls" !!!!

So whilst I thought "I've grown out of toy trains", the scale modeller in my instincts kicked back in

Figured, this old (now obsolete from next years 1979 ARGOS catalogue) train set was FAR too good to pass up on.

During lunch break I asked the darling Miss Emson (Manageress) "if" there was a chance I could snag that set for myself ?

I was told by her, "Yeah, why not, plus you'll get 10% staff discount" = RESULT !!

Set was originally £34.00 now reduced (Ex-catalogue) to £17.00 with the staff discount added on

Of course there WAS only ever one set in stock & TBH, there was SO much stuff inside the box, jam packed.

Bought it, shoved it by & never used it

In my 30's then I had several lovely well behaved kids - I set it up one day @ my Parents new house

Kids enjoyed it, but never went ballistic on it, as they were of the "Playstation" generation

Those toys (alas) were MUCH easier to both use & pack away when finished & made G/Parents less irate


When I got back into model railways after a HUGE long 45 year layoff, this LIMA set was all I had, track wise

Didn't know at the time that it was all (on curves), 2nd curve radius - A few engines would derail (!)

Wasn't till a few years later when I found the box that the millimetric curved measurement equates to 2nd radius

Then I set about buying 3rd radius curves (only) to better suit my Bachmann Class 37/47 fleet


Anyways, now onto the once rogue Class.31

My Grandad worked for 45 years on the L.N.E.R both as Footplate Fireman AND from 1935 onward as "Driver"

He drove B.12's, B.17's & finally Britannias before an easy retirement on N.7 tank engines

That's "why" my family (from my Dad, downwards) all have London accents, all thanks to the L.N.E.R

The Class.31 (I'm told) featured heavily @ Stratford depot where my G/Dad was based

So yeah, I wanted one, as it was THE Triang Horby loco' that I never owned.


Long story short, I noted that the 'blanking plug' was sited round the wrong way

Simply reversing it (lining up the white arrow), seemed to cure this (!)

Alas, due to my current circumstances, it languishes somewhat

I've bought about 100 engines since - Not cheap, but MUCH cheaper than my American Guitars

I've only been what Top Gear described as a 'Catfish Bottom Feeder' & buying NEW but cheap discounted

Rarely go above £100.00 per new engine, as about 'one ton' is my pain threshold.

Nice to hear from you 6C aka BHR - Thanks mate & take care !!

[Bigmet]

'My Grandad worked for 45 years on the L.N.E.R both as Footplate Fireman AND from 1935 onward as "Driver"

He drove B.12's, B.17's & finally Britannias before an easy retirement on N.7 tank engines...

...The Class.31 (I'm told) featured heavily @ Stratford depot where my G/Dad was based ...I've bought about 100 engines since ...

So have you gone for the 'full set' of Stratford (BR - 30A) allocated steam traction from what's available or announced and (s/h only) in RTR OO?
I make it B1, B12/3, B17, D16/3, J15, J17, G5, (J39), J50, J67, J68, J69, K1, K3, L1, N7, Y7 WD 2-8-0 'Austerity, Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0, 3F 'Jinty', BR std 4MT 2-6-0, BR std 7MT 4-6-2.

(The diesel you want is a Mirlees engined Brush 2 as originally introduced in service which would be classified as TOPS class 30 when that system came in. All were eventually given a replacement engine and these were then classified TOPS 31. There's loads more diesel classes, all now with RTR OO models!)

[Hornchurch]

'
Hi BigMet' ( Part.1 )

First off please accept my sincerest apologies for not getting back to you sooner

I've been beyond busy lately (jobs) especially outdoor work & working till dusk.

Like last night = Got in around 10pm, had my first eat of the day & promptly fell asleep

Seems to be the pattern lately, especially as we've been having magnificent weather

Was up at the crack of dawn, another 2hrs work, then/now I've stopped to rest & reply

So you said...

So have you gone for the 'full set' of Stratford (BR - 30A) allocated steam traction from what's available or announced and (s/h only) in RTR OO?
I make it B1, B12/3, B17, D16/3, J15, J17, G5, (J39), J50, J67, J68, J69, K1, K3, L1, N7, Y7 WD 2-8-0 'Austerity, Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0, 3F 'Jinty', BR std 4MT 2-6-0, BR std 7MT 4-6-2.

(The diesel you want is a Mirlees engined Brush 2

'



To be honest, I never was a 'train nerd' until fairly recently (2016+)

So that means what you guys have known since childhood, is what I'm catching up on in my 60's

I've heard of Brush (engines & traction), but "Mirlees" is a new one on me.

I really should open a separate thread on my Grandfather's involvement, etc.

I laid up my pre-Tops Hornby 31 & Pullman carrige set, plus my others in around 1972

Also had a (then) lovely Hornby Hymek & Freightliner set, purchased around 1970 (?)

So as a child in single figures, I only ever had THREE engines - ( untill I was in my late 50's )

Those two mentioned above, plus a Black 2-6-0 whose designation I forget - ( I'll look it up )


When I reconvened just a mere 45-years later, I dived in deep & was spending @ Hattons (online)

Basically snaffling up ANY bargains that I liked the look of, regardless of "Big.4" user

Not sure why, but I did veer (naturally) towards L.N.E.R & post 1948 stuff

I've always been angled towards Diesels & whilst I do buy some steam, Diesels "do it for me"

I guess it's due to the period I grew up in & plus my early love for "Ladybird" books - (I love 'em)


As this post is a little long (like most I do), I'll elaborate on those types you mention (that I bought) in my next post (Part.2)

Cheers !!

[Hornchurch]

'

( Accidental Duplicate Post - Mod's, please delete this, thanks )


.

[Hornchurch]

So have you gone for the 'full set' of Stratford (BR - 30A) allocated steam traction from what's available or announced and (s/h only) in RTR OO?
I make it B1, B12/3, B17, D16/3, J15, J17, G5, (J39), J50, J67, J68, J69, K1, K3, L1, N7, Y7 WD 2-8-0 'Austerity, Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0, 3F 'Jinty', BR std 4MT 2-6-0, BR std 7MT 4-6-2.

(The diesel you want is a Mirlees engined Brush 2

( Part.2 ) - Hi again BigMet & I hope ya caught my prev' post (today) regarding my apologies ??


Right, the first one on your list got a bit of a kicking by 'Sam's Trains' over on his You Tube channel (!)

I like the fella & I took onboard his points & criticism(s) before buying it, yet, still bought it anyways.

Figured that £99.00 for a nice looking NEW (brand new) Bachmann Loco' wasn't too steep.

My planned layout won;t be having a dozen points (etc), so I do not foresee an issue with "few pickups"

Am told they're on the three main driving wheels only on 31-716A & 31-716 - ( I purchased both )







Seems like a rather handsome 'workhorse' Locomotive & very reminiscent of my Hornby one as a kid

I bought the Apple Green one too, but that scheme looks a bit flash - Was cheap, so I bought one anyways.


Haven't bought any B.12's - IIRC, they're the "Sandringham Class' engines, no ?

My Grandad regularly drove "61606" named "Framlingham"

I have pix of him outside Clacton station (in 1949) & those three pix were taken by his Fireman that day.

In my time of snaffling up "new bargains" (since 2016), I haven't seen any for sale, so...


B.17 "Footballer Class" = Yeah, early on, in 2016, I did buy "Barnsley" & "Gilwell Park".

They were circa £85.00 new each (back in 2016), so I blagged those straight away.

I did also buy the weathered example (who's name escapes me), but had an issue, so I sent it back.

D.16 - I believe I have one (only) - It's here my lack of I.D skills regarding trains/engines lets me down !


All the 'J' series are out for me, except Hornby R.2882 an SDJR in Dark Blue "Railroad" tiny mite.

@ Just £21.00 brand spanking new, I just couldn't turn it down - cute little thing...

On rare occasions for 72hrs where I had an oval (large) layout, I'd use it for track testing (connections)


.
Hornby K.1s came up cheap circa 2017, for around £69.00 brand new, so I bought two of them

First one arrived & I was so impressed by it's detail & how cute it looked, so pulled the trigger on another

Whilst I loved the detail & aesthetics, I reasoned "the motor MUST be cheap", but then ran well.


The only others on your list (or nearby, description wise) & probably NOT Stratford 30-A, were...


5-MT in Dk.Green & Black - again, brand new (Bachmann) for just £85.00

Ivatt 4-MT - was a rather small but heavy little engine, seemed loads of cast metal in it,too


Aside from your list, whilst I'm not a steam afficianado ( as such )....


I was impressed by 60-117 "Bois Roussel" (by Bachmann), such a handsome Loco' - (bought two)







Obviously it was supplied without the nameplates (correctly), as at that stage, it wasn't named.

But me delving mildly, I came across it's naming & more importantly, the Horse's history


Turns out that "Bois Roussel" was none other than "Red Rum's" Grandad - I was like, "Wow, oh Wow"

I have other engines, but those two (same) are by far my favourites ( to look at, aesthetically )


Early on, I also bought "Woolwinder" & "Minarou" again, both on discount

Cannot say I'm enchanted with the 'Gloss Finish' on "Woolwinder", even if it is considered accurate,

Looks wise, I prefer "Minarou" as I also have an Ex-Library book with a photo' of her (full page photo')

She looks so forlorn (obviously on her last knockings) & that endeared me to it, rather.


I've got more to mention regarding 30-A aka Stratford shed, but it deserves it's own thread (another time)

Cheers again, Hornchurch.


( P.S : Feel free to discuss these, either here, on another separate thread, if needs be )

P.P.S = I fear I may or might've mixed-up the "Footballer" & "Sandringham" class designations up

Typing from Beer addled memory (when you're NOT a train-nut) may seem a bit reckless !!

.

[Bigmet]

Right, the first one on your list got a bit of a kicking by 'Sam's Trains' ...

The Bachmann B1 is fine as a runner, and any decent layout doesn't need tender pick ups. Think about it, if tender pick ups were absolutely essential, then no 0-6-0 tank engine would work! The 'recipe' for a decent layout is off the floor away from the dust and fibres, and track from a live crossing points system such as from Peco's streamline range. It cannot be said too often, the very dated design UK set track is the problem that leads to the requirement for extra pick ups other than on the driven wheels, and 'stay alives'.

P.P.S = I fear I may or might've mixed-up the "Footballer" & "Sandringham" class designations up ...

Yes, these two are both B17, Footballers with a standard LNER tender for more general use on the LNER network, Sandringhams with the short GER design tender to enable them to fit on the GE section's turntables. (The B12/3 has the same GE design tender.)