Accurascale seem to be setting the OO standard in the UK for model railroad locos. I model O gauge steam era with a large circular layout but having experienced the sheer heft and quality of their OO Class 37 in my local model hobby outlet I am now in the process of modelling an HO/OO diesel MTD yard attached along one side of my main layout (under the pretence of forced perspective!) and started a collection of their OO locos. Thanks for recording, editing and posting your quality videos. Your positive delivery is always very appreciated.
Awesome, love the idea of introducing some forced perspective! I presume you're aware Accurascale have just released their first O gauge loco too? Thanks for watching 😃
The non powered centre wheel sets on each bogie are prototypically correct. The real 31’s featured non powered centre wheel sets in a A1A A1A configuration. Great video.
It’s a beautiful model. Accurascale are setting amazing standards at the moment. I would also mention that the loco can be converted to both EM and P4 with drop in replacement wheel sets which will please fine scale modellers. The traction demonstration was brilliant btw! Thanks for the review.
Yes a very valid point - although I'm led to believe that the EM/P4 take up is incredibly small with Accurascale models and I would imagine that most people involved in finescale modelling are already be aware. Thanks for watching 😃
Yeah Accurascale do really seem to think about how they can get the most out of a model and it definitely shows with the Class 31. The flange squeal is definitely a cool feature to have included. Thanks for watching 🤩
Nice layout and fair and honest presentation of the DCC functioning Class 31. I've a DC-run 'same model', and am one who installed a resistor to limit the fan speed - works great and no issues. On performance, you found in DCC essentially what I did on DC - unfortunately without 'stay alive capacity' as well - and that it is absolutely superb. Tractive effort isn't superb, nor is it's weight, but traction / performance as you found as well, are much more than anticipated - brilliant from crawl to a very fair maximum. One of my first models when young 50+ years ago as D5572 I think and Tri-ang, so a soft spot for the 31's grew then. This is in another league!! Wonderful and thanks for sharing. Al.
Glad you're happy with your model too and great to hear adding the resistor has worked for you. Hopefully Accurascale will keep this in mind for future models. I'd say the tractive effort is absolutely fine for the vast majority of us. I can't imagine many people will be wanting to run as long a train as I used in the haulage demonstration, if they even have the space. But yes generally the performance is superb and personally I think that's more useful than being able to haul an extra coach or too. Thanks for watching 😃
Hi, a fair review that, even pointing out issues you had and how you got them sorted out. Guess there was no shortage of haulage power in your model judging by your test train. I have two Accurascale locos, the Deltic and Class 37 with a 50 on order, I really love the flange squeal on the 37, which has the sensor in it like the 31, it's so realistic. I think these new manufacturers like Accurascale and Rapido, Cavalex also are really giving the established two manufacturers a real run for their money.............they are doing what people want, which is great and most welcome to see for the hobbies future. Thanks and all the very best Dave.
Yeah definitely no issues with the haulage on mine. I can't see people wanting to run them with trains longer than what I tested it with so hard to see what all the fuss about it not being all wheel drive is to be honest. At this point I think it's fair to say that Accurascale, Rapido and Cavalex are established manufacturers in their own right. Although it is important to point out that, the reason they're able to produce such high quality models is that they have a very different business structure from the more traditional companies like Hornby and Bachmann. Thanks for watching 😃
Great looking model and excellent review being unbiased. Very new to the model railway scene and loving the videos for both 00 & TT. When do you think you will get more 00 flexible walling in I’ve just created a couple of hills and your walls would look amazing. Keep these vids up very inspirational. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it and welcome to the hobby too! There was actually a quick update on the Flexible Drystone Walling at the end of the video I posted this morning: th-cam.com/video/gLrW91Ch7g4/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
Nice looking and sounding Class 31. I did notice that not all of your rollers on the test track were rotating. This may cause wear to the loco wheels. Thank you for this video. Martin. (Thailand)
Usually the locos are only on the rolling road very briefly for filming purposes so I'm not overly worried about causing wear in that instance. Thanks for watching 😃
Good honest review. Thank you for pointing out all the issues. I was struggling to choose between the Accurascale and Bachmann class 31’s but after this honest review this has helped me make my mind up.
I’ve come up with a new term: the quality control lottery. That seems to be a thing with models these days, sometimes it can be a lottery if a model arrives in ideal condition. I’ve had a couple of those, not detrimentally, but it is something that’s seems to be happening a fair amount these days. At the moment accurascale are investigating why my P class’s running plate is notably warped, hopefully they get back to me on that. I had a Hornby hm7000 I had to send back because they forgot to include the speaker in the box. So, sometimes it feels like it can be a bit of a lottery. It probably shouldn’t be, and it happening once in a blue moon would be okay, but across the different manufacturers it does feel like a lottery if your model is fully correct or not. At least some manufacturers are good at customer service, I imagine it must be infuriating for them when a model doesn’t get to the customer in good nick.
I think this is a direct result of us wanting more fine detail on our models which is why it's a more recent thing. To a certain extent we have to accept that with models being more delicate and complicated, there's more to potentially go wrong. Accurascale take some flak for using such large boxes but for the most part they do their job. The other option is to do what SLW do and physically check every model over before sending it out... but we've seen that lead to delays so probably not what most modellers want. Thanks for watching 😃
Except the customer isn't really the quality control is it. Out of all the manufacturers Accurascale are one of the most transparent and enthusiastic about engaging with their customers. The Barclay is a prime example - look at the lengths they've gone to with amending the motor clips and the clam shell packing to prevent further issues and I believe they pre-emptively did something similar for the P Class too.
Nice loco and glad it's working out for you. The Class 31 is not in the era I model so not on my radar but it's nice to see that Accurascale once again have developed a high class model. Thanks Tim.
It's definitely a great model and it's fantastic to see Accurascale continuing to up their game. Very excited to see what they come up with next. Thanks for watching 😃
They've certainly done a great job! I'm not keen on the Dapol signals to be honest as a lot of people have had problems with them. The current plan is to rebuild them using brass kits which will be a bit more sturdy. Thanks for watching 😃
Why would I spend money on something I know I'm not going to use though? I don't have an unlimited budget and keeping the channel running is already expensive in itself.
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy nobody has unlimited amounts of money, and I wasn’t suggesting. you have just said, your going to make some, which in turn will cost more than a Dapol signal?
@ The kits are considerably cheaper than the Dapol ready made ones. I don't really tend to buy stuff if I'm only going to show it in a video and then not use it after that.
I've got one of these. It's run in, although I had to return the Loksound chip as the one I had was dodgy. The Accurathrash speaker is fitted and the driver and secondment also. Thd switches are set for ESU so once the replacement arrives that'll be ready to go straight in. It's really good and smooth. Then I've got the 37 to do.
@ThatModelRailwayGuy Apparently, there have been loads of ESU Loksound 5s being dodgy so it must have been one of those. A friend from my club had two do it. Its that fiest batch after production resumed after the pandemic.
Another great and honest review, Josef. It's a shame it arrived with those niggles but it's fantastic Accurascale were able to sort you out with the relevant parts pretty quickly. Just a minor niggle with the data panel under the locomotive number. It is identified as a Class 31-4 and it should be a 31/4. Maybe, someone should have a word with them before the next run of what appears to be an amazing model.
Yeah minor things but a good chance to show how Accurascale react to these sorts of issues. Interesting with the "31-4" label on the data panel. It's so small that I doubt many people can actually see it without the use of a camera but if it's an issue you've spotted definitely mention it to Accurascale rather than waiting for someone else to do it. Thanks for watching 😃
Just to put another spanner in the works, same as mine and all the other "432's" I've seen , the multiple working jumper sockets are missing from the buffer beams. You can see them fitted on all the others, next to the second man's side buffer on the inside. I had to chase them up and they posted out the correct the parts. With the rest of the pipes fitted to the bufferbeams, you'll be left with a hole where the MU equipment should be.
Have to admit I doubt I would have noticed that - I rarely fit the separately supplied details as I tend to stick with the supplied tension lock couplings instead. Good that they sent the parts out to you so you could fit them though. I know other manufacturers have done similar in the past with details that were accidentally left out. Thanks for watching 😃
The UK has some awesome trains so enjoy seeing them in the model railroad so we can enjoy them on your layout. Thanks for sharing this new one. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕
That's great if that was the version that suited you best. Doesn't take away from the fact that Accurascale's model is also fantastic too. Thanks for watching 😃
@ agreed I think my first Accurascale and Rappido models arrive next month it will be my first time dabbling in another brand aside from Bach n Horns so iam keen to have a peep. Yes my 31 was a bit special I’m still finishing its official scene but got its unveil as part of my Christmas video a few weeks ago. You can’t miss it, it’s the one with Mr Burns on the side. LOL STAY SAFE keep up the awesome content.
Regarding the non-driven axle, I think Accurascale were in a position of damned if you do, damned if you don't. However, it seems they realized this and made sure it wouldn't affect performance by manufacturing the model to a high standard. I'd say it's a spectacular and faithful example of the prototype in model form
I suspect you're right with that. Personally though I think we've ended up with the best of both worlds - a spectacular model which can pull a not insignificant amount of rolling stock and is also accurate to the prototype. Thanks for watching 😃
Another great loco from Accurascale, very capably review by your good self. I spent slightly less of my hard earned cash on the latest Hornby version, and whilst I'm extremely happy with it, there's no doubt the Accurascale model is superior. Whether or not Accurascale replicated the A1A-A1A wheel arrangement for cost or authenticity (or both!) reasons, I'd have no issue with it. 4 driven axles should be more than adequate for pretty much any layout.
I would say the Hornby one is an equally valid option, especially for those that don't need all the fancy features of the Accurascale one. I definitely agree regarding the 4 wheel drive. Honestly I think the weight is what makes the difference here rather than how many wheels are powered anyway. Thanks for watching 😃
I have had mine since October with the first batch released and although I don’t have a layout to run it yet I am really pleased with it. I also own a bachmann one and I have to say the accurascale one is better in shape and colour.
That's really odd... I shouldn't be. Is this on analog or digital? If on digital then the stay alive should kick in to prevent that but even on analog the two bogies are far enough apart and have enough pickups between them that I wouldn't expect stalling. Might be worth testing each wheel set independently to make sure they're all picking up power. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
I've got the poor man's version of sound effects for my locos via a micro Bluetooth speaker and phone train sounds app..i can replicate most of these sounds all for the princely sum of ten bucks.😊
If that works for you then great - lots of people have been using this technique in garden railways for a while now and it seems to work well for them. Thanks for watching 😃
I do like the accurascale class 31. The detail is on another level, and it runs well. It's second to none, but I'd rather get the bachmann class 31 because of the auto uncoupling system 😀
Interesting that the auto uncoupler system is worth paying the extra money for here while loosing some of the features of the Accurascale model. I'm definitely interested to try it myself in the future (perhaps on the upcoming Class 08) although I have heard it's not compatible with couplings that use magnetic hooks. Thanks for watching 😃
Didn't Graham Farish do one in 2015? I would have thought it would be more like for Bachmann to update that for Accurascale to make a jump into a new scale. Thanks for watching 😃
I'm not sure TT:120 is right for Accurascale given that their ethos seems to be about introducing a brilliant product and being able to do as many versions of it over the coming years. While TT:120 has a dedicated (and growing) fanbase, I'm not sure it's at a point yet where it can support consistent longevity after the excitement of an initial release. Never say never though and if enough people keep asking for it the manufacturers will eventually start to take notice. Thanks for watching 😃
The 31s in real life were weak bags of trash anyway. The old saying couldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding is used often with these locos! Thus the 8 wheel drive does not matter, with the weight of it it dosnt need 12 wheel drive. Good way to save a little bit of money aswell, as you need less gears and whatnot. Something that other manafacturers should bare in mind. What a brilliant model. Been after one myself for a very long time, and definaltey will be picking one up as soon as I am able to when my wallet lets me! That sound set is insane, always impresses me. DCC sound has always been very tinny to my ears and far too high pitched, but these days it seems that we have managed to work out that railway engines dont sound like they are thrashing through a tin can and some string.
I can't say I'm an expert on the class but my real life experience with them in preservation is that they seem capable enough. The 31 we have at Spa Valley is in use fairly regularly and seems fine, especially with the long/heavy trains used at Christmas. DCC Sound does continue to get more impressive. There's always going to be a compromise given the size of the speakers - but that's equally true for any aspect of a model railway to be honest. Thanks for watching 😃
Sorry but just like my AS Class 37, your 31 has several issues.No client should ever have to dril and fiddle with a brand new product. I'm going to cancel my AS 31 and go Bachmann AGAIN - none of which have ever failed me....
That's your choice to make of course, although I will say personally I've had more issues with Bachmann models over the years than I have with Accurascale ones... and the later have been more forthcoming about rectifying the issues. It should also be said that I'm sure Accurascale would have taken the loco back to do the work themselves if I hadn't felt capable of doing it myself. Thanks for watching 👍
Its a shame Accruscales 31 has the door handles in the open position, I contacted Accruscale about the doors and they admitted they're wrong, But are going to put right on second run, In reality you may have had one door handle loose but not all four.
Interesting, have just had a look at some of my photos of the Class 31 at the railway where I volunteer and the handles don't strike me as being far off to be honest. Perhaps it's different for each individual loco (wear & tear, etc) and while the Accurascale ones are definitely more towards the open position, on the prototype they don't seem to be horizontal when closed either. Good that Accurascale have admitted the issue though and are willing to correct it for the next run.
@@ThatModelRailwayGuyThankyou for taking an honest reply unlike some others who totally dismiss the problem altogether, I use to drive them in the 70s at Tinsley on BR and none had handles in the Accurascale position, They were firmly horizontal may have come slightly loose over time, I've bought the Bachmann because of it, But will buy the 2nd run of Accurascales 31s if they sort it.
@ No worries, it's always much easier to respond and discuss issues with those who leave reasonable/respectful comments like yourself. I defer to your knowledge on this occasion - but regardless of whether it is right or wrong, if it looks wrong to you that's all that matters. As I said before, great that Accurascale have acknowledged the issue and are willing to fix it for future runs.
Accurascale seem to be setting the OO standard in the UK for model railroad locos. I model O gauge steam era with a large circular layout but having experienced the sheer heft and quality of their OO Class 37 in my local model hobby outlet I am now in the process of modelling an HO/OO diesel MTD yard attached along one side of my main layout (under the pretence of forced perspective!) and started a collection of their OO locos. Thanks for recording, editing and posting your quality videos. Your positive delivery is always very appreciated.
Awesome, love the idea of introducing some forced perspective! I presume you're aware Accurascale have just released their first O gauge loco too? Thanks for watching 😃
The non powered centre wheel sets on each bogie are prototypically correct. The real 31’s featured non powered centre wheel sets in a A1A A1A configuration. Great video.
Which is exactly what I said at 09:31. Thanks for watching 👍
It’s a beautiful model. Accurascale are setting amazing standards at the moment. I would also mention that the loco can be converted to both EM and P4 with drop in replacement wheel sets which will please fine scale modellers. The traction demonstration was brilliant btw! Thanks for the review.
Yes a very valid point - although I'm led to believe that the EM/P4 take up is incredibly small with Accurascale models and I would imagine that most people involved in finescale modelling are already be aware. Thanks for watching 😃
Excellent review, big fan of Accurascale and a big fan of this model - they do seem to innovate and deliver very well - loving the flange squeal
Yeah Accurascale do really seem to think about how they can get the most out of a model and it definitely shows with the Class 31. The flange squeal is definitely a cool feature to have included. Thanks for watching 🤩
Nice layout and fair and honest presentation of the DCC functioning Class 31.
I've a DC-run 'same model', and am one who installed a resistor to limit the fan speed - works great and no issues.
On performance, you found in DCC essentially what I did on DC - unfortunately without 'stay alive capacity' as well - and that it is absolutely superb.
Tractive effort isn't superb, nor is it's weight, but traction / performance as you found as well, are much more than anticipated - brilliant from crawl to a very fair maximum.
One of my first models when young 50+ years ago as D5572 I think and Tri-ang, so a soft spot for the 31's grew then.
This is in another league!! Wonderful and thanks for sharing.
Al.
Glad you're happy with your model too and great to hear adding the resistor has worked for you. Hopefully Accurascale will keep this in mind for future models.
I'd say the tractive effort is absolutely fine for the vast majority of us. I can't imagine many people will be wanting to run as long a train as I used in the haulage demonstration, if they even have the space. But yes generally the performance is superb and personally I think that's more useful than being able to haul an extra coach or too. Thanks for watching 😃
Hi, a fair review that, even pointing out issues you had and how you got them sorted out. Guess there was no shortage of haulage power in your model judging by your test train. I have two Accurascale locos, the Deltic and Class 37 with a 50 on order, I really love the flange squeal on the 37, which has the sensor in it like the 31, it's so realistic. I think these new manufacturers like Accurascale and Rapido, Cavalex also are really giving the established two manufacturers a real run for their money.............they are doing what people want, which is great and most welcome to see for the hobbies future. Thanks and all the very best Dave.
Yeah definitely no issues with the haulage on mine. I can't see people wanting to run them with trains longer than what I tested it with so hard to see what all the fuss about it not being all wheel drive is to be honest.
At this point I think it's fair to say that Accurascale, Rapido and Cavalex are established manufacturers in their own right. Although it is important to point out that, the reason they're able to produce such high quality models is that they have a very different business structure from the more traditional companies like Hornby and Bachmann. Thanks for watching 😃
Great looking model and excellent review being unbiased. Very new to the model railway scene and loving the videos for both 00 & TT. When do you think you will get more 00 flexible walling in I’ve just created a couple of hills and your walls would look amazing. Keep these vids up very inspirational. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it and welcome to the hobby too! There was actually a quick update on the Flexible Drystone Walling at the end of the video I posted this morning: th-cam.com/video/gLrW91Ch7g4/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
Nice looking and sounding Class 31. I did notice that not all of your rollers on the test track were rotating. This may cause wear to the loco wheels. Thank you for this video. Martin. (Thailand)
Usually the locos are only on the rolling road very briefly for filming purposes so I'm not overly worried about causing wear in that instance. Thanks for watching 😃
Good honest review. Thank you for pointing out all the issues. I was struggling to choose between the Accurascale and Bachmann class 31’s but after this honest review this has helped me make my mind up.
Really glad it helped you make your mind up - that's exactly what these reviews are for at the end of the day. Thanks for watching 😃
I’ve come up with a new term: the quality control lottery. That seems to be a thing with models these days, sometimes it can be a lottery if a model arrives in ideal condition. I’ve had a couple of those, not detrimentally, but it is something that’s seems to be happening a fair amount these days. At the moment accurascale are investigating why my P class’s running plate is notably warped, hopefully they get back to me on that.
I had a Hornby hm7000 I had to send back because they forgot to include the speaker in the box. So, sometimes it feels like it can be a bit of a lottery. It probably shouldn’t be, and it happening once in a blue moon would be okay, but across the different manufacturers it does feel like a lottery if your model is fully correct or not.
At least some manufacturers are good at customer service, I imagine it must be infuriating for them when a model doesn’t get to the customer in good nick.
I think this is a direct result of us wanting more fine detail on our models which is why it's a more recent thing. To a certain extent we have to accept that with models being more delicate and complicated, there's more to potentially go wrong. Accurascale take some flak for using such large boxes but for the most part they do their job.
The other option is to do what SLW do and physically check every model over before sending it out... but we've seen that lead to delays so probably not what most modellers want. Thanks for watching 😃
Shame that the customer is the quality control, had issues with a class 37 and an Andrew Barclay, not great!
Except the customer isn't really the quality control is it. Out of all the manufacturers Accurascale are one of the most transparent and enthusiastic about engaging with their customers.
The Barclay is a prime example - look at the lengths they've gone to with amending the motor clips and the clam shell packing to prevent further issues and I believe they pre-emptively did something similar for the P Class too.
Nice loco and glad it's working out for you. The Class 31 is not in the era I model so not on my radar but it's nice to see that Accurascale once again have developed a high class model. Thanks Tim.
It's definitely a great model and it's fantastic to see Accurascale continuing to up their game. Very excited to see what they come up with next. Thanks for watching 😃
Looks like Accurascale has done it again 😁.
Great video, Joe 👍.
They certainly have. Thanks for watching 👍
Can’t fault the lads at Accurascale! Top bunch of lads! Looking at your signals would be able to upgrade them to the dapol LMS/BR?
They've certainly done a great job! I'm not keen on the Dapol signals to be honest as a lot of people have had problems with them. The current plan is to rebuild them using brass kits which will be a bit more sturdy. Thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy you could buy one and do your own review? Personally I thing they are great.
Why would I spend money on something I know I'm not going to use though? I don't have an unlimited budget and keeping the channel running is already expensive in itself.
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy nobody has unlimited amounts of money, and I wasn’t suggesting. you have just said, your going to make some, which in turn will cost more than a Dapol signal?
@ The kits are considerably cheaper than the Dapol ready made ones. I don't really tend to buy stuff if I'm only going to show it in a video and then not use it after that.
I've got one of these. It's run in, although I had to return the Loksound chip as the one I had was dodgy. The Accurathrash speaker is fitted and the driver and secondment also. Thd switches are set for ESU so once the replacement arrives that'll be ready to go straight in.
It's really good and smooth. Then I've got the 37 to do.
@@DJ_K666 hope the replacement arrives soon - that’s definitely not ideal! Glad it runs well otherwise. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy Apparently, there have been loads of ESU Loksound 5s being dodgy so it must have been one of those. A friend from my club had two do it. Its that fiest batch after production resumed after the pandemic.
Another great and honest review, Josef. It's a shame it arrived with those niggles but it's fantastic Accurascale were able to sort you out with the relevant parts pretty quickly. Just a minor niggle with the data panel under the locomotive number. It is identified as a Class 31-4 and it should be a 31/4. Maybe, someone should have a word with them before the next run of what appears to be an amazing model.
Yeah minor things but a good chance to show how Accurascale react to these sorts of issues. Interesting with the "31-4" label on the data panel. It's so small that I doubt many people can actually see it without the use of a camera but if it's an issue you've spotted definitely mention it to Accurascale rather than waiting for someone else to do it. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy I only noticed it on your review as I am not in possession of any Accurascale locos at present
Just to put another spanner in the works, same as mine and all the other "432's" I've seen , the multiple working jumper sockets are missing from the buffer beams. You can see them fitted on all the others, next to the second man's side buffer on the inside. I had to chase them up and they posted out the correct the parts.
With the rest of the pipes fitted to the bufferbeams, you'll be left with a hole where the MU equipment should be.
Have to admit I doubt I would have noticed that - I rarely fit the separately supplied details as I tend to stick with the supplied tension lock couplings instead.
Good that they sent the parts out to you so you could fit them though. I know other manufacturers have done similar in the past with details that were accidentally left out. Thanks for watching 😃
The UK has some awesome trains so enjoy seeing them in the model railroad so we can enjoy them on your layout. Thanks for sharing this new one.
GOD BLESS from America
🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕
Glad you enjoyed it. We definitely have a lot of variety on our railways over here. Thanks for watching 😃
Auto Un-Coupler on Bachmann heavily weathered and custom graffiti lived up to my hype so it’s all cool.
That's great if that was the version that suited you best. Doesn't take away from the fact that Accurascale's model is also fantastic too. Thanks for watching 😃
@ agreed I think my first Accurascale and Rappido models arrive next month it will be my first time dabbling in another brand aside from Bach n Horns so iam keen to have a peep. Yes my 31 was a bit special I’m still finishing its official scene but got its unveil as part of my Christmas video a few weeks ago. You can’t miss it, it’s the one with Mr Burns on the side. LOL STAY SAFE keep up the awesome content.
That sure is a nice looking loco. Cheers, Andy
It really is, Accurascale have done a fantastic job on this model. Thanks for watching 😃
Regarding the non-driven axle, I think Accurascale were in a position of damned if you do, damned if you don't.
However, it seems they realized this and made sure it wouldn't affect performance by manufacturing the model to a high standard.
I'd say it's a spectacular and faithful example of the prototype in model form
I suspect you're right with that. Personally though I think we've ended up with the best of both worlds - a spectacular model which can pull a not insignificant amount of rolling stock and is also accurate to the prototype. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy I agree! Thanks for another high quality review!
Another great loco from Accurascale, very capably review by your good self. I spent slightly less of my hard earned cash on the latest Hornby version, and whilst I'm extremely happy with it, there's no doubt the Accurascale model is superior.
Whether or not Accurascale replicated the A1A-A1A wheel arrangement for cost or authenticity (or both!) reasons, I'd have no issue with it. 4 driven axles should be more than adequate for pretty much any layout.
I would say the Hornby one is an equally valid option, especially for those that don't need all the fancy features of the Accurascale one.
I definitely agree regarding the 4 wheel drive. Honestly I think the weight is what makes the difference here rather than how many wheels are powered anyway. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy Yes, totally agree.
I have had mine since October with the first batch released and although I don’t have a layout to run it yet I am really pleased with it. I also own a bachmann one and I have to say the accurascale one is better in shape and colour.
Awesome, great to hear from someone who has both. Interesting that Accurascale one comes out on top in those basic regards. Thanks for watching 😃
I have the same model but it does occasionally hesitate or stop over crossings or wider joints at slow speed. Other than that I love it!😊
That's really odd... I shouldn't be. Is this on analog or digital? If on digital then the stay alive should kick in to prevent that but even on analog the two bogies are far enough apart and have enough pickups between them that I wouldn't expect stalling. Might be worth testing each wheel set independently to make sure they're all picking up power. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
@ Full DCC with sound! Strange but not worth sending back because its only now and then and at very low speed. Thanks for comment.
I've got the poor man's version of sound effects for my locos via a micro Bluetooth speaker and phone train sounds app..i can replicate most of these sounds all for the princely sum of ten bucks.😊
If that works for you then great - lots of people have been using this technique in garden railways for a while now and it seems to work well for them. Thanks for watching 😃
Agreed, each to his or her own😊
I do like the accurascale class 31. The detail is on another level, and it runs well. It's second to none, but I'd rather get the bachmann class 31 because of the auto uncoupling system 😀
Interesting that the auto uncoupler system is worth paying the extra money for here while loosing some of the features of the Accurascale model. I'm definitely interested to try it myself in the future (perhaps on the upcoming Class 08) although I have heard it's not compatible with couplings that use magnetic hooks. Thanks for watching 😃
Yea a nice model I'd get one in n gauge
Didn't Graham Farish do one in 2015? I would have thought it would be more like for Bachmann to update that for Accurascale to make a jump into a new scale. Thanks for watching 😃
Accura-thrash!!
It certainly makes decent sound! Thanks for watching 😃
I am only commenting to please the algorithmic gods
Also to stop kids saying first
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching 👍
A pitty they don't do TT120 (yet ?)
I'm not sure TT:120 is right for Accurascale given that their ethos seems to be about introducing a brilliant product and being able to do as many versions of it over the coming years. While TT:120 has a dedicated (and growing) fanbase, I'm not sure it's at a point yet where it can support consistent longevity after the excitement of an initial release. Never say never though and if enough people keep asking for it the manufacturers will eventually start to take notice. Thanks for watching 😃
The 31s in real life were weak bags of trash anyway. The old saying couldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding is used often with these locos! Thus the 8 wheel drive does not matter, with the weight of it it dosnt need 12 wheel drive. Good way to save a little bit of money aswell, as you need less gears and whatnot. Something that other manafacturers should bare in mind.
What a brilliant model. Been after one myself for a very long time, and definaltey will be picking one up as soon as I am able to when my wallet lets me!
That sound set is insane, always impresses me. DCC sound has always been very tinny to my ears and far too high pitched, but these days it seems that we have managed to work out that railway engines dont sound like they are thrashing through a tin can and some string.
I can't say I'm an expert on the class but my real life experience with them in preservation is that they seem capable enough. The 31 we have at Spa Valley is in use fairly regularly and seems fine, especially with the long/heavy trains used at Christmas.
DCC Sound does continue to get more impressive. There's always going to be a compromise given the size of the speakers - but that's equally true for any aspect of a model railway to be honest. Thanks for watching 😃
bro really thought he was Sam's Trains
I wasn't aware that no-one else was allowed to have an opinion 🙄
Sorry but just like my AS Class 37, your 31 has several issues.No client should ever have to dril and fiddle with a brand new product. I'm going to cancel my AS 31 and go Bachmann AGAIN - none of which have ever failed me....
That's your choice to make of course, although I will say personally I've had more issues with Bachmann models over the years than I have with Accurascale ones... and the later have been more forthcoming about rectifying the issues.
It should also be said that I'm sure Accurascale would have taken the loco back to do the work themselves if I hadn't felt capable of doing it myself. Thanks for watching 👍
Its a shame Accruscales 31 has the door handles in the open position, I contacted Accruscale about the doors and they admitted they're wrong, But are going to put right on second run, In reality you may have had one door handle loose but not all four.
Interesting, have just had a look at some of my photos of the Class 31 at the railway where I volunteer and the handles don't strike me as being far off to be honest. Perhaps it's different for each individual loco (wear & tear, etc) and while the Accurascale ones are definitely more towards the open position, on the prototype they don't seem to be horizontal when closed either. Good that Accurascale have admitted the issue though and are willing to correct it for the next run.
@@ThatModelRailwayGuyThankyou for taking an honest reply unlike some others who totally dismiss the problem altogether, I use to drive them in the 70s at Tinsley on BR and none had handles in the Accurascale position, They were firmly horizontal may have come slightly loose over time, I've bought the Bachmann because of it, But will buy the 2nd run of Accurascales 31s if they sort it.
@ No worries, it's always much easier to respond and discuss issues with those who leave reasonable/respectful comments like yourself. I defer to your knowledge on this occasion - but regardless of whether it is right or wrong, if it looks wrong to you that's all that matters. As I said before, great that Accurascale have acknowledged the issue and are willing to fix it for future runs.