ไม่สามารถเล่นวิดีโอนี้
ขออภัยในความไม่สะดวก
Rapido Trains UK - 15XX Plight + DCC Fitting
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ส.ค. 2024
- I share my experience with this beautifully detailed, but poor running, badly assembled, and oddly designed model locomotive.
0:00 Introduction
1:26 The 15xx plight
23:54: DCC Fitting
50:48: Conclusion
![น้าครับ..ผมรักน้า EP.04 - ปีกแดงเดอะซีรีส์2024[ฟินมาก] บทซีรีส์สร้างขึ้นเพื่อความบันเทิงเท่านั้น](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m9Q6MwoWgaQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Julian,
Been watching "Station Road" for a few years, never communicated before. What a superb review of loco manufacturers to date. Why pay so much money for the promise of..........what, to be honest. They fall to bits out of the box, then they don't run properly and you end up fixing a brand new, very expensive model yourself. It's not good enough. Good on you Julian and your patience. Love Station Road. 👍
I bought one of these on preorder from my local shop and I requested it be DCC fitted ( not sound ) and I have not had any problems at all. I have even run it at my Local Club with a Ks 1500XX kit that I built about 40 years ago. After watching your video I think l did the right thing, a friend of mine bought two and he is now on his sixth one and is possibly going to return one of them ! I also have one that I built in ‘O’ gauge with DDC sound and that is the way to go. A brilliant looking locomotive !
Good points Julian.
I run Tri-ang locomotives.
They are robust, reliable and easy to maintain. I hear people complaining about the lack of detail. But as Richard Lines once said... There is a fine line between derail and functionality.
Happy Modelling.
I've started going back to Wrenn for the same reasons. New models are over priced and drop to bits in the box.
Good Day to You Julian,
I think the first thing to say is giving the modellers who have paid out good money for there models this sort of experience is shocking and I admire you for sticking with the model well done. You asked for our experience of the model so I am so sorry but I had a GOOD one which has so far run with no issues mine is the sound fitted one (I always buy the factory fitted ones if I can) and I did a video on it just before GETS last year were it was great to meet you and Paul at the meet up which you did just about make. I think you are right some of these models and not just from Rapido do seem to suffer sometimes from the Friday effect that effected cars in the past and its all down to there quility controls in China but also here. I hope your 15XX will now run well for you because it is a stunning model like most new ones now but please manufactorers please if you are going to put all this detail on try welding it so it stays even if we handle it and if you cannot do that leave it off and save us money. Lastly it is a very long way to Christchurch I know I have been there and others who have lived a long way away have had trouble with broken parts ( Kamparler Road by Jerry Allen (Africa) ) is one I remember so better packing is needed or if its not for the UK send it straight from China!!! Well done with your current build its looking good and I enjoy watching you.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Julian, excellent video and review ; you are a very patient man! Totally agree with you regarding DCC chip installation, manufacturers really need to put more thought into Chip installation, fitting chips to some locos is a real nightmare and potentially involves damaging detailing parts. Regarding pick ups, I believe plunger type pickups are very common in the US market and with Rapido producing models for the US market for many years they are probably working to their normal practices. Happy modelling 👍
Hi Julian, you raised some very good points as do other commenters. I very rarely buy moden ready to run locomotives, mainly because of the fact that I've had to dismantle my layout for now. Instead, I've kept myself busy, trying to build kit white metal and brass kits. These can also have, fiddly bits, but by soldering them on the fixing is much more permanent, however if you use the chassis as one side of the pickup then, I believe that fitting DCC is impossible, maybe some clever person can put me right on that subject. I will clarify for you that your pickups are called plunger pickups. They can be very common on kit built locomotives. However, the great locomotive builder that is Tony Wright, see Little Bytham on TH-cam it's just sensational, doesn't like or use them on his kits due to the adjustment system. I, personally, like all the extra details, and I would agree with you that some aren't seen or indeed necessary when viewed at a certain level. It's about a 50/50 split with kit chassis as to whether the locomotive springs are depicted. Also, personally, I think the extra bits make the difference between a train set and I model railway, take your amazing scenic kit building for example. It would be dead easy to have an oval of track with plastic pre-painted houses, etc, and be exceeding happy with that. But you've taken your layout to a whole new level with your custom buildings and bridges. I suppose manufacturers have done the same, and some build quality issues have arisen. Imagine how the locomotive would fair in the hands of an eager 6 year old, there would be a lot more bits loose in the box and around the place!. And there lies the issue, some manufacturers are trying tremendously hard to give use the exceptionally detailed locomotives and rolling stock that some of us almost crave, especially when the product costs so much, we all like to get our monies worth. I don't know how much you paid for the 15XX, but imagine paying the same amount for a plastic body with moulded in handrails and the like. Sorry that this comment has gone on so long, I'm preparing for the flack that I'm bound to receive for some of my comments.
I did want one of these but with the quality issues seen from multiple examples, would not wish to risk it getting delivered halfway across the world too. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Julian for your really patient review; not sure I would be so considerate of the quality and design issues you encountered. looking through the comments it is a shame one one of our newer RTR manufacturers had not got the balance right. If they really want to be amongst the best, I hope they take you up on your offer of a chat on Station Road.
Hi Julian, fitting those blasted blast pipes what a job, should not have to do this kind of stuff, QC is not good enough for the prices we pay, glad you got it reasonably corrected you have patience of Jobe, bet they did'nt have problems at Swindon Works like that ha! ha!, kind regards Baz UK
Thanks for sharing your experiences about your Rapido 15XX issues. I model in N gauge and have been watching with some interest at Rapido Trains forthcoming Peak release but seeing the issues that you have experienced is making me wonder what I might be letting myself in for. Like you say their models look stunning and the detail is exquisite but I would rather have a model that can stand handling and servicing without the fear of parts coming loose or personally having to go to the effort of having to re-install small detailing parts. Great video as ever, cheers! 👍👍👍👍
As a former mechanical engineering deign guy, I was shouting at the screen during the video LOL! Seriously though, there are a lot of design 'features' in RTR stuff these days that are good, but many that are (as we say) 'sub-optimal'. Those 'springs' under the chassis, behind the wheels - they just need to be part of the chassis diecast, just like they are on other models, or even how they are on the old whitemetal kits. As for those 'steam pipes', I would have cut the bottom 'lugs' off altogether, so that once glued in place, they merely sit over the top of the cylinder chests (no one will know). Having them as separate pieces is good for detail and keeps the smokebox tooling cheaper, but they need to be glued to the smokebox at the factory, which would likely entail making a jig just for that (so more cost). Regarding the broken-off buffer (of the replacement loco)- notwithstanding the possibility that it had already been weakened when packed at the factory, doesn't it's arrival with you (detached) suggest the possibility that it was Rapido who damaged it when repackaging it for despatch to you? That foam packing, designed to sit between the buffers, looks like any slight twisting when closing up the transparent plastic enclosure, would apply lateral pressure to the affected buffer. Finally, regarding the use of Cyanoacrylate glue. From my aircraft modelling, I've been introduced to Ammo's Black Cyanoacrylate Glue. This has a slow cure (but can be 'accelerated' of course) and the Black 'filler' is a rubber-like compound (so the glue is not as brittle). The advantage here, is that (being black) any excess wouldn't have shown up so much on your loco, compared to conventional Superglues.
Hi Julian. With the exception of DCC fitting, I wasn't aware that Rapido supplier self-assembly models!
Hi Julian! I think you mirrored every one of my thoughts concerning the state of detail fitted to model locos at the moment! I'm terrified to pick up some of my locos, as in N gauge, there's always that little detail waiting to fall off as soon as your finger brushes past it! And don't get me started on the instructions that manufacturers supply with their locos! Fitting a DCC decoder should be as simple as inserting a SIM card into a phone - why isn't it? It's more akin to defusing a bomb that could go off at any moment! Oh, and fitting detail in areas you can't see! Arghhh! I have some Rapido Conflat 'P' wagons, and they're very, very nice, however, they've fitted brake rodding underneath the axles, that you obviously can't see unless you turn the wagon over, and I can't figure out how to remove it so I can remove the wheels! It's crazy! Sorry, rant over! I felt your pain while making this video, and can only congratulate you on how patient you were and how calm you stayed throughout! All the best, Ian.
It's an issue for us across the pond as well. I've purchased a couple of rapido loco models as well. All have needed re-motoring either within a month or year, or i experienced some issue right out of the box. To fair, rapido has been excellent at handling my warranty issues and I've had my models back very quickly, although truth be told, rapido's head office is literally a 15 min drive from my house. 😉
That being said, I have Life Like (now Walthers) proto 1000, 2000 engines both Steam and Diesels. These engines are now pushing almost 20 years, have endured my ham fisted handling, dcc mods, detailing, etc, and they are still getting the job done. These are my go-to engines when operating almost all the time. I agree with your sentiment that the fine detail on a lot of newer engines comes at a cost. For my money, I'll always look for older generation models and modify them. Whether by adding dcc/sound and adding details as I see fit while still ending up with a solid running model that looks just as good. Thanks for the honest review of your experience. You're definitely not alone.
Great video. What a patient person you are.
Just an FYI: old Rivarossi models had that style of plunger pickup.
They're rather notorious as they had the same "sticking" issues, but what happens is the little springs doing the plunging carry the sparks and over the years the springs loosen, or even break, being sprung steel, but also being extremely thin and soft. Folks have cut and pasted kadee coupler springs as an attempt at a remedy.
I bring this up as they all do it, so unless Rapido has come up with something exceptional, this will be what the 15XX owner will experience.
I bought the DCC sound fitted version because I didn't want to have to disassemble loco and fit a decoder. Unfortunately, the decoder died when I changed the address about 5 minutes after getting it out of the box, so I had to take it apart to get the decoder out for testing (and ultimately to send it back to Rapido UK for repair). One of the steam pipes on mine came off when I opened it to remove the decoder to testing, and it was really fiddly and extremely stressful to get back on.
Julian, you have the patience of a saint. Fortunately, I model the Midland/LMS...
I recently sent my new 15xx back for repair under warranty to Rapido. It had shorted on a set of points(turnouts). If you have an oval of track then you shouldn't have a problem. I believe the push springs are weak and fry when shorted. Rapido have repaired all six of the push springs and to my surprise the sound decoder as well. I am waiting for it to be posted back. I think I will sell my 15xx on ebay at a much reduced price.
Oh my good god! If that kit had been mine it would be winging its way for a refund or thrown against the wall! your patience does you great credit! I'm serious concerned because I have two of their E2s on order and if they are made in such a poor way I won't want them. I'm afraid the Chinese factories just don't care or have any interest in what they are doing and it would seem Rapido's own team can't spot obvious flaws such as the buffers and lose smoke box. I'm so glad I never bothered. Well done on your efforts I know you are a long way from the company so you need to go the extra mile to fix things, but we are not buying kits! You are right, too much fiddly detail and not enough care in design of packing or loco
DCC install - makes me appreciate the through the smokebox door install on my Dapol Manor! Although on the plus side, it's easier to add a crew to the 15xx than it might be on other tank engines.
Hi , Great video , thank you.
I am in Australia so most of my locos need to fly from Japan , Europe , US , UK etc
I have 3 of those 15XX , red , green and black , one with sound and two without and they all are pretty perfect , absolutely nothing wrong with them.
I just received 3 new Heljan's ( brand new tooling ) 2x 47 + 1x 48 and they all have bits broken / damaged , not happy at all!
Not sure if I will be able to glue / fix all of them , will need some replacements.
So , you never know , it is just pure luck.
I totally agree that the latest locos have too many very fine / fragile plastic parts ,
I wish they were all metal like on most of my German models.
Warm regards from Western Australia
jack
Brilliant video, you must have the patience of Jobe. Agree with your sentiments about complexities. Maybe a time for manufacturers to step back and keep things simple. Anyone new to the hobby needs reliability to keep their interest. Once again, well done and let’s not just Rapido take note of your difficulties.
Thanks for the tip about the screw clunk👍🏻
Having seen reviews on this, its a nice model... however there are various issues I have seen and read regarding these.
Breakages, poor running, glue marks, damage ect...
I am surprised the buffer spilt wasn't picked up, unfortunately it is QC, and depending who you purchased it from Rapido or a shop I always look for someone who checks before dispatch.
This plunger pickup I have seen in model kits, are not new, but they do like your 15XX get stuck and fail to spring or return, the old Dapol/Hornby terrier was another to have them they worked ok... so its not so much the type of pickup maybe grease maybe a bure from the manufacturing who knows.
But if the wiper pickup isn't broke why change?
I know Rapido are all about detail, and thats fine as long as it's robust and fitted properly.
I personally don't like some of their finishes on metal work like pipes or brass work... I feel they are a few steps behind other manufacturers.
Hi Julian,
Thank you so much for this video. Personally I would like to see a relatively new manufacturer like Rapido give the more established manufacturers some competition but they need to learn quickly from these types of mistakes. It will be interesting to see if they do and indeed if they respond to your video, either in the comments or directly to you.
Also, being a Man of Kent and from Hawkhurst I'm particularly keen to get my hands on their new SECR O1 locomotive. However, given your experience with your 15XX, I'm now very loathed to part with any money until I've seen some reviews of the model when it arrives. That may mean I will need to wait for a second run or purchasing on the second hand market. Better that than end up with the hassles that you have had. If I pay £200+ for a locomotive then I expect it to be without issues - however finely detailed it may be. Thanks again and very best wishes, Vernon
Hi Julian, Unfortunately I had the many of the same issues, returned first to my local model shop for poor running / rocking went through 3 in the shop before I found one that was better. Then the second I filmed on my channel and it got worse more that I ran it. The wheels had so much play they hit the brake blocks. This was returned to Rapido and over a about 6 weeks was returned un-repaired, then I had to send it back again and wait another month for a new chassis to be fitted. The white packaging sponge will also snap off 3 link couplings if you fit them. Agree poor quality and manufacturing tolerance control. Regards Steve
Plunger style pickups were a problem with the Airfix 14xx from the 70's, which is why Dapol and Hornby who re-chassis'd it switched to standard copper wipers. Seems mad that Rapido have gone back to an idea that was proven problematic 45+ years ago!
Love the part in the instructions that say " use a cocktail to remove the blank " over the connecter, you certainly needed a cocktail after finishing the job.😂😂😂😂
Let’s hear her running next video. I’d love to see her running.
My class 92 from Accurascale popped an etched panel from its side in the first few days of operation. The documentation included instructions on what to do if this happened - so yes, we are at a point where the effort to add more and more detail is making these locomotives a bit too fragile. Aside: on the back of watching this I’ve just cancelled a Rapido preorder.
I am pleased that I am not the only one to be disappointed in this locomotive. I had 2 from Rails both faulty, at that point I decided to cut my losses and not continue with the purchase. Rails were excellent in refunding the purchase price. I must say that my dealings with Rapido have not been happy. I bought one of the Dynomometer cars and that had to be returned for repairs. So I am sorry Rapido but I will stay with other manufacturers where I have been more satisfied.
I must say I enjoyed the video and it did reinforce my thoughts that I always try if possible to buy locos with the decoder installed.
Hi Julian.... I told Rapido about the decoder and the terrible Duck waddle!! Rapido replied by saying that the waddle was prototypical and it was just like the real thing!! A day or two later it went back to the seller!
I also purchased two Accurascale Manor modelss and then three Dapol Manor models....Give me the more powerful and solid of the two manufacturers offerings everytime!! The Accurascale models will stop at various areas of the track with wheels spinning!! Apart from so many bits falling off and snapping off the motor of the Accurascale model is absolute Rubbish and won't pull the skin of the skin off the rice pudding!!
Just a thought...Have you tried Zimo decoders..Mx600R and Next18.
Bought a Dapol flat wagon, arrived with a smashed coupler hook and broken tension lock coupler out of a ice block new!
I couldn’t even put mine in a glass case to look at! I went through 2 models of 1501 that were hopeless from a quality point of view (paint finish issue, decorative issue, chimney not on straight, bits of detail like drain cocks snapped off) and after the second badly put together disintegrated disaster I returned it for my money back and gave up. So odd as the Rapido 16xx I have is completely solid.
Hi Julian. Whole heartedly agree. I have been in this hobby for 40 years and have a mix of the older Hornby locos with ringfield motors (all converted to DCC) as well as the newer Hornby/Bachmann and Heljan DCC fitted locos with sound. I agree that the newer models look wonderful but are getting increasingly prone to damage from handling and like you I wonder if the manufactures are going to far. At least the older models are robust and easy to handle. I also wonder if the never ending push for more detailed models by the consumer has resulted in the manufactures being pushed this way. Cheers from Tasmania.
I was interested to note Kiwi that the instructions which you showed us re: DCC fitting suggests that you use a cocktail (stick?) to remove the blanking, perhaps a "Screwdriver" would be an appropriate cocktail? Joking aside Julian, all valid points and I believe, a balanced critique. QA/QC does indeed seem to be the fundamental issue. Cheers
My Rapido locomotive is Metropolitan No 1. She runs perfectly on my layout, which depicts Walmington-on-Sea and is a Dad’s Army layout. It’s also operated as Yealmington to depict the 1960s era.
Interesting how a loco not even released yet, runs perfectly on your layout.
Hi Julian, I wasn't looking to buy this, but I did have two of the 44xx models on pre-order. Seeing quite a few negative reviews I have cancelled one and see what my remaining one arrives like. If I miss out on the other model so be it. I have to comment how great their rolling stock is, now having seven wagons including the amazing toad with full interior detail. Cheers
Sad to say i refuse to buy any more Rapido. Hunslet Jacks Green was returned faulty motor, titfield thunderbolt set delivered with a broken coupling on the guards van, replacement set includes a loriet y which derails on almost all point work..... Thats enough for me...
It would seem to me that problems with packaging would not be as evident with folks in the UK who have the advantage of being able to call into their local store for purchase, and where rough handling in shipping would be less severe and for a shorter period. Us international folks are going to receive purchases following arduous shipping, and handling by folks who occasionally see the words "fragile" on the packaging as some sort of challenge! If the packaging is less than ideal, damage is more likely. Hopefully, you've mentioned your findings to Rapido, so that they can take some remedial action on future packaging.
So far I've only seen 2 reviews on the 15xx, and both had problems, thankfully, you're reporting that many others are not seeing problems, so there's still hope. The 15xx is a bit "late" for my model period, but I do have a 44xx on pre-order, hopefully I won't see any problems when that arrives - needless to say I will be unpackaging, inspecting and testing immediately on receipt! Because as you point out, the turnaround time on international shipping can be lengthy and frustrating.
You are correct in using the term Nightmare - I expect you needed a sleep afterwards!
I prefer older locomotives, they may not be superdetailed but they are not as fragile and things do not tend to drop off them at random. As for the detailing, what's the point of detrails that are invisible at normal viewing distance? I have one locomotive, an old Triang Midalnd 3f tender loco it's about 50 years old and has been re-wheeled with Romford drivers but it still has it's original pick-ups which work perfectly. The older stuff is easy to work on and rareely goes wrong but when it does it's easy to repair - I have some that I've bought new but they are a devil to take apart even for routine maintenance. I'd much rather spend just over a hundred pounds on four older loco's that I know will keep on working for years than on one brand new one that may not.
Julian, just what do we do! Seems like we will just have to take it? It’s very difficult for me to feel confident about Rapido locomotives, just in case I would be one of the unlucky ones!😮 I hope you told them of the issues with the new loco!
Good luck.
so canwe call this a new typeofmodel, a ready to run kitset ?
Hello matey, I feel your pain! I generally try and carefully buy older locos and expect to do some work, however generally up to about 2010, seem to be a lot more straightforward. Seems such a shame that there are issues and potential design flaws with new manufacturers like Rapido as you really want them to be perfect and rival/challenge the obvious two “big boys!” I have a Metropolitan E Class 0-4-4 on pre-order and not wishing to benefit from your mis-fortune, but hopefully Rapido have learnt some lessons here!?
I’d have sent it back again. You’re almost frightened to pick up a loco these days. I was going to buy a Dean goods but I’m not convinced about Rapido’s quality.
Production quality and operational quality is the reason I stopped buying a certain manufacturers models, albeit in N gauge. I now will only purchase GF locos.
Seems to me the big problem here is rapido unpacking it and the. Repacking it.
When it's done In the factory it rolls down a production line to it's last stage before package where a tool is used to keep the loco in the correct place in the packaging ice as it's folded around.
Your initial problem is simply a design issue with these spring loaded contacts.. if there's too much grease they simply stick in place
I have three Rapido models, 2 off 15XX and a 16" Hunslet. After reading numerous issues with these models I decided that I would no longer purchase any further Rapido models. Perhaps report on running reliability when on DCC as numerous reports of seized plunger pickups after DCC shorting has occurred. The plunger pickups are unsuited as they are too fragile and not up to the potential current draw the model may experience.
Thanks for the video, Julian. I've removed it from my wish list for now.
I wonder if there made in the same factory as Accurascale, makes you wonder if theres any glue used or is it all friction fit.
Hi Julian, I also have this model and I’m not totally happy with it as I returned my example with a few faults such as the wobble, but mine wasn’t as bad as yours. Also the running whilst descending a 1 in 36 incline just jerked its way all the way down. On this they said it was down to inertia, really ?. I thought. None of the other five models a mix of Hornby Dapol and Bachman have this issue. I’m totally disillusioned with Rapido and will not purchase any other loco from them at least in the near future. I now use my loco on the flat as a shunting engine. Not at all satisfactory. In my view.
In answer to the remark of and a number of other commenters, Rapido has 2 factories of its own in China. One (of many) Rapido videos, both for Rapido Trains and now also RapidoUK, showing someone from 'head office' -- in this case head man Jason Shron -- on an inspection or product progress visit in 2019 is [9mins.].
Good video Julian thanks! Talk about over-engineering... I love Rapido but this is a little silly. Joachim
Well Simon, on the bright side after having cleaned and fired the actual loco itself, it would appear that Rapido have included the realism of what a pig she really is! 😂 Everyone, firemen and drifers alike struggled to get the injectors working with one even nearly running out of water due to the issue. Regarding the model detail, they spent so much time adding the fiddly detailing, they totally missed the glaring basic details. For instance they flaming huge safety valve bonnet is actually brass and not painted black. Trust me, ive spent hours polishing it! I agree with you. They need to stop adding the fiddly and fragile extras and work getting the basics right. But thank you for the very enjoyable and informative video. Take care and happy modelling 😊
The safety valve is brass but in actual work a day use was not bulled up as in preservation.
There are plenty of photos showing this.
Maybe the odd one might have been polished but it certainly wasn’t official policy.
Not even in GW days was it the official policy for the smaller tank locomotives to have polished brass fittings, certainly not post the outbreak of WW1. Most had their safety valves painted.
The Pannier Tank is one of the better looking tank locomotives. I must admit, though, that they’re not exactly the locomotive I’m looking for. For me, 98% of my locomotives are Southern Railway steam locomotives like the Wainwright C Class and the same maker’s D Class, my favourite being the Bulleid Pacifics.
15xx replaced under warranty, replacement runs like a pig , stayalive needed , at least all fine parts are glued on . Take care
Dealing with these sorts of issues at the get-go is just not acceptable…especially at the premium price that Rapido charge.
goiod vid on channel thank four cool vids
lol. You are just to nice a guy. Think I would have fixed it with a hammer and returned it.
Hi Julianso sorry to see what a lemon of a model it was. It looks great but is an absolute assembly disaster with all those bits dropping off, crikey. The pickup design with a 50% failure rate is a joke. Would a Rapido director be happy if their employees did the right thing only half of the time and failed the rest? Ditto on the packaging causing damage. A simple drop and shake test would have picked that up, even if their engineers/ CAD/ design rules/ product and packaging reviews had missed it. It demonstrates to me a total lack of understanding of design, development, validation and manufacturing of consistently good quality products that will get shipped around the world and be subject to mishandling even on the intended home market. All those issues you had were avoidable. I for one will be avoiding Rapido models, just not prepared to take the risk! All the best Stephen
As regards to the rapido 15xx I don't think your the only one that's had problems, another TH-camr has reviewed this locomotive and had also found problems with the quality, here is a link to that review th-cam.com/video/byewqta_aa4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LhvG_2PvTHPWq-Ul
those contacts were shit when they used them on the airfix 14xx ,, the problem is what i keep saying , cheap chinese shit sold at inflated prices , they are no longer quality items ( the gullable mugs think they are ) but they are far from it , a quality item doesn't fill shareholders pockets , they want to sell you another as soon as you forget how bad the last one was
Overpriced hobby for mostly plastic rubbish....
Without any hesitation I would send that piece of rubbish back it is very poorly made a nice suspect you paid rather a lot of money for it I charge them for the glue that I've used send it back
Disappointing.
I think alot of the problems are that everything is made in china and you cant check production if ur in an office in the uk or Ireland. Your relying on a third party telling you they are doing quality checks and you cant check hundreds if not thousands of locomotives when delivered to you.also fine detail parts should be metal not plastic.they are too flimsy and break far too easy.