Whenever you see a Dapol model on this channel and Sam starts saying how good it is, the immediate question you have to ask is ‘what’s the catch?’ Derailing, being unable to take curves the box says it can... oh, Dapol!
Hi sam, we had the exact same running problems as you with our 121s and after getting sent countless replacements with the same faults we gave up and just got a refund. A year later we tried again to get a 121 but this time one of the bogies wasn't moving stopping it from running at all and hattons this time refused to replace it as we couldn't find the reciept (our fault) so we ended up paying to have it fixed and now it runs fine. so you're not alone!
Hi Sam. I’ve just bought 2 Dapol 121, I think that they’ve sorted the problems that you’ve mentioned. The bogie problem seems to have been sorted, neither of mine catch on the under frame. There is now a brake wheel at both ends. But mine like yours took a little running in. Really pleased with the purchase from Hattons at £79 each. Both are now fitted with Laisdcc decoders with stayalive. Another product that is worth a review.
Hi Sam.I have a small layout (just a big train set) with lots of radius 2 curves. When turning into a right hand curve or a right hand point it came off the rails. Should have sent it back to Hattons but decided to keep it. I trimmed off some of the troublesome bits and it has since run okay around the track including the radius 2 curves. I've only been involved with this 'playing with trains' business for about 8 months and,although it cost only £79, it's my most expensive loco. I run a DC system and experienced the same slow running issues. Beautiful loco with excellent lighting. Even with my limited knowledge I think that a model should always run well and if it doesn't it is not fit for purpose. Thank you for an excellent review.
Hi Terence, glad you were able to make changes so that it worked better - it's very painful having to snip pieces of a brand new model isn't it? Still a lovely engine though, as you say! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I had never had much luck with Dapol before but I had the Chiltern Railways version sent to the USA and it's been flawless. Got from Hattons a couple of months ago. Very Happy
@@SamsTrains After running the 121 for a few days, this is what I found: I have the front and back cabin braking wheel, I did not have a derailment on my layout, it takes about 3 minutes running to get to a decent speed, cold motor maximum speed=55mph, warmed motor=85mph, half speed warm engine=37mph, I think we use the same DC controllers.
I have one and have had no problems at all with it, I have one radius 2 bend and it glides round. You are right the floor is shallow, so if your putting passengers in like I did they have to be legless coach passengers. What you do not mention is how easy it is to put Pax in and a Driver. Also because with your layout you appear to be staring at the floor a lot you notice the floor of the loco is a bit shallow. At around the normal height of a layout of a model railway this is not so noticeable even though it is there.
Glad to hear that Paul - the steps are different some some versions supposedly! That's a very fair point though - at eye level the floor doesn't look so bad! I'd hate to have to perform that many amputations in order to fit this with passengers! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Thanks Sam, I was going to buy the BR Blue model but your review has changed my mind. No point in it looking pretty if it runs poorly as it would be more frustrating than fun!
Hello Sam. My class 122 had completely given up working! It was a very slow runner and the motor sounded as if was straining. Two major issues , both gear towers and the bogie gears were full of VERY thick greasy gunk. so much so that the drive shafts plastic ' T ' connectors which were a friction push home on the metal rod!, just gave up and the motor was turning but not the drive shafts! I had to completely strip down and clean both bogie towers and buy two new drive shafts. I now have a completely different model, free running and no motor straining , top speed is much higher than before! The question is WHY did Dapol use such a thick lubricant in the first place!
Ahh sorry to hear this Nigel - I've had much the same issue with my Dapol 73... thick gloopy lubricant gumming up the mechanism.... absolutely useless isn't it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think the reason for those steps being close is that dapol added all of the under frame detail for the specialist leaf cleaning units,these were used like the RHTT is used now. That box could just be a standard and the actual radius may be lower for other members of the class with this extra detail.Im probably wrong! I have 3, they are slow but not as slow as yours. Excellent review, your un biased approach is refreshing and excellent. Keep up the good work!
I have 2 of these. Regional Railways 122 and Rail track 121. Both brand new. And from the box they were defective. Both from separate retailers. Both with the same fault. ‘Drive shaft not working correctly’. Both had to be replaced. Touch wood both are working fine. However the Regional version sounds like a bang of spanner’s!!!
Hi Sam , I got my Dapol Class 122 in July 2017 and yes it does run slowly to begin with but speeds up after about 60 seconds . It’s fine on 2nd radius curves . Mine has brake wheel in both cabs as should yours . With the amount we pay for model railways we should expect an item to be perfect , so send it back . David
I have had the same problem with my Dapol 121- slow running and gradually speedy up after a while - made a mistake in running it in multiple with the Hornby unit - which snapped the drive shafts and I had to return it to Dapol for repairs - so be careful!
I checked ..... these were used in multiple sets in some areas.... largest combination was 121-121-171-121-121 and their was mention of it being used to pull parcels
Maximum speed on these units was 75mph. Tested mine on an 18" radius curve and had no issues. I certainly didn't have to butcher the steps. Odd one out is the Class 73 ED. Sounds like the grease in the drive trains might have gone a bit stodgy. I used to get this issue with older Fleischmann locos. I used to degrease all the gears then a drop or two of light oil would cure this.
Ahh okay, so I should have expected greater speeds! I wonder if different versions have different steps then? I've confirmed that it should be an issue with all models having the same steps and underframe! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
You need to loosen the bogeys a bit and that should help it take curves better because they tighten it down a little too much to decrease the likelihood of damage in transit typically.
Im tempted by one of these, they are certainy better in terms of detail and accuracy of the prototypes, since hornbys one is not really up to scratch. As for the derailing issue, Dapol do know about this and you can sort it out by slightly filing the steps on the bogie next to the exhaust pipes. This should stop it from catching on the undercarriage compartments causing it to derail Edit: I only just realised that you already sorted that, but yes it is irritating to say the least
That's true, but I'd probably recommend the Bachmann - these are just riddled with issues, and I've now just had a refund... after two replacements, still couldn't get one with a good motor! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I was lucky enough to work on the real 55024 at Chinnor and Princes Risborough railway. We bought it from Chiltern Railways as a Sandite unit and over the next 3yrs converted it back to passenger service. Needless to say I bought this model with DCC sound from Hattons. I also had issues of derailment just on number one end forward. It was the drivers steps catching on the bogie. A little file sorted it out. Mine goes a lot faster than yours
Single car DMUs are useful for those with small layouts. It doesn't fit my scenario which is SR in the BR era, but I might be tempted to have a static exhibit on preserved line on a siding. The Dapol Pendolino also has power to both bogies, but the drive shafts on mine have snapped. Spares are non-existent. There is also a tendency to derail on curves with this arrangement, catching on underframe. You might be able to dismantle and insert a washer. Whenever it's cheap from Hatton's there's a reason. I quite like it, like the Dapol Pendolino which could be described as 'an eccentric model'' with a similar mechanism. There's a flywheel inside which can slip. You can tighten it up. Sometimes worked loose in the post. HTH. Thanks for the informative upload.
They have a few of these in different liveries at £79 now. I think most people can't really justify spending £130 on a single car dmu. Hattons commissioned quite a few exclusive liveries which they've had in stock for a few years now, most the discounted ones are the exclusives. Guessing they never sold very well? Not too sure about picking one up, I rarely run DMUs on my layout.
Well Sam i took delivery today,you know what its like getting a box of items from Hattons,its like Christmas and im 7 yrs old again! Anyway i got it out inspected the bogies and they looked slightly different to yours.I put it on my layout it has 2nd radius curves,S bends the lot and guess what it ran perfect! Ive run it in for an hour and its been perfect both ways :)
Other videos I seem of the Dapol 121/122 don't have the same running or derailing issues that yours seems to have. For it is a well detailed model and the pulling power allows it to run with other DMUs or pulling a few wagons. Bachmann are currently making a class 121.
Excited to see you review this one at at last. I've had a BR green one for about a year and it's fantastic. I've always been a huge fan of steam over diesels but this has got to be my favorite model I've owned to date. A little disappointing to see the issues you had with this one, the one I got I ordered direct from Dapol and had no problems derailing or with motor performance (Dcc fitted out of the box though, if that makes a difference).
Hi Sam I happen to have this model and contrary to wait you showed in this video, my model didn’t come with any of the problems you showed. The bogeys could turn flawlessly out of the box and the motor is absolutely fine with mine as it is a little bit quicker. I think you should send the model back. Keep up the great work, Jason
One thing we don't call them in the UK is 'WINDSHIELDS'! Thank the Lord! Thanks Sam. Stay safe mukka. P.S. I think it is appropriate the unit is having issues on the track because it is a Railtrack inspection unit! Hehehe...
Been very tempted on buying one of these as the other versions are only £99 it's a choice between the great western anniversary livery, BR blue or green livery or the chiltern railways livery on which was the final 121 in service. The fault can be rectified buy using a small file. Issue is more extreme modellers want ultimate detail which can cause more faults making these lovely models for a display but not running all of the time.
Hey Sam The livery your 121 is in does NOT make it a 121, it's class is a class 960 (a test train converted from first generation DMU's for weed killer, sandite, and route learning)
Did you know there are plans to build a new Class 22 baby warship? th-cam.com/video/seSPGK4FlQc/w-d-xo.html Also, is it possible to convert a tender-driven loco to loco-drive? Who do you think should narrate Thomas (if they hadn’t jumped the shark with small world big mother f***er and turned the show into a ripoff of itself)? I would like to hear Kenneth Branagh narrate Thomas because his narration in Walking with Dinosaurs is just amazing.
The steps on the bogie really let this model down. I nearly bought one of these in August, but luckily I didn't. It would break my heart if it keeps derailing!
I think the reason for the missing gap in one of the cabs. Is that some diesels, drivers would take the brake wheel with them and take it to the other cab and insert it there!
A great model Sam but I would've lost my temper a couple times from the issues. I have a very short fuse. Here in the US we call them "windshield wipers". I do realize different counties use different terms on things. Your models is like a museum. All of that shows off historic locos that was lost or preserved and that is awesome. It is great you show off American locos as we Americans love our trains as well. It is history and it needs to be preserved for future generations. Plus many of those locos are in museums on static display. I think they need to run of heritage lines.
No, its true, on early diesels, including the class 121, they had a removable brake handle ,which you can sometimes see the drivers on the heritage lines, carry around. Apparently it was done to prevent the loco from being driven both ways!
Yeah... but that's not the case with these - according to other photos (and the hole in mine!!) there should be a wheel in both cabs! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam - did the motor ever sort itself out? My son and I are big fans of your videos. Have just ordered this from Rails of Sheffield. Can't wait for it to arrive.
An interesting one Sam, it started off very well, but with so many manufacturing issues, it probably explained why Hatton's were selling it off so cheaply. I have a Hornby single car unit, that I bought a year or so ago, and that has also developed serious problems...Bob
Hmm interesting! Aren't Bachmann releasing a 121 next year too? So we'll have options from Hornby, Dapol and Bachmann... will be interesting to see how they all stack up against each other!
Dapol seem to be hands down the best at making detailed diesel loco's and DMUs but they also seem to make them for display only and forget we actually like to run them 😂
Sam, you would have seen me at the train show, too, but heath issues and distance would not permit it. I’m still trying to find a volunteer to bring me over ther so I can visit you, Hatton’s, and a vintage railway before I lose everything. Cheers- Bob Nicholson
Has anyone else found their class 121 has suffered drive shaft failure at the worm drive end. Even the one I took off the second bogie to improve running has split in my spares box!. I tried running it tonight after it has stood in a display case for 18months!
I love the 121s I have the NSE and BR Blue/Grey liveries the run very well on my layout which has a couple of tightish curves. The lights are excellent too.
One of my favourite DMU's and I'd love a new dapol unit to replace my old 'Limby' one.. BR green with speed whiskers looks lovely. Did you know some 121s used to tow the odd single parcels van or milk tanker on some branch lines? It would be nice if dapol(or another) would produce the trailer unit that some 121s worked with. Great review as ever, I'm not put off by the niggles, I nearly bought at full rrp when they were new!
They certainly look nice, but I don't think I'll get getting any soon, especially with that step problem. Hopefully Dapol see this video and rectify it.
I think this is the first review I’ve seen with that much detail, where there were no parts broken off! Would the floor look deeper/more realistic if they would paint it a matte black?
good and fair review Sam. Weird about it being over powered like that. Yes, in real life they would haul a wagon or two, in early days this might be a van or syphon on branch trains for milk churn traffic, and that modern(ish) Railtrack version might haul a tool van, but nothing that would require such a model to have that much power. Also in real life they would often run in multiple with other gen 1 DMUs (other bubble cars 110's etc), but in model form reproducing such a train will involve other powered models rather than 'dead' stock, so it does seam like overkill on the power. Anyway a nice model to look at at least Jon PS - I still have that scratch built J70 body around somewhere, stashed in the attic with the rest of my old railway stuff, I'll see ifv I can dig it out at some point and snd you a snap.
Hello, I have two of the Dapol 121's not had a problem with 2nd radius curves, perhaps yours is more about quality control rather than a widespread problem . Dapol quality control is a bit random from my experience of other Dapol model's. Great looking model though
It's clearly a design fault, since the steps are definitely fitted correctly. Perhaps the underframe or steps differ between the different versions, but this is a known issue with these! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Balls Sam! I just purchased one of these today from Hattons for £79,a Welsh Dragon BR version,ive never owned anything Dapol before,please let it be ok,i dont like the idea of chopping bits off it!
Of course, I mean model railway style. Another four videos have been put up on my channel. Feel free to view all 8 new videos of my Model Railway Winter Wonderland. Whenever you've got time, that is. You can get new ideas from them if you like.
Looks excellent, but the running issues and the problem on curves are not acceptable. The curves on my track are probably sharper than yours and my double deck twelve-wheel commuter coaches run around with no problem. Personally I would have just sent it back. Oh, and just one more thing. I wonder if there is only supposed to be one wheel in the cab and that the driver has to take it with him when he wants to driver from the other end.
Definitely not accceptable - I'm going to clamp down big time on issues like this next year ;) In model form, that's exxactly what needs to happen, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Amazing review on the Dapol Class 121 railcar! It’s pretty cool that you got this diesel locomotive for a really good price. I love the details on this railcar especially the pipe work on the bottom of the locomotive. :D
@@SamsTrains Pretty good. I've completed a 1.2metre by 2.4metre board in my loft that eventually will form part of a larger layout but which for now is going to be a loop with a small town and some sidings. The next phase after that is going to be a mountainous region with an incline inspired by the Lickey Incline which I'm calling The Sucky Incline.
Great review sam, I have the network southeast livery version, it's runs exactly same as yours , plus I had to mess around to stop it derailing, for the price im happy with it 👍
Ouch, such a nice model, and I'd love to own it just because it does run slow. However, that derailment makes me wonder what is binding in the transmission or if the gauge is sloppy. Either way, this kills the deal.
Thanks Jeffrey - I wouldn't recommend the Dapol ones - I sent this one back in the end! Keep watching - I did get to the bottom of the derailing though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review, wish i'd seen this before I ordered a sound-fitted blue grey one! Worried about the performance issues. Will have to wait and see what turns up.
I have several Dapol locos and some do take time to be run in. That is why all manufacturers say to run locos in either direction at a moderate speed for an hour each way. Judging a loco on how it runs before it is run in, is both misleading and incorrect.
Thinking of 121s, are you going to look at the Murphys Models CIÉ GM 121 class? I saw it on hattons instagram not too long ago. As you may remeber i had a Murphys Models GM 171 loco and i am amazed at how long it lasted thinking back on it. It had a 'rough' life shall we say 😆😆😆. Im wondering what you think of the engine because it looks beutiful in CIÉ Orange and it would be something that would stick out in your collection as it would be your only Irish and Orange loco in your collection :D
Class 121 rated at 70 mph as most other DMUs. . The flexi exhaust and manifold should be silver ex works. The engines were BUT designated altho a handful received Leyland engines. Your DPU (parcels unit) should have Rolls Royce engines and as built were rated at 90 mph. Did you solve the erratic running?
Duly noted David - mine definitely couldn't do a scale speed of 70 out of the box - the running improved slightly after running, but the slow speed returns again when started from cold :/ Happy New Year, Sam :)
Fair review of a beautiful railcar. Yes, as a bargain with the half of the normal price it is appropriate due to the running issues. It is possible Hatton's reduced the price due to that.
I love these. I have a hornby one which I’m very pleased with. Amazed to learn 2017 saw the last and oldest finally withdrawn! Great trivia. Colne valley railway has one which has been a dependable old thing since I was a very young kid, and to my knowledge they still use it today. Have a lovely Christmas and look forward to the 2020 vids!!! 🎄🎄🎄
That would be very interesting - I'm currently developing a formula which will allow me to calculate the approximate number of coaches an engine can manage! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I view TH-cam on tele, so a few minutes to comment on my tablet. As always, I am in awe of your reviews, reflecting your passion for our hobby. Me being old & wrinkly, Hattons is difficult for me to access since their move, so I am using Rails of Sheffield. Their service is good up to now. If needed I can access them by public transport from Coventry. Anyway, enough from me. Best wishes.
Fundamentally I wouldn't say the steps are an issue with the model per say, as its more a combination of issues in the 00 gauge space, If the steps are fully to spec and as they are on the prototype it makes sense why it wont take 'trainset' curves as the real railway has mostly gentle sweeping curves where bogie swivel is fairly small. It puts Dapol between a rock and a hard place as if they modify the steps then they'll get crucified by the hardcore and if they don't then they'll get similar from the more casual modeller, fortunately/unfortunately the former have far more influence over the manufacturers. One example of how well these work on a model railway with more prototypical curves is Everard Junctions video review and on his canted gentle trackwork they're beautiful to watch... It's a shame we cant turn back time and have 00 be on the correct track width from the start as opposed to H0 track 18.83mm vs 16.5mm and not have these sharp 'trainset' curves.
Also I read a comment about people being in the pockets of manufacturers, I would also disagree with that conclusion. If I were reviewing this on my layout I wouldn't encounter the second radius problem as I'm using Code 75 Finescale track on an end to end setup, so I wouldn't mention it as I wouldn't have seen any derailing from the steps catching.
I'd agree with that, the main issue was that the packaging falsely states that the model is suitable for 2nd radius track. You are right in this case, but I do seem to have a knack for spotting extremely obvious flaws and issues that other reviewers appear to miss, and I assure you that I'm by no means an expert either! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, I loved your review of the beautiful 121/122 Railcar. The bogie step miss-design is a pity, also the erratic running problem you had with it was a pain. Did it get any better or, did you solve the problem. As a by-the-by, DMU stands for Diesel "Multiple" Unit, so I have always wondered why they call the "Bubble" cars a DMU. They are surely Single Unit Diesel Railcars, any ideas. Good video ! Regards, Alan.
Thanks very much Alan, yes it certainly was a pity about the performance. Currently the issue still stands, but I'll continue to run and test it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The diesel railway car looks like Daisy of Thomas and friends. A nice looking locomotive and price. I thought about asking you to boxing video about GWR rail motor.
9:29 - I pick my nose to the bogey detail mate with pride! A great loco mate & fantastic review! 89 quid from Hattons is very good for such a quality model!👍🚂🚃🚃🚃🚄🚅🚉🍺😁👍
I revise my thoughts on this loco due to the green bogey issues mate & derailment on 3rd radius curves! A great review & good the way you exposed the flaws!
I revise my review on this model, due to green bogey issues & derailment on 3rd radius curves! Great review from you in exposing the flaws mate! You always do a great job there!😁👍
I revise my views on this loco with it's irregular shaped green bogey derailments round 3rd radius curves! A great review from you in exposing the flaws of the loco as well as the good points!😁👍
Very nice Locomotive, shame about the problem with the steps. I own an N Gauge One & they don't seem to have any problems with the steps. Its odd really as the N Gauge model is just a shrunk down version of this model, keep up the good reviews.
Yeah - very annoying with that... I don't have this any more - the mechanism packed up, I got it replaced... same problem... won't touch these now sadly! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I always seem to watch respective videos in retrospect and find out that there are some weaknesses to a model. E.g. I bought a Dapol 121 approximately two weeks ago only to find confirmed now that the bogie arrangement apparently is not ideal. The same thing was mentioned in one other video I watched. Well, would it stop me from buying that stuff? Probably not.
Also one other thing just springs to mind regarding the top speed of this model: Has maybe too much grease been applied by the factory? So when it warms up it allows the model to go quicker and after some time when the railcar is not being used the grease cools down and is less flexible. Just an idea. This apparently happened with some Heljan models. Maybe also others but I have not read anything about those.
Sorry to hear that mate - I can't understand how they couldn't detect and prevent such an obvious issue! Too much grease could have done it - but it can't be fixed without opening up the motor :/ Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Interesting one, I'm not the biggest fan of bubble cars, but they are OK. I prefer steam! Who doesn't! It's a shame you have to modify it, but at least it now works. Well done great video 👍
Before commenting here I thought that I would look at some other reviews of this model to see if others are having just as much bad luck. Many of your observations were also pointed out by EverardJunction in particular the steps. He said although they weren't a problem for him, he could see a major issue for many with less than even track or tight curves, so the fact that Dapol say it'll run on 2nd radius is questionable. He also had running issues to start with on both of his models but they seemed to get better after running in, in one case running whilst following a track cleaner. Yours did seem to run better out of the box if appearing a bit slow. Every other reviewer I looked at ran the models on DCC so don't know whether that makes a difference or not but it worth a try as the lighting control is a marvel. I will say your model does have at least one fault in that the control wheel in the cab is missing as there should be one both ends.
Yeah I find it unrealistic that the floor that is inside the locomotive is way up high rather than being centered and leveled with when you’re entering inside by the doors.
I really like this model I have always liked train carriages especially them old British railway overhead electric 3 DMU units the blue ones u will properly know which ones I am on about Sam I use too go out on train journeys around greater Manchester areas wen I was about 13 years old back in the day the good old nineties one of the best decade's, we use to pay £1 for a railranger and u could use the ticket from 6 in the morning till midnite , anyway same top video bruvv godbless you,
I doubt it was intentional, sounds almost like the engineers behind it got excited and then didn't notice the issues with the steps and didn't stop to think is it nessicary to have all wheel drive. Or the details were done sperate to the mechanics and they were never checked to see if they caused issues. (Steps)
great video sam seems that the detailing is good but those steps in the way! I suppose that dapol will fix that in the future but it is a pane though isn't it
You run on DC right? I have 2 of these. I ran them on DC initially and they were jerky and funny speeds using an extremely cheap Hornby controller. Put decoder in one different animal. Super smooth crawl on a sixpence. Not had the bogie step issue with mine and I’ve got R607 curves on the test track. That’s a quality control issue and I would have wanted either efficient replacement or refund. Dapol has had its problems i.e wiring issues with class 73 with PCB upside down , cab windows falling out class 22 etc. . I’ve had issues with at least one loco from Bachmann or Heljan (class 07 & 14) both terrible runners and on DCC! Hornby are the worst when it comes to quality control tho. You can wind up spending thousands and it’s not good enough they have to last for these prices as it’s an expensive hobby nowadays. Rant over keep up the good work.
Yes this is on DC, but all of my other models are perfectly smooth, since I use a quality gaugemaster controller - it would be interesting to chip this to see if it improved! Thanks for watching and for the kind words - Sam :)
Hi Sam, always enjoy watching the interesting models that you review. I very much appreciate the time and dedication you invest in making and sharing these excellent videos. Just wondering if you have any of Hornby's Llanfair PG Open Wagons (ie R6603) that might look good after a Welsh locomotive. Cheerio from PEI, Canada.
Hey Sam, I hope you are feeling much better? :) :) :) I think I am going to order the BR blue version and see if it will have the same issues and I'll let you know. I think the odd locomotive out is the GWR Autocoach maybe
Was wondering, looking at the boggies, might they have been installed the wrong way round? The boggie at the opposite end to all the detail have only 1 set of steps, maybe that one should have been installed next to the underside details so the missing steps didn't catch
Nice review Sam, I have got one of these in BR blue...the performance of mine is weird as well but I’ve noticed the more I’ve ran it the more the running improves, but it does take a while to get going to just over half speed say. It’s a good model but I agree the performance is odd...cheers Ryan
So I got one of these for my birthday and I have a few things to say about it. Mine has the motor issue but only takes about 1 min to speed up and has no speed fluctuations. Mine also has the step issue but far less extreme than yours. If the bogey is level then it clears the detail fine. However it catches if it is pitched back towards the detail and then it does catch but not enough to fully stop the bogey from rotating (Everad Junction's video on the model shows the more minor bogey issue). What i am wondering is if you got a slightly older batch and the later batches have the problems slightly rectified?
Ahh interesting - thanks for sharing this - and sorry to hear you're seeing issues too! That could be the case - I'm not sure whether they were altered over time or not! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
great video sam:D seems that the detailing is good but those steps are in the way! I suppose that dapol will fix that in the future but it is a pane though isn't it
It’s a shame that the performance lets it down when it keeps derailing on curves and yes I know it’s not your layout that’s the problem since you have a ton of locomotives that will do fine on your layout without derailing. It would be the locomotive itself that has a problem.
Whenever you see a Dapol model on this channel and Sam starts saying how good it is, the immediate question you have to ask is ‘what’s the catch?’
Derailing, being unable to take curves the box says it can... oh, Dapol!
Yeah I agree - I'm getting really annoyed that they can't just get the basics right to be hones twith you :/
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
In dapols defence, Sams "layout" in on the damn carpet so............
Hi sam, we had the exact same running problems as you with our 121s and after getting sent countless replacements with the same faults we gave up and just got a refund. A year later we tried again to get a 121 but this time one of the bogies wasn't moving stopping it from running at all and hattons this time refused to replace it as we couldn't find the reciept (our fault) so we ended up paying to have it fixed and now it runs fine. so you're not alone!
Hi Sam.
I’ve just bought 2 Dapol 121, I think that they’ve sorted the problems that you’ve mentioned. The bogie problem seems to have been sorted, neither of mine catch on the under frame. There is now a brake wheel at both ends. But mine like yours took a little running in. Really pleased with the purchase from Hattons at £79 each.
Both are now fitted with Laisdcc decoders with stayalive. Another product that is worth a review.
Glad to hear that! I think different versions have different bogies. Great to hear you're happy with yours! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam.I have a small layout (just a big train set) with lots of radius 2 curves. When turning into a right hand curve or
a right hand point it came off the rails. Should have sent it back to Hattons but decided to keep it. I trimmed off some of the troublesome
bits and it has since run okay around the track including the radius 2 curves. I've only been involved with this 'playing with trains' business
for about 8 months and,although it cost only £79, it's my most expensive loco. I run a DC system and experienced the same slow running issues.
Beautiful loco with excellent lighting. Even with my limited knowledge I think that a model should always run well and if it doesn't it is not fit for purpose. Thank you for an excellent review.
Hi Terence, glad you were able to make changes so that it worked better - it's very painful having to snip pieces of a brand new model isn't it? Still a lovely engine though, as you say!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I had never had much luck with Dapol before but I had the Chiltern Railways version sent to the USA and it's been flawless. Got from Hattons a couple of months ago. Very Happy
Really glad to hear you got a good one Peter - phew!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I bought the BR Blue and Grey Welsh Dragon at £79, thanks for the tips to fix the steps issue, I will also comment on the speed in due course.
That sounds awesome mate - do let me know how it goes! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains After running the 121 for a few days, this is what I found: I have the front and back cabin braking wheel, I did not have a derailment on my layout, it takes about 3 minutes running to get to a decent speed, cold motor maximum speed=55mph, warmed motor=85mph, half speed warm engine=37mph, I think we use the same DC controllers.
I have one and have had no problems at all with it, I have one radius 2 bend and it glides round. You are right the floor is shallow, so if your putting passengers in like I did they have to be
legless coach passengers. What you do not mention is how easy it is to put Pax in and a Driver. Also because with your layout you appear to be staring at the floor a lot you notice the floor of the
loco is a bit shallow. At around the normal height of a layout of a model railway this is not so noticeable even though it is there.
Glad to hear that Paul - the steps are different some some versions supposedly! That's a very fair point though - at eye level the floor doesn't look so bad! I'd hate to have to perform that many amputations in order to fit this with passengers! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I use Bachmann 36-408, however it would be cheaper to perform mass surgery.
Thanks Sam, I was going to buy the BR Blue model but your review has changed my mind. No point in it looking pretty if it runs poorly as it would be more frustrating than fun!
No worries John, I can't blame you for that - this has certainly frustrated me!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hello Sam. My class 122 had completely given up working! It was a very slow runner and the motor sounded as if was straining.
Two major issues , both gear towers and the bogie gears were full of VERY thick greasy gunk. so much so that the drive shafts plastic ' T ' connectors which were a friction push home on the metal rod!, just gave up and the motor was turning but not the drive shafts!
I had to completely strip down and clean both bogie towers and buy two new drive shafts. I now have a completely different model, free running and no motor straining , top speed is much higher than before! The question is WHY did Dapol use such a thick lubricant in the first place!
Ahh sorry to hear this Nigel - I've had much the same issue with my Dapol 73... thick gloopy lubricant gumming up the mechanism.... absolutely useless isn't it?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@18:45 I agree with you Sam, That is a huge flaw if we need to alter the locomotive in order for it to work well.
Yep - such a pain!! :(
Sam'sTrains it is, sorry that happened to you buddy.
I think the reason for those steps being close is that dapol added all of the under frame detail for the specialist leaf cleaning units,these were used like the RHTT is used now. That box could just be a standard and the actual radius may be lower for other members of the class with this extra detail.Im probably wrong! I have 3, they are slow but not as slow as yours. Excellent review, your un biased approach is refreshing and excellent. Keep up the good work!
Yeah you're probably right about that - that sounds reasonable!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I have 2 of these. Regional Railways 122 and Rail track 121. Both brand new. And from the box they were defective. Both from separate retailers. Both with the same fault. ‘Drive shaft not working correctly’. Both had to be replaced. Touch wood both are working fine. However the Regional version sounds like a bang of spanner’s!!!
A fairly common sight on heritage railways. I like that. Nice livery it has.
Absolutely - and I love the livery too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam , I got my Dapol Class 122 in July 2017 and yes it does run slowly to begin with but speeds up after about 60 seconds . It’s fine on 2nd radius curves . Mine has brake wheel in both cabs as should yours . With the amount we pay for model railways we should expect an item to be perfect , so send it back . David
Thanks for the info David - yes I agree, but I'm willing to live with mine - I can't send back every model I buy! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I have had the same problem with my Dapol 121- slow running and gradually speedy up after a while - made a mistake in running it in multiple with the Hornby unit - which snapped the drive shafts and I had to return it to Dapol for repairs - so be careful!
I checked ..... these were used in multiple sets in some areas.... largest combination was 121-121-171-121-121 and their was mention of it being used to pull parcels
Blimey, that must have looked astonishing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Maximum speed on these units was 75mph. Tested mine on an 18" radius curve and had no issues. I certainly didn't have to butcher the steps. Odd one out is the Class 73 ED. Sounds like the grease in the drive trains might have gone a bit stodgy. I used to get this issue with older Fleischmann locos. I used to degrease all the gears then a drop or two of light oil would cure this.
Ahh okay, so I should have expected greater speeds! I wonder if different versions have different steps then? I've confirmed that it should be an issue with all models having the same steps and underframe!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
No smoking signs printed on the windows... this is a lovely model, I'd really like one!
You need to loosen the bogeys a bit and that should help it take curves better because they tighten it down a little too much to decrease the likelihood of damage in transit typically.
Im tempted by one of these, they are certainy better in terms of detail and accuracy of the prototypes, since hornbys one is not really up to scratch.
As for the derailing issue, Dapol do know about this and you can sort it out by slightly filing the steps on the bogie next to the exhaust pipes. This should stop it from catching on the undercarriage compartments causing it to derail
Edit: I only just realised that you already sorted that, but yes it is irritating to say the least
That's true, but I'd probably recommend the Bachmann - these are just riddled with issues, and I've now just had a refund... after two replacements, still couldn't get one with a good motor!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The point is why should you have to on a brand new model, you don't buy something new then file it to make it work
I was lucky enough to work on the real 55024 at Chinnor and Princes Risborough railway. We bought it from Chiltern Railways as a Sandite unit and over the next 3yrs converted it back to passenger service. Needless to say I bought this model with DCC sound from Hattons. I also had issues of derailment just on number one end forward. It was the drivers steps catching on the bogie. A little file sorted it out. Mine goes a lot faster than yours
That's very interesting Jeff - sorry to hear you had this issue too, definitely a bit of a frustration!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Single car DMUs are useful for those with small layouts. It doesn't fit my scenario which is SR in the BR era, but I might be tempted to have a static exhibit on preserved line on a siding. The Dapol Pendolino also has power to both bogies, but the drive shafts on mine have snapped. Spares are non-existent. There is also a tendency to derail on curves with this arrangement, catching on underframe. You might be able to dismantle and insert a washer. Whenever it's cheap from Hatton's there's a reason. I quite like it, like the Dapol Pendolino which could be described as 'an eccentric model'' with a similar mechanism. There's a flywheel inside which can slip. You can tighten it up. Sometimes worked loose in the post. HTH. Thanks for the informative upload.
You're right Allen, thanks very much for all the info,
Cheers,
Sam :)
I had a similar issue with the Arriva Trains Wales version of the model. I returned it to Hattons.
They have a few of these in different liveries at £79 now. I think most people can't really justify spending £130 on a single car dmu. Hattons commissioned quite a few exclusive liveries which they've had in stock for a few years now, most the discounted ones are the exclusives. Guessing they never sold very well?
Not too sure about picking one up, I rarely run DMUs on my layout.
Yeah they do Alex - it's amazing isn't it? Agreed though, £130 does seem a bit steep!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Well Sam i took delivery today,you know what its like getting a box of items from Hattons,its like Christmas and im 7 yrs old again! Anyway i got it out inspected the bogies and they looked slightly different to yours.I put it on my layout it has 2nd radius curves,S bends the lot and guess what it ran perfect! Ive run it in for an hour and its been perfect both ways :)
Ahh phew - great to hear that Michael, hope you enjoy! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I think they have fixed the problem on the more modern engines.
Other videos I seem of the Dapol 121/122 don't have the same running or derailing issues that yours seems to have. For it is a well detailed model and the pulling power allows it to run with other DMUs or pulling a few wagons. Bachmann are currently making a class 121.
They should have done John, if they tested them on 2nd radius - the steps do prevent proper operation!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Excited to see you review this one at at last. I've had a BR green one for about a year and it's fantastic. I've always been a huge fan of steam over diesels but this has got to be my favorite model I've owned to date. A little disappointing to see the issues you had with this one, the one I got I ordered direct from Dapol and had no problems derailing or with motor performance (Dcc fitted out of the box though, if that makes a difference).
Glad to hear you like yours and that yours has no issues! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Cool model! They’ve become popular on heritage railways and with enthusiasts!
Thanks Ryno, they really have! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam
I happen to have this model and contrary to wait you showed in this video, my model didn’t come with any of the problems you showed. The bogeys could turn flawlessly out of the box and the motor is absolutely fine with mine as it is a little bit quicker. I think you should send the model back.
Keep up the great work,
Jason
Glad to hear yours didn't have those issues Jason! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
One thing we don't call them in the UK is 'WINDSHIELDS'! Thank the Lord! Thanks Sam. Stay safe mukka. P.S. I think it is appropriate the unit is having issues on the track because it is a Railtrack inspection unit! Hehehe...
haha, sorry about that!! And I guess you're right there- lol!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Been very tempted on buying one of these as the other versions are only £99 it's a choice between the great western anniversary livery, BR blue or green livery or the chiltern railways livery on which was the final 121 in service.
The fault can be rectified buy using a small file. Issue is more extreme modellers want ultimate detail which can cause more faults making these lovely models for a display but not running all of the time.
Thanks Ben, I can recommend it, but just test it as soon as yo get it! That's a good tip! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains funny thing was Hattons were advertising these on TH-cam at the same time your video came out
You’re right. With everything it has going for it. The power and boggy problem is so disappointing. Detail is great. Thanks for the video.
Yeah you're right John - totally unacceptable really :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey Sam
The livery your 121 is in does NOT make it a 121, it's class is a class 960 (a test train converted from first generation DMU's for weed killer, sandite, and route learning)
Did you know there are plans to build a new Class 22 baby warship?
th-cam.com/video/seSPGK4FlQc/w-d-xo.html
Also, is it possible to convert a tender-driven loco to loco-drive?
Who do you think should narrate Thomas (if they hadn’t jumped the shark with small world big mother f***er and turned the show into a ripoff of itself)? I would like to hear Kenneth Branagh narrate Thomas because his narration in Walking with Dinosaurs is just amazing.
Ooh are there? That's very cool!! :D I don't know to be honest - it's hard to say! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Yes there is. Would you like to support the Project 22?
The steps on the bogie really let this model down. I nearly bought one of these in August, but luckily I didn't. It would break my heart if it keeps derailing!
Yeah I agree Emma - I can't blame you for steering clear of this one!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I think the reason for the missing gap in one of the cabs. Is that some diesels, drivers would take the brake wheel with them and take it to the other cab and insert it there!
haha, I don't think that's true! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
A great model Sam but I would've lost my temper a couple times from the issues. I have a very short fuse. Here in the US we call them "windshield wipers". I do realize different counties use different terms on things. Your models is like a museum. All of that shows off historic locos that was lost or preserved and that is awesome. It is great you show off American locos as we Americans love our trains as well. It is history and it needs to be preserved for future generations. Plus many of those locos are in museums on static display. I think they need to run of heritage lines.
haha thanks mate, I was very close to losing my temper too! Thanks very much for your kind words, much appreciate it! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Your most welcome.
No, its true, on early diesels, including the class 121, they had a removable brake handle ,which you can sometimes see the drivers on the heritage lines, carry around. Apparently it was done to prevent the loco from being driven both ways!
Yeah... but that's not the case with these - according to other photos (and the hole in mine!!) there should be a wheel in both cabs!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam - did the motor ever sort itself out? My son and I are big fans of your videos. Have just ordered this from Rails of Sheffield. Can't wait for it to arrive.
An interesting one Sam, it started off very well, but with so many manufacturing issues, it probably explained why Hatton's were selling it off so cheaply. I have a Hornby single car unit, that I bought a year or so ago, and that has also developed serious problems...Bob
Yeah that is true actually Bob - though still pretty good overall! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hmm interesting! Aren't Bachmann releasing a 121 next year too? So we'll have options from Hornby, Dapol and Bachmann... will be interesting to see how they all stack up against each other!
Ooh are they?! I'll be amazed if Bachmann can do better than Dapol!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam'sTrains I think so. From the samples it looks as though Bachmann has the floor at the right height too, not sure how they’ve managed that one 🤔
the high pulling power would be great for a track cleaning car and would fit the livery well
Yeah you're right!! :D
Dapol seem to be hands down the best at making detailed diesel loco's and DMUs but they also seem to make them for display only and forget we actually like to run them 😂
Yeah you're right there - I don't understand it! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam yes I think its a common problem with these 121/122's my green one had the same problems. Regards Ron @Willenhall Parkway.
Sorry to hear that Ron - can't believe they didn't pick up on these issues!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, you would have seen me at the train show, too, but heath issues and distance would not permit it. I’m still trying to find a volunteer to bring me over ther so I can visit you, Hatton’s, and a vintage railway before I lose everything. Cheers-
Bob Nicholson
Sorry to hear that Bob - hope you're feeling better soon! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Has anyone else found their class 121 has suffered drive shaft failure at the worm drive end. Even the one I took off the second bogie to improve running has split in my spares box!. I tried running it tonight after it has stood in a display case for 18months!
Great video Sam these are great and especially when you add the detail pack it looks amazing
Thanks a lot David, I bet that is true!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, the very same issue with steps fouling is reported in the Everard junction review.
Thanks Nick - I had a feeling it wasn’t just mine, despite what some comments have tried to tell me ;)
Thanks for watching,
Sam
I love the 121s I have the NSE and BR Blue/Grey liveries the run very well on my layout which has a couple of tightish curves. The lights are excellent too.
Thanks a lot mate, glad to hear yours worked better!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
One of my favourite DMU's and I'd love a new dapol unit to replace my old 'Limby' one.. BR green with speed whiskers looks lovely.
Did you know some 121s used to tow the odd single parcels van or milk tanker on some branch lines?
It would be nice if dapol(or another) would produce the trailer unit that some 121s worked with.
Great review as ever, I'm not put off by the niggles, I nearly bought at full rrp when they were new!
Thanks Steve - they are certainly amazing looking models! Yes someone did mention that to me before, I'll have to try it!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
3:20 OKAY lol
That’s the sound of power! :P
haha I know!! :O
They certainly look nice, but I don't think I'll get getting any soon, especially with that step problem. Hopefully Dapol see this video and rectify it.
Cheers mate, I can't blame you - I hope they do too! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I think this is the first review I’ve seen with that much detail, where there were no parts broken off!
Would the floor look deeper/more realistic if they would paint it a matte black?
good and fair review Sam.
Weird about it being over powered like that. Yes, in real life they would haul a wagon or two, in early days this might be a van or syphon on branch trains for milk churn traffic, and that modern(ish) Railtrack version might haul a tool van, but nothing that would require such a model to have that much power. Also in real life they would often run in multiple with other gen 1 DMUs (other bubble cars 110's etc), but in model form reproducing such a train will involve other powered models rather than 'dead' stock, so it does seam like overkill on the power.
Anyway a nice model to look at at least
Jon
PS - I still have that scratch built J70 body around somewhere, stashed in the attic with the rest of my old railway stuff, I'll see ifv I can dig it out at some point and snd you a snap.
Thanks very much Jon, yes it's a pretty odd one - thanks very much for the comment mate,
Cheers,
Sam :)
Having all wheels powered is not required and the bogie problem is annoying . . . .I might hold back from rushing out to buy this one Sam.
That's certainly understandable - it's a strange model for that reason!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hello, I have two of the Dapol 121's not had a problem with 2nd radius curves, perhaps yours is more about quality control rather than a widespread problem . Dapol quality control is a bit random from my experience of other Dapol model's. Great looking model though
It's clearly a design fault, since the steps are definitely fitted correctly. Perhaps the underframe or steps differ between the different versions, but this is a known issue with these!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Let's hope they get it right Sam then when the Dapol class 59 comes out!
Balls Sam! I just purchased one of these today from Hattons for £79,a Welsh Dragon BR version,ive never owned anything Dapol before,please let it be ok,i dont like the idea of chopping bits off it!
haha I hope it's okay for you mate - fingers crossed - keep me posted!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Of course, I mean model railway style. Another four videos have been put up on my channel. Feel free to view all 8 new videos of my Model Railway Winter Wonderland. Whenever you've got time, that is. You can get new ideas from them if you like.
That sounds awesome Kelly - I've looked at a couple already - your winter wonderland looks fantastic! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Looks excellent, but the running issues and the problem on curves are not acceptable. The curves on my track are probably sharper than yours and my double deck twelve-wheel commuter coaches run around with no problem. Personally I would have just sent it back. Oh, and just one more thing. I wonder if there is only supposed to be one wheel in the cab and that the driver has to take it with him when he wants to driver from the other end.
Definitely not accceptable - I'm going to clamp down big time on issues like this next year ;)
In model form, that's exxactly what needs to happen, lol! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Amazing review on the Dapol Class 121 railcar! It’s pretty cool that you got this diesel locomotive for a really good price. I love the details on this railcar especially the pipe work on the bottom of the locomotive. :D
Thanks very much mate - I'm really pleased with this too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains What have you been smoking? Did it say it came with tyres for off-roading, too?
I'm watching this video while building bench work for my first layout, just FYI.
That's amazing - how's it going?! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Pretty good. I've completed a 1.2metre by 2.4metre board in my loft that eventually will form part of a larger layout but which for now is going to be a loop with a small town and some sidings.
The next phase after that is going to be a mountainous region with an incline inspired by the Lickey Incline which I'm calling The Sucky Incline.
Great review sam, I have the network southeast livery version, it's runs exactly same as yours , plus I had to mess around to stop it derailing, for the price im happy with it 👍
That sounds awesome Ciaran, thanks for sharing! :D
Merry Christmas - Sam :)
Loved the video today Sam and what a beautiful locomotive
Thanks James! :D
Ouch, such a nice model, and I'd love to own it just because it does run slow. However, that derailment makes me wonder what is binding in the transmission or if the gauge is sloppy. Either way, this kills the deal.
Thanks Jeffrey - I wouldn't recommend the Dapol ones - I sent this one back in the end! Keep watching - I did get to the bottom of the derailing though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review, wish i'd seen this before I ordered a sound-fitted blue grey one! Worried about the performance issues. Will have to wait and see what turns up.
I'm sure it'll be fine mate - you can easily return it if not! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I have several Dapol locos and some do take time to be run in. That is why all manufacturers say to run locos in either direction at a moderate speed for an hour each way. Judging a loco on how it runs before it is run in, is both misleading and incorrect.
It says £79 in the description but in the link there are £89!
Nope, these are £89, some versions are as low as £79!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Oh wow! I might get one and see what I can do with it!
Thinking of 121s, are you going to look at the Murphys Models CIÉ GM 121 class? I saw it on hattons instagram not too long ago. As you may remeber i had a Murphys Models GM 171 loco and i am amazed at how long it lasted thinking back on it. It had a 'rough' life shall we say 😆😆😆. Im wondering what you think of the engine because it looks beutiful in CIÉ Orange and it would be something that would stick out in your collection as it would be your only Irish and Orange loco in your collection :D
That sounds interesting Spud, I might look into that! Thanks for the tip!
Cheers,
Sam :)
@@SamsTrains your welcome lad :D
Class 121 rated at 70 mph as most other DMUs. . The flexi exhaust and manifold should be silver ex works. The engines were BUT designated altho a handful received Leyland engines. Your DPU (parcels unit) should have Rolls Royce engines and as built were rated at 90 mph. Did you solve the erratic running?
Duly noted David - mine definitely couldn't do a scale speed of 70 out of the box - the running improved slightly after running, but the slow speed returns again when started from cold :/
Happy New Year,
Sam :)
Fair review of a beautiful railcar. Yes, as a bargain with the half of the normal price it is appropriate due to the running issues. It is possible Hatton's reduced the price due to that.
I'm sure it's certainly possible Norbert!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I love these. I have a hornby one which I’m very pleased with. Amazed to learn 2017 saw the last and oldest finally withdrawn! Great trivia. Colne valley railway has one which has been a dependable old thing since I was a very young kid, and to my knowledge they still use it today. Have a lovely Christmas and look forward to the 2020 vids!!! 🎄🎄🎄
Thanks a lot Chris - yes it's a shame the last was withdrawn so recently! :/
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
For the fun of it could you do carriage pull tests on this and every locomotive you test? It would fascinating imo.
That would be very interesting - I'm currently developing a formula which will allow me to calculate the approximate number of coaches an engine can manage! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yes a formula is helpful I was meaning watching it is fun
I view TH-cam on tele, so a few minutes to comment on my tablet. As always, I am in awe of your reviews, reflecting your passion for our hobby. Me being old & wrinkly, Hattons is difficult for me to access since their move, so I am using Rails of Sheffield. Their service is good up to now. If needed I can access them by public transport from Coventry.
Anyway, enough from me.
Best wishes.
Thanks very much for your kind words Philip, I really appreciate that,
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Fundamentally I wouldn't say the steps are an issue with the model per say, as its more a combination of issues in the 00 gauge space, If the steps are fully to spec and as they are on the prototype it makes sense why it wont take 'trainset' curves as the real railway has mostly gentle sweeping curves where bogie swivel is fairly small. It puts Dapol between a rock and a hard place as if they modify the steps then they'll get crucified by the hardcore and if they don't then they'll get similar from the more casual modeller, fortunately/unfortunately the former have far more influence over the manufacturers. One example of how well these work on a model railway with more prototypical curves is Everard Junctions video review and on his canted gentle trackwork they're beautiful to watch... It's a shame we cant turn back time and have 00 be on the correct track width from the start as opposed to H0 track 18.83mm vs 16.5mm and not have these sharp 'trainset' curves.
Also I read a comment about people being in the pockets of manufacturers, I would also disagree with that conclusion. If I were reviewing this on my layout I wouldn't encounter the second radius problem as I'm using Code 75 Finescale track on an end to end setup, so I wouldn't mention it as I wouldn't have seen any derailing from the steps catching.
I'd agree with that, the main issue was that the packaging falsely states that the model is suitable for 2nd radius track. You are right in this case, but I do seem to have a knack for spotting extremely obvious flaws and issues that other reviewers appear to miss, and I assure you that I'm by no means an expert either!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Oh yeah they should've really put min radius as 3rd, as you'd assume they'd have tested it to put that on the box.
Sam, I loved your review of the beautiful 121/122 Railcar. The bogie step miss-design is a pity, also the erratic running problem you had with it was a pain. Did it get any better or, did you solve the problem. As a by-the-by, DMU stands for Diesel "Multiple" Unit, so I have always wondered why they call the "Bubble" cars a DMU. They are surely Single Unit Diesel Railcars, any ideas. Good video ! Regards, Alan.
Thanks very much Alan, yes it certainly was a pity about the performance. Currently the issue still stands, but I'll continue to run and test it!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The diesel railway car looks like Daisy of Thomas and friends. A nice looking locomotive and price. I thought about asking you to boxing video about GWR rail motor.
haha yeah it does!! That would be great too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
9:29 - I pick my nose to the bogey detail mate with pride! A great loco mate & fantastic review! 89 quid from Hattons is very good for such a quality model!👍🚂🚃🚃🚃🚄🚅🚉🍺😁👍
I revise my thoughts on this loco due to the green bogey issues mate & derailment on 3rd radius curves! A great review & good the way you exposed the flaws!
I revise my review on this model, due to green bogey issues & derailment on 3rd radius curves! Great review from you in exposing the flaws mate! You always do a great job there!😁👍
I revise my views on this loco with it's irregular shaped green bogey derailments round 3rd radius curves! A great review from you in exposing the flaws of the loco as well as the good points!😁👍
haha thanks for the comments mate, appreciate it! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Very nice Locomotive, shame about the problem with the steps. I own an N Gauge One & they don't seem to have any problems with the steps. Its odd really as the N Gauge model is just a shrunk down version of this model, keep up the good reviews.
Yeah - very annoying with that... I don't have this any more - the mechanism packed up, I got it replaced... same problem... won't touch these now sadly! :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The n gauge one slows down on all corners even 4th or flexitrack curves bigger than 4th slow it down, apart from that n gauge one, top noch
I always seem to watch respective videos in retrospect and find out that there are some weaknesses to a model. E.g. I bought a Dapol 121 approximately two weeks ago only to find confirmed now that the bogie arrangement apparently is not ideal. The same thing was mentioned in one other video I watched. Well, would it stop me from buying that stuff? Probably not.
Also one other thing just springs to mind regarding the top speed of this model: Has maybe too much grease been applied by the factory? So when it warms up it allows the model to go quicker and after some time when the railcar is not being used the grease cools down and is less flexible. Just an idea. This apparently happened with some Heljan models. Maybe also others but I have not read anything about those.
Sorry to hear that mate - I can't understand how they couldn't detect and prevent such an obvious issue! Too much grease could have done it - but it can't be fixed without opening up the motor :/
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Interesting one, I'm not the biggest fan of bubble cars, but they are OK. I prefer steam! Who doesn't! It's a shame you have to modify it, but at least it now works. Well done great video 👍
haha that's fair enough George - I prefer steam too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, a good price. As usual great packaging by Dapol, and great Diesel. Crazy price. It is a good model.
Thanks a lot Nigel - yes overall these are excellent! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Before commenting here I thought that I would look at some other reviews of this model to see if others are having just as much bad luck. Many of your observations were also pointed out by EverardJunction in particular the steps. He said although they weren't a problem for him, he could see a major issue for many with less than even track or tight curves, so the fact that Dapol say it'll run on 2nd radius is questionable. He also had running issues to start with on both of his models but they seemed to get better after running in, in one case running whilst following a track cleaner. Yours did seem to run better out of the box if appearing a bit slow. Every other reviewer I looked at ran the models on DCC so don't know whether that makes a difference or not but it worth a try as the lighting control is a marvel. I will say your model does have at least one fault in that the control wheel in the cab is missing as there should be one both ends.
Thanks a lot for this Rob - glad to hear others came to similar conclusions about these!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Yeah I find it unrealistic that the floor that is inside the locomotive is way up high rather than being centered and leveled with when you’re entering inside by the doors.
Absolutely - quite noticeable that!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I really like this model I have always liked train carriages especially them old British railway overhead electric 3 DMU units the blue ones u will properly know which ones I am on about Sam I use too go out on train journeys around greater Manchester areas wen I was about 13 years old back in the day the good old nineties one of the best decade's, we use to pay £1 for a railranger and u could use the ticket from 6 in the morning till midnite , anyway same top video bruvv godbless you,
I doubt it was intentional, sounds almost like the engineers behind it got excited and then didn't notice the issues with the steps and didn't stop to think is it nessicary to have all wheel drive.
Or the details were done sperate to the mechanics and they were never checked to see if they caused issues. (Steps)
haha of course - I didn't believe they'd done it on purpose, though proper testing could have saved the day!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
great video sam seems that the detailing is good but those steps in the way! I suppose that dapol will fix that in the future but it is a pane though isn't it
Yeah you're right - should have been addressed during production!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains thank you sam
You run on DC right? I have 2 of these. I ran them on DC initially and they were jerky and funny speeds using an extremely cheap Hornby controller. Put decoder in one different animal. Super smooth crawl on a sixpence. Not had the bogie step issue with mine and I’ve got R607 curves on the test track. That’s a quality control issue and I would have wanted either efficient replacement or refund. Dapol has had its problems i.e wiring issues with class 73 with PCB upside down , cab windows falling out class 22 etc. . I’ve had issues with at least one loco from Bachmann or Heljan (class 07 & 14) both terrible runners and on DCC! Hornby are the worst when it comes to quality control tho. You can wind up spending thousands and it’s not good enough they have to last for these prices as it’s an expensive hobby nowadays. Rant over keep up the good work.
Yes this is on DC, but all of my other models are perfectly smooth, since I use a quality gaugemaster controller - it would be interesting to chip this to see if it improved!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words - Sam :)
I went on one of those Chiltern ones a few days before they went out of service!
Very nice! What were they like?! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, always enjoy watching the interesting models that you review. I very much appreciate the time and dedication you invest in making and sharing these excellent videos. Just wondering if you have any of Hornby's Llanfair PG Open Wagons (ie R6603) that might look good after a Welsh locomotive. Cheerio from PEI, Canada.
Thanks a lot Timothy, you're very kind! I don't have any of those - but they would be great! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It would be interesting if they also made a 121 trailer car.
Seconded - I've just commented the same
.
I'd love that!! :D
Hey Sam, I hope you are feeling much better? :) :) :) I think I am going to order the BR blue version and see if it will have the same issues and I'll let you know. I think the odd locomotive out is the GWR Autocoach maybe
Thanks Colin, yes I'm getting there thanks mate - do let me know! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Will you try to get the limited addition 50th America flying scotsman tour model to review it
Sadly I'd never recommend that one - the gold makes it very expensive and impossible to run without causing damage! :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Was wondering, looking at the boggies, might they have been installed the wrong way round? The boggie at the opposite end to all the detail have only 1 set of steps, maybe that one should have been installed next to the underside details so the missing steps didn't catch
Yeah I noticed that too - it's certainly possible!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Nice review Sam, I have got one of these in BR blue...the performance of mine is weird as well but I’ve noticed the more I’ve ran it the more the running improves, but it does take a while to get going to just over half speed say. It’s a good model but I agree the performance is odd...cheers Ryan
Thanks Ryan - that is interesting, I'll keep mine running and see if it improves!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
HI Sam any further update on this model given it is £79 at Rails
Get well soon Sam lol love the dapol 121 bubble car
Cheers Matt! So do I! :D
Nice model Sam only the r2 problem is a litle shame.
Cheers Marco, yeah that was a shame :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I've got an arriver trains Wales one coming for Christmas
Fantastic! Hope you enjoy it mate! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
So I got one of these for my birthday and I have a few things to say about it. Mine has the motor issue but only takes about 1 min to speed up and has no speed fluctuations. Mine also has the step issue but far less extreme than yours. If the bogey is level then it clears the detail fine. However it catches if it is pitched back towards the detail and then it does catch but not enough to fully stop the bogey from rotating (Everad Junction's video on the model shows the more minor bogey issue).
What i am wondering is if you got a slightly older batch and the later batches have the problems slightly rectified?
Ahh interesting - thanks for sharing this - and sorry to hear you're seeing issues too! That could be the case - I'm not sure whether they were altered over time or not!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
great video sam:D seems that the detailing is good but those steps are in the way! I suppose that dapol will fix that in the future but it is a pane though isn't it
Thanks a lot Bee! :D
It’s a shame that the performance lets it down when it keeps derailing on curves and yes I know it’s not your layout that’s the problem since you have a ton of locomotives that will do fine on your layout without derailing. It would be the locomotive itself that has a problem.
Yeah definitely a shame - not very impressive at all!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)