A truly lovely item. Revolution are producing some stunning items and not just in OO. The price is indeed relevant to the research and possible sales, and I for one hope they keep producing such items. Your review I thought very fair and I wonder if Revolution and others might not consider sending YOU an example of each item prior to full manufacture. Thanks Dave, enjoyed the review. Cheers, Bob
Hi, cheers Bob. I always try to be fair and balanced in all my reviews, regardless of manufacturer or type of loco/rolling stock. I avoid rants and impolitely savaging a model. I’ve yet to come across the perfect model…it doesn’t exist. But I like to think I try to get a spread of info, backed up by technical data if it’s available. Cheers. Dave
Yes the ride height with or without the shims is overscale and the electronics are a dogs breakfast especially with what suitable decoder to use to get the lights to work properly in a prototypical manner which is heavily talked about on forums and to an extent where someone has completely revised the PCB, for me Revolution Trains near silence on the matter speaks volumes and get the impression they want the subject to just go away because basically they got it wrong. For the price, the Saloon should have been pre-fitted with a DCC Decoder and all lights controllable as per prototype in both directions...but yes you cannot un-see that ride height. Very good, honest review.
That opening scene was lovely. Do you think you could extend into the neighbours loft to do a scene like that, a nice highlands(?) single track? I'm not qualified to comment on the model, but it looks good from here.
Great review Dave. This is truly a wonderful model, yes as you say it’s nearly the price of a loco, most of us will only ever need one example on our layouts. I missed out on the NR green version & had to settle for the BR blue one. It’s very impressive & the colours applied are very good indeed, the detailing is impressive inside & out. Personally I have installed a Train-0-Matic decoder & all the lighting functions work, so that’s a plus. Like you I have removed the shims from between the bogies to slightly lower the ride height. The big issue unfortunately has been the lights flickering even at the slowest speed (on clean track & with the model parts cleaned too)….very disappointed for a premium priced item. There seems to be various solutions out there, including soldering fine wire between pickups & the connecting tabs, adding extra weight etc - I’m planning to add a “stay alive” unit to the coach, which I’m hoping will resolve the issues. Overall I’m very pleased, if not tinged with a slight disappointment that Revolution have clearly got a few QC problems. If the stay alive doesn’t solve the issues I will be getting in touch to see if Revolution can offer any help. Cheers Dave
Great review here Dave, it’s definitely a nice coach and certainly great detail on it, I currently don’t have any revolution trains items but I do have in order one of the class 180 units that they are doing and to be honest seeing the effort that they have gone to with this inspection saloon it certainly makes me confident for the 180 that I currently have on order, it is a model I would consider getting if any more are made or become available in the future, looked great going round with the colas 37, overall a great video on a really nice model here Dave.
Was hoping for a Dean Park video 👍. Looks like a great model. I was late to the party and was unable to get one on pre-order. Ive just bought the Bachmann intercity version had it weathered and looks great. Doesn’t have the same level of detail as this. But was a lot cheaper and I’ve splashed out quite a lot lately on my layout so happy all the same 👍. Great video as always
Yeah it’s been a few weeks, but I’ve been busy on the layout and now this warm spell of weather is here…it’s hard to stay inside! I’ve splashed out a lot lately too. It’s never ending 😆
Seeing as I’ve bought the older Bachmann saloon. Think I’ll have to stick with that. Not sure my wallet or my wife could take anymore boxes from the postman 😳😬
It really falls into a similar category as the rails/rapido lner dynamometer car in that it would be a big risk to over produce and so many details that increase the BOM and manufacture costs on what is always going to be a niche item for most people. As a premium item though there are perhaps some lessons revolutions can learn if they do any further batches later on.
From your review the things I got were firstly off layout impressive no doubt however as soon as it was on layout I felt it was slightly over scale. I put this down to the narrow build however when you mentioned the bogie gap it all made sense as a combination of both. The only other issues I had were the brightness of the interior lights, given the amount of glazing and the prism effect is very noticeable on this model. Other than that just the wonky bits which is meh but I think if I were to buy this model it would end up being more of a display on layout thing rather than regularly used and so the price tag rules it out for me.
Yeah the inside lights were totally fine when my loft lights were on, but through the lens of The camera everything appears brighter, so at night it doesn’t look so bad in real life compared to the camera.
Tis a great looking model. I dont think but its possible to have the tail lights on because the pcb is using F0for and F0rev to drive directional control of the tail lights and the tunnel lights, avoiding what would otherwise require an 8 function decoder. For instance the tunnel lights only work if the marker lights are on. I think you would have to modify the pcb or disconnect the markers at one end. Its basically set up for push mode only. Still a superb model, ive already lost one wheel guard on mine though!
@@DeanParkI’ve just read on another YT video, that after originally fitting a 6 function decoder, he contacted Revolution Trains who informed him Caroline is set up to operate on a 4 function decoder. Subsequently, he intends to use a Laisdcc decoder.
Hi I did one there at the end. But the camera wants to try and lighten everything and it ends up making it look a bit fuzzy. I’ll have to see if there is anything I can do to make it better
looks great, but i stopped at 4:13 when you said £159, sorry but that is just silly money for a coach and ill be in the mental asylum before i pay that, all the best and i hope to win the lottery to stay in the hobby if this is the future.🙃😦
If you’d watched on you might have started to see where some of the money went. And I did say in my verdict my thoughts on the cost. I agree it is expensive. But so is paying £300 for a loco with sound. Plus, have you seen the price of everything else just now, it’s madness. This hobby is increasing prices like everyone else unfortunately.
I wish someone would make a less detailed version at half the price, I don't get the obsession with super accurate detailing unless its a static model. There's not one model railway layout on earth that would pass for real life in terms of scenery and scale so why be so obsessed on rolling stock and locos to be so accurate. Your layout is fantastic but it looks nothing like the real railway and the sounds don't come close to real sounds. Why place so much emphasis on super detailed rolling stock and locos when the rest of most modellers layouts are miles away from real life. Plus I've seen 'Caroline' loads of times in the flesh and it's never looked this clean. Great static model, waste of money for a usable layout model.
When companies like Hornby do produce affordable less detailed stuff modellers pan them for it! So it’s hard to please the hobby. I do think there is a limit to what detail we need v the price. Yes, most layouts won’t have great scenic stuff and therefore why bother with such fantastic details on the loco etc. My layout looks as real as I can get it with the materials available. But no layout looks real, of course it doesn’t. Walls in real life aren’t made from mdf and plastic for a start. Sound… you are limited by the quality of the microphone and the area in which you are operating. It’s not going to sound 100% real. But it always sounds much better in person and not on camera. The hobby is currently in sone kind of detail arms race. And I think sone modellers are losing site of what it’s all about.
Shades of Rapido for detail etc.. 159 quid for a coach, coach height could be distance between bogies & chassis, like in some Bachmann Mk1 coaches with different bogies...
A truly lovely item. Revolution are producing some stunning items and not just in OO. The price is indeed relevant to the research and possible sales, and I for one hope they keep producing such items. Your review I thought very fair and I wonder if Revolution and others might not consider sending YOU an example of each item prior to full manufacture.
Thanks Dave, enjoyed the review. Cheers, Bob
Hi, cheers Bob. I always try to be fair and balanced in all my reviews, regardless of manufacturer or type of loco/rolling stock. I avoid rants and impolitely savaging a model. I’ve yet to come across the perfect model…it doesn’t exist. But I like to think I try to get a spread of info, backed up by technical data if it’s available. Cheers. Dave
Yes the ride height with or without the shims is overscale and the electronics are a dogs breakfast especially with what suitable decoder to use to get the lights to work properly in a prototypical manner which is heavily talked about on forums and to an extent where someone has completely revised the PCB, for me Revolution Trains near silence on the matter speaks volumes and get the impression they want the subject to just go away because basically they got it wrong.
For the price, the Saloon should have been pre-fitted with a DCC Decoder and all lights controllable as per prototype in both directions...but yes you cannot un-see that ride height.
Very good, honest review.
A 'great under close inspection' Dave!! Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers Onno.
That opening scene was lovely. Do you think you could extend into the neighbours loft to do a scene like that, a nice highlands(?) single track? I'm not qualified to comment on the model, but it looks good from here.
Haha. I’m in a detached house, so I’d need a long and high viaduct. But my neighbour watches my channel so you never know 😆
A viaduct sounds like a great solution, and you gain a garden railway at the same time!
Great review Dave.
This is truly a wonderful model, yes as you say it’s nearly the price of a loco, most of us will only ever need one example on our layouts.
I missed out on the NR green version & had to settle for the BR blue one. It’s very impressive & the colours applied are very good indeed, the detailing is impressive inside & out.
Personally I have installed a Train-0-Matic decoder & all the lighting functions work, so that’s a plus. Like you I have removed the shims from between the bogies to slightly lower the ride height.
The big issue unfortunately has been the lights flickering even at the slowest speed (on clean track & with the model parts cleaned too)….very disappointed for a premium priced item.
There seems to be various solutions out there, including soldering fine wire between pickups & the connecting tabs, adding extra weight etc - I’m planning to add a “stay alive” unit to the coach, which I’m hoping will resolve the issues.
Overall I’m very pleased, if not tinged with a slight disappointment that Revolution have clearly got a few QC problems.
If the stay alive doesn’t solve the issues I will be getting in touch to see if Revolution can offer any help.
Cheers Dave
Well balanced and accurate. Thank you!
Cheers.
Love the great amount of detail 🙂
Great review here Dave, it’s definitely a nice coach and certainly great detail on it, I currently don’t have any revolution trains items but I do have in order one of the class 180 units that they are doing and to be honest seeing the effort that they have gone to with this inspection saloon it certainly makes me confident for the 180 that I currently have on order, it is a model I would consider getting if any more are made or become available in the future, looked great going round with the colas 37, overall a great video on a really nice model here Dave.
Cheers, glad you liked it. I have the TUA wagons from revolution as well, and I really like them. They do sone good stuff.
Was hoping for a Dean Park video 👍. Looks like a great model. I was late to the party and was unable to get one on pre-order. Ive just bought the Bachmann intercity version had it weathered and looks great. Doesn’t have the same level of detail as this. But was a lot cheaper and I’ve splashed out quite a lot lately on my layout so happy all the same 👍. Great video as always
Rainbow Railways have stock of you want one.
Yeah they have a limited Ed varidian green one.
Yeah it’s been a few weeks, but I’ve been busy on the layout and now this warm spell of weather is here…it’s hard to stay inside! I’ve splashed out a lot lately too. It’s never ending 😆
Seeing as I’ve bought the older Bachmann saloon. Think I’ll have to stick with that. Not sure my wallet or my wife could take anymore boxes from the postman 😳😬
Brilliant video Dean Park Station
Great video, Dave. Thanks.
The price of this is mental. An extremely premium product + the decoder! Great if you can though 👍🏻
Thanks. Aye it was £20 cheaper if you ordered it on a early bird pre order, which helps. But it’s niche and premium.,
It really falls into a similar category as the rails/rapido lner dynamometer car in that it would be a big risk to over produce and so many details that increase the BOM and manufacture costs on what is always going to be a niche item for most people.
As a premium item though there are perhaps some lessons revolutions can learn if they do any further batches later on.
From your review the things I got were firstly off layout impressive no doubt however as soon as it was on layout I felt it was slightly over scale. I put this down to the narrow build however when you mentioned the bogie gap it all made sense as a combination of both. The only other issues I had were the brightness of the interior lights, given the amount of glazing and the prism effect is very noticeable on this model. Other than that just the wonky bits which is meh but I think if I were to buy this model it would end up being more of a display on layout thing rather than regularly used and so the price tag rules it out for me.
Yeah the inside lights were totally fine when my loft lights were on, but through the lens of The camera everything appears brighter, so at night it doesn’t look so bad in real life compared to the camera.
Tis a great looking model. I dont think but its possible to have the tail lights on because the pcb is using F0for and F0rev to drive directional control of the tail lights and the tunnel lights, avoiding what would otherwise require an 8 function decoder. For instance the tunnel lights only work if the marker lights are on. I think you would have to modify the pcb or disconnect the markers at one end. Its basically set up for push mode only. Still a superb model, ive already lost one wheel guard on mine though!
That’s an interesting take on it. Maybe we will see those mods made by revolution on future models of this vehicle to allow full lighting.
The lighting functions on a £170 coach is unacceptable, as is the ride height, I own this model and love it but the above two issues should not exist.
I thought the light was perhaps the decoder. But I’m guessing not.
@@DeanParkI’ve just read on another YT video, that after originally fitting a 6 function decoder, he contacted Revolution Trains who informed him Caroline is set up to operate on a 4 function decoder. Subsequently, he intends to use a Laisdcc decoder.
Great review :) Could you do some "night" shots with this though Dave ? Love to see this in the "dark".
Hi I did one there at the end. But the camera wants to try and lighten everything and it ends up making it look a bit fuzzy. I’ll have to see if there is anything I can do to make it better
It really looks fantastic in your night scene.
I only wish the camera would perform better in the dark as it would be great to film so much more in the dark.
@@DeanPark Outside my expertise for sure, but your footage looks better than most, my friend.
looks great, but i stopped at 4:13 when you said £159, sorry but that is just silly money for a coach and ill be in the mental asylum before i pay that, all the best and i hope to win the lottery to stay in the hobby if this is the future.🙃😦
If you’d watched on you might have started to see where some of the money went. And I did say in my verdict my thoughts on the cost. I agree it is expensive. But so is paying £300 for a loco with sound. Plus, have you seen the price of everything else just now, it’s madness. This hobby is increasing prices like everyone else unfortunately.
Doesn't look that different from the emu route learning saloon. We drove them all over the place on network southeast when route learning in1980s/90s.
Hi
Could i ask which decoder you used for the lighting in the coach many thanks
I used a dapol imperium.
@@DeanPark
Thank you very much for the information
(In my opinion) this is an example of when a model is far more interesting and attractive - and covetable! - than the real thing.
Good video
It costs HOW MUCH!?
👍🚂🚞🚞🚞
I wish someone would make a less detailed version at half the price, I don't get the obsession with super accurate detailing unless its a static model. There's not one model railway layout on earth that would pass for real life in terms of scenery and scale so why be so obsessed on rolling stock and locos to be so accurate. Your layout is fantastic but it looks nothing like the real railway and the sounds don't come close to real sounds. Why place so much emphasis on super detailed rolling stock and locos when the rest of most modellers layouts are miles away from real life. Plus I've seen 'Caroline' loads of times in the flesh and it's never looked this clean. Great static model, waste of money for a usable layout model.
When companies like Hornby do produce affordable less detailed stuff modellers pan them for it! So it’s hard to please the hobby.
I do think there is a limit to what detail we need v the price.
Yes, most layouts won’t have great scenic stuff and therefore why bother with such fantastic details on the loco etc.
My layout looks as real as I can get it with the materials available. But no layout looks real, of course it doesn’t. Walls in real life aren’t made from mdf and plastic for a start.
Sound… you are limited by the quality of the microphone and the area in which you are operating. It’s not going to sound 100% real. But it always sounds much better in person and not on camera.
The hobby is currently in sone kind of detail arms race. And I think sone modellers are losing site of what it’s all about.
Nothing to consider. All sold out lol
T4U in Perterborough have a few.
@@tulyar1043 no brunswick ones
Rainbow Railways
@@Chauglington_Station Must have sold the last three on last thursday then.
Shades of Rapido for detail etc.. 159 quid for a coach, coach height could be distance between bogies & chassis, like in some Bachmann Mk1 coaches with different bogies...