[PeterMC]

Hi All

Just a further update. I received my Merchant Navy TTS back from the dealer (who had returned it to Hornby about two weeks ago). It had
some parts missing which the dealer said he would put right. Anyway before he did this he asked me to check it was working correctly with
my ECoS controller. This I did and yes! it all works correctly now in both orientations. Well done Hornby!! I then returned it to the dealer for the detail
repairs. I was told this week that the dealer could not complete the repairs as some parts had been lost. The models is therefore back with Hornby
again. ugggh!

With regard the other two TTS locos returned to Hornby with the same issue two months ago, I contacted Hornby yesterday to be told that they
are still working on the Class 31 decoder reprogramming with no mention of a time scale. There was also no mention of the situation regarding my
Virgin 125 TTS and I await a reply regarding this.

As you can imagine my patients is starting to wain somewhat.

I will update this thread when I have more info

- Peter

 

[PeterMC]

Hi, All

Just to tie up all the lose ends on this topic. All my locos were eventually returned to me by Hornby with re programmed TTS decoders and
now work fine when pointing in any direction. Hornby further advised me that all future iterations of these TTS decoders and any future new ones
would all contain the new programming to make them compatible with ESU and other controllers. Any issues with current TTS decoders
would be resolved by contacting Hornby with a view to returning them for re programming. So well done Hornby!

Peter

 

[reddo]

Congratulations on your perserverance Peter. Having worked in an industry (at factory level) for some 30 years involving this type of issue, it would be good (if not done so) if Hornby could issue a Technical Bulletin to all their dealers with details of the TTS decoders that are affected eg provide a serial # before which decoders or locos should be returned,

In observing how Hornby lost parts of your loco, there should also be an option for clients / dealers to simply return the decoders and not the complete loco ie if the owner doesnt have the dexterity to remove it, the dealer can do it. It would also save on postage.

In conclusion, have you re-instated your Class 37 & 47 decoder orders on the basis that Hornby can guarantee these will have the software updates / no conflict issues

Appreciate you sharing this information

 

[PeterMC]

Hi Reddo

Thanks for your reply. Yes I agree with regard to a technical bulletin but to my knowledge my local dealer received no such information. I noticed Hornby has however issued a small statement on their web site advising anyone with issues with their TTS decoders, such as I had, to contact them for further advice.

Since I posted this issues last year I have noticed a lot of bad vibes from many within the model railway community with regard to Hornby's TTS decoders. I think much of it is unfair. A bit like the 'Design clever' period. Yes its a cheap version of a sound decoder however if we want new, affordable locos etc. I feel we should embrace this innovation. Yes there have been initial issues but rather than tell me 'Well, you should be using a Hornby controller' Hornby stuck by their product and eventually resolved the issue, for me at least. I hope Hornby will continue to seek more affordable ways for us to enjoy our hobby as the price increases we have witnessed over the past few years I believe will start to put many off the hobby.