When people question Russell about his loyalty to Hornby, we must remember that loyalty has to be earned.
I would dearly like to make a complimentary remark, but from my recent experience it is very difficult.
I was caught up at the beginning of the year by fatally buying a 'DCC Goods Set'. The experience was not good, and very nearly put me off DCC for life.
Luckily I managed to recover after three months, and purchased a proper DCC unit, a Prodigy Advance controller.
The Hornby gear went back.
Three months ago, I purchased a 'Battle of Britain' loco as my first 'steamer'. It ran for a while, then burnt out a Lenz chip. On removing the body, I noticed that the boiler was split at the end. So that went back.
Yesterday, I purchased an A3 Windsor Lad. On putting it on the DC run-in track, it started and then stopped. I tried two or three times, and then the power supply cut out.
I took the loco of the track, and inspected underneath. On turning it back over, I gave it a shake, and two pieces of plastic fell out. - one long and very thin, and the other about 5mmx8mm.
I put the loco back on the track, and it ran perfectly.
The other loco was a R2502 'Overton Grange'. It refused to move on the track unless the full voltage was applied, then it only moved slightly.
I took the body off and tried to run it, but the only thing to happen was the motor getting hot. So that has been returned.
I have ordered another which will be here tomorrow, as they have been reduced by Hobby craft. Their Cheltenham branch does mail order, and are very helpful.
The only item that I can say that I have been happy with is the Railroad range 'Flying Scotsman'. That has been fitted with a Lenz chip and is running extremely well.
So, as the old saying goes 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating'.
A Happy New Year to you all, and happy modelling for 2008.
Alan