QUOTE (Doug @ 25 Jan 2008, 23:03)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>So they are complaining about the loco tender gap and a lack of directional lighting.
Well, we've heard about the gap problem, Hornby locos are designed for tight radius curves. Lights on a steam loco are new and to expect directional buffer lamps is quite a lot.
Doug,
continental steam engines usually have a close coupling cinematic between engine and tender to allow it to negotiate tight curves. Lights on steam locos are not at all new on continental engines (maybe because the prototypes were all equipped with headlights, unlike afaik UK outline steam engines), and directional lighting is nothing special over here on steam engines. The latest fad are DCC controlled, seperately controlled front and rear lights in white/red/no light. Hope they didn´t use yellow LEDs.
Nonetheless, it appears to be a neat model. The prominent gap may make it a no-go for me, but I´d want to see the model in person first. Maybe it´s not so bad after all.
EDIT: Baykal, 5-pole motor, 21 pin DCC interface. Makes the directional light issue even less understandable, should it turn out to be true. btw, could it be that the class 58 has a special place in any Turkish railroad enthusiast´s heart...?