[Oakydoke]

Ravenser has made very good points.
It may be encouraging that ViTrains current output seems to be of reasonable quality.
Hopefully someone can confirm whether this is the case or not?

My recollection is a bit fuzzy now, but if I remember correctly the all-new Bachmann 37 will have all wheel drive, all wheel pick-up, full working lights (possibly independently switched tail lights via DCC), cab lights and other enhancements.
As I say, I can't quite remember the bits and pieces of info that Bachmann have let out so far.

I have a feeling that the ViTrains model will not come up to the standard of the Bachmann version.

Maybe they should have chosen something else not covered by the latest standard of build quality (HST, 40, 59, 86, 87, 90 or Multiple Unit)?

 

[Oakydoke]

QUOTE (Gary @ 6 Feb 2007, 08:03) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Duplication is common in European markets. Its something that European manufacturers live with. Its called competition. Why are we as customers (and even manufacturers?) so sensitive to duplication in the UK market?

Surely competition is healthy.

Happy modelling
Gary
I agree totally that competition is good for the hobby.
I also believe that there is room for two class 37's, as this is a popular prototype with modellers, widespread and long lasting.
In this case it's not the duplication that's the issue, but the prospect of going head to head with the new Bachmann 37, aimed to be the best one yet?. Bachmann have stated they are improving the drive train and including all-wheel-drive and pick-ups. I expect they will mostly deliver on their promises.
ViTrains couldn't have chosen a harder competitor.

Good luck to them anyway.

 

[Oakydoke]

QUOTE (spongebob @ 1 Mar 2007, 19:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Also is that right on the ebay listing about 37414 also being limited production? or is it just a selling ploy? I was under the impression the other one and one as yet unreleased were the 2 limited ones.
They're all limited production runs of varying degrees, so in a sense they could all be classified as limited editions?

 

[Oakydoke]

QUOTE (Gary @ 1 Mar 2007, 19:41) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>A quote from one of the infamous sellers:-
I wonder what Bachmann would make of that comparison?

And I wonder what ViTrains would make of that comparison?

Strange but I suspect both companies would feel a little insulted!

Happy modelling
Gary
Well that says "Not as good as the Bachmann model", doesn't it?

 

[Oakydoke]

Posted today on uk.rec.models.rail from John Turner of 53A Models, Hull.

"We've just had the first delivery of these new Italian ViTrains class 37/4
diesel loco models from the UK distributors, and every single loco received
has damaged horns. The problem must be widespread as the distributors were
already aware of this problem and claim that replacement horns are on their
way from Italy. Other locos also had additional faults, one had a sprung
buffer missing, and another had one bonnet end insecurely fitted.

Apart from those niggling aspects, the locos run quite well especially at
low speed, but it's such a shame that ViTrains felt the need to add traction
tyres to what is a heavy model.

The quality of finish is quite good - apart from the pre-coloured plastic
finish yellow ends. The latter, unfortunately, very much gives them an
'upgraded' Lima look. I'm also not quite convinced that the cab front
windows are quite right, but I can't put my finger on what is wrong.

Not the most auspicious start from a company wishing to make an impact on
the UK market, and the recommendation must be to check each model carefully
before buying".

So there we have it (so far)!

Body coloured plastic ends (a'la Lima), poor build quality, bits missing or broken and traction tyres.

No doubt there will be further comment about the look of the cab windscreen, over sharp tumblehome and the body riding too high on the bogies?

Any good news?

 

[Oakydoke]

That yellow plastic end is just so awful! Surely a re-paint is needed.
The buffers are also terrible, cheap and nasty looking, too small and set too low (as on the mk2 Bachmann model). Replacements can be used though, mounted a little higher with something behind them, other than the fresh air on the supplied model !

As far as I can see, no 4mm RTR model 37 has captured the look of the actual 12"/ft prototypes windscreen, but this ViTrains model comes fairly close.

The general problem seems to be the 3 individual windows, where the thickness of the glazing material is difficult to hide. This also makes the windows look too small.
The windscreen pillars are always much too thick, whereas the prototype is virtually flush right across.

I would have thought a better solution would be to use a single piece of glazing for all three panes (moulded accordingly) with a either a very thin etched frame over the top, or high quality printed window frames and surrounds?

Look at pictures of the prototype to see what I mean.

Here are a couple of links.

Class 37
Another class 37
and another !

 

[Oakydoke]

Yes it does look a bit "skinny" above the windows, but not by a huge amount. (see the link above to 53A's photo site - class 37 ). In all honesty I'm judging this from photos as I haven't seen the ViTrains model in the flesh, so to speak.

The frame thickness I was referring to, is with regard to depth, both outside and visible inside.
The same problem afficts a lot of D&E models where the windscreen is not quite right.