[Ron2]

Hi St Martin

After 5 years with N gauge I have formed the opinion that N is high maintenance though new loco,s straight out of the box "should" have no faults and have passed a QC inspection/test.

I started with second hand loco,s all Farish, not too good on the detail front but they all ran well and except for a 57XX have been reliable.

My first new loco was a Dapol 57XX, nice detail and the sweetest of runners BUT over the last month it is becoming rough despite been clean and lubricated.

The next two new buys was a Dapol 38XX and an Ixion GWR Hinton Manor, both have lovely detail and are really sweet runners. However like you both of these suffered from broken tender to loco feed wires, not from new but after a few weeks. I replaced the wires with heavier cable, still very small wire but nothing as thread thin as the original. It was almost a microscope job doing the repair, but both engines are running fine and fingers crossed they will stay that way.

Then second hand again, a Farish 4F and a GWR King both are a tad noisy (as most older Farish seem to be) but nice runners.

The latest have been another Dapol 57XX and a Dapol Class 52 Western. They are two months old and the 57 is still very good but the Western only lasted a month when it suddenly stopped running. Sent it back to DCC Supplies (the Dapol agent) and they said a solder joint to the motor had broken, they fixed it and it is back running as good as new.

It does raise the question how much inspection and testing (if any) does the production go through, probably one picked out at random every now and then.

I must admit that when I order a new loco I am nervous with what I receive, is it ok, is it complete, will it run well etc and that should never be the case when you are buying new.

It would be interesting to know if the 00 boys have suffered any of these problems.

Ron

 

[Ron2]

You really are not having much luck with loco,s...

I have had one or two things here and there like the tender to loco wires plus the odd bit of detail falling off but nothing like the issues you have suffered.

Have you thought of sending them to DCC Supplies for repair, even if they are out of warranty DCC still offer a repair service at not too high a cost. My experience of DCC Supplies work and service has been excellent.

Its just a thought, it seems crazy that you are having to sell otherwise good loco,s for spares.

Also have you spoken to Dapol UK telling them of all the issues and how fed up you are with their products...?

Ron