....again I agree with all what has been said above. I purchased a Bachman Jinty with fitted decoder but when I realised that basic decoders were being used I
e:mailed my LHS to cancel my orders for subsequent decoder-fitted locos (including the sound versions)
My
e:mail was forwarded by my LHS to Bachmann where, to put it mildly, it ruffled a few feathers. The outcome of it was that Bachmann knew what I thought of the basic decoders but they assured my LHS that the sound-equipped locos would be fitted with top-of-the range decoders. Since then I have purchased the sound-equipped Cl.66 and Cl.20 and, as yet, have no complaints.
As regards Hornby, I won't be pre-ordering any new Hornby locos until I know what has been fitted in them, and even then, probably won't be buying any, as Hornby so far has not given any indication as to whether they will be producing sound-equipped locos. I will let my LHS know my intentions so hopefully the message will get to Hornby just as it did to Bachmann.
So may I suggest that as many of us do what I have done. Make your views known to your LHS (assuming you buy from a LHS!!) who, hopefully, will get the message to the manufacturers.