The Hattons Class 66, the problems I found and why I returned mine for a refund
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2020
- Covers the issues I encountered with the Hattons Class 66 Freightliner model I received recently and the rationale as to why I chose to get a refund rather than a replacement unit.
A lot of viewers have provided comments on their experiences so please check through the comments to help get as balanced a view as possible.
Link to the excellent online article referred to in the video:
www.tomstrains.co.uk/2020/hat...
Link to another very good review which covers similar problems:
• Video
Thanks for watching and please share your experiences, good, bad or indifferent in the comments. 
Развлечения
I’m glad you returned it. We as a model railway fraternity have been far too accepting of far to many errors for a long time. If we start returning models that do not meet up to the promises issued by the manufacturer I suspect very quickly livery issues, running issues and quality control issues will be fixed.
Hear hear😃
...remember how hard sam shilled for this model.
And how strangely quiet he is now the issues come out the woodwork. Hmmmmmm
Great review, and the right action taken. These models are very expensive, and issues like this are just not acceptable.
I fixed the axle boxes in place. There was no wobble or anything after this, the detail blows others out the water, the attitude of people towards them due to one small small problem when hornby and Bachmann have been ripping the utter pish out of us for years with prices going up and up on castings that are over 10 years old is something that needs addressed and addressed quickly
@@grah84mck
Derailing is.not a small problem, and here it was the straw that.broke the camel's back. Given the price an owner has the right to expect a perfectly assembled and operating model out of the box, period. Comparing it to other makers' poor quality is unacceptable-- this is.not a DIY kit.
@@randytaylor1258 aye ok Randy! Away back to your rock.
The issues with these C66's are well documented now which is a real shame. I had three in mind (maybe even four) that I was going to purchase but held off. I think this is really unfortunate for Hattons. I think it was a brave and bold move to attempt to raise the bar and produce them. After all they look fantastic and it appears that the flawless models run really well. I have nothing but praise for them and I personally think their slick service is up there with the best. If you ask for a 'full refund' for a genuine issue like this they will usually give you one and not a 'credit note' like some shops I know. I think you were absolutely right to ask for a refund. In the grand scheme of things I am sorry to say that I have given up on this hobby. Having only started this about three years ago, I have had to return an alarming amount of so called 'ready to run' locos because of defects and running issues. All the major brands too. Hattons were very supportive and understanding during this time unlike one notable store owner suggesting I was either unlucky or very picky. Anyway, I wish Hattons all the best and hope that this C66 issue is resolved and they can move on from this. :-)
Thanks Mark, I'm with you and still a major Hattons supporter (God only knows how much I've spent with them over the years!) It kills me not to have 1 or 2 of these on my layout but it's been too much of a lottery. If they can sort the issues and come again I'll be there.
I’m an analogue operator and my large logo blue 66 arrived just before Christmas. I was showing it of in my local model shop and needed a small plastic bag to bring the loose axle box covers home with me. In trying it at home it was a terrible runner and lost more axle box covers. Speaking to Hattons they asked me to send it back and replaced the loco . This one was a better runner and after applying super glue to the axle box covers I am quite pleased with it. I’ve also had the pink one liveried model delivered from the second batch and it ran well straight from the box with no bits falling off. I know others have had problems with models from the second batch so I count myself lucky to have 2 which run pretty well
Thanks for sharing James. A lot of folks including myself looking to see how things have improved before dipping our toes in again. Good to hear you have two runners you are happy with now.
I’ve since bought another two 66s from Hattons. One is a sound version and it has a really bad wobble and will be used by my son on a digital layout. Well fix it later. The other is an analogue version which had been returned and I got for £100 as preowned. It had a wobble as well but I’ve cured it so now have 3 runners but would point out the is a royal Scotsman liveried version from the second batch.
Great review , it had to go back . Why are they still sending them out like this , surely Hatton's should be taking them out of the box and test running after all the problems with this model .
It’s a bit unfair cause 66593 does have a dark spot round it’s logo from when it was painted out of power haul
As a great fan of your honest reviews this one is another. I pre-ordered two of these 66s when first announced and was really looking forward to receiving them. Mine were the ones they airfreighted and I received them just before Christmas, so they were probably the some of the first in the UK. I have Hornby track with minimum of 4th radius curves and run only DC (analogue). Upon placing the first loco on the track (DB Schenker) it derailed on the first curve, I persevered but it kept derailing on every curve. So I thought I've got a duff one and placed the second one (Golden Jubilee) on the track and it was exactly the same derailing on every curve, I returned them to Hattons for a full refund. I too would purchase another if Hattons produced more and sorted out all the problems, but I doubt they will as so much damage as been done to Hattons with these locos, people will be very hesitant buying them. Bill.
All first batch sold out a few months ago! Beautiful if you sort the wobble. Everyone I look at one, never fails to impress me. Wouldn't be without my fleet! With prices of £119, bargain compared to almost everything now!
The background to the Freightliner logo is prototypical, however it is of a very similar green. Certain photos of the real loco on Flickr show it up clearer than others.
I’m glad I cancelled mine I’ll stick with my Bachmann models ,thanks for sharing 👍🏻there must be loads retuned a lot have turned up on their pre owned page ,it’s a shame as I’m a massive hattons customer if I total up how much I’ve spent with them I swear I’ll be in the divorce courts ,(sorry love) ,hope they sort it for the sake of the hobby
Share all of you sentiments including my spend with Hattons! If Hattons had stop-shipped once they realised they had a problem so that they could test every unit before it went out the door and told people the reason for the delay, I'd have a lot more confidence in making a purchase. For now I have the Bachmann 32-740SF on pre-order from Rails. This should have been the Hattons equivalent....
As we all experience the last few years: prices rising sky high and quality dropping below Zero. No QC where they come from. Real "Ready To Repair" ! Not acceptable and you did rightfully send it back. One must admit that the Hattons 'service' is excellent and return policy accordingly. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, filip
Thanks Filip. Yeah, no complaints on the service side with Hattons and I'm disappointed for them that this model didn't work out as they would have hoped.
Great review and a excellent channel. I’ve only just come across this video and I’ve never seen or heard of your channel before. Just subscribed and looking forward to seeing more 👍
Thanks for that and welcome aboard!
Returning was the right thing to do. As an object, a model trains sole purpose is to look and perform perfectly, and if it doesn’t do this it’s effectively useless.
Well, theres two schools of thought actually one is to be a model train that looks like a train and moves like a train on some track like a train. The other is that they are a sort of educational toy... teaching you things via play, which is a very valid way to learn things.
Its a bit odd but seems most other things are fine to require some assembly, or need some work. Track needs laying, track needs cleaning, point motors don't come on pre wired looms specced for your layout, controllers need wiring into your layout, so many other things need just a little bit of effort to get it all together and working but it seems we have developed an absolute zero tollerance policy to having to do anything to locomotives, our limit being putting an air hose on a buffer beam or something, if you kept these models and just fixed them, or even waited for someone else to detail how to fix it you'd learn something, you'd grow, you'd gain skills, but we seem to lack appetite for this which is a real shame. People look at really nice layouts and such and wonder how people ever got that talented and well, its by being just a touch resilient and not being put off by minor issues because at the end of the day even if its perfect and works for the first year or two... what you gonna do later when it doesnt? Bin it? Waste your money? All because instead of persisting with the imperfect at first model you demanded every model be perfect at first sight regardless of perfection in longevity...
Now granted this is a bit different because you can buy other models of this class from other manufacturers but definately apply the above to any loco you cannot get else where, learn, grow, persist and you will be more happy having cracked the puzzle to fix rather than return to just buy more.
Thank you for your honest review. I did have a problem with mine, but Hatton`s support was 101%. 3 months later i was even sent for free some rotating axle boxes. Yes their was some problems on a few locos, but their support in correcting the problems was the best I`ve ever received. My personal summing up is that this the best sound loco I`ve ever purchased, and initial issues aside, i can only await Hatton`s take on other great diesels such as the Deltic etc.
100% agree on Hatton's support and the sound quality. The speaker plays a huge part and you need a loco design that accommodates it. Axle box issues aside I'd put the Hatton's 66 problems down to Quality Control linked perhaps to the no returns during the early lockdown which may have masked how big a problem they had at the time. Once the problems started coming in they needed to test every unit in the warehouse before any further shipments went to customers and give some serious grief to the manufacturing house in China.
As usual a very honest review, I purchased the BR model again went around the layout like a demented duck, was the only model I have that derailed on Peco and Hornby points, axle boxes falling out, buffer dropped off while running and derailed the loco. I tried running without the axle boxes but made no difference to the performance as you stated I can see no point in the rotating axle boxes difficult to see them operating when the loco was running just a detail step too far in my opinion. Unfortunately unlike you I tried to persevere and made one or two adjustments to get it running properly therefore invalidating the warranty so I’m stuck with a loco that just looks good as a static item. I did pre order a second one from the second batch but was not prepared to take the risk and cancelled. From what I have seen on RUclips and elsewhere that problems have not been resolved. Once again a good honest review from you keep up the good work and stay safe.
Thanks Mick and I'm sorry you got stuck with one of these in a poor state.
I was coming to terms that I need to get a 66. I have been fighting it. Thankfully, you have just put that to bed for me. I'm not going to bother.......yet.
I have a later build Cemex version which I can say I am totally satisfied with. I have numerous class 66 locos from Hornby and Bachmann and the Hattons one is by far the best .
Thanks for sharing Dan. Happy to hear you had a good experience. I think it's fair to say that for folks who are lucky enough to get a good unit, they are more than pleased with it.
Great and fair review, sums up all the issues with this loco. The wobbly running was the killer for me, even more than the derailment.
Had two sound fitted ones on preorder, but cancelled as the first reviews were coming in, glad I did...
Got a new Bachmann 66+light mod+TTS sound+speaker mod for less than a Hattons analogue one.
Thanks for that.
Interesting review. My overall experience was worse, only because of the numbers ordered. The first two arrived pre Xmas, both to have sound, which I paid for. One arrived DCC ready and could not be replaced, due to sold out on preorders. Obtained a refund of £265. A further two were received in March, with issues. The final five were received in July , again with issues. Problems were, wheel wobble, decoder failure and lighting issues. I originally wanted the sound version of the G&W, but settled for the DCC fitted. When this failed, I was informed by the Hattons agent, the sound version was now available, due to cancellations. I returned the DCC fitted version and received a full refund last week. The sound version, also had a problem with the lights and a replacement has been dispatched. Back in early July Hattons acknowledged a QC problem in an email and informed by next batch of orders would be dispatched at the end of the year. To my surprise, my remaining five were received at the end of July. Of the thirty four Bachmann Class 66s in my collection, very few issues and the oldest produced, 17th March 2005.
Many thanks for sharing. You've been through the wars with this loco for sure. Across all the Bachmann locos I've had they do appear to have a good level of Quality Control. I've never encountered anything like this with them.
Good review - thank you. The wobble on your Hattons class 66 was quite shocking - just awful. My one lost 2 axel boxes in the first 20 foot of running in. I have to say that I was very disappointed with Hattons response that it was down to me to pay for and repair this issue. Never going to happen...... so straight back for a full refund with Hattons paying return postage. So disappointing after the assurances they gave that the issue would be rectified before release...... Once again thanks for your honest review.
Thanks for sharing Paul and sorry about the experience you had.
Thanks for this review. I was on the verge of buying a pre owned Hatton's 66 but having seen this review and read the 'fix' someone had to do to get reliable running, I wont be buying one now even at £124. The model looks great but even spending £124, you expect any model to at least run reliably.
Yes, unfortunate. Some folks have put a lot of work in to sort their issues. Those who come out the other side seem to be well pleased with the model. However, most of us don't expect to have to go on that journey and have neither the time nor the inclination. When you buy an RTR model that's what you expect!
Hi,
That’s an excellent review. Sad, but excellent. Thanks. I was going to order a large logo blue with sound, but it’s the Bachmann model now.
Regards,
Jim
Thanks and I'm afraid so. Too much of a lottery with Hattons right now - some good some bad per a lot of comments people have made. You know what you're going to get with the Bachmann.
This seems to be the national sport in Britain to issue model locomotives with drivetrain problems... I'm a steam addict, and I have an Hornby S15 that don't run properly, slows down and finally stalls due to a faulty motor inside. I also had to scrub a Wainwright H class from my shopping list due to the same issues.
You have a wobbly engine that don't run properly, and I completely agree with you that this ought to be a no-go. That's a pity to see Hattons botching this one, their small steam engines are splendid, I've got three of them. Hope they will rectify this mess.
Thanks Oliver. I hope they do. I was really looking forward to their C66 so this was very disappointing.
I have a couple of Hattons 66 and think your review is fair. Agree rotating axle boxes are a pointless mistake as they just fall out periodically. My two hold the track OK. The second Hattons 66 I got had a motor which failed after 20 mins. As it was at the height of the lockdown and I did not want to go to the post office I repaired it myself. Motor failed from a dirty commutator which I cleaned and put back. An exercise I had to repeat 3 months later. The model is well designed and allows for an easy disassembly. The lower part of the steps needs pushing out when you take the body off and on true but is otherwise quite easy. I think the lower priced Bachmann is a safer bet. Although the Hattons 66 is heavy I found that pulling capacity surpassed by the Bachmann. (Best puller is a Hornby Class 60). PS Always surprises me that your channel is not more popular - it deserves better.
Thanks for that Alan. That's the first motor failure I've heard on the Hattons 66. That's interesting on the pulling power. I've heard that from elsewhere. I was going to test for it my unit hadn't failed!
Hi Alan, interesting about your motor problem, as mine gave problems after 4-5 months of running well. (I fixed my axel issues) As no spares available Hattons sent out a new motor from a returned model which they tested first and alls well again. Wonder myself if I had cleaned the commutator It may have fixed it. It suffered
@@torridonroadbypeterdixon4162 - You did better than me as you got a new motor. When I enquired Hattons said they had no motors spare. Although I fixed my motor twice I have every expectation that I'll be doing it again and have altered the wiring so its easier to take the motor out. The commutator gets black and cleaning off to shiny metal fixes it. I should have sent it back but was eager to keep my new toy. My other Hattons 66 works fine but on the whole I prefer Bachmann 66 as a more reliable package at a better price. The characteristic of this fault is that it works OK for a time then starts stalling and then wont go at all. Anyway glad you got a better outcome.
@@alanrobertson9790 Hi again Alan have 11 Bachmann 66s 2 have suffered motor problems but at least you can get new ones. The good news is you can fix the lighting issues and have the correct look with an up to date lighting board by illuminated.models bit of soldering needed but you seem like someone who can solder. Did a 'how to' vid if your interested ruclips.net/video/oBnU6dIIg-M/видео.html
Cheers Peter
Brilliant detailed review as ever, sums up my view on this product. Very very poor for the money.
Thanks John. Hattons appear to be sorting people out after initial pain. Once everything is working reliably and nothing is falling off it's a lovely model. For this sort of money you shouldn't have to deal with such pain though.
I'm glad so many have backed you up, I am also concerned about the inflated cost of coaches , hoppers and sound chips etc and value for money would surely increase sales. Bachmann seem to consistantly produce quality as do Heljan and others , thanks for the comprehensive review😃
Thanks for that. Would share your concern on cost inflation. Sound chips have to be the biggest rip off going and totally inflexible unless you invest in a programmer. If I see poor quality I will call it out in my reviews. We put up with too much. The bar needs to be raised not just the cost!
@@EuviRail nice one, thanks for the reply😃
I had several problems with my new 66 as well. As this was my first new model I expected it to be great. I was half right. The first issue I found was that it didn’t come with both couplings attached, you had to put one on yourself. To put the coupling on you had to take off the buffers which meant taking off the whole body to get to some tiny screws. This leads to my second issue, the body separation it took me and someone else (my dad) half an hour to replace the one buffer thing to put on the coupling. Then we had to get the body back on. This was even harder than taking it off because there was no was to widen the body to prevent damage to the hand rails of the ladders. Long story short two of them got trapped by the plastic surrounding the motor and ripped clean off. Issue number four, the grills on the top and one on side of the body fell of and had to be glued on to stay in their positions. Issue number 5, as this is my first model with the NEM couplings it was incredibly hard to connect them to my standard Hornby couplings. Apart from these issues I am pleased with my model and plan to extend my layout and my fleet.
Hi, Thanks for sharing your experiences. After your initial challenges it sounds like it's running well for you which is great to hear.
I know it has been a couple of months now since you did this video. But I must admit I purchased Sarah and Sir Nigel Goodall, both with sound, (pre ordered) I did have to wait until April and I did have a problem with a couple of derailments until the axle boxes came off. I refitted them by ensuring the axles were as far away from the box as possible to allow the side movement of the axles needed in order to negotiate the 2nd radius curves. This cured the problem, Both of them are excellent. As per your comment on the lighting, I am able to switch day or night running of the lamps with full functionality. You do have to take care in removing the shell from the chassis but 4 pieces of 10 thou plastic card aided this. I do have 1 gripe with one of mine and that is the same as you had, A buffer which seems as though its turning its head. Which you never mentioned. Running and control-ability are the best I have ever experienced. I think you must have had one put together by someone with a Monday morning hangover. Its a pity, you have lost out on a very good model.
Thanks for sharing Sam and I'm glad that both models have worked out for you. Your comments align with others who either received good models or who were able to rectify any initial issues. It's the inconsistency that's been the big problem. I don't think I've ever seen such a broad spectrum of feedback for a loco in the comments here. Many of us who were burned first time are just waiting to have sufficient confidence to go again!
Another honest review. Thank you. It is disappointing you've identified so many issues with what is, as you say, a beautifully detailed model from Hattons. I have the DC model of GBRf 66789, in the gorgeous BR large logo livery. Having spent plenty on other models at the time, I missed out the other example I'd have liked in my collection, in the Europorte livery.
Fortunately, my example of Hatton's 66789 runs smoothly, without the wobble yours exhibits. However, two of the rotating axles did fall out. I was wondering how to reattach them while retaining free movement. I think I'll leave them off now. The etched roof grille on mine is well fitted. I had been planning on installing a DCC decoder and sound, but perhaps I'll have to rethink that as well, if the body is challenging to remove without breaking the detail parts.
Hopefully Hattons is brave enough to produce some more batches of the stunning looking model, and addresses some of the quality control issues.
It would be worth checking both the Hattons website and/or RUclips on how best to remediate the axle boxes falling out. Hattons definitely did a video on this. Issues aside, these are fine models so if you have a good one it's worth making the best of it. I'm sure Hattons have learnt a lot if they were to go again.
I'm really surprised the wobble never came up in running trials of the samples, must not have been run much at all.
Also just the oversight in basic design. I'm no professional designer but I can see the design no working
I fully agree. It's not as if the problem was confined to just a handful of models. They should give out a few units to some serious modelers before shipping in volume. They'll soon smoke out the issues.
@@EuviRail a really really serious modeller might have spotted it just from a good look at the cad. They could solve a lot just by allowing that
Great review, so sad that this fantastic looking loco fails on so many fronts.
I’m on my third replacement Hattons 66.
Now ten months down the line on owning what was a great performing sound fitted loco third time lucky.
Yes it had roof grill issues like yours, rotating axle boxes falling off like many....not right, but I could forgive that because it is a stunner......
But now it refuses to move without a push down & in the direction of travel.
What was supposed to be the star of the fleet is now back in its box.
With the body removed it’s near impossible to get to the motion below the PCB & speaker as the wires connecting everything up crisscross with no room for manoeuvre...To access any further de-soldering the wiring is the only option.
My Hornby railroad 66 has had sound fitted a speaker upgrade & lighting added, all extra work...., but it works, no faults it just works.
Shame Hattons messed up with this one....
I’ve subbed your channel btw, great vid
Cheers John B 😷
Hi John, thanks for sharing. I'm really sorry to hear your story - it echoes so many others. It shouldn't be like this. Anyway, welcome to the channel and better times ahead. I have a brand new Bachmann GBRF BR Large Logo liveried Class 66 just waiting to be reviewed so watch for that.
@@EuviRail - yes I will do👍
I’ve not tried a Bachmann 66 yet....I should as my 57 & two 37s are great performers.
Cheers
As a follow up to my previous video, Hattons has supplied a 'replacement' and not a repair to 66623. It runs and functions beautifully, at the present time.
Thanks for that. Sounds like that with the right quality control this loco can be the business.
I have a Bachman’s Class 66. It runs like a dream.
I had a similar issue with the axle boxes, two of the axle boxes kept falling off, Hattons sent me replacements popped out as soon as the loco started to move. I returned my loco to Hattons and got a full refund.
Unfortunately I feel exactly the as you, I was impressed with the detail and quality but I’m surprised that this issue of the rotating axle boxes was not discovered during manufacturers testing, mine fell off the when I was running my loco in.
I will buy another but will wait until Hattons have sorted the issue.
Thanks for sharing Martin.
Considering the increased cost lately of locos and rolling stock, it is a fundamental disappointment to find such.poor quality control. In a hobby, word of mouth is everything.
Absolutely Randy. The 66 was a real shame as it had a lot going for it but was probably my worst out of box experience apart for a model that hadn't been damaged in transit.
@@EuviRail
Manufacturers have to be informed of how their products are being received. I've heard the stories of initial production in Japan, and then in China: "Good enough was the unacceptable standard. But modern modellers are much more demanding than that. Tamiya is the best in the world because they won't accept anything less, and the price of success is dear. But in the last 2 years the price of model railroad equipment has gone through the roof with nothing more than lop service for quality.
It's time for a revolt: Send it back and make them pay twice for the sale. And keep up the word of mouth. They may not admit it but they are watching.
@@randytaylor1258 Absolutely Randy. I have a few more gripes with manufacturers I want to air in the coming months!
Hi
Yes hattons 66 are meant to be the best 66 on market.
Heard rumours heljan make hattons 66s.
Models these days should be perfect specially how much they cost.
You made the right choice.
The p class is great though
Keep safe arp
Hi Adi Heljan do, utst excellent, but its HO scale!
The Sutton’s Loco Works Sulzer Type 2 would be best in class for me.
Hi there. Thanks for your review of this model. I am now not going to get this model because QC is clearly non-existent these days. I was looking forward to getting the Biffa one. But I will get another model instead such as the Hornby HST instead which I have recently bought and I am looking forward to reviewing and then its away until Christmas :). My question is that why are these models with such bad quality are being allowed to leave the factory in China? Personally I think most model train makers need to bring back quality control and I can say this. I will not be buying any expensive models that are made in China until I am assured that I will get a model train that will not fall to bits on me. Its no joke for £260 model to arrive poorly made. I am hoping that the Accurascale Class 92 will be better than this one when that comes out in time for Christmas. I am actually looking forward to getting that one in DB red and CS liveries.
Thanks for that. I have my fingers crossed as well for the Accurascale C37 and C55s which I've pre-ordered. Per feedback on the channel, more recent Hattons replacements appear to be hitting the mark now but it's a real shame folks had to suffer so much pain. Hopefully a lesson has been learned.
I have two of these that I think are from more recent batches. Both of them have had no running issues and I have not had a single issue with the axel boxes as they have all been glued in from the factory. One of them did have the roof grille problem but that was it. I did have some detail fall off but that was on me rather than on the model as I caught the buffer on the edge of my cabinet when putting the model away and it snapped it off but was easy to repair
Thanks for sharing. Really pleased to hear your two models don't have the original running issues. I think Hattons learnt as they went along and the need to glue the axel boxes quickly became clear. Sounds like overall you've got two very good models so well done.
LIke many I had really been looking forward to purchasing the Hattons class 66, such a great shame it has so many problems.
its a shame. will wait to see if latter batches are ok [hopefully] as its a real looker!
Agree. Starting to see a lot of them appearing as pre-owned on Hattons website with a 'slight wobble' and glue marks on the bogies. This tells a tale unfortunately.
@euvirail Whilst I agree with your review and that some of the quality control issues should be fixed, real life Freightliner class 66 locos have that darker green shading behind the logo so I think the logo is correctly depicted on this model
Here's a link to a pic... instagram.com/p/CFodZV9nNYk/?igshid=198jjlf0k2hc1
Hi, many thanks for the comment. Another viewer mentioned this as well but didn't enclose a link to a pic. Your pic definitely looks similar to what's on the Hatton's model but I haven't seen that on any other image of the C66 Freightliner or an any other model of this loco. Some examples below.
previews.123rf.com/images/atgimages/atgimages1705/atgimages170500194/79532272-freightliner-train-a-class-66-freightliner-train-pictured-at-carlisle-citadel-station-in-cumbria-fre.jpg
img2.cgtrader.com/items/2606956/73c5fb841c/british-rail-class-66-3d-model-max-obj-3ds-c4d-lwo-ma.jpg
c8.alamy.com/comp/PAATYP/freightliner-class-66-diesel-locomotive-66590-at-carlisle-station-uk-PAATYP.jpg
I guess the view I and others had of this C66 variant is what is captured in the pics I've enclosed and not what was received from Hattons.
It just jumped out at me as soon as I took it out of the box. I already have a Bachmann Freightliner which didn't have this.
It's on all of the Hatton's variants with the same font type apart from 66504, 66538 and 66418 interestingly which use a different font.
It could be that the loco they used to create their master did have it and they just copied it across the range even though the majority don't have this.
I guess if I had looked closely enough at the images on Hatton's website before I purchased I would have seen it and wouldn't have been surprised.
You were correct to send the loco back i sent my first one back for a exchange and it came Brocken so it went back for a full refund at the price that these model are they should come perfect with no excuses
The model train world needs to look at other models types like model lorries cars planes they get a very high amount of detail and mostly not charging the best part of £250 up for there models types and yes most don't have motors in them but the motor and running gear is the cheapest part of the model after the development of the body
I know its not the same but i also collect old Tri-ang and Trix older Hornby and some that was my dads back in the 60s and they still work . The new model i have brought myself some of are so flimsy that they possibly never going to handed down to my son in working order because they only just work from new
And the problem is a lot of modelers except this as the norm now and it should not be .The trouble is while we keep buying sum stranded quality models the manufacturers will keep making models at this quality and price
As you can see it a big gripe of mine i don't like being taken for one and the model train industry is getting away with just that selling a pigs ear and a silk purses prices
100% agree Robert. Price inflation on railway models far outstrips that on most other products and the capabilities and quality haven't followed suit. The manufacturing houses in China will get away with what they are let get away with. One of the objectives for this channel is to call it as it is backed up by the real experience of viewers to the channel so I appreciate the input.
Got the new Freightiner Livery one a couple of months go, it was wobbly, let it run for an hour in both directions, wobble disappeared. Same with Ceemex version, alright for £119 ..
Thanks for sharing Stuart and glad to hear you were able to run the wobble out of both of them. £119 has been a tempting price for sure.
I was going to get one but after seeing people’s videos I changed my mind and Bachmann have done some more 66s hope there better
I hope to be review the 32-740SF in the next few weeks.
the actual Hornby 1s are far superior and much cheaper too
@@rob235ioa1 I do like the Hornby ones might have to try one
i feel like i need to mention that the darker border around the freighliner logo appears on the real 66593. it's not immediately noticeable but it is there.
It's definitely not as dark as in any photos I've seen rickinghamphotography.co.uk/gallery3/var/albums/Railway/Class-66/IMG_8766.jpg?m=1524170258 for example though maybe in real-life it appears darker. It's not what I was expecting but if I had looked more clearly at the photos of the Hattons model I would have seen how dark their background actually so I shouldn't be complaining based on that. The side on photos show it very clearly and it's the same for all of the other Freightliners with the same logo which definitely isn't correct. Cosmetics aside it's the running performance that killed this loco for me. I know some folks have stayed the course to resolve the issues themselves but it's sold as an RTR model and not a project.
@@EuviRail you make a fair point. i also agree that the locos performance just wasnt good whatsoever, so i cant fault you on that. i just thought the border was worth noting
I think it depends what angle, this photo shows quite a difference. www.hondawanderer.com/66593_Uffington_2017.htm
Good for you mate thanks
Thanks George. Accurascale's adaptation of this model is coming so interesting to see how that fares.
I must say that your Freightliner logo point is actually incorrect, the specific loco you had actually runs around with the darkgreen around the bog logo
Hi, per my other comments on this the Hatton's rendition is definitely darker than any real life photo I've seen and they've done it for all of their Freightliners with this particular branding, It's clearly shown in their photos of the loco so I should have picked it up before purchasing but my initial enthusiasm got the better of me! I would easily have lived with it if this was the only issue.
@@EuviRail oh, if it's indeed on all Freightliner versions then it's indeed understandable (and the other issues, like axleboxes are a big deal indeed)
To my mind the quality problems you identified here should not be expected in a loco of this price and I commend you on the even handed way in which you demonstrate why you rejected this model. I do hope that Hatton's take on board your comments in a positive way and address the issues that have arisen. I commend them and other retailers that have developed special models in this way in an effort to bring quality ready to run models to the market. But they do need to ensure quality control. The prices for fully sound fitted models are pushing up against the likes of ESU whose models are exemplary.
Thanks Marc. Would hope the same from Hatton's as I'd love to have a few of these models on the layout. I haven't had much exposure to the ESU models but they look splendid and even have smoke on the diesels. I have a C37 and C55 on pre-order from Accurascale some hoping for good things there.
@@EuviRail Good luck. It's good to see that UK models have improved over the years. Many years ago I worked for Beatties of London Ltd in Birmingham which you may recall was a major model chain. Back in 1975 we saw first hand the quality comparison between German manufacturers and British manufacturers. Back then Hornby were crude and QC was not good (we had a batch of about 190 black fives with cracked tenders). Lima were producing HO scale (that changed of course. Mainline (now Bachmann) and Airfix introduced the first chinese manufactured products back then which were an improvement on the Hornby counterparts. Graham Farish was, frankly, rubbish. Peco wagons were very good for N gauge but the OO ones had polythene chassis !!! Meanwhile the German stuff was just getting better and better, especially Fleischmann N gauge. Here endeth the history lesson :-)
HI. Just found your channel and I have subbed. Love the review on Hatton's 66. I purchase the Cemex version has I wanted this for my cement train. I thought by waiting for the 2nd batch the problems would be solved, how wrong I was. Like you this was the worst loco I have purchased. I ran it first and it derailed at every point. I purchased the DCC ready and brought the sound chip from DCC kits Legomanbiffo sound. Problems horn cover came off along with roof grill and side panel. I then took it apart and repaired the side boogies and axle box's like Peter Dixon did. After a few hours I have got it to run which you can now see running on my video 83. Would I buy another ??? All the best Mick
Thanks Mick for sharing. Would you mind adding a link to your video in the comments. Thanks.
@@EuviRail Hi I don't mind, what link would you like me to put in yours or mine. Sorry, I'm not that good on computers. mick
@@michaelsmith-hn1cn Hi Mick, you mentioned you had the loco running in your video 83. If you can just cut and paste the youtube link to that video in here that would be great and folks can check it out. Thanks
@@EuviRail Hello. The easy way to my channel is go into youtube and just put in micks lakeside railway it should come up with my channel then you can go through the videos. If this don't when my son comes home i will get his help. Please let me know how you get on. Mick
@@EuviRail How did you get on do you need the you tube link. Mick
Dcc sound decoder only cab lights lights work fine with a 6 or 8 function decoder I have a video up with how to remove the bodyshell without breaking anything off or knocking any off there is a bank of six switches inside
Thanks Craig. Do you want to post a link to your video in the comments. I'm sure folks would appreciate it.
Good grief, it runs like an absolute dog!!! Ive seen better Lima models for running quality.
American outline models have had rotating axle box's for some time, and they manage it without issues!
You were right in sending it back!
Furthermore, I note Hattons has a few of these second hand with, in their words "a slight wobble".
Yeah, this was easily my (or the) modelling disappointment of the year. I've noted the same and they also discounted quite a few of these models on the run up to Christmas. Can you imagine the let down one of these could be if bought as a Christmas present? A few folks appear to have good models that are working well for them but I don't do lotteries. If Hatton's came clean, explained the problems and how they had addressed them going forward, I'd be first in line and would happily post a review. Accurascale/IRM have some of the big launches for 2021. Should be interesting....
@@EuviRail I have it on good authority that they're running at a big loss on these 66's!! Also, Dapol's forthcoming 0 gauge 59 is being looked at very suspiciously by 0 gauge modellers because of the farce with these 00 66's!
Whatever factory they're using, quality control is a huge issue at the moment. Same reason Heljan are moving at least some of their production to Denmark I hear.
@@formidable38 I'm not surprised. Such a shame. For high value collectible items like top of the range locomotives, the separation in time and space from the point of manufacture is a concern. The quality control has to be there at source and if it isn't happening you have to go elsewhere.
The Freightliner logo is correct.
Theres a lot more sound versions just gone into stock again,the wobble is the axle detail,i have seven,all wobble to some degree,ive re engineered one and its flawless running now,some have removed them from the wheels and cut and glued them as its way better detailed than any other,its more of a kit than ready to run but with a bit time and effort,66789 is back in stock sound fitted,go on,you know you want one.
Thanks Eric, I do see a lot more in stock now with the sound option including the GBRF BR livery I fancied as well as the Freightliners. Hattons need to update the title text which indicates sold-out on pre-order but there is actual stock available. Not sure if I've got over the shock from last time to pull myself to dipping my toes in the water again but watch this space ...
That was a fair review, who actually manufactured these locos for Hatton's?.
Hi Paul, I don't know I'm afraid. The packaging is very Dapol-like but that's all I can say. If anyone following the thread knows, please drop a reply, Thanks.
I’ve modded two to run perfectly. It only takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The competition are less likely to run on the wonk, but the detail is far poorer.
Thanks for sharing. It's not for everyone I know but if you can mod these to address the running issues as you've done then you have a lovely loco on your hands. Good work.
First I thought your channel name was „EvilRail“… which I thought was funny.
LOL, some manufacturers might call it that!
I had three sent one back too many issues
Second one front light stays on all the time and the last one wobbles like yours I have had to fit esu sound decoders to get the functions to work.
I'm sticking with bachmann from now on shame.
Thanks for comment Michael. Disappointment of the year for me.
I got the EWS one, sent it back for refund, the model was really well detailed but it would just not run right and the lights where all over the place
Thanks for sharing. Just such a pity that a large proportion of these models have failed so badly on the performance side.
@@EuviRail it also had a glue mark on the roof and the way the roof comes off is just stupid you cant take it off without damaging it. If I get another it will be a Bachmann one.
I have the Bachmann 32-740SF on pre-order myself. Had hoped to get this from Hattons originally.
I have 4 hattons class 66s and one of them 66418 had three broken light wires inside sent that back hattons sent a replacement and not had any major issues with them take alot at some of my videos on them
Yeah, issues with the wiring for the lighting seems to be a common theme on some other videos and posts.
Please forgive my ignorance but can somebody explain what DC and DCC actually mean ? Is it Direct Current or something more complex and where can I find information about the various options. I love the incredible detail of the Bachmann Diesels and DMU's as I am new to the world of model trains and feel the same as a six year old boy again despite being 60 !
Hi Roy, DC is Direct Current alright - nothing fancy, just power to the loco to drive it and drive any lighting functions if it has. The speed of the loco is directly linked to the DC voltage on the track. DCC is Digital Command and Control and is actually an AC powering arrangement with digital signalling encoded on it to allow for more fine grained control of the locomotive and it's functions which can include sound (i.e. DCC sound). With DCC, the power to the locomotive is a constant. It's the digital commands you give the loco that cause it to move. You'll also see a term called TTS which is DCC with a cost reduced sound implementation (TTS = Twin Track Sound). DCC controlled locomotives can normally be programmed to run on a DC circuit. You won't have the same level of control but you can run the loco. Newer DCC sound locomotives are also capable of playing the engine sounds even when operating in this mode. This allows DC modelers to benefit from sound without having to upgrade to DCC. On all my latest reviews I mention if a loco supports this. Agree with you, Bachmann do some great diesels and DMUs for sure.
@@EuviRail Thank you EuviRail for a very professional and thorough reply. I have saved this video to favourites as I wish to safely keep your reply as it will take me months to fully grasp the whole scope of your response and I am still learning in my retirement how to use a multimeter correctly in my old age especially as I feel I am back at school again ! It's strange being 60 but feeling 6 years old when I see shelves full of boxed Diesel Locomotives(Steam doesn't interest me) but I have subscribed to your channel in the hope you might create a video for beginners like me on model trains something like "Back To Basics" on Advanced Model Train Options eg Lighting ,Sounds and optional extras I would be glued to my RUclips Screen studying everything you write.....Thank You Sir ! Without gloating I am an ex Turbine Pilot, Ship's Navigator and Assistant Chemist now stagnating in retirement and believe it or not I miss work.....the more you learn the more you realise what you don't know !!
@@Biggles2498 Hi Roy, I know a lot of people have returned to the hobby over the last year and half given the lock downs etc. and it was the same for myself a few years ago when I dusted down my old Hornby locos and found most of them didn't run any more and they weren't worth resurrecting. I'll take your suggestion onboard as part of a series of videos I'm doing on my own layout in the next month or so as I undertake an expansion.
I have the large logo version and it has none of the problems yours had I might have got lucky of the freightliner is just broken
I think I was particularly unlucky with this model alright though the wobble issue did seem to be quite pervasive in the early days. Glad to hear you've avoided any of these issues which means you have a very nice loco to enjoy!
I looked at another person's review of Hatton's Class 66, who has an affiliate link with them.
It looks like Hatton's made sure they gave that "reviewer" a very good model in the first place, as that person gave 5 stars for most. Is it questionable if that was a real review?
Another reason I would question that other review, is the instructions would say somewhere not to run them in carpet, yet Hattons wasn't really worried about that.
However yours had some terrible problems that it should not have had.
This was an out of box basket case to the extent that I didn't even conduct a proper review. I believe there's a really good model in there, so I'm just hoping that Accurascale can make this the model it should have been in the first place and I get to review it properly this time. Time will tell I guess.
Will this model work with Lionel American o gauge ?
I'm afraid not. This is an 00 gauge 1:76 model.
They lost me when they got the EWS font wrong, that’s not progress over bachmann’s 15 year old 66 !
That was a bad one alright. Such a shame.
Ive got an early ews 66 Bachman & it’s a pile of shit , the problem is it losing drive when it goes round corners , I had it repaired professionally but it’s done it since , luckily it was a dcc ready model and I only paid 70 quid but it was a Bachman model which I would expect more from
Hi Paul, the early Bachmann 66s were poor. I picked up a DRS version about 5 years ago that continually derailed on Express points and apparently this was a common problem at the time. However, I've had no such issues with any of their 66s over the last few years so they definitely ironed out whatever issues they had. Their quality is very predictable now.
@@EuviRail glad to hear they’ve improved , it derails on express points as u say ! 🤦♂️ I was wondering at 1st if it was my points at fault then realised the bogies don’t move enough to enable the loco to traverse the point without derailing
@@paulbb27 It took me a couple of years before I purchased another Bachmann 66 but happy I did.
Sorry it was James Goodall, not Nigel.
I have the 66418 patriot freightliner version I dcc sound fitted myself 66746 belmond Royalscotsman 66404 DRS livery 66789 Br large logo
How are they running for you Craig? Any issues with the lighting?
@@EuviRail no light issues or running issues
@@irishsixtysixfanGbrf66739 66746 is a large healight one,all have faulty lights on them,it was one of the first problems,Hattons know but will not be fixing them as its internal.......
@@ericcraig8205 headlights not working that's an issue all the lights are working fine on mine mine runs fine doesn't really bother me that they aren't correct I'm happy that it's running properly and no running issues
@@ericcraig8205 thought that the first issue hattons had with them was poor build quality axleboxes falling out pieces of detail falling off wobbles stuck wheels broken drive shafts fried decoders crooked nameplates missing name plates broken valances broken buffers missing grills chipped handrails snapped light wires broken windows paint chipped off the body wrong colour EWS maroon that's just some of the problems people have had with their one
Stop referring to decoders as controllers because they are not..! Totally agree with the terrible quality.. And a oo gauge model wobble,thats a first,terrible. Unfortunately the price is the future of this hobby.
Sound chip fitted?
No, I had wanted the sound version but it sold out on pre-order.
And so, with that, it turns out Märklin/Trix produce the best RTR class 66. -_-
The Marklin Class 66 looks to be a superb model alright albeit at the premium end of the market.
Look on Hattons pre-owned, a lot of these with "glue marks on roof" why ? do not touch these
Yes, have noticed these. Quite a few of them described as with a 'slight wobble' as well. Suspect many are returns.
I dont like the hattons class 66, you should've got a Bachmann one
Have two of them, one of which is taking the place of the place of the Hattons 66 in my next video.
Ok, that’s good
If you want to do a good review on a proper working one with dcc sound for your channel give me a shout and I can arrange that bro I'm in Dublin
Many thanks for the offer Craig but I'll pass at this point as the 66 has missed it's slot in my review calendar. I have a backlog I want to clear now before the 121s and Class A's start landing. Will look to revisit a review of this if Hattons announce a 2nd(or 3rd) wave that has addressed the current problems. Appreciate the offer though.
@@EuviRail no bother
£260 without sound ..?…wow..!!
Will be interesting to see Accurascale's rendition.
LOGO is actually !00% correct
Sound is bad anyway
Although the 66 is not my loco (too modern) it certainly looks the part especially the BR Large Logo livery. The wobbly running which is the first time I have seen would be enough to totally evaporate my appetite. We are on a modelrail layout and not some sort of amusement park with different rides. I have the first Class 47 from Bachmann (Hadrian 47404 with DCC Sound) in which Bachmann experimented with a totally different suspension of the bogies and you could move the loco from left to right and back like some seasaw. Unfortunately it did not came to rest exactly in the middle ! Result was a loco visibly leaning to one side like a motorcycle in a curve. Not funny and not amused at all .......... but it has been repaired and I still have it. The seasaw suspension is still the same but thankfully it stays upright now. Why Bachmann did deviate from a normal suspension that had proven to be no-nonsense and free from "jokes" remains a good question.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wasn't aware Bachmann had gone with a new design for the 47404 which it sounds like didn't work out too well! These things need testing and trialing before exposing to the rest of us.
@@EuviRail This dates back to around 2008 when I purchased the 47404. I remember there were a lot of complaints on RMWeb about this and other 47's behaving like a "motorcycle". Knowing Bachmann they should have smartened up their act and provided their 47's with normal no-nonsense suspension. Maybe you can check that if you have a more recent Bachmann 47. Stupid to deviate from a good working suspension in the first place and as you say even more stupid NOT to test it thoroughly !
obviously made by Hornby
Hi Rob, some have commented it may have been Dapol - the packaging is very Dapol-like. Unfortunately the performance wasn't Dapol-like....
its called made in china for a reason