A very mature and helpful review that provides just enough information about the things that matter to enable us to reach our own conclusions without resort to some flawed scoring system.
@@northernblue1093 thank you so much for that. That is exactly what I aim to do. I feel that innately scoring systems are fundamentally problematic as they generally take user bias into account and are more subjective than anything else, my aim has always been to learn, and while doing so, highlight the noteworthy aspects of a model. Appreciate your kind words. Cheers, Hylt
Brilliant review and camera work. I sincerely hope your channel grows it's subscribers as it certainly deserves to your interaction and commitment to quality is clear and up there with the best. In other news at 18:22 the intrusive thoughts thankfully don't win :P
You are far too kind. A long way to go, but I already feel like I’m just so lucky to have such great support. I really appreciate it mate. Thanks for stopping by as you always do. Haha! One day I’ll flick that point! 😏
WOW!!! That Auto uncoupling is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I hope they're really on to something here where it gets better and better. This could change the hobby for yard/shunting layouts. I hope the industry follows Bachman in their innovatios!!
It definitely needs a lot more work and thought before I could ever recommend it, at this point, far too inconsistent to be of reliable daily use. But the thinking is there and I like that. Thanks for your thoughts.
What a sensational replica of a really meaty diesel - I love it and I would say you get your money's worth with this. Back in the day, I fleetingly had an Airfix Class 31 but the motor went wrong after a week, I took it back to the shop and - as they didn't have another one - I got a refund. I think it is / was available in the Hornby Railroad range. Fond memories. Great video and great review - many thanks 👍🚂
Great, balanced, clear and concise review. A great loco - with a brilliant feature! But as with all things innovative, (ahem APT), the first revision is often the one that is heavily criticised, whilst paving the way for further, set in stone innovation for many years down the line. I can think of many ways I'd modify that, so yeah whilst it's not perfect, it's still an excellent advancement - and will probably be perfected by Bachmann - but I reckon modellers willl modify and perfect it first :) Cheers
Thanks for this review. It's nice to see one on the Bachmann class 31 so we can compare and contrast with the Accurascale class 31 and great to see a review of the new decoupler device.
Totally agree with you on the auto coupler it needs re designing. Also, there’s no stay alive fitted as standard, considering the cost of the loco a stay should be factory fitted. Great video 👍
Well, I'm I am glad that here in the states we have the horn hook coupler and the Knockel coupler, and they have an industry set height for both plus a tool to check it. All the companies adhere to this rule including Bachmann. I can't blame Bachmann for not being set up for other companies' products but when they don't match up to another Bachmann locomotive, they have no excuse. I also have to mention that Double O Dave had some things to say about you and Annie in his last video, but it was all a bit of fun, lol. He does have the gift of gab and sometimes hard to follow till you go back and listen again, lol. Thanks for the introduction. Perfect assessment, history, and review plus video. Jersey Bill
You’re 100% correct JB, however I would argue that their link should be able to at least handle a variation of heights for couplers, the fact that it even struggled with a brand new bachmann coach is fairly alarming though. Haha yes indeed, I saw that and did reply, he didn’t realize that Lethal Weapon was actually filmed in my back yard 🤷♂️ silly old Dave. Cheers JB, always appreciate your thoughts
Thank you for the review it provides confirmation... The propensity for some models of the Bachmann class 31 to cut out is down to not properly fitted pick-up wipers. Fixing them stops the problem..
Hi, great review of a great locomotive that has lovely detailing and performance, the auto uncoupling system has been available in the European model railway market for years, I believe Bachmann have adapted it to work with tension lock couplings, I’ve seen another review that highlighted the uncoupling issues like you did, I thought the copper colour coils would be black so it doesn’t stand out as much as it does, the fan looks very nice and it’s great you didn’t state it was annoying loud like some modellers have picked up on the Accurascale models, like you I’ve never had any issues with Bachmann products whereas I have with other manufacturers on numerous occasions, every new model can come with teething issues from time to time, it’s how with deal with them that makes the model a winner, thanks for sharing.
Hey mate, thanks so much for watching. Indeed its an impressive offering overall and I love the attention to details of the model itself, it's right up there with the best of them. I agree, I feel like the copper on the couplings is a little unsightly :/ And indeed, the fan is very quiet. I agree with you, always teething issues with new tech, let's hope they can build and improve upon this in the future. Thanks again, Hylt
Great looking model, love the fan and the coupler is a great idea - shame it doesn't work properly, given the £300+ price point, however, I have seen a few reviews, namely Jenny Kirk, whose coupler worked perfectly - not sure what went on there then :( I'm hoping to get an accurascale 66 for Christmas in Freightliner livery, and your review came in handy so I could decide whether or not I wanted it, so thank you for your very informative video! As always though mate, very detailed review, and i look forward to more progress to your layout :)
I saw hers worked, though bear in mind, I tested both ends and made sure to test across multiple coupling types for surety, still doesn’t seem quite as efficient as they made it seem. Mine doesn’t seem broken by any means 🤷♂️ I hope you get it Jack, they’re wonderful pieces! Keep well and thanks for the support always
The 31's buffers are a fairly complex shape with the multiple thicknesses, oval shape, rear bolts, and bent profile when looking down. I think they would have been tricky to manufacture in metal compared to your normal circular lathe turned model buffers and that is why AS and Bachmann needed to keep them plastic.
A grand model thwarted by tech... In a world of Kadees i feel tension lock innovation iant needed. Modellers have found ways to do this relatively inexpensivly and reversable. Good to see, but a bit hit and miss. Do they do the deluxe (spinning fan and timlnted windows) without the coupling? Great vid Hylt as per usual! James
Hi Hylt . Good review . Being DC only the auto coupler was irrelevant to me anyway . I’m not sure it will really ever work fully , mainly because of all these different types of tension lock coupler around . It’s a good try though . I went for the Accurascale one , which being DC only came in at £169 . Have to say I’m blown away with it . Lovely smooth runner just glides over my trackwork, unlike their more fussy all wheel driven Deltic . I’m not sure at DC level there’s much to choose between manufacturers . They certainly both look good
Hey Rus, thanks mate, totally understand your situation, this is very much a DCC piece of tech, though, for the same price, the Bachmann non-DCC is a great option, especially for livery preference. I’m glad you are enjoying your Accurascale one though, I’ve seen some very good things about it.
Fully agree with you, Hilton, on the packaging. If you're going to introduce a 'Deluxe' range, it should really come in deluxe packaging if only to differentiate it from the 'standard' offerings. Shame about your experience with the coupler. As you say - innovation = great, implementation seams to equal, not-so-great. I've not seen any other reviews of this model to see if it's your model in particular or across the range. As for the tension lock itself, this would be wasted on me as I don't use tension lock couplings. I was wondering whether it was hard-wired in, or not? I'd at least want to detail up one end. Great review!
Thank you so much, I really feel strongly as you say, that deluxe should really be made to feel like it, a clam shell isn’t cutting it anymore. Indeed you can easily uncouple it, it’s a small plug socket and wire and you can easily detail up one end if you wish. I will be doing just that and adding snow ploughs to mine. Thanks so much for your thoughts 😎
Also watch out for class 37 addiction - it can creep up without you noticing that suddenly you have more than twenty of them each with having a most excellent reason for acquiring it! :)
Hey Tony 😊 thanks my friend, indeed a bit disappointed with it but I think the non coupler fitted model is a really great option. Indeed, had to pick up a little souvenir 😂 how are you? Been a while since you posted?
Hey Hylt, thank you for asking about my posting absence on YT. A bout of health issues (nothing life threatening) have stopped me in my tracks. Psoriasis in the fingers has made modelling impossible and ironically possibly brought on by modelling, glues, paints, solvents, etc. I can't even use the controller to run anything just to painful not to mention bleeding onto everything. Oh well such is and I will recover (hopefully).
My goodness T, that sounds very frustrating and very painful, I’m so sorry to hear this 😔 do they give you a timeframe of when you might be back in action?
No timeline really it is in the family so just one of those things. It slowly improves but of course the moment I touch anything it kicks off again. Gloves apparently can help but can’t really model with them on. Anyway, could be a lot worse.
Good review.Early days for the uncoupling system still at its most raw and primitive but for 300 notes,very expensive,I expect in 10 years it'll be only be something like 25 pounds extra..as an extra if its anything like lights/dcc etc
Great video Hylt. The locomotive is gorgeous! The new auto coupler seems to be something Bachmann tested in-house with only the stuff they make instead of making them Universal which is a shame. Other than that the loco sounds brilliant! Bet you've got a massive fleet these days. Don't forget 3k by Christmas 🤞🤞🤞
Cheers Rob, appreciate your support as always brother. Definitely a bit more RnD required before I purchase another one of these with this feature. Haha, here is hoping bud!
Great looking and sounding locomotive. I can appreciate that the old large D coupler wouldn't work, but still, it's worth a try. It's interesting to see the engine windows are illuminated as the Accurascale doesn't appear to be. Having watched Sam's Trains reviewing the Accurascale Class 31, there were some interesting points made about the Base keeper plates and the lack of pick up wipers. Spot the difference between Accurascale and Bachmann. Accurascale door handle has dropped. Bachmann's is horizontal.
Hi Steve, indeed its a great bit of kit, couplers aside. I did try to be quite thorough with the testing, as you said, even the D links, just to check. Its a tough choice, but I think I would still be happier with the Bachmann
Wonderful video, as usual, Hylt! Love your production values on the videos. The 31 looks great, but the uncoupler's performance seems a bit underwhelming. I suspect you could be right, re: Bachmann rushing it out to compete with the Accurascale. Maybe by the time the new class 08's come out they will have improved the feature. I always come away from your videos thinking, "I wish I'd gone DCC!" Its still a possibility at the stage I'm at with the layout... We'll see. :-) Look forward to the next video! All the best Gaz.
Cheers Gaz, it’s never too late to switch over to DCC 😂 and if you’re already thinking about it, then do it sooner than later or you will have a lot of decoders to buy 😂 I must say, overall, much happier on DCC but that’s my take. I hope the system is improved too for the 08s because that’s where it’s really going to matter, thanks for watching my friend, keep well!
My uncoupler for all tension locks works anywhere, anyplace anytime on a layout(except tunnels). Use a small plastic ice cream spoon (the ones you get in small tubs) . Turn it upside down, line it up bingo!
The coupling problem is why i just run a TMD with each loco super detailed doesn't req coupling to anything, Alot more realistic, Good to have you back.
What a beauty! It's interesting that auto uncouplers have made it to other brands, I think decades ago Marklin had it with their stuff (not sure if it is still a feature). Maybe it was patented or something. I like the coupling shuffle as they call it on the "Time Machine" Railway!
Thanks Jade, indeed as a few people have mentioned, nothing new, but new for OO, and as always, far behind on tech. Here's hoping this improves in future.
@@Proper_Chuffed if it becomes more than a novelty then I believe it can become something regular (and will decrease in cost as well. Its a great layer of realism
A shame the auto uncoupling isn’t always successful. They need to perfect this for the 08 as it’s such a brilliant feature that could transform model railways without the need for other coupling options. A very fair review 😁
That's a good point Charlie, and something I should have mentioned, the 08 is something a lot of people are looking forward to, I would say consider a non-auto-coupler until they have some more time to work on this tech. Cheers, Hylt
Hi Hylt. An excellent review, sir. My first ever loco was a Triang class 31 as part of a Freightmaster trainset, back in about 1972, which makes it older than you! There is no doubt that your Bachmann is a better model than my latest incarnation of the Hornby example, which, to be fair, is nevertheless a very good model. But mine (DCC Ready) cost less than £130. Is the difference between that & £305 worth it? For some, perhaps. But not for me, as I can live without the auto-uncoupler. However, at £170 for both the Accurascale & Bachmann DCC Ready versions, then the choice of which of the 3 to go for is more difficult. On the day, I went for the Hornby and saved £40+. But on another day, I could have easily made a different decision, and having watched SamTrains' review of his Accurascale too, then the Bachmann could well be the way to go. Whatever choice people make, it's good news for us modellers that Bachmann seems to have decided to go "toe to toe" with Accurascale.
Hey Stephen, thank you :) Glad you got some use of it. I totally see your point around pricing, what can I say, Im a sucker for a bit of tech, and having now picked it up, I would argue the £260 SF version is probably where I should have put my money frankly. Overall both seem really solid but you make a great point about the Hornby, it seems a few people feel the same way about that tooling, older but still pretty damn impressive. As you say, its good that it's forced Bachmann to re-organize its pricing to be more competitive. Thanks for popping in, always appreciate your thoughts.
I scored an older pre-owned Hornby "Super Detailed" class 31 for £65, and was very pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail of that model - so although I had to cancel my Accurascale order, I am not too disappointed.
Brilliant LB, thats a great price. I am glad you are happy, it seems many are still very content with their Hornby offerings and that is good to see :)
I bought the SF in the same livery. I didn't want the uncoupler as I run kadees so it wasn't an issue for me. It's a very nice model but not without flaws. The sound kept cutting out - despite cleaning the pickups and track I wasn't able to resolve the problem so I added a capacitor, which fixed it. The other thing is that the cab lights are very dim. Other than that though I'm very pleased with it. I might add a RF livery one to the collection at some point. I'm just waiting for an Accurascale 31 in RR to become available- that's top of my wish list at the moment despite seeing Sam's review of them last night.
Hello :) Thanks for watching, the livery is great, I am sorry to hear about yours cutting out, I've not had issues with that, but I agree a stay-alive would be a welcome addition, especially in the deluxe model I would think. I hope you get an Accu 31 soon, would be interested to see your thoughts on that in comparison.
Great detailed review Hylton. Only thing I’d say is the accirascale sound fitted (which is the closest comparison is £260 so £40 cheaper the half price one that’s £160 is dcc ready so would need another £130 ish spending on a sound decoder to be comparable. The Electronic part of the coupling looks quite low on the turntable shot. I think it would foul on some of my point motors where I haven’t cut the shaft short enough. Shame it’s not 100% half the problem is there doesn’t seem to be an actual standard in coupling heights. I’d love this system if it worked flawlessly. I’ll probably grab one of these at some point once they knock a few quid off them. I don’t usually give a rating for you tube review videos and even more so wouldn’t usually use cheese burgers to do so but in this case I’m going to make an exception - the video was excellent and as such scores 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 out of 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔? I need to step up my game if I am going to earn more cheeseburgers. Cheers Dave, good point on the pricing, the base model of the Bachmann at 170 quid is well worth it in my opinion. Maybe even the SF version, if you can ignore a non-spinning fan.
Looks like I'm with Dave, switching to Kadees for uncoupling. Although the idea of uncoupling _anywhere_ using DCC is very tempting - it isn't worth it if it isn't reliable.
Agreed, I expected far more than 60% success to be honest, so left more than a little wanting on this. I am likely going to keep it on one end and detail the other with a snow plough.
Hi Hilton, nice review. I just watched Sam's Trains review on the Accurascale Class 31 yesterday. What upset me about his model with that the screws for attaching the circuit board to the frame were missing. As for the differences between the Accurascale and Bachmann models, Accurascale wins on price, plus it includes the working fan on all versions. However, in Sam's review it turns out that Accurascale ships the DC models with the fan turned off. When turned on it spins way too fast, and makes a lot of noise (maybe this is why the DC version has the fan feature turned off, despite their literature to the contrary). The fan on the Bachmann model is definitely better, but is only available on the top end model. As for the plastic buffers, both models come that way. Maybe making metal oval shaped buffers is too difficult.
Hey Stuart, thanks for watching. While I totally get not every model can be perfect, always, QC is vital, it sounds like that one slipped by and I honestly would expect Accurascale will be quick to assist with any of those issues experienced. I think the fan is a great addition, but agree bachmann should at least include it on their SF model, not just deluxe. On the buffers, yes, it seems turned metal ones are just a bit too much to ask for! :P
I just reviewed the Accurascale one, looks really nice but not everything is right on it, easily fixed however. Surprised your one has issues given the cost
I confess to liking sprung buffers as it reflects attention to detail and good materials. However, it is not a "show-stopper" for me. Regarding the uncoupling device, it is obviously very hard to make something that works for all heights and types of coupling. I also think the device is a bit unsightly but I can see the appeal, especially for exhibition layouts. Obviously the Accurascale one is cheaper but it does have its own limitations. The fan seems to be less manic on Bachmann's.
Hey Jeffrey, I must admit, they dont phase me, but I understand it matters to some, hence my tongue in cheek jab at it always. I think both manufacturers seem to be presenting some very good offerings, curious to see which one sells better, my money is on Accurascale :)
As usual a fair and objective review, it does seem that innovation comes with its pitfalls, not all Hornby's new steam fitted locos performed 100% from the reviews I've seem. And recent review from another RUclipsr was disappointed that Accurascale's Class 31 also had some quality issues that were out of character for the brand. Hornby of course has its Class 31 offerings but unless discounted the "Hornby Railways' version was a bit to much with an RRP of GBP244. For me I would go for the Bachmann standard DCC Ready at GBP169. ...Drew
Thank you Drew, that is my aim with these videos, highlighting the best and worst objectively. It seems the Bachmann really is the best of the lot in terms of the actual realism of the loco. I think thats a fair choice Drew. Thanks for watching my friend.
I bought two and yes, I’d agree the auto uncoupler is fussy. 60% success is maybe about right. But whatever, the rest of the model is beautiful, it does run extremely well and the weight and build quality are - Bachmann. So, overall? They’re nice things.
@@Proper_Chuffed BR Blue, 31293 and 31123. One tip is to consider taking the tension lock 'arm' off the stock you're pulling. You only really need one tension lock arm to pull with unless you have duff track/ really heavy gradients. It makes it half as hard for it to couple and uncouple. If you want to change back, it's no great hassle to put it back if you need to. Nice to see another video though Hylton. Like me I think you have a bit of a thing where you know you can generally trust Bachmann. The other half has had a few Accurascales where I thought, "Hmmmm, I think I'd rather not."
Hi Hilton, nice review. Regarding the auto-uncoupling feature, it isn't quite a "new" thing. Marklin/Trix have had this feature on many of their HO locomotives, mainly steam, for many years, and Mike's Train House (MTH) have also had it on their HO DCS/DCC diesel locomotives as well. As for the usefulness of this feature, in my opinion it is of very limited use. If all you want to do is "easily" uncouple the locomotive from the trains, then yes, it is useful. But if you're into shunting (switching in North America) then it offers no real use. Once you have to uncouple between wagons or carriages then it has no use at all.
Hello Stuart, thanks for watching firstly, yes indeed you are right, not new by any means, but for OO, it would seem it is? As someone mentioned, this scale is always playing catch up with the continental and US markets. I would, in retrospect, go for the SF model, not the SFD variant given the choice and knowing what I do now. Cheers for your thoughts.
Hi Hilton, my 31 is an Airfix in the green livery and it is probably older than yourself. So I have been looking at modern liveries, wow there are so many options and very interesting out there. As for many fancy things I’m not bothered, but take a look at the Hornby R30197 BR Departmental RTC train testing locomotive in a red/white livery No 97203. Prices £72 + New. Only my O gauge models get the Sound Treatment. Any way what do you think ? A great video as always my friend, regards from Ron,🚂👍😃🚂
It sounds like the 31 in BR Departmental at £72 is a great offer, they are offering their others at around £140 on Rails of Sheffield too, so that might be worth a look too? Thanks for watching and popping in Ron, always appreciate it. Hylt
@@Proper_Chuffed Hi Hilton, thanks for your reply. I have ordered one today from Rails at £77, TMC was £72 but I have decided to stay loyal to Rails as they have been very good and helpful to me and recently. By the way I checked out my Airfix 31 and it is 45 years old, I have even put DCC on board. Regards from Ron 🚂👍😃🚂
I am generally wondering about the couplers of the 00-Scale models of British rolling stock: They are monsterous big and technically out of fashion since decades. And they do not connect in curves as well as most other coupling systems. Is there any worse coupling system on the market? Märklin invented their electromagnetic Telex-couplers in the 1950s (H0 scale), others followed in the digital era. Fleischmann H0 had a coupling system very similar to the 00-couplers but even that was smaller and in the 1980s replaced by the Profi couplers with all modern features. A coupling system should allow narrow coupling and pre-decoupling. Pre-decoupling means that you can open it, but push the decoupled part of the train (carefully) back and then leave in the other direction. Some model railroaders need versions with two conductors for illuminated coaches. To manage the entirety of railroad operation from the console without the "hand of god" between the waggons was one of the most intriguing aspects for me when I reentered the hobby in 2002.
Howdy Lars, thank you for watching. Yes it seems OO is incredibly late to this kind of tech and yet with all the modern advancements, it still looks so brutish? You would think a more refined and thought through piece would be presenting itself. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom here. Hylt
I like the concept of the automatic uncoupler, but the fact it doesn't work faultlessly with current-generation couplings is concerning. I don't fault Bachmann for it not working with old-style D-links, I remember a Bachmann spokesman strongly implying in an interview with Hornby Magazine that it would only work with modern couplings. Even standard modern tension locks and D-links don't match perfectly; however, the biggest problem is conceptual. The sort of people who are willing to pay over £300 for a locomotive comprise a large portion of the demographic willing to pay for replacement couplings. With a high-spec decoder, you can program in an "uncouple shuffle" for standard Kadee couplings, which don't require visible wires. I think you need a magnet, which means it can only happen where you install those magnets. (But I haven't made the leap to Kadees, so correct me if I am wrong on that). What Bachmann could do, is have a switch on the bottom of the locomotive. By default, it is set up for the tension locks, but when flipped the function will do an uncouple shuffle for Kadee-style couplings. That way, if you use Kadees, or will upgrade to them later, you still get the functionality, and you don't have to reprogram the decoder.
Don't get your hopes up to high about Kadees working perfectly, over their magnets.. Oh, they DO, if IF the magnet is 101% perfectly installed and is on perfectly level in 4 directions, straight track.. Then the height of the coupler(s) above the magnet is a factor as well, so that any car/loco couplers you intend to do the dance with MUST also be at a perfect elevation above the magnet. Finally, there's the pin that must be the EXACT height above Mag. Another ditty is false uncoupling, rolling across a magnet not looking to uncouple, but sometimes does anyway. I'm across the pond in US HO and had many a frustrating experience with Kadee magnet placement and just gave up on it..I use toothpicks between the knuckles .. But, don't get me wrong. You CAN obtain success. But it's what I said; It takes perfect accuracy, and that can be challenging to obtain..
Hey Warren, thanks for sharing your thoughts here. You've proposed a great solution here, I am inclined to agree with your concept. Also the reality, these things are ugly and that's something I would hope they could avoid in future. Cheers for watching, Hylt
coupling heights ahhhh the perenial problem,, NEM sockets have a standard height, do any of the companies know that? how many NEM sockets have I had to dispose of to replace with body mount Kadee's Maybe that's why these big ugly lumps are called 'TENSION' locks....
That was my thinking too, surely this should be more standardized? It seems not. And Bachmann need to work on that for their next iteration of this tech.
@@Proper_Chuffed just think if british modellers hadn't been so doggedly attached to the tension lock we wouldn't be in this place, essentially it's a self inflicted wound of traditionalism, like so many irksome things in the UK 😅
@@Proper_Chuffed second they started NEM pockets they shoulda said nope, it comes with Kadees, you want tension locks you pay, few years of it and ignoring the cry babies and they'd be the new normal coupler. Just the cry babies are very loud in UK modelling. 😏
Hi Hylt, have to agree with you great loco but paying the extra for a coupler which I will never use because I use magnetic couplers and watching your problems has confirmed me not to buy cheers Al
Hi mate I hope you are well These are not my cup of tea I think Bachmann new uncoupler is a gimmick in my opinion looks so ugly on the front. The model looks stunning well detailed for the price it should be and they should of been more add to the buffer beam in my opinion the fan looks better than Accurascale and runs better too. Accurascale runs too fast Only my opinion Well edited video Thank you for sharing your models with us Keep safe ARP
Hello Adi, thanks for stopping by mate, indeed not quite as I had hoped. Here’s hoping they improve upon this design in future because it is rather clever.
Märklin got auto release coupling for like 40 or 50 years how is that something special btw working 100% and the most recent version is especialy awesome of the märklin telex couplling
I hear you, and I agree, I suppose this is new for the OO market in some way, admittedly, curiosity got the best of me, so here we are! Cheers for watching. Hylt
It’s all about choice which is good in a way,if you want these add ons you can choose to have them,they are atleast not making everyone pay a premium,if you can’t afford it,there are alternatives which will bring you as much pleasure. I remember getting my first loco back in the 70s,it had a “glowing firebox” at that time I thought it was terrific…. Things are expensive there’s no doubt,but I found a loco from the mid 70s with the price ticket still attached…A Britannia class steam loco £14.25……..my weeks wage…..£15.75…..working in the garage trade. So ,if you think that some demographics will be earning £300 a week….are things so much worse. Just a wee talking point maybe.🏴
Thats a great talking point David, albeit a contentious one it seems these days. I think it's fair that we have a myriad of options at different price points, in hindsight I would say this is a slightly regrettable purchase simply because the main feature doesnt work as well as I had hoped. In retrospect, the 260 quid sound fitted version would have been a happier median. Thanks for sharing your thoughts bud.
You shouldn’t have to regret buying it,they should be remorseful about selling you a defective product…..I can’t believe at the very least they couldn’t line up the couplers. Anyway,enough negativity…..get the “blooming” heather planted….🏴
@@David-cq2mz ☺️ that’s so true! It’s on the way soon I promise, I have been getting so much testing done, and we’re almost ready for step by step scenics!
Please note the Accurascale 31 has the door handles in the wrong position open! The Bachmann version is correct no matter what Accurascale fanboys say, Check real photos out.
If "the door handles are the wrong position" is really all you have to argue against it, you really don't have much of an argument. In fact you're just coming off as a "Bachmann fanboy" as you'd put it.
Hideous, to put it very nicely. Even the Marklin uncoupling system of over 50 years ago looks better.....Like plenty people stated in the comments. Why do Island modellers just accept anything as long as it is 00 and even worse why do the manufacturers take their buying public for granted? Surely Bachmann and cohorts can do better? Last remark not specific to this locomotive but in general. Good review Hylton and loco itself looks great. But tinted windows only for more expensive models, come on......Bwhahahahaha.
The coupling system right? 😅 The model itself is impressive and I really love the livery application. You make such a good point about what is accepted as a standard. Cheers Rinks
It's disappointing the main attraction of the model can't operate perfectly, Bachmann are usually very good at coupler heights, totally didn't expect the mechanical coupling to be too low. This doesn't really concern me I don't see myself buying the deluxe version anyway. 😂
It is an odd one honestly, I was genuinely surprised. And while I totally get that it's not compatible with older d-links, the fact that it doesnt work with it's own brand 100% of the time is disconcerting. Oh well, let me be the guinea pig I guess :P
It's a useless and stupid gimmick and one that's just making the model way more expensive than it need to be there plenty of better auto or electric uncoupling kadee have a good system also there are many uncoupling ramps that work well with tension hooks
I hear you, I think it definitely needed a bit more work before it was released, but here we are. I quite like the idea of it, but the practice is left wanting.
Also whilst not the fan on the 31 is not the best on dc at least u don't have to spend 300+ to get all the features I would take the accurascale hands over bachmann considering u get all the goodies on dcc or dcc sound and only for an awful lot less than bachmanns offering
@@brickleyyard4966 totally hear you on that, I can absolutely see your reasoning with that choice, I think the Accurascale option is a brilliant one ☝️
A very mature and helpful review that provides just enough information about the things that matter to enable us to reach our own conclusions without resort to some flawed scoring system.
@@northernblue1093 thank you so much for that. That is exactly what I aim to do. I feel that innately scoring systems are fundamentally problematic as they generally take user bias into account and are more subjective than anything else, my aim has always been to learn, and while doing so, highlight the noteworthy aspects of a model. Appreciate your kind words. Cheers, Hylt
Brilliant review and camera work. I sincerely hope your channel grows it's subscribers as it certainly deserves to your interaction and commitment to quality is clear and up there with the best.
In other news at 18:22 the intrusive thoughts thankfully don't win :P
You are far too kind. A long way to go, but I already feel like I’m just so lucky to have such great support. I really appreciate it mate. Thanks for stopping by as you always do.
Haha! One day I’ll flick that point! 😏
Great review thank you Hylton! Your channel has become a go-to for new loco assessments. Rgds Joachim
That is very kind of you to say Joachim, thank you for your support my friend.
WOW!!! That Auto uncoupling is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I hope they're really on to something here where it gets better and better. This could change the hobby for yard/shunting layouts. I hope the industry follows Bachman in their innovatios!!
It definitely needs a lot more work and thought before I could ever recommend it, at this point, far too inconsistent to be of reliable daily use. But the thinking is there and I like that. Thanks for your thoughts.
What a sensational replica of a really meaty diesel - I love it and I would say you get your money's worth with this. Back in the day, I fleetingly had an Airfix Class 31 but the motor went wrong after a week, I took it back to the shop and - as they didn't have another one - I got a refund. I think it is / was available in the Hornby Railroad range. Fond memories. Great video and great review - many thanks 👍🚂
Great, balanced, clear and concise review. A great loco - with a brilliant feature! But as with all things innovative, (ahem APT), the first revision is often the one that is heavily criticised, whilst paving the way for further, set in stone innovation for many years down the line.
I can think of many ways I'd modify that, so yeah whilst it's not perfect, it's still an excellent advancement - and will probably be perfected by Bachmann - but I reckon modellers willl modify and perfect it first :) Cheers
Thanks for this review. It's nice to see one on the Bachmann class 31 so we can compare and contrast with the Accurascale class 31 and great to see a review of the new decoupler device.
I am really glad it was helpful to you, that was the aim. I think the coupler needs more time to be improved. Thanks for watching, Hylt
Totally agree with you on the auto coupler it needs re designing. Also, there’s no stay alive fitted as standard, considering the cost of the loco a stay should be factory fitted. Great video 👍
Hi Robert, that's a great point, a stay alive would have been a very welcome addition, thanks for watching. Hylt
Well, I'm I am glad that here in the states we have the horn hook coupler and the Knockel coupler, and they have an industry set height for both plus a tool to check it. All the companies adhere to this rule including Bachmann. I can't blame Bachmann for not being set up for other companies' products but when they don't match up to another Bachmann locomotive, they have no excuse. I also have to mention that Double O Dave had some things to say about you and Annie in his last video, but it was all a bit of fun, lol. He does have the gift of gab and sometimes hard to follow till you go back and listen again, lol. Thanks for the introduction. Perfect assessment, history, and review plus video. Jersey Bill
You’re 100% correct JB, however I would argue that their link should be able to at least handle a variation of heights for couplers, the fact that it even struggled with a brand new bachmann coach is fairly alarming though. Haha yes indeed, I saw that and did reply, he didn’t realize that Lethal Weapon was actually filmed in my back yard 🤷♂️ silly old Dave. Cheers JB, always appreciate your thoughts
Thank you for the review it provides confirmation... The propensity for some models of the Bachmann class 31 to cut out is down to not properly fitted pick-up wipers. Fixing them stops the problem..
Glad this helped you William, appreciate your thoughts. Hylt
Hi, great review of a great locomotive that has lovely detailing and performance, the auto uncoupling system has been available in the European model railway market for years, I believe Bachmann have adapted it to work with tension lock couplings, I’ve seen another review that highlighted the uncoupling issues like you did, I thought the copper colour coils would be black so it doesn’t stand out as much as it does, the fan looks very nice and it’s great you didn’t state it was annoying loud like some modellers have picked up on the Accurascale models, like you I’ve never had any issues with Bachmann products whereas I have with other manufacturers on numerous occasions, every new model can come with teething issues from time to time, it’s how with deal with them that makes the model a winner, thanks for sharing.
Hey mate, thanks so much for watching. Indeed its an impressive offering overall and I love the attention to details of the model itself, it's right up there with the best of them. I agree, I feel like the copper on the couplings is a little unsightly :/ And indeed, the fan is very quiet. I agree with you, always teething issues with new tech, let's hope they can build and improve upon this in the future. Thanks again, Hylt
Note the Accurascale 31 has the door handles in the open position, Bachmanns 31 door handles are correct.
Hi Tony, yes indeed, I believe you noted this last week, good shout
Great looking model, love the fan and the coupler is a great idea - shame it doesn't work properly, given the
£300+ price point, however, I have seen a few reviews, namely Jenny Kirk, whose coupler worked perfectly - not sure what went on there then :( I'm hoping to get an accurascale 66 for Christmas in Freightliner livery, and your review came in handy so I could decide whether or not I wanted it, so thank you for your very informative video! As always though mate, very detailed review, and i look forward to more progress to your layout :)
I saw hers worked, though bear in mind, I tested both ends and made sure to test across multiple coupling types for surety, still doesn’t seem quite as efficient as they made it seem. Mine doesn’t seem broken by any means 🤷♂️
I hope you get it Jack, they’re wonderful pieces! Keep well and thanks for the support always
The 31's buffers are a fairly complex shape with the multiple thicknesses, oval shape, rear bolts, and bent profile when looking down. I think they would have been tricky to manufacture in metal compared to your normal circular lathe turned model buffers and that is why AS and Bachmann needed to keep them plastic.
Good point, I didn’t realize they were so intricate but that makes sense, appreciate your insight and knowledge. Cheers, Hylt
A grand model thwarted by tech... In a world of Kadees i feel tension lock innovation iant needed. Modellers have found ways to do this relatively inexpensivly and reversable. Good to see, but a bit hit and miss. Do they do the deluxe (spinning fan and timlnted windows) without the coupling?
Great vid Hylt as per usual!
James
Indeed you make a good point James, this needed more time in the oven. Sadly the spinning fan only comes in the deluxe. Cheers bro
Magnificent machine.
👌 for the most part…
@@Proper_Chuffed should have gone Accurascale?
Hi Hylt . Good review . Being DC only the auto coupler was irrelevant to me anyway . I’m not sure it will really ever work fully , mainly because of all these different types of tension lock coupler around . It’s a good try though . I went for the Accurascale one , which being DC only came in at £169 . Have to say I’m blown away with it . Lovely smooth runner just glides over my trackwork, unlike their more fussy all wheel driven Deltic . I’m not sure at DC level there’s much to choose between manufacturers . They certainly both look good
Hey Rus, thanks mate, totally understand your situation, this is very much a DCC piece of tech, though, for the same price, the Bachmann non-DCC is a great option, especially for livery preference. I’m glad you are enjoying your Accurascale one though, I’ve seen some very good things about it.
Fully agree with you, Hilton, on the packaging. If you're going to introduce a 'Deluxe' range, it should really come in deluxe packaging if only to differentiate it from the 'standard' offerings.
Shame about your experience with the coupler. As you say - innovation = great, implementation seams to equal, not-so-great. I've not seen any other reviews of this model to see if it's your model in particular or across the range.
As for the tension lock itself, this would be wasted on me as I don't use tension lock couplings. I was wondering whether it was hard-wired in, or not? I'd at least want to detail up one end.
Great review!
Thank you so much, I really feel strongly as you say, that deluxe should really be made to feel like it, a clam shell isn’t cutting it anymore. Indeed you can easily uncouple it, it’s a small plug socket and wire and you can easily detail up one end if you wish. I will be doing just that and adding snow ploughs to mine. Thanks so much for your thoughts 😎
Also watch out for class 37 addiction - it can creep up without you noticing that suddenly you have more than twenty of them each with having a most excellent reason for acquiring it! :)
William, we are already very VERY far down that rabbit hole. But I appreciate the warning my friend 🤣
Hey Hylt, intersting the 31 does look impressive but for the reasons you have given I will probably abstain. Nice to see the NYMR wagon by the way.
Hey Tony 😊 thanks my friend, indeed a bit disappointed with it but I think the non coupler fitted model is a really great option. Indeed, had to pick up a little souvenir 😂 how are you? Been a while since you posted?
Hey Hylt, thank you for asking about my posting absence on YT. A bout of health issues (nothing life threatening) have stopped me in my tracks. Psoriasis in the fingers has made modelling impossible and ironically possibly brought on by modelling, glues, paints, solvents, etc. I can't even use the controller to run anything just to painful not to mention bleeding onto everything. Oh well such is and I will recover (hopefully).
My goodness T, that sounds very frustrating and very painful, I’m so sorry to hear this 😔 do they give you a timeframe of when you might be back in action?
No timeline really it is in the family so just one of those things. It slowly improves but of course the moment I touch anything it kicks off again. Gloves apparently can help but can’t really model with them on. Anyway, could be a lot worse.
Good review.Early days for the uncoupling system still at its most raw and primitive but for 300 notes,very expensive,I expect in 10 years it'll be only be something like 25 pounds extra..as an extra if its anything like lights/dcc etc
Hi Lee, thanks for watching, indeed as you say, early days let’s hope this kind of tech gets better and cheaper in the not so distant future 😊
Great video Hylt. The locomotive is gorgeous! The new auto coupler seems to be something Bachmann tested in-house with only the stuff they make instead of making them Universal which is a shame. Other than that the loco sounds brilliant! Bet you've got a massive fleet these days.
Don't forget 3k by Christmas 🤞🤞🤞
Cheers Rob, appreciate your support as always brother. Definitely a bit more RnD required before I purchase another one of these with this feature.
Haha, here is hoping bud!
Great looking and sounding locomotive. I can appreciate that the old large D coupler wouldn't work, but still, it's worth a try. It's interesting to see the engine windows are illuminated as the Accurascale doesn't appear to be.
Having watched Sam's Trains reviewing the Accurascale Class 31, there were some interesting points made about the Base keeper plates and the lack of pick up wipers.
Spot the difference between Accurascale and Bachmann.
Accurascale door handle has dropped.
Bachmann's is horizontal.
Hi Steve, indeed its a great bit of kit, couplers aside. I did try to be quite thorough with the testing, as you said, even the D links, just to check. Its a tough choice, but I think I would still be happier with the Bachmann
@Proper_Chuffed I agree with you. You were fair. It does look great it that livery
Wonderful video, as usual, Hylt! Love your production values on the videos. The 31 looks great, but the uncoupler's performance seems a bit underwhelming. I suspect you could be right, re: Bachmann rushing it out to compete with the Accurascale. Maybe by the time the new class 08's come out they will have improved the feature.
I always come away from your videos thinking, "I wish I'd gone DCC!" Its still a possibility at the stage I'm at with the layout... We'll see. :-) Look forward to the next video! All the best Gaz.
Oh, and looks like you've been busy with the layout too!
Cheers Gaz, it’s never too late to switch over to DCC 😂 and if you’re already thinking about it, then do it sooner than later or you will have a lot of decoders to buy 😂 I must say, overall, much happier on DCC but that’s my take. I hope the system is improved too for the 08s because that’s where it’s really going to matter, thanks for watching my friend, keep well!
My uncoupler for all tension locks works anywhere, anyplace anytime on a layout(except tunnels). Use a small plastic ice cream spoon (the ones you get in small tubs) . Turn it upside down, line it up bingo!
And it may just stay on the top step of the uncoupling podium at this rate Alan 😂
Its a nice model and good points on the couplings. I hope you will cover the Class 60 from both Accurascale and Cavalex Models in 2025.
I would certainly like to, we shall see what my budget allows! 😅
The coupling problem is why i just run a TMD with each loco super detailed doesn't req coupling to anything, Alot more realistic, Good to have you back.
That makes a lot of sense Tony. We all strive for realism, I guess we have to make some concessions every now and then.
@@Proper_Chuffed We do your right.
What a beauty! It's interesting that auto uncouplers have made it to other brands, I think decades ago Marklin had it with their stuff (not sure if it is still a feature). Maybe it was patented or something. I like the coupling shuffle as they call it on the "Time Machine" Railway!
Thanks Jade, indeed as a few people have mentioned, nothing new, but new for OO, and as always, far behind on tech. Here's hoping this improves in future.
@@Proper_Chuffed if it becomes more than a novelty then I believe it can become something regular (and will decrease in cost as well. Its a great layer of realism
A shame the auto uncoupling isn’t always successful. They need to perfect this for the 08 as it’s such a brilliant feature that could transform model railways without the need for other coupling options.
A very fair review 😁
That's a good point Charlie, and something I should have mentioned, the 08 is something a lot of people are looking forward to, I would say consider a non-auto-coupler until they have some more time to work on this tech. Cheers, Hylt
I think it would look better with a chalky black weathered roof as it's a bit to satin for my taste. Nice review.😊
Totally agree with you, it needs some gunk! 😂
@@Proper_Chuffed proper mucked episode 4? 🤔😆
Hi Hylt. An excellent review, sir.
My first ever loco was a Triang class 31 as part of a Freightmaster trainset, back in about 1972, which makes it older than you!
There is no doubt that your Bachmann is a better model than my latest incarnation of the Hornby example, which, to be fair, is nevertheless a very good model.
But mine (DCC Ready) cost less than £130. Is the difference between that & £305 worth it? For some, perhaps. But not for me, as I can live without the auto-uncoupler.
However, at £170 for both the Accurascale & Bachmann DCC Ready versions, then the choice of which of the 3 to go for is more difficult. On the day, I went for the Hornby and saved £40+. But on another day, I could have easily made a different decision, and having watched SamTrains' review of his Accurascale too, then the Bachmann could well be the way to go.
Whatever choice people make, it's good news for us modellers that Bachmann seems to have decided to go "toe to toe" with Accurascale.
Hey Stephen, thank you :) Glad you got some use of it. I totally see your point around pricing, what can I say, Im a sucker for a bit of tech, and having now picked it up, I would argue the £260 SF version is probably where I should have put my money frankly. Overall both seem really solid but you make a great point about the Hornby, it seems a few people feel the same way about that tooling, older but still pretty damn impressive. As you say, its good that it's forced Bachmann to re-organize its pricing to be more competitive.
Thanks for popping in, always appreciate your thoughts.
I scored an older pre-owned Hornby "Super Detailed" class 31 for £65, and was very pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail of that model - so although I had to cancel my Accurascale order, I am not too disappointed.
These are great I have 3 of them(altho one early one has mazak rot.) I cut the fan belts off mine as I heard they cause excess motor wear and such.
Brilliant LB, thats a great price. I am glad you are happy, it seems many are still very content with their Hornby offerings and that is good to see :)
I bought the SF in the same livery. I didn't want the uncoupler as I run kadees so it wasn't an issue for me. It's a very nice model but not without flaws. The sound kept cutting out - despite cleaning the pickups and track I wasn't able to resolve the problem so I added a capacitor, which fixed it. The other thing is that the cab lights are very dim. Other than that though I'm very pleased with it. I might add a RF livery one to the collection at some point. I'm just waiting for an Accurascale 31 in RR to become available- that's top of my wish list at the moment despite seeing Sam's review of them last night.
Hello :) Thanks for watching, the livery is great, I am sorry to hear about yours cutting out, I've not had issues with that, but I agree a stay-alive would be a welcome addition, especially in the deluxe model I would think. I hope you get an Accu 31 soon, would be interested to see your thoughts on that in comparison.
Have you read the instructions? The uncoupled only works with Bachmann couplings as they are not metal but plastic
Hi Graham, indeed I completely understand that but worth a test regardless don’t you think? 🤔
Great detailed review Hylton. Only thing I’d say is the accirascale sound fitted (which is the closest comparison is £260 so £40 cheaper the half price one that’s £160 is dcc ready so would need another £130 ish spending on a sound decoder to be comparable.
The Electronic part of the coupling looks quite low on the turntable shot. I think it would foul on some of my point motors where I haven’t cut the shaft short enough.
Shame it’s not 100% half the problem is there doesn’t seem to be an actual standard in coupling heights. I’d love this system if it worked flawlessly.
I’ll probably grab one of these at some point once they knock a few quid off them.
I don’t usually give a rating for you tube review videos and even more so wouldn’t usually use cheese burgers to do so but in this case I’m going to make an exception - the video was excellent and as such scores
🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 out of 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔?
I need to step up my game if I am going to earn more cheeseburgers.
Cheers Dave, good point on the pricing, the base model of the Bachmann at 170 quid is well worth it in my opinion. Maybe even the SF version, if you can ignore a non-spinning fan.
@@Proper_Chuffed on this occasion 5 cheeseburgers was the maximum 👍
@@doubleodave 😣 I’m such a disappointment
@@Proper_Chuffed you really need to focus on joining the mini owners club 😃👍
@@doubleodave for the price of a new model? What a steal. Count me in
Looks like I'm with Dave, switching to Kadees for uncoupling. Although the idea of uncoupling _anywhere_ using DCC is very tempting - it isn't worth it if it isn't reliable.
Agreed, I expected far more than 60% success to be honest, so left more than a little wanting on this. I am likely going to keep it on one end and detail the other with a snow plough.
Hi Hilton, nice review. I just watched Sam's Trains review on the Accurascale Class 31 yesterday. What upset me about his model with that the screws for attaching the circuit board to the frame were missing. As for the differences between the Accurascale and Bachmann models, Accurascale wins on price, plus it includes the working fan on all versions. However, in Sam's review it turns out that Accurascale ships the DC models with the fan turned off. When turned on it spins way too fast, and makes a lot of noise (maybe this is why the DC version has the fan feature turned off, despite their literature to the contrary). The fan on the Bachmann model is definitely better, but is only available on the top end model. As for the plastic buffers, both models come that way. Maybe making metal oval shaped buffers is too difficult.
Hey Stuart, thanks for watching. While I totally get not every model can be perfect, always, QC is vital, it sounds like that one slipped by and I honestly would expect Accurascale will be quick to assist with any of those issues experienced. I think the fan is a great addition, but agree bachmann should at least include it on their SF model, not just deluxe. On the buffers, yes, it seems turned metal ones are just a bit too much to ask for! :P
I just reviewed the Accurascale one, looks really nice but not everything is right on it, easily fixed however. Surprised your one has issues given the cost
I need to check your review out! I’ll do so shortly 😊I don’t think it has ‘issues’ per se, just that it’s not really well thought out in my opinion.
I confess to liking sprung buffers as it reflects attention to detail and good materials. However, it is not a "show-stopper" for me.
Regarding the uncoupling device, it is obviously very hard to make something that works for all heights and types of coupling. I also think the device is a bit unsightly but I can see the appeal, especially for exhibition layouts.
Obviously the Accurascale one is cheaper but it does have its own limitations. The fan seems to be less manic on Bachmann's.
Hey Jeffrey, I must admit, they dont phase me, but I understand it matters to some, hence my tongue in cheek jab at it always. I think both manufacturers seem to be presenting some very good offerings, curious to see which one sells better, my money is on Accurascale :)
I see they made it as a CO-CO wheel arrangement (all wheel drive) whereas the real thing A1A-A1A.
Indeed, a curious choice, I suppose their thinking may have been around more robust drive?
As usual a fair and objective review, it does seem that innovation comes with its pitfalls, not all Hornby's new steam fitted locos performed 100% from the reviews I've seem. And recent review from another RUclipsr was disappointed that Accurascale's Class 31 also had some quality issues that were out of character for the brand. Hornby of course has its Class 31 offerings but unless discounted the "Hornby Railways' version was a bit to much with an RRP of GBP244. For me I would go for the Bachmann standard DCC Ready at GBP169. ...Drew
Thank you Drew, that is my aim with these videos, highlighting the best and worst objectively. It seems the Bachmann really is the best of the lot in terms of the actual realism of the loco. I think thats a fair choice Drew. Thanks for watching my friend.
I bought two and yes, I’d agree the auto uncoupler is fussy. 60% success is maybe about right. But whatever, the rest of the model is beautiful, it does run extremely well and the weight and build quality are - Bachmann.
So, overall? They’re nice things.
Hey Kelly, wow you got two! What liveries? Agreed with you, quality build, couplers aside.
@@Proper_Chuffed BR Blue, 31293 and 31123.
One tip is to consider taking the tension lock 'arm' off the stock you're pulling. You only really need one tension lock arm to pull with unless you have duff track/ really heavy gradients. It makes it half as hard for it to couple and uncouple.
If you want to change back, it's no great hassle to put it back if you need to.
Nice to see another video though Hylton. Like me I think you have a bit of a thing where you know you can generally trust Bachmann. The other half has had a few Accurascales where I thought, "Hmmmm, I think I'd rather not."
i have issues with the roco uncoupler working with some ho wagons. not level track and not level couplings etc. cause same kind of issues.
Thanks for that info, I'm not familiar with the roco ones, but I will check them out. It is a frustrating thing to deal with though :/
Hi Hilton, nice review. Regarding the auto-uncoupling feature, it isn't quite a "new" thing. Marklin/Trix have had this feature on many of their HO locomotives, mainly steam, for many years, and Mike's Train House (MTH) have also had it on their HO DCS/DCC diesel locomotives as well. As for the usefulness of this feature, in my opinion it is of very limited use. If all you want to do is "easily" uncouple the locomotive from the trains, then yes, it is useful. But if you're into shunting (switching in North America) then it offers no real use. Once you have to uncouple between wagons or carriages then it has no use at all.
Hello Stuart, thanks for watching firstly, yes indeed you are right, not new by any means, but for OO, it would seem it is? As someone mentioned, this scale is always playing catch up with the continental and US markets. I would, in retrospect, go for the SF model, not the SFD variant given the choice and knowing what I do now. Cheers for your thoughts.
Hi Hilton, my 31 is an Airfix in the green livery and it is probably older than yourself. So I have been looking at modern liveries, wow there are so many options and very interesting out there. As for many fancy things I’m not bothered, but take a look at the Hornby R30197 BR Departmental RTC train testing locomotive in a red/white livery No 97203. Prices £72 + New. Only my O gauge models get the Sound Treatment. Any way what do you think ? A great video as always my friend, regards from Ron,🚂👍😃🚂
It sounds like the 31 in BR Departmental at £72 is a great offer, they are offering their others at around £140 on Rails of Sheffield too, so that might be worth a look too? Thanks for watching and popping in Ron, always appreciate it. Hylt
@@Proper_Chuffed Hi Hilton, thanks for your reply. I have ordered one today from Rails at £77, TMC was £72 but I have decided to stay loyal to Rails as they have been very good and helpful to me and recently. By the way I checked out my Airfix 31 and it is 45 years old, I have even put DCC on board. Regards from Ron 🚂👍😃🚂
@@RonCooper-nl4pn nice one! I am excited for you Ron 😊 agreed, Rails do a good job. Wow, that’s actually scary, it’s a few years older than me! 😜
Yeah - see - I figured this would be the case with that uncoupling - works sometimes, with some models - not good enough really!
And you were right Craig 😉 And as you say, it's not good enough, needed a bit more time in the oven. Cheers my friend.
I am generally wondering about the couplers of the 00-Scale models of British rolling stock: They are monsterous big and technically out of fashion since decades. And they do not connect in curves as well as most other coupling systems. Is there any worse coupling system on the market?
Märklin invented their electromagnetic Telex-couplers in the 1950s (H0 scale), others followed in the digital era. Fleischmann H0 had a coupling system very similar to the 00-couplers but even that was smaller and in the 1980s replaced by the Profi couplers with all modern features. A coupling system should allow narrow coupling and pre-decoupling. Pre-decoupling means that you can open it, but push the decoupled part of the train (carefully) back and then leave in the other direction. Some model railroaders need versions with two conductors for illuminated coaches.
To manage the entirety of railroad operation from the console without the "hand of god" between the waggons was one of the most intriguing aspects for me when I reentered the hobby in 2002.
Howdy Lars, thank you for watching. Yes it seems OO is incredibly late to this kind of tech and yet with all the modern advancements, it still looks so brutish? You would think a more refined and thought through piece would be presenting itself. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom here. Hylt
I like the concept of the automatic uncoupler, but the fact it doesn't work faultlessly with current-generation couplings is concerning.
I don't fault Bachmann for it not working with old-style D-links, I remember a Bachmann spokesman strongly implying in an interview with Hornby Magazine that it would only work with modern couplings. Even standard modern tension locks and D-links don't match perfectly; however, the biggest problem is conceptual.
The sort of people who are willing to pay over £300 for a locomotive comprise a large portion of the demographic willing to pay for replacement couplings. With a high-spec decoder, you can program in an "uncouple shuffle" for standard Kadee couplings, which don't require visible wires. I think you need a magnet, which means it can only happen where you install those magnets. (But I haven't made the leap to Kadees, so correct me if I am wrong on that).
What Bachmann could do, is have a switch on the bottom of the locomotive. By default, it is set up for the tension locks, but when flipped the function will do an uncouple shuffle for Kadee-style couplings. That way, if you use Kadees, or will upgrade to them later, you still get the functionality, and you don't have to reprogram the decoder.
Don't get your hopes up to high about Kadees working perfectly, over their magnets.. Oh, they DO, if IF the magnet is 101% perfectly installed and is on perfectly level in 4 directions, straight track.. Then the height of the coupler(s) above the magnet is a factor as well, so that any car/loco couplers you intend to do the dance with MUST also be at a perfect elevation above the magnet. Finally, there's the pin that must be the EXACT height above Mag. Another ditty is false uncoupling, rolling across a magnet not looking to uncouple, but sometimes does anyway.
I'm across the pond in US HO and had many a frustrating experience with Kadee magnet placement and just gave up on it..I use toothpicks between the knuckles .. But, don't get me wrong. You CAN obtain success. But it's what I said; It takes perfect accuracy, and that can be challenging to obtain..
Hey Warren, thanks for sharing your thoughts here. You've proposed a great solution here, I am inclined to agree with your concept. Also the reality, these things are ugly and that's something I would hope they could avoid in future. Cheers for watching, Hylt
coupling heights ahhhh the perenial problem,, NEM sockets have a standard height, do any of the companies know that? how many NEM sockets have I had to dispose of to replace with body mount Kadee's Maybe that's why these big ugly lumps are called 'TENSION' locks....
That was my thinking too, surely this should be more standardized? It seems not. And Bachmann need to work on that for their next iteration of this tech.
European models have had auto release couplings for years, as always British manufacturers are playing catch up.
New Sams trains video "Is Britain still on top" examining if Britain is still the best country for model trains or they've lagged behind 😉
This is a sentiment that has littered this comment section. Couldn't agree more with you.
@@Proper_Chuffed just think if british modellers hadn't been so doggedly attached to the tension lock we wouldn't be in this place, essentially it's a self inflicted wound of traditionalism, like so many irksome things in the UK 😅
@@Samstrainsofficially as a South African I wouldn’t know 😅 but I hear you, it does seem archaic. Gah they’re ugly… the couplings I mean!
@@Proper_Chuffed second they started NEM pockets they shoulda said nope, it comes with Kadees, you want tension locks you pay, few years of it and ignoring the cry babies and they'd be the new normal coupler. Just the cry babies are very loud in UK modelling. 😏
Hi Hylt, have to agree with you great loco but paying the extra for a coupler which I will never use because I use magnetic couplers and watching your problems has confirmed me not to buy cheers Al
Howdy Al, indeed, it seems excessive for something that doesnt always work. Glad I could help in your decision making friend.
Hi mate
I hope you are well
These are not my cup of tea
I think Bachmann new uncoupler is a gimmick in my opinion looks so ugly on the front.
The model looks stunning well detailed for the price it should be and they should of been more add to the buffer beam in my opinion the fan looks better than Accurascale and runs better too.
Accurascale runs too fast
Only my opinion
Well edited video
Thank you for sharing your models with us
Keep safe ARP
Hello Adi, thanks for stopping by mate, indeed not quite as I had hoped. Here’s hoping they improve upon this design in future because it is rather clever.
Märklin got auto release coupling for like 40 or 50 years how is that something special btw working 100% and the most recent version is especialy awesome of the märklin telex couplling
I hear you, and I agree, I suppose this is new for the OO market in some way, admittedly, curiosity got the best of me, so here we are! Cheers for watching. Hylt
In real life the Cl31 weighed more than a Deltic Cl55
Goodness, you would never think so based on the size!
It’s all about choice which is good in a way,if you want these add ons you can choose to have them,they are atleast not making everyone pay a premium,if you can’t afford it,there are alternatives which will bring you as much pleasure.
I remember getting my first loco back in the 70s,it had a “glowing firebox” at that time I thought it was terrific….
Things are expensive there’s no doubt,but I found a loco from the mid 70s with the price ticket still attached…A Britannia class steam loco £14.25……..my weeks wage…..£15.75…..working in the garage trade.
So ,if you think that some demographics will be earning £300 a week….are things so much worse.
Just a wee talking point maybe.🏴
Thats a great talking point David, albeit a contentious one it seems these days. I think it's fair that we have a myriad of options at different price points, in hindsight I would say this is a slightly regrettable purchase simply because the main feature doesnt work as well as I had hoped. In retrospect, the 260 quid sound fitted version would have been a happier median. Thanks for sharing your thoughts bud.
You shouldn’t have to regret buying it,they should be remorseful about selling you a defective product…..I can’t believe at the very least they couldn’t line up the couplers.
Anyway,enough negativity…..get the “blooming” heather planted….🏴
@@David-cq2mz ☺️ that’s so true! It’s on the way soon I promise, I have been getting so much testing done, and we’re almost ready for step by step scenics!
Good man Mc Hylton….🏴
Please note the Accurascale 31 has the door handles in the wrong position open! The Bachmann version is correct no matter what Accurascale fanboys say, Check real photos out.
Good point Tony, thank you for sharing that info.
Check real photos out and you’ll find both are correct.
If "the door handles are the wrong position" is really all you have to argue against it, you really don't have much of an argument.
In fact you're just coming off as a "Bachmann fanboy" as you'd put it.
If you're put off by an incorrectly positioned door handle and you call people "fanboys" for it, I personally think this hobby isn't for you.
Hideous, to put it very nicely. Even the Marklin uncoupling system of over 50 years ago looks better.....Like plenty people stated in the comments. Why do Island modellers just accept anything as long as it is 00 and even worse why do the manufacturers take their buying public for granted? Surely Bachmann and cohorts can do better? Last remark not specific to this locomotive but in general. Good review Hylton and loco itself looks great. But tinted windows only for more expensive models, come on......Bwhahahahaha.
The coupling system right? 😅 The model itself is impressive and I really love the livery application. You make such a good point about what is accepted as a standard. Cheers Rinks
A very expensive gimmick that costs very little to make and adds a huge chunk onto the price.whats next?working wipers?
Haha, who knows? Maybe! I agree, the cost implications for an arguably faulty bit of tech aren't ideal :/ Thanks for your thoughts.
It's disappointing the main attraction of the model can't operate perfectly, Bachmann are usually very good at coupler heights, totally didn't expect the mechanical coupling to be too low. This doesn't really concern me I don't see myself buying the deluxe version anyway. 😂
It is an odd one honestly, I was genuinely surprised. And while I totally get that it's not compatible with older d-links, the fact that it doesnt work with it's own brand 100% of the time is disconcerting. Oh well, let me be the guinea pig I guess :P
It's a useless and stupid gimmick and one that's just making the model way more expensive than it need to be there plenty of better auto or electric uncoupling kadee have a good system also there are many uncoupling ramps that work well with tension hooks
I hear you, I think it definitely needed a bit more work before it was released, but here we are. I quite like the idea of it, but the practice is left wanting.
Also whilst not the fan on the 31 is not the best on dc at least u don't have to spend 300+ to get all the features
I would take the accurascale hands over bachmann considering u get all the goodies on dcc or dcc sound and only for an awful lot less than bachmanns offering
@@brickleyyard4966 totally hear you on that, I can absolutely see your reasoning with that choice, I think the Accurascale option is a brilliant one ☝️