I have £50 to spend as a Christmas Present.
Kernow MRC have a green GF Class 25 at less than £50 in two tone green.
Not typical in any way of my Cornish branch line but they do look good.
Should I buy it ?
Of course.........Rule One applies !
Just bought a Class 47 in InterCity livery at Kernow (http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/product/28751/372241_Graham_Farish_Class_47_Diesel_Locomotive_number_47_612) for £49.99. It's a beauty, and at least as a model train, much better than the Farish Class 25. To my eyes at least, the Farish 25 looks a bit clunky, particularly around the all-important "face".
Of course not the sort of thing you'd see on a branch line much... or would you? Perhaps hauling a nuclear flask train or some china clay wagons...?
Cheers, NeMo
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/54/thumb_8011.jpg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8011)
what era is your branch line set in?
maybe get a class 24, 35 or a class 22 even? if you look around the online shops or on ebay you might find one cheap...
might as well wait for the new version of the class 25 to be released which will look much better that the old one (hopefully)
tim
hattons have the blue 25 at £45, if more suited to your time scale
It's WR 59-66 so not really the right era.
Green would be my choice - not blue !
Since Hymeks weren't common west of Exeter, a 22 would be more appropriate. The 25s were, I believe, drafted in to replace withdrawn 22s, so might not be appropriate for your time frame. So with that said, you might want to invoke rule 1 and just buy whatever loco appeals to your tastes and budget.
NeMo
Quote from: port perran on November 03, 2013, 09:31:31 PM
It's WR 59-66 so not really the right era.
Green would be my choice - not blue !
I already have a class 22 and a hymek so I might just invoke Rule 1 as you say !
I bought one of Hattons class 25's at £45= and found once run in its a very good slow runner and am very happy with it.
The lack of flush glazing is something I'll live with for now, but would be interested to know if there is a kit available to fix it.
Regards
Ray
Quote from: class37025 on November 03, 2013, 09:23:33 PM
hattons have the blue 25 at £45, if more suited to your time scale
And BR two tone green at £45 too.
I have just had the blue one. It's a lot of loco for £45 despite the purists comments.
Much has been said of the detail faults of the current class 25, but I have 3 green ones and they are super runners. I'm not knowledgeable enough to pick out the faults and if it looks like a class 25 it is a class 25 in my mind.
Better a basic model that runs superbly than a superb model that doesn't :hmmm:
Quote from: newportnobby on November 03, 2013, 11:51:27 PM
Much has been said of the detail faults of the current class 25, but I have 3 green ones and they are super runners. I'm not knowledgeable enough to pick out the faults and if it looks like a class 25 it is a class 25 in my mind.
Better a basic model that runs superbly than a superb model that doesn't :hmmm:
here here
I had a blue 25 and it did run v well it was super smooth.
What other diesels ran in Cornwall in this era?
Tim
QuoteI have just had the blue one. It's a lot of loco for £45 despite the purists comments
I honestly don't think it takes a purist to see that the current 25 is just simply dreadful.
Quoteif it looks like a class 25 it is a class 25 in my mind.
maybe if I squinted and stood on my head, then it just might look like something that resembles a 25:)
Quote from: newportnobby on November 03, 2013, 11:51:27 PM
I'm not knowledgeable enough to pick out the faults and if it looks like a class 25 it is a class 25 in my mind.
Simply compare the model to a photo of the real thing - you'll soon easily spot the differences and errors - and then it won't be a class 25 in your mind.
IMO the old Farish model is very dated and no longer worth buying. Far better to wait for the new Bachmann version (now already produced as an EP model) which will have finer details, hopefully be more accurate and be made to modern standards with modern features like working lights, DCC ready, NEM coupler sockets, etc.
H.
Laira did have a few class 25s but they were I believe all class 25/1 and came in with the demise of the class 22 locos. They were needed to work some of the branches, particularly into the 37s arrived.
1966 wouldn't I think have seen any 25s in Cornwall. In fact you may even need to check the modelled ones even were in service in 1966 as they are quite late numbers and the last entered service in 1967.
If you really want a Cornish 25 it might be worth waiting for the new Farish 25. That's going to be easier than all the conversions.
Alan
Quote from: H on November 04, 2013, 09:22:40 AM
Quote from: newportnobby on November 03, 2013, 11:51:27 PM
I'm not knowledgeable enough to pick out the faults and if it looks like a class 25 it is a class 25 in my mind.
Simply compare the model to a photo of the real thing - you'll soon easily spot the differences and errors - and then it won't be a class 25 in your mind.
IMO the old Farish model is very dated and no longer worth buying. Far better to wait for the new Bachmann version (now already produced as an EP model) which will have finer details, hopefully be more accurate and be made to modern standards with modern features like working lights, DCC ready, NEM coupler sockets, etc.
H.
Somehow can't see the new one being available for less than £50 which is what Port Perran has to spend. As far as detailing goes, just consider the popularity of Union Mills stuff.
Quote from: newportnobby on November 04, 2013, 12:06:46 PM
Somehow can't see the new one being available for less than £50 which is what Port Perran has to spend. As far as detailing goes, just consider the popularity of Union Mills stuff.
No, I'm sure it will be more than £50, but £50 is not necessarily all he has to spend - it is an extra amount provided as a Christmas present and could be added to. Plus, of course, it would be a suitable deposit and there will be time to save up the balance before the model becomes available.
UM stuff is popular not because of the lack of detailing, but because they produce working RTR model locos that are not otherwise available, but with the class 25 a better alternative will become available next year.
H.
Of course a better model will be available and I spoke at length to Farish at TINGS about the improvements they were making. At the end of the day it depends whether the OP wishes to wait an indeterminate length of time.
Quote from: H on November 04, 2013, 12:20:24 PM
UM stuff is popular not because of the lack of detailing, but because they produce working RTR model locos that are not otherwise available, but with the class 25 a better alternative will become available next year.
I'm not sure this is entirely the whole story, H. One reason people like the Union Mills models is that they're solid, reliable models that pull trains well. Probably like a lot of people, I didn't need a Union Mills steam train. So the fact the Adams 0395 wasn't made by anyone else is irrelevant. But I did see photos of the model online that looked good, and the comments on the running quality of Union Mills speaks volumes about how well they're made. You could argue that they're toy trains because of their relative lack of detail. But they are very, very good toy trains, and if (like me) you care more about playing trains than accurately mimicking the real railway, then they're great!
I agree with newportnobby that it basically comes down to choosing between an better but much more expensive model that won't be out for a year, or else a mediocre model that's available inexpensively right now. I don't think anyone is saying the current Farish 25 is a good model in terms of looks, but the mechanism inside works well, and at well under £50, the purchaser gets a reliable and perfectly serviceable brand new model train to play with! By contrast the new Farish 25 is slated for well into next year at an RRP of £99.95.
All this said... I do have to agree with you H that personally I would't spend £45-50 on the current Farish 25. I don't see that (personally) as money well spent, particularly when there are much better models available now for that amount of money -- like the Farish 47 or the Dapol 86. So if I wanted a new toy train to play with, I'd spend my money on such models instead. Personally, I'd sooner have a good model that doesn't fit my precise era and region than a poor model that does. But if a 25 fitted into my plan and I liked the way the model looked -- even if it wasn't 100% or even 75% perfect -- then why not buy it? It's cheap and cheerful, and with a bit of weathering might look rather nice!
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: H on November 04, 2013, 12:20:24 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on November 04, 2013, 12:06:46 PM
Somehow can't see the new one being available for less than £50 which is what Port Perran has to spend. As far as detailing goes, just consider the popularity of Union Mills stuff.
No, I'm sure it will be more than £50, but £50 is not necessarily all he has to spend - it is an extra amount provided as a Christmas present and could be added to. Plus, of course, it would be a suitable deposit and there will be time to save up the balance before the model becomes available.
UM stuff is popular not because of the lack of detailing, but because they produce working RTR model locos that are not otherwise available, but with the class 25 a better alternative will become available next year.
H.
Hattons per-order price on the 25/1 is £84.96 and it will be available wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenever.
This prompted me to cancel my pre-order and spend the £45. There will always be a better anything and everything - but in the meantime you could enjoy a £45 Class 25/3.
A green Class 25 would fit in better even if it's a good few years to early for the modelled time period. Not having seen one close up I won't comment on its faults BUT, I think it's important to remember that at normal viewing distance the fine details do not show. Personally, I like the old Graham Farrish Class 33s and Battle of Britain / West Countrys as, from normal operating distance, pulling a train, they look the part. Granted the BoB / WCs benefit from new bogie overlays and fitting front steps, etc. and the Class 33s need some detailing, too BUT compared with the Minitrix Warship and Class 27 I had years ago, they're fine models. (Mind you the Minitrix locos were excellent runners and soloidly engineered, as you'd expect.)
So . . . go for it, enjoy a Class 25 a few years too early but try to get a two-tone green one (a nice livery)!
Quote from: H on November 04, 2013, 12:20:24 PM
UM stuff is popular not because of the lack of detailing, but because they produce working RTR model locos that are not otherwise available, but with the class 25 a better alternative will become available next year.
Also the UM stuff is generally the right shape (some exceptions especially early stuff) and some tender choice compromises. So detailing a UM loco is starting from a good base. Detailing the Farish 25 is at a certain level "turd polishing" - no matter how much you polish at the end of the day its still s...
You can do a passable job on it though and its a good price for trying and learning.
Alan
I guess at the end of the day it depends what the individual is trying to create.
Personally I am just trying to create the look of what I remember from my youth and I would be the first to agree if the current 25 looked nothing like one. The fact it resembles what I can remember without recourse to reference books is fine and dandy with me. I have no idea of what carriages are what and in what specific formations they ran in - it's enough for me to run a 6-8 coach train with a brake on the end. Like I say, if it looks OK then to my little mind, it is OK. The bonus of it running very smoothly far outweighs any other deficiencies and I, for one, will not be attempting to remove the glazing and try and fit flush glazing. I have better things to do.
There are those who can pick fault with all sorts of models or modify them to as near as damnit what they should look like and, if that floats your boat, who am I to disagree?
A turd it may be, but it bears a passing resemblance to the turds I remember and that's good enough for me :D :thankyousign:
^^^^WHS
Good honest down to earth logic. Thank you that man.
Quote from: NeMo on November 04, 2013, 05:59:44 PM
I'm not sure this is entirely the whole story, H. One reason people like the Union Mills models is that they're solid, reliable models that pull trains well.
That might also be a consideration but it still doesn't make them popular because of the lack of fine detail. As EP says the old class 25 is something of a turd and the new version will be significantly better. As you mention it's not a good buy to get one of them (the old Poole version) at around £50 and I certainly wouldn't recommend it.
But at the end of the day its the OP money and if he wants to waste it on one then so be it. However, I'd rather spend the money on something better.
H.
Quote from: H on November 05, 2013, 12:05:40 AM
But at the end of the day its the OP money and if he wants to waste it on one then so be it. However, I'd rather spend the money on something better.
I do see your point, H, but worry about the word "waste" here. These are toy trains. Unless your toy trains shuttle around (tiny) goods around a factory or something, then they don't do anything useful. Ergo, they're a waste of money. Their only value is that perceived by the owner as something entertaining. If you need a £100 toy train version of the Class 25 to be happy, while the original poster was happy with a £45 toy train of the same locomotive, then who's wasting more money? Perhaps neither of you, perhaps both. It's all subjective.
It's like going to the cinema, visiting the pub, or eating out at a restaurant. In and of itself, it's money down the drain; the only value is in the amount of pleasure obtained in the process.
Quote from: H on November 05, 2013, 12:05:40 AM
That might also be a consideration but it still doesn't make them popular because of the lack of fine detail.
Possibly true, but the small volume of production limits their "popularity" to a much greater degree, surely. Plenty of toy trains with limited detail sell extremely well. Union Mills models are clearly popular enough that Colin Heard can hand-make these models pretty much on his own all year round, and still have enough demand left over for secondhand prices to stay remarkably buoyant (rarely under £50 in my experience). He's also bringing out new models every year. But the fact these aren't sold online or in any major retailer except as secondhand models stops them being well known, I'd wager. But at the end of the day you and I are both speculating here (unless of course you have a degree in Economics and/or know more about Colin Heard's business accounts than you're letting on!).
Cheers, NeMo
Their only value is that perceived by the owner as something entertaining. If you need a £100 toy train version of the Class 25 to be happy, while the original poster was happy with a £45 toy train of the same locomotive, then who's wasting more money? Perhaps neither of you, perhaps both. It's all subjective.
Cheers, NeMo
[/quote]
Exactly. If a current Graham Farrish Class 25 gives pleasure then who are we to say that it should not be bought because it does not have the level of detail that can only be appreciated if held up to a 'rivet counter's' eye? A big advantage of the small size of N Gauge is that we can model complete trains in the landscape. For a 'rivet counter', 00 or, even better, 0 Gauge would, IMHO, be the size to choose.
Re: coach formations, in an earlier post; personally, I like to have realistic formations and with so much material available on the Internet and in books that is not difficult to do but, again, that gives ME pleasure. I'm not going to criticise someone for running what looks right for them.
As for Union Mills, the owner serves a niche market but niche markets can be very profitable as he is satisfying the wants of buyers who are not being served by the much bigger manufacturers. I just wish he would bring out a model of a T9 with the same splashers as 30120 so I can run preserved 120 when i'n running a Summer Saturday 1962 timetable.
There will always be a better anything and everything - but in the meantime you could enjoy a £45 Class 25/3.
[/quote]
Again, fully agree. This used to be the case with notebook computers and, more recently, smartphones, too. The buyer has to evaluate the benefit of paying something today and enjoying it. Money cannot buy time. Time lost waiting for something 'better' (and more expensive) would, IMHO, be better spent enjoying the use of something today. After all, none of us are getting any younger!
Quote from: NeMo on November 05, 2013, 06:32:48 AM.
These are toy trains. Unless your toy trains shuttle around (tiny) goods around a factory or something, then they don't do anything useful. Ergo, they're a waste of money. Their only value is that perceived by the owner as something entertaining. If you need a £100 toy train version of the Class 25 to be happy, while the original poster was happy with a £45 toy train of the same locomotive, then who's wasting more money? Perhaps neither of you, perhaps both. It's all subjective.
It's like going to the cinema, visiting the pub, or eating out at a restaurant. In and of itself, it's money down the drain; the only value is in the amount of pleasure obtained in the process.
Sorry, but you're wrong there. Money spent, even on luxury unnecessary goods, is a contributory effect in the economy; apart from the multiplier effect, it creates demand, jobs and generates taxes. It isn't a waste or down the drain. And for the purchaser it provides a feeling of well being and satisfaction. Just that for me purchasing a sub-standard product like the Poole class 25 wouldn't do that, and a higher spec/quality one would be better 'value' IMO.
H.
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 05, 2013, 07:43:43 AM
If a current Graham Farrish Class 25 gives pleasure then who are we to say that it should not be bought because it does not have the level of detail that can only be appreciated if held up to a 'rivet counter's' eye?
Quite simply because the OP asked for our opinion - and the thread is titled "should I buy a class 25?".
Consequently my opinion is that he should not buy the Poole class 25 but consider the new Bachmann version. And I don't think it's particularly necessary to brand everyone who prefers fine and accurate details with the term 'rivet counter' as that is rather derogatory.
H.
Quite simply because the OP asked for our opinion - and the thread is titled "should I buy a class 25?".
H.
[/quote]
Ah, but that was not my answer: my answer was that the decision should not be made because it does not have the level of detail that can only be appreciated if held up to a 'rivet counter's' eye. My apologies if 'rivet counter' seems derogatory. My point was that if the current model looks like a Class 25 (which it does) and gives pleasure it should, IMHO, be bought and enjoyed, today. Yes, there may well be a higher spec/quality Class 25 coming but when? and at what price? Fine details really can only be appreciated at very close distances, hence my comments about 00 and 0 gauge. If someone wants to pay the extra and admire the model close up, fine. I'd rather be running trains that look right at a normal viewing distance and, judging by the pictures of his excellent layout, that is what the original poster does.
If this was a photography forum and locos were expensive like camera lenses or camera bodies then the wait until you have a bit more money or wait until something else comes out arguments have a place. There is always a £250, £475, and £800 version of a spec of lens and if you spend your £250 you will inevitably find it's limitations and then the £475 version you really needed has cost you £725 less a paltry trade in allowance.
But model rail is much less expensive and thus £45 new bargains are more about opportunity than anything else IMHO. Once they are all sold then the opportunity is gone. The price of ultimately having three Class 25s is very low taken over say a couple of years and given that the £45 Class 25 is under half price and it runs very well then the opportunity afforded by its low price outweighs the possible sense of shame you may experience if a more knowledgeable person finds out you are running a loco which has oversize grungeing rods or the window glazing isn't quite right.
BR have more than one of each type of loco on their layout and once the £45 ones have gone they are gone.
Exactly, ParkeNd.
To me they look like Class 25s and I remember the real things from my trainspotting days in the Midlands.
BTW, Hattons have 371-079
Graham Farish
Class 25/3 diesel D7638 in BR two-tone green
N Gauge
£45 BARGAIN List price: £94.05
More than 10 in stock
IMHO, the two-tone livery and 'cleaned up' bodysides of the Class 25/3 variant looks very nice. If I could justify running one, I'd buy one but my modelling period ends at 1969 so I cannot. But that's my decision. Others can invoke 'Rule One'! 8-)
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 05, 2013, 08:54:46 AM
My point was that if the current model looks like a Class 25 (which it does)
Sorry, but IMO it doesn't look very much like a real class 25 at all. And I guess that I'm not the only one who thinks that; Truffles commented "
maybe if I squinted and stood on my head, then it just might look like something that resembles a 25" and EP suggested "
Detailing the Farish 25 is at a certain level "turd polishing" - no matter how much you polish at the end of the day its still s...".
It's not just a matter of fine details but the overall shape and proportions which is obvious even at distance. Plus, of course, the Bachmann version will also have modern specification improvements like being DCC ready, working directional lighting, NEM coupler pockets, etc., as well as hopefully being more accurate and having finer details. But if you think the Poole version looks like one then so be it. I won't loose any sleep and it won't convince me that it does or to recommend that people buy it.
H
This is all getting a little ridiculous and to label anyone a 'rivet counter' for pointing out that the current 25 is terrible is laughable. It is not a case of a bit of flush glazing or moulded detail, it is EVERYTHING and starts with the fundamental shape of the thing.
The original question, as H pointed out, was 'Should I buy a Class 25', well quite frankly I would not buy one for £5 let alone £45 particularly when you can get much better models for similar prices in various sales such as 03,04,08,37,47 etc.
To paraphrase a line from one of the great classical songs of the 20th century:
'it's a 25, Jim, but not as we know it'
Sorry H but waiting until GKW for the Dapol will lose the OP the opportunity of a bargain. And if he does wait for the Dapol he will by then almost surely know that a Farish with even finer detail and DCC2 is imminent if he only waits another 12 months and pays £145.
Quote from: ParkeNd on November 05, 2013, 09:34:06 AM
will lose the OP the opportunity of a bargain. And if he does wait for the Dapol he will by then almost surely know that a Farish with even finer detail and DCC2 is imminent if he only waits another 12 months and pays £145.
Erm, but the question was not 'is it a bargain at £45?' - and IMO it is most certainly not. So what matters if he misses that opportunity? There are plenty of other better bargain buys as Truffles pointed out.
And, it's not a matter of waiting for Dapol - the new 'blue riband' quality class 25 is a Farish model by Bachmann. Pictures of the EP model have already be posted on their website. It's been announced and in the pipeline, unlike your fantasy DDC2 version with a made up price.
H.
It's all down to opportunity cost: paying £45 and enjoying a model which while not perfect does recognisably look like a Class 25, particularly from a distance, or waiting for a much more expensive more accurate one sometime in the future. And THAT is an individual judgement call.
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 05, 2013, 09:48:30 AM
It's all down to opportunity cost: paying £45 and enjoying a model which while not perfect does recognisably look like a Class 25, particularly from a distance, or waiting for a much more expensive more accurate one sometime in the future. And THAT is an individual judgement call.
Why do you assume that the OP would 'enjoy' the model, it is just as feasible to 'assume' that he would get it home and be gutted with it's comical looks and relegate it to the inside of a depot.
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 05, 2013, 09:48:30 AM
It's all down to opportunity cost: paying £45 and enjoying a model which while not perfect does recognisably look like a Class 25, particularly from a distance, or waiting for a much more expensive more accurate one sometime in the future. And THAT is an individual judgement call.
It is certainly the OP's final decision on what he spends the money on, but you've rather skewed the two options. IMO they are either waste money on a poor current model that is not representative of the real prototype or put the money toward a better value, better specified, finer and more accurate one that is currently being developed.
H.
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 05, 2013, 09:48:30 AM
It's all down to opportunity cost: paying £45 and enjoying a model which while not perfect does recognisably look like a Class 25, particularly from a distance, or waiting for a much more expensive more accurate one sometime in the future. And THAT is an individual judgement call.
This is very true.
One of the disadvantages of incredible detail on newer models is fragility. The idea of say a long loco with detail as fine as the new 57xx is daunting for fat fingers. The plain sided Class 25/3 is distinctly robust looking much like the two comparatively unadorned Class 47s on current bargain prices.
Purity will require tweezers soon.
Quote from: ParkeNd on November 05, 2013, 10:06:13 AM
One of the disadvantages of incredible detail on newer models is fragility. The idea of say a long loco with detail as fine as the new 57xx is daunting for fat fingers. The plain sided Class 25/3 is distinctly robust looking much like the two comparatively unadorned Class 47s on current bargain prices.
Purity will require tweezers soon.
Maybe, but it is a different issue and probably worthy of a separate thread to discuss.
Sure fine details can be fragile, but we are talking about a modelling hobby where handling care is often essential. In general scale models are not playthings for kids that can stand being roughly handled or thrown around. If that is the requirement then perhaps N gauge isn't the best option.
Nonetheless, in general, it's not difficult to take appropriate care, after all one would if collecting valuable and fragile glass and china figurines. Once they are on the track there is no need to grab and maul the stock but it can be helpful to be able to undertake a bit of repair modelling in the event of accidental damage and, yep, that does often require the use of tweezers.
I think I'd rather accept and accommodate the fragility of finer models rather than demand chunky robust toys.
H.
Wow, I'm glad I stumbled across this thread. I was going to buy one for zac due to the price as it said class 25, having never seen one I thought it must be a model of one.
So what does one look like if the current one is not
Bart
Quote from: 1936ace on November 05, 2013, 11:12:13 AM
I was going to buy one for zac due to the price as it said class 25, having never seen one I thought it must be a model of one.
So what does one look like if the current one is not
Bart
You can pay £45 for a model which while not perfect does recognisably look like a Class 25, particularly from a distance. IMHO the front windows are the most noticeable difference from the prototype, or you could choose to buy a more recent, more expensive model of something else which is more accurate.
I feel quite sorry for Port Perran now - he's probably cowering in a bunker somewhere :worried:
Quote from: newportnobby on November 05, 2013, 11:56:07 AM
I feel quite sorry for Port Perran now - he's probably cowering in a bunker somewhere :worried:
My thoughts, too.
Hi
For myself being disabled after a stroke and a pensioner,I have to look for bargins when they are available,I managed to get one of the new grafar cl 24 loco's for £55.00.
Now my problem is it is full of holes at the front and rear,because you have to add pipes and head code disc's,which I can't,so now it is just as un prototypical as the class 25, we are talking about which to me looks like a a 25,if I got one I wouldn't have to worry about adding the extra bits & bobs.
I'm afraid any thing over a £100.00 is beyond my price range so it's a case of beggars can't be chosers when getting models.
Mike :Class31:
No need to feel sorry for me.
It was only a throw away remark from me but...................to keep everyone in suspense......did I get one or not ??
It really is down to personal preference so I eventually made my own mind up.................................?????
Quote from: port perran on November 05, 2013, 02:45:26 PM
No need to feel sorry for me.
It was only a throw away remark from me but...................to keep everyone in suspense......did I get one or not ??
It really is down to personal preference so I eventually made my own mind up.................................?????
Don't keep us in suspenders :no:
Did you buy one?
It certainly generated some lively discussion!
So...........here is the little devil that has been the cause of all this debate :
(http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu257/martinscane/photo2-001_zpsc923e4a2.jpg) (http://s653.photobucket.com/user/martinscane/media/photo2-001_zpsc923e4a2.jpg.html)
Am I happy with it ?
Well yes - if not I wouldn't have bought it.
Ran well straight from the box and runs really nicely (and quietly) now that it's run in.
It may not be as perfect as the new version due later but I thought it was worth £44-99p. My old eyes don't look for the fine detail so I'm happy. To me it looks like the locos that I remember.
And...it doesn't fit my era (so Rule 1 applies) but it does look good alongside my hymek, Class 22, Class 14 and my new Western.
It looks the part. (Only the front windows stand out as being too shallow; but at normal viewing distance, not the excellent close-up here, it looks fine, IMHO.)
Is your Western a Graham Farrish or one of the new Dapols? I have two maroon Graham Farrish ones but am selling the non-DCC fitted one. Again, I know the new Dapol one is amazingly accurate and detailed but, to me, the graham Farrish one looks fine and it was FAR cheaper. I won't be running it often as it really is not suitable for my line, so won't be timetabled, but I'm glad I have it to join my Class 14, 22, 35, and 42 fleet.
(http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu257/martinscane/photo-001_zps3fb0fd09.jpg) (http://s653.photobucket.com/user/martinscane/media/photo-001_zps3fb0fd09.jpg.html)
Yes the Western is the new Dapol one (sorry-this photo isn't brilliant) and an excellent loco it s too. I particularly liked them in green but was also tempted by Osborne Models version of D1000 itself in Desert Sand livery.
Thanks, Port Perran. Green does look good. It really is an excellent model. I was also tempted by the D1000 Desert Sand version but, as I really can't justify running one "Western" at all, a second hand Graham Farrish maroon one (especially as it is DCC-fitted) is as far as I'm allowing myself to indulge myself!
Thanks for the pic of the class 25, P-P.
I reckon you got a bargain there - one of the stands at a Toy & Train Fair last Sunday had that model for £78
Good on ya mate having never seen one it looks great,
Well done
Now do I get one and have a go at hardwiring a decoder or wait for the dcc friendly one???. :)
Bart
We'll done Port Perran and thanks for the pic. Mine is blue because I didn't have any blue locos.
For £45 we have done well to snap one up before they were all gone. Most people who have commented on your photo seem to be surprised how good it looks after the few attacks it got. I have the £111 Class 22 but I am just as pleased with the £45 bargain.
And to those who asked how did I know that Port Perran would be happy with his £45 Class 25/3 once he got it on his layout . . . because I understand his way of thinking. It is not perfect but it looks like a Class 25/3 and, at that price, it was a bargain. And, IMHO, the two-green livery fits in very well at Port Perran. So, my congratulations, too! 8-) Enjoy.
Quote from: 1936ace on November 05, 2013, 11:12:13 AM
Wow, I'm glad I stumbled across this thread. I was going to buy one for zac due to the price as it said class 25, having never seen one I thought it must be a model of one.
So what does one look like if the current one is not
Bart
The real ones have slightly more rounded sides, inset cab doors, grilles at a slightly different height on the edge of the roof area, and windows in the frames not set back.
If you don't care so much about fine accuracy then its a good model, they are reliable runners and a handy size. The lack of fittings probably also makes it much better for junior.
Alan
Yes the 25s came in to replace the 22s, and then later there were 31s that replaced the 25s on milk trains for example (based at Exeter).
Laira had mostly 25/2s but at least one 25/3 AFAIK.
You could easily renumber them (as I am going to)
25/2s (ca 1975) 25168-170, 25215-217, 25223-225
25/3s (ca 1975) 25264
Some 25/2s (post D7500?) looked like 25/3s with 25/3 style windows and missing tanks below the waterline, and I have a photo of such a beast, no 7502 (later 25152) working presflows at Scorrier ca 1970 in two tone green with full yellow ends, code 6R09.
The Farish ends of the 25/3 are removable so easily primed (use white primer) and sprayed yellow (lots of light coats). A better looking 25/3 has also been modelled in N: http://www.stuartmoore-modelrailways.co.uk/graham_farish_class_25.htm (http://www.stuartmoore-modelrailways.co.uk/graham_farish_class_25.htm)
Slightly off topic, another reason to buy the new Farish 31 if you are not an eastern region person is that 31136 and its mates, which replaced WR DMUs (117s/118s/119s) on the Portsmouth-Bristol route in about 1976 and used to run 5 coach Mk 1s (something like SO-SO-BG-FK-SO) before they were replaced with 31/4s in 1977 was relocated to Exeter as a replacement for withdrawn 25s and was also used on milk trains.
HTH
Bob
Nice mod on the 25.
Dave G
Thank you, Bob G, very useful summary and for the link. The new etched cab fronts really make a tremendous difference and, IMHO< cure the most obvious problem with the current 25 moulding.
Did my first runs on the new layout today when the controller was finally plumbed in. Used the £45 Bargain Class 25/3 rather than the new £111 Class 22 or anything else new and £85 to £100 and still in the box.
Needed a gentle poke up the bum to move away first try and then ran superbly in either direction for 30 mins each way. Now runs quietly and crawls and starts and stops very realistically. Without watching it through a magnifier this blue one runs so well I have ordered the green one too.
Good for you! Enjoy your Class 25s.
Enjoy that Class 25.
Mine's a great little runner.
Second Bargain £45 Class 25/3 arrived this morning and is now also run in. The green looks great and runs beautifully.
Must confess I have two and they both have run very nicely.
Quite understand the critique regarding the quality/accuracy of the modelling but for me it's good enough!
Dave G
Third day of trial running the new layout to prove it prior to ballasting. Loaded it up with 10 locos and all my wagons and coaches/autocoaches. Have to say that the fantastic starting/running/smooth stopping of the two £45 bargain 25/3s was so good as to kick any purist cosmetic criticism into the long grass. They are superb.
Quote from: ParkeNd on November 19, 2013, 01:20:22 AM
Have to say that the fantastic starting/running/smooth stopping of the two £45 bargain 25/3s was so good as to kick any purist cosmetic criticism into the long grass. They are superb.
Delighted that you're so happy with them.
I look forward to the day when I have a layout when I can get to the stage of test running before ballasting.