N Gauge Forum

Some interesting liveries going to be available: two Pullmans, plus Intercity, SWT, Southern, and GBRF.

http://www.gaugemaster.com/articles/guides/br-class-73.html (http://www.gaugemaster.com/articles/guides/br-class-73.html)

But the specification is a little vague. Apparently DCC ready, but do these 73s have NEM coupling slots? Are the recent/current 73s using updated (i.e., quieter!) mechanisms than the 2004-ish original series of 73s?

Cheers, NeMo

Hi , I asked this a while back while at Dapol Towers and its same spec as last issue of 73s.



Robert 

Some of us have been waiting 2 yrs for the last of the promised Pullman 73s!

So order in hope and wait...

I have a Pullman 73 Royal Alex on order with Gaugemaster (DAGM235) and the delivery keeps slipping back. This year alone it has been March then June and currently September.

No info, that I can find, on Dapol's website or on their face-ache pages regarding the N gauge 73 but some on the 00 model. There again I can't really make head or tail of their website anyway!  :dunce:

Dave G

I have two on order and periodically contact them to find out the latest due date, although I do tend to take the date they say now with a large pinch of salt. I realise Gaugemaster are probably as fustrated as we are, but this changing of dates really puts me off ordering more in the future if they do other versions.

Quote from: Stuart7358 on June 12, 2016, 05:04:37 PM
I realise Gaugemaster are probably as fustrated as we are, but this changing of dates really puts me off ordering more in the future if they do other versions.

Understood. I'm sure your analysis is correct, and no doubt Gaugemaster have sent off multiple irate emails to the folks at Dapol HQ!

I guess it's the same problem Bachmann face, with the Chinese factories promising one delivery time but actually delivering at another, often months if not years later.

Cheers, NeMo

i wasn't that impressed with the running quality of the 73/0 they made - and assume these will have the same chassis.  also it is quite an old model now, it's not bad, but probably could do with updating in the next few years (wishful thinking),  not sure if i will get a new gaugemaster limited edition one or not.  it's a good price so is tempting.


tim

Hmm,  far too tempting at that price even if it is an older model. Mind you I do have a soft spot for 73's hence ordering some.

For those who are interested, I was in Gaugemaster and they had these on display. Have done the last few visits to the shop in fact but only just thought to take a picture  :doh:. The phrase, they're close springs to mind.


Cheers,

Jon

Could not resist one Just got to wait for it  :hmmm:

what do people think of the intercity livery in that picture???

The grey on the new green 33's roofs is too dark too.
Someone in Dapol who signs off the colours might have a real colour blindness.
Bob

Quote from: Bob G on June 17, 2016, 11:35:01 PM
The grey on the new green 33's roofs is too dark too.
Someone in Dapol who signs off the colours might have a real colour blindness.
Bob

Dapol have explained in detail the colour changes needed on the Class 33s here.

http://digest.dapol.co.uk/forum/n-gauge-models/class-33/project-managers-blog/331-class-33-decorated-samples (http://digest.dapol.co.uk/forum/n-gauge-models/class-33/project-managers-blog/331-class-33-decorated-samples)

Wow - that's the first time I came across that page. Very useful. Thanks.
Bob

Unfortunately, the Inter-City version seems to have inherited the faults of its recently-released OO cousin , which were much frothed about on RMWeb.

yeh.  intercity not looked right.

oh well.

others seemed ok to me?


tim

Quote from: robert shrives on June 12, 2016, 01:36:36 PM
Hi , I asked this a while back while at Dapol Towers and its same spec as last issue of 73s.



Robert

Pity - the earlier metal chassis ones were much better than the final batches which while DCC fitted were much too light IMHO

Alan

Hi all

Noticed today that the delivery date has been changed to October now on their website...

Stuart

Quote from: EtchedPixels on June 19, 2016, 09:35:12 PM

Quote from: robert shrives on June 12, 2016, 01:36:36 PM
Hi , I asked this a while back while at Dapol Towers and its same spec as last issue of 73s.

Pity - the earlier metal chassis ones were much better than the final batches which while DCC fitted were much too light IMHO

But are the newer batches quieter than the original metal chassis ones? I have two of the metal chassis ones, and by modern standards they sound a bit rough. I'd have thought adding weights to a quiet plastic chassis is an easier fix than trying to make a metal chassis quiet!  :D

Cheers, NeMo

Quote from: Stuart7358 on September 24, 2016, 08:44:37 AM
Hi all

Noticed today that the delivery date has been changed to October now on their website...

Stuart

I'm starting to wonder if it'll ever arrive.  :doh:

How many changes to the due date is that? Did think the last response to my enquiry to GM was more than a bit cagey!

With 'only' 150 of the things available and sold out for some time, I'm a bit disappointed GM haven't emailed to say what's going on.

Dave G

If I remember correctly they were due originally early 2015? I've lost track of the times the delivery date has changed! From my last enquiry to GM I would agree that their response is cagey, probably as they just don't know. I am certainly not getting my hopes up over an October delivery. Still as they say - all good things come to those that wait... (and wait and wait...) And yes their communication over the 73's has indeed been non existent.

Stuart

Placed my pre-order in March 2015 and got a May ETA in April.

As you say, Stuart, ...  but wonder if I may still have the eyesight and strength to unpack it, should it ever arrive!

Anyway, I appreciate the heads-up.   :beers:

Dave G

I visited Gaugemaster yesterday and they had sample bodies in the cases.

The pullmans are all sold out.

I was shown some original bodies with rather odd colours - they had to go back to China for alterations.

The new bodies look fine to my untutored eye - forgot to take photos. Though.

Delivery - RSN!! Ive been waiting 2 years so far!

I live in hope. I suspect The Poppylino will arrive first!

NIckR

Hello all,

I contacted Gaugemaster yesterday about the change to delivery date, below is there reply;

Dear Sir.
Yes we are still at the mercy of the producer! We were supposed to have them for our open weekend, but no show.
Hopefully we will be receiving them in due course, but sorry for the delay.
Hope this is of assistance.

Quote from: bluedepot on June 17, 2016, 10:39:14 PM
what do people think of the intercity livery in that picture???

I'm not sure how anyone can judge a colour from a photograph of a model in perspex case, looked at on a computer screen, there are too many variables there for it to even look spot on.

Thanks Stuart.

'In due course'.  An excellent alternative to 'No idea, chum!' but I guess it's not all GM's fault.

I'm not going to ask again about a delivery date but will just brace myself in case I get an email that says they've lost my order and can't supply!  :'(

Dave G

Quote from: daveg on September 25, 2016, 04:21:46 PM
Thanks Stuart.

'In due course'.  An excellent alternative to 'No idea, chum!' but I guess it's not all GM's fault.

I'm not going to ask again about a delivery date but will just brace myself in case I get an email that says they've lost my order and can't supply!  :'(

Dave G

Make sure you keep the same e-mail addy for at least the next two years !  :o

In contact with Gaugemaster today about somethings and was told that the 73's livery corrections have been signed off and they are in production so should not be long...

Thanks for the update Stuart.

I suspect that if it's in production now, the current ETA of October is a tad ambitious.

A pre-Christmas arrival would be really great though!

Dave G

E mail from Gaugemaster today, in it they say the 73's are due in by the end of October. We will see...

Talking to the chap on the Gaugemaster stand at Chichester today he says the 73's will be in November. Adding to the delay was the fact that two of the samples they initially received were rejected due to problems with the colour. The southern was too blue.and the SW too purple.

Did he suggest any particular November, Stuart?  :doh:

Last email I got said they were 'quietly confident' of an October arrival.  :'(

Dave G

Hmm, now on think on it a year was not mentioned.....

Quote from: Stuart7358 on October 22, 2016, 08:37:16 PM
Hmm, now on think on it a year was not mentioned.....

:smackedface: :veryangry2: :'( etc!

Dave G

Luckily I seem to have cancelled mine, so I can stop worrying :unimpressed:

I will admit I had two on order but as they have taken so long to appear I did cancel one of them to free up funds for a few Pfa/kfa's from revolution trains. Perhaps I will see if they have any available when they eventually arrive if finances allow.

Ages ago, I'd put the cash aside along with the balance of the then-quoted cost of my remaining pre-orders.

Despite the frustration of the quite daffy delivery dates, I'll stick with the original plan and hope I'm still around to take delivery at least of the 73. I have some doubt however that'll be the case for the DJM Class 23 Baby Deltic (ordered 18/02/15) or the GF Castle (Ordered 12/3/13)!

I guess that unspent cash could go towards the wake!!  :pint: :dighole:

Dave G

Any word on whether or not these 73's are still available to order?  I have a birthday coming up and was hoping the missus would pick up a couple for me.  Mainly looking at the GBRf and Southern one.

Keith

Hi Keith

They are still selling them.

http://www.gaugemaster.com/news/Dapol-N-Limited-Edition-Class-73-Locomotives (http://www.gaugemaster.com/news/Dapol-N-Limited-Edition-Class-73-Locomotives) 

They reissued the Pullman as The Royal Alex' and both sold out a while ago.

HTH
Bob

thanks Bob, I have the website bookmarked.  I'm in the US so I don't have a lot of info on these gems.  Are the GBRf and Southern liveried 73's still running and and what and where are they pulling?  Help a poor uninformed yank out  :)

Quote from: kbreck on October 24, 2016, 11:13:22 PM
thanks Bob, I have the website bookmarked.  I'm in the US so I don't have a lot of info on these gems.  Are the GBRf and Southern liveried 73's still running and and what and where are they pulling?  Help a poor uninformed yank out  :)

I'm sure folk can provide plenty of info but this link may be a good starter:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_73

HTH

Dave G

 Any new word on delivery date?  Are we still looking at November?

Quote from: kbreck on November 03, 2016, 03:57:06 PM
Any new word on delivery date?  Are we still looking at November?

I have one in stock, Pullman livery in OO

:-[ I'll get me coat

Quote from: kbreck on October 24, 2016, 11:13:22 PM
Are the GBRf and Southern liveried 73's still running and and what and where are they pulling?  Help a poor uninformed yank out  :)

Not sure about the Southern liveried one - I think it was used as a "Thunderbird" ie a rescue loco and I'm not sure whether it is still needed.

The GBRf 73s are still in use - mostly on Network Rail test trains in the SE. Though the one being modelled 73141 is now in GBRf blue and orange I think rather than the First GBRf livery.

Cheers, Mike

Quote from: Graham Walters on November 03, 2016, 04:10:20 PM

Quote from: kbreck on November 03, 2016, 03:57:06 PM
Any new word on delivery date?  Are we still looking at November?

I have one in stock, Pullman livery in OO

:-[ I'll get me coat

:P :moony: etc!

Dave G

According to the website now delivery is due January 2017....

Quote from: daveg on November 03, 2016, 05:00:48 PM

Quote from: Graham Walters on November 03, 2016, 04:10:20 PM

Quote from: kbreck on November 03, 2016, 03:57:06 PM
Any new word on delivery date?  Are we still looking at November?

I have one in stock, Pullman livery in OO

:-[ I'll get me coat

:P :moony: etc!

Dave G

Ask yer missus to wash it.. you never know it might shrink !

Quote from: Stuart7358 on December 02, 2016, 05:28:46 PM
According to the website now delivery is due January 2017....

I've stopped looking Stuart and will be delighted if it ever turns up and of course, runs OK.

Dave G

Not much of an update but GM apologise for the delay and advise this morning that:

The last we have heard from Dapol is by the end of January

Dave G

According to the Gaugemaster website delivery is now first quarter of 2017...

these are due imminently apparently...????  (read that on dapol digest)

i am worried about the intercity livery... hope they fixed it...


tim

Thanks but I've heard that before - several times!  ;)

Cash is in the piggy bank just in case.

Dave G

yup! lol

just reporting what it says on dapol digest though!

I have been invoiced today for the "Brighton Evening Argus" Class 73, so that one at least has landed.

the intercity one has landed too!

if the livery is wrong I will send it back though...

after the oo class 73 blue and intercity livery fiasco they have no excuse as plenty of forum posts have been made on the livery errors...

I'm not too fussy but the grey needs to at least vaguely match intercity livery on other coaches...

Tim

Awaiting the Royal Alex.

:claphappy:  :laugh3:  :D

Dave G

Quote from: bluedepot on February 20, 2017, 10:16:20 AM
the intercity one has landed too!

if the livery is wrong I will send it back though...

after the oo class 73 blue and intercity livery fiasco they have no excuse as plenty of forum posts have been made on the livery errors...

I'm not too fussy but the grey needs to at least vaguely match intercity livery on other coaches...

Tim

I hope the model is good enough Tim and I would be keen to see a comparison with your coaches.

Shot I have seen of the model (from Gaugemaster site) suggests too dark to me (but what do I know!).

Skyline2uk

Invoiced for the Southern livery today, so that is about too.

I am hoping the pictures are of an earlier sample, and that the one in the post to me is a better lighter grey and also not got the headlight...

I'm not very hopeful!

I would consider swapping for a pulman but they are sold out!

Tim

Looks like I might have to consider selling my two original pullman liveries........ :hmmm:

I've just had. Shock - Gaugemaster rang to remind me that I ordered a Pullman 73 in April 2014, and would I like to update my card details And pay for it?

I was so surprised I did as I was told and am shortly to become the proud possessor of this rare ( and much delayed) beast!

I just got my invoice from Gaugemaster regarding my class 73 order. They are ready to be shipped out. Bob

Mine (Royal Alex) has arrived and looks good to my untutored eyes.

It's been a bit of a wait but pleased it's here.

A touch of oil as instructed before a gentle run in each direction; a little stiff and jerky but I let it run for 20 minutes and it seemed to free up at medium speed. Not too good a very slow running but hoping it'll improve over time.

All I need now is the Farish Castle and that's me lot - well until the next 'must have' comes along!  :)

Dave G

Gauge master have them (apart from the Pullman) on their stand at Model Rail Scotland.

Pete @ EGLM

I got my 73142 Broadlands today.

Its going back. I could have lived with the livery being a different colour match to the earlier 73s in Intercity livery, and the colours not matching with Dapol's Mark 3 coaches in Intercity livery.

However, Broadlands NEVER had a front headlight. There are plenty photographs to work on to get this right!

Disappointed Bob.

I cancelled my 73142 as well.

Im not ultra fussy and I thought about just repainting the lower bodyside but decided I'll put the money towards a class 33/1 instead. I have some 73s already but no class 33s.

I think gaugemaster and dapol should have checked this. If they couldn't have removed the headlight they could have offered an intercity loco that did have it fitted, or just gone for another livery, maybe dutch or all over grey...

I know it's relatively cheap for a dcc ready new loco but still I think 70 quid is still quite a bit of money for a loco that would need adjusting...

Tim

Ive actually got my 3 after a long phonecall to them.

Unfortunatly I had ordered 2  "Brighton Evening Argus" instead of one of each pullmans so if anyone cares to swap 1 Im happy to.

ive had the body off mine - changes from the original Dapol 73 pullman

plastic chassis cf alloy body
DCC socket fitted
single head light only - old model lights up the lights between the windscreens as well

a nice runner though.

pics to follow.

Quote from: Railwaygun on March 01, 2017, 06:13:50 PM
ive had the body off mine - changes from the original Dapol 73 pullman

plastic chassis cf alloy body
DCC socket fitted
single head light only - old model lights up the lights between the windscreens as well

a nice runner though.

pics to follow.

It is the DCC chassis developed originally for the Signal Box 73/0 and seen in subsequent versions. You also have NEM pockets which you didn't have on the originals.
They changed the pickups on the body too which convey power to the headcodes/lights.
Shame about the headcodes. Mind you I have a 73001 and that doesn't have headcode lights either. Am going to see if this is just a pickup problem or part of the design.

Regards
Bob

I notice a few have suddenly "popped" up for sale on a certain website, is this due to pure speculation that the price would go up, considering there is not that many about, or are they selling because of all the faults/differences between the new and older versions??

No malice intended, just curiosity.

Quote from: Shiney Sheff on March 02, 2017, 08:50:50 AM
I notice a few have suddenly "popped" up for sale on a certain website, is this due to pure speculation that the price would go up, considering there is not that many about, or are they selling because of all the faults/differences between the new and older versions??

No malice intended, just curiosity.

You are only seeing the Pullman ones listed on this basis. This is because the Pullman versions sold out quickly when first produced by Dapol in 2005. They still hold a high resale value. They are not DCC ready, but the new ones are. However, £250 is a little steep for a new one. Having said that, the guy selling them has sold two of them at that price (or best offer) already, and another guy has a third listed at that price.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of the 73s produced other than the headlight not being appropriate and the beige colour being too light on Broadlands.
The DCC ready chassis is plastic and lighter than the alloy chassis of the original design. The DCC ready chassis was introduced in 2007.

HTH
Bob

Here's mine:

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/1087-070317175912.jpeg)

Dave G