Dapol's recent announcement has caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth. I would like to say thank you to Dapol for bringing us a good range of well detailed N gauge models over the years. I certainly wouldn't have gone to N gauge if it was not for the Dapol range. I hope they will be able to find a way to produce some of the suspended products at some point in the future.
Meanwhile my layouts rely heavily on Dapol motive power and I'm very happy with them.
That's a fair point.
I have nothing against them at all and they have helped drive up n gauge quality by competing with bachmann and added a lot to the available range.
I have been disappointed with a few quality issues lately and now the class 50 cancellation but I do very much like my hst, class 156, class 26, 2x westerns, bubble cars, plus various wagons. other locos I've been less happy with, but hoping my new 33/1 will prove reliable.
I'm looking forward to buying a pacer too!
Tim
None of this could have happened without Dapol
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317132805.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49786)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317132837.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49787)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317132900.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49788)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317132931.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49789)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317132958.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49790)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133045.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49791)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133111.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49792)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133132.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49793)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133202.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49794)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133232.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49795)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133329.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49796)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133353.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49797)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133418.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49798)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133447.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49799)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133512.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49800)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133644.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49801)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133708.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49802)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133735.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49803)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133807.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49804)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/3123-200317133844.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49805)
Quite happy with my four Regional Railways 156 units, triple grey Class 56, and of course my fave train/livery of all time . . . .
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/583-200317133946.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49806)
Paul
HST looks great.
A good thread to kick off, does not hurt to express our gratitude. Maybe not as a counter to our grumbles, but to show the UK N gauge market wants and needs Dapol along with Farish, Peco, Arnold, Union Mills, DJM, Revolution, Rapido, Ixion, NBrass, ERG, Railtec and anyone else brave enough to take the risk to develop and sell product. Thank goodness we don't model in 3MM
Chew Magna would not have happened without Dapol. Farish's GWR offerings are rather thin on the ground with only a handful of (admittedly welcome) releases to modern standards.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee199/Karhedronuk/DSCF5445_zpsrgwutbhu.jpg)
(http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-887-0-89132300-1354281851_thumb.jpg)
So I'm super gun-shy now that my Dapol experience is at a 50% success rate. This thread makes me think I shouldn't bail on them yet. Grrr...hard to know what to do, sometimes...made more complex with ordering from across the Atlantic.
Thanks to Dapol I have:-
Q1s, Schools, A4, 9Fs, 14xx, 28xx, 45xx, Ivatt 2MT, Britannia and classes 22, 26, 33, 35, 52 and 121 diseasels.
Wagon wise I have:-
Dogfish, 6 wheel tanks and 21T hoppers
Coaching stock comprises:-
Gresleys, B set and Colletts - not forgetting the NGS StoveR and Collett K41 Full Brake
I must admit some of the locos are very hard to live with at times but they are better than not having them at all.
What can I thank Dapol for?
2 ex SR utility vans (1 each in green and maroon)
A selection of mineral wagons, hoppers various, 7 milk tanks, 6 Blue spot vans
3 Stove Rs from the NGS commission
2 Cargowaggon bogie vans
1 Terrier
1 57XX in London Underground livery
2 Class 67
3 Class 66 (one of which is a dummy)
2 Class 26
1 Class 27
1 M7, turned into a Caley 044T
1 Ivatt 262T, push pull fitted
1 Britannia (my only tender engine as I really do not like their prop shaft approach)
Rake of 9 maroon Gresley coaches
3 Class 156 (1 dummy ) Strathclyde and Saltire livery
HST in Virgin livery. Enough to make up one of those 2+5 units which ran the Cross Country's for a very brief period
1 syphon - cannot recall whether it is a G or H
1 N Soc commission Collett BG
1 N Soc commission snow plough
1 Class 122 Bubble Car
Their entry into N has certainly served me very well. And I have never had a duff loco/DMU. I am, perhaps, fortunate , that I have never yet been affected by the burgeoning lead times which have bedevilled some models. I have been able to buy as I decided what I wanted.
HST x 1
Class 86 x 5 (including 1 dummy); will order a BR blue one if/when available
Class 73 x 1
Class 58 x 1
Class 56 x 1
Class 52 x 2
Class 35 x 3 (1 dummy)
Class 33 x 2
Class 27 x 1
Class 22 x 1
Class 14xx x 1
Class 57xx x 1
Class 45xx x 1
Class 121 x 1
Class 122 x 1
Class 156 x 1
Various coaches (Collets, B-set, Collect autocoaches, BR Mk3)
Various parcels wagons
Small random selection of goods wagons
My turn! Thanks so far for the excellent:
2 x HST sets
Class 58
Class 156
20 x Silver bullets (5 of which are the weathered variety)
8 x Ferrywagons
4 x KIB telescopic hood wagons
8 x Grampus
And thanks in advance for the 2 x 33s and 56 which should be heading my way soon. Not a dud among them.
I've always had a soft spot for the 121/122 DMU - even if it shouldn't have marker lights and should have a 2-character headcode panel...
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/44/2419-151016212822-445591862.jpeg)
All my Pannier tanks have been good so far...
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/10/main_33335.JPG)
How about the Hymek and NGS K41 Full Brake?
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/15/main_30351.JPG)
The 28xx is ideal for long, unfitted goods trains.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/16/main_30053.JPG)
The baby warship is a lovely model.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/26/main_24219.JPG)
Where would Diesel Hydraulic fans be without Dapol?
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/31/main_21526.JPG)
Cannot fail to agree that Dapol have produced some lovely models and indeed I have quite a few myself.
However, the lack of progress on various promised N gauge projects, couled with the recent announcement, makes me wonder if the "tribute" should more be considered as a eulogy.
They have made some very good models that I really like, the Terrier, Q1, M7, pannier tank and 9F. I've been very lucky with my models so far but I do wish they were a bit more strongly made, easy to take apart and that more spares were available.
Quote from: silly moo on March 20, 2017, 05:16:01 PM
They have made some very good models that I really like, the Terrier, Q1, M7, pannier tank and 9F. I've been very lucky with my models so far but I do wish they were a bit more strongly made, easy to take apart and that more spares were available.
I'd agree with that. I always am extra careful when handling my Dapol locomotives-they can be a bit on the flimsy side.
Having said that, my fleet would be very sadly lacking without the Dapol contribution and , touch wood, all have been fine first time.
Appreciate the recent statement made by Joel Bright.
The challenges that Brexit and the changing value of sterling must be making life more than difficult. I also appreciate the comment about the over-ambitious availability of new releases.
Dapol locos and rolling stock have always looked the part and while they have had their share of quality issues, I have only once given up on one of their locos.
My small collection includes 10 Dapol Steamers, could have been 11 if the Grange had stayed the course and 7 diesels. I am happy with almost all of them.
I am almost at the end of my major modelling investment but I do hope that Dapol, along with the other N gauge enterprises already mentioned, weather whatever storms the next few years will bring.
Dave G
Add me to the list of those who is grateful for Dapol and what they do for the n Gauge market!!!
I'm the proud papa of:
4 A1 Terriers (LBSCR 'Earlswood' and 'Thames', KESR Bodiam, and GWR Portishead)
A GWR 57xx Class pannier
A GWR 2884 Class
An LNER B1 Class
An SR M7 Class
2 14xx Classes (one courtesy of Joel!)
6 Collett Coaches
8 Gresley teaks
A GWR Siphon
2 GWR Autocoaches
A GWR B Set
Moreover, the Terrier was the first n Gauge locomotive I purchased and it and the 57xx were the reason that I decided to model U.K. Outline (along with this forum). And any time I have ever contacted Dapol directly, I have received truly excellent customer service, so a big thank you again from me!
Couple more hastily-arranged photos :)
Regional 156 emerges from the branchline tunnel:-
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/583-200317202336.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49868)
And a far-too-clean-for-it's-own-good 56 on container duty:-
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/49/583-200317202524.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=49869)
Paul
Quote from: koyli55002 on March 20, 2017, 04:37:50 PMfew myself.
However, the lack of progress on various promised N gauge projects, couled with the recent announcement, makes me wonder if the "tribute" should more be considered as a eulogy.
I hope it is not quite as bad as that. The 68 and Pacer are still coming as are the new Maunsell coaches (such as the very useful BCK). They are not about to go out of business and are not even getting out of N Gauge completely (although the cancellations already announced will no doubt disappoint a lot of people including me).
Good grief you would think someone had passed away.
No, just pointing out that Dapol have done a lot of good for the N gauge sector of the hobby. This remains true even if they don't get round to kicking off any more new models.
Hello all,
On Horseley Fields we use Dapol Class 66 locos on our steel trains, along with their telescopic-hood steel carriers.
Other freights utilise their Cargowaggon vans, FEA-B and Megafret container flats and various ballast wagons.
Their Virgin Super Voyager, Pretendolino Mk3 rake, Class 156 and 153 DMUs and Class 67 locomotives are also well regarded and consistent performers.
Honourable mention should also be made of Dapol Easi-shunt couplers, which we have found to give almost 100% reliable operations under exhibition conditions.
Cheers
Ben A.
I have to say, the BRCW Type 2s from Dapol are very very good. I have more than a handful and they are great runners, and to my eye much more than acceptable accuracy-wise.
So nice to see a positive thread. I have loads of Dapol rolling stock; many Westerns included. I really appreciate their contribution to the hobby over the last few years, and hope to see it continue when the economy settles down.
On the plus side I could not have fully realized my WR/SR layout without the Dapol hydraulics, Cromptons, steamers and bubble car. The Westerns, 22s and (so far at least) the 33s have been stellar in both looks and reliability.
On the other hand several of my Hymeks have required a replacement chassis as has my HST. My 121 DMU only runs at full speed and I am 1 for 4 with my steamers - a working Hall (at least until I dropped it :(), a 9F that derails constantly despite trying everything I can muster, a failed Grange and a Britannia that has never run properly and I have now given up on.
Coaches and wagons I am happy with, although inconsistent coupler heights on the Mk 3s drive me to distraction.
So a real mixed bag. I accept Dapol have prompted other manufacturers to raise their standards and their latter offerings seem more reliable, but overall my experience trends negative.
Quote from: Chetcombe on March 21, 2017, 04:01:50 AM
.......but overall my experience trends negative.
I think there's a another thread already for all the negative stuff :P
I run modern image and have Dapol 66s 67s HSTs and 153s. The early 66s are noisy and the pcbs on the 67s give problems and the lack of spares is annnoying, but Farish are no great shakes for spares availability. I have always found Dapol prepared to go that futher mile to help and have had many bargins in their NQP sales at open days. All the Dapol stock I have are fitted with NEM sockets so I can use their dummy knuckle couplers and Easi Shunts without conversions unlike a lot of my Farish stock. Long may they prosper.
Geoff
Although I have had mixed feelings over the years about the products I have found them as a company to be very approachable and helpful and Joel has always been great at dealing with issues that have arisen. The open days have been an eye opener and certainly made me feel more warmth towards the company and people involved. I speak honestly if there is an issue with a loco but that goes for Dapol or Farish.
I think some of us have mixed feelings about Dapol but there would be great wailing and gnashing of teeth if they went out of business.
Quote from: silly moo on March 21, 2017, 04:37:14 PM
I think some of us have mixed feelings about Dapol but there would be great wailing and gnashing of teeth if they went out of business.
Oh absolutely.
When I returned to playing with toy trains I opted to go with the US scene as it happened to coincide with the Farish famine period. I was rather content with watching pairs of Kato SD40-2s and Atlas Dash-8s dragging lots of coal and containers around long winding layouts.
Then I noticed that Dapol where introducing class 86s and mk3s and it tipped me back to the UK again. Over a dozen 86s and a couple of 26s later, all fault free, and I'm very grateful to Dapol for giving the UK scene a shot in the arm.
(http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p600/SD35ngf/DSC_1414cut_zps02e388aa.jpg)
I've only had a handful of Dapol products but never had a single problem with any of them I couldn't fix in 30 seconds.
Long may Dapol prosper and keep delivering quality I've come to know.
I sent Joel a note of support this morning and mentioned this thread, with a link. He wrote back a very nice note and said he was very grateful for the support and understanding expressed here. We need to remember that this is someone doing his job to the best of his abilities, with employees and their families to think about too, and not a human punching bag for our frustrations.
It would be a shame if we lost a UK based manufacturer, even if the majority of build is done in China, but no one here would pay the price they would have to charge for UK assembled models I am sure...
I think they are making sound business decisions in a very volatile market situation, hopefully things will settle back down and they come out the other side with new models to announce, although I think that will be a similar timeframe to the *shhh* Brexit :-X process timeframe.
As a good French guy, I'll start with negative things.
What seems the more upsetting in recent Dapol's announcement is that it took so many years to come to that end.
Besides, I do remember all the lovely models I have. My two Bubble cars, my Terrier (maybe the greatest steam I have), the milk tankers, the gun powder vans and the CCT !
They all run very well and give me a lot of entertainment.
That's the most important.
I have several candidates on my shopping list: the class 33 in green with full yellow ends, the HST in its dark green GWR livery, the class 153 in citizensrail and maybe the Pacer.
For the second time today I've had to split topics from this thread and dump them in the "other thread". If you wish to moan, or question QC policies, or anything else unrelated to the subject of this thread as started by Chris then kindly post them there rather than here.
:thankyousign:
Paul
I've never had any issues with any Dapol purchases new or second hand but this little quote from their website might mean better quality control and future releases or manufacturing maybe scrutinised better from themselves?
"It is also our intention to make more products at our own factory in the UK. This is a slow process with huge learning challenges, however we all at Dapol are committed to this and are proud of what we make in our small factory in Chirk"
Also "China means that the decision to invest in projects and develop new lines is becoming increasingly difficult. Not only is the unit cost of models rising at an alarming rate but the cost of the tooling is also escalating."
If Dapol themselves are building the stock themselves better quality control as made in house? :beers:
Quote from: Drakken on March 23, 2017, 01:43:54 PM
If Dapol themselves are building the stock themselves better quality control as made in house? :beers:
If it does genuinely lead to a higher quality product (even at the inevitably higher price point) then they have my support and custom, but the fear is that the more vocal critics want high spec on the cheap and won't put their money where their mouth is...
I totally agree, I honestly don't buy that many locomotives since I've been interested in N Gauge but paying a premium price for product that in itself is premium that's fine in my book :beers:
*Cough Class 50 :laugh:
I would happily pay more for something with a lifetime guarantee.
My life, that is, not the models :worried:
I have just completed another weekend exhibition with my layout making a total of nine days hard running at exhibitions over the last 9 months. My fleet of 11 Dapol and 4 GF locos have worked hard pulling either eight coach passenger trains of 20 wagon freight trains up and down hill for hours. The layout was running from 9:30 to 5:00 both days this weekend. At exhibitions any loco that doesn't run totally satisfactorily is put back in my stock box to be worked on when I get home. This has not happened to any member of this fleet at any exhibition. I therefore see them all as good quality products that are fit for purpose.
Having seen Chris' layout in action on Saturday I can confirm that his locos (mostly diesel but also 2 Dapol steam locos when I was watching) ran well on an intensive operating schedule.