Mmmm! I have just purchased a factory, dcc fitted, weathered Dapol 9F on eBay for a very reasonable price. I thought I would have a quick read on the reviews on this model. It seems it has a few issues with pointwork and haulage capability, I think the loco looks amazing but I'll admit Ill ba a tad apprehensive until she arrives to see how it performs on my layout.

I have a late version of this loco and it runs without any issues whatsoever.  A great loco, quiet and passes through all point work with ease.   Earlier versions had leading pony truck problems.  I also have a 9F "Evening Star" and this is one of my best locos now.

Quote from: Gyppy101 on November 22, 2015, 05:01:16 PM
I have a late version of this loco and it runs without any issues whatsoever.  A great loco, quiet and passes through all point work with ease.   Earlier versions had leading pony truck problems.  I also have a 9F "Evening Star" and this is one of my best locos now.

thx for response. One thing I have noticed is that while looking at some google images of this loco some had a connecting rod between loco and tender, mine doesn't seem to have one, I hope I haven't purchased a duff one.

Quote from: Marcus Amison on November 22, 2015, 05:22:57 PM

Quote from: Gyppy101 on November 22, 2015, 05:01:16 PM
I have a late version of this loco and it runs without any issues whatsoever.  A great loco, quiet and passes through all point work with ease.   Earlier versions had leading pony truck problems.  I also have a 9F "Evening Star" and this is one of my best locos now.

thx for response. One thing I have noticed is that while looking at some google images of this loco some had a connecting rod between loco and tender, mine doesn't seem to have one, I hope I haven't purchased a duff one.

panic over. Rod is there, just couldn't see it very well in photo. Loco no is 92006 which I have been informed is the later model.

  well, I've had my Dapol 9F for about a week now and honestly, I wish I had purchased another diesel. My version is the later batch with a tungsten chassis and return spring on front pony, factory fitted dcc and weathered. This loco looks lovely BUT the front pony simply won't stop derailing on points, my points are either medium or long, my other steam loco has no running issues whatsoever. My 9F will spend its life on the outer loop where it only has to cross a couple of points so will keep derailments down to a minimum. Such a shame as all my other loco's run beautifully without absolutely 0 issues.

Quote from: Marcus Amison on December 05, 2015, 08:46:14 AM
This loco looks lovely BUT the front pony simply won't stop derailing on points, my points are either medium or long, my other steam loco has no running issues whatsoever. My 9F will spend its life on the outer loop where it only has to cross a couple of points so will keep derailments down to a minimum. Such a shame as all my other loco's run beautifully without absolutely 0 issues.

Do check how well your track is laid. The Dapol 9F is peculiarly sensitive. It should run absolutely fine across Streamline points laid completely flat, as well as Kato #6 points (it struggles with Kato #4 points). Not tried the 9F on Setrack but wouldn't be surprised if these caused problems.

But in any case: the design of the leading bogie exaggerates any problems with your track laying. Tightening or loosening the screw holding the bogie in place can help, and you can adjust the tension in the spring a bit too if you want, so do play around a bit before giving up. Do be assured though, a properly working 9F shouldn't have trouble with properly laid Streamline track, so if yours really isn't working as it should, perhaps return to the retailer for replacement. Have them try running it themselves on some track work on their display layout if they have one.

If all else fails: run the thing tender-first! 9Fs did this fairly frequently, particularly on the Western Region (which is, I believe, why they had one particular tender design rather than another, but others will know for sure).

Cheers, NeMo

Quote from: NeMo on December 05, 2015, 09:04:38 AM

Quote from: Marcus Amison on December 05, 2015, 08:46:14 AM
This loco looks lovely BUT the front pony simply won't stop derailing on points, my points are either medium or long, my other steam loco has no running issues whatsoever. My 9F will spend its life on the outer loop where it only has to cross a couple of points so will keep derailments down to a minimum. Such a shame as all my other loco's run beautifully without absolutely 0 issues.

Do check how well your track is laid. The Dapol 9F is peculiarly sensitive. It should run absolutely fine across Streamline points laid completely flat, as well as Kato #6 points (it struggles with Kato #4 points). Not tried the 9F on Setrack but wouldn't be surprised if these caused problems.

But in any case: the design of the leading bogie exaggerates any problems with your track laying. Tightening or loosening the screw holding the bogie in place can help, and you can adjust the tension in the spring a bit too if you want, so do play around a bit before giving up. Do be assured though, a properly working 9F shouldn't have trouble with properly laid Streamline track, so if yours really isn't working as it should, perhaps return to the retailer for replacement. Have them try running it themselves on some track work on their display layout if they have one.

If all else fails: run the thing tender-first! 9Fs did this fairly frequently, particularly on the Western Region (which is, I believe, why they had one particular tender design rather than another, but others will know for sure).

Cheers, NeMo

thx Nemo. My track is completely flat and is laid as good as it can get so I'm confident track isn't an issue especially as all my other loco's run lovely. I will fiddle with the pony spring and adjust the screw and see if that helps. Hopefully by tweaking, I'll get this running as it should. This is my task for today. I'll keep you posted.

Don`t worry,i`ve got three of these including Evening Star & the they romp around my layout with 40 mineral wagon trains including an incline.Just make sure that your track laying is as perfect as you can get it & if you can,use Peco finescale points & crossings as the tolerences on these are tighter especially diamond crossings.

                         Ray.

Quote from: 7P5F on December 05, 2015, 10:07:03 AM
make sure that your track laying is as perfect as you can get it . .

I think that's very important, and is perhaps sometimes underestimated as a factor in loco performance. Try to get as smooth an entry to a point as possible, and check that point blades have the correct curvature (or straightness!) to ensure that gauge is maintained through the point. I've one one 9F, which has no springs in the bogie and it's OK.

Cheers

Clive

  Thx again to some advice I have resolved the derailing issue. On closer inspection while removing the pony I noticed that the spring wasn't located through the tiny hole in the pony so basically it was hanging loose. After I relocated the spring, BINGO. She now runs as smoothly over all pointwork so I'm really happy. As I write this, [smg id=32598 type=preview align=center caption="image"]she's running beutifully whilst I run her in. Now one of my favourite loco's

Bravo 

Best regards,


Joe
P.S. any chance of some more pics of your layout ?

Sorry Marcus - I just realised there is a thread here about your layout.

Great to have you in the happy band of 9F owners. Glad all problems have been solved.

Quote from: joe cassidy on December 05, 2015, 06:15:40 PM
Bravo 

Best regards,


Joe
P.S. any chance of some more pics of your layout ?

no problem. [smg id=32600 type=preview align=center caption="image"][smg id=32601 type=preview align=center caption="image"][smg id=32602 type=preview align=center caption="image"][smg id=32603 type=preview align=center caption="image"]

Quote from: joe cassidy on December 05, 2015, 06:22:13 PM
Sorry Marcus - I just realised there is a thread here about your layout.

No worries. Please take a look at my YouTube video of layout running.