Quote from: rusticged on June 03, 2021, 05:28:39 PM
I have just succumbed to a GWR set from Rails and the vinyls from Adam. Really looking forward to both the LNER and TPE sets running on 'Leefield & Ashpeth.
Cheers,
Ged.

So am I looking forward to seeing them run on Leefield & Ashpeth

Tested my replacement power car this evening.

Firstly on a rolling road up to full speed which equates to around 250mph. Still a little louder than I would like but a 'nicer' noisy than before:


Then as a full 5-car set, again at full speed around 250mph:


And finally I compared it against another Kato, the TGV and a Dapol GWR HST. This time at a scale speed of 125mph:


Sounds pretty similar to the TGV and the microphone on the iPhone is very sensitive. I guess this is as good as it gets and it sounds much better in real life to be fair 

Hi John,

That sounds better.

In terms of the noise, I would suggest that the drive train of the rolling road itself possibly amplifies the noise slightly, as the model is lifted off the track and there will inevitably be some vibration in the supports.

cheers

Ben A.

I think you're right Ben. There are also extra points of contact of metal to metal which no doubt doesn't help and could cause the vibration which you mention. The main thing on the rolling road is that the motor speed/sound doesn't waver now as I think I showed previously. And the coupling doesn't wobble around either.

As it has been sorted out I don't see a need to name and shame the supplier. However, if they had agreed initially to replace it then I would now be singing their praises as it was a manufacturer fault, not a supplier fault.

I'm sure at 250 mph the real thing would make a hell of a noise

My GWR class 800 "starter set" arrived yestrday and I'm very happy with it. I was a bit worried after reading of John's problems but the train runs like a dream. Here's a quick snapshot:




I have one question though, regarding another object I found in that set:



What's this giant Q-tip? My son assumed it could be a very uncomfortable nose swab 
Any ideas? Is it a track cleaner?

Best,
Michael

Quote from: mika on June 05, 2021, 09:17:25 AM
I was a bit worried after reading of John's problems but the train runs like a dream.

I think mine was a bit of a one-off Michael and I certainly didn't intend to set any alarm bells off. Sorry if I did. There are bound to be 1 or 2 defective units as with all things (and people) in life and my replacement is fine. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as I'm going to enjoy mine 

Sorry, I can't help on the nose swab as I didn't receive one in the 'basic' set but it certainly looks bigger than those in my COVID test kits 

Quote from: Trainfish on June 05, 2021, 09:43:08 AM
I think mine was a bit of a one-off Michael and I certainly didn't intend to set any alarm bells off. Sorry if I did. There are bound to be 1 or 2 defective units as with all things (and people) in life and my replacement is fine. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as I'm going to enjoy mine 

No worries. It's just when you buy from abroad it's always such a hassle to return it...
I'm happy that it worked out for you in the end.

Quote from: Trainfish on June 05, 2021, 09:43:08 AM
it certainly looks bigger than those in my COVID test kits 

I honestly hope so 

kato 800  lner   from  plaza rail   £130  plus  postage  rates   of   between  £13 and £26  ?  although im  waiting on  mine  from  widnes

  im  tempted  into  a  2nd   ...  not  sure  about  customs  thou

  paul

Just wanted to add some better pictures:







It really is a lovely train 

Any ideas regarding the nose swab (see post #471)?

Cheers,
Michael

Quote from: mika on June 05, 2021, 09:17:25 AM
What's this giant Q-tip? My son assumed it could be a very uncomfortable nose swab 
Any ideas? Is it a track cleaner?

Correct, track cleaners. Handy for reaching into inaccessible locations.


large-track-cleaners by Rail Squid, on Flickr

Thanks, Ian.
That's a relief 

Got my GWR set this week and couldn't be happier! Big shoutout to Kato!

Given the official minimum radius of 282 mm, I bought it for the shelf. To my delight, the set negotiates R1 without problems or strange noises. Setrack points are no issue either. S-curves, however, are and should be avoided. Even short straights between curves don't fix this: R1/22 mm/R1 will not work reliably.

That aside, Kato made a very promising debut. I wonder what comes next!

Rails says LNER Azuma now delayed until late June or early July "due to a issue with the design of the seating on the model"

https://railsofsheffield.com/news/articles/3990-class-800-2-lner-azuma

And Hattons say -

Due June 2021
5-car 800209 in LNER 'Azuma' livery
5-car 800021 in GWR green (re-stock)