EO Error - Pointing the blame!

[Stephen in Kerry]

Having messed up the track in my first layout (see general discussion), I thought I would at least try and run a loco on it (or part of it) while waiting for the new track.

I was very disappointed to see an EO error from the Hornby Select controller, and managed to trace it to the set of points (R8072) from Extension pack A.

This was received from Amazon on 24^th August, and the returns window closed yesterday, preventing me from sending it back.

I have read here that short circuits due to faulty Hornby points are becoming a regular occurrence. I sincerely hope that points in the other extension packs I bought (I purchased packs A, B, C, D, E and F) from Amazon will not also be faulty.

Replacing the faulty R8072 will cost me an additional €14 - and it could become a very expensive start to my modelling hobby if I have to replace others.

I have emailed Hornby customer service to let them know that my trust, in what I have long regarded as the premiere model railway manufacturer, is already beginning to waiver.

 

 

 

[Brew Man]

It might be worth giving Hornby a ring even though your Amazon returns window is closed. This is such a common occurrence that they may exhibit good will and offer an exchange.

[Stephen in Kerry]

Thanks @Brew Man. I'll wait to see if they reply to my email and if not, I'll give them a call.

[96RAF]

check to make sure you don't have more to exchange. Hornby are very good about such things, especially if you moan about return postage, etc.

[Stephen in Kerry]

Thanks Rob. Because I'm waiting for the baseboard, it could be a couple of weeks before I can test the rest of the track.

That said, the tender of my Bachmann Ivatt is derailing at the working double set of points connecting inner and outer loops. But my Hornby Ruston 48DS shunter and flatbed wagon is crossing them with no issues.

[Going Spare]

Two thoughts regarding the Bachmann Ivatt tender derailing on reverse curve Hornby pointwork: is the loco-to-tender drawbar at its longest setting: if so, you may have to weight it a little as Bachmann, I seem to remember, use a slightly different wheel back-to-back standard (14.2mm?) to Hornby's 14.5mm (the distance between the rear faces of the wheels) which can cause problems passing through Hornby points. It may be worth checking the spacing and, if possible, widening to Hornby's standard. Some users of other manufacturers' products have resorted to filing away small amounts of plastic at the point frog/check rails to ease the passage of 'foreign' wheels.

[Stephen in Kerry]

@Going Spare - Great points (pun intended) on the Bachmann. I'll check it out and come back to you. If it needs weighting; what do you suggest and how to do it, please?

[Howbi]

@Stephen.........it is prudent to affix the points to the baseboard either by screw or nail to ensure a level surface for the traversing rolling stock. It has been found that a set of points can have a concave curvature in the Frog area which results in the derailment of many lightweight vehicles.......HB

[Stephen in Kerry]

Thanks Howbie. I was actually thinking that I won't panic too much about problems at this stage, while the track is on the floor. It might be a lot different on the baseboard.

[Fishmanoz]

Stephen, HCC have sometimes been very slow answering emails. I suggest ringing now rather than waiting.

[Brew Man]

I agree, you could be waiting a week or more for an email response.

[Stephen in Kerry]

Hornby emailed me this (Monday) morning at 8.55am. Considering that I contacted them late on Saturday evening, I reckon that's pretty good service.

They asked for my address and trace code for the box and details of the issue (although I had already told them).

They have offered to replace they part if they have one in stock.

I did express my concern that, this seems to be an on-going issue and that I have about another 15 sets of points yet to be tested, which is a bit of a worry.

[Brew Man]

By all accounts they do seem willing to exchange these as and when they crop up, so maybe you shouldn't worry too much.

[Stephen in Kerry]

@Brew Man they have offered to replace any that are faulty all at once, when I have checked all the track.

I was told that they are aware of of a limited problem with left hand points.

[Brew Man]

Good result thumbsup

[96RAF]

LH - RH standard points, may even effect new Express points.

i was lucky as all of my Express points and the few standard points were good.

[Stephen in Kerry]

LH - RH standard points, may even effect new Express points.

 

 

Rob, this is their exact reply...

We are aware that they have been some batches of left hand points that cause the layout to short circuit which I believe is the issues you are having. It's rare but we are aware of the issue.

 

 

[Brew Man]

Not so rare by all accounts.