R2897XS 4098 Kidwelly Castle

[preecev]

Is it possible to get a replacement sound decoder and speaker for this model.It self destructed whilst running.The model was bought as new,but was old stock two years ago.The sound went first then completly stopped soon after.It now runs with a Bachmann chip but is erratic.

[96RAF]

You could contact Hornby CC and ask if they can reblow it. These XS models were the old ESU 21-pin decoders, either v3.0/3.5 with the 100 ohm speaker or V4.0/4.5 with the 8 ohm speaker. The files were proprietary to Hornby although some British outline can be downloaded free from the ESU site and reloaded if you have an ESU LokProgrammer (about £140 so the same price as a good replacement from the full fat decoder suppliers).

It does seem as if the loco has a fault which may have killed the decoder nd you should investigate and correct that before you spend out on a new sound decoder.