Moccasin

Hornby know that they need to get the Android version out and are working on it, but with so many variations in models it takes time to test. It sounds like it will be late April/early May before it’s released, if testing goes well. Like I say, I was merely suggesting ways that cheaper iOS/iPadOS devices can be found if required, or for those unprepared to wait. Better to wait as you say, especially if you’re on a tight budget, as the cost could pay for 2 locomotives or several decoders.

Like I said before, I was following the published Hornby upgrade path for train sets. That STILL states on the HM7000 page that this is a great way to upgrade. Hopefully Hornby will change that soon so that it’s consistent with the decoder manual.

Was not saying it was the cheapest option, just an alternative for those who want to play model straight away and are unwilling to wait weeks for the Android app to come out. If used at all, then only for a few days and then returned. By having the free return option, some will buy a product and then decide they need more storage, different colour etc. They all get a new battery, new outer casing and then fully tested before going back on sale in refurb packaging. It was a £60 discount I think. The iPad mini is a nice size as it can slip into a large pocket. I’m using my iPhone at the moment but it’s an option for me for the future.

I did consider that but this seemed the cleaner way given the problems I’d had before. The Select power cables are bare wire and I felt that, for £8, getting a clean, tidy & simple connection was worthwhile and took no chances. Interestingly, the decoder immediately picked everything up as soon as it went on the track. When I first tried, through the analogue controller, it claimed not to be sound enabled. All useful learning. Can’t justify buying another locomotive right now, although plan to sell some of my old 00 stock that has been in a cupboard unused.

the 9th generation iPad is more than enough at £369. While more pricey than Android, it’ll probably last 6 years or so. other options if you can’t wait: Apple refurb store gives 15% or so off. Usually models that have been returned (Apple offer a no quibbles 2 week return period) - there’s an iPad mini there for £339. Tested and full warrantyApple’re also doing 24 months interest free credit on purchases of £400 or more until 1st May. So £15 or so per month.Cex offer used Apple goods at decent pricesif you can get hold of the last iPod Touch (7th gen, Amazon etc), they run iOS 15 which is enough for HM7000 - essentially an iPhone without calling capability. £160 or so

I only got the adaptor as I have a Select PSU from my OO Mixed Goods set. Anyway, after a few tries with the Flying Scotsman sound profile not being picked up, I de-linked, used the default profile and all was well after re-assigning. Thanks for all the advice in the thread and to @96RAF for advice & patience here and in other threads.

They probably have limited stocks and wanted to get them into customers’ hands, including 00 customers. Those who want them will buy them anyway. as evidenced by them selling out very quickly. Getting them into customers’ hands quickly generates excitement and demand so is good marketing. The retail packs probably have better margins than the ones they’ll be fitting at the factory. It’s possible that the pre-orders have given them data on popularity of pre-fitted models too.

I added this as a footnote plea to an email to marketing on another matter: Class 47/7 in Scotrail liveryMk2f DBSO in Scotrail livery.I’d add a BR Blue Peak and/or Class 40 to those. As the Scotrail models are variations of planned models, hopefully this isn’t too much to hope. The DBSO can have various other liveries too as they’re still used by Network Rail and were in use with DRS with 37s in Cumbria only recently. Watching those Scotrail push-pull trains pass through Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh on a family holiday remains a vivid childhood memory. I’m less bothered by accuracy and like the crowd-pleaser steam locomotives as well as 80s-90s era. If pressed/challenged, Flying Scotsman, Mallard and Evening Star could be specials/charters amongst modern stock. Or, I’ll develop a layout with swappable buildings etc 🤷🏻‍♂️

If you want to stay with Apple, they do their own refurbished range with a 15% discount, sometimes more. These are generally devices that have been returned to Apple within the 2 week period after buying and have been fully tested. I’ve used them in the past and have been happy. There are no basic iPads showing in stock at the moment but new stock arrives all the time. Another source is Cex who sell second hand devices, but the same warning about the age of the operating system goes. Without turning this into an Apple vs Android discussion, Apple tend to be better at supporting their devices, with software upgrades being compatible for at least 5 years (often longer) and a device bought now should last a good long time as it’s still usable after those updates stop. The HM7000 app will likely run for even longer.

I think only Hornby’s Hm7000 decoders can access their sound profiles. Not all Next18 decoders have Bluetooth. Few do as far as I can tell. Not all Hornby Hm7000 Next18 decoders have sound either, only their R7345. Other retailers have them in stock.

I think they just put their stock online as soon as a shipment comes in. With high demand (likely across the whole UK railway modelling world) I’m surprised they lasted as long as they did. With ongoing supply chain issues in the global transport network and this high demand, intermittent supply will be the case for a while until demand settles. The HM7000 system will likely be a huge boost to Hornby. They’ll be delighted with demand. It’ll recharge their coffers too - with TT AND HM7000 both under development they must have invested a fair amount over the past few years and it’s good to see that paying off. What a transformation they’ve gone through since 2017.

It said on the offer email that it was last weekend only. I think the kits are still good value without the discount though

It looks like Hornby need to clarify which information is correct. I’ve now ordered the adapter but it would have been nice if I’d known about this when ordering my decoder, rather than believing what the upgrade path guidance told me. My installation has not gone well & now I’ve wasted another £7 on express shipping which I wouldn’t have needed if this had been clearer.

I guess, like me and many others, @taunmarc88 may have seen Hornby’s upgrade path page which clearly states that the DC controller that comes with a train set is all you need. In fact https://uk.hornby.com/hm7000/upgrade-paths cites this as a major advantage. As this apparently differs from the decoder manual (that is far less prominent), I guess Hornby may need to correct the upgrade path page, or at least add a disclaimer that upgrade is better with direct connection or a DCC controller.

Ah this probably explains why I got a pack of 10 x 3rd radius curves and two loose curves in my Flying Scotsman bundle. I do wonder though why they don't just make these boxes up to 12 pieces for a full circle (making it go to 11 would be just silly....) .

I kind of expected when I started that the 15% discount was a way of building momentum and interest at the start and that this would not continue forever. I guess it'll depend on the success or otherwise of TT and whether they are making a profit on what must have been a significant investment if they've been planning this launch for several years. It'll be interesting to see what, if any, new pre-orders are announced before the first year memberships of the TT club start expiring. If the discount does get discontinued, then it'll be worthwhile ordering anything you might like to add to your collection before that happens! Given that I've only ordered a Flying Scotsman bundle and a decoder, I've not benefitted from it yet!

I know Hornby have been criticised for their launch of TT & the method but I can see why they’ve done it the way they have. It’s not just about modern online retailing and wanting to keep the margins for themselves but the likely restricted stocks in the early years. If it had gone to other retailers, each shop would likely have got one model each. Hardly attractive for modellers. It’s bad enough with sporadic deliveries to the online store. I imagine they’re making a loss, or just about breaking even, on TT so far to establish it as a sustainable scale. Certainly with the Club discount they won’t be making much profit with transport costs as they are. Looking at the demographics of the current market and the size of homes/apartments, I think it was really bold, but necessary, to start this venture. The criticism from some 00 gauge modellers, suggests some element of nervousness but it’s strange that Hornby are being criticised for “abandoning” their 00 range - with Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, Rapido and others, there would be plenty happy to take over the OO space occupied by Hornby!

Yes I bought a couple of the buildings last night. Still planning to do one of the box file layouts some day to use some OO stock. Great that they scale to TT120 so easily.

Yes same problem for me in the Scotsman bundle. It’s annoying as it means you can’t get parallel tracks with the points direct from the track packs. I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong!

Unfortunately the feline of the house cannot be trusted! It’ll come out every now and again but for now, with one locomotive and four coaches, there’s not much enjoyment yet. I have no room for a permanent layout. I’ve got various modern image 00 gauge locomotives I’ll probably sell as I haven’t got the time, space or skill to do much with them.

I was caught out by the lack of discount on the bundle as my Club welcome email late last year had said "15% off all TT orders". Pretty sure the disclaimer now showing wasn't there when I ordered my bundle on 14th March (the day I think they appeared). I can't prove that though. No matter, it is a decent offer in itself with the extra coach with lighting and track pack included. The train sets are probably better value in some respects though. For about £200 you get a locomotive (£150), three coaches (£100) and the oval of track with controller and Track Pack 1 (£40-50). It does live up to its name as well. The oval fitted nicely and comfortably on my kitchen table. I've put it away now and will get it out again when I receive my decoder.

Today I mostly received the Flying Scotsman bundle. I’d considered the Easterner set, but felt that Flying Scotsman with 4 Pullman coaches was more versatile for the future and works pretty well with modern image stock. Just running in now. Looking forward to the range expanding.