BurwellMike

Thanks @GMDfor that, very interesting video. Well done for raising the issue of some of the unfounded negative social media stuff out there. Listening to his comments about how it can hurt "the team" was timely so soon after watching how sincere, open and honest Martyn and Carl where in the previous interview with you and Peachy. These interviews really show the human element behind the scenes and that it is not entirely driven by "beancounters".

I found the Hunt couplings to be a loose fit (and pulling out) in both power cars but fine in all the coaches which doesn't make a lot of sense as you would assume the sockets are the same. With the standard couplings, once connected, I had constant derailments. Definitely better running with the magnetic couplings (3 HST coaches + the 2 power cars) but still get the occasional derailment on R3 - especially when pushing. All ok on R4. The problem appears to be on the transition from the curve back to the straight. All Hornby track and all Mk1's and steam locos run absolutely fine with no hint of track issues. All kinetic coupling motions seem ok (although I did have to put a spring back - that was an eyesight test!). Close couplings now installed but it was the same with the longer ones. Anybody else have derailment issues with the HST coaches?

@Mulsanne88 I have seen plenty of videos of rakes much longer than mine running at speed with no issues so hopefully I am the exception and yours will be fine! I'll report on progress in sorting mine out

@Rallymatt Thanks for that. Yes polarity of the magnets are all correct. There is definitely some movement of the couplings in the socket, the Hunt connector does not seem wide enough for a snug fit (or the NEM is too wide?). Maybe I will try an experiment with fitting a couple with a low tack adhesive to keep them central.

@Moccasin out of the four coupling points I got one to join as I expected (and as easily as the rest of my stock). This was by swapping ends to find two with a matching height. I know what you mean about unconventional formations when the couplings give up! Maybe I am just unlucky with my three coaches. The two power coaches couple ok. I don't think it is down to the track laying. My thought is that if the front bogie on my A1's/A4's can all handle my track a Mk 3 HST bogie should take it in its stride - especially on a 3rd radius

3 Mk3 coaches arrived yesterday and with great excitement I went to install them between the two power cars (which incidentally coupled ok and ran backwards/forwards with no issues on all radii). That's where the fun stopped! Coupling up proved to be nigh on impossible. As others have pointed out the levels of the couplings were different. When I did persuade them to join (by lifting one coach to line up) they derailed when entering bends on radius 3, I assumed because some of the weight was carried through the coupling. Undeterred and having been forewarned by the excellent advice on this forum I fitted magnetic couplings which I had bought in anticipation of this problem. First issue was that the hunt magnetic couplings where loose in a couple of the NEM sockets and tended to pull out under load. Eventually I got them to stay in long enough for testing and success the rake of 3 coaches and 2 power cars successfully ran on all curves (2-4) pulled by the power car. However in reverse (push mode) disaster, the coach bogies refuse to take the third radius. They seem to jump track on leaving the curve rather than entering. The same happens with just two coaches and no dummy power car. All bogies swivel freely, wheels seem to be reasonably free running (but not as free as the Mk1 coaches). I have tried all sized magnetic couplings with the same result. My rake of 5 Mk1 coaches run perfectly on the same track in pull or push directions as do all the small freight wagons. I am now completely stumped. Has anyone else had problems with the magnetic couplings staying in the sockets or problems operating the HST in push mode. All advice gratefully received.

I can endorse the great service from the help desk. I had a query on the HM 6000 app last week. They answered my e-mail within the hour and then followed up after release of the updated app to check all was now ok. Yesterday I queried why there was an unconnected purple wire on the HM7000 8 pin decoder (first time I have installed one) and again got an immediate response to my e-mail explaining it was for auxiliary lighting etc.

Updated app was put on the app store yesterday. Downloaded and tested and all working fine again

Thanks 96RAF. I sent them an e-mail and got a very quick reply. As you say they are aware of the issue. They hope that an update will be in the app store early this week

Thanks for that P-Henny, very interesting. I just borrowed my wife's I Phone and installed the latest Apple version of the app. It all worked perfectly (as it used to on Android). That seems to demonstrate that it is an issue with the latest Android App rather than a hardware or setup issue. Given that I have tried two android phones (Pixel and Sony) it isn't a phone compatibility issue either. Very frustrating - I guess I need to call the helpdesk tomorrow to report the problem.

I have not used the HM 6000 controllers for a while, went to use them today and they refuse to connect. (Android Pixel 7 - latest software). I have deleted them, uninstalled and reinstalled the app, tried a reset with no joy. On BLE the app crashes and on mesh the scan can't find anything. There is a solid red light showing on the controllers. Also tried on a different phone but exactly the same result. Does anybody else have this problem? Has there been an app update that could be causing this issue?

Making progress on the new TT layout which is built below an extensive 00 system. It is nice to have a new challenge now that the 00 layout is complete. Pleased with the backdrop which is from Quality Backscenes

I have also been waiting for over a week for an order from WHWW. I sent them an e-mail yesterday and got this automated reply: "We are currently away for The Stafford Model Railway Exhibition and will return to the office on Tuesday 26th of September, any orders will be dispatched from this date as all staff members are attending the exhibition". So orders should start moving today. Shame they didn't put something on the website so we were advised of a delay at time of ordering

Thanks again for the reply. This prompted be to look at the HM7K system which looks great so maybe I will migrate to that when it comes out, provided I can set up a mesh network! Thanks also for the explanation of nodes. In view of this it seems odd that the only way I can connect using mesh is when I only have one unit powered up, and refuses to connect a second unit (6010) until I change to BLE. As it works ok with BLE and the existing firmware I will leave it alone and hopefully the HM7K app will overcome my MESH issues in the future

Many thanks for the reply. I have always deleted the controllers before I switch phones, I have also tried a factory reset but all with the same result it refuses to connect both controllers with the Mesh option. However this time, and with the new Google Pixel phone, I tried to connect only the HM 6000 (with the 6010 powered off), it did appear to connect and then allowed the firmware update screen Unfortunately it then reported that the Firmware was invalid and wouldn't proceed. Also when I then tried to add the 6010 it was not recognized via Mesh. Changed back to BLE and all worked again, albeit without the ability to update Firmware. The installed firmware is 1.8.2 on the HM6000 and 1.6.3 on the HM 6010. Also I don't know what you mean by "you need more than one node to form a mesh" - what is a node? (please excuse my ignorance!) Thanks again