Dazzler down under Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 I know this is mostly about DCC and I don’t care. I want this post to get maximum exposure so I’m posting it here. I’d Consider myself a Hornby purist. Almost everything I own is Hornby, locos, rolling stock, control system, rail master, points and track, point motors, accessory decoders, scenery buildings all up over the last 15 years I’ve spent well over $40k AUD on Hornby equipment. For the most part I’ve always been happy, few issues here and there but never anything too dramatic apart from having to put up with a pre TTS ESU sound loco that shorts out after being on the track for 1 minute, motor just completely stops dead, no movement and only sound! I’ve put up with this for years back and forth to the repair shop nobody knows what’s wrong with it. I have an elite that’s been corrupted after I did an update now the display is all distorted and unreadable. I have 3 black 5s that couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding they are featherweights. I’ve some dreaded Pullman coaches that cost a bomb that derail at least once every lap and decoders that aren’t recognised by proper DCC control systems!!!!All that’s ok, it’s frustrating, but I’ve learnt to deal with those things over the years. whats not ok is what happened on Christmas Day!!!! All year I’ve waited for tts Britannia chips to land in Australia finally they arrive in time for Christmas. Back in January when I ordered 3 of them I also ordered the new Britannia Anzac to go with my 15 other that I don’t really need that many but thinking that if Hornby have released the chip then surly this years model Brit will be TTS ready, I didn’t expect the old ones to accept the speaker ect off the bat but the new one I definitely expected the tender to be ready for a TTS chip but guess what? Yes you guessed right it’s not. So after stuffing around on Christmas Day for 4 hours I’ve managed to destroy the tender and lose a screw trying to fit the darn thing!!! There’s not enough room. No matter how you try it just won’t fit the body back on with the chip in the tender, nowhere near enough room. Hornby ought to be ashamed of themselves. There’s no excuse! What a money grab! Release a chip you full well know won’t fit in the loco it was designed for! Couldn’t even re model the inside of the new tender to fit the new chip. Absolutely disgraceful on Hornbys part! I bought 3 of these things at $100 a pop and all 3 are USELESS!!!!!!! Ive always stuck up for Hornby. Let’s face it, their reputation ain’t all that flash but I’ve always endured the humiliation and embarrassment you get sticking up for them on other forums and FB groups. Not any more. I’m done. I’m getting out of the hobby, Hornby have annoyed me and put me off so that will do me. Watch EBay in the coming weeks if your interested in 70 almost brand new locos, hardly ever run as I don’t even have a layout plus all the rolling stock and other stuff all still in packets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stubaggieboy Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Sorry to hear about your Hornby misfortunes Dazzler you have obviously read about the issues I have had recently. I to only purchased Hornby products for over 50 years and would not give any other brand a second glance until 12 months ago I was tempted by a Bachmann class 85 having always loved overheads electrics and I was gobsmacked at the overall quality of this loco, cab lights front/rear lights and driver figures fitted but most of no cheap horrible plastic pantograph instead a metal operational one that with a little fiddling I got to work on my Hornby overhead system. I am now hooked on Bachmann. Back to your issues. I also have ten of the Pullman coaches with the cam type couplings that give me no problems,I also own rakes of the expensive LNER teaks that we're horrendous for derailing problems, any more than three in a rake then guaranteed they would derail due to the poor design of the couplings. Someone on this forum posted an article about useing a straightened out paper clip linking the bogie to the coupler which worked a treat. My earliest recollection of problems with these can type couplings was when the first class 50 was realeased, a beautiful model but totally unusable as it would derail the first wagon or coach bogie coupled to it. My complaints to Hornby were totally ignored and brushed under the table as the same problem occurred with the class 31,56. Locos.One of the final straws for me personally was the first release of the class 800 with the coach bogie design being to close to the underside of the coach which meant unless your track laying was as flat as a snooker table they would derail. I to have other issues but nothing major and the pleasure I have had over the years far outweighs any issues I have had. So stick with the hobby as most of your problems can be resolved. Regards Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinB Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Yes, I would agree a bit, but I have fitted 3 Brittanias and I don't remember them being that bad. On two of my older ones I upgraded the tender to the later type. I know on my limited edition one I am sure it all fitted perfectly, although I think I used a "sugar cube" speaker. Yes, I know, I complained about the Stanier locos where they have put a really nice fitting for the speaker, but forgot to include how to pass the wires through. Of course when it is released from the factory the wires pass through ok, because there is no speaker there. I eventually cut a slot. When I complained on this site, people said what is wrong with cutting a slot. On a near £200 loco I do not expect to have to go cutting slots.I get the opinion with Hornby electrics are a bit of an after thought, something they have to do but don't spend enough time thinking about, on their TTS decoders they don't even insulate them (watch the smoke if they touch a part of the locos metal body). That seems to be the difference with Bachmann and Dapol, they spend more time making sure all the electrics are well positioned and work, but you pay a premium for this quality. I think Hornby try, but they really need a decent Electrical Engineer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sound features, including Cab Chatter, on MTH, locos, which i was advised, may not all work without the purchase of an MTH, control system. However, the Elite, happily works them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Dazzler, sorry to learn of your probs. Unfortunately, Hornby, dont read this forum. You would be better, dropping an email to Horny direct. They have a new Customer services manager, since Mark Lodge moved within their ranks, who, i am sure would be happy to look into this. Mark, was excellent at taking these things on board, and i am sure the new guy, will be just as attentative. They need to be advised of just these types of problems, so that any remedial action, can follow.. My only observation, is that i have both Railmaster, and Elite, (Hornby), controllers, and both of these, fully, recognise, and fully control all TTS functions. I would add, that my MTH, and bachmann, sound locos, also, fully respond, to both, and that the Elite, certainly, is, a proper DCC controller, being fully compliant, to laid down, regulations. There are 30 sounds on MTH, and they all work well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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