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Flying Scotsman set R1167


Chas1969

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Hi there

Total beginner here when it comes to Hornby 00. Set arrived as a present for our 7 yr old, and finding it hard to make it all work in terms of continual play without issues. 

We now understand short circuits and resetting. Main issues are

1. The bogey on the engine and keeping it on the rails. I've added some washers as per an idea I found on the forum but may have made it worse! 

2. Attaching the tender without derailing the engine due to the 'pin and eye' coupler

Detail etc on the engine are great but it's not yet providing much enjoyment. I wonder if a simpler engine (do they all have bogeys?) without a tender would be a good investment?

Any advice welcomed.

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For instant play value the little pocket rocket 0-4-0 engines are sturdy and better suited to small hands, next the bigger 0-6-0 engines are a logical step up whilst being simple to rail with one hand. As you have found out bogie equipped locos can be a pest at times, both to initially set on track and to keep on track.

 

Your biggest problem with a train set basic controller is lack of oomph for running more than one engine. If sticking with analogue then invest in a better controller or decide whether to shift over to DCC from the start.

 

Rob

 

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If we went DCC or upgraded the analogue controller what kit/cost is involved?

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To keep with analogue and just upgrade the Hornby provided set controller to better quality / power. Second-hand will be cheaper, but a branded quality brand new Analogue controller will start at about £45 based upon Gaugemaster DC Analogue controller products.

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To go DCC.

Potentially double what you have spent already (if based on purchase new Elite prices).

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Typically, the R1167 FS Set cost you around £130 - £150.

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A Hornby Select DCC Controller about £85 to £110 but this is a very basic DCC controller with limited functionality.

or

A Hornby Elite DCC Controller (preferred fully functional controller) about £210 to £250.

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Plus a DCC decoder for each and every loco in the fleet at about £15 to £20 each for a basic non sound decoder. Plus a labour fitting charge, if you do not do DIY.

.

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Hornby only makes the HM2000 analogue better controller but Gaugemaster nd others make decent kit, which forum rules prevent us from openly recommending, hence you will have to await other input and look it up online.

 

Going DCC means buying a controller and installing a decoder into each loco. Again Hornby make their own kit which can be found on the main website, but as they say other stuff is available.

 

Hornby DCC kit ranges from Railmaster and eLink to stand alone Select or more capable Elite controllers. Decoders range from basic R8249, to the more capable,R8245 Sapphire or TTS sound decoders.

 

A case of sit doen and read up about it before deciding which way to go.

Rob

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If the engine bogie is frequently derailing it may be as much due to the track as the loco itself.  Is your track down on a solid flat board, or is it just resting on the track mat on the carpet?  A completely flat surface is essential for reliable running.

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Also to consider is the back to back wheel measurement. Carpet running is bad for mechanisms and track alike and will cause derailments so if you are running it on carpet then it's  not a good idea.  Speed is another issue, running the loco fast most of the time will cause extra wear to bearings and other parts. Locos should be run in gently.

 

Going DCC won't cure the derailing issue. 

 

A simple 0-4-0 set or 0-6-0 set will give hours of fun even if a younger modeller has a heavy right foot. The Hornby 0-4-0's are renown for their turn of speed.

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Thanks for the replies all. 

Think we'll stay analogue for the foreseeable.

Track is laid out on the track mat so curves match recommended layout, with track mat on hardwood floor. May well be some speeding going on, bear in mind age of driver.

I've adjusted the washers/bogey and seems to be staying on better, easing off over points makes a difference. However if we do get a derailment it's still tricky for the boy to get the wheels back on. We have the red 'shoehorn' but the good work of that is undone by the need to attach the tender via the pin/eye set up (why didn't Hornby put a standard coupler on?). A change of engine will help I'm sure, and a decoupler track section.

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Locos and tenders are not joined by an ordinary coupling in real life. If Hornby used ordinary couplings the tender and loco would  be far too far apart and would look daft. Fireman would need an extremely long shovel as well.  😆

 

Just join the loco and tender together and slide down the rerailer. 

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Fair point on the real life front. The combined engine and tender are a bit long for the rerailer so becomes a bit tricky, certainly for small hands. Have seen suggestions to close couple the units and images showing bolts both ends on the link piece but will need to find one of the right size to replace the headless pin bolt on the engine end.

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if you cant manage a simple 4-6-2 loco then i sugest you buy a 0-4-0 loco and a few wagons.big locos are for big boys.its a pity hornby seem to think these locos are ok for under 13 year olds.they are not.and must be handled carefuly these days. It was ok in the traing railway days when locos were built strong for kids like me who had them.

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