Austrains T. Got a Low and High Nose. Dropped the low-nose off a table the first week I had it. Pulled it apart, reconnected the driveshafts and it's run faultlessly for the last 15 years. Best model I ever bought.
I have two Brass Alco Models High Nose T Classes. They are both DC. Never got around to converting them to DCC. Have ran them a couple of times at AMRA on DC Timetable Session's and they haven't missed a beat. They were released at a AMRA Exhibition held at the Camberwell Civic Centre back in 1988-89 i think if memory serves me correctly.
We are a bit behind the 8 ball here in Australia! I’ve been ordering from the USA for years for my N Scale USA prototype layout with only one problem, our terrible exchange rate. Aussie train shops and manufacturers need to up their game! Great video btw…
Regarding the cold start issue Will, what can be the issue is grease getting into the axle bearings and inhibiting current flow. This can be overcome by inverting the model in a cradle, remove the bogie base plate by releasing the tabs with a very fine flat blade screwdriver, then one by one remove the axles, clean in shellite with a toothbrush and replace in the bogie. I always like to replace the axles into the same place and in the same orientation in the event that the gears have started to wear in such a way that might cause them to be noisy if placed in another axle position or reversed. It’s unlikely that this is the case, but better safe than sorry I think. Once the axles are in you can use a 000 brush to add a drop of peco power lube to each axle bearing to help with current flow. I think the main issue are grease infiltrating the bearings and also the springing of the axles meaning that the contact between bearing, axle and the current collection strips in the bogie can be lost or not as positive as it could be. I’ve treated all my Powerline T class (older run) locos and they run very well now. This combined with fitment of a keep alive would make for a fantastic running loco.
Many years ago, I had several Precision Scale Models T class locomotives (including a H) - all ran nicely etc. Currently (having returned to VR after years of BR), I have all four (4) of the new Powerline T class (plus a Bendigo Models T and an earlier Powerline T) ..... as I am still constructing a layout, they have only been test run successfully - they are standard DC and run smoothly straight from the box on Peco code 100 Setrack no. 3 radius curves. I have used both Powerline, Austrains and PSM models over the years on a large layout with much hidden trackage and nasty gradients that belonged to a friend. Surprising to Many, but it was the Powerline T class that proved the stronger models. Detail wise too, went compared to Austrains for example, they looked better. An improvement also on the PSM but that may just be my eyesight! I am told the colour on the latest run is wrong but it looks OK to me. We shall see how they perform when thed layout is up and running and they suffer some sustained operation? A stay alive would have been nice. I have a pair of W class but I believe stay alive is only DCC... ? I like the models. But, I am only too well aware that Powerline does have an unfortunate reputation for conservatism within the hobby and thst the new SDS versions mag eclipse all previous T class models - c'est le vie.
Thank you for my sharing that! I didn’t realize the colour was off on the models! I mean a bit of weathering and no one would know! Yes the IDR W’s only the DDC models had the keep alive. I think you may be right about the upcoming SDS release! I guess we’ll soon see. Thank you for watching and leaving the comment!
Glad to see the cut out issue being discussed! So this is my take and solution. With my T class, the problem seems to only be at crawl speed, step 1, 2 etc. Once more power/speed is applied it seems ok. But buying the loco new and not being aware of anyone else having the problem, I figured it was just my model and investigated. What I found is, the pickups are not the regular axle type we see on Auscision, Trainorama and even as far back as Athearn bluebox. These latest model T class's have the type that you'd find on carriages or hornby tanks, they are bent metal that contacts the wheels, the flanges in this models case. Noteing this, I figured the factory blackening was maybe affecting the contact? Maybe was, but what I noticed was, looking closely, some of the pickups themselves were actually not touching the flanges at all, a tiny tiny gap that might go un noticed. So I gave them a little bending so they well and truly were touching the wheels, which solved my problem. Note, the design does allow for gunk to build up on the contact point, which reversing and better yet, cleaning, helps. They also seem to slowly go back to the position they were in before I carefully forced them to properly contact the wheels. No dismantle necessary, just do it carefully and small yellow electrical screwdrivers are enough to remove the gunk and bend the contacts. They also have suspension/sprung trucks (which is so cool and hopefully other top Aussie brands start doing the same) but maybe time in the box and some wheels in different positions has left the pickups pushed up a tad and being in the boxes so long, they maybe need time to slowly go back in place? Because a compressed wheel means the pickup is also pushed up and maybe sitting so long in that position may be part of the problem as to why some contacts on mine were not actually touching the wheels? Hope that helps.
Thanks for the insight on how you addressed this problem! I'll take a look at mine when i get a chance to see if this is the case as well! but it's funny, I've had quite a few messages with all different answers as to why this run of models in particular is doing it! I guess with some investigation like you said it'll all become clear, or in this case clean! Thanks again for the suggestion!
Excellent content Will. Just found your channel and it's just what I have been looking for as I am just getting into the hobby. Look forward to further videos...cheers
I got my speaker upgraded to 2 sugar cubes. Plus fixed all the pick up wires and put better solder and heat shrink and has not had any problems since fixed. And sounds louder as well
@@WillJamesRailways I got Justin at trainworld to fit them as I was having same problem not picking up power properly. It sounds soo much better than the original speaker. So much more depth .
Great and accurate commentary Will during the height of the pandemic. Yet the local Victorian model railways scene is still a shambles and is yet to recover years on now since the lockdowns. The T class is a great example being the most popular and iconic VR model. Here we have SDS Tclass (expected delivery 2020 caught beautifully by you in this vid!) still not delivered. It's nearly 2024. So you have to turn to powerline but as you point out there are flaws.. So have they been ironed out in the new 2023 21DCC version? Who knows!.. the Powerline website is a joke- is it ever updated? You have mentioned the ridiculous practical issues (no pre-orders on websites) - I'd just be happy to receive any pre-order at all! They have only had my money near on 3+ years! When it comes to flat tops (The most iconic VR diesel locomotive) the only option is now a second hand BRM. They come up occasionally but usually over $400 - so that's 600+ with a chip (if you are lucky to even find one!). what does this say about the local modelling industry now? They have been caught with their pants down beholden to Chinese manufacturing and it seems unable to pivot? It's a joke. I just purchased a new working NSW diesel model I could actually get my hands on (that prototypically runs anyway in Victoria) in protest! Done with Pre -orders - no more taking my money and never delivering. I'm going to give T class a miss until the model manufacturers get their act together. Will that be 2025 (and beyond?!) who knows! Just MO!
Just recently got a DC version. Don't think it's got any problems; it won't run really slow - take off's and stops are quite sudden. Not sure if it's the locomotive or my old power supply. One thing I have noticed though is how small it looks compared to my other HO scale locomotives. I'm not sure if the T class is a bit physically smaller than B class (Lima) or a National railways (Life Like), but the Powerline T class makes my other trains look like OO scale. Still, it's the best train I've had. Runs so smooth and quiet compared to my cheapies. I hope one day to source a beginner friendly DCC system and get it up and running on DCC. Seems DCC is a victim of the chip shortage currently...
Nice! That could be the power supply, however I’m not 100% sure. Yeah they are a small locomotive compared to a lot of others! Oh absolutely, although it seems to be getting better now!
Hi Will, Great review I totally agree with the online ordering its like they don't want our money. I have a few T classes, you can never have enough, I've had no problems with my Powerline one but it does get run atleast one a month, I'm looking forward to getting a couple of the SDS versions, regards Andy
It does almost seem that way! Absolutely! Ah well that's good to hear you don't have any issues with yours. Yeah I'm pretty keen to get a couple of these SDS ones for sure! Thanks again for watching Andy!
I would like to get one but after your review I’m now a bit hesitant due to the stop starting issues. I appreciate your honesty in these reviews rather than saying oh everything is beautiful. I might look at the SDS model. Keep up the good work
Re the cold start issues, the onty two things I can think of are a dry solder joint/micro fracture or a dodgy component on the DCC board. You could test this by taking the plastic body off and warming (gently) the cold electronics with a hair dryer - if it works after that there is a hairline gap somewhere in the wiring or board that thermal expansion is closing. Taking 5 minutes to start working (the presumably working all day) sounds more like the former to me.
great point about the pre-ordering systems available in Australia. It seems a very easy thing to have a method comparable to those available for overseas proprietors- UK and US. The current method is frustrating to say the least. Thanks for the review.
Couldn't agree more. Hopefully they see the video and the amount of comments that agree with this, and they add the system in. I mean it's very simple to have an online pre order system. Thank you very much for watching the review and leaving the comment!
Will ,I received a sound version today, I noticed while programming the sound decoder that it is only set to 13 volts. I increased the voltage to 14 volts in the motor settings of the decoder, it seems to of helped the stopping. I am not saying it is fixed as I have only had the loco one day. Cheers John
Really nice review Will, I have seen a few Powerline t classes running or static before, I think if I was to get a T class I would go for one of the SSR livery types.
Nice review Will. I have the 2nd Gen T360 from Powerline I bought second hand. The factory DCC was totally rubbish as I found later, many railway forums have comments about the issues I faced so I ended up ditching it and replacing it with a Sountraxx Econami and sugar cube speaker. It runs really well now, and sounds good too although the horn isn't quite right. It would probably be the best running loco I have at the moment, smooth and reliable. I have an Austrains X class as well, it runs ok but not quite as good I think, also no sound.
@@WillJamesRailways It wasn't too bad. The Decoder fits where the old one was and the speaker is in a small hole in the chassis that previously had two capacitors. It was the first DCC fitting I had done but the instructions were pretty clear and with the way the loco is wired it went pretty well.
I bought one of these about 9 months ago and other than setting DCC address and optimising sound volumes nothing else has been altered and it has been running without issue ever since, good sound and pulling power. Only issue was that it did not come with a list of the souled/functions as fitted so I had to go back to Powerline for those.
Nice one Dean. I'm glad to hear yours has had no issues, seems to be a pretty mixed response from everyone if their model had issues or not. I didn't even realise it didn't! Hopefully in future they print them on the inside of the box like some other manufactures. Cheers for checking out the review ad leaving the feedback.
Hi mate I had this happen it's the wheels I cleaned the wheels and now it great straight out of the box what ever is on the wheels you have to get it off the wheels
As well as the PSM brass release low and high nose versions of the T class there was at the same time the Australian Locomotive Company (ALCO) brass T class. There was some huge controversy arising from this duplication at the time. This was the first PSM model produced. May have even been the late eighties, but I would have to check. I have two of the first pre ordered Powerline T classes and was not impressed when they were not delivered with the advertised five pole skew wound motor but a three pole not advised by Powerline. Also mine had handrail problems. The DCC chip used did not please many owners. Never bought any more Powerline models after this. Have numerous Austrains T classes with extras bought that were too hard to resist at the Hobson's bay exhibition one famous year. Solving all these DCC problems by just sticking with DC. I wonder how much the new Powerline 48 shares with the original Trax 48 that Powerline took over and sold. New modellers would be amazed at the low mechanical spec of the Trax model. The push back from buyers of the Trax model led to the massive upgrade we got from the first Austrains models. Austrains being one of the first world makers to get models built with all wheel drive and pick up out of China. SDS tempting if I need more T classes, but will probably cave in to try one. In early years T classes did a lot of passenger work. A T class and PL cars was pretty standard for peak hour Werribee, Bacchus Marsh and Seymour trains for the sixties and seventies. Goulburn valley passenger trains were mostly pulled by T classes. I think even with the Vinelander to Mildura beyond Ballarat at least.
Thank you for the comment! I had totally forgotten about the ALCO models one, thank you for pointing that out. I think you might be right, a few people have commented saying they picked one up in the late 80's and they're still running strong today which is amazing. I didn't know that about the powerline motors, that's not great on them!
@@WillJamesRailways I have done a search and the PSM website says their T class was developed during 1989 and released early in 1990. I seem to remember the ALCO version being available a bit earlier, so likely 1989.
I bought a couple of the first release T's with the switchable DCC/DC decoder and both have been poor runners. As a consequence, I have never bought another Powerline loco albeit I would presume they have improved markedly since then. The Austrains T's on the other hand have been excellent although they were not DCC nor DCC ready. Fitting DCC was not too onerous and well worthwhile for what is in my books a much better locomotive .. and the handrails don't fall off either. I understand there are mods for the electrical pickup in the Poweline T's but at this price point, they should just work properly out of the box regardless. Agree totally about online pre-orders. Why do they persist with such an archaic process. Who these days sends a cheque or money order?
Thanks for that! Honestly I’ll probably pass on the next run from them on the T’s and see what SDS’s come out like, as they’re essentially going to be off the Austrains tool!
I've only purchased Austrains T's and H's in the past. Never got my hands on the Powerline T's and H's. I still keen on getting on getting the SDS T's.
Nice video Will i have got T366 in V/Line grey orange from the previous run i have not had any issues with my one yet but i will keep an eye on it.- Nicholas.
Thank you for watching it as always! Ah great to hear, do you run it DC or DCC? Honestly I don't have any problems with my older ones either it's just this last run!
@@WillJamesRailways my one is just DC but i run it on DCC as yoy can go that with my DCC system but i find it gets quite hot after 20 or so mintues how ever i wont be making it DCC as i have a plan to build an exhibition layout to run my australian locos on and that layout will be DC only.
@@NicholassTrainChannel Ah nice, well not about it getting hot after 20 mins, that's somewhat concerning! That sounds exciting, what are you going to build?
@@WillJamesRailways so my plan is when i finish school in 2022 that is when i will start at the moment i am collecting locos and rolling stock. The plan is it will be set some time in the late 80s early 90s and it will be a repesentation of Wycheproof victoria but not an exact copy but i will try make it looks some what like wycheproof that is the plan at the moment but things could change.
@@NicholassTrainChannel That sounds like a great plan, and Wycheproof is a great idea to base a layout off of! Looking forward to hearing more about it in the future!
In relation to on-line ordering, you have to remember that most Australian based manufacturers are still cottage industry level. They spend most of their time and energy designing the locos and do not have the resources or knowledge to be webmasters as well. We are not talking Bachmann here. If they added a full time web guru to the payroll I imagine the price of locos would be considerably higher. And that is why you have to print an order form and post or fax it in. They have old fashioned office systems. I do not mind, as long as they acknowledge receiving your order. In any case, keep a copy of what you send them and you should be able to prove you placed an order and get your model at the pre-order price.
I'm going to disagree with you there I'm afraid. If you have a website you can very quickly and easily have a pre order system. I've done it for my own on and it took minutes to set up, and I don't have a background in IT. Also it automatic sends and email to let someone know they have a pre order and it has all the customer details in one form and I can even add limits etc and that's through Squarespace. But since this video has come out, many model railway shops here have started taking paid in full or half pay pre orders online. So I guess the change is finally coming. This is just my thoughts on the subject.
I went to preorder a model for the first time recently and the form did strike me as odd. I found it quicker and easier to order through my local hobby shop, plus that way I got a receipt
I reckon that sea models will do a much better job with these locomotives, because they are a higher quality manufacturer in my opinion. I have two old Austrians second series t class’ (high nose) 357 and 359 both dcc and sound, they can be a bit stop starty but they are fairly good.
I had wondered whether preorders on a paper form offer better legal protection to the supplier as they have your signature. I'm thinking of the failed NSWGR C30 class model here. A PDF form you could type your details into before printing would be nice. I recently placed an online preorder for a pack of SDS NSWGR GLX vans but these have already left the factory and are at the standard price. It is what it is. Now as to the so called power packs, does anyone else think these are way over priced? A few dollars in components and they sell for how much? Might look at making my own. Congrats on another good review. Keep saying it as you see it. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Hello Robert, I think I'm going to disagree with you on the paper preorders, simply because if it was an instant transaction, you would have evidence of the money being withdrawn from a bank account, and any manufacture should have an instantly generated email in return with a receipt. Thus both ends are covered immediately. No lost mail or errors processing email as so on. I know a few people who've made their own, and i think if you're that was inclined I say go for it! Thank again for watching Robert!
I've had the same issue with mine, i tried alot of the fixes that people have said offered to stop it cutting out, but they didn't help. I just ended up selling mine and just get an SDS one
Powerline are producing more 48 classes, didn't Auscision do a heap of them in nearly every livery a while ago. I'd rather see the manufacturer make something that hasn't been done before, such as a 90 class locomotive this is not a criticism just an observation.
They sure are, and Auscision certainly did do a run off yeah pretty much all of them! However they are now sold out completely, and they didn't have factory sound. I couldn't agree more, i think it's an extremely valid point! I mean there's no modern locos, like VL's or BRM's and they see service across the country. Thanks for watching the review Darren!
Yeah, PDF print, fill in and scan back via email order forms are so 1990s. It's annoying. I've got a series 2 and 3from SDS on pre-order, and one series 1 Bendigo Rail Models one.
@@WillJamesRailways The Series 1 and 3 are (or will be) VR, the 2 will be V/Line. I'm just starting to slowly get back into it - when I was growing up the only VR locos you could get were either the Hornby B clss from the Spirit of progrss train set, I think Lima had an S class, otherwise it was unaffordable-for-a-little-tacker brass from ALCO and the like. We are (almost) spoilt for choice now.
@@Gaspode_ Very nice! Ah i see, of absolutely we're spoilt for choice, and it's only seems to be more and more coming out, with more bell's and whistles, and better and better detail. A great time to have jumped back into the hobby!
@@vlinevictoria289 Maybe, i do/will be mentioning more RU-vidrs and other social media pages. If you watch my interview on Model Railroad techniques I do mention people i look up to i guess on this platform!
Will, Do you think they are too busy making models to worry about websites. In my opinion both are equally important. Good and reliable products and easy to use website and ordering system. Like AM / Auscision website with their tiny pictures and scant description is a pain. You almost feel like you are getting Z scale instead of HO. Even European or Japanese websites have bigger pictures for their z scale products. SDS website is basic but I guess they rely on dealers for sale.
Hello I'm john can you please tell me how the Tclass goes around sharp corners and do you think I should wait for the new SDS model instead of the powerline one
Ah i reckon they'd have enough time to get a reasonable website made, considering you can have a website like mine though Squarespace and it's very easy to have up to date, easy to use and even has a commerce aspect which lets you take (for example) Pre orders for products!
Thank for the question Cody! Well i don't have many Austrains locos, i do have a couple of Y class' and although they've lasted a while and still look good, i find they're prone to cracked gears, and now need replacing. I'm keen to see what SDS so with the re-tool!
