Excellent review and thanks for sharing. Having got an email from Accurascale advising of very low stock on the class 37 and based on this review I purchased a sound fitted Accurascale 37 which arrived today. I am so pleased with the model it is simply fabulous, I echo your comments about how good this loco is. Well done Accurascale
As ever a well produced video and I’m glad to hear that your model ran faultlessly out of the box. My own experience with ‘Loch Lomond’ unfortunately was disappointing. Whilst I fully agree the model looks and sounds magnificent I found running the loco problematic over Hornby set track points. During running-in the sand pipes pinged off having caught on the track. The couplings fell out of the sockets even although not pulling a load. I could have lived with this but the deal breaker for me was the frequent derailments. Whichever bogie was the leading bogie the front axle derailed traversing points. This occurred even at a crawl. Running was fine over straights and 3rd & 4th radius curves. I have a couple of Accurascale 92s and these have given me trouble free running right out of the box. Perhaps I was just unlucky with my model given all the numerous great reviews but I had no choice but to reluctantly return my loco.
Thanks for sharing Andy. That sounds like a problem model on a number of fronts so definitely a return. Derailment is always a red card offence. Surprising it got through QC - that's disappointing.
Great review of a great model! I am a continental modeler and in H0 rather than 00 but this 37 is really awesome. An impressive model at a very reasonable price compared to what we have here in France...
Wow, such a great model, hats off to Accurascale. I sold all my Bachmann sound 37 models in 2021 intending to go 100% Accurascale . Lighting is the only weak point
I find the Bachmann too bright and in accurate. Maybe we are all too used to over bright LEd so when accurascale give us realistic lighting it looks wrong lol
You can tell you love it Eugene ! An amazing model at a must own price.Great review as usual.Looking forward to Dapol 59 as their models have vastly improved over the last few years leaving Hornby trailing.All the best.👍
Great review and pretty much agree with your comments. I recieved the DRS Spirit of the Lakes model a few months back now and it is an excellent model. Have 4 more on pre order, ROG, another DRS, HNRail and Colas livery. Also ordered 4 Class 66's including the prostate cancer livery. Like other people have said shame you have to preorder but would have likely missed out. Had alot of Accurascale wagons and the TPE Mk5's over the last 18 months or so and all have been faultless so far. I have 8 Bachmann 37's old version model in various liveries and these are all great models and still run well. No plan to get rid of these. I just get hacked off with Bachmann and Hornby at the moment on their pricing. The Accurascale models are price at a level I am comfortable with for the products they offer. Don't see what more I would be getting for the extra £50-100 for the Bachmann or Hornby models.
Thanks Jonathan and thanks for sharing your experience. Like yourself, I'm still happy with my old Bachmann 37s and agree that the RRPs on new Bachmann and Hornby models just don't make sense any more. The Class 70 was a real disappointment for me given the price.
An absolutely amazing model. I love it, but only after sending the first one back because of two issues. The sound kept cutting out after a few seconds and one of the windscreens was broken. There was no damage to the packaging so I am assuming that it was broken before it was sent to me. On the subject of drivers, I can’t understand why they don’t fit them at the building stage. Accurascale have gone to all the trouble of making easy access to fit a decoder but you still need to take the body off to fit a driver. Madness.
An excellent review. My Lord Hinton has just arrived an hour ago I agree the crew should be fitted this is the second Class 37 to arrive to members of our Canberra railway club and already another member has put in his order even though most members run OZ and American rolling stock. I looked up Lord Hinton all I could find is the AI reference is he the same chap. all the best
A great & well balanced review as ever from yourself Eugene. I can only echo all that you have said about this latest product from Accurascale, it’s truly wonderful. Having missed out with the initial release of the Large Logo version I was very pleased to also add 37409 to my fleet a week or two back when Accurascale thankfully released a few more. Having already acquired 37419 (which wasn’t sound fitted), I have since ordered a sound decoder - these models are too good to not have the sound option in my book, as the file seems to be fantastic coupled with the acccurathrash speaker. I,d like to add that the model seems to be great to drive with the sound on, that’s one thing I’ve noticed compared with other sound fitted models that I own - again well done Accurascale for the completed package⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m really looking forward to a couple more 37s a 50, 31 & a 66 all on preorder from the company along with some MkII coaches. The other manufacturers (if they haven’t already) need to sit up & take notice of these products from Accurascale, they have raised the bar with RTR models. Personally I cannot compare these 37s with the latest offerings from Bachmann as the initial price put me off from buying the latter, there’s currently two older tooled Bachmann 37s on my roster & I do really love the models as they were the first locos I got hold of when returning to the hobby a few years back, but the difference is night & day. I won’t even mention Hornby…..I’m not even going there! Thanks for doing the review, really glad I didn’t miss out on these wonderful models. Cheers John b 😎
Thanks John and thanks for sharing your experience. With each release, Accurascale are learning and refining their approach for the next one which doesn't bode well for the competition!
Another excellent review. I am still waiting for my Accurascale class 37 in BR green with split headcodes really looking forward to getting it. Keep up the good work.
This is a convincing model. It will be interesting to see how well the motor lasts! With all that weight to haul around, we can only hope it does not burn out! Thanks for uploading.
Just simply the best model I've owned (I have the Railfreight Metals livery). A couple of times I've had the same issue as you with the lighting and needing to double check that it is working as it should but other than that, flawless, especially for the price. Accurascale could charge top dollar for their models, but obviously we're all glad they don't. The flip side of that is wanting something from every announcement they make and also sounding like a fanboy about them, but when you have the best diesel loco in front of you at an extremely competitive price, it's hard not to gush over it. It's also great to see that they seemed to have taken feedback from the 55s and 92s and incorporated improvements into the 37s, even though these have been in development for several years
Thanks Simon. Yeah, it's been a long run in on this one. If they've delayed it to fix things I'm good with that. With Bachmann launching their re-tooled versions when they did, Accurascale could have been tempted to push something out.
Agreed with all your individual recommendations Eugene its absolutely flawless in every department. The only niggle is the forward lighting, it could do with being a little brighter. I cannot wait for the HN Orange 37405 which will complement my two Bachmann HN class 20's which i recall you gave a good overall score on those revamped 20's.I dont quite know which top mark to give, Accurascales class 37or your superb review of it! Really enjoyed as i always do, take care, cheers Nick.
Thanks Nick and best of luck with the Tango Tractor when it arrives for you. I hope it's as trouble free as 37409 was for me. Yeah, the frontal marker lights were the only real disappointment due to their very narrow viewing angle.
@@euvigapoint taken, yws Eugene, cannot wait, New Year sadly. I would have gone for the limited edition 97301but its not operational sadly and hasent been for a long time, still resides at Derby Research, and dint think it will ever see the light of day. Its a pity they didnt choose 302/303or 304.
Hi again. It seems we have similar tastes when it comes to 1960 diesel classes: 37s & 55s. That 37 looks amazing and has superb performance. I've just ordered a "Dutch" livered version. Whilst it's not as eye-catchingly decorated as your example (which was sold out everywhere), it does come with "Cardiff Canton Depot" plates, which appeals as I grew up surrounded by Cardiff-based 37s. Mind you, the green-livered versions - which also spent time in South Wales - were tempting too. You make a very good point regarding pricing. Not only do Accurascale models represent excellent value for money, but they can be pre-ordered with confidence, as post-launch discounting is virtually unknown.
Yet another industry standard model as far as I'm concerned. The packaging is on point as always, the hundreds of separately fitted parts make every possible angle of this locomotive look impressive and the sound function is something that makes the whole train really come alive. I was very impressed with my own class 37 as it runs very smooth and has some real pulling power to it. The only thing I would like to have seen was a working fan as its very visible on this model / Loco but I also understand the limitations that Accurascale are working with as I've seen inside this model and it is exceptionally busy being packed with electronics, speakers, motor and lights. I expect and hope Bachmann are taking note of Accurascales offerings as Bachmann's models do not hold up price wise compared to what Accurascale are offering.
Great review as always, thank you for sharing. I was not so lucky with the first 'Loch Lomond' model, it was wobbly, the sand pipes got stuck in the bogies and on track causing clicking sounds and even derailments. The replacement one is better, but the sanding pipes issue is worse (they will have to come off). Otherwise happy with it, all features work (lights, sounds, stay alive, auto flange squeal etc.). I will keep my other old tooling Bachmann locos though, they still look and run great. Also, I like to buy models after they have been released/reviewed, just to avoid disappointments. The small batches of Accurascale stuff is a bit annoying, you have to preorder before the sell out and hope for the best. No problems with wagons, but the Deltic and 37 experiences were not good... Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm sorry for your trouble with Loch Lomond. A few viewers have mentioned problems with that particular model. My old Bachmann 37s aren't going anywhere either!
Excellent review Eugene. So far have purchased 37419 & 37425 with 3 others on pre-order (37610, 37116 & 37405) and yes these are top drawer and IMO they have nailed the cab window profile & front looking glazing finesse which for me beats the Bachmann prism effect hands down in this area, there are others areas the Accurascale 37 is so much better than Bachmann (roof fan grill relief/profile and no nose seam.) thus don't have the need to purchase any of the Bachmann versions especially at their prices. On your lovely layout with the head on shot the AS Class 37 has a real prototype presence on the track and that's how you know this is the best 37 on the market. Cheers Steve
Just a update Eugene to my reply 5 days ago. The loco has resumed the slowdown speed up so going back to Accurascale for refund. I have bought a Bachmann Loch Lomond and it runs perfectly. Personally I think it’s better regarding handrails, etched nameplates and of course the running, Bill.
Hi Bill, thanks for sharing the follow-up. That is disappointing. A number of viewers appear to have had issues with the Accurascale Loch Lomond but it sounds like the Bachmann version is doing the business for you so that's good.
Great review as always. I have Loch Lomond, and absolutely love it. Sounds amazing and looks awesome on my layout. I have the 31 and 66 on pre order so very much looking forward to them. I agree about the lights quite slow to come on and hard to see if they are on in certain lights. I’ve had a slight issue with my roof magnets coming away but was an easy fix.
I have the "Loch Lomond" version and I love it and it sounds as good as it looks 👍 just waiting for my yellow engineering version to arrive. Accurascale are really giving the big established manufacturers a kick up the rear with their level of detail and prices. I would definitely like a pre-fitted driver as it would mean that I wouldn't have to risk opening it and knowing my fat fingers damaging it.
Hello. I've just ordered the "Dutch" livered version too, primarily because it comes fitted with "Cardiff Canton" depot plates (I grew up in South Wales and at one time a third of all 37s were based at Canton and they were a common sight). But it was a close call between this example and one of the green versions, which also saw action in South Wales, as they seem to have more detailed decoration. To be honest, I was very tempted to buy the HNRC version, but that Tango colour was just too much!
@@stephendavies6949 Sounds good and best of luck with your Dutch liveried version. That Tango red really stands out - you'd need sun glasses when running it on your layout!
Bachmann always use to fit drivers but not anymore. As you say Accurascale sell them separately. If they were to factory fit them it would be OK as long as they were age specific, i.e. you wouldn't want a BR Blue 70s loco with guy wearing a Hi-Vis jacket.
In my opinion the Accurascale is the marginally superior 37 and definitely better value for money. Bachmann has the superior distribution network. All my Accurascale locos have had to be pre-ordered and come through the post.
Great review, thanks. My 37 Loch Eil had quite erratic current draw, and did not settle down after running in. Between 0.15 and 0.6 Amps at speed step 84. Has been sent back to AC and waiting for a response re repair or exchange (if they have any?). Driver prefitting is a difficult one. If a modeller wants to drive from either end then to have drivers at the wrong end would look worse than none. I reckon it should be an optional add on when ordering.
Thanks Dave. I did see a lot of variance on the current until it was fully run in and at that it really did stay in the sub-200mA range. With your numbers you were right to return. For some locos, and the 37 is one of them, the driver could be either end alright. I was usually Ok with the side Bachmann usually installed these but it's a valid point.
I'd like one of the Accurascale 37/4s, I hope that somewhere in the fullness of time they will release a Scottish 37/4 in original large logo blue rather than the privatised heritage liveries.
I have 37402 and it looks and runs beautifully fitting the driver/ crew on this one was easy far easier than the 55 and 92,I did have to alter one of the sandpipes as it kept catching the track and also baffled at first as no instructions for fitting the ploughs.I’ve just this week had to send my 92 Beethoven in for repair it would be on full power but only crawling round the layout and high current draw so I hope that can be sorted easily.Accurascale do seem to be getting better and better with their loco models and I’m looking forward to getting my manor class hopefully very soon.I’m still keeping my older Bachmann 37s still look and run good but not on par with the Accurascale model.
Thanks Stephen. Yeah, some other folks have commented on the sand pipes as well. Sorry to hear about Beethoven. Motor replacement I suspect. As per yourself, my older Bachmann 37s aren't going anywhere.
I’ve bought two of these and whilst I like my Bachmann 37 these are superior. I’ve got 92s and a 55 too and I can forgive their niggles - but you are right, with the 37 these are firmly in the past. One quick question: I’d like your thoughts on the Hall sensors fitted, which initiate the flange squeal on the curves. I know you didn’t like the sound, but I think including this sensor tech is a great move. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Jeremy, yeah, I do like the Hall sensors and they do seem to work well (apart from the actual sound!). They make the whole flange squeal capability more realistic.
A great model from Accurascale. I will have to wait until my next ship comes in and then I would order an earlier model as my limit is Era5. I would recommend taking a look at Sam's Trains review as he experienced a couple of minor problems. I would like to see the painted and fitted crew as a standard fitting from all Manufacturers, Martin (Back in Thailand.
Unfortunately had the same issues with the 2 Acc 37s I purchased as you described in your 92 review (irratic running, decoder red hot etc.) that only surfaced after a few hours of running. Cannot fault the customer service from Accurascale, and maybe I was just really unlucky, but I am wary on purchasing locos from Acc in the future which is a shame as they look stunning!
I’m yet to receive my Europhoenix livery loco, but looking forward to it. Hornby really need to step it up but their focus on TT and selling direct shows their lack of connect to the core base of railway modellers
Another good review. The accurscale class 37 is the definite class 37 model. So much better than bachmann new offering which has rubbish speakers and so overpriced. I have virtually sold all my bachmann 37s because the accurscale 37 blows it out the water. I have 37026 37402 37419 37423 37425 all with sound plus more on the way it's a 10+ from me.
Defo prefer pre-fitted drivers. Especially Accurascale models. They are so well detailed that it can issues such as parts falling off. My Class 92 has gone back to them with a major fault after I tried fitting the drivers to it. I am sure really confident modellers will be able to do it fine but novices like myself. I believe you're correct and I am in full agreement that they should come with pre-fitted drivers especially at £250+ for the sound fitted models.
My preference is to buy them extra - they are made in the UK, and cost effective, rather than have them added onto to the price of the loco @@LetsGo_41
@@mccarronfamily so buying them extra means buying £10 of drivers and postage. Effectively making it the same price as having the drivers factory fitted. Not saving anything then are you? Pretty much what Evrail said
It's not about saving, it's about choice - for everyone who say's 'add a driver' there will be two who say 'I don't like those drivers, they are in the wrong end, I`'m said acc charge us a tenner for a driver I don't want'@@LetsGo_41
Great video, I have the 37419 Carl Haviland, a beautiful model. The only issue I have had is the sanding pipes caught my point work (mixture of eBay track from various ages/manufactures) which caused a derail :( I agree with the snow plough fitting, although there is a QR code link in the exploded diagram manual, the link won't show how you fit the snow plough behind the coupler (took me a whie to figure out) Would I buy another Accurascale 37? YES I have looked at this model, Loch Lomond, Stephen Middlemore and even Andromeda (I love space) to add to my collection
Thanks for that. 37419 is a lovely model - I was nearly tempted. Yeah, sand pipes can be a problem if fitted hanging too low or out of alignment. You've answered the ultimate question on whether you would buy another!
Sound failures like this are not that common and two like this is very rare. Very disappointing for sure. Will be interesting to hear any potential explanation from Accurascale once they look at the two models. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks, Eugene, especially for mentioning the minor niggles. I’ll look out for them when I eventually receive my two. They’re in the final release batch which looks to have been delayed yet again. Will my Class 31 arrive before them?
@@jamesthatcher4190 Accurascale’s June 2nd news update stated Batch 3 (the final batch, with my two orders) ‘are now due in late August 2023’. Using your timescale of a couple of weeks then a few weeks more pushes my order delivery firmly into mid September. By my definition that means clearly another delay.
@@mccarronfamily No doubt. And that in turn might prove to be faster than Oxford Rail’s J26, announced in 2020, which I suspect might have slipped into a Black Hole never to be seen again.
It is speed dependent so it will only play within a certain low speed range. I'm not sure what the cut off points are. There may also be a conflict with other sounds such as the rail clack - a sound I much preferred on this loco. I did get the flange squeal to work alright but as per the review it wasn't a particularly good sound - more a high pitched shriek.
I was actually just pleased to hear it in your review as haven’t heard it on my version yet. I’ll have a play about with it tomorrow to see if I can get it to come on. Want to check before I commit to having it weathered. Thanks very much 👍
Well having run it at all different speeds and sending a video to Accurascale. They have asked I send the sound decoder back to be re-blown. Never mind. Sure I will have flange squeal in a week or so!
Thanks for the review Eugene. The forward directional lighting is really poor, very dim and not just because it is recessed. It is just not bright enough and really spoils this otherwise excellent model. I feel it's a serious error and I am flabbergasted that they would release it like this! The more you look for the lights the more it annoys! Even with all the room lights off it's brightness is pathetic. I asked Accurascale if there were any CV setting that could be adjusted and they said no, it already comes at its maximum brightness! This is a real step backwards, it's similar to the brightness of the old Heljan deisel loco's poor lighting system from 20 years ago! Having had to return two of their previously released 37s with faulty motors I've my fingers crossed for these large logo BR blues, of which I have two.. I don't mind buying and taking the chance simply because Accurascale's customer service and "no quibble" refund policy has been brilliant so far.. BTW **** Some newly tooled Bachmann class 37s and 47s are on 35% off in MRD's sale. Just picked up 35-308 SFX for £247. That's cheaper than Accurascale's 37s! ******* The comparison between the Newly released/tooled Bachmann 37s and Accurascale's 37 is a close call as they both have their strengths and are really super models. Bachmann's main weakness it their outrageous pricing but if you wait a year or so you can get them at 30-35% off as the retailers try to shift their stock. Keep up the good work Eugene, your reviews are excellent. Regards Julian
@@jamesthatcher4190 I think you'll find the sun is as bright to an ant as it is to a human! Do a dark room test and see if the lighting illuminates the area immediately in front of the loco.... The answer is no. the domino illumination is almost non existent! It's a shame Accurascale messed this up so badly because the have been addressing the many other problems on their previous releases and I thought they were making good progress towards a problem free loco. This regressive and unexpected lighting problem shows that they aren't quite there yet. All in all it's a super model but the lighting is a major flaw and that's just a fact and not up for debate.
Thank Julian. Yes, there is some value to be had with the discounted Bachmann 37s and 47s if you can find a sub-class and livery to meet you needs. Definitely worth checking out the bargain deals from Rails, Kernow and TMC.
@@EuviRail Model Railways Direct currently seems the cheapest sale for newly tooled Bachmann 37s and 47s with 35% off. I keep a general prices look out and most retailers are still absurdly holding out for silly prices unfortunately! Regards Julian
Hello Eugene, I must be the most unlucky guy with Accurascale models. I have copied this from a reply I gave to Sams Trains review. Something that might interest you and others. I have just received the same loco (Loco Lomond) and had a problem with the loco slowing down then speeding up, I had the same problem with the class 92. I had read the "YOU MUST READ THIS" notice but on taking loco out of box the front windscreen was out and lying in the cab, great. Being a bit annoyed I completely forgot about what I had read and started to see how the loco would run, on the track straight away it started slowing down and speeding up, oh no not again I thought. Fortunately that evening I watched your video (Sams) where you were on about the six switches and does it really matter about how they are set, and will it self destruct the loco and Sam. So I remembered not checking the switches so did and found they were NOT set to run on DC analogue, which is the system I use. I reset the switches as recommended for DC analogue and up to now the loco is definitely running a lot better, it still has a slight tendency to varying speed but very slight and something I can live with, I also repaired the windscreen. Hope this will help others about the importance of reading the warning label AND checking the settings on your loco for the system you use. Eugene I agree with all you say in your review, detail, features, price, but running? In future if the same model is available from Bachmann (I know Loch Lomond is) I think I would pay the extra, Bill.
Thanks Bill. Lock Lomond seems to have been a bit of a problem child. Thanks for flagging the need to look at the warning label which might help others.
