Good presentation and review. I have the same model and lighting issues also. How do you change the CV for the lighting? When I fitted the decoder I noted I had to fit the decoder upside down. I have over three hundred locos and no others have the same fitting issue. How is the fitting in your loco? May have a Monday model.
I think all this generation had these problems. I did a 2nd video covering fitting a Locksound 5 and the CV changes to fix the direction: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xJw4asXx4qc.html. With a simple Hattons 21-pin decoder, the changes were: CV49=16, CV50=0
Interesting review, and a shame to see the running problems you had. Aside from that, one issue I do have with the Dapol models is their livery application, particularly that the yellow used for the cab fronts is clearly the wrong shade and is far too bright and ‘lemony’. The rail blue liveries also have a problem with the wrong shade of blue being used. I’m baffled as to how a manufacturer that has been producing models with these colours for decades can suddenly get them completely wrong for one particular model. Obviously problems with the factory and painting process, but not good mistakes to make on a premium model.
Agree, it's hard to fathom how such livery mistakes can be made given the real life locos were made to a specific standard so there's no mystery as to the specific colours to use. It's a real a shame. I'd love a proper version of this model with all of the lighting, running and livery issues addressed.
Hi great review. I love the class 73 so its a must for me, but the running performance just isn't up to scratch. Do you think a CDU on DCC running would remove the problem and help the locomotive run alot smoother? I'd love to start her up and bring her out of a siding on light loco with no performance issues at all. Otherwise might be worth seeing if someone can modify the pickups (not my sort of expertise) Thanks
Thanks for that. See this link re. resolving the running problems: www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/20371-dapol-oo-gauge-class-73-poor-running/. There are a number of similar posts - the nub being to add alternative pickups on each bogie to what is on the loco out of the box (which can easily pick up dirt). Folks add their own phospor bronze pick-ups. With this the running problems should be addressed for either DC or DCC operation.
Thanks for an honest review. Maybe you have just had bad luck with yours and your model actually has some unexpected faults, but then again we can't buy several to do statistical analysis. In any case I will avoid this model now. Keep up the good work, I always enjoy your videos!
Thanks JK, I checked RMWeb and found other folks with the same problems and potential solutions hence I felt the need to cover it. Glad you enjoy the videos!
I have one Dapol 73 run on DC only and have never had any of the problems you describe. In fact for me the running characteristics have been good and without any contact problems. So welcome your review but think you may have extrapolated too far. Still I guess both our experiences are anecdotal. You might be right about why the price has fallen but recently both the Bachmann Warship and Dapol Class 22 are going for £90 and £80, both excellent models, so sometimes its just supply and demand. I enjoyed your video anyhow.
Thanks Alan, appreciate other perspectives on this as issues such as these can be batch related and may have been addressed in later revisions of the loco. so I'm happy to hear you're not having any problems. I always check RMWeb when I run into any issues like this and I did find a bit of a trail on the Class 73 with the same issues hence why I covered as part of the review rather than just return the loco to Rails. I guess my summary said it all in that now that I know how to manage it I'm keeping the loco and should get some useful mileage out of it. It's a nice looking loco at the end of the day.
After our exchange I got my Dapol 73 out and it initially behaved with the characteristics you described until it warmed up. It hadn't been run for a few months and was on an inner circuit with more points so it did stall once. So I'm more inclined to think you might be right. The February edition of Rail Express had an article about adding extra contacts and claims a 2nd batch from Dapol will have improved electrics.
Thanks for that Alan. Even from my own experience the performance does appear to improve after a warm-up period. Good to hear they have made improvements to hopefully resolve it.
Don't think the 2nd batch is not out yet. Its probably what's shown on Hattons Pre-Orders April - June 2019 but that is my guess. The Rail Express article said "A second release of the 'OO' gauge Class 73 is due from Dapol in 2019 which is to have refinements to the electrical system".
I'm looking at getting a Dapol 73 as I want an upgrade from my old Hornby one. I'd be running it DCC (sound) along with it using electrofrog points. 👍 do you think I would be OK with the loco? I want to do a bit of fast running however I also want to focus on slow stop/start depot type movement 😀
Hi, no concerns for high speed running with this guy. Electrofrog points should give you better running performance at low speed than I got (I use insulfrog). I would buy new to be on the safe side both in terms of previous issues being addressed and having some recourse if things don't work out.
@@EuviRail thanks 👍 I know there has been a second release which has fixed a few problems such as the directional lighting however the livery I like is from the original release - though the place which has it for sale brand new, said they can fix the lights for free 👍👍
