I have spent thousands with accurascale. Five locos and 100 wagons and coaches. The detail and look of them are without a doubt the best out here. But the quality control and drivability is appalling. One of my 37 dcc chips didn’t even work and took 3 months for a replacement. Both 37s come off the track like yours. All three 55’s sit unused due to being too fragile and not able to negotiate anything but perfect track(all 50 of my non accurascale locos are fine). You’re correct the back to back of the wheels they have been all over the shop. I had a whole batch of wagons that were all way out, Accurascale told me it was bad batch. I really hope they pay attention and sort these quality issues out, we don’t buy these just to look at, we need to run these on our layouts too!

I'm pleased to report that Accurascale have immediately volunteered to replace Lance's decoder Free of Charge. Thanks guys.

My 37 also derailed due to a rocking bogie. However, I inserted two 1cm x 1cm 2mm thick foam squares at the rear of each bogie (one behind the other), and the problem was solved. The foam (bought from a local craft and hobby shop) has a sticky backing which enabled me to fix it to the underside of the main body. It provides a cushioned surface which allows the bogie to move over any undulations in the track, while considerably reducing the rocking motion. I ran the loco with a couple of coaches at full power round a simple oval on Peco Code 100 track with 2nd radius curves and it performed beautifully.

Hi Charlie glad the problems are being sorted. From my days of running a retail business I would say that Hattons were legally obliged to fix the class 37, but as the loco had been modified they would not be required to give a refund. Your friend Lance asked for a refund, what Hattons should have replied was 'sorry no, but we will fix it for you...' I think. Looking at the bigger picture it appears that Accurascale should do a recall and sort out the issues with a decoder's if it is proved that their design is at fault. Personally I'm glad I run mainly Lima, no problems, dead cheap, no detail bits to break all the time and you can fix them simply all day long... (lol)

Very enjoyable Charlie. Thank you for all your efforts in getting newbies like myself into the hobby.

This is where a channel like yours earns its money. These are expensive toys and should have no issues at least for the first 3 years. It should be not needed to put pressure on the manufacturer to replace the parts that malfunction . Quality service is what makes a brand great.

Hello Charlie! I have never commented on your page here before, although I have been an ardent follower for sometime now, watching with fascination your work on getting the 2 helix set ups going, doing your wiring, the DCC bits and bobs and so on. I must commend you on your delivery style, so easy and fun to watch and listen to! I am in Canada, so taking a decision to obtain one of the newly released locos for OO for my layout, which is DCC, involves taking the chance that should something not work, the process of sending it back for repairs or replacement is daunting to say the least! While I would still promote using a local dealer here that stocks this kit, some of the new stuff does not arrive on these shores soon enough to satisfy some of us British Railway modelers! I was sincerely considering putting my good money down and getting one of these Class 37s from Accurascale, but now will wait to see what happens. I am also very fond of the Class 37 and have quite a few on my layout, incl one from Bachmann with a Loksound V5 decoder, and very nice it is, runs superbly! Thanks for your videos and information, this is what makes this hobby so much more interesting! Happy New Year to you!

Great informative video, as a newbie to the hobby it helps us to see future problems that may occur.

I''m currently building my sons layout and will keep this in mind as he was very lucky to be able to get a Accurascale Class 37 for Christmas. I hope Lance gets his fixed or figure out a way to compensate him for something that isnt his fault or in his control. Thank you for your great videos. Edit: Ive just seen Lance has been offered a solution! Great news!

Thanks for highlighting this issue Charlie and Lance and what was needed to fix it. Great to hear Accurascale stepped up to the mark. Your analysis of symptoms helps us all if we have problems. Not sure Hattons come out of this looking top notch, which is a shame

Well done, Charlie! It is sometimes necessary for one to stand up and call out manufacturers/vendors which do not take care of their customers. We spend precious specie for these items, and ofttimes the product is substandard. Your video will help them remember where their bread is buttered. Thanks for your courage and candor!

Hi Charlie, I've just watched a video by Mossend railway, he had the same issues kept derailing and parts falling of, he has removed sand pipes and now runs much better, hope this helps, keep up the great videos always look forward to them

Hi Charlie Happy New Year to you and your family , glad your problem has been resolved

Hi Charlie, on our helix which uses an inner curve at 2nd radius we tested 2 Accurascale 37s and found that if you cant the curves, like on the real railway, the issue with the leading wheel derailing was cured. We used Westhill Wagon works shims just to slightly lift the outer rail. Keep up the great work!

Hi Charlie……fascinating and very topical video. I too took delivery of an Accurascale Class 37 in Mid December (bought from my local dealer in Chelmsford). Its a fantastically detailed model with many excellent features, and so far its worked impeccably on my layout with no issues arising with either sound or motion. Fingers crossed that this situation continues. HOWEVER, I have also bought the Accurascale Manor Class, and again while I’m delighted with the model and its details, I too have had an issue with the sound. Out of the box it worked perfectly on my small ‘test’ layout for about an hour then suddenly the sound just stopped. No obvious reason, the motion continued as before, but the sound just died. No end of coaxing could persuade it to ‘sing’ again. I spoke to Accurascale who said they couldn’t help me because I’d not purchased it directly from them (!) and referred me back to Derails (the vendor I purchased it from). Dan from Derails was (as ever) very helpful and asked me to return it to them . He offered me a full refund or to send it back to Accurascale . Given the scarcity of this particular version (Torbay Manor with Late BR emblem) I chose to have it returned to Accurascale for checking. Obviously with the Festive Season intervention, I’m still awaiting its return, but I understand from Derails that its now on its way back to me and that Accurascale have replaced the decoder. I was very interested in your comments about the changes recommended to sound CV setting and indeed the speaker configuration. I wonder whether in my case the decoder amplifier blew up and that without your suggested changes, the thing will occur again. If this is indeed a fundamental fault in the sound set up, it seems to me that Accurascale need to publish some guidance on this to avoid a whole host of similar issues occurring with others. Of course, my experience and yours/Lance’s experience might be coincidental………..but your ‘impedance’ point is very well made. Interestingly, Richard at Roads & Rails has made a similar observation about the speaker set up in both the Manor Class and Class 37. I’ll look out for other responses you get here, and from Accurascale, in particular. Certainly, Accurscale have produced a wonderful looking set of models, but these electronic issues have the potential to undermine their excellent reputation. I do hope they find a way to resolve them appropriately. All the best, and thanks.

Hi Charlie, Happy New Year🍾. It’s a lovely looking model , glad you seem to have got to the bottom of the various problems you and Lance have been experiencing. I’ve got an old Lima 37 in green and although it lacks the fine detail of the more modern class 37’s it’s absolutely bomb proof.

Thank you so much for this video, Charlie, you probably summed up all the issues with this loco! I returned my Class 37 'Loch Lomond' to AS twice and am now a happy Bachmann version owner (heavily reduced below AS) with no issues at all... Had an annoying two months with the 37 (and the 55 before, so I cancelled the 50). First I thought the 'tentakles' (sanding pipes) were causing derailments on your loco, but the slomo showed it wasn't. CV adjustment were necessary on the Class 55 to get it work properly, wonder why they deviate from the standard dettings so much. Anyway, happy new year and thanks for this video (and your patience) again.

Sale of goods act determines that something should be sold fit for purpose, you can't avoid this by terms and conditions in the warranty.

Hi Charlie. I have suffered problems with my Accurascale class 37 as well. Problems with going round bends and derailing and motor issues, it has been back for repair 3 times at Accurascale. I have had enough and got a refund. Replaced it with a Bachmann model with no problems at all. My model was a DCC ready version.

Hi Charlie, Happy New Year. I had a similar issue regarding the sound file disappearing from my IRM (Accurascale) A-Class too. Sound was there for a few months then it stopped. I contacted IRM about this via email. They responded very promptly and asked me to send them the decoder (Loksound V5) serial number. They then sent me a new file to completely re-blow the decoder, thankfully I have a LokProgrammer too. I found them very easy and fair to deal with, also I did not buy direct and yet they still helped me out.

Charlie, that opening sequence is a real hoot (at least when it isn't one of my locos). I was very impressed with your rational analyses of the problems and discussion of solutions. (I would hope that rewiring the two speakers in series would not be too difficult for someone who can solder.) This is much more helpful than simply trashing the seller or manufacturer--even if it is deserved. Cheers from Wisconsin !

As always thanks for a balanced honest video, whilst most people agree the accurascale models are breath taking in their detail there’s been to many people on other sites moaning about quality of finish, poor running, issues with decoders. I have given up with my 37 it’s sitting on the side as a very expensive static model I actually wished I never bought it. As you say we live and learn 😃 Happy New Year

I have had issues with Hattons’ customer service in the past, despite (formerly) being a fairly regular customer. I also have an Accurascale class 37 001 which hasn’t been tested as yet. I purchased this one without a chip, so will definitely consult Roads and Rails prior to fitting sound! Thank you for the video.

Fascinating video Charlie. I received mine just after Christmas (same model as yours). Mine also had oil all over one of the bogies and whilst I was cleaning it one of the head code covers fell off so must have also been loose like yours. I didn’t notice at first and later found it on the floor thankfully undamaged! Mine had not had CV63 adjusted so also suffered the cut out problem. I remedied this within the first hour of running so hoping it has not done any lasting damage. Only other issue is one of the buffers points slightly to the left which is annoying now I have spotted it. Apart from all that it looks great, runs beautifully and sounds fantastic. I have at least one ‘vertical curve on a curve’ but it seems to cope ok in my case.

Hi Charlie hope you had a great Christmas and good New Year, as always your videos are great and informative, I’m in the process as you know of building my railway, damp I think is now getting under control. But I have a 37 that I bought when they first come out from Accurascale so when I finally unbox mine I will be looking at it closely although by the time I come to run mine warranty’s will be long gone. As always these companies love to sell you expensive stuff but when things go wrong they tend to find ways of washing their hands as always, perhaps it’s about time we modellers got together and start to take them on and say enough is enough start taking responsibility for your goods and give a fair service. Keep up the great work Charlie and when finances allow later this year I’d love to become a patron. Regard’s Paul

Happy New Year, Charlie. An extremely useful and salutary video. My two Accurascale 37s are both non-sound DC versions. While I’ve not run them in yet, thanks to other issues with my layout at present, I fear some of my track work might suffer from the vertical curve misalignment issue. So, very many thanks for explaining that as something to watch out for. These technical ‘root cause troubleshooting’ videos are extremely useful for all of us, I’m sure.

Interesting issues you've experienced, I hope in future this won't be an issue. Haven't heard of similar issues to other models. Hattons respons was a bit like I expected. They could have suggested getting a new decoder, these are not hardwired, and with the quick fix from Accurascale that would solve all. Thomas,

Great video Chas yet again , I'll look forward to the result of the case of Accurascale and the faulty engine

Hi Charlie. Brill video as usual. I had trouble with one of my 37s. The sound started and then shut down. Anyway the lads for Accurascale where at Pete Wartermans Making Tracks at Blakemere in Cheshire so off I went to see them. You could not wish to meet any people more helpful than them. They told me about CD 63 and it seems that has cured the problem. They also said that the V5 Locsound shuts the sound down to save any damage and that was happening to mine. It comes as no surprise to me that they have replaced Lances decoder as they are all genuine guys

A very interesting video, this, and in common with one of the other people that commented here, I too am in Canada and so order new locos with extreme care in case of problems. I, too, have had some issues with our friends at Hattons (6-axle dining coach with only 4 wheel sets fitted, anyone?) so tend to now lean toward the shop over in Sheffield. Given all of the hassle that both of you have had with your Accurascale 37s, I think I’ll be giving them a wide berth; it makes me a bit nervous as I have an 89 on pre-order, which is another Accurascale product. I don’t want to end up with a beautiful, but very expensive, static display piece!

Something to keep in mind for interest and useful to know., since I have never seen it mentioned in railway modelling. In a longbase wheelset of more than two axles the back to back should not be the same. Prototype railways or railroads worked this out in the 1870s as locomotives got bigger. In general the inner axles should have a smaller back to back distance. It is easy to see why by drawing an arc of two rails and drawing a rectangle over it at various points. American Steam Locomotives: Design and Development, 1880-1960 mentions the topic.

Hi Charlie, Another great vid. My 37 has dim headcode boards. Told by AC that it was designed to be that way. Running seems good as does that on my 55. I will check the CV63 volume, didn’t know about that, thanks for the tips. Service response not so good from AC. They promised a new coupling on my 55 which kept releasing when more than 3 cars were attached, 3months ago, nothing yet. Keep up the excellent work. Steve.

Great video Charlie. Some very interesting comments too. (Haven’t read them all). Thanks for sharing. Roy.

Awesome, Charlie. I'm happy to hear that accurascale are stepping up to the footplate and sorting out Lance Class 37. WELL DONE ACCURASCALE, that's 1st class customer service. Big shout goes out to all involved. Hattons are a complete letdown in this case Charlie, and if I remember correctly, this is the 2nd loco you have done in your videos about a Hattons locomotive purchase.

My opinion, which I offer "without prejudice" is that Hattons trading policy verges on sharp practice. If you call and get the standard "this call may be recorded for security and training purposes" then after finishing your conversation request a copy of any recording made.

Thanks for the great information about the class 37 and helix and the central bogies rock I have the same derailment issues to sought out😊

Another great video Charlie, and not that i was considering an Accurascale 37, but Im now even more convinced to save my money & fit a Hornby HM7000 sound decoder in my Bachmann and ViTrains 37's.

Hi again Charlie Another entertaining and informative session. Nice to hear honest assessments without fear or favour. I have heard of issues with their class 55 Deltics also . From what I have read accurascale seem to be very reasonably priced for what is on offer ? Maybe quality control comes at a price? Happy new year mate and many thanks for your efforts. Love the way you analyze the problems step by step. Regards Howard

Thanks Charlie for another super video. I too have a helix and an Accurascale 37 and the same derailment issue. I will now study those vertical curves...... Turning to the retailer / refund matter in relation to Lance's locomotive, I think your Tesla analogy is spot on. If Lance was complaining about a paint issue then fair enough but the problem with the decoder is unrelated. If Lance is buying as a consumer then I suspect if he were to check (for the avoidance of doubt I am not giving advice) he will find that he has some remedies for the fault which looks on your analysis to arise from the speaker setup (I will be adjusting CV63 asap). I would have thought that that for reputational reasons both the retailer and manufacturer will want to get ahead of any further correspondence that Lance may send and get a new decoder in the post asap. Finally, I have had the sound cut out on my 37 for unexplained reasons but the decoder is still delivering sound. Absent adjusting CV63 it is probably on borrowed time. Your work may have saved a lot of people from a lot of heartache and cost. Thank you again.

Hi Charlie, Thank you for sharing this with us. I’ve had a very similar problem with the ESU decoder on a Helijan Classs 45 purchased for Christmas. I will be returning my loco and chip for inspection. In honesty I’ve had all sorts of problems with ESU chips and I’m reluctant to use them anymore. Your comments about the sound dropping out and the loco hardly moving are exactly what I have, although I have no sound whatsoever and a very unresponsive Class 45 on my hands. Thanks again I hope to get mine replaced soon.

Very clearly explained Charlie!! Thanks for the effort! Cheers Onno.

Good video Charlie & Happy new year. I guess we are getting back to the 4 axle drive vs 6 axle drive argument. Going further back when Mainline released its 3 axle drive class 56 back in 1984 caused a fair few problems. Great haulage capacity / looked the part etc but when allied up with the finescale wheels they did have their moments. Model railways are all about compromise & somehow over the past few years the desire to make things millimetre perfect - cram on as much stuff / detail all at the expense of the basics such as road holding / couplings & good strong motors. . Its a endemic problem across the board with 00 , over engineered / over complicated stuff , the desire to dazzle soon loses its sheen when the derailments start & the reliance upon circuit boards & weedy wiring starts to fail. The original Bachmann 37/4's i had where 4 axle drive & they where good, same with the Heljan 47. Then the Bachmann 66 arrived , running light engine it was fine , soon as a load was coupled to it the centre axle on each bogie just acted as a pivot that raised the leading wheel on each bogie that on perfect flat track was okay, anything slightly unlevel, off it came, same with the 70. Spent what seemed like a lifetime rebuilding the layout to get the trackwork sorted for these 2 locos to run round properly. I was looking at buying a new 37 this xmas, but ive not been convinced by the Accurascale locomotives, got the mk5's & theyve been ok, few issues with the wheels on peco points but nothing altering the points hasnt cured. I normally only buy secondhand Lima gear of late, but i thought id treat myself to a shiny new addition , went for the Bachmann class 70 in colas instead. I think Accurascale have jumped in both feet first when a more subtle approach to locomotives would have been better to build up the knowledge / build ethos. I gather the Cavalex 56 & 60 are 4 axle drive locomotives which is a interesting departure . As for Hattons , its not the company of old, owned by a hedge fund thats all about the money. not bought anything off them this year , all gone Rails way instead. Theyve always been sticklers for the line that goods have to be returned as in sold state, moment you add anything etc its classed as used , pretty pedantic stuff when dealing with the decoders etc but thats how they are.

Hi Charlie, Although your video was only posted 3 hours ago I see that the issue has been resolved and 285 people have already commented before me so I assume that at least one of those comments has explained about the Consumer Rights Act works, how it trumps contracts i.e. Hatton's Ts&Cs and how Lance's contract is with Hattons and not Accurascale. Accurascale seem to have done the decent thing but given your and Lance's experience with 4 locos it sounds as though there are fundamental design issues that need to be resolved if you are not going to keep having problems. You have done a fabulous job for Accurascale in diagnosing the issue and they now need to remedy the design. Great video as always and interesting to see how others deal with consumer issues plus model rail take.

Hope you have seen the news today about Hattons . great video very informative and well put together . Watched a few of your videos recently . You have gained another subscriber . thanks Drew .

"Marvellous". That dry comment when it tipped over cracked me up 😂

This is a really good review to put out as I have found Accurascale a tad odd in their methods of coming to market and adding competition, I'm all for this of course over the long run. Though they're currently style over substance and this is seen on multiple of occasions and we're all suckers for a shining thing. Like any new brand they will learn of course, but I'm glad people are putting this out there as Hornby and Bachman take flack even on models that are top notch runners just because a rivet is out of place..... Thanks again for the video. Very informative.

Thank you Charlie. Over the last year I have been continuously warning of all these issues with Accurascale's models. The factory wrongly wired speaker configuration has also been highlighted by Richard at Roads and Rails The Motors fail too (on all classes) putting a strain on the ESU decoder as it has to increase the motor output current to maintain speed. Peter at Torridon Road YT channel did two videos on this a couple of months ago. Accurascale also have various other problems with intermittent directional lights randomly working and then not...... Accurascale's models continue to have issue. I have experienced a 75% failure rate from 12 Accurascale locos ,on classes 55, 92 and 37! Perhaps people will now start to believe my comments instead of attacking them! Regards Julian

awesome video charlie i had a some probelm with my N class loco model With Sound and This Video helped me get my loco sound working properly i did cv63 and it work

Yes I've had couple off sherry s tonight obviously we drink too much in Scotland and drive trains! I like your videos very informative, it's just finding the time ⏲ nightmare at the moment.

Happy New Year, Charlie. You are spot on with regards to amplifier and speaker impedance. Running into two ohms will cause the amplifier to overheat and eventually fail, which is probably what has happened to Lance's 37 and others in this comments section. Accurascale may not be aware of their fundamental mistake, or they have just hoped that they will get away with it. Reducing the volume will only delay the inevitable, and doesn't change the issue. Rewiring the speakers in series would prevent the problem, but the overall volume would be less. I suspect that more and more of the decoders in these 37's and any other locos wired the same will be failing sooner or later. ESU, quite rightly, would point out that the specified impedance has not been correctly matched to the speakers, which would void any warranty. Accurascale should change the wiring a.s.a.p or risk bad publicity from more and more returns and complaints. Shame.

I agree with hattons stance. When I worked for a model shop we had customers return "faulty" locomotives that had been weathered, some at a professional level with the various common faults described in this video, and we'd send them off, or attempt to fix and we'd find they'd butched the electronics or had completely swapped the chips for non sound ones. One guy ended up with a fraud charge and 14 month suspended sentence for his efforts

Thanks Charlie for an informative video. I also was awaiting my Accurascale Class 37, BR Green with split head-codes ordered in 2022. It arrived in November ordered from Locomotion models. I noticed one of the head-code lenses/frame/number was missing and found it in the plastic clam-shell wrap. Upon testing it at my club (using an ECoS command system), we could not get the main front lights to turn on, and it kept de-railing at a set of points, inconveniently located under a scenic mountain. Long story short, it is the plastic sand pipes under the bogies that are catching on the point-work or indeed anything slightly proud of the rail surface. I contacted Locomotion asking for help on how to turn on the lights and the other issues, they couldn't give me any tips but suggested returning it to them. In the interim, i checked the back-to-back measurements which were within tolerance, but noticed, looking through the missing head-code lens, there was indeed a light, a surface mounted LED not very brightly illuminated. Yes lights (front and tail) were coming on but so dim, you had to be in total darkness to see them. Success! However not all lighting functions seem to work on my NCE DCC system. There's more investigating to do. The outcome? I've decided not to send it back yet, but to look for the CV setting for LED brightness and adjust that. I've downloaded the Loksound v5 instructions (its only 116 pages!) and am working my way through. I haven't snipped off the annoying plastic sand pipes yet in case I do have to send it back. My overall assessment? It's a lovely looking loco, so smooth to run. Sound is quite muted (thanks for the tip about the CV master sound value, I wouldn't have known otherwise) and the cold start function is disappointingly quiet. The model appears over-engineered and very complex to master, and for around $500 AUD, I shouldn't be having to faff around to get it to work properly and not snag on points. By contrast, I have three Hornby Twin Track Sound loco models that performed perfectly right out of the box, giving me a lot of running pleasure. So, I don't feel I've had value for money. This isn't the first time I've had issues from an expensive loco model ordered online. I'm thinking twice about ordering anything else as it's a long way to send it back from Perth, Western Australia. Thanks for posting the link to the West Camel exhibition, it was great to see. Kind regards, Angus Stewart

Happy New Year, Charlie. There was some fascinating stuff in that video.

Hello Charlie, I owned a hobby shop here in New Zealand for just on 24 years. In a situation like this we would have accepted the model and returned the model back to the manufacturer for a replacement, repair or credit, which we would have returned to our customer. I can understand Hatton’s reluctance somewhat, as not all customers are 100 % honest. As an example, early on one of our staff exchanged Scalextric slot-car that had stopped working with no questions asked, only to find on examination later in the day that the customer had removed the electric motor. We were only caught out once with this trick. Regards Barry

Charlie, you are far more tolerant and easy going, than I am. Decoder problems have driven me crazy for years. Occasionally , they result in the loco being thrown across the room, which surprisingly, doesn't do anybody any good. My model trains were supposed to be a relaxing hobby in my retirement. DCC will probably be the death of me someday. I am starting to long for the more simpler days of good old regular DC, but once you've tasted the advantages of DCC, it is hard to go back. Now, I am going to take a couple of long relaxing deep breaths, and revisit my Southern Pacific 4-8-8-4 cab forward, and figure out why it's speed is so d#@m slow, and why it hesitates so bad. I think the problem is in the tender were the electrical pickups are, and I think it just needs more weight. I am waiting for the day when they perfect on-board rechargeable batteries for N-scale, so pickup problems, track cleaning, etc., will magically disappear. Until then, I may take up gardening........ Thanks for the humor and pleasant videos.

Hi Charlie, Happy New Year from across the pond. Had a real kick , was watching a movie made in England and saw one of your yellow nose locos, cool to see it life size. Usually only see them on your videos. I won't even comment on return policies cuz I get really mad at companies that don't stand behind their products.

I have had a few issues like this with the new products. Calling it ou the only way! Well done! Greetings!

Great stuff Charlie and very valuable points you raised. On the Hattons’ issue these are models and we’re modellers and this is the business they’re in. How long should you wait before you make non-performance related changes to enhance the appearance on something you want to look in-keeping with your modelling? I can see the point about the refund however that doesn’t negate the fact that the loco needs to work properly and Hattons are responsible for that without doubt. As for the speaker impedance problem I can’t believe a modern day manufacturer has made such a rookie mistake. And the idea that the ‘user’ then has to make the CV adjustment to compensate is disappointing to say the least. In my experience ESU does a good job of documenting their products and it’s clear in the LokSound 5 instructions (section 6.9.1) how speakers should be wired based on their impedance. Enough of all that, I enjoyed the West Camel show last weekend and it was a pleasure to meet you and chat.

Some of us dont have time to trawl the forums amd stay up to date on which models and runs are experiencing issues, so videos like this are great. Thanks Charlie.

Happy New Year Charlie! It is good to hear that Accurascale took care of Lance. One would think Hattons could test a new unit, the pull the shell, send Lance the working chassis for him to place his weathered shell on with the intention that he would return the faulty chassis. Then Hattons could return it to the manufacturer for replacement/repair. Thus keeping a paying customer. A loyal following of paying customers do pay the bills. I have seen this same vertical curve issue with my Broadway Limited Imports O-16.5 On30 2-8-0s. Though the driver axles are sprung, the frame is solid thus a pair of drivers can lift up over the rails. Most of the time it is a dip in the rails on a curve. A little shim under the rails usually corrects that issue.

Charlie, I had a loco that derailed all the time like yours. After months of checking and rechecking, I put the bare bogie on the table, and it rocked. One bogie side frame was slightly twisted compared to the other.

On the ESU Loksound 5, it does permit combinations of speakers between 4 and 16ohms. Page 31 of the manual. I've got a 4ohm and an 8ohm in series and it seems fine to me in a Bachmann 37.

Interesting experience with your class 37. I have had similar experiences and my findings may help you and other modellers suffering from similar problems. My helix has an inner track laid with Peco code 100 track having a radius on centre line of just 11.5" (290 mm) and an average gradient of 4.4%. I had not realised until I laid this that all curved track on a gradient involves twisting the track. The inner rail is shorter than the outer rail but rises by the same amount. Thus any 4 wheel truck with rigid axles can only ever be resting on 3 wheels. Short wheelbases and the vertical flexibility of pin-point axle bearings minimise the problem, but the class 37 benefits from neither of these. Inevitably the problem arises at a point where smooth running is locally disturbed by track anomalies, and particularly by local apparently minor changes in rail gradient. My helix is festooned with slivers of 10, 20 and even 40 thou plasticard to keep each rail as free of vertical anomalies as possible. This was painstaking work but it has been successful. I can now run reliably all my 0-6-0 tank engines together with small Prairies, Ivatt 2-6-2s, all my dmus and all the shorter wheelbase bogies and trucks without problems. It was worth the effort although getting it right first time rather than having to correct everything later would have saved several weeks work.

Very timely video Charlie. I've been waiting for a 'Dutch' version of this 37 which should be arriving 1st Quarter this year. Given that I'm rebuilding the layout shortly and won't be able to really test it should it actually arrive 1st quarter. I certainly don't fancy having any problems with it several months down the line...as it were. I'm in Germany but I've ordered from Hattons because their delivery and service for international customers has always been excellent, but then again, I've never had to send anything back yet! I experienced some problems with a previous Accurascale wagon order (ARC box wagons) and it did put me off them, but the 37 looked so good I decided to give them another try. But I've decided I don't want the aggro. It will upset me enormously if having paid a handsome sum for the thing I have to incur expensive return costs etc, which may or may not solve the problems anyway. If the operating tolerances are that fine it doesn't bode well, especially when the Heljans and Dapols I have deal with everything I've put together so far. I'm not nearly as advanced in modelling as you, or others that comment on here. I probably won't have the ability to resolve these issues myself.I'm going to cancel my order immediately.

Happy new year Charlie, Interesting you mentioned these, I received my Class 37 only 2-3 weeks back and I too found a few things that weren't up to standard, One of my covers on the top of the engine hud had fallen off due to the glue failing. I've found the coupling buffer connector that slots into the chassis to be very flimsy as well (Using Hunt Couplings), The silver part of my steps had come off which required re-glueing as well. Taking into consideration it takes such a long time to import stuff here to Australia, I've just opted to repair it myself and live with it. It's disappointing as I've seen nothing but amazing reviews on all of these loco's.

Interesting stuff. Your detail always astounds me. I know it’s been sorted out but I can see Hatton’s point of view about a weathered loco. It is modified. What I would have expected was for them directly or via the manufacturer to offer to replace the chip. That would have been a good compromise

Hi Charlie, I am glad to hear that the company volunteered to replace Lance, 's decoder free of charge. But for future reference have a look at The Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Hi Charlie, what an informative video!! My Accurascale Green class 37 no.6704 ( same as yours) arrived on the 3rd Dec from Rails of Sheffield. I ran it in on my rolling roads in both directions for about an hour before placing on the track. I use code 75 SMP with some handmade points. The loco sound fired up ok and then I ran it forward. It didn't like a certain point/ curve on my layout and derailed. I persevered with it running on most tracks of my layout. It didn't like some curves too and occasionally derailed. My curve radii are 34 and 36" respectively. On the final run I ran it on an outer track which is fairly near the edge of the baseboard as it exits the fiddle yard. It ran over a point and just like your video flipped over. But worse was to come!! As it was near the edge of the baseboard it feel 3 feet onto the carpeted floor of my cabin😢. Even Stuart Broad would not have caught it in time!! This was a total disaster and the first time ever this has happened on my layout in 8 years. The damage was extensive with the front bogie coming away exposing the motor; the lights were broken and the fan mesh had come away. I did not attempt to repair it so back it went in its box with a pre payment returns label and letter to Rails asking for a repair. I have since had a call from Rails to say the model is being returned to Accurascale. I am not sure when it will be returned as one of the bogie clips has gone missing. Other issues you highlighted are the same- occasional sound cutting out and oil on the bottom of the bogie next to the axles. Naturally I am concerned about why these issues are occurring to such a stunning model. In reviews it has been crowned model of the Year. I do hope that when I get the model back the issues will have been fixed. I would like to get it professionally weathered at some point but after seeing your video, I am wary of this. My other locomotives Bachmann Class 47, Peaks and Twins run fine so how come there is such an issue? I am worried about ongoing problems as I have an Accurascale Deltic on order too. Thanks once again for your video and I am sure that Accurascale will take notice as many of your subscribers will have bought and ordered this model. Congratulations to you. Best wishes Rob Brooks 😊

Interesting video Charlie, the derailing issue seems reminiscent of the Bachmann N class steam loco with constant derailing of the 6 wheel tender on some curves. I did read a suggestion there of making the centre axle 'float' like your 47 & 52, coupled with adding loads of extra weight, but haven't got the tools out yet to have a go.

I agree with your take on Hattons, nothing has been done that would cause the issue with the sound chip plus Accurascale seems to accept there is an issue.

My Accurascale Class 37 is identical to yours and it’s been the worst locomotive I’ve ever had. It cannot stay on the rails where every other loco I have from all the major manufacturers have no problem whatsoever. I’ve tried numerous fixes found on the web including removing the kinematic coupling and canting the rails with no success. The lights failed as well. Living in Australia, returning these items is really too expensive. 😢 My advice is…buyer beware! I’ve also decided to cancel my class 31 and pannier tank from Accurascale. The Siphon Gs I have are lovely, so no issues with rolling stock, but no more of their locos. Far too risky. Thank you for your channel. Appreciate the time you put into sharing your experiences of this fantastic hobby.

Happy New Year Charlie and thanks for your very informative video in relation to the Class 37. It is good to know Accurascale are a company with excellent customer relations. It is a shame Hattons are not and your video has convinced me not to purchase from this supplier! Great videos and all are informative but in your excellent way which is easy to listen to and the odd joke along the way! Not heard your favorite word this year yet. 'Prototypical' Keep up the excellent work!

After watching your video it makes sense to me why I also have issue with a Bachman Class 55 I have as it has a similar wheel base and de-rails occasionally ... but as i'm going to do a layout upgrade later this year I will leave the issue as I need to check with a 6inch metal rule across some tracks that may have a dodgy join ... Regards John

Fascinating stuff Charlie. I think the phrase your friend Lance is looking for is "these goods are not of merchantable quality". If the sound chip doesn't work then Hatton's must fix it. I would imagine that it is a component that can be replaced. If there is a manufacturing/design flaw then the manufacturer is responsible for fixing it but the retailer should facilitate that repair.

Hi Charlie. Thank you for a fascinating and insightful video. I have one of these 37s but have not yet had time to run it in, so I will get to it next week. I will be putting in a helix so I will definitely watch out for the vertical curve challenge. As for Hattons … a question I ask is whether or not it is unreasonable or unexpected for a modeller to weather or fit figures. I would argue absolutely not. The restrictions on returning as supplied essentially tells the modeller that they can make no cosmetic changes until the warranty has expired. These are cosmetic changes - they should have no bearing on warranty coverage of electronics or mechanical failure within the warranty period. The price of engines (and rolling stock) have become ridiculous. The least we should expect is reasonable service.

Happy New Year Charlie, very interesting video, glad to see the manufacturers are working to fix these issues however the issue in regards to distributor rules is a curly one. To help solve future issues manufacturers should possibly consider sending the prototypes to people like your self for vigorous testing on a real layout rather than a test track.

Great video as usual, I have the same class 37, but no problems except the sound is a bit quiet… was going to increase the cv but now maybe not.The Hattons response is typical of them and why I stopped using them some years ago. There are much better retailers from say the Sheffield area who actually understand that customers are important. Glad to see lance has got a replacement.

Hi Charlie. I hear they’re going to make a movie about you - “Hattons, my part in their downfall” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

I'll partially defend Hattons response here. Firstly, lets clarify, when you buy something, your contract is with the retailer and this is where you should return faulty goods. The retailer can be go-between to the manufacturer for repairs etc. Lance had weathered and altered the loco at the time he asked for a refund, I don't see how Hattons are hiding behind T&Cs here as these are standard and expected T&Cs agreed to when purchasing, they were correct to refuse the full refund. I didn't take from that response that Hattons were refusing further repair or replacement of an individual component, only refund of the entire item. The only thing I would criticise in their response was to not make it clear that further repair was still an option.

Blimey, that was like an episode of Columbo, very interesting Charlie. Happy New Year, keep em coming. K

Evening Charlie 🇩🇪 calling I have the same issue with my Heljan DP2 and out of my good collection of diesels from most brands ( except your 37 ) it is the only loco to give derailment issues Excellent vid btw

Great video. The defective chip replacement (not the whole engine) is of course the right thing for Accurascale to do. The incorrect speaker sizing/wiring is a basic error albeit with significant repercussions, but a relatively easy fix for Accurascale if they are listening to you/others. The likely bigger issue is the defective Accurascale bogie design which you have highlighted and exists on many of their models. It needs reengineering. Easy for them to blame poor track work and indeed the issues with helix kits that break each circle into 8 sections creates significant challenges to avoid your vertical curve. I’ve never, however, had a problem with Bachman or Hornby. Great piece of factual and honest analysis. Reading all these rave you tube reviews with no mention of derailments, I was beginning to think I was just a poorly skilled amateur modeller !!

Great upload Charlie, fancy upsetting Hattons so much they are closing down now 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

Most interesting video Charlie. I had similar decoder issues with my Accurascale 37 from Rails of Sheffield - mostly stoppy startyitis. I sent it back, but ROS couldn't find a fault so they returned it. It then ran it for a while, but the loco started playing up again. So back it went, but since I had lightly weathered the loco and added a MODELU crew, ROS wouldn't provide the refund that I asked for. They did, however, offer to buy it back as a used model and I only ended up about £40 out of pocket. I then raised the matter of dodgy chips with Accurascale direct and used the magic phrase "in future I"ll stick with Bachmann', which elicited a generous offer on one of their remaining Loch Long 37s. Thus far it has run perfectly. I think the major retailers need to rethink their policies on refunds/repairs on weathered models when there are clearly fundamental faults with the products.

Very interesting video along with some very interesting comment’s too! Thanks for another great unbiased review in my opinion anyway, look forward to the next as ever, HNY to you.

An eye-opening and very interesting video Charlie. I nearly always buy the more expensive products from a retailer I have visited, this has definitely put me off buying from Hattons now.

A model train must be able to run around a track reliably with all advertised features working to spec. Anything else is unacceptable no matter how wonderful it looks as it is not of merchandisable quality. Valuable video..I have subscribed.

Hi Charlie, thanks for this very informative video. I have an Accurascale 37 and it has given no problems so far, ditto my Deltic though they have each only had about two hours running time so far. But, as I live in the US returning either would be a real PITA, so I contacted Accurascale to ask about the parallel wiring issue (and also about the motor commutator issue, but that could be another video). Their response, from Patrick Conboy, is that the parallel wiring was at the recommendation of ESU! They did not respond to the commutator issue, beyond saying that anyone with any issue only had to contact them. So it would be interesting to get a comment from ESU on the impedance question.

Personally I'm not into the class 37 however I do have a few SD40-2 with the tri-axle trucks, and this video certainly gave me some points to examine closer in regards to derailments.... Thank you Charlie.

Happy New Year Charlie. Interesting that you didn't see the helix issue with any of your steam locomotives, some of them must have a longer fixed wheelbase than the Class 37. Are the Accurascale wheel flanges finer than those on other locos?

Hi Charlie, interesting video. I have also had problems with the vertical curves but not with the 2 Accurascale 37s that I have. I experienced this problem with an older Bachman Class 47 and have discontinued using it because I can't make it stop derailing. As you say, the middle axle acts like a pivot to lift either of the other two sets of wheels off the track. The vertical curve is also a problem if you use Kadee couplings because they decouple easily in those circumstances. As regards Hattons response, I would think that they are not doing themselves any favours by rejecting this on a technicality. They should at the very least replace the faulty component within the locomotive rather than saying "tough". I imagine Accurascale will sort this out for Lance if Hattons don't. I'm sure you will keep us updated.

Happy new year Charlie! This is a very interesting video indeed. The last bit was the most interesting to me. 4 ohm impedance speakers in parallel as you mentioned give a result of 2 ohms where in series would become 8 ohms. From memory to get the maximum efficiency the output impedance of the amplifier should match that of the load so it looks like either configuration is sub optimal but a parallel speaker configuration is more likely to increase the amp current at a given volume resulting in possible failure of the amp. My memory is from knowledge gleaned over 40 years ago but I would have hoped that this is basic knowledge for people of my era and education but maybe progress might have forgotten a few fundamentals from the days of manual design etc, these things can and do happen, certainly at my previous place of work. Anyway at least Accurascale have offered to replace the failed decoder for Lance and that's good news as they listen. As for the dealer refusing to honour the warranty this seems like a general thing in the T's and C's of a lot of retailers of all sorts of goods that to a degree I can understand but there are realistic limits. I do take my hat off to Accurascale for picking this up though as at a guess some manufacturers may be less bothered. As for the derail on the helix it looks like Accurascale are very tight with tolerances that may be great for accuracy but not so good on some layout configurations like your helix. At least the manufacture is now aware of this 'foible' and can take this into account for future designs and tweaks to existing designs. Once again a very informative video Charlie as I have zero experience with DCC and I'm as rusty as an old car sat on a beach for 40 years on electronics.

Hi Charlie, great video as ever! I love all the detail that's being achieved by Accurascale, but I'm naturally wary of diving all in financially. This was a great video demonstrating issues, highlighting other issues, but at least showng Accurascale will do what they can to help. Time will tell on improvements to quality control and technology capabilities. Your reviews are clearly valued by a huge community, and in true Charlie style, straight to the point with research for potential solutions. Couldn't ask for more. And so, since this came out Hattons decide to close down. Another case for Charlie? Cheers for now, and let's get that 100k!!

Glad to hear that Accurascale have accepted their responsibilities however seems a shame that such great looking models from a relatively new manufacturer seem to have issues and not just hearing this about their class 37. As for Hattons, if Accurascale had not stepped in, I think yor friend would have had a very strong case under the Sale of Goods Act (1979I think). Hattons are the retailer and therefore responsible for either repair, replacement or refund. Their own terms do not over-ride their obligations under the laws of England and Wales. The fact that Lance has painted the model and fitted a model driver in the cab cannot be argued as affecting the fact that Hattons have supplied a defective item and well within its reasonably expected operating life. I have had this sort of argument with various retailers and products but not model railway related. Not lost an argument yet so pretty sure of my ground here! On a lighter note, my old Triang class 37 from the late 1960s that I inherited from my late father is still running well. Plenty of sounds but not from any onboard loudspeakers, no derailments and the only chips involved are from over fifty years of playwear!

My comment is about the details. Hatton's did not say that they would not continue to attempt to fix the locomotive, only that they would not refund it (which is what he requested). Continue the conversation and see what they can do.

Hi Charlie. I'm running in my 37 right now. I checked the wheel spacings and they were all too tight, so the back to back was deployed. CV 63 was set to 192, so I changed that to 150 before turning any sound on. I was in the DCC Train Automation shop a couple of days ago. One of the chaps there said he had eventually returned his 37 to Accurascale because he likes to automate his trains. He said that despite hours of adjusting CVs, he simply could not get his 37 to consistently stop in the right places. I'm quite some way off getting the points and tracks laid on my Magnus Opus - so those joys yet to come. Anyway - the 37 is chugging round my little dev track, running in, and sounds good. The only other thing I noticed (or, rather, didn't) is how dim the headcode backlight is. I thought it wasn't working - but it is a bright day. Thanks so much for a very timely and useful video!

nice 👍 accurascale class 37 is one of the best reviewed models ever, a video about its weaknesses if always needed 😂 thanks charlie!

Really informative video, Charlie, thanks for posting. Sketchy customer service all round, I would say. As others have said, Hattons should not have hidden behind T's&C's for Lance, they should have just facilitated Accurascale changing the decoder. But, reading some of the other comments, Accurascale state that if you bought the product from a third party retailer, they won't help. This is a bad look for both companies here, imo. How much grief is your helix vertical curve issue going to be to fix? All the best.

Accurascale locos are great if you want to look at them in a cabinet, but dreadful if you want to run them on a layout. I've numerous issues on my 37 and as for the class 55 Deltic - well the less said about that the better! Mine actually caught fire and even though Accurascale originally diagnosed a PCB issue causing two decoders to burn out (including the factory fitted sound one) - they tried to blame the decoder. Quality control and customer service is appalling.

Hi Charlie, thank you for your awesome videos as usual. I purchased an Accurascale GWR 7800 Manor Class via Rails of Sheffield in July this year and when it arrived it had the following issues. The chimney was broken off, there was a large clue mark and chipped paint on the front side of the boiler, the packaging was all warped (heat distortion apparently) and a gouge out of the sound instruction card. As you can imagine I did not even run it, I sent it straight back. To cut a long story short, it took 3.5 months of failed non-substantial repairs and continual dialogue including speaking to an Accurascale director to eventually decide to get my money back from Rails. Rails did everything they could to get the loco changed as Rails agreed with me that the repair that took over 3 months, only consisted of sticking the chimney back on, and not removing at least the glue mark was not good enough. Rails were happy to give me my money back at this point as they agree that there was no point sending the train back to me in this condition. Don't get me wrong Accurascale make fantastic trains, and I have a few others including 2 Class 37' and I guess as I only have a 10ft shunting layout, I have not found to many other issues at this point, other than power consumption when running all these trains with sound on at the same time. Thank you.