tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731673926082738680.post4152484741528048832..comments2023-12-21T17:30:08.889+00:00Comments on THE BRITISH RAILWAY STORIES LTD: "Model trains and their reviews: time for a shake up?"Simierskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03925849509572790187noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731673926082738680.post-18394283075279630972016-01-20T16:00:31.488+00:002016-01-20T16:00:31.488+00:00Hi to anyone who gets this far. I have done my ow...Hi to anyone who gets this far. I have done my own in depth investigation of the Kernow/DJM O2 using GA drawings, photos and known official dimensions. Whilst I agree there are some deficiencies in the MR review these pale into insignificance compared with the almost total whitewash by other reviews and the lack of information published on certain forums. The model actually has a large number of gross errors on the detail components and also lacks certain rather obvious details completely on some or all versions. The chimney is nearly 15% too large making it very suitable for an S gauge model at 1/64th scale. The Westinghouse pumps, regulator control cylinder, electrics box and sidetank mounted air reservoir are similarly well oversize. There is no Steam brake cylinder, merely a bump on the chassis casting and the prominent pipework under the LH footplate on P/P locos is absent. The steps are poorly positioned and have vestigial treads and one is not even properly tooled. The cab back and front detail is wrong, particularly the ventilator holes. The Footplate air reservoirs on P/P locos are undersize on diameter and wrong in both length and position and do not match any of the full size arrangements at all. Brakegear is badly aligned and the rodding is overscale (cf a Hornby M7)<br /> The worst aspect of all which fortunately only affects the Maunsell livery loco 207 is the seriously faulty lining on the cab front and upper sides, LH tankside, steps, valance, superfluous boiler band and splashers, none of which matches the full size engines. <br /> All in all this model does not come up to standards predicted by Kernow and compares very poorly with the Hornby M7 which is now 10 years old but costs much the same at full price.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731673926082738680.post-19594759160369324982015-12-07T21:55:06.879+00:002015-12-07T21:55:06.879+00:00Absolutely agree that where errors occur in review...Absolutely agree that where errors occur in reviews it is right to have them corrected. That's what retractions are and Chris Leigh published one in the next issue.<br /><br />I also agree that there has to be consistency in reviewing, and yes one person doing the whole review would be consistent overall.<br /><br />I've no doubt it is a good model and I've put forward my view regarding its details. But there's been a lot - noticeably a lot - of reports of poor and different running and derailments. <br /><br />The way to satisfy those who want to be proved wrong is do so in a manner that shows the model as it is, not throw up more questions.<br /><br />I'm glad it's working well for you Matt. I know there's a lot of people who've been waiting on an O2 for a very long time! I had one pass through my hands and I sorted out its back to backs and added some weight too for a friend.Copley Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16802272825569736787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731673926082738680.post-258468570992200572015-12-06T20:46:59.812+00:002015-12-06T20:46:59.812+00:00Sadly those who run the online mag are similar to ...Sadly those who run the online mag are similar to those who run RM web.<br />The Model Rail review was reasonably fair but the error was 2 people did the review one did the model the review and the other did a running test. In the words of consistency the same person should of done the whole review.<br /> The O2 models including my own have had back to back issues, which in the review was actually recorded as it stated the back to backs were 15mm, 0.5 out. which was tracked down to being the issue, as I believe Chris Leigh has now purchased his own after the findings.<br /> Sadly it looks like Model Rail people don't discuss things, and can't edit things properly... as the model doesn't have traction tyres either when it says it does in the review.<br /><br />The review was fair in reflection of each persons findings, but not of a single individual doing the review through out as he would of known of the back to backs being out.<br />The o2's will pull around 5 coaches, 6 at a push, and maybe more if the weight was further forward.<br /><br />Overall it's a good model, and runs well have done my own review due in the next few days.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03103677520012220403noreply@blogger.com