When Dapol produce the next run of M7s, could we have an Olive green model please? Second hand ones of the previous batch are non existent, suggesting a market
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Olive green M7
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Hi Mark (@Mark Ellis),
There are a number of improvements that we have made, as you can see traction is one item we are addressing.
Here's a short list:
- Diecast wheels
- Improved balance (CoG) to improve traction
- Keyed axles (similar to the A4/A3) (this is to allow for using more reliable power pick-up through brass bushes and wheels)
- Improved power path from rear pony (similar structure as main wheels but smaller)
- Extra weight to improve traction
- 6 pin decoder (not enough room for Next 18 system)
I must stress that until we are able to produce a sample these are design specifications (so subject to change), once we have an engineering prototype we'll be able to fully test the model and make adjustments if required.
-AndyRegards
Andy
Dapol Staff Member
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That's excellent news Joel. The original M7 was very nice but let down my its wheels and performance. The Ivatt 2-6-2T would also fall in this category.....!
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Originally posted by Andy Dapol View PostHi Mark (@Mark Ellis),
There are a number of improvements that we have made, as you can see traction is one item we are addressing.
Here's a short list:
- Diecast wheels
- Improved balance (CoG) to improve traction
- Keyed axles (similar to the A4/A3) (this is to allow for using more reliable power pick-up through brass bushes and wheels)
- Improved power path from rear pony (similar structure as main wheels but smaller)
- Extra weight to improve traction
- 6 pin decoder (not enough room for Next 18 system)
I must stress that until we are able to produce a sample these are design specifications (so subject to change), once we have an engineering prototype we'll be able to fully test the model and make adjustments if required.
-Andy
Will the chassis be available separately for people to upgrade existing loco bodies? My ND-026 and ND-046 never get to play because of the traction
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Whilst the new tooling looks great, it's such a shame it's not DCC ready. Do you think there will be room for a conversion, and if so will there at least be solder tabs for a decoder? You guys know your customers and will have made a financial and engineering decision based on that, but I'm not sure I can justify £100 each on a loco that I'll have to invalidate the warranty on just to get it running on my layout. Such a shame as I was very excited to see the M7 back and was planning to order several.
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Originally posted by capri_sam View PostWhilst the new tooling looks great, it's such a shame it's not DCC ready. Do you think there will be room for a conversion, and if so will there at least be solder tabs for a decoder? You guys know your customers and will have made a financial and engineering decision based on that, but I'm not sure I can justify £100 each on a loco that I'll have to invalidate the warranty on just to get it running on my layout. Such a shame as I was very excited to see the M7 back and was planning to order several.
Originally posted by Andy Dapol View PostHi Mark (@Mark Ellis),
- 6 pin decoder (not enough room for Next 18 system)
-Andy
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My main gripe is it suffers from the same fault as the originals, despite the improved wheels they are still either far too small or the body sits too high. The wheel center should be just below the footplate but there is a relatively massive gap so it looks like it's on stilts and the driver only really disappears behind the smaller element of the splasher designed for the coupling rod bosses.
Overscale flanges etc aren't an excuse as plenty of other locos have drivers well within the splashers. It makes the splashers look ridiculously large.
The lack of DCC doesn't affect me but is a big oversight, sorry Dapol, not good enough or worth the wait.
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Looking good! Saw the video on YouTube and I am quite impressed with it's haulage. The lack of DCC doesn't bother me as I don't use DCC. Though it is surprising to not be DCC ready, it is understandable given the size of N gauge and the weight needed for it's smooth operation. I'm waiting for livery drawings or painted samples before I decide to pre-order one.
I hope the GWR 14XX and LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T gets the same treatmentLast edited by JeremiahBunyan; 23 February 2021, 04:29.Jeremiah Bunyan...
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Hello Jeremiah, We have tried hard to include a DCC socket but the reality is there is no room without either compromising the cab interior or removing weight, either of which would compromise the looks or running for the majority of customers who run in DC. It is a shame, we agree but in our view is the best way forward. It should be possible to hardwire a decoder if customers so wish and it is then their choice in which area they wish to compromise. We did also consider the bunker, but there really is not enough room for everything that is involved.
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Joel Dapol would it be possible to see the CAD of the cab with weights to try and get a feel for whether conversion is practical?
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