Another Derailing Dapol Diesel | Class 73 | Unboxing & Review

[@SamsTrains]

Promised update: the motor went back to running slowly the following day. The score stands :(

[@lukeslocomotives]

Will the loco go back Sam?

[@james2004k]

The early versions of the Class 73 were known to have 'Pick-up' issues. The later versions was fixed.

[@ethanwhisman1277]

That's just sucks☹️

[@aunulimansfield3277]

Oooof

[@Bozukoviy]

Will you keep it ?

[@elliesanders885]

3:30 Dutch Livery is the nickname for the Civil Engineers livery under BR because it looked like the NS livery no geographical relation sadly

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Ellie for this, duly noted! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JJTis]

They did have some class 15's in the Netherlands though.

[@raymondwillem6370]

Sam I had to take mine back 3 times and each one was a a terrible runner. I eventually had a refund from Dapol from where I purchased them. They have their own test layout ( I live close to Dapol ) They were the same on their layout. They even tried one out from their stock and that was the same! Agreed with you completely.

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that Raymond - I'm seeing comments like yours over and over again - totally unacceptable! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

Sam has dapolitus because of the amount of dapol he's reviewed lately XD

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

I hate to be a pedant, but "dapolitus" would mean "inflammation of the dapol".

[@lukeslocomotives]

@@MrJoeyWheeler OMG Haha yes!

[@lukeslocomotives]

DDD = Derailing Dapol Diesel

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah!! :D

[@susannahrinker727]

DCC = derailing crappy carriage

[@lukeslocomotives]

@@susannahrinker727 COUGH hornby railroad teak coaches COUGH COUGH

[@susannahrinker727]

@@lukeslocomotives Wha, huh? Nothing to see here, just move along! (Thanks for the inside information)

[@susannahrinker727]

Watch out if your trains are DCC equiped! (Not really)

[@waynemeakin]

I'm so glad you have reviewed this. I recently bought the Pullman version of Dapol's 73. A beautifully crafted thing it was. However it would not stay on the rails and the lights were all wrong. What a let down it was. Packed off back to Rails for a refund.

[@SamsTrains]

So sorry to hear that Wayne - what are they playing at?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

Live stream request the Dapol class 73, with Dapol egg van's. What could go wrong?🤷‍♂️

[@peterdavenport9106]

That would be hilarious to see so I’ll supplrt that idea

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@williambabcoke248]

I am planning on requesting it, so yeah, we will find out. Should we double head it with the Tango?

[@bentullett6068]

@@williambabcoke248 oh yes

[@barryturner2916]

Hi Sam I had the same issues with poor running due to pick ups coated in oil and bent in the wrong direction on my class 73 Dutch livery. Having watched a KZbin on this I fitted extra pick ups of brass strips (soldered) but still not over impressed with the performance, I fully agree with your comments on detail, quality and valve. Thanks for sharing this.

[@pannierprairie7884]

Amazingly more are still in mainline service than are actually preserved! 25 are still in active mainline service, yet only 6 are technically preserved! The ones still on the mainline are in use with GBRf and Network Rail (both in very striking liveries!). They sound great when running on just the diesel engine (trust me from experience). Shame the model doesn't perform as well in real life. Great review Sam👍

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow! I didn't realise that - amazing! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PuuberZ]

I have the more recent Hornby Railroad Class 73. Got it brand new for £63 on eBay. Superb runner. Quiet, heavy, strong, looks great and easy to maintain.

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey - yeah they're much better runners aren't they? ?:D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

Dapol, more like derailpol. Seriously though I wish dapol products weren't so notorious for derailment EDIT - Just realized the colour scheme reminds me of chocolate and lemon topped ice cream and now I want one.

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely! I wish that too :(

[@georgethepatriot2785]

Good review saved me buying one. No wonder they are going a lot cheaper now

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - not worth touching in my opinion! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dor_leon9129]

I have a Class 73 in NSE Livery dcc, but I am not experiencing the problems that you have, no derailing nothing and I´m running it on capet too

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear yours is better - it seems they're very inconsistent :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Ryan871]

Nice loco as you say but what is it about Dapol diesel locos just disappointing like the 121 was thinking on getting one of these eventually but I think I’d rather go for the Hornby one having seen this! What type of Hornby southern coaches was the green 73 pulling? Thanks for sharing

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I don't know - it's very annoying isn't it?! Hornby all the way! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@theretrocrowe]

In the late 80's and early-mid 90's this livery was very common. Many other diesels such as classes 47 and 37 all carried this livery at some point in their lifetime

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh okay! Bit before my time then - good excuse ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@dakshanbalaramesh]

Is it not possible to switch the Hornby chassis with the body of this?

[@simonevans1838]

Surely bad pick ups should be part of the quality vote. After all the quality of the pick ups and manufacturing design is terrible. I personally think you were over generous. The train is not worth consideration if it does not run properly. I would be so angry if I purchased it and it ran like that. Happens with pre-owned engines occasionally-but certainly should not happen with a new one. Great to see yet another review though. Thanks for making such an effort in these difficult times.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Simon - I tried to be fair as possible without penalising multiple times - but true, it's unacceptable! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jasonc9194]

Thank you for the review Sam, Great video as always. Actually wanted a 73 for my layout and after seeing this think I will go for the Hornby one. Keep up the great work and stay safe. Jason

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jason - yeah the Hornby works much better by far! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@theretrocrowe]

4:29 Oh Dear! You had 2 attempts to get it right! That was a class 22 that you reviewed before 🤦‍♂️

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I always get that one mixed up!! xD

[@lukeslocomotives]

Oof

[@europeandiecastracing2128]

The loco is in the BR Civil Engineers colour scheme, it was nicknamed 'Dutch' by one of the magazines at the time due to it's similarity to the Dutch Railways scheme. I should also point out that is still a good quantity of them in service in various guises...

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted, thanks very much for this - I was wondering about that! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@easypeasylemonsqueezy5663]

I was scared when I saw derailing, diesel and dapol in the same sentence Also will you send it back and get a refund, repair it or are you going to use it for experiments e.g. trains under water

[@SamsTrains]

haha scared but not surprised?! I'm going to repair it myself! ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alfaking3534]

Sam'sTrains you’d probably be better off doing it yourself if this is what’s coming off of their assembly lines!

[@theanticitizen11]

@@SamsTrains Will you do a video on how you repair it?

[@Alerrecks]

I like how the orange sets off the yellow on this livery. Quite unique! I just got myself the new tooling Bachmann 4-4-0, "Jupiter" made in 2016, and I think it would be worth a review. You could see how it stacks up against the jupiter you currently have.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too - it looks great doesn't it?! Oh wow - are they good?? :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Alerrecks]

@@SamsTrains Yes, they are great! the performance is excellent! I totally recommend one!

[@danielletheprotogen]

You need a to make a minus running score for this loco!

[@SamsTrains]

haha that would be funny!! xD

[@hntrains2]

3:05: good packaging! 6:22: it does look great! 18:23: 400 engines!?! 19:18: problem identified! 21:30: did not know that. 23:56: problem solved! 25:57: nice, minutely-explained scoring! 28:14: cool catalogue! Great shots, most enjoyable video overall!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks very much - really glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

12:40 Famous Last Words #2

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah!! xD

[@edmundtan4577]

Hi Sam, this is 3 years after your review. I managed to purchase a BR Class 73 from Kernow for only £85, this runs ok, no derailing, all wheel contacts are perfect. When the motor is cold, it does go slow, but it ran normal after warming up for about 1 minute. Either I am lucky or they have fixed most problems.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for the update - that's good news - glad to hear yours is running well! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ianhaynes5898]

Oh dear, a good amount of detail but let down by the poor performance.

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely Ian - a real shame :(

[@Taggart00]

I wouldn't be surprised if hornby intercepted your model deliveries to make sure your non hornby locos where faulty to ensure a bad review. Although seeing Dapol loco having these flaws does worry me for the Rails terriers as I was torn between buying a Hornby secr livery one or waiting for the rails one to be released. Ended up buying the Hornby when I saw them starting to sell out.

[@SamsTrains]

haha oh dear - I hope not!! xD

[@susannahrinker727]

H A T T O N S D R I V E T H R U .

[@SamsTrains]

haha!

[@trips4leo]

Thank you for showing one of the reasons why engine can derail with the wheel base, I never thought about that. Now I am going to test out some of the sensitive ones.

[@SamsTrains]

No problem Leo - yes it was quite interesting!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@drosera88]

Damn. The only thing worse than a bad loco is a bad locomotive that looks fantastic.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right :(

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

I've had the same derailment problem with Dapols Pendolino. It's only used on display in sidings on our layout

[@SamsTrains]

So sorry to hear that Mike - it's shocking that they'd be a repeat offender for this.... why no proper testing?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@azroger7526]

1 Year warranty. With a lot of your very skilled tender loving care, it's barely mediocre. I say send it back.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - though I've decided I'm going to fix it myself ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

Hi Sam, The "Dutch" livery was introduced to BR in the mid 90's for the CME (Civil Mechanical Engineers) for use on ballast trains. The 73/0 (6 of them) were built at Eastleigh works. The rest (73/1) were built at EE in Newton-le-Willows. The badge on the cab indicates that they were shedded at Stewarts Lane Depot, hence the image of Battersea Power Station. Spent quite a few hours working on these locos.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted Boa, many thanks for the info on the livery - I was wondering! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@desmondlarner641]

Things haven't changed, I'm sending back my 2nd Dapol class 73 both for the same reason they both made a clunk going striate over a turnout but worst they derail if i use the turn. its the lasted one with sound fitted Not impressed Thank to the supplier they have been great

[@SamsTrains]

Very sorry to hear that Desmond - yes it's a horribly flawed design unfortunately... you're probably right to send them back... I wish I'd done the same with mine! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tjfSIM]

Great review Sam, and I agree with everything you’ve said here. I’ve had exactly the same performance problems with mine, and it’s very frustrating. You can improve things somewhat by bending the pickups so they press more firmly against the axles, but I’ve still had jittery running over express points, and loads of derailments. Another slightly odd thing about the design is that the bogies seem to pivot about a point roughly 5mm back from the centre. I don’t know if this is having any bearing on the derailments but it’s certainly unusual.

[@Steamteamrailworks88]

Sam’s Trains, I found out that the pick ups touching the axles from bogies is usually on rolling stock where one side of the wheels is isolated and the other side isn’t which powers the lights but it does not work well on a powered locomotive. I do agree with you that side wiper pick ups are better. Seems that Dapol took much ideas from Bachmann USA range for the pick ups on the axles of the bogies because of the HO steam locomotives have the pick ups on the tender wheel axles.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Nathan - yeah you can't beat wipers - is that so?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cliffleigh7450]

With 400 locos as you say you have, surely they deserve a better track than running on the carpet!

[@SamsTrains]

Maybe - but it's just a means to an end really - I'm more interested in the locos! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@scotmcmanus9401]

Hi Sam, enjoyed the video. I bought a Dapol class 121 from Hattons and it was a terrible runner, even after running in. The pick up was exactly the same as the class 73 you reviewed; two sets okay, one set dead and one very ropey. Fair play to Hattons who replaced it very quickly and the replacement runs a lot better. Looking to build up my diesel collections so I enjoy the reviews. Cheers.

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that Scot - yes mine was too - I've sent the 121 back too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

When you compare the bogie wheels between the Dapol Class 73 and the Hornby Railroad Class 73, it reminds me of what you did with the Adams Radial Tank against the L&YR Class 5 where the driven wheels stay on the track nicely with the Class 5 where as the Radial Tank has its problem when the driven wheels don't stay on track really well.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh yes - that was another classic design flaw! :O

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Sam, sorry you have had this experience as well, I did with mine. The one thing that helps the pick up is the use of Peco Powerlube on the axles, you will need to apply some more a few weeks later. In mine the motor failed during running in, the second class 73 works better but can never be described as 'good' As for the real class 73 I worked on these and they were lovely locos and still in use on the mainline today. Being electro diesels you could never really fail, the third rail gave the best performance but the small diesel engine could get you out of all kinds of trouble. Never had any issues of fires or exceeding the limiting point either. Cheers, Mike

[@1maico1]

Mike, if the pick-up is through the axles to a metal bogie, would excess oil or grease stop the power getting through?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for this Mike - I'm going to get some powerlube, or possibly just make some proper pickups for it - not sure yet! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tristansmithrailwayphotogr2730]

I see quite a few class 73s in GBRf running RHTTs and Network rail test trains in my local area.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh nice - I bet they look great! :D

[@cadenthecadburyengine8198]

Cinders and ashes! What is it with Dapol products and derailing?

[@SamsTrains]

I don't know!! :O

[@geordielad9636]

I bought two when they were first released both had same problem jerky running and stalling on insulin frog points so got rid of them. Last year I was tempted to buy again as they were at bargain price so enquired with Hattons if they had any complaints about them? answer no so thought it must because I had early models and I bought same as yours Dutch. It was exactly the same jerky and stalling, so it was returned to Hattons. I have Dapol Westerns, four class 68 and two of there latest class 29 and all run beautifully. Bill.

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that William - but good to know they were like this from new, and not just because they've been sitting in a warehouse for a year or two. Many comments have already corroborated with my findings - I can't believe there haven't been any complains! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@andrewguttry6886]

I've had similar dodgy and intermittent stop/start 'running' from Hornby's re-tooled Terrier which has now been relegated to the scrap line. I checked the pickups etc., which all appeared ok, and then read something about electric motors and 'stiction', so I suspect that's the problem. Sadly my 700 has started to play up in a similar manner. As far as derailing goes Kernow's Bulleid diesel also has problems with points according to a couple of reviews. I wonder if they use the same factory...

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh really?? Sorry to hear that - though the pickups on mine were dodgy actually! Oh dear - that doesn't sound good on the Bulleid - no room for faults at those prices! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sidetraxx779]

Just a thought, clean the wheels and axles. I watched a video from Rapido Trains Inc. Dan Darnell first cleaned the wheels of a new loco to remove any oil or grime on the wheels from the manufacturing plant. Sam, loving your videos, good job. Thanks for what you do. I don't model European or British, I am from Canada. Cheers!

[@SamsTrains]

I have mate - I've done everything - it helps, but doesn't solve everything :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

24:39 Back at it again with your locomotives trying to act like Sonic the Hedgehog lol! xD

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah!! xD

[@freebrickproductions]

That definitely seems to be more a display model than an actual running model. Interestingly enough, I believe the modern Athearn locomotives I own all use axel pickups (just from looking at the trucks without taking them apart), unless Athearn is just extremely good at hiding any non-axel pickups, but I haven't had any major issues running them on clean track. Nice video though!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's true - not good at all! Axle pickups can work well - but Dapol's application here was laughably poor! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Trainline5000]

Such a shame Dapol always seem to miss out on something each time. I have a few of their Class 68s in 00 gauge, and they are superb. Perhaps that's a loco you could look into for the future, unless of course I just lucked out with mine not having any problems!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I agree - there's always a problem isn't there?! I'd love to try their 68! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@brianrowney2605]

I had problems with an N gauge Dapol Class 153 persistently derailing, but worse than that it kept blowing lighting diodes which meant the thing wouldn't run at all. It went back to DCC three times and they fixed it but kept blaming my track. Like you, I've managed to get other locos running on the track without these problems. The result is that I haven't run the 153 since it came back the last time, and I haven't bought any Dapol locomotives since. I suspect that the bogies are far too sloppy, but what to do about it is another matter.

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that Brian - that's not good at all! Yes I think it's easier for them to blame the track, rather than admitting there are faults with the models - the latter is obvious though - admission or not ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

It's nice to see that this diesel locomotive has some good pulling force without a use of a traction tire! :)

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's very true actually! :D

[@sharkymcsharknose2979]

Ugh, c'mon Dapol. It's a Bo-Bo! The most popular diesel wheel arrangement... (Jeremy Clarkson voice) in the world! It can't be THAT difficult to engineer enough play in the bogies to make it handle inclines.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - how can they continue to get these wrong?! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Tombola1993]

That is a wicked Class 73. Love the absolutely grand, striking and industrial colour scheme. There is one in Barry Tourist Railway in South Wales, not far from Cardiff. It also has a Sentinel Steam Shunter named Susan.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Tomas - me too - such a shame about the running :(

[@Tombola1993]

Sam'sTrains Yeah, Dapol seem to be notorious for having teething troubles with their engines.

[@kevinrussell2718]

I have three Dapol diesels - two Class 73/1s in BR Blue, and a Midline-liveried Class 121 - and I can categorically state that they do not derail.

[@SamsTrains]

As you can see from my video Kevin, they certainly do! The 121 will always derail on 2nd radius (depending on the version) due to the steps being too long. These will derail on curved inclines, due to the issues illustrated! Both of my examples were very poor performers! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kevinrussell2718]

@@SamsTrains Mine definitely don't. I think the trick is to run them on a layout with only gentle curves - the gentler the better. They're intended for operation on proper layouts of the type seen at exhibitions, not "train sets" with sectional track.

[@bjoe385]

Are you interested in the Accurascale class 37 and class 55? They appear to be leaps and bounds ahead of all other models of those locomotives.

[@SamsTrains]

Is that so?? I would love to try one, yeah!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bjoe385]

Sam'sTrains is there a fix for the bogie mounted couplings derailing rolling stock? is it a matter of getting wider NEM couplings?

[@GothicSteamEngine96]

I think Dapol designed the chassis with flat layouts in mind. Yes you get layouts that are perfectly flat; but as well as real life, hills are not avoidable... The old country layout for my Hatter Valley Railway concept had a hill which inclined and swung round a curve that sits on the summit of the hill. If that engine ran on the old layout then I’d imagine it would roll down the hill!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're probably right - a huge oversight on their part :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thefountainpendesk]

Some new Dapol diesels (N Gauge 50/68) don't need running in as they are 'run in' from the factory so maybe something similar with the instructions here

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's interesting - how do they do that?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@minsterley2002]

Had a similar situation with my new Dapol Class 122. Intermittent power from the wheels. The pick-up seems to be through the axle bearings, which of course need lubrication- and possibly a source of electrical insulation. I eventually custom fitted wipers and the pickup was much better. Go back to wipers Dapol!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah my 121 was the same too - no idea why they can't use a system that's tried and tested! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrJezza31]

I've had quite a few of these - I think the bogie design flaw criticism totally stands up - however, I have found a fix for the motor. Normal running in seems not to really bed these models in, and they go back to running like crap the next day. The best way around this was that I "ran mine in" at full speed, with a load of coaches for an hour in each direction. At first the motor *really* sounded like it didn't like this, but in the end, it smoothed out and completely sorted all the problems - and my 73s (3 of) now all run really well (save for the derailments) - hope this helps.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - I may give that a good, thank you! Alternatively, I'm considering putting a better motor inside ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrJezza31]

@@SamsTrains If you do find a new motor, that might end up being a better fix. I considered butchering a Heljan 47 or 33, but I have a sneaking suspicion some of the issues may reside within the bogie gear towers themselves.

[@REDMATT_49]

Hi Sam, have you ever thought about adding a 009 section to your layout? I'm starting to add one on mine

[@SamsTrains]

I'd absolutely love that Matthew! :D

[@davidbugler4597]

7.53 The white 'wires' on the bogies are air-pipes to the sanding gear.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted David, thanks for sharing! Cheers, Sam :)

[@David_Twomey]

hello sam what is the deal with dapol and derailing products first the egg vans then the class 73 whats next the new 43xx and I think that if dapol put more effort into diesels and rolling stock more people would have more faith in the new locos coming out soon by dapol and I would use the magnetic coupling you got for the egg vans if I was you and love the video from david

[@SamsTrains]

haha I don't know - it seems to be a real theme though! I hope their latest releases will be much better! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@monicakenneally]

TrainsWithDavid 2018 hi it you’re brother Donagh just saying hello 👋 + hi Sam

[@bethannmowry3822]

Can you do a video on Single street strling

[@bethannmowry3822]

I mean single strling he he

[@SamsTrains]

I would love to! They're just sooo expensive :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@edwardctucker5416]

This is a nice loco in British Rail Civil Engineers colours. It is in grey (this isn't necessarily green) and yellow, which was nicknamed 'Dutch' and Class 73s would be used on engineering duties and some workings with nuclear flasks to Dungeness.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Edward - duly noted on this! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@UkTrains129]

@Sam'sTrains sorry to see you had a issue with the class 73. I have the BR blue it runs ok the only thing is with mine is the couplings hang down and catch the track, the livery you have is dutch livery yellow and grey. Hope that helps you

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, no worries! Glad to hear yours is better though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stephenarbon2227]

The Japanese N gauge seem to all use PU's thru the axle pins on deskills & electrics and run well.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - glad to hear they work well! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@1987TimeLord]

When I watched the first few derailments, I thought it was another Class 121 Bubblecar situation where the bogie catches the rest of the underframe. I had to file down the edges on my Hattons Exclusive NSE version before it could make a full circuit around the loft layout without any derailments. I really can't understand Dapol at the moment. Why can they not seem to get bogie sets right?

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I suspected that too! I just don't know - is it really so difficult?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@AutoMotive_Vision]

Hi Sam. Awesome video as always. You bring happiness and joy to me during these difficult times. I was wondering. Could you maybe do a re review of the hornby P2 pls. Thx-cal :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Cal, that's absolutely lovely to hear! Yeah a new P2 review would be awesome! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

1:36 I find it funny that there is doubling numbering next to the '4D' for the product code! xP

[@SamsTrains]

haha oh yeah! ;D

[@bentonroadmodelrailway6103]

such a shame that it keeps derailing. the details really nice. Could you review a hornby class 66 at some point please. I defiinitely would recommend getting one because they are such amazing runners. Keep up the great work sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah it's such a shame - if only it ran well, it would have been great! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@waynemeakin]

Also if you had fitted DCC to it, you would most likely find that the running light would be in the wrong direction. Do Dapol have any quality control at all?

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I've heard people tell me that too - it seems not!

[@TATICMOOR]

Such a lovely detailed model of a Class 73 in the Civil Engineers "Dutch" livery (one of my fave paint schemes). Everything a good looking model needs in its detailing with the wonderful painting and lining, underframe and cab end cables, etchings, sprung buffers, etc. A handy detailing pack of extra parts if you wish to display your model instead. One thing is the poor running and its terrible shunting jerky movement due to the pick method. Sam, I don't know if you could fit sprung axle copper wipers to the unit. That you can then connect to the motor wires as an additional dual pickup system? Worth having a look to see if there is something viable that can be done, tho the derailing still remains an issue. The final observation of this Class 73 from Dapol is its a gorgeous model externally, let down by a poorly designed motor power pick up bogies and their rotation for derailing is unbalanced. I think Dapol should recall these and amend the bogie design. If not then it is back to what I said in the first paragraph. I had one it would be re-designated to the Display Case. For me, this would be a disappointing act, as I would wish to be running this very livery with my other Dutch open wagon rolling stock. Cheers for the review as usual Sammy boy and I'll go and catch up on the rest of your recent videos.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot John - yes the performance was just unforgivable unfortunately - new pickups would be the only way to fix it properly I think yeah! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@trainfan25stewart16]

Hey Sam great vid. I recommend putting a weight on the front bogey. My Backman Gordon did that and I put a weight on the front bogey and it hasn’t done that since

[@SamsTrains]

Good idea Stewart, that may help! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@martinpattison1567]

If you are buying a loco because of its details and quality of finish and it is going into a showcase, then I would agree with the value for money stars, but (Yes, there always a but.) you put it on the track and not only does it not run very well or very poorly, it even derails on curves. So Sam, how can it be value for money? I would go as far as 2 stars. You even had to take it apart to try and make it better. I know that the whole point is to do a review and for a review you try your best. I know you may of heard this one before, "You cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear. Martin. (Thailand)

[@SamsTrains]

I suppose so Martin - though I tried to be as fair as possible, as the issues I had (some of them) may not be typical of every loco! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@matthewpalmer2049]

Before watching this video, I was planning on buying one in Network South East livery, but this video saved me £120! Thanks Sam, you saved me ! :)

[@SamsTrains]

Nahh - can't recommend it for £120 - the mechanical design is too poor :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

3:04 Nice mention right there! xD

[@SamsTrains]

haha! xD

[@aspicer15]

Hi My sound class 73 is great I was so pleased when I got it and it runs well even outside this engine got me back into diesels also sound I have now converted a few onf my diesels and steam stock well happy with the engine guess it dont work for everybody.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear yours was better Al - sounds like you got a good one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sgkingly8392]

You seriously need to try the Class 68 in DRS compass livery from Dapol. The problems with running with this model and the bubblecar are not problems on the 68. It also uses conventional pickups with one difference. There are 2 contacts per wheel. They have also put lots of thought into the detail around the bogies so they work very well. Mine runs fine on 1st radius! The only slight thing is the couplings can just brush on point work but they work fine when actually being coupled to things.

[@SamsTrains]

I will definitely look into those mate - I've heard great things about them! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@xxgabrielomaniaxx1239]

Hey sam what the first thing you'll do after Quarantine

[@SamsTrains]

haha, probably go to a restaurant! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@chriswilson2431]

That looks a really model. There used to be the odd one of these seen In my area, suffolk. There’s still a number of in regular use from GBRF I think and I’m nearly certain I’ve actually seen one in your livery on the metals some time ago. Hope you’re keeping safe and well mate. Great video as always

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Chris! Ahh nice - pretty interesting that these classic locos are still being used! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mikewhiles4635]

Interesting model - wonder why they are being sold off so 'cheap'. Another great review Sam 😎😎😎

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I guess that does explain it - cheers mate! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Locomattive8572]

Quite a few are still on the mainline too.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow I didn't know that! :O

[@craftythio]

Looks very nice! And I love the livery!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Crafty - me too!! :D

[@Karlsgardenrailway]

Hi Sam I brought the br blue class 73 in March and had the same fault with running I found after 2 hours of running it became smooth I do have a video of it running on my garden railway . Also mine had a gray type paint on the wheels and it was only when that had warn off it was ok. I also brought 2 by mistake and the second one was sparking when I tried it to see if it was one loco fault or range fault and I think after seeing yours I believe it's a range fault. Have a look at my livery in one of my video's

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that Karl - glad to hear you got it smooth in the end - I've replaced the motor in mine, and now it's better! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

Towards the end of British Rail, Sectorisation came in, you had different logos on freight locomotives for petroleum, metals, coal, distribution, automotive, construction & General. Then there were engineering locos, these were painted grey & then some were painted in "Dutch" half grey (same shade) & yellow. Various locos that were painted in "Dutch" livery were some class 26,31,33,37,47,50,56,73 & even a class 35 ! Also in the same "Dutch" livery were ballast wagons, seacows & sealions plus other spoil wagons & even some brake vans. I was surprised to hear you got this cheap, when i was collecting locos i had a good collection of civil engineering stock & it was usually more expensive. The 73 was unique in it's power option except the onboard diesel engine was very small and ONLY supplied enough power to produce 600hp whereas the third rail pick up supplies 1500 hp. The same 600hp English Electric engine was used in the driven car of a Thumper demu. The electrical issue was known as a flash over & it was as you said, when the loco passed from one electrified section to another but the issue arose if there were more electric trains running in one section to the other, the power would serge through the class 73 to power the demand of said electric trains. For many years the class was used as motive power for the Gatwick Express, mark 2f coaches were modified & also the formation was driven from either end, one end being the class 73 & the other end was driven by a motor luggage van (mlv) this was made by converting a class 414 (2hap) into a class 489. All were repaired & in recent years some have been re-engined with two 750hp diesels, the same engines found under each car of a Voyager demu. Class 73s are still seen in their original setup on the southern region, often used on RHTT & other engineering duties, some are stabled at Tonbridge new yard. The Hornby class 73 was originally the Lima class 73, Hornby acquired Lima many years ago & have re-released lesser versions of the Lima tooled models, usually with cheap running gear & less details. I had a Lima 73 in BR intercity executive livery, it was powered by a Lima pancake motor but it was heavy & it ran rather well.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted, thanks very much for all this information! Yes I quite like the Lima mechanisms too - they don't give you any trouble! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@send2gl]

If you feel it is not fit for purpose do you not consider returning the loco?

[@SamsTrains]

Nah - I've had replacements before with Dapol's diesels, and they were just as bad. I've fitted a better motor and improved the pickups myself - it's now much better! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sd70acefanns8]

The gg1 was a electric locomotive that was used by the Pennsylvania railroad and are 15 gg1 locomotives persevered

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted mate, thanks for the info! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GosportRailworks]

Quite glad you posted a video today Sam, just to mention my findings on the O Gauge SR 8 Plank Wagon which arrived today, mine is secondhand but it too has rather stiff couplings, which personally won't bother me as mine will be sandwiched between two 5 plank wagons though I might look into replacement couplings, the wheels also seem loose between the bearings but free running. Also have a Dapol 73 in N Gauge in revised NSE livery, it too derailed a bit (though my other Dapol diesels are fine), though think the issue is not liking too tight a corner, will have to work rework the curves on my layout or just redo the whole thing, needs to be simplified anyway! Need to make a 4TC for mine to pull round at some point. Great video as always Sam ~James

[@SamsTrains]

Very interesting James, thanks for sharing that - was that a Dapol too?? Sorry to hear you've had similar problems with their N gauge loco too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GosportRailworks]

Yup the 8 plank was the exact same type as your ones, seems rather strange since the coupling doesn't seem that different to the 5 plank one but oh well, at least their steam engines mostly work fine.

[@crazyjay7676]

I like watching your videos and reviews. Your very generous with you scores as if I spend my hard earn money on something then need to strip it down to get worry correctly it gets 0 points.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jay - I tried to be fair, apologies if I was too kind! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@crazyjay7676]

@@SamsTrains suggestion for future a video - train tug of war, you would need isolated track with a controller for each end and engine. Then can see which pulls the strongest.

[@CaptainScruff83]

Looks like another top quality 00 gauge product from Dapol, derailing diesel reminds me of another manufacturer (cough!) Heljan. Great review mate.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes the quality was great - but alas the performance was pants :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@manunderthemask4762]

Hmm, do they need extra weight? Maybe rolling up some lead sheeting and stuffing it in there might help, would also help traction!

[@SamsTrains]

The weight is really good actually - and the chassis pretty much fills the body, so not much room for any more! It's the mechanism that has the problem, I think the traction should be okay! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@manunderthemask4762]

@@SamsTrains Oh thats good then!

[@DeathInTheSnow]

Is there too much friction between the wheels and their housing, do you think? And would you get any improvement from the performance if you checked the soldering and connections? Mind you, is it even worth the effort? (You should do a derailment running session with this and those cheap wagons someday...)

[@SamsTrains]

No there doesn't seem to be - I've checked all of that! It's definitely the pickups and the motor! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@McMetro]

Great Review Sam! I've watched your video a few times now and as an avid 73 fan I did end up going with one for Christmas. I also have a hornby 73 in the same livery as my new dapol one, and you are correct on the massive change in detail - I'm very impressed! Running Issues; I understand there is a newer batch with improvements but I went for the older type (same as yours) in a preferred livery. I've been lucky with limited problems, helped by the fact my layout has larger curves and electrofrog points, but I see the way the bogies tilt being a problem if my track doesn't stay flat. I plan to get mine sound fitted along with a capacitor/stay alive to help with any faulty track, its just a matter of derailments, of which I have had none as of yet. Hope you had a great Christmas! 🎅🎅

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - glad you were impressed with the details! Phew - so yours runs well then? That's even better! Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@McMetro]

@@SamsTrains Yes much better, a bit sudden on the start and stopping opposed to the nice smooth slow running but only have it DC at the moment so DCC should help that and fine on my flat-ish/level-ish track. 😀 Maybe in the future you could do a review on one of the newer batch dapol 73s and compare it to the older one - see if there is major changes in peformance or not

[@iceeblueburst03]

When it comes to your diesel locomotives hauling coaches, it makes them look like they're subway trains! :P

[@SamsTrains]

haha it does actually!! xD

[@billharrison7010]

Would changing the pick-ups to wipers help performance do you think?

[@SamsTrains]

They do use wipers, sort of, but they contact the bearings, which in turn contact the axles - too many points of failure for my liking! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Tornado-dk8vx]

With the 24 month warranty they have been cheeky. You get the first 12 months but in order to activate the seconded year you need to get it serviced by them within the first 12 months. Just to let you know. It worth reading the whole sheet.

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey is that true?! That very much sounds like a 'quibble' to me! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alfiewhittaker3763]

i think dapol was thinking with the pickup layout that the downforce from the weight from motor and and other weight in or following the loco would help perhaps.........

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah maybe.... they were wrong ;)

[@alfiewhittaker3763]

@@SamsTrains hopefully they can rectify this or is there a way it could be improved

[@MichaelB450]

Here's something you can try to see if it can be improved and also test the product. Buy some of Bachmann's conductive lubricant to see if that will improve the pickups. I heard it greatly improves 3 Rail O Scale model passenger cars electric conductivity to the point the interior lights no longer flicker. So give that lubricant a try.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I've thought about doing that - either that or just building my own from scratch!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mrhaggit]

maybe the newer runs are better like the GBRF ones? be curious to know

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah maybe - I'd like to know too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidmeynen8120]

i very nearly bought this loco especially as i live near stew arts rd battersea power station the t m d that that train ran out of like you i have a br blue lima \ hornby 73 runs great glade i refrained the dapol curse strikes again but great review as ever sam

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear you avoided - sadly they're not worth the hassle :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)