TT:120 - The Perfect Scale? 2024 | ml26

HMDCC vs DCC & TT vs OO | One Year On | 31 Points To Consider with one Hidden In The Loft Buried Somewhere In Among | Some Hindsight, Having Modelled Layouts In Both Scales | Using Both HM7000 App on Mac Devices & Various Hands On Controllers, Fitting Many DCC & Bluetooth Sound Decoders Over The Last 12 Months.
00:00 From The Horses Mouth
01:36 Into Shiredale
03:05 Couplings | Uncouplers | Shunting | Track | Points & Motors
05:46 TT Shunter | Lack | Figures | Steam Generators
06:49 Doubts | Static & Moving Vehicles | Magnorail
08:22 HM7000 vs DCC How They Work & Controlling Accessories in Future
14:00 Computer Control | iTrain & Detection Going Forward
16:28 TT:120 vs OO Detailing, Sound & Scale Refresher
17:58 Prices | Comparing Loco's & Decoders
19:44 Why Size Matters | Layout Plan | Rolling Stock | One Track Cleaner For Both
26:29 TT:120 Working Signals & Controllers Workaround
27:28 Final Thoughts?
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[@user-pn4ij5di6x]

Very informative - brilliant. I now have a very simple TT:120 loop layout on my home office desk, great fun! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@modeloco]

That’s awesome. It’s a great scale for this. Let me know any steps you take next 👍

[@robinpayne125]

Very useful summary video. I live in a flat not large enough to host a 00 gauge layout that would satisfy my ambitions (yes, you can do very compact shunting type stuff, but that's not what I am after). The basic format and concept of what you have built is something that could fit very neatly into the space I have available. As I have never seen TT stuff in person, though, I have been reluctant to actually start spending money before I am certain I can make it work. The number one question I have struggled to resolve is the one you answer at 21:30 in this video: how big is a turning loop.

[@modeloco]

@@robinpayne125 Thank you 🙏 for the comments and thoughts and yes, the turning circle is key 🔑 👍

[@davecooper5951]

I do regret selling my "Triang TT" back in the 60's. Loco and stock selection was very limited originally, but, it was ideally suited to my bedroom-size layout. I think 'Scalextric' slot car racing did for it with the teenagers though ! .

[@modeloco]

Hi Dave, thanks for the experience shared. Been busy on OO side for last two weeks 👍

[@trevorbell3571]

I love TT, and would never have got into the hobby if it wasn't there. I just hope other manufacturers get on board, it's a great journey.

[@modeloco]

Trevor that’s really great to hear and I’d have loved this scale even more as a child. Having it now has also enabled an immediate, ready to run layout in a warm, dry, accessible place. Watching it run is very relaxing indeed and like you, a great journey. OO is again very endearing to hold and collect in anticipation of getting out into the garden or up in to the loft but, TT has the immediacy so, no regrets 👍

[@Flymochairman1]

A great video. I've not seen TT120 and OO/HO set next to each other like that. Your delivery and points of decision on both were very informative. The TT120 does look quite splendid and here's hoping for more in that range. Some good close-ups of items like the TT120 couplers and the signal gantries or poles . Just hearing your take on the comparisons are very encouraging. Here's to the next round of issue of the TT120. Keep safe, sir. Thanks for the post. Cheers!

[@modeloco]

Thank you too. Since the video two more comparisons have come up between both but, managed to get quite a lot of food for thought in there from a users experience 👍

[@timallen_uk]

Thanks for the video. This weekend I found some old Hornby OO stuff that I had as a kid in '83. I've dabbled in it over the years but never really had the room or the money as a kid. I went on the website to have a look at getting back into it but had decided I didn't really have enough room but then saw the TT 120 range. Unsure about TT I looked on KZbin and found this. You have cost me a lot of money this weekend and time as I've built a wish list up on the Hornby site! I went for the Scotsman Set and some track. Really looking forward to getting my hands on it, the order is still processing.

[@modeloco]

As a kid, had exactly the same situation. Loved the hobby but, didn’t have enough resources to match my imagination and ended up selling the two layouts I eventually built, in OO and then in N scale. Ironically it was to the mate who had the one train I couldn’t afford which was a Flying Scotsman. I too, didn’t understand why there seemed to be different looking models of it. His model set, actually had some sort of mechanical chuffing sound and it took me decades to finally work out the liveries and actually own one or two, now four 😂 myself. Be warned it can be the most beautifully endearing journey to enter into and is taking me into unimaginable directions. Good luck with yours 🙏

[@davebrooks8033]

Great video thanks. Happy New Years 👍

[@modeloco]

Happy New Year Dave and many thanks 🙏

[@ianhughes-zf1ll]

Great video you tell it as it is if ever I need to know things your collection of videos will have it somewhere thanks very much and have a great modelling new year

[@modeloco]

Thanks very much Ian. Hoping you have a wonderful 2024 creating too.

[@Joshc0097]

Great video, I’m at that exact stage, my first layout. I have 6x4 baseboard and need something that is to be transportable, fun, and interesting. I am heavily leaning towards TT but yet to take the plunge. I suppose all the concerns with TT that you have addressed in the video are valid but I see a positive future for the scale which I hope will make commuting to it fruitful!

[@modeloco]

Yes, the positives outweigh the negatives I feel, going forward as long as those on board keep up a good head of steam and as stated no regrets building Shiredale at all, which gets more attention too, as it’s so accessible which is what I envisaged from the outset being able to fit into a smaller space for a decent run 👍

[@odenviking]

as a model railroader my self. i find the tt 1:120 a scale a practical one. due my railroad is in 1:32 scale and it is sadly a space problem. i am loking forward to your tt 1:120 scale journy. 👍👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@modeloco]

Thank You 🙏

[@dougs_trains]

I've just gone with Tillig TT track (like I did with my OO/HO layout). Loads of points to choose from, and flexi-track is easy to work with. The uncoupleres work great, and are electrified and can be controlled remotely.

[@modeloco]

Interesting 👍

[@bobcholawo6787]

Yep.... Lovely.

[@modeloco]

Definitely gaining momentum now 👍

[@TheReluctantTraveller]

Hi Andy, thanks for another enjoyable video. Having had Hornby train sets as a kid and never getting as far as building a model railway, I started to think seriously about doing this in 2022. Not having a huge amount of space available and only limited funds, I decided I would get my old track and rolling stock out of the attic where it had remained boxed up for many years and create a small end to end layout. The emphasis would be on the modelling and scenic elements rather than the running of trains. Then, when Hornby announced TT:120, I started to think about the possibility of creating, in the space I had available, a fully functioning layout with a few running trains, a station, goods yard etc. Then when HM 7000 was announced and I could have DCC relatively cheaply also, it seemed, for me, to be the perfect choice. So, for less than £200 pounds, with Hornby discount and reward points, I bought the Easterner Digital Train Set and was thoroughly impressed with quality and smooth running of the models and the ease of use of the HM 7000 app. Given the vast amount of choice of locos, rolling stock and scenic elements, both new and second hand, available to OO scale modellers, I am a little bit envious. But I still feel that TT:120 along with HM 7000 is right for me, even though TT:120 is new and therefore a bit of a risk. It's early days, but I've planned out where the baseboards are going and put together some track plans and will see where it all leads. Regards Paul

[@modeloco]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your journey and yes, it is perfect for this and my Man Cave too. Love being able to sit in a real room and with it being permanently ready to run is a real bonus 👍

[@monsvillerailways5736]

Good points made. There are good and bad aspects to any scale. N scale takes up less space and there are loads of accessories available, but I find TT easier to handle than N scale. There needs to be more buildings available in TT scale as you say. Happy Modelling.

[@modeloco]

👍 Big Thanks and yes again, fingers crossed for April releases and announcements

[@Benjamin.Jamin.]

Would not have got into modelling with my son if not for tt-120. OO is too big. N expensive. And yep. As a beginner, Hornby is the brand you know!

[@modeloco]

Yes, very well said. Hornby is the go to, the hub and TT:120 has all the detail that captures the imagination and makes this so in a modern way 👍.

[@phil36310]

Hi Andy, A lot of interesting information - thank you for sharing ! If I started over today ( and had the budget !!) I'd go TT for the simple reason to build more "realistic" railway in a given space. But I'm a life long (HO) & OO railroader and have a fair collection of Hornby Steam engines I'm very pleased with. Most have TTS-sound but I'm checking HM DCC Bluetooth too. Sadly since Brexit it has become a pain and expensive to import from the UK to France. Politics should be banned for people to be just happy !! All the best for 2024 & success !! Cheers, Filip

[@modeloco]

Bonjour Filip, My latest video has led me into that very sphere and I too have the TTS locos that I’m happy with. Stay tuned as the next one covers all the subjects you so rightly mention and more. Creativity can take us into the unexpected if we can remain free to let it manifest 😊

[@phil36310]

@@modeloco Looking forward to the next Video Andy ! Success and thanks for your kind reply.

[@modeloco]

👍

[@timu19]

Great Video 👍. Greetings TiMu

[@modeloco]

🙏👍 thanks. 😄

[@hovermotion]

Wow thats an amazing setup ..👍🏻 That track tidy would be good for Z scale...

[@modeloco]

Thank You 🙏 👍

[@chompette_]

I audibly gasped when the display case turned out to be an elevating fiddle yard, like if Captain Scarlet was into railway modelling.

[@modeloco]

The ‘Titfield Thunderbolts’ Are Go!

[@user-wz2qe2pv6r]

Just started modelling and wanted TT but the stock is so limited. Stuck with N now...small but it'll hv to do.

[@modeloco]

It’s quite a relief in some ways not to have endless choice, especially if it tempts the credit card 💳 👍

[@eurovnik]

Great video. Main problem for me is that DCC sound in OO is only borderline acceptable. Any smaller than that sounds terrible to me unfortunately because there's so little space for speakers.

[@modeloco]

Thank you 🙏 The modern upscaled sound files, decoders and speakers like those in my newer Apple gadget, improve every few years and in hand here now. As with this, I’m finding the same with newer Zimo and HMDCC and they either match or just have far more volume in my experience. There definitely seems to be an improvement and a wider field of sound to them even out of a sugar cube. Obviously our experiences differ though and what we perceive as acceptable. I know some add double speakers, etc to get a Class 37 to really gargle. Interesting how we all have our unique feelings but, on the plus side it does seem to be improving 👍

[@malcolmbrenchley9155]

I have added DCC Concepts loco magnets with steel plates to install under the track to improve traction on inclines.

[@modeloco]

Thank you for getting in touch. What incline degree have you got. Have you painted and ballasted these areas as doing this, I’d assume, would adversely effect any slight gains made and that adding weight to the actual locomotive would be the best way to help with this and, that it might be the weight of these magnets themselves not the magnetism itself that’s helping. I’m still not convinced it’s the right way to solve this but, more detail of the above would help. Thanks 🙏

[@stevio7777]

Hey up mucka all the best for 2024 I looked into the dapol signals N scale and they work out at being 35 feet tall in real life Which is OK for TT120. And especially if you raise them up another 5 mil. Yes Yes please do a vid on semaphore signals. I must say I like the dapol ones with the black box underneath apart from the price. Yowzas 😂 I like you want full auto. So I’ve also gone down the iTrain route with the Roco Z21 command station and I’ve used the Yamorc current sensor YD6016LN for the feedbacks and a YD8116 Switch for my MP5 points. I’m now up to the stage where I’m looking at fitting signals. I believe that these MP5 point motors have another switch inside that can control a semaphore signal, at least that’s what I’m hoping. But how to go about wiring them all up and getting them working correctly is another challenge. I also would like to use the servo motors for this and I know you can’t use the YD8116 for servo motors. I’ve only been able to get this far Andy with my TT120 layout because of your excellent videos and your help. You are a star my man. So a vid on any make of semaphore signal will be fine. Cheers Steve

[@modeloco]

Yes not cheap Steve and beware, if wired up incorrectly they will just simply burn out but, the mark 2 with box below really helps solve this as the instructions are extremely misleading or, at least they used to be. A few have complained and like me, Dapol either skirted round it or, didn’t respond at all. That said, I really love the signals and what Dapol achieve. This hobby can be strange at times regarding a fault or, misprint, etc that you sincerely try to help or, wish to get help with. Have had a few instances with more than one company and shop where you go so far then… the tone changes very quickly. All part of the experience👍

[@martinwatts3796]

No Southern, so for me will not be going TT. Have original TT, and there are some options. Understand not having too wide a range of regions, as it was a gamble, and thus a risk, and having 3 pole motors does not interest me either - sorry!

[@modeloco]

Thank you. It’s still good to hear your feelings and thoughts. Looking forward and glancing back. I’ll be interested to see what Hornby has planned

[@paullubliner6221]

BUILD your own.

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

Personally I wouldn’t recommend TT120 to an 8 year old. It’s very delicate. Maybe 14 and up. For the younger set I think railroad OO is more robust and a good place to learn. DCC Concepts does a good product called Power Base to help locos with steeper gradients

[@modeloco]

Yes, you make a very good point and was relating to a more supervised role rather than an actual hands on initially, hence me saying 8,10,12… plus that would mean buying into two scales. Power Base, personally haven’t tried but, not sold on that concept. What has been your experience?

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

@@modeloco I’ve purchased Power Base as a result of PeachyTT120s review. I haven’t installed it yet because it’s just for the mine section of my layout that is waiting for a steam shunter

[@modeloco]

@@damianinCanadaTT-OO On a helix I’d say yes with at least 2 magnets applied but, on a scenic area where ballasting, glue and paint may well be applied to track work afterwards then the steel plates would obviously be blanketed between the sleepers and thus imagine, that this could adversely affect much of the gains made. Keep me updated 👍

[@criminal__8615]

nice video, for me tt is a no go due to the inclines

[@modeloco]

When coming back to modelling with OO and building the loft layout it soon became apparent that inclines caused some steam locomotive wheels to slip when pulling even a shorter rake. At that time the Bachmann Diesels, I began getting, due to liveries and availability seemed to perform best due to their sheer weight, even if not having the better wheel contacts, probably better wound motors. Will be interesting to go back and do some running with newer upgrades this year and knowledge gathered since

[@dougs_trains]

On the DCC side, Hornby were famous for going their own way in the past, and not being compatible with the majority of other users. I'm surprised they even use DCC in the HM7000 name. They have a very insular approach. Still amazed at all the DC users in the UK. I blame Hornby and their approach to DCC over the past 15 years.

[@modeloco]

Thank you Doug for the input. When I hopped back in, it was because of DCC and the new sound fitted decoders. At this time Hornby was just about to suffer the Olympic product line fiasco which seemed to halt everything, their DCC plans included. Always wondered who pushed that stuff but, Hey Ho, around the Velodrome we and they, being linked to Scalextric all went I guess. Products coming on tap now are obviously from Simon K and the great team around him of course, which I am loving. TT:120 does now match euro TT and HMDCC decoders will run on a standard DCC layout and are half the price. The Railroad Plus range is a great price for those who aren’t as bothered for intricate detail like myself. Let us see what is unveiled on the 9th to get a real measure of the new team presiding over the boots on the ground.

[@dougs_trains]

@@modeloco I run both Hornby TT scale and Tillig and Piko. I'd love to get Arnold TT locos, but they are just too expensive. Perhaps an indication of where British TT might go one day - I hope not. Currently around £300 for an Arnold TT scale steam loco and around £400 for a sound fitted one. Arnold of course owned by Hornby, and we can assume built in the same place as the British locos. The Arnold locos are so pricey I guess because the people who buy them are prepared to pay that price.

[@stevio7777]

You’re correct in saying you’ve got to do good track work in TT120. Willie WhiteLaw takes it in his stride whereas Mallard is bouncing around all over the place. I’m gonna get some of that Maas polish. What’s best to clean the loco wheels with? Do I need one of those rolling road thingy ma jigs 😊

[@modeloco]

Thank you again. Sounds like you’re really forging ahead. For wheel cleaning I do like the Peco PL-71 Locomotive Servicing Kit. Don’t own a Rolling Road though have been tempted a couple of times. I’d say that’s more for seeing how a locomotive performs after a strip down or to see if it’s rocking, tight spots, etc and to try see any possible faults more clearly on a workbench

[@stevio7777]

@@modeloco thank you 👌

[@stevio7777]

I've just looked at Peco PL-71 Locomotive Servicing Kit. Won't a lot of dirt etc fall down into the chassi etc and cause some damage? being as the loco is upside down? Ta!

[@modeloco]

@@stevio7777 Possibly yes, I suppose so and great that you’re addressing these doubts. For OO there’s TT4561 Woodland Scenics Tidy Track Roto Wheel Cleaner (OO Gauge) which would be a simple alternative if it were available in TT. This said the wheel bearing housings and body offer some protection and dirt should collect on the tool. If it fell off then should fall back out when the loco is the correct way up again. PS I’m not finding wheel cleaning to be necessary at present but, track yes that needs a gentle rub down and vac for dust build up, that really all. PPS you could clean with loco tilted in the cradle slightly as well. 👍

[@celticwoodworking8706]

As a new person entering the hobby, did I need another scale to choose from. It'd been tough to decide as it is, to go On30 because I am older, or OO because of cost and availability of product? I may be a bit jaded as a shooter there are an unlimited number of calibers to choose from with new ones coming out each year, all pro-porting to do something better. Hornby seems to be generating buzz for it's brand, but what about the serious limitations for structures, and Hornby only trains for us new guys , the very customer Hornby says it's after? I like Hornby product and a very nice website for OO scale, but I can not make the plunge for TT with it's limitations.

[@modeloco]

There’s certainly a lot out there in OO and then all the ways to control your set up on top which can also make TT:120 and its limitations at present less bewildering too. To use HM7000 app you just need a decent gadget with a correct power supply (my iPad Pro gen’ one works fine without issue) but, you may just want to stay in DC, have DCC hands on or, even have both. For smaller spaces OO is great to collect, admire, shunt, do modifications and handle. TT:120 for access, running and creating a more interesting twin track loop type layout with a decent rake in restricted areas with radius 2/3 bends. It’s still a large enough scale to shunt too. Yes, Hornby needs to stay on board and get more out there and so a lot rests on April releases. That’s my experience so far 🙏

[@PeachyTT120]

He’s alive! 😂

[@modeloco]

Looking like we're being pre-warned that Hornby Announcements 'Live' on the 9th will be TT:120 lacking until April........................

[@gregmacdonald927]

Hurrah! Missed the jingle…

[@modeloco]

There lies the double edged sword, cos when I’m busy Jingling, I can’t be over jangling at the same time 😀

[@mollythedog6742]

Always was a rebel - its n-gauge - there's still a huge cash investment unless a good 2nd hand market. PS: would the Hornby bluetooth stuff work on an n-gauge layout?

[@modeloco]

I guess they would but, the decoders are larger than usual due to the Bluetooth antenna built on so, very much doubt you’d get them into anything N but, hey if you hear of it, let me know 👍

[@greathorton]

But sound profile of locomotives have not developed yet, seems run behind the schedule.

[@modeloco]

Let’s see what unfolds this year

[@user-cn4rg2bs4p]

Hi there can you get 3 aspect coloured signals too.

[@modeloco]

You could look at this as I’m using n scale kyteslights.com/product/n-scale-3-aspect-signal/

[@PeckhamHall]

Everyone goes on about gauge, but I don't think the rail thickness is to scale on anything on or below 00, so does that make 00 the right outer diameter wides from one outside rail to the other, and does that make TT:120 over scale on the same measurement?

[@modeloco]

Hello, I’m not entirely sure what it is, exactly, you’re asking here but, I think I get the idea. Do know OO gauge track is for HO scaled models and that Peco, here in the UK, has the edge on the more correctly gauged track. TT:120 models are finally correctly scaled to the track. This is a first in the UK for mass produced models. Well, unless we go into very small amounts, then you could argue HO is about 0.1 of a mm more correctly scaled but, that’s not a UK scale. Back to track, Peco again make the more realistic looking track and the most correctly gauged rail extrusion. The outside dimension between the outer edge of the rails doesn’t make TT:120 over scale. It’s that our OO models have their wheel sets pushed closer together by about 2.35mm, I believe is about the exact figure, so they can run on the HO gauged track.

[@PeckhamHall]

@modeloco basically, I was asking if OO was correctly scaled if measured from the outer left wheel to the outer right, because if each rail thickness is over scale to guarantee traction and conductive that would in theory make up the difference of the HO gauge track. I was asking as no one really talks about it. Everyone just talks about gauge. I'll try and work it out next time I'm in my garage, but it might make an interesting talking point mainly the rail thickness, If it's even right for HO or over scale making OO really then as close to the really thing as good a HO. Or am I just mad. LOL

[@modeloco]

@@PeckhamHall I ask the same thing every day 😂. I’d say it’s a good sign of the opposite. Back to gauge though, yes the rails have to be a little thicker I guess to help running and strength but, you can’t get away with OO scale models having a HO gauge wheel spacing

[@modeloco]

Your theory is well worth looking at though. I’m happy to be completely wrong 😂

[@PeckhamHall]

@modeloco You are not wrong about the gauges at all. I understand the difference in the gauges HO and OO it just the sleepers, on some anyway. I think maybe the OO is 10% over size, as well as under size doing a quick estimate.

[@drithen]

Odd that you can’t fit sound in a class 08, I have that in N Gauge from Graham Farish.

[@modeloco]

I know. You can and I have but, not the Bluetooth ones as they’re bigger 👍

[@drithen]

Oh I misunderstood. I’m all dcc, using a z21 and iTrain.

[@modeloco]

@@drithen Yes, have fitted a Loksound ESU with speaker, albeit tight, into an 08. There’s a video on my channel but, no it’s not the cheaper Hornby Bluetooth one as they’re bigger which means chopping the body and wiring inside, etc. I’m in the middle of using iTrain with a newer bought Digitrax loconet system as Hornby systems use xpressnet that iTrain can’t communicate with unfortunately. I do like the HM|DCC system as it will run on Mac gadgets but, as it stands, not Mac computers and is no match to iTrain in terms of potential of course. I like the Digitrax using the infrared link between an actual hand held and control station too rather than Bluetooth or router but, app control improves all the time and a far cry from Hornby Windows only Railmaster which had me jumping through hoops tbh.

[@user-ff9pc3fu7p]

Man your train shelf is the titts . .hands down coolest thing iv seen in a layout .

[@user-ff9pc3fu7p]

How was it built

[@modeloco]

Aww 🙏

[@modeloco]

I woke up one morning and thought, I can do this so, began designing it on a pad of A4 paper in Lockdown

[@user-ff9pc3fu7p]

There will be something like this in west oz one day such a good idea@@modeloco

[@pim1234]

Why does nobody disguise the pointmotors ?

[@modeloco]

Do you mean with a building, shrubs, etc? Had there been room, I’d have definitely gone underneath but, with restricted space am happy with under Platform and Road. Please share your thoughts 👍

[@pim1234]

Maybe they are not point motors, I mean the long plastic things with the two wires coming out of it. Furthermore I love your channel !@@modeloco

[@modeloco]

Thanks for getting back. They have three wires though the black one is hard to spot in situ. If it’s at 4:26 then that one, out of the five fitted so far, is still visible. Though actually out of view and a work in progress, is one I’ll probably disguise too, for close ups like this in time. Guess they’re forever a work in progress. Thanks for kind appreciation 🙏

[@stewarteadie6769]

Chris AT Peachey at TT120 recommends for track a polish called MAAS an alternative to INOX . A quick trial (over three months) to see if there could be any benefit from polish track using a modern metal polish with tarnish and oxidation inhibitors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGLHi3t5rcyLpJI Big tin of MAAS

[@modeloco]

I’ve never used anything apart from a piece of sawn timber, a rubber or now the one in this video which seems to do the trick 👍

[@paullubliner6221]

Make certain no residue enters you loco's gearing..... or ELSE!