Unboxing & Running the Dapol Class 121

This is my first loco/unit purchase from Dapol. Overall I was very impressed by the detail and features of the model. I've also included some history of the real thing in the video which I hope you find useful.
I bought these units as a limited edition from hattons. They are still available and the link for them is below.
www.hattons.co...
All the images used for the history segment of the video were sourced online and labeled free for reuse under creative commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The archive film appears elsewhere on KZbin. You can watch the whole thing at the link below.
• DMU Diesel Train Drive...

[@CraigLYoung]

Thank you for explaining the history, for those of us who spent little time in England, and doing a really good un boxing. You layout looks like it's comming along nicely!

[@BlackWolfessUSCM]

I want to thank you for all your videos on the layout rebuild. I just moved in with some friends who specificalyl wanted a decent basement so I had room to expand my modules into a layout and all your videos have definately been insightful and helpful in all my benchwork projects. I can't wait to see your rebuild fully done.

[@phillippettengell3960]

Richard, it's really great to see you back again. Cannot wait for more. Such a wonderful review, including the underside and inside of the model. Great job, and thanks for providing us with such useful information

[@Rem00125]

Good to see you back, it is always a pleasure watching and learning from your videos! The layout is starting to take shape and the DMU is a nice piece of detailed loco!

[@alanisherwood7122]

Nice to see you back Richard. Great review and layout looking good. Keep them coming

[@SolarRailway]

The music at the start is the best part of the video. Great choice and all seems to be running smoothly. Cheers Matt

[@mandylee4166]

Hi there,, thanks again for your update it's great to see the latest progress of the new layout can't wait to see the finished product.👍👍

[@curtissmith3498]

Just a big smile on my face. Steady-eddy work. I love that you just set your camera and let your trains do the talking. Nice

[@craigymac5386]

An excellent looking model and the history of the class made it more interesting. The layout is coming along very good, well done Richard.

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Just bought the 121. Happy puppy. Thanks for the video especially the history of the class.

[@ListerDavid]

Brilliant unboxing video, and so nice to see you back as your video bring back memories of my childhood and seeing NSE dmu’s running on my local line.

[@TheBlazeofSteel]

I really enjoyed you going over the history of the class 121. Is this going to be a regular thing or is it a one off? As always love your videos, cant click on them fast enough. :D

[@andrewwilson8717]

I agree. Really interesting to have some history before seeing the model!

[@ieuandarkes8491]

Would be nice if it was regular, helps people decide what fits thier layout (im now looking for a 1st gen for my layout)

[@lwilton]

Nicely done! I can't say I'm a fan of unboxing videos, but I sat through this one, and like your description of and modifications to the unit, as well as the video of it running.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Finally finished my first ever layout. I got all my help from watching your videos. Thank you so much.

[@1BCamden]

my type of model review, great balance. layout looks great, the rail level shots really show off the track detailing to best effect. progress to date, looks very impressive.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Lovely model Richard. Very interesting idea to automate the branch line, can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@ShortCycle.]

Always great to watch another of your video's. Well shot with plenty of detailed information -both visual and narrated. Although I'm steam era I have a fascination with early DMU's and one of these with speed whiskers would be great for me! Keep up the good work. There may be a wait sometimes, but its always worth it.

[@martinstone3656]

Your videos are always welcome here, glad to see your back again

[@darawilliams5969]

Really enjoyed the video, look forward to the next,being following your videos since 2013 and got to say best layout and commentary of all the channels I watch cheers from Ireland darryl

[@georgewyatt6712]

Hi, nice video enjoyed the history of the model and your layout is taking shape, look forward to your next video thanks. Regards George..

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

I love the look of single unit trains! Good to hear from you again!

[@1BCamden]

my type or model review, great balance. layout looks great, the rail level shots really show off the track detailing to best effect. progress to date, looks very impressive.

[@klingklangwerk3319]

Seriously.....I am like a little kid at Xmas when I get your notifications. BRILLIANT

[@michaeldavies9600]

Hello Richard i purchased one of these on Tuesday from Hattons and they are on special offer of £79 i was happy with that. As always with Hattons it turned up Yesterday,and it has run fine and it runs alright around my small layout with tight curves.

[@dannyholt105]

Nice work Richard. I live in Florida and understand avoiding the heat all too well. Will be looking for your future updates as it cools off a bit. Cheers, Dan

[@bigtinasoup2927]

I've been very fortunate to drive a Schamall contractor. She had a nine speed air transmission from a locomotive. It was superb! It was around Bordon camp. We had just taken a friend's centurion to a show and now she was going back to bed. I'm not sure what the all up wieght was. But the tank was 56 tons on a trailer that belonged to the reme museum. So I can't imagine that was light. But with the Schamall, when you changed gear is was very low rpm and you just hit the gear select back. Like a motorcycle set of gears. Nine forward, two reverse. The chap who owned it and built her used to beat through those gears like a magician. The while truck would lurch and pull lifting the front left wheel. My only experience with locomotive gearing. Thaught I would share.

[@ralphdadge302]

layout is looking great, the 2 DMU's look very at home, like the automated branchline too, nicework,

[@paulraymond3622]

I loved the history part, well actually i loved the whole video, thank you, keep up the good work. Great format video!

[@equilibriumdx]

Great model and so many memories of the Greenford branch line bubble car. You made me buy one. My guard steps on the bogie just pop off around corners so I have some modding to do.

[@thescrapline4905]

Smashing video! The narrated opening explaining the history is so well put together and not very often covered in loco reviews! Nice touch and an eye opener seeing where the typical operational locations are. Going to research if they made any appearance in the Exeter or Laira regions.. Totally agree with the hot weather.. nice with a cold lager in the garden but absolutly unbearable in the loft. That said my track is down and just powering up this week!.. Tim

[@aidanB.]

I'm glad to see that your using tail lamps on the coaching stock. A detail that many model railway builders omit. "Train complete", in more ways than one. 😉

[@daveharriman2756]

As usual, a very informative and interesting video, the 121 does indeed look a good model, and will look even better with weathering. Your track looks good too, love the banking of the track

[@Gus-jb8cm]

I enjoyed the history of the DMU. The unit looks great.

[@MrVinnyh]

Good to see this up date Richard, also glad you added 55033 which is on the Colne Valley Railway (as a still photo, with our 141). 55033 has a class 122 cab style one end due to hitting the buffer stop's at Stourbridge the end cab damaged after hitting a herd of Cattle, it arrived in the triple blue livery of West Midlands, since repainted into BR green (on CVR, the trailer car(s) have corridor connections, which the unit's don't have! ). I look forward to future updates, I have had to lifted the track on my own Black Robin layout, due to buckling because off the heat. will replace relay as a end to end layout. (was not 95% happy with it anyway).

[@andrewcalldridge1644]

Hey!! Nice to see you back.... Great Dapol model... Thanks!

[@jonkirkham7961]

Great vid I'm with you on the weather can't wait for next one always a pleasure to watch .

[@qubitmusictechnology]

we wait with great anticipation to see your latest layout update. Hope it's all going well for you mate.

[@jedisp79]

They are a nice looking pair . Very nice. The layout it looking fantastic to. Keep it going

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Wow! Things are finally moving again on track...What a great opening... Living in Australia I pretty well understand summer heat (we average temperatures above 38 Celsius (up to high 40's) throughout the summer and usually do not get below 25 at night.) My Layout is in a tin shed with thin insulation and that gets very hot during the day...I use a couple fans at each end of the shed, one blowing in the other blowing out creating a continuous are flow across the layout, through the shed and over the work bench (most important). Would it be possible for you to set up a flow through system similar before next summer to allow you more comfort in the attic? Being comfortable and able to work on a beloved hobby more often would make Everard Junction come to fruition far faster and (for purely my own benefit) offer many more videos to watch...as I vicariously enjoy your layout and its progress as my layout languishes while I have to build a massive "toy train" display at the local museum. Something that will not be done with until Easter 2019. Really good to see you back in the loft/attic and am very interested in the Class 121 as I hope to do a small display layout using the 121 in two scales creating forced perspective for the show circuit in Queensland Australia. A great review and another great video...informative, comprehensive, entertaining and accurate. Keep them coming...Love 'em all.

[@andrewcollins6525]

Hoping to see some regular updates now this madness of a heat wave has passed. My loft was intense. So i feel ya. Thanks for letting us know and look forward to more

[@BoCoTheDiesel]

I like these loco reviews, wouldn't mind seeing more. :)

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

As always, you do exquisite work. You are a true craftsman.

[@MrJDMmills]

nice units glad to see another one of your videos , ( I have to get some more done for my layout) good lick with the rebuild josh

[@Synthematix]

Ive heard sound fitted to one of these, wow it sounds amazing, you can hear the gear changes and everything

[@Modelrailwayman-kt9zz]

OMG at 3:22 when you mention the class 117s the picture you used is a picture of the class 117 set my dad owns we have the power cars DMS 51412 and DMBS 51370 at the whitwell and reepham Railway in Norfolk the centre car is now a spares donor at gcrn thanks so much for sharing a rare pic of our set we haven't seen yet keep up the good videos regards Michael

[@daveyuk2212]

Layout is looking good, nice to see some running time

[@_chp_]

Looks like an amazing loco Richard hope you enjoy it! Ps. Cant wait if you ever consider weathering it!

[@erikmorrison8714]

Lovely video nice to see trains on the branch line and the mainline

[@jakedarling7549]

Brilliant review right there. If love to see your APT-E on those banked curves, so realistic.

[@ukdieselandelectricrailway1890]

A thouroughly good review there. It's good to see a model with proper lighting rather than silly switches underneath for turning on/off the tail-lights. Interestingly, I contributed to this model by providing livery information to Dapol a couple years ago.

[@philiplettley]

Was just watching some of your how to videos and this came up brilliant

[@RobinPrice]

i,m forever blowing bubbles. lol. very very very good bud, i love what you do to ur trains, may the vids continue. well done bud.

[@10thstudio]

Great video! I have a real soft spot for dmus despite being a steam lover myself. Can't wait for more updates!

[@honestgbfan5324]

Just found your new post. Glad to see ya back :)

[@NewJunction]

Love it! You have the unique ability to inspire me & make me want to quit all at the same time! Regards Richard

[@DeanPark]

why quit? lol We all possess skills others dont. For sum its proper track laying, others its weathering and for others its just doing scenic stuff. Never feel inferior to any one else. thats my motto. I am sure you have skills Richard does not ;-)

[@NewJunction]

DaveClass47 Ha! It was ment as a compliment, one you both could recive tbf. Regards Richard

[@DeanPark]

lol I know. But equally so was mine....you have skills yourself. I am sure Richard would be the first to admit he does not have skills in all areas, I certainly don't have lol. Your skills are equally as impressive. Dave

[@NewJunction]

DaveClass47 Where's David and what have you done with him! Lol

[@EverardJunction]

Thanks mate, I feel the same with other layouts too!

[@stuartsmith7618]

Great video of the layout and great to have a history of the new stock

[@Bruno.Trains]

wonderful video, Greetings from France.

[@DudleyCentral]

Seems a really nice model! Might have to pick myself up one based on this video! Joe

[@tingbase84]

I occasionally used to see the aylesbury to risborough one running as I had to stop at a level crossing on my journey to work,it commonly carried school children to school in aylesbury

[@Hugh1927]

Hope the rebuild is going well, looking forward to the next video

[@nigelcarter9503]

I have 2 121, in BR blue, and a GRW one. Dapol and Hornby. Great video and history of the class. I agree with your comments on the Class. 3rd radius is the best on the Dapol. Hornby is quite good(Railroad) version. Dapol is delicate mine came from Rails DCC fitted.

[@michaeldavies9600]

Hello Richard i purchased one of these from Hattons on Tuesday.My layout is a lot smaller than yours,with some really tight curves,and its been fine so far.It does run a lot better after a run in though.£79 i paid and i was happy with that.

[@Lennon6412]

Was literally just thinking about Everard Junction. Although it's not something you do particularly often I really enjoy your reviews as you do research the prototype as well as on model too.

[@andy_croft]

Just received my 122 in BR Green small yellow panel SC55007 . Did you use the Lenz 10321-01 Silver 21 + decoder and were the salon light on F5 by default - thanks

[@pauledwards2817]

Adding the camber to the curves really makes a difference. Pleased to see it. They look so much better.

[@alastairgray5648]

Always enjoy your videos - been quite a while since we've heard from you. Hope there will be something soon!! :-)

[@DeanPark]

That's a nice new model Richard. Sadly not seen in Scotland so I wont be getting one. But well don't to Dapol for giving us this model is a variety of liveries. Thanks for your continued support at the end as well. Cheers. Dave

[@ukdieselandelectricrailway1890]

Dapol also do a class 122 in Blue/Grey, with Eastfield having one in departmental service for route learning. The unit was TDB977177 and requires nothing more than a renumbering and a pair of small Scotty dog transfers. I have a video on my channel showing how to do some renumbering, and it's a great way to customise your models! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHWXnGydi9tknbs

[@hayttom]

Nice to see my two favorite modelers chatting together.

[@EverardJunction]

Cheers Dave. You might be able to get away with the 122 (which is basically the same). Some were allocated to Ayr in the 70s but I'm not sure how long they stayed for. Dapol offer the 122 in Blue & Grey or Regional Railways livery.

[@ukdieselandelectricrailway1890]

+Everard Junction: Some were allocated to Ayr in the 70s but I'm not sure how long they stayed for. As I mentioned to Dave (and showed him pics on Facebook), Eastfield had a departmental Class 122 unit used as a route learner in the period that he models. It's a great way to throw in a unit that doesn't serrve as a standard passenger unit.

[@tonybarfield5148]

Love the review of the Class 121 bubble car Richard. B.U.T. was British United Traction, which a joint venture between Leyland & Associated Equipment Company (AEC)for their Railway traction & trolleybus products. AEC later purchased Crossley's & Park Royal body builders and formed ACV group. Leyland purchased a share holding in ACV in the late 1960's. Leyland later brought the remaining shares held my the Transport Holding company and then shut down AEC at Southall, Park Royal in West London in 1979. British Rail standardised on Leyland engines for their remaining Diesel Railcar fleets in the late 1970's & 1980's

[@spongatejunction]

I have two 121s in N'Gauge and a122 as well brilliant models from Dapol

[@jjskn93]

I seem to recall seeing one of these running a shuttle service in Cardiff for arriva about 10 years ago.

[@sebn1313]

I love the diesel leviathan (the one with the cleaning wagon) and I have slightly used it too much because the motor have given up and a puff of smoke came out with made me panic and tried to do CPR on it. Love the review and the struggle of starting up a new train.

[@daviemaclean61]

Great review. One of my favourite passenger engines too

[@ThePhosphater]

I will be buying the O gauge one, so I hope it is as good as the OO one . A most enjoyable review.

[@urielmorpheus]

Great review! I hope you'll show us the weathering and modifications in another video too :)

[@kevindonnelly9811]

Great video! See you again in another 8 months!

[@salivatewithmates1228]

I may have missed it, but have you done a video on your track cleaning wagon before? It looks great. Where do you find the information on coaches and engines used by NSE? Thank you in advance for your help

[@thomcousens5345]

Lovely beast. Good to see you again.

[@tonybarfield5148]

Excellent review Richard of the Dapol bubble cars. Wondering when you were going to do a review, as I had seen the other 121 in the back ground of you previous videos. Will be considering buy one of units next month.

[@going2thedogs]

Hi Richard, I have just managed to get myself this particular Dapol class 121 in original NSE livery & very good it looks too. As you mentioned the lighting options are superb, albeit a bit too bright. Could you advise how you reduced the light intensity using your DCC system. If it is relevant I have the Gaugemaster prodigy Advance 2. Thks.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Fabulous update Richard 👍🏻

[@cheekytek]

Hi Richard Great video and nice history of the DMU 👍 Love the touch of people as certainly looks authentic But do feel a Driver in your loco’s would add that final realism effect as looks odd with nobody driving the train 😬 Maybe this is why your train was out of control 😉 Loving all that you doo All the best Garry

[@philiplimerick2794]

Hi a great video. I have 3 of these Dapol class 122/121s. I,m having difficulty with the correct decoder. Some descriptions say the Lenz 21 pin Silver+ is 5 functions then when I look at the specs it contradicts this and says 4 functions. What was the Decoder you used and did it work okay long term?

[@TomStorey96]

I remember when model locos were a motor, dive grain of wheat bulbs, and some wipers to pick up power from the wheels. Now they are full of circuit boards with capacitors, diodes, inductors, millions of switches for different configurations .....

[@northamptonwest9077]

Hi Richard. Can you remember what CVs you changed and what number did you set them too for the LEDs. Supposing you used the dapol imperium decoder that is!

[@100SteveB]

I bet the detailing on the door glass is a warning telling you not to lean out of the window. I think pretty all doors had those notices on the slam door trains. Lovely little addition to the layout, will fit in very nicely.

[@jaxmar88]

Hi Richard, great video are there no limits to your skill levels, not only is your layout top class but your video editing is up there with the best, well worth the wait, all the best Martin.

[@northamptonwest9077]

Got that from Hattons the other day but in the revised livery. Very happy with it :-)

[@gbjanuary]

Very nice train looks good in the track 🚅🚅🚅

[@FurryCurrySauce]

I remember getting this train to high school everyday, the memories 😁😁😁😁

[@conspiracyrealist6504]

Can't wait until you start the scenery

[@TheRapidGamer]

Love the orange and brown parts on the lower sides

[@AmeryJunction]

What decoder setting is the interior lighting ? Thanks . Also thank you , I thought my loco was broken too ,as it keeps stopping thanks for mentioning all you did .

[@tonybarfield5148]

Hello & Happy new year Richard. In this video you change to lighting values. Which CVs on the Lenz Silver 21 Digital Plus Decoders did you use to reduce the brightness. I have Unit 55027 as a Christmas 2019 present & fitted a chip. What values have you put on your Two units? Love the content on your channel. Suspect you will have a whole in your pocket at some time in 2020 when Bachmann bring out their Class 121 & Class 117 Units. Regards TONY

[@MDHGames]

PERFECT! Something I needed to take my mind of certain things! Can't wait to watch this video :D

[@michaeltee7004]

Richard I've just watched one of your earlier videos on installing a seep point motor. I have a couple of queries. The wire that is already on the point has that to be connected anywhere and do we still have to cut the metal piece and solder a strip of wire on the b Other bits of metal as per instructions in the peco leaflet. Many thanks for the brilliant how to videos you are such an inspiration. Mike Tee

[@philiplettley]

Just rewatched, could you put a figure in the cab, it almost looks like a runaway train with no driver, or is it more difficult, as when you took it apart the cabs were separate

[@dooburt]

Love that intro, and the music is particularly groovy :D

[@jeremycaldecoat1699]

Have you tried using a rolling road to run in before running on the layout and before installing a dcc chip??

[@ashleypinn1641]

Any idea how you watch these videoes in order? Seems to be a random selection, one the layout is just boards the next its fully scenic

[@glen9651]

Great to have you back great video