Hattons 48xx 58xx reviewed By Richard

Discussion in 'All other RTR' started by SMR CHRIS, Aug 6, 2017.

  1. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    A Review of Hattons GWR Class 48xx and 58xx 0-4-2T Locomotives

    Richard Lennards
    Introduction
    The Hattons 48xx and 58xx class locomotives immediately look ‘good’ straight out of the box. The first thing that I noticed is the packaging and how effective it is. The locomotives are cradled in a vacuum formed tray surrounded by dense foam in a strong cardboard box that is very similar to some of the Heljan packaging.
    The instructions and parts listing are easily understood and well printed, providing extra information on spares and maintenance. The cad pictures are easily interpreted and show you how to fit the extra detailing bits, which allow you to vary the Class of locomotive for different types of running. I cannot advise on the fitting of the detailing parts, as I have not fitted them yet. Although some caution may be warranted with the very small parts.
    Once the locomotives are removed you then begin to see very well detailed little engines. As with most RTR models today, the cab and body of the locomotives are moulded plastic and the added details, such as the position of the cab side doors, door handles and cab interiors, enhances the look on both of the locomotives inside and out. One of the newer additions to these models is the ability to open or shut the cab side doors.
    The differences between the 48xx and 58xx are easily noted, such as the whistle guard and the extra tool boxes, to note a few.
    The 58xx in GWR unlined green locomotive, with the Shirtbutton logo in the pristine finish, is somewhat glossy in certain light aspects and a matt finish may have added a little more character. Both of the locomotive cab side numbering plates, buffer numbers and smoke box numbers are well proportioned. The Shirtbutton logo does not get lost or overtaken in the GWR green and is well portrayed for such fine detail. Overall, the paint finish looks good with no obvious blemishes.
    The 48xx in GWR Wartime black, with GWR lettering in the lightly weathered finish, is a little over the top. What I mean here is that the coal and couplings have even been weathered and I find that this detracts from the overall finish. Although, having a black GWR locomotive is a good addition to the standard green. Maybe in the future there will be some other additions to the colour schemes.
    Couplings
    NEM couplings are pre-fitted to the locomotive. On both locomotives the couplings point slightly upward and to the left. These couplings have a tendency to miss the rolling stock couplings when shunting. When you couple to a non-NEM rolling stock, it will uncouple on some curves. This is because the hook is slightly smaller than the older style of coupling hooks.
    Decoder
    I have used the Hatton’s 6 pin decoder in the 58xx and a Bachmann-36-568-6 pin decoder in the 48xx. Both of these decoders perform well for my type of operation. The installation is very simple, just be careful if you fit the Bachmann decoder into an engine, as it is slightly wider than the Hatton’s version. There is a small but critical design flaw; the use of double-sided tape to hold the “Chip” connection in place. This connection has not been designed to allow for repeated installation or removal of the “Chip”. If the tape is dislodged it will short the locomotive out because it also acts as an insulator.
    General Running
    The locomotives require lubricating before use, otherwise you may find your models are a little noisy or slightly rough out of the box. The instructions recommend that you run the locomotives at a medium speed for 15 minutes, in either direction, to allow the gears and worm drives to bed in. This is good advice and it will void the warranty if not followed. I have run both locomotives, as the instruction advises, and it does make a big difference. Hattons offer a 12 month warranty on these locomotives and if Hattons fit the decoder for you, it extends to the fitting.
    Hattons also offer a number of spares, for the body and the running gear, so you can repair the locomotives, if required. Hattons however, do not sell bulk replacement items that allow you to build kits or to carry out your own conversions.
    When running both locomotives at slow and normal speeds I found that they run very well, even over the point work, with no wheel wobble observed in ether engine. I was able to observe a Non DCC version run on a large layout and it ran well, after lubrication, in both directions for 15 mins (under no load).
    When placing the locomotives on the track you need to be careful. The coupled wheels can miss the track because they move sideways in the chassis to allow for a tighter radii capability.
    Model specs:
    Scale and Gauge: 4mm 1:76 Scale-OO Gauge Motor Type Coreless Electrical Pickups on all wheels;
    The locomotive is DCC Ready. The DCC 6-pin interface is in the smokebox for DCC Sound. The speaker enclosure is in the coal bunker. I would recommend that the instructions are read and you are very careful when attempting this installation;
    Couplings: type NEM tension lock Minimum Curve Radius 2 (483mm);
    Separate detailing parts in a small plastic bag as provided;
    There are no pre-fitted lights on the model; and
    The model comes with sprung buffers.
    Summary
    Overall, it has been a long wait for a manufacturer to re-release these classic locomotives, since Hornby stopped manufacturing their version a number of years ago. Hattons offer 16 variants, which should suit the GWR or BR Western Region Modellers.
    As RTR models they are very well detailed. They both run very well, the 58xx looks good on my layout and as for the 48xx, the weathering is taking a while to get used to, but that is my preference only. What can I add? They are good models.

    Attached files [​IMG]
     
  2. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Close up of GWR shirt button green livery

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  3. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Cab and bunker detail

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  4. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    48xx in weathered GWR black livery.

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  5. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    The errant 6 pin DCC conection

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  6. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    What a great, detailed review......thank you...:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

    http://www.click:tophat:Gormo
     

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