Darstaed Oil Tanker Wagon in O Gauge Review

Discussion in 'Product Reviews' started by Toto, Aug 19, 2018.

  1. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    OK .......

    I've been asked to do a review of the Darstaed prize pot so here is the first of the crop. Its the Darstaed Oil Tanker in " Regent " livery.

    first up ....... it comes in a very sturdy box ...... always a welcome thing to keep your products safe when not on the layout.


    On opening the box, you are met with sufficient packaging in the form bubble wrap and some cardboard end sleeves which do an excellent job of protecting the couplings and buffers from being shunted about.


    This is an all metal affair ....... with some pretty good ( and solid ) detail. I am not speaking from sufficient authority to say that the various details are prototypically correct but they sure look pretty authentic to me.


    as can hopefully be seen ...... its 3 link chain couplings which again are metal and strong. Sprung buffers all round which are quite responsive.


    two four wheeled bogies, again, all metal construction and a valve wheel to either side of the tank body....... the bogies are secured with a single screw going up through into the body of the tank and would be easy enough to remove for further weathering / detailing. They have sufficient play and the wheels are very free running.


    metal gang plank on top with a metal ladder and step iron giving climbing access from either side.


    The under frame is all metal ( did I mention that this model is all metal :avatar:) with basic but sufficient detailing. I doubt the real thing would have had that much more but I stand to be corrected if thats the case.

    Generally and in summary. the tank wagon feels like a solid build and I'd say give the impression of better value for money than that offered from any of the other plastic RTR offerings although a direct comparison is not available to compare it to. ( that I'm aware of ). I think the paint finish is pretty good but the livery decals are a bit sparkly. This later point could probably be resolved be a touch of weathering and would not be enough to make me wince at the overall quality of the wagon and certainly not the price. I think Darstaed are entering what is going to be a very competitive market given that the range of available products in this gauge is certainly expanding and attracting the participation of other manufacturers.

    I think that Darstaed have played a bit of a blinder with their pricing structure as for what they offer, they could easily have pitched their prices at a slightly higher level but have shown great restraint which may just accelerate their acceptance into the market.

    It is a very subjective matter and only my opinion of course but I think anyone who buys one of these products ( or is lucky enough to win one ) will be very satisfied with it and like myself, maybe even a little surprised at the quality on offer at this level within the market.

    If you don't want to take my word for it, I'd suggest trying to get the opportunity to pick one up and handle it first hand and decide for yourself.

    Our Sponsor Ellis Clark is the official main dealer for the Darstaed range in the uk and can be found at many of the various exhibitions up and down the country. Please check out his website link which can be located both at the top and down the side of the forum front page as well as in the monthly newsletter. Ellis will be more than happy to enable you to handle & study any of his products at greater length at the exhibitions. The exhibitions that he will be in attendance at and their respective dates are detailed on his website.

    I hope the above has been of some use as guidance, but if you have any further questions with regards to the above, or would like another photo or any specific part etc, please do not hesitate to shout out and whilst I am in possession of it ( prior to being won and distributed to its new owner ) I will be only too happy to help out.

    Cheers for now

    toto
     
    Matt likes this.
  2. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    Nice review Mr T. Is Darstaed a new manufacturer? I've not come across it before.

    Matt
     
  3. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    Matt according to the details in this link, http://www.darstaed.com/ they celebrated their 50th birthday in 2016
    Kim
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    I am sure that they came out of the market for a while but due to the resurgence and recent affordability in O Gauge modeling, have re-entered the market ....... which by the looks of it, is a good thing for us as they may rewrite the rules of the game in terms of pricing and quality.

    opinion of course.

    cheers

    toto
     
  5. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    They certainly advertise via Ellis in the Gazette... there are some very nice foam lined loco boxes too.:thumbs:
     
  6. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    I have some of the loco boxes. They are fine. Ellis is the main UK dealer for Darstaed.

    Toto
     

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