DC Pendolino

[Bittern]

Might be picking one of these up next week. I'm considering DC because I've not actually got a layout yet - this will be the first time since I was a kid I've got a new train set and the first time I've ever bought a set for myself - and the price for the DCC set is insanely high! Plus, my future layout is planned to be queened by Steam anyway.

So does anyone here have the DC Pendolino? If so, I have a few questions.

1 - How does it run? Is it smooth?

2 - The lights - how do they work on DC? It's my understanding that they would work better on DCC, but I'm curious as to how DC compares.

3 - How well does the tilting mechanism work? Is it the same as the DCC version?

Should the need arise sometime in the future - which it probably will - I'll get a DCC chip installed in her. There's a model shop in Glasgow's Bell Street and one in Uddingston near the railway station. Does anyone know if they would be able to install it for me, and if so, any ideas on how much they would charge?

Plus, what DCC controller would you recommend? Price preferably being no more than £100.

Thanks a lot folks.

 

[class313]

My Pendolino has been switched from a DCC to DC layout more time than I can count, and it has worked faultlessly on both systems throughout. The lights work okay on DC, the only advantage with regards to lights with DCC, is the fact you turn them on and off regardless of the fact if the train is moving. Most DCC controllers are above £100, there are only 2 (I think) that are under the: Hornby Digital Select, and the Bachmann EZ control Command centre. The Hornby Digital Select is by far the better system. BUT, if you look in the right places, you can pick up the Bachmann Dynamis for about £100. The Bachmann Dynamis is a superb contoller. The only bad point is that its wireless signal is very short. If you are going to be doing a steam layout, you have to decide if you are going to by new stock or second hand stock, because older locos will not be DCC ready, and are a pain to convert to DCC. In new locos, DCC chips can be installed by anyone at any time, they are just a simple 'plug and play' affair.

 

[rail-britain]

There's a model shop in Glasgow's Bell Street and one in Uddingston near the railway station

I would suggest you phone D & F Models, Bell Street, Glasgow 0141 552 8044 first
They may be able to fit the decoder for you, but it's easay enough to do yourself

I would not bother with the one in Uddingston, they are not model railway specialists

There is also Pastimes on Maryhill Road and The Glasgow Model Centre on Cathcart Road
Sadly I have not been to either as they do not provide N gauge support

 

[Bittern]

I've been eyeing the Hornby Digital Select, actually. If I can, that'll likely be the one I end up with. As for my actual layout with modeling steam, that's still quite a bit in the future - I need to phase into the modeling scene first. The Pendolino's like my first step in.

I would suggest you phone D & F Models, Bell Street, Glasgow 0141 552 8044 first
They may be able to fit the decoder for you, but it's easay enough to do yourself

I'm not doing it myself because I'm not a very hands-on type of person. I get very nervous when it comes to messing with things that cost quite a bit so I'd much rather have someone who actually knows what they're doing install it. Plus this is, after all, the first model train I've ever bought myself and the first set I've had in about a decade.

I would not bother with the one in Uddingston, they are not model railway specialists

Yeah I figured after a customer was looking for a model of a Glasgow Electric (customer's words. He meant the 303) and the guy at the desk showed him a model of a DMU. Needless to say, the customer then asked me instead.

Thanks folks.

 

[rail-britain]

Decoders are really easy to fit on recent items, compared to older items, as the majority (as is this case with this model) have a socket now
Honestly, you will not have any problems fitting a decoder
Total time is less than 15 minutes

 

[Bittern]

Hmm, what version is this? The controller on the packaging suggests it's DC, but the description is that of the DCC!

 

[rail-britain]

It's described as DCC so would need to be the product supplied
Visit the Toys R Us store in Glasgow and check

 

[hairyhandedfool]

1 - How does it run?

The Pendelino is a smooth runner.

2 - The lights - how do they work on DC?

On DCC ready (DC) Pendelinos, the lights will operate in the direction of travel (head & tail) when in motion. On the DCC fitted Pendelino the lights can be switched on and off at anytime. A DCC fitted Pendelino can be used on DC layouts, however the headlights will be on at both ends while in motion (this is unique to this model afaik). DO NOT RUN DC MODELS ON DCC LAYOUTS.

3 - How well does the tilting mechanism work?

Very. The mouldings are designed to tilt the body round corners automatically . Both versions work the same way.

The only difference between DC and DCC models is the decoder and how it is fitted. The DC model has an 8 pin socket. The DCC model has the decoder pre-soldered (once more unique to this model afaik).

The DCC model comes with a Select controller.

 

[Bittern]

Thanks.

Will check out TRU in Govan during the week. I hope it is the DCC version they have for that price.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

At that price I'd be suprised if it is a DCC trainset (with controller), but it might be the DCC train pack (just the train). Totally Trains have the DCC trainset at 175.00 (R1076). Hattons have the DCC train pack at 114 (R2467X)