I don’t consider myself a ‘fan boy’ of any particular brand but Accurascale are forging such a singular path in terms of accuracy, levels of detail and DCC functionality at such low price points that it is very hard not to consider them the market leader.
I’ve had my pre ordered sound fitted 68619 in service as station pilot on my layout for just under 2 months now. I can say without hesitation it is a ‘next level model’ compared to similar models on the market in all respects and is ideally suited to the same role in model form as its prototype performed.
First impressions and delivery
At £230 and free delivery I think this is outstanding value in the current market. The model came well packed with the ‘Accuraends’ holding it securely in the outer box. The usual ceremony of opening the bespoke box to find the various documents neatly and carefully placed. Withing the foam bed the model was secure in its ‘icecube’, in fact almost too secure as it took a little force to fully release it. However nothing was broken or loose so the packaging has done its job.
Running Performance
The model was smooth and quiet from new and remained so during my standard 2 hour running in process.
It’s a weighty model and this no doubt contributes to its sure footed performance. My station pilots have to move a maximum of eight coaches on undulating baseboards and around a curved station throat that includes 30 inch curves across points. It does this with apparent ease with rakes including the less than free rolling and heavy early Bachmann Mk1’s . The model is low geared and the acceleration is consequently slow – not sure how this might affect those using the model for suburban passenger trains but not a problem for me.
Sound Performance
The sound project is excellent with a wide range of random sounds and no obvious looping. For a steam project from a rtr manufacturer it is I think amongst the most convincing I have heard. I may look to increase the chuff rate at higher speeds but that aside nothing else I will change. The speaker fit gives incredible volume and depth for such a small model – puts many other models by other manufacturers of much larger locos to shame. Much better in fact than Accurascales own Manor
General finish
The model has a degree of finesse un equalled by anything else currently available. The rods are incredibly fine yet at the same time appear convincing. The colour (BR version of GER blue) matches published images and all lettering, lining and crests look spot on to my eyes at normal layout viewing range. There has been some debate about the colour of the balancing pipe across the tanks – I haven’t got a view on its correctness but it does stand out a bit in the as delivered white on the model. I will probably look to tone this down a little just so it blends in more.
Conclusion
Whilst I’m trying to maintain a theme across my modelling purchases (the layout is notionally transition era northern England) Accurascale are bending that line as their models are both market leading in terms of fidelity but also in terms of technical innovation. Models like this are hard to ignore and I make 'rule 1' excuses to explain their presence! I’ve already got the 57xx on preorder!.
