ViTrains Class 37/4 diesel models

We've just had the first delivery of these new Italian ViTrains class 37/4 diesel loco models from the UK distributors, and every single loco received has damaged horns. The problem must be widespread as the distributors were already aware of this problem and claim that replacement horns are on their way from Italy. Other locos also had additional faults, one had a sprung buffer missing, and another had one bonnet end insecurely fitted.

Apart from those niggling aspects, the locos run quite well especially at low speed, but it's such a shame that ViTrains felt the need to add traction tyres to what is a heavy model.

The quality of finish is quite good - apart from the pre-coloured plastic finish yellow ends. The latter, unfortunately, very much gives them an 'upgraded' Lima look. I'm also not quite convinced that the cab front windows are quite right, but I can't put my finger on what is wrong.

Not the most auspicious start from a company wishing to make an impact on the UK market, and the recommendation must be to check each model carefully before buying.

John,

53A Models, Hull.
Reply to
John Turner
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Indeed. It seems odd that they appear not to have researched the market over here. Self-coloured plastic just makes models look toy-like. Similarly, traction tyres - but if Hornby can do a u-turn on that, perhaps VITrains will.

From the early photos, it looked like the shoulder of the tumble-home was a little too sharp. How does it look "in the flesh".

Adrian

Reply to
Adrian

"Adrian" wrote

I'm not now 100% sure that they've just used pre-coloured plastic. It's

*just* possible that there is a very thin coat of yellow paint on top of yellow plastic, but either way the result is translucent and looks like plastic.

Just the same. I've just been comparing the model with a photograph of the prototype, and it certainly lacks the rounded edge which the real class 37 possesses, and which this picture shows to advantage:

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I reckon the body also sits too high above the bogies, but that might be an unavoidable compromise to allow the model to negotiate train set curves.

I could also nit-pick and say that the sprung buffers fitted to the ViTrains model, bear no resemblence whatsoever to those fitted to the prototyple. The model buffers appear far too frail.

John.

Reply to
John Turner

Perhaps there is a mat varnish over the whole thing?

Presumably that is fixable for those inclined to butcher a new model, but if the Bachmann version is OK, I don't suppose many will bother.

I'm not a fan of sprung buffers. Like sprung opening cab doors (Hornby), they lend nothing to the look of a model in operation, and just represent extra cost and fragility. Sprung buffers are often listed as a "feature", but I'd rather have fixed ones that look right. Oval buffers are a particular problem because they almost always end up looking crooked.

Adrian

Reply to
Adrian

But then it's one less modification needed for those who wish to use scale three/screw link couplings.

Reply to
:Jerry:

So that's a *real* model is it? When I read the review in the *April* edition of RM, I was convinced that it was an April Fool's joke.

Reply to
Enzo Matrix

":Jerry:" wrote

Not in this case Jerry - the ViTrains sprung buffers are pathetically undersize and weak - they would have to be removed and replaced for use with scale couplings.

John.

Reply to
John Turner

"Enzo Matrix" wrote

I don't know about it being a real model, more like a Lima-esque toy.

John.

Reply to
John Turner

Sounds like ViTrains are following in Lima's traditions, oh well, how long shall we give them - a couple of years in the UK market?!... :~(

Reply to
:Jerry:

":Jerry:" wrote

The one thing that would guarantee a failure to last that long would a failure to respond to the criticism which has been levelled at this model, but if they and their importers follow the previous example set by Lima then I suspect they will not last quite that long.

John.

Reply to
John Turner

Am I the only one to notice in Model Rail the advert on Page 141 for Galaxy models that they are selling a VI trains Class 47 ??

Whoops !

And where is the April fool in the April edition ? Or is it likely to be in the one at the end of March ?

Andy

Reply to
Andy Sollis CVMRD

To be honest with you John i'm amazed you've even bothered to stock the model if it's that bad?

Rob.

Reply to
Robert Wilson

"Robert Wilson" wrote

We always respond to customer demand and some customers asked us to supply them. Equally so without seeing them it's difficult to assess their quality.

The reality is they have potential. The chassis could be really good with just one or two modifications (getting rid of the traction tyres being the main one).

If the importers pass on the criticisms which have been made mostly with every justification and the manufacturers act on them, ViTrains could have an excellent product on their hands. My guess is they won't, but I hope I'm wrong.

John.

Reply to
John Turner

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