Hornby R1125 Somerset Belle 00 Gauge DCC Electric Train Set

On first looking at this train set, some people may be confused at who is this set is really aimed at? In terms of costings, it is plain to see that the R8213 select digital controller is the most costly item in the set. The R8213 select digital controller, being able turn your railway network into an amazing piece of kit - the caveat here being the additional cost and outlay to expand your basic set up. The bumf says you have the potential to be:`Capable of having control of 60 locomotives and providing power is available to run 10 locomotives at any one time. The Select can also operate 40 solenoid operated accessories including points'.As it stands in this set, the select digital controller is not able to `shine' - so to speak as you're controlling one train on a simple oval circuit plus siding configuration. Although the Hornby web site claims that this is `the most effective way of entering the Digital World of model railways'. I am not entirely convinced by this statement, if they had included just one more engine and slighter more complex rail system that would have been more convincing and would have some indication to the potential of the controller. I guess the counter argument is a simple - that of costing and pricing.The S&DJR 0-6-0 Class 3F locomotive has nice detailing. The rolling stock comprising of Open wagon, Tank wagon and Brake Van are done well. You get a nice large `MidiMat', although it would benefit if it were made of stronger quality paper. A note of caution placing the track on any form of carpet will probably entail derailments, the track losing power or permanent damage to the engine/ locomotive. In terms of citing the track you really need to have it ideally on a purpose built board, or failing that to have it on a hard, smooth and flat surface. Once cited well, the train set should take no more than 30 minutes to set.Returning to the set itself, it is pretty nice. However, as standalone piece of kit I can see children and adults wanting more at the end of day.

Unfortunately had to return this item due to a fault with the DCC unit keypad. The models are excellent and well detailed. Overall the package is very good value. I think Hornby DCC might suffer from track issues. I found the short wheelbase engine and the dead frog points very challenging at slow speeds and the slightest film on the track interferes with the signal and causes hesitant running. Fixing track firmly and keeping it clean obviously help, and if used at "train set" speeds the running is a lot smoother. Probably ideal as a train set but might be a bit frustrating for someone looking to this set for a route into more serious modelling.

The first set I received looked like it had been returned by a previous customer judging from the state of the packaging and didn't work. I requested a replacement,which I received 2 days later. This time the set looked brand new and worked perfectly. The set is an ideal entry level product for anyone wishing to get into DCC controlled model railways.

Original Hornby Trainset. Perfect train set for entering into the hobby. It's expensive because of the govt. Charges and high import duties in India otherwise available for almost half of the price.

I found this a cost effective way of introducing DCC to existing set up.

Good product well put together.Just needs a little stronger power supply and less sensitive