Class 50 Run 1 Update - Let's Talk Unpainted Parts

Warbonnet · Friday at 14:00

Our newly delivered Class 50s are now settling in on many layouts and in collections across the British outline 4mm scale community. We’ve received plenty of praise for their accurate shape, fine detailing, smooth performance, high-quality paint finish, realistic lighting, and other features such as sound and operational functions.

However, it hasn’t been entirely perfect.

One issue has been parts becoming detached during transit. We traced this back to the clamshell packaging design and are now working closely with the factory to improve drop-testing procedures for all future models. Additionally, we’re planning packaging improvements for Run 2.

That said, it’s worth noting that none of the many samples we received suffered any damage in transit — not a single detached part. So, naturally we thought that the packaging was up to scratch. Sadly, we were wrong!

While the packaging design can and will be improved, there’s another contributing factor — one that also has a visual impact: the unpainted multiple working sockets on the front of the locomotives.

Throughout the development of any new model, we share all sample stages publicly — warts and all. The Class 50s were shown with fully painted multiple working sockets during the decoration and first production sample phases. These were signed off for production, and manufacturing proceeded based on that approval.

When the finished locomotives arrived, we were surprised to find the multiple sockets were left unpainted — plain orange plastic rather than painted as specified.

After extensive discussions with the factory, it was determined this was a simple human error: unpainted (self-coloured) parts were used instead of the correctly painted ones. While disappointing, these things can occasionally happen. Both we and the factory have now implemented additional checks to prevent this from recurring.

The use of unpainted parts also led to a weaker bond between the sockets and the painted body of the locomotive, as painted parts typically adhere more securely. This contributed to more frequent detachment of these components.

We understand that some modellers are unhappy with the self-coloured plastic sockets, so we’ve arranged for the factory to produce a new batch of fully painted replacements for customers to fit themselves. These will be available free of charge. To request them, simply click the link below and provide either your order number (if purchased directly) or proof of purchase (if bought through our retail network).

Roll on Run 2 of the Class 50s, which will be revealed on Tuesday, July 8th! In the meantime, you can still order remaining stock from Batch 1 below.