Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 14" 'Efficient' in lined green

Unlike some others, my Andrew Barclay arrived in perfect physical condition...but even though the motor whirred it didn't move because the motor had become dislodged. Accurascale were quick to respond and directed me to their Product Guide on this (and many other models) which helped sort out the problem. I think I can 'fix' the problem - and this is a problem - with a very small amount of Kapton tape.

It runs beautifully on DC, but I mainly run DCC so ordered the matching LokPilot DCC decoder. First thing I discovered is that there are no instructions with the decoder and the matching Product Guide doesn't include specific instructions or diagrams on how to install the decoder. The change over process is easy but what I assumed was the logical way to insert it turned out to be wrong. The attached label has to face upwards. Initial running in DCC mode was disappointing so I changed CV 3 from 003 to 000 and that improved start up but still no match for DC. However, it does seem to have improved a little with some more running which has left me a little puzzled.

In summary, a few little disappointing quirks, but still very happy with my purchase.

As with all Accurascale's products, this model is nicely detailed and finished. The livery and lining are immaculate. However, the most impressive thing is the weight. For such a small model it is certainly quite hefty and I expect it will pull a fair size load.

a lovely little engine, surprisingly weighty with plenty of die-cast metal and nicely detailed

Excellent

Accurascale have outdone themselves with this fantastic OO gauge model.
The high level of attention to detail on the footplate to the exceptional quality of the livery is sublime. We have two Barclay locomotives at our industrial heritage railway at Prestongrange and after seeing the quality of detail on this I would love to see a reproduction model of our Grant Ritchie loco as this would complete my collection but also offer another exceptional model to customers.

Upon arrival of my loco I was immediately incredibly impressed with it, the livery is flawless and the detail is incredible too.

Running on DC is great and runs smooth and without issue.

But unfortunately this wasn't without certain issues, for example when I took it out the ridiculously oversized packaging, I found that all that extra padding didn't help, as the rear of the cab was bent and parts of the pipework were damaged, I sorted the cab out and straightened it and chose to ignore the pipework damage.

Then I DCC fitted it and that's when the running quality went from 10 to an absolute ZERO.

couldn't even get 5cm without stopping and stalling, I tried 5 different brand 6 pin decoders and even fitted one of them with a stay alive, and no matter what It always stalled, so unfortunately it's stuck as a DC runner.

This is an incredible model and it's fairly priced, but ALOT of work needs doing to amend these issues if accurascale are to continue producing these models.

Do I recommend it ?

Yes but only if you're a DC runner.

Lovely little shunter. Runs well in both directions. Nice weight and good level of detail. Looking forward to running it down the club.

As a director of the Ribble Steam Railway where this locomotive resides. I have found it a very good likenesses in a lot of the detail to the real thing. Excellent job accurascale.

I was very pleased to receive my model of this beautiful little Andrew Barclay locomotive.
The livery and detail is excellent but, sadly one of the front buffers was loose in the box. On closer inspection it was found to be bent in its housing.
Ok, I could have returned it and waited for a replacement locomotive.
Never one to shy away from small repairs myself I proceeded to part the buffer head from its housing, straighten it and with a dab of super glue all was good.

Pros: Good smooth performance, excellent printed lining, sprung buffers, nicely cast wheels.
Cons: Cab porthole window is too high, inclusion of vacuum brake components which are not prototypical, chimney join to body is too pronounced, different Barclay class to prototype.