The very high standards of current rtr models from Accurascale and others has I think tuned many of us into collectors in so much as the prototypes might b a stretch for our chosen modelling period or setting but the models are so good we make excuses (rule 1!) to fit them in somewhere.
A 57xx is a stretch for a 'north east/north west transition' themed layout but to be fair, that restriction has already been breached already on my layout - not least by Accurascales Manor!
I had very high expectations of this model and have an affinity for 7714 as its one of the stalwarts of the Severn Valley Railway which is just up the road from me.
The model is very well observed and is certainly up to (but doesnt surpass) recent releases. Its well finished, it runs well (though mine has a very slight 'roll'), the mechanism is silent and strong.
The 'face' is slightly marred by the spacing of the smokebox numberplate characters looking 'pinched'.
My main reservation is with the sound reproduction. Having expected the equivalent of the J67 (another 'rule1'!) the 57xx is a real disappointment. The sound reproduction from the twin speakers is thin and tinny. Nothing much to be gained by adjusting the bass and treble settings, the whole set up lacks punch and impact. I dont beleive this is the sound project at fault (though testing it on ESU decoder tester with a better speaker didnt produce the transformation I hoped for). I'm looking at replacing the factory fitted speakers though this isnt going to be easy as they appear to be glued in.
As it stands I wouldn't buy a second 57xx
