Dapol Class 122 - not working.

[Class15]

Hi all,

My Dapol Class 122 stopped working very suddenly today. It now makes a sound, as if it’s powering up, lights come on, but it doesn’t move.

It is a DC loco but I was using it on a Bachmann DCC system today.

Can anyone help? Many thanks.

 

[Sprinter107]

I've the same problem. And I cant seem to find anywhere to fix it. I've emailed the place that usually deals with Dapol repairs, and had no reply from them. Ive taken it to a couple of places that do repairs but they were unable to fix it. Id be grateful for any advice too.

 

[Iskra]

It's a design flaw, which I also had before I got rid of mine. This is why they are so cheap. It's a shame as they are a lovely looking model.

There is a video on YouTube somewhere that explains it, but basically the drive shaft is a little short so slips out of it's mounting meaning that the motor can't transfer any power to the wheels. Hence, you get all the right sounds and lights, but nothing happens. If you are capable you can replace the drive shaft and it will then work.

 

[Class15]

It's a design flaw, which I also had before I got rid of mine. This is why they are so cheap. It's a shame as they are a lovely looking model.

There is a video on YouTube somewhere that explains it, but basically the drive shaft is a little short so slips out of it's mounting meaning that the motor can't transfer any power to the wheels. Hence, you get all the right sounds and lights, but nothing happens. If you are capable you can replace the drive shaft and it will then work.

Thanks Iskra. Very disappointing but that’s life I guess. Will get a Hornby one to replace it at some point in that case. Is this a problem with other Dapol models? Should I steer clear of the new Class 88?

 

[Iskra]

Thanks Iskra. Very disappointing but that’s life I guess. Will get a Hornby one to replace it at some point in that case. Is this a problem with other Dapol models? Should I steer clear of the new Class 88?

I think it’s just an issue with the 121/122. The Dapol 68 was highly rated, so you’d expect the 88 to be too. It’s always worth checking out a couple of reviews before purchasing though if you can, although that is harder with brand new models.

 

[Sprinter107]

I think the problem was both OO and O gauge models. Mine was OO, but I know of someone who has had the same problem with the O gauge one.
I'm just a bit put out that the company that is supposed to put this sort of thing right on Dapols behalf seems to offer such a poor service. Again, talking to other people at work, its not just me that's had problems.

 

[Iskra]

For me the damning thing is/was that they (and retailers) continued selling the model even when it was known to have problems.

 

[Class15]

I think the problem was both OO and O gauge models. Mine was OO, but I know of someone who has had the same problem with the O gauge one.
I'm just a bit put out that the company that is supposed to put this sort of thing right on Dapols behalf seems to offer such a poor service. Again, talking to other people at work, its not just me that's had problems.

Has anyone not had an issue with a Dapol 121/122 in that case? Or is this fault just bound to happen at some point? If so, I won’t even bother trying to fix the thing.

 

[Hairy Bear]

The problem is with the plastic universal joint on the metal driveshafts coming loose. They need to be removed, cleaned up and superglued back on. It's fiddly but I've done 2 sets now successfully. There's a youtube video showing how it's done by Jenny kirk if I remember rightly. Dapol did offer replacement shafts but quickly sold out. Bad design from the start though.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Has anyone not had an issue with a Dapol 121/122 in that case? Or is this fault just bound to happen at some point? If so, I won’t even bother trying to fix the thing.

I've had no trouble with mine, though my layout is a simple "out and back" with no sharp turns so doesn't really test the model to its limits.

 

[DJ_K666]

This video gives a pretty good how-to when it comes to fixing these.