Realtrack Models – Class 156 DMU (Cat no RT156-114) Scotrail Barbie Livery

Realtrack Models – Class 156 DMU (Cat no RT156-114)

Realtrack having raised the bar in DMU models with the release of the 144 & 143, have pushed & raised the bar again with the all new class 156 DMU model. Made by Rapido Trains to Realtrack specs this model features superb details with fantastic performance. Realtrack really has captured the character of the class 156 DMU. Just like the 144/143’s is very difficult to criticise or find area’s for improvement, though Realtrack / Rapido are doing an upgraded version on the next batch of class 156’s that are being released towards the end of 2018.

The model has an impressive amount of separate detail parts, flush glazing, working head/tail lights & interior lighting, compensated sprung axles, all wheel power pickups, fine-scale profile wheels. Both cars have motors driving the inner the inner bogie wheelsets at the non-cab end. The motors are mounted under the floor so there is no intrusion into the passenger compartment by the motor.

On the decoration, Rapido has carried on the high standards of the 143/144’s though some folk say the purple may be a tad to light? I’ll leave that up to you to decide if it’s right or just off.

The coupling between the inner end of the cars is a powered plug bar type close coupling. The outer ends feature a NEM socket with removable small tension lock coupling. These allow the couplings to be removed & dummy BSI coupling fitted& ploughs to be fitted (supplied in the box)

The model is set up for sound & as is standard from Realtrack choice of DCC sound onboard version (featuring their very own Leggoman Biffo sounds). DCC fitted, DCC ready.

Performance is smooth & reliable giving excellent running across insulated point work & inclines etc. On my layout, the model has no issues coping with the 4% grade incline.

Sounds featured included all the usual ones that you’d expect plus some others you don’t expect. You have a choice of various onboard announcements that can be changed by selecting one of the CV settings listed in the handbook. Another novel sound is the flushing toilet & yes even the toilet compartment interior details are on the model, even though you can’t see them through the window.

Other features include direction cab lighting that turns off soon as the DMU moves off, autocoupling sound, various levels of thrash start off, lit destination box, fluorescent lighting flicker when turning lights on, working door orange central locking warning lights just to name a few. Another thing of note is the attention to detail on the DMU underside, one thing Rapido pride themselves on adding on all their models. As Jason Shron president of Rapido jokes ” If it derails & ends up on its side you can admire all the underfloor pipework & details.

See the photos below in the photo slider gallery to see more on this stunning model.

Key Features:

• 5-pole skew wound motor in both cars
• Power pickups on all wheels
• Fine details & parts
• NEM  small type tension lock couplings with drop-in BSI dummy coupling option
• Separate  handrails
• Brass etched parts
• Fine flush glazed windows
• Metal chassis
• DCC ready, DCC fitted, DCC Sound onboard
• Choice of different destinations
• various lighting & sound functions
• Working head/tail/ interior, door lock, destination box lighting
• Powered inner coupling
• Detailed under chassis parts
• Compensated sprung axles
• Fine-scale profile wheels
• Twin fitted sound

Realtrack

Class 156 Scotrail (First/ Abelio) :

RT156-111

RT156-112

RT156-113

RT156-114 (Featured in this article)

RT156-115

RT156-116

RT156-117

Some photos in the gallery kindly provided by Kiele Baldwin. The model also kindly provided by Kiele Baldwin.

[wordbay]Railtrack class 156[/wordbay]

Have one of these in your collection?

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