From Ultrascale's website:

[quote] "Notice Board
      Hornby Class 31

      (Last Updated: 8th August 2008)

      It has been brought to our attention that the latest batch of Hornby 
Class 31's have been modified, as far as the bogie drive mechanism is 
concerned.

      This means that our current conversion pack is now only suitable for 
models produced prior to 2008. For models produced after this date you will 
need to use our economy conversion pack." [unquote]

      Can anyone here confirm/supply more details about this?

      (kim)

"kim"  wrote

> From Ultrascale's website:
>
> [quote] "Notice Board
>      Hornby Class 31
>
>      (Last Updated: 8th August 2008)
>
>      It has been brought to our attention that the latest batch of Hornby 
> Class 31's have been modified, as far as the bogie drive mechanism is 
> concerned.
>
>      This means that our current conversion pack is now only suitable for 
> models produced prior to 2008. For models produced after this date you 
> will need to use our economy conversion pack." [unquote]
>
>      Can anyone here confirm/supply more details about this?

You could try looking at the service section of the Hornby website.

John.

John Turner wrote:
> "kim"  wrote
>
>> From Ultrascale's website:
>>
>> [quote] "Notice Board
>>      Hornby Class 31
>>
>>      (Last Updated: 8th August 2008)
>>
>>      It has been brought to our attention that the latest batch of
>> Hornby Class 31's have been modified, as far as the bogie drive
>> mechanism is concerned.
>>
>>      This means that our current conversion pack is now only
>> suitable for models produced prior to 2008. For models produced
>> after this date you will need to use our economy conversion pack."
>> [unquote] Can anyone here confirm/supply more details about this?
>
> You could try looking at the service section of the Hornby website.

Thanks John but I wasn't asking where I could get an upgrade but about what 
changes have been made to the latest version so as to make the Ultrascale 
upgrade unnecessary. I am assuming from Ultrascale's description that drive 
to the centre axles has now been abandoned but my understanding is that 
running problems were caused more by the linkage to the rotating fan.

(kim)

"kim"  wrote

> Thanks John but I wasn't asking where I could get an upgrade but about 
> what changes have been made to the latest version so as to make the 
> Ultrascale upgrade unnecessary.

I was suggesting looking at the varying service sheets to see what (any) 
differences there may be.

> I am assuming from Ultrascale's description that drive to the centre axles 
> has now been abandoned but my understanding is that running problems were 
> caused more by the linkage to the rotating fan.

That was certainly the problem with my class 31s.  Snip the drive to the fan 
and the running qualities improved out of sight.

John.

John Turner wrote:
> "kim"  wrote
>
>> Thanks John but I wasn't asking where I could get an upgrade but
>> about what changes have been made to the latest version so as to
>> make the Ultrascale upgrade unnecessary.
>
> I was suggesting looking at the varying service sheets to see what
> (any) differences there may be.

There is only only one service sheet on the website. It's dated May 2006 so 
does not include any recent alterations.

(kim)

"kim"  wrote

> There is only only one service sheet on the website. It's dated May 2006 
> so does not include any recent alterations.

Ah well, it was worth a look, but it also might be worth while asking 
whether there's an update available.

John.

>>I am assuming from Ultrascale's description that drive to the centre axles 
>>has now been abandoned

Have Hornby corrected the motor bogies then?

Martin wrote:
>>> I am assuming from Ultrascale's description that drive to the
>>> centre axles has now been abandoned
>
> Have Hornby corrected the motor bogies then?

That is what I am trying to ascertain. Except for that brief, unattributed 
note on Ultrascale's website, I've heard nothing about it.

(kim)