FAQs on the Nightjet product recall
We are finally able to provide you with new, reliable information on the product recall of the Nightjet models. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the causes, adjustments and the timeline.
1. How could this fault happen?
A constant power supply is very important for trouble-free operation of the Nightjet models; it is provided by the contact between the wheel and the rail. That is why the control car is equipped with a backup capacitor to compensate for brief interruptions in the power supply. In rare cases, a combination of poor contacting and long operating times leads to increased current consumption and then to heat generation, which results in increased contact resistance at the contact surfaces.
2. If all models are inspected after assembly, why was the fault not detected?
All models have undergone inspection and test runs at our factory. The increased contact resistance described above was not detectable during this test process and did not occur. In our test process, all trainsets complete a ride in both directions and all lighting functions are tested.
3. What exactly is converted in the models?
The following measures are preventive to safeguard against the rare cases of increased current consumption. No difference can be seen from the outside of the model.
The current-carrying axles of the digital models are converted to high-precision centre axle bearings. These ensure a reliable power supply to the main board in the control car as well as a lower contact resistance. They also ensure perfect running characteristics.
The charging connection/charging control of the capacitor has also been optimised. A newly developed adapter board is inserted into the existing PluX interface for this purpose. The existing decoder is plugged into the PluX interface provided on this adapter board.
4. Will anything else be converted or inspected?
Along with the work listed above, the soldering joints of the current-carrying digital couplings will be inspected on all models. This means that each coupling is opened, the soldering joints are checked and, if necessary, the coupling is replaced. The same applies to the soldering joints of the cable connection from the coupling to the LED board.
New operating instructions are included with all models; the original operating instructions are no longer valid. A current version of the operating instructions will soon be available online for each model version.
5. Is my analogue model (art. no. 5500004) affected if I operate it in analogue mode?
There is no need for action if you use the model in analogue mode. These models have a much lower current consumption as only the control car is illuminated.
6. Is my analogue model (art. no. 5500004) affected if I operate it in digital mode?
If the model is used in digital mode with an operating voltage of more than 16 volts, connecting the new adapter board developed to meet the current requirements is essential. This conversion can be carried out by your specialist dealer or you can install it yourself. The adapter board is simply plugged into the existing PluX interface. In the next step, the decoder is plugged into the adapter board. This measure is sufficient for art. no. 5500004 since the entire train is not supplied with power and overload is ruled out due to the existing contact plates.
7. How do I get the adapter board for my analogue version?
You can get the adapter board from your specialist dealer. Please get in touch with them. We will deliver the adapter board as soon as it is available.
8. Are the “Black Edition” models (art. no. 5510005/5520005) also affected?
Yes, the “Black Edition” models are also affected, but their technology is based on a different concept. That means all soldering joints are checked and conversion to centre axle bearings is carried out. An adapter board is not installed.
9. How long will the conversion take?
The inspection process for soldering joints and cable connections has been ongoing since the end of January. We expect to start delivering back to our customers in April 2025.
10. Can I track the current status of the conversions? Is there a tracking system?
Since the returns are sent through our specialist dealer partners, it is unfortunately not possible to track the packages or the conversions.
11. Can I carry out the conversion myself?
Converting the DCC and AC models yourself is not possible, so it is essential that you return them to us.
The exception is article 5500004 (DC analogue); it is possible to retrofit the adapter board yourself.
12. Will I get my exact model back?
Since we also receive models that have already been converted (for instance, figures have been inserted), it is particularly important to us that every customer gets their individualised model back. This is ensured by careful documentation between the specialist dealer and our factories.
13. Can I tell whether a model I buy has been to the factory for conversion?
Each set will be labelled with a corresponding marking (silver sticker) that corresponds to our batch records after it has been converted and fully inspected.
14. What if I bought my model in Switzerland and live in Switzerland?
The model will be returned as normal to the specialist dealer from whom it was purchased. They will then forward it to our factory through our service partner.
15. What if I bought my model in Switzerland and live outside Switzerland?
In this case, please contact the specialist dealer from whom the model was purchased. We will then work with the specialist dealer to find a customised solution for the return.
16. Will there be more Nightjet models in the future?
The Nightjet model is very popular with our customers, as shown by the number of requests and submissions we have received on this subject. So there will be more editions of the Nightjet in the coming years. These will be designed in line with the new technical standards from the factory.
Update recall Nightjet
We would like to give you an update on the product recall of the “Nightjet”:
After thorough testing over the past few days, we have now been able to ensure that the analog version is NOT affected.
We therefore ask you to no longer send in the model with the following article number for inspection: 5500004.
Models that have already been sent in will be returned to your dealer shortly.
All dealers have already been informed about the Nightjet return process and will be happy to assist you with the return of your model.
Please note that your model can only be returned via the dealer where it has been bought.
We are currently working intensively on the technical solution and will publish updates as soon as possible!
Thank you very much for your support!
Product recall “Nightjet” and “Nightjet Black Edition”
We regret to inform you that a product recall is necessary for the “Nightjet” models listed below. We have received reports that indicate a fire hazard in relation to electrical components due to overheating.
We therefore explicitly point out that we currently do not recommend the use and operation of the affected models.
We would like to formally apologize for this and express our regret!
Safety is our top priority. In order to avoid any further risk, all Nightjet models with the following article numbers will be checked and, if necessary, modified: Art. No. 5500004, 5510004, 5520004, 5510005, 5520005
All authorized dealers have already been informed and we would ask you to contact your point of sale immediately if you have purchased one of the above models. They will carry out the return with you and inform you of the next individual steps. An external expert will be called in to investigate the cause.
We would like to thank you in advance for your support and ask for your understanding that the implementation of any measures may take some time.