I received my 31 248 here in Australia last week, and duly ran it in on the rolling road, before putting it on a goods train. Mine is DCC sound fitted from new, and the sounds are very good. It sounds like a class 31 should, to me. This model follows on from several Accurascale class 92s and 37s I purchased, which I also find excellent models.
I did find one small item in the bottom of the box, below the foam packing, which turned out to be one of the fuel fillers. This was easily relocated and glued in place.
Running qualities straight out of the box were excellent, with a good smooth low speed crawl and a top speed that maybe a little faster than I need (easy enough to adjust with CVs or LokProgrammer/JMRI software). Haulage capacity is also good, and it will take more than I ever need to hang behind the couplings. Out of personal preference, I reduced the volume a little.
I fitted all of the pipe details at one end (removing the coupling and pocket), plus driver figures in the #1 cab. The appearance of the locomotive is spot-on, with a nice depth to the colours of the paint finish, while the paint is applied so that it doesn't obscure any detail - all panel lines and mouldings have crisp, sharp edges. I do like the way Accurascale cater for the minor detail differences that apply to each individual locomotive identity they offer.
Overall, I am very happy with my purchase, with a BR green version to follow, which will be on the way soon, and I have just ordered a third class 31, a Network Rail yellow one from the Accurascale exclusive pair.