The hooks of a tension lock coupling can fit into the hole on these Hornby chains, thus making the pioneering era stuff sorta compatible with the normal couplings.
@@SamsTrains what a lovely little beauty you have got there. loved watching the film that Lion appeared in at the end. I expect that it's possible to recreate that scene from the film now that Hornby has released the Model of Lion. are planning on using for a Halleen special or something like that?
I hope that Hornby will delve even deeper into the past and produce models such as Trevithicks Pennydarren, Stephensons Locomotion and Hedleys Puffing Billy. The two latter would be great companions to those chauldron wagons. Pay attention, Hornby! No realy, the early engines of the experimental days deserve more attention.
Do you know the other four names of the Lion/Tiger group of engines. I read somewhere that "Lion" may not actually be the original. When it went to the docks it was not the only example they had.
I love watching you review model trains. watching Lion being tested on your model railway reminds me of the happy moments that I had running my model railway that my dad built for me and my brother when we where kids. our Dad sold the layout when we moved to France
I have one. Fantastic! Pulled the 6 coaches as it would for the Centenary Image. Pulled 9 Accurascale Chaldrons. Very satisfied with the level of detail. The price, once the wagons are deducted out, is virtually the same as Rapido Lion at £152. I also have Rapido Lion on order, and will place them head to head, the loser to get renamed Tiger
A note about the first class coach names. There exists photographs of Lion from the 1930s, and Lion is pulling Experience, Traveler and Huskinson; as well as three 3rd class coaches. In the Lion set, you get Experience and Traveler. The additional coach pack R40371 has Huskinson. Experience was part of the limited edition R3809 Triang Rocket (red box) set in 2020. Since that was a memorabilia design (a homage to R346, R621 and R796) R3809 Rocket included the same three 1st class coaches, Times, Experience and Despatch. Traveler was never released before as is the same for Huskinson. ÷÷÷ I placed three 1st class coaches and three 3rd class coaches behind Lion. I had no issues pulling the consist as shown in the 1930s photograph.
Wow, I have to say that Hornby are trying to put out quality models, even with the increasing prices. I'm tempted to pick up one of these. I also remember promising a report on my 9F, which runs perfectly with no torque issues or motor faults. Remembering what you said during the review of the Fell, I firmly believe you got unlucky with a faulty motor.
Yeah I agree - despite all they do that's questionable, the last couple of models from them have shown a MASSIVE improvement... very awesome! Glad your 9F was better too... I'm getting a new motor for mine! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
My theory as to the livery and other inaccuracies is the fact that Hornby would have paid for and had installed, the tooling apparatus for their model of “Titfield Thunderbolt”, and would have also drawn up livery specifications for the factory producing them. Rather than have to go through the extra cost of sourcing new tooling equipment and drawing up new livery specs, they just used what they already had, but changed the nameplate as this would have been very easy and cheap to do. They then modified the packaging to suit and slapped “era 1” on it in the hope that not many people would notice the glaring error.
That said, I still really want to get one. However, I’m waiting for the release of the official Titfield packs to see if that version is any better for the increased price before making a decision on which to buy. I’ve got the Titfield pack that includes the loco, dans house and Loriot Y wagon with toad brake van on pre-order, just in case I do decide to go for the Rapido model, so they don’t sell out before I have the chance to decide. I’ve also got the Rapido Wisbech and Upwell tramcar in the livery it was painted in for the film on order, as I plan to also recreate the train before it was derailed.
On your comment about the paint on the wheels mismatching the splashers and loco itself, I noticed this on the Apple Green model of Tornado as well, it was noticeably (to me at least) a different shade of green which put me off buying it. I waited for a mint condition Bachmann model showed up on eBay instead and got one for a bargain at £85 (Mint condition)!
Yeah that's basically what I'm thinking too - they can't call it the 1950s "Titfield" Lion for obvious reasons, so the whole Centenary thing seems to have come about instead... I think this makes sense! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's a nice model but the fact that it has era 1 on packaging, the1930s rebuild design, 1980s braking gear with the 1930s tender detail, and the1952 pressure gauge position, I just can't bring myself to get one if the detail isn't going to be right to the era. Still, very nice review Sam. Keep up the good work!
Certainly if Hornby produced Lion in a true Era 1 condition it would make sense to buy her for me otherwise I'd just get the Rapido ones if you're modelling Lion in her preserved condition
It's gorgeous. It looks wonderful with the coupling rods whirling around, pulling the long rake of coaches. The wooden casing on the boiler and firebox is very convincing too. 👍😊
Noticed after runnung in that the rear tender wheels had started to 'drag' rather then turning nicely like they were at first! Shame about the lack of slow speed running though.
@@SamsTrains that'll be why they've given the tender the extra mass from the cast body - tender pick ups. They need the weight to overcome the drag of the pickups. By the sound of it this is on the edge, if the wheels still drag a little.
It may not be entirely accurate, but it's a lovely representation of an 1840-ish locomotive. Now, please can we have a generic Stephenson/Sharp Stewart 2-2-2 engine?
I think so too Ian - close enough for me at any rate! I'd love to see a 2-2-2... but not an easy thing to build in model form! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Trix did a nice model of the 2-2-2 Der Adler (first train in Germany) many years ago in HO scale. I think it might have had a motorised tender, or perhaps one of the three coaches in the set was motorised. At any rate, a nice model of a typical English engine of the period. Come on Hornby, or Rapido...
This is a great loco. Hornby getting back to quality, even if the crawl is not fantastic. I think a lot would be happy with this loco. Not a horrible price for it compared to most OO scale models.
I cared for Lion whist in storage at MOSI. What was interesting is one corner the frame and one buffer was distorted due to an 'accident' during the filming of the 'Titfield Thunderbolt' at Monkton Combe. The BR driver had a preference for 'wetting his whistle with cider' during film breaks (well it is the West Country) you can actually see the impact on film as Lion is lifted slightly off the rails. Ealing did not inform the owner and neither did they when Lion was painted in garish colours for Ealing's first technicolour film. Thanks for the review Sam.
I’ve found something interesting with this loco and it’s that if you use the gaugemaster controller it can crawl for me but if you use any other it can’t crawl
What a joy for the eye she is Sam. Just wow, extraordinary, and at least with a motor this time up for the job. The crawl is another matter. Us being new in the hobby we are just guessing but would she require DCC to be able to crawl? On the other hand, 2022 and still applying a 3 pole is of course seriously questionable. However, overall, fabulous value. Especially the rigid coupling chains are quite smart and of course H including painted figures as of recently. Very fair review. We can certainly feel the enthusiasm.
She certainly is Linda - amazing work from Hornby here! DCC may improve the crawl, but of course some engines can crawl excellently on analogue, and this isn't one of them sadly. Not sure about their choice of motor here... it performs marvellously at high speed... which is arguably better than being able to crawl, and being shoddy in terms of torque as some are! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Modelers who care about "Accuracy": Tells Sam not to complain about certain things on a loco not being exactly how he would have liked them. Also modelers who care about "Accuracy": "NOOO! THEY CAN'T ADD A GAUGE AND AN AIRBRAKE VALVE!!!" But in all seriousness, this is just me having a laugh. I come from a Rivet Counter background myself but if a loco is just really cool and good, who cares? It's a good loco! Another amazing review as always, Sam!
Hi Sam, have you reviewed the vid? on the crawl test, the rear axel on the tender was stopping, part rotation, have a look, could be a retest is needed. Great review of a stunning model
This model from Hornby is very nice and I do like it but it still has problems like its body for the locomotive should have been made out of metal and it should have been geared down a bit so that it can do a proper slow speed performance. Plus, Hornby should have used a 5 pole motor or a coreless motor which will make the Lion locomotive model work even better Sam.
Hey Sam, great video! I know you sometimes visit heritage lines on the channel and was just wondering if you have been to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It has a big variety of locomotives and I think you'd love it!
It is rather 'The Flying Lion" ! But I agree with your ratings and remarks. A 5-pole could do a better slow speed job on DC. On DCC it's just a matter of acceleration & deceleration CV's. My question: what are the % of DC to DCC model railroaders ? Overall a fun little engine and hopefully a winner for Hornby. This time they deserve it ! Thanks for this pleasant & honest review Sam ! Cheers,
I hope Rapido can do a better job on Lion than their Class 1600. Mine wouldn't run and had to be returned to the retailer, only to be replaced by one that was even worse in build quality. I had to dismantle the chassis, remove the huge globs of glue and reassemble it.
I hope Hornby have learned their lesson about trying to pinch the rights to the Titfield Thunderbolt model. That said, this set was unannounced. Make of that what you will. At least there is quality and value here, but no 5 pole motor as you said Sam, that lets it down re the crawl. I dare say no flywheel either. Thanks for the review though Sam, keep it up. Best, Pete.
The reason they wrap it in plastic at the factory is to make sure the model does not get scratched in transport (in case the paint is not completely hardened). You do not need to use the plastic in regular storage after having bought the model. The paint is surely hardened by then. It is standard procedure, we use it in our factory as well (not model railways though, but similar production style).
Shame about the crawl or lack there off. Other then that, lord have mercy what incredible model! Part of me however feels that hornby should use this new high standard to produce models that have yet to be modelled rather then trying to snuff the completion. Then again of we have a repeat of the terrier sor adams radials then perhaps one could see why... Great review as always Sam 👏
haha definitely - but it sure is, absolutely outstanding! Let's hope all of Hornby's stuff is like this in terms of quality... they've turned over a new leaf since the 9F! Let's see them do something not already being done next time, agreed! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
We have the Rapido set on order as one of the lines on our proposed model is a preservation Society so we can run anything. The main bit is run down Southern Seaside in the 59s / 60s. David and Lily. Saw Lion at the Rainhill event 1981, and an ancestor worked at Edgehill 1 year younger than Robert Stephenson!!
'Kinnaird' is the likely example. There's a good photo to work from. I love the gigantic eccentrics. I'd like a model of the unrebuilt 'Cornwall', with the boiler underslung.
I actually cabbed it inside Rugby Midland’s loco shed (sssh!) while it was being used for filming on the Rugby to Leamington line back in 1961. A pretty easy shed to get round without being seen.
The tender-pickups explain why its heavy, metal tender, tough I wish they simply went for a standard chain + hook coupling on the tender as well, so we can use it to couple any wagon that has a hook, (and maybe sprung buffers just in case). I must say i like it, wish there were more "Victorian" locos on the market, other than those late 1890's (like the D 700) ones. To bad its not worth it for me to get one, do to the import taxes!
Yes that's true actually - though I don't quite get why they don't go for some sort of axle based pickup for the tender... they could justify it here given how critical drag could be... wonder what Rapido are doing?? Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What a bizzarre journey this locomotive has been on. It’s easy to see where Hornby’s priorities lie. New tooled locomotives announced years ago have not even been seen. Headline locomotives announced for this year have been quietly pushed to next year. Oh, but the one locomotive that a competitor is making, let’s get THAT one finished asap.
You may need to oil the real wheels on the tender Sam,as after the run in test, they were sliding and not turning. Absolutely stunning looking model though.
Sam, how about coupling a new Rapido Lion to a Hornby one back to back and set them going in opposite directions? It would be an interesting comparison.
Super video Sam. A good locomotive and if it is sold at the reasonable price, value. Not my cup of tea , but a noteworthy locomotive. Hornby maybe on the way up again. Let’s hope that they are. Xxx magic video.❤
The fast start may be a function of the 3-poler motor with DC (and DCC). DCC with a slow acceleration profile and high pulse rate may make an improvement, but with a 3-pole motor? And as you say a greater gearbox ratio would be more acceptable. If you want very slow take off and slow speed crawl see some of the smaller HOm BEMO products.
Good to see some Horby gaining improvement! I have to ask Sam, I recall in your final 2021 vid you mentioned trying put British N scale. Think you still will? Look forward to it an other videos!
Would like to see the 1802/1804 Trevithick locomotive in the pioneers range, considering I live relatively locally to where the 1802 locomotive was built
Good review overall Sam, a nice looking locomotive, looks like a nice train pack, probably won’t join my collection mainly because I don’t really have any interest in the era 1 items, I have recently picked up some great models one being the kernow class 41 warship, a bachmann deltic prototype which has been weathered and some accurascale wagons.
Thanks David, it sure is! Fair enough if you're not interested, but thanks for checking out out. Wow those sound excellent :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Love the old fashioned design for this locomotive! I also like the wood detailing along with some other painted details too like the gauges in the cab! 🦁
The tender is probably die cast because it is so small. It will bounch up and down and derail easily when running. Another trick would be to make the flanges larger on the tender, and make a lighter model. I am sure people would have something to say about larger flanges as well. You can't please all.
Lovely looking model as for accuracy there are no drawings or photos of the original loco as built so looks like Hornby used the loco as is in the museum.
In the early history of railways, the distinction between a coach and a carriage, was that a coach had a roof and a carriage did not. So it is the blue carriage at the end, and not the blue coach! Nowadays, you would only have what is strictly speaking a carriage on a narrow gauge or miniature railway. The term carriage is used on model railways to mean non-corridor stock and commuter stock, whilst the term coach is used for long distance trains. London Underground refer to their trains as having 'cars', which is abbreviation of carriage. Thanks for another inimitable review.
I'm wondering if the slow crawl is affected by the rear wheels on the tender. They were not turning by much when you were trying. Apart from that, a great little loco and a very good review.
That shouldn't affect the crawl, as there's tonnes of torque in the mechanism... I just don't think this this a great crawler! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Superb looking model ! Except with scratchbuild models, there is no period 1 engine on the market, and this one is a great one. And, for once, they have not stuck their crappy motor like on the 9F ! And she is a good runner, everything you need ! Sole default for me : overgeared, as nearly all UK OO locomotives... I'm with you on this one : a superb engine, sold at a justified price, with no let down on the basics (3 poles motor but works fine and do the job), a splendid aspect, and to bell with hysterical accuracy ! Seriously, why can't Hornby do all their models like this one ?
Fair call that you don't want to risk opening it up. I would really like to know if there is room to add more weight though. Surely the boiler is hollow? My layout has grades so that information is crucial before I consider this awesome looking little model. Factory fitted speaker is brilliant too
Hi Sam. What a beautiful model. I wouldn't be too fussed over the inaccuracies; the apparent difference in colours is probably due to the different finishes on the parts of the model. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the early locos, if they had buffers at all, were made from stuffed leather, so I don't think those on the model are all that bad (I wouldn't expect them to be sprung). Did you notice that the rear tender wheels periodically stuck during the crawl test? Hornby in the past has been noted for good mechanisms and not so noted for the bodywork; how interesting that Hornby has turned this model on its head!
As usual this is a great review. I am glad to see some nice models for Era I. Bachmann made some sets of era I US trains, but they were raw and outrageous plastic tat. If these sell well hopefully we will see some more quality early models.
I would check those rods against a ruler, in the closeup detail segment it appears that the left-hand rod is bent in the middle which may explain some of the awkward performance.
Interesting locomotive, Sam. There was a 5 inch gauge locomotive of the Lion built here in Australia back in the 1970s I think. A beautiful piece of kit for sure. Just seen Hornby’s announcement which took me by surprise, they’ve revealed their TT scale range. Updated Post: Initially I said there were no Western locos or stock with the TT range which there isn’t when you look at the main page of pre-orders but having a look at the free brochure, Western locos will make an appearance after all in a different stage of release. The dark side is still an option though hehe aka modelling the LNER/Eastern Region lol 😆😉. I do have two LNER locos in the collection and ironically my first ever steam loco was an LNER J83 number 9819 in LNER black. So maybe the LNER is still calling 🤔 I suppose you are going to do your usual review of the new range in your model news series? Looking forward to your take on it. Though, I’m happy that there’s Pullman coaches with lights in the range, they’ll look pretty cool in TT scale. Keep well, Sam. Regards, Caleb
hornby should do a model of the liverpool overhead railway and trains, there where 2 types of train original 1893 wood body trains and 1950 steel body trains
It's called business. The moment any manufacturer moves into altruistic only territory is the moment they start to disappear. If they do well then the decisions are correct.
Thanks for this super good review again Sam. I guess for all who have preordered this model, and took a big gamble, it has payed off in the end. I think most of us where in for the surprise over the quality of the model. Although if you approach it from the historical side you will be disappointed, but I'm sure the same will be sad about the other producer, of the Lion that still has to come out. Of course, one will be perhaps be a bid better than the other, but it won't change the historical correctness. And "The Titfield Thunderbolt" is, and always will be, a fictional movie prop, and is as fictional as a big Coca-Cola bottle on a wagon. But despite all that, we have to give Hornby the credit for executing a lovely model. But on the other hand, what I really don't want to see anymore is, that's it will become a habit for Hornby to let people pre order and gambling if, or if not the model will be good, or a disaster. And at the same time also hope they all commit them selfs to do some proper research and execution of a model with all seriousness, It will never be a 100% historically correct, as too much essential information is lost over time, we have to accept this. But at the same time, it also mustn't be a cheap solution and an easy way out. As others already stated, I really do hope, to see more of this early L&MR models to be announced. But I do not hope to see two model producers again announcing the same model and these senseless legal disputes. It is as ridicules as two persons try to hit the same fly in a room full of flies. There Is so little produced of the wide range of this early era, there is such a huge interest in it from the public, so please producers give us some variation…
It's a pleasure Danny, it sure did pay off! Fantastic quality from Hornby now, long may it continue! Let's keep those fingers crossed for more early locos like this one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Looks beautiful and runs well. Perhaps Hornby has improved there small models because they are becoming more experienced with this size due to the TT:120 development. I kind of wish I had waited for this instead of buying the Rocket Mail Train. Oh well
The hooks of a tension lock coupling can fit into the hole on these Hornby chains, thus making the pioneering era stuff sorta compatible with the normal couplings.
Oh really? I haven't tried that, thanks for the idea!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains what a lovely little beauty you have got there. loved watching the film that Lion appeared in at the end.
I expect that it's possible to recreate that scene from the film now that Hornby has released the Model of Lion.
are planning on using for a Halleen special or something like that?
I hope that Hornby will delve even deeper into the past and produce models such as Trevithicks Pennydarren, Stephensons Locomotion and Hedleys Puffing Billy. The two latter would be great companions to those chauldron wagons. Pay attention, Hornby!
No realy, the early engines of the experimental days deserve more attention.
Do you know the other four names of the Lion/Tiger group of engines. I read somewhere that "Lion" may not actually be the original. When it went to the docks it was not the only example they had.
@@georgethomas7814 LMR57 Lion. LMR58 Tiger. LMR62 Leopard. LMR64 Panther. LMR65 Elephant. LMR67 Buffalo. All Todd, Kitson & Laird locomotives
@@WhatAboutTheBee thank you so much
@@georgethomas7814 You are quite welcome!
I hope they do too Jonatan - it would be awesome to see some of those you mentioned!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks again for the review. Your reviews are always top notch and you do your homework which other reviewers lack.
It's a pleasure Jim, thank you so much for the kind words!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Is this model proof that Hornby finally cares about us. Only the next model will prove that
I love watching you review model trains. watching Lion being tested on your model railway reminds me of the happy moments that I had running my model railway that my dad built for me and my brother when we where kids. our Dad sold the layout when we moved to France
Shame you had to lose it, do you have any interest in coming back to the hobby?
I have one. Fantastic! Pulled the 6 coaches as it would for the Centenary Image. Pulled 9 Accurascale Chaldrons. Very satisfied with the level of detail. The price, once the wagons are deducted out, is virtually the same as Rapido Lion at £152. I also have Rapido Lion on order, and will place them head to head, the loser to get renamed Tiger
What unique locomotive. It's not every day you see a loco like that. 👍
It sure is Sean - fantastic to have this in model form! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
*Cough Cough* Rapido *Cough Cough*
the real one is in the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry
A note about the first class coach names.
There exists photographs of Lion from the 1930s, and Lion is pulling Experience, Traveler and Huskinson; as well as three 3rd class coaches.
In the Lion set, you get Experience and Traveler. The additional coach pack R40371 has Huskinson.
Experience was part of the limited edition R3809 Triang Rocket (red box) set in 2020. Since that was a memorabilia design (a homage to R346, R621 and R796) R3809 Rocket included the same three 1st class coaches, Times, Experience and Despatch.
Traveler was never released before as is the same for Huskinson.
÷÷÷
I placed three 1st class coaches and three 3rd class coaches behind Lion. I had no issues pulling the consist as shown in the 1930s photograph.
Wow, I have to say that Hornby are trying to put out quality models, even with the increasing prices. I'm tempted to pick up one of these.
I also remember promising a report on my 9F, which runs perfectly with no torque issues or motor faults. Remembering what you said during the review of the Fell, I firmly believe you got unlucky with a faulty motor.
Yeah I agree - despite all they do that's questionable, the last couple of models from them have shown a MASSIVE improvement... very awesome! Glad your 9F was better too... I'm getting a new motor for mine!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
My theory as to the livery and other inaccuracies is the fact that Hornby would have paid for and had installed, the tooling apparatus for their model of “Titfield Thunderbolt”, and would have also drawn up livery specifications for the factory producing them. Rather than have to go through the extra cost of sourcing new tooling equipment and drawing up new livery specs, they just used what they already had, but changed the nameplate as this would have been very easy and cheap to do. They then modified the packaging to suit and slapped “era 1” on it in the hope that not many people would notice the glaring error.
That said, I still really want to get one. However, I’m waiting for the release of the official Titfield packs to see if that version is any better for the increased price before making a decision on which to buy. I’ve got the Titfield pack that includes the loco, dans house and Loriot Y wagon with toad brake van on pre-order, just in case I do decide to go for the Rapido model, so they don’t sell out before I have the chance to decide. I’ve also got the Rapido Wisbech and Upwell tramcar in the livery it was painted in for the film on order, as I plan to also recreate the train before it was derailed.
On your comment about the paint on the wheels mismatching the splashers and loco itself, I noticed this on the Apple Green model of Tornado as well, it was noticeably (to me at least) a different shade of green which put me off buying it. I waited for a mint condition Bachmann model showed up on eBay instead and got one for a bargain at £85 (Mint condition)!
Yeah that's basically what I'm thinking too - they can't call it the 1950s "Titfield" Lion for obvious reasons, so the whole Centenary thing seems to have come about instead... I think this makes sense!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's a nice model but the fact that it has era 1 on packaging, the1930s rebuild design, 1980s braking gear with the 1930s tender detail, and the1952 pressure gauge position, I just can't bring myself to get one if the detail isn't going to be right to the era. Still, very nice review Sam. Keep up the good work!
Certainly if Hornby produced Lion in a true Era 1 condition it would make sense to buy her for me otherwise I'd just get the Rapido ones if you're modelling Lion in her preserved condition
At 9:12 you can see the Experience coach says “ompany” instead of Company
well done your passion shone through
It's gorgeous. It looks wonderful with the coupling rods whirling around, pulling the long rake of coaches. The wooden casing on the boiler and firebox is very convincing too. 👍😊
I agree - all looks great, especially the woodwork!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wow, beautiful loco! I have a preorder on the Rapido one. Can't wait to see how the two Lions compare. Thanks for the review! 😊👍
I can't wait to see either - should be very interesting!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Noticed after runnung in that the rear tender wheels had started to 'drag' rather then turning nicely like they were at first! Shame about the lack of slow speed running though.
Yeah good spot - not sure why that started to stick - seemed okay again at speed!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains that'll be why they've given the tender the extra mass from the cast body - tender pick ups. They need the weight to overcome the drag of the pickups. By the sound of it this is on the edge, if the wheels still drag a little.
I saw this in a museum. Beautiful locomotive.
It may not be entirely accurate, but it's a lovely representation of an 1840-ish locomotive. Now, please can we have a generic Stephenson/Sharp Stewart 2-2-2 engine?
I think so too Ian - close enough for me at any rate! I'd love to see a 2-2-2... but not an easy thing to build in model form!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Trix did a nice model of the 2-2-2 Der Adler (first train in Germany) many years ago in HO scale. I think it might have had a motorised tender, or perhaps one of the three coaches in the set was motorised. At any rate, a nice model of a typical English engine of the period. Come on Hornby, or Rapido...
This is a great loco. Hornby getting back to quality, even if the crawl is not fantastic. I think a lot would be happy with this loco. Not a horrible price for it compared to most OO scale models.
On a rainy day I regularly Watch the film "The Titfield Thunderbolt" in which this wonderful locomotive starred...... Absolutely superb !
👍Cool review . Thanks Sam. Loved the metal banding and the wood effect especially . So many trains, so little time / $ . . .
I cared for Lion whist in storage at MOSI. What was interesting is one corner the frame and one buffer was distorted due to an 'accident' during the filming of the 'Titfield Thunderbolt' at Monkton Combe. The BR driver had a preference for 'wetting his whistle with cider' during film breaks (well it is the West Country) you can actually see the impact on film as Lion is lifted slightly off the rails. Ealing did not inform the owner and neither did they when Lion was painted in garish colours for Ealing's first technicolour film. Thanks for the review Sam.
Great video Sam.. Your channel inspired me to create my own channel for beginners on a budget
I’ve found something interesting with this loco and it’s that if you use the gaugemaster controller it can crawl for me but if you use any other it can’t crawl
What a joy for the eye she is Sam. Just wow, extraordinary, and at least with a motor this time up for the job. The crawl is another matter. Us being new in the hobby we are just guessing but would she require DCC to be able to crawl? On the other hand, 2022 and still applying a 3 pole is of course seriously questionable. However, overall, fabulous value. Especially the rigid coupling chains are quite smart and of course H including painted figures as of recently. Very fair review. We can certainly feel the enthusiasm.
She certainly is Linda - amazing work from Hornby here! DCC may improve the crawl, but of course some engines can crawl excellently on analogue, and this isn't one of them sadly. Not sure about their choice of motor here... it performs marvellously at high speed... which is arguably better than being able to crawl, and being shoddy in terms of torque as some are!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Modelers who care about "Accuracy": Tells Sam not to complain about certain things on a loco not being exactly how he would have liked them.
Also modelers who care about "Accuracy": "NOOO! THEY CAN'T ADD A GAUGE AND AN AIRBRAKE VALVE!!!"
But in all seriousness, this is just me having a laugh. I come from a Rivet Counter background myself but if a loco is just really cool and good, who cares? It's a good loco! Another amazing review as always, Sam!
Good to see Pre Grouping. An interesting model.
Hi Sam, have you reviewed the vid? on the crawl test, the rear axel on the tender was stopping, part rotation, have a look, could be a retest is needed. Great review of a stunning model
Hornby have to recoup the costs of tooling up for the 'Titfield Thunderbolt' somehow?
Hey Sam, the last wheel on the tender, sticks. You might need to oil them.
This model from Hornby is very nice and I do like it but it still has problems like its body for the locomotive should have been made out of metal and it should have been geared down a bit so that it can do a proper slow speed performance. Plus, Hornby should have used a 5 pole motor or a coreless motor which will make the Lion locomotive model work even better Sam.
Thanks Bryan - yes it's a pity there wasn't more metal, but overall I think this turned out pretty darn well!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Back wheel on the tender not spinning properly don't know if you notes when it gose backwards some time forward
Not trying to be pedantic but aren't the bearings on this loco (and likely many others) actually bushings, rather than proper bearings?
As a degreed engineer, with decades of experience, yes, those are bushings. Its a sleeved axle.
@@WhatAboutTheBee Ahh ok, thank you :)
@@vanenmar7491 you are quite welcome
I pre-ordered the Rapido Lion about a month ago.. I’m pretty sure that Rapido’s Lion will be well worth the money then Hornby’s model..
Hey Sam, great video! I know you sometimes visit heritage lines on the channel and was just wondering if you have been to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It has a big variety of locomotives and I think you'd love it!
It is rather 'The Flying Lion" ! But I agree with your ratings and remarks. A 5-pole could do a better slow speed job on DC. On DCC it's just a matter of acceleration & deceleration CV's. My question: what are the % of DC to DCC model railroaders ? Overall a fun little engine and hopefully a winner for Hornby. This time they deserve it !
Thanks for this pleasant & honest review Sam ! Cheers,
I'm very interested in how this shapes up to the Rapido Lion when that is released, I'd love to see a comparison when the time comes!
Me too
I'll be very interested too - can't wait for theirs!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I hope Rapido can do a better job on Lion than their Class 1600. Mine wouldn't run and had to be returned to the retailer, only to be replaced by one that was even worse in build quality. I had to dismantle the chassis, remove the huge globs of glue and reassemble it.
I hope Hornby have learned their lesson about trying to pinch the rights to the Titfield Thunderbolt model. That said, this set was unannounced. Make of that what you will. At least there is quality and value here, but no 5 pole motor as you said Sam, that lets it down re the crawl. I dare say no flywheel either.
Thanks for the review though Sam, keep it up. Best, Pete.
I noticed after running in the tender wheel was locked up. Not impressed with the slow running
The reason they wrap it in plastic at the factory is to make sure the model does not get scratched in transport (in case the paint is not completely hardened). You do not need to use the plastic in regular storage after having bought the model. The paint is surely hardened by then. It is standard procedure, we use it in our factory as well (not model railways though, but similar production style).
9:07 wheres the c in company? Some sort of misprint on the coach i guess.
Shame about the crawl or lack there off. Other then that, lord have mercy what incredible model! Part of me however feels that hornby should use this new high standard to produce models that have yet to be modelled rather then trying to snuff the completion. Then again of we have a repeat of the terrier sor adams radials then perhaps one could see why...
Great review as always Sam 👏
haha definitely - but it sure is, absolutely outstanding! Let's hope all of Hornby's stuff is like this in terms of quality... they've turned over a new leaf since the 9F! Let's see them do something not already being done next time, agreed!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i noticed that in the crawl the rear wheel of the tender are blocked, overall good review
If you hadn’t noticed, the rear tender wheels were not turning after the locomotive was run in during the low speed test.
Yes, particularly in reverse....
We have the Rapido set on order as one of the lines on our proposed model is a preservation Society so we can run anything. The main bit is run down Southern Seaside in the 59s / 60s. David and Lily.
Saw Lion at the Rainhill event 1981, and an ancestor worked at Edgehill 1 year younger than Robert Stephenson!!
Better than expected but not for me. The heatshrink is probably to prevent a short. Any plans to get the 'proper' one?
What we need now from era 1 is a Crampton. Lovely engines used all over Europe…
'Kinnaird' is the likely example. There's a good photo to work from. I love the gigantic eccentrics.
I'd like a model of the unrebuilt 'Cornwall', with the boiler underslung.
I actually cabbed it inside Rugby Midland’s loco shed (sssh!) while it was being used for filming on the Rugby to Leamington line back in 1961. A pretty easy shed to get round without being seen.
been on the lion when it was out in the public before it was moved to a museum where it sands now
That's fantastic - what an experience that must have been!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I love classic trains like these
The tender-pickups explain why its heavy, metal tender, tough I wish they simply went for a standard chain + hook coupling on the tender as well, so we can use it to couple any wagon that has a hook, (and maybe sprung buffers just in case). I must say i like it, wish there were more "Victorian" locos on the market, other than those late 1890's (like the D 700) ones.
To bad its not worth it for me to get one, do to the import taxes!
Yes that's true actually - though I don't quite get why they don't go for some sort of axle based pickup for the tender... they could justify it here given how critical drag could be... wonder what Rapido are doing??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice review Sam. From personal experience, I expect as you get older you will not be so keen to have your layout on the floor!
What a bizzarre journey this locomotive has been on.
It’s easy to see where Hornby’s priorities lie. New tooled locomotives announced years ago have not even been seen. Headline locomotives announced for this year have been quietly pushed to next year.
Oh, but the one locomotive that a competitor is making, let’s get THAT one finished asap.
Yeah exactly... it’s fairly clear what they’ve done, and why they’ve done it!
You may need to oil the real wheels on the tender Sam,as after the run in test, they were sliding and not turning. Absolutely stunning looking model though.
Lovely video sam
Scott Joplin, Maple Leaf Rag... Sweet locomotive with sweet music. John
Sam, how about coupling a new Rapido Lion to a Hornby one back to back and set them going in opposite directions? It would be an interesting comparison.
Now you do have a loco that would look accurate with your chaldron wagons :D
Super video Sam. A good locomotive and if it is sold at the reasonable price, value. Not my cup of tea , but a noteworthy locomotive. Hornby maybe on the way up again. Let’s hope that they are. Xxx magic video.❤
The fast start may be a function of the 3-poler motor with DC (and DCC). DCC with a slow acceleration profile and high pulse rate may make an improvement, but with a 3-pole motor? And as you say a greater gearbox ratio would be more acceptable. If you want very slow take off and slow speed crawl see some of the smaller HOm BEMO products.
Great video... although you missed a trick... Old Opperknob would have been a much better option for the Chaldron wagons! :)
Thanks Sam. Ordered one.
Rear wheels on tender not free Wheeling
That train with the FIVE + one is one of the best looking trains I've seen EVER!
Yeah I agree... it's amazing isn't it? Great job from Hornby!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Novelty would be nice as it was at Rainhill and also worked on The St Helens And Runcorn Gap Railway in 1833
there is also a museum of The Liverpool Overhead railway the museum is in The Museum of Liverpool, on the waterfront
Good to see some Horby gaining improvement! I have to ask Sam, I recall in your final 2021 vid you mentioned trying put British N scale. Think you still will? Look forward to it an other videos!
It really is good! I will definitely one day, but I just don't have the space at the moment :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle and I have ordered the hush hush today in apple green
Excellent review Sam, and a beautiful loco too. Could use a NEM coupling though…
Maybe on Rapido’s 😂
Would like to see the 1802/1804 Trevithick locomotive in the pioneers range, considering I live relatively locally to where the 1802 locomotive was built
Arent those Stephenson's rocket yellow coaches
Nice one loved 😍 the review why is crazy expensive loved the review please keep up the good work 😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thank you so much - really glad you liked the video!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What we need is mixed coach packs to make good size rakes
Good review overall Sam, a nice looking locomotive, looks like a nice train pack, probably won’t join my collection mainly because I don’t really have any interest in the era 1 items, I have recently picked up some great models one being the kernow class 41 warship, a bachmann deltic prototype which has been weathered and some accurascale wagons.
Thanks David, it sure is! Fair enough if you're not interested, but thanks for checking out out. Wow those sound excellent :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice loco! Looks lovely and runs smooth! A "hand of God" was great! )))
Love the old fashioned design for this locomotive! I also like the wood detailing along with some other painted details too like the gauges in the cab! 🦁
The tender is probably die cast because it is so small. It will bounch up and down and derail easily when running. Another trick would be to make the flanges larger on the tender, and make a lighter model. I am sure people would have something to say about larger flanges as well. You can't please all.
Lovely looking model as for accuracy there are no drawings or photos of the original loco as built so looks like Hornby used the loco as is in the museum.
Great review chap👍
I like it. Have you seen the coal, sheep and horse wagons planned for era 1?
The sheep wagon and horse wagon look just like the Ackerman prints. I have a set of each on pre-order!
Patience!!
In the early history of railways, the distinction between a coach and a carriage, was that a coach had a roof and a carriage did not. So it is the blue carriage at the end, and not the blue coach! Nowadays, you would only have what is strictly speaking a carriage on a narrow gauge or miniature railway. The term carriage is used on model railways to mean non-corridor stock and commuter stock, whilst the term coach is used for long distance trains. London Underground refer to their trains as having 'cars', which is abbreviation of carriage. Thanks for another inimitable review.
I'm wondering if the slow crawl is affected by the rear wheels on the tender. They were not turning by much when you were trying. Apart from that, a great little loco and a very good review.
That shouldn't affect the crawl, as there's tonnes of torque in the mechanism... I just don't think this this a great crawler!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Superb looking model ! Except with scratchbuild models, there is no period 1 engine on the market, and this one is a great one. And, for once, they have not stuck their crappy motor like on the 9F ! And she is a good runner, everything you need ! Sole default for me : overgeared, as nearly all UK OO locomotives...
I'm with you on this one : a superb engine, sold at a justified price, with no let down on the basics (3 poles motor but works fine and do the job), a splendid aspect, and to bell with hysterical accuracy ! Seriously, why can't Hornby do all their models like this one ?
Fair call that you don't want to risk opening it up. I would really like to know if there is room to add more weight though. Surely the boiler is hollow? My layout has grades so that information is crucial before I consider this awesome looking little model. Factory fitted speaker is brilliant too
good review i noticed when you reversed the loco the back tender wheel was sticking and with a diecast tender maybe a touch of oil would fix that
Nice to see you back in your usual habitat. The "Lion" of reviewers. 🦁
Hi Sam. What a beautiful model. I wouldn't be too fussed over the inaccuracies; the apparent difference in colours is probably due to the different finishes on the parts of the model. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the early locos, if they had buffers at all, were made from stuffed leather, so I don't think those on the model are all that bad (I wouldn't expect them to be sprung). Did you notice that the rear tender wheels periodically stuck during the crawl test? Hornby in the past has been noted for good mechanisms and not so noted for the bodywork; how interesting that Hornby has turned this model on its head!
As usual this is a great review. I am glad to see some nice models for Era I.
Bachmann made some sets of era I US trains, but they were raw and outrageous plastic tat. If these sell well hopefully we will see some more quality early models.
Thank you so much - yes I've seen the Bachmann ones.... not the greatest quality sadly, but still cool I guess!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
27:08: Rear tender wheels locking up?
Will you be getting the Rapido Titfield pack to compare?
The locomotive looks very good, and is full of character. Maybe Hornby might consider a Crampton sometime?
I agree... and a Crampton would be excellent to see! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I wonder if those figures will.be available separately. Would be great for my old rocket and similar victorian era locos
I would check those rods against a ruler, in the closeup detail segment it appears that the left-hand rod is bent in the middle which may explain some of the awkward performance.
Interesting locomotive, Sam. There was a 5 inch gauge locomotive of the Lion built here in Australia back in the 1970s I think. A beautiful piece of kit for sure. Just seen Hornby’s announcement which took me by surprise, they’ve revealed their TT scale range. Updated Post: Initially I said there were no Western locos or stock with the TT range which there isn’t when you look at the main page of pre-orders but having a look at the free brochure, Western locos will make an appearance after all in a different stage of release. The dark side is still an option though hehe aka modelling the LNER/Eastern Region lol 😆😉.
I do have two LNER locos in the collection and ironically my first ever steam loco was an LNER J83 number 9819 in LNER black.
So maybe the LNER is still calling 🤔
I suppose you are going to do your usual review of the new range in your model news series?
Looking forward to your take on it. Though, I’m happy that there’s Pullman coaches with lights in the range, they’ll look pretty cool in TT scale.
Keep well, Sam.
Regards, Caleb
I spot that the rear tender wheel is not moving in reverse.
hornby should do a model of the liverpool overhead railway and trains, there where 2 types of train original 1893 wood body trains and 1950 steel body trains
What’s with the last wheel on the tender? It keeps dragging
Love it when Hornby puts in effort solely to one up a smaller manufacturer and not to deliver cool unique models no one else is making
It's called business. The moment any manufacturer moves into altruistic only territory is the moment they start to disappear. If they do well then the decisions are correct.
@@vizmortlock Business shmisiness, I want an E2 or maybe a new HO scale range or something. Do something no one else is doing.
Very good video did you notice the rear tender wheels dragging it does look very nice
Thanks for this super good review again Sam. I guess for all who have preordered this model, and took a big gamble, it has payed off in the end. I think most of us where in for the surprise over the quality of the model. Although if you approach it from the historical side you will be disappointed, but I'm sure the same will be sad about the other producer, of the Lion that still has to come out. Of course, one will be perhaps be a bid better than the other, but it won't change the historical correctness. And "The Titfield Thunderbolt" is, and always will be, a fictional movie prop, and is as fictional as a big Coca-Cola bottle on a wagon.
But despite all that, we have to give Hornby the credit for executing a lovely model.
But on the other hand, what I really don't want to see anymore is, that's it will become a habit for Hornby to let people pre order and gambling if, or if not the model will be good, or a disaster. And at the same time also hope they all commit them selfs to do some proper research and execution of a model with all seriousness, It will never be a 100% historically correct, as too much essential information is lost over time, we have to accept this. But at the same time, it also mustn't be a cheap solution and an easy way out.
As others already stated, I really do hope, to see more of this early L&MR models to be announced. But I do not hope to see two model producers again announcing the same model and these senseless legal disputes. It is as ridicules as two persons try to hit the same fly in a room full of flies. There Is so little produced of the wide range of this early era, there is such a huge interest in it from the public, so please producers give us some variation…
It's a pleasure Danny, it sure did pay off! Fantastic quality from Hornby now, long may it continue! Let's keep those fingers crossed for more early locos like this one!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Looks beautiful and runs well. Perhaps Hornby has improved there small models because they are becoming more experienced with this size due to the TT:120 development. I kind of wish I had waited for this instead of buying the Rocket Mail Train. Oh well