It's cheap, it's got track including points, it's colourful, it sets up, and it runs. It's obviously intended as a starter set and in that role it's a success. Everything can be upgraded if the operator is bitten by the train bug, and not a lot is lost if it only gets set up once in a while and played with. There are lots of ways this set could be worse including Hornby charging twice the price. There's lots of time to create a rivet-counter once they've become hooked on the hobby and this will be fun fir a while.
I agree. I'm getting back to Hornby after having to sell my entire set and collection after a lot of life's wonderful problems. I can get the upgrade models once again and I have to say, this set is surprisingly good as a base for building on what will hopefully become a hobby for a young enthusiast. I remember having a cheap set as a kid and then grew to hst models and working steam models and with sound fitted to a few models and more so I have some good memories thanks to Hornby.
This train set was supplied as an exclusive for Argos and came in at less than £140. A good starter set to encourage young children into the hobby 👌 It was then offered for sale by Aldi supermarket via their website for £99-99p. You got a bargain for the price you paid, only down side is you can't get extra coaches for it. For what it is it's great value for money. Liked the video as usual keep up the good work 👏.
It would be interesting to see a video on upgrading this train. You could repaint it into real-world livery, fit a better motor & wheelset and add some weight, put in some red LEDs for tail-lights, transplant on a better pantograph from another (scrap) model, DCC ready-ize it and maybe even fit some coach interiors/lighting. Then compare the end result with the quality of the Hornby Railways version and the cost of the upgrades versus that of the already better train.
A bit of digging reveals this isnt the same tooling as the Super Detailes version - this ia the railroad version and the super detailed one has different everything (look at Hatton's Directory). For the price, though, this is very nice.
A good little entry level set, would see this as enticing younger modellers into the hobby . Could be adapted to have a different decal of a real company. LNER maybe. And I agree with the comments you make. Rubbish motor although it does work, maybe for a week if using the Hornby controller. That noise I thought was going to set the motor on fire 🔥. But on the Gaugemaster, good running. Good review Sam.
G'day Sam I think for the cost, it's a fantastic entry level trainset. Or 2nd set to a new member of model railroading. I'd even get one as just a train to have fun with. Keep up the great reviews mate😎
Maybe hornby could have the loco in basic silver, yellow and red - but with a few variations of stickers for the name! City express, Speed master, Travel Ranger… names could use some work but you get me :D
This is what the hobby needs. Something that can be run out of the box at an affordable price. This can give access to a lifetime hobby. Everything can be added to or upgraded. Thanks for showing. Regards Paul.
The controller might perform a bit better on the small oval supplied - less track resistance. But that musical note is definitely a feature of this particular controller.
just think with that, a thin black or dark brown wash on that roof, a dark grey then a wash on the gangways, maybe a bit of black panel lining wash and... actually that could look pretty decent, bit of weathering and actually its passable
Hey, Sam! Great work on the review as per usual! But I just want to say something here. Maybe it's got a fake livery for the same reason it's got a low price - this could be a set for younger/newer model railway hobbyists perhaps? Like I said though, great review! Can you do another American loco review next time? Maybe the green Canadian National 6060 from your US Steam Day video? Your Daylight and Berkshire reviews were two of my favourites!
Great review Sam. It's refreshing to watch your take on this train set. Great starter set for the younger generation to get into the hobby and competitively priced. As to is livery it can be rectified by a more experienced modeller as well as upgrading the model with new wheels etc.
I owned a couple of the Class 395 Javelin in the Railroad format - interestingly these too were only available as a train set called Blue Rapier and i never saw the power and dummy cars available separately although Hornby did make extra coaches available so you could expand the train up to 6 cars. These coaches actually had plastic wheels too but they went through my pointwork with no issues. I have since traded in these units and i now have four higher detailed Class 395`s which are far better in every way, even the pantograph on my ones is posable and stays up.
Just a bit of trivia on the box artwork... The blurred station in the background is Ashford International's Eurostar terminal building with the image angle suggesting its heading Eastwards (Folkestone/Dover bound) from platform 3 which is not prototypical for this class as platforms 3 and 4 are reserved for exclusive use by Eurostar mk1/E320 units, as a result the map on the left hand side is entirely incorrect for the region the Class 395 units would be seen in under normal operation
Hi Sam, I think we do need this sort of entry level "train set" so that parents will get them for there children who look as if they may like to do the hobby and incase that passion does not come have not wasted a lot of money on a "proper one" but you asked about the "proper" 395 and I do have one the bad news is yes it still has the tyres and only one bogie powered but on my iTrains controlled layout more than holds its own against the "proper"trains and yes it did have a dcc socket which I do use for the iTrains control. I do have a video showing it running along with a few more "proper" trains and it is called THE BOTTLENECK & UPDATE I know you are a busy man and will understand if you do not but it does not only show the 395 running well but what iTrains can do. Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, how much was your version, as a comparison is always good. I think that the entry level set from WH Smith was definitely aimed at the new hobbyists, but is good for anyone who wants to modify it to a better quality model or test out their skills.
@@paulsngaugechannel Hi, I did buy this set a while ago and I cannot remember how much I paid but it was know were near what Bachmann et all ask for there complete trains but also not £80 odd it was good value and very happy with it and it does appear in some of my videos if you wanted to see it. Cheers for replying to my comment to Sam but I am sure he will not look at the video I mensioned but thats fine. Cheers Robert.
I'm not sure if this has been said but I think one reason why the Hornby controller was having a hard time running the locomotive could be because of that your custom layout is too large for the controller to handle. I've had some similar scenarios with the bachmann controllers here in the USA. I do love the videos and content that you post. really would love to try some of the UK trains
As someone who owns two Class 395’s from the railways range (Southeastern Blue and the Olympic special edition), I can tell you that the railways version is much better in terms of mechanics, speed, weight, detail and livery application. This version doesn’t have 3rd rail shoes whilst the railways version does and the livery isn’t metallic but more of a satin finish and even the top headlight works. In terms of detail, it has a detailed and separately painted cab, interior, decorative 3rd rail shoe brackets (separately fitted too), far superior coupling system and even with the previous hornby controller (the silver and black one) it has more speed and power to it than this one
In 2021 I bought the South East livery 395 second hand from a model shop in Hythe, having coincidentally travelled on the real thing from St Pancras to Ashford earlier that day. I love the dark blue livery, but I’ve always been cautious about touching the pantographs … now I know why! 😂 At this point in time I don’t currently have a model railway layout (despite having lots of trains, rolling stock and scenery!), I just really loved the design of the set and wanted it as part of my collection. I bought my 3 car set (unboxed but in good used condition) for £85, I’m not sure whether that’s good value or not.
13.02 These are the standard wheels you see under Mk.3 coaches, the centres -- which should be polished steel, not that vile 'silver' -- are where the disc brakes clamp down. And oh God those pantographs... This would have been a really excellent model sixty years ago when Hornby Dublo was in its prime. Still, I agree with you that as a 'fun train set' it sort of is value for modern money. I reckon you should start a separate ratings list for train sets, though. Love the review as always.
Hi Sam, I think the reason for the fake livery is cost. It would cost them money to use a real livery. I wonder if you can buy extra coaches to make it up to a 6 car unit that it normally runs in.
I believe your controller is playing F below middle C. Of course, nuances in recording speed vs playback speed might result in me hearing a different note than you are hearing.
I have the previous version to that controller, came with my Pendolino train set. I run DCC but it is useful for testing and fixing locos before I convert them to DCC. I had the same issues as you with that interlock. In the end I took the controller apart (I am a fully qualified Electronics Engineer so don't worry) and took the stupid interlock out. I know why it is there but why, unless by flicking the switch quickly it might blow up the controller. I am not sue it would do that anyway. Anyway without that stupid interlock it works much better. Hornby use pulse width modulation in their controllers, except they set the frequency too low within the audio range, hence why you get the ringing noise. Good review, I think someone else was doing a cheap set like that a couple of years ago, based on a Javelin. No interiors, no NEM couplings and no DCC socket. That one was a better colour, I think it was blue.
Great review here Sam, this is very similar to a set named the blue rapier which was a budget version of the 395 javelin and that set was nearly my first one when I originally started in this hobby back in 2011 but instead got the night mail set.
None of these prices are incredible. It's mainly plastic with a bit of metal. There's about £5 of materials in this and most Hornby sets. What's incredible is that this is sold at a profit with a fictional livery whilst the same thing in a real livery would be 4x the price and most people think that's reasonable.
Supply and demand is a tricky thing. The less people buy, the more expensive a company has to make their products to counter the costs. If you sell 10 a week, you're going to have to charge $100 for each even if it only cost you $1 to make them. Of course, a good business would look for secondary sources of income rather than so vastly overpricing their products, but there you go.
Think this is a great cheap little set especially for younger kids as less expensive finally!! Found the same on the hst set with the noise the second i put the train on my guage master controller was fine they deffo need to sort that part out! Great review as always!!!
Great review Sam very similar to the Blue rapier (HS 1) My second ever Hornby set got the welsh highland set the little saddle tank with 3 freight wagons and 1 small Blue coach still goes today.
This set had an RRP of £99.99 according to W.H. Smith's website via the Wayback Machine and was probably something made for Christmas. The livery on this reminds me of a mix between the Virgin trains, Gatwick Express, and Transport For Wales liveries as well. This set being exclusive to W.H. Smith isn't unique to this product, some Bachmann USA starter sets are sold exclusively at Menard's, a home improvement store that also offers their own O gauge model train products and HO scale buildings in real companies' colors.
Considering it’s aimed at youngers as a starter set, it’s bits broke/ falling off should be of worry for Hornby especially putting in mouths, but on the whole for the price, think an average modeller could transform this, replace with new logo’s and bit of weathering alone! Ed.🤓
Love the video, I’ve been wondering lately if you could one day review a pijp product? They have a decent range of “starter packs” would love to see a video of one of them
This seems like a fun little set that's kind of a combination of a toy and a real OO/HO model. Could you somehow get a train car with a NEM coupling to hook onto the couplings of these if you really wanted to?
It meets a need ( perhaps not most of your viewers) but hell it’s very cheap and this is the sort of set/ cost if Hornby are serious about getting newbies into the hobby 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
I bought one back in March. For what you get for the money it's not bad. Some more expensive Hornby locos don't have lights. I had thoughts of adding weight, modifying the couplings, doing something with the windows. In the end though I gave it away for a charity event raffle. Hopefully it may have encouraged someone new to get into the hobby.
Sam you tested the train with the supplied power supply, as it is goes in the table would have been a test using your normal power supply be appropriate, in case there was a problem with the power supply
I paid £100 for this set 2 years ago from argos. As you mention the controller is not fit for purpose. The ones I have used have all cut out after around 20 minutes of use and take for ages to reset before being able to use again. Very frustrating for a young person to use as they think that the loco has broken.
The worst knob you've ever twiddled, eh? I have the Hornby Railways version of the Javelin, a 6-car set although one of the coaches is duplicated (I got it 2nd hand). It runs ok, but like the Pendolino, having a single motor bogie with traction tyres and poor pickups as well as a low weight means it often jumps the track if continuity is lost (made worse on DCC, as it has an 8 pin socket). Also it lacks the pantograph heads, which isn't available as spares (the spares pack of pantographs doesn't even include it). Of course, it has limited interior detail (but at least it has some, which the pendolino doesn't), and just has directional lights (no cab or interior lights whatsoever, but it does have the top forward light as well as red at the rear), but the couplings are the same as the Pendolino, so not the same as this one, so I reckon they are different toolings (without inspecting my model, which is at my parents' house). The nose does come off on my model, revealing some sort of cosmetic coupling, although mine being 2nd hand lacks the actual coupling parts so I can't comment on its accuracy as a delner. Hornby would do well to do more of this sort of stuff, although including other types of modern trains since there are so many different steam sets but all we have for diesels is the bagnall, 06, HST, and this javelin (ok, plus the eurostar and the 67 which they've recently resurrected).
Slightly off topic but would you do n scale, no one does it and it’s a whole new bunc of content for you! You should get a kato starter kit for a start. That would suit you anyway with the easy assembly track, perfect for your floor situation!
Hi Sam really enjoyed your review. Unfortunately I've looked on WHsmith but they don't have these anymore. I looked elsewhere and could only find them on ebay and another site. They are asking £130 which I think is a little steep for what you showed in your review. I really think Hornby need to sort their cheap trainset controller. I would of taken a hammer to it!! Keep up the reviews 👍
WHSmith were one of (if not, the) first business to start using railway stations as places to have outlets/stalls, and still are fairly dominant in that department, so perhaps that's why Hornby chose to partner with them?
Another amazing review keep up the good work . I have a suggestion but I don't think it will be money friendly. Could you perhaps review the gwr class 800 in oo scale ? Again I completely understand as it is 500 pounds .
@@ShibaInYourWalls I would go with gwr . I would like the hornby one for oo gauge however its £500 . And I dont have that much spare money lying around.
@@dancooper982 Thanks for deciding for me. I do love the route to Penzance, often use it, it's incredibly scenic with the viaducts, bridges and coastlines. I think GWR is a good choice. Thank you!
That’s a fab train set for the money you paid. Much more worth getting for a young beginner than the pointless( no pun intended) Hornby Junior set. Though the original price might be a bit steep but mostly down to the simple livery
I am glad they released this as I have been looking for a cheep intercity train for my fictional layout that I can modify for cheep. If I do get one, I will 3D Print a new pantagraph, get some snow bogies with NEM couplings fitted as well as new motor and make it into a DCC train.
For the price you paid then I agree its good value. I could see this being a gateway into the hobby for kids just starting out, or as an expansion pack for another trainset. . Your right that there's much worse out there then this!
I suppose with some careful painting of some parts, it could uplift the "model" a bit. You could for example paint the pantograph silver, paint the gangways on the ends of the power car and coach, black. It does also have a representation of the door warning lights, towards the center of the coaches, that would look better if painted orange.
Interesting video - I agree with your verdict of 'good value for what it is'; shame there's so much which could - at minimal cost - have made it 'excellent value' (better pan, better controller, interiors etc.). I'd really have liked to see a test run with the 'motor coach' pushing: after all, that is how many people will run it for 50% of the time. Were most of the de-railings in fact when it was in this mode? Also, were the primitive couplings in fact better for 'reverse running' than the standard tension-lock couplings?
Of course it’s a starter set for youngsters who know nothing about Javelins. Just a nicely presented freelance train. Good of Hornby to use it and make it even more basic yet robust and below Railroad as we can see from the bogies and the running gear. I doubt that kids will have overhead catenaries, hence the static pantograph, so that’s a silly comment. And good for WH Smith’s for commissioning the set, it’s sold out! So less sneering and silly, nay stupid comments Sam. It’s not a collectors item and never intended to be although it’s sold out so it might have some value to the avid Hornby collector.
Controller simulates services during strike ? so seems like a decent starter, fair enough, wish they at least matched it up to something that dose go those speeds, like DMU or something, Even for the price i would prefer if there were 2 powered unites and 5 in total - 3 seems rare, again back to DMU those tend to go alone or in pair so maybe more detailed vehicles with less units but both powered would seem like better deal to me.
Couldn't see this on the W H Smith website. Perhaps they've sold out?! For £70 it's not bad really. Not a top of the range set by any means, and the naff controller let's it down. But would make a nice Christmas present for someone, maybe. Some of the Hornby Jouef HO scale sets are really good. Best, Pete.
If I still modelled OO or supported Hornby, I'd absolutely get one of these and respray with a custom livery I think. That being said - its livery certainly has Virgin vibes to it as you noted, which is one of my favourite liveries. As a designer, not a fan of the text like you said, reminds me of the old Gatwick Express livery typeface. If the text was smaller I think it would look better. Fun little set overall. Nice find, and great video.
I remember seeing this set a lot when I first started looking into model railways, I never found a good review until now Edit: nevermind, it was a slightly different one that I kept seeing as it had the older controller when I was looking at them
Great review Sam. In this set I think extra straights would be more fun than a point. What earthly use is a tiny siding! Also Sam have you seen the latest Flying Scotsman loco with smoke is going to be 300 quid when it comes out!
I'm a big fan Sam but you got this one wrong I think Hornby have been pretty smart here, linking up with W. H. Smith's where Grandparents have possibly been targeted has impulse purchasers opening up a whole new market. Let's be honest, unless you're already into this hobby, the general public are unlikely to go into a model shop or buy online. If this project was a success then I think Hornby should consider Supermarkets next. And, as for your comment regarding the inclusion of a Gaugemaster controller.....................
Thanks for the comment Steve - what did you mean by wrong? This is a great value set, and it does the job... no problems here?? Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A good train set . What a pity that Hornby chose not to include the HM 6000 app based controller. It would have made a fantastic set for a kid or beginner. When my niece's son (6 years old ) comes to play trains I hand him the phone and he's good to go.
I just gained an incredible amount of respect for you ... 69 "nice" I work on an actual Railroad and whenever I have to say that number over the radio I do it too and the whole railroad laughs 😂😂
It's cheap, it's got track including points, it's colourful, it sets up, and it runs.
It's obviously intended as a starter set and in that role it's a success. Everything can be upgraded if the operator is bitten by the train bug, and not a lot is lost if it only gets set up once in a while and played with.
There are lots of ways this set could be worse including Hornby charging twice the price. There's lots of time to create a rivet-counter once they've become hooked on the hobby and this will be fun fir a while.
I agree. I'm getting back to Hornby after having to sell my entire set and collection after a lot of life's wonderful problems. I can get the upgrade models once again and I have to say, this set is surprisingly good as a base for building on what will hopefully become a hobby for a young enthusiast. I remember having a cheap set as a kid and then grew to hst models and working steam models and with sound fitted to a few models and more so I have some good memories thanks to Hornby.
This train set was supplied as an exclusive for Argos and came in at less than £140. A good starter set to encourage young children into the hobby 👌
It was then offered for sale by Aldi supermarket via their website for £99-99p. You got a bargain for the price you paid, only down side is you can't get extra coaches for it.
For what it is it's great value for money.
Liked the video as usual keep up the good work 👏.
Nice to see a review of this sort of thing (along with the hobby grade stuff). Thank you, Sam.
It would be interesting to see a video on upgrading this train. You could repaint it into real-world livery, fit a better motor & wheelset and add some weight, put in some red LEDs for tail-lights, transplant on a better pantograph from another (scrap) model, DCC ready-ize it and maybe even fit some coach interiors/lighting. Then compare the end result with the quality of the Hornby Railways version and the cost of the upgrades versus that of the already better train.
A bit of digging reveals this isnt the same tooling as the Super Detailes version - this ia the railroad version and the super detailed one has different everything (look at Hatton's Directory). For the price, though, this is very nice.
Nice one Sam!
It’s good to see a cheaper toy-ish available option in this hobby (especially great for beginners)
Stay safe mate 😀👍
A good little entry level set, would see this as enticing younger modellers into the hobby . Could be adapted to have a different decal of a real company. LNER maybe. And I agree with the comments you make. Rubbish motor although it does work, maybe for a week if using the Hornby controller. That noise I thought was going to set the motor on fire 🔥. But on the Gaugemaster, good running. Good review Sam.
it looks more like the virgin livery than lner lne
G'day Sam
I think for the cost, it's a fantastic entry level trainset. Or 2nd set to a new member of model railroading.
I'd even get one as just a train to have fun with.
Keep up the great reviews mate😎
Maybe hornby could have the loco in basic silver, yellow and red - but with a few variations of stickers for the name! City express, Speed master, Travel Ranger… names could use some work but you get me :D
This is what the hobby needs. Something that can be run out of the box at an affordable price. This can give access to a lifetime hobby. Everything can be added to or upgraded. Thanks for showing. Regards Paul.
The controller might perform a bit better on the small oval supplied - less track resistance. But that musical note is definitely a feature of this particular controller.
Thanks Sam. Great review as always. I was however wondering just what you would shunt with this set!
just think with that, a thin black or dark brown wash on that roof, a dark grey then a wash on the gangways, maybe a bit of black panel lining wash and... actually that could look pretty decent, bit of weathering and actually its passable
Hey, Sam! Great work on the review as per usual! But I just want to say something here.
Maybe it's got a fake livery for the same reason it's got a low price - this could be a set for younger/newer model railway hobbyists perhaps?
Like I said though, great review! Can you do another American loco review next time? Maybe the green Canadian National 6060 from your US Steam Day video? Your Daylight and Berkshire reviews were two of my favourites!
Fake livery = no royalties to pay and permissions to be obtained.
Great review Sam. It's refreshing to watch your take on this train set. Great starter set for the younger generation to get into the hobby and competitively priced. As to is livery it can be rectified by a more experienced modeller as well as upgrading the model with new wheels etc.
A set like this one is what got me into the hobby all those years ago
I owned a couple of the Class 395 Javelin in the Railroad format - interestingly these too were only available as a train set called Blue Rapier and i never saw the power and dummy cars available separately although Hornby did make extra coaches available so you could expand the train up to 6 cars. These coaches actually had plastic wheels too but they went through my pointwork with no issues. I have since traded in these units and i now have four higher detailed Class 395`s which are far better in every way, even the pantograph on my ones is posable and stays up.
Hi Sam, Good review, nice find, I think it's a good for a starter Train , All the best Brian 😃
"Worst knob I've ever twiddled"... that's what she said...
Just a bit of trivia on the box artwork...
The blurred station in the background is Ashford International's Eurostar terminal building with the image angle suggesting its heading Eastwards (Folkestone/Dover bound) from platform 3 which is not prototypical for this class as platforms 3 and 4 are reserved for exclusive use by Eurostar mk1/E320 units, as a result the map on the left hand side is entirely incorrect for the region the Class 395 units would be seen in under normal operation
Hi Sam,
I think we do need this sort of entry level "train set" so that parents will get them for there children who look as if they may like to do the hobby and incase that passion does not come have not wasted a lot of money on a "proper one" but you asked about the "proper" 395 and I do have one the bad news is yes it still has the tyres and only one bogie powered but on my iTrains controlled layout more than holds its own against the "proper"trains and yes it did have a dcc socket which I do use for the iTrains control. I do have a video showing it running along with a few more "proper" trains and it is called THE BOTTLENECK & UPDATE I know you are a busy man and will understand if you do not but it does not only show the 395 running well but what iTrains can do.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, how much was your version, as a comparison is always good. I think that the entry level set from WH Smith was definitely aimed at the new hobbyists, but is good for anyone who wants to modify it to a better quality model or test out their skills.
@@paulsngaugechannel Hi,
I did buy this set a while ago and I cannot remember how much I paid but it was know were near what Bachmann et all ask for there complete trains but also not £80 odd it was good value and very happy with it and it does appear in some of my videos if you wanted to see it. Cheers for replying to my comment to Sam but I am sure he will not look at the video I mensioned but thats fine.
Cheers Robert.
I'm not sure if this has been said but I think one reason why the Hornby controller was having a hard time running the locomotive could be because of that your custom layout is too large for the controller to handle. I've had some similar scenarios with the bachmann controllers here in the USA. I do love the videos and content that you post. really would love to try some of the UK trains
As someone who owns two Class 395’s from the railways range (Southeastern Blue and the Olympic special edition), I can tell you that the railways version is much better in terms of mechanics, speed, weight, detail and livery application. This version doesn’t have 3rd rail shoes whilst the railways version does and the livery isn’t metallic but more of a satin finish and even the top headlight works. In terms of detail, it has a detailed and separately painted cab, interior, decorative 3rd rail shoe brackets (separately fitted too), far superior coupling system and even with the previous hornby controller (the silver and black one) it has more speed and power to it than this one
Can we have a video of an Z-Scale train on your channel?
In 2021 I bought the South East livery 395 second hand from a model shop in Hythe, having coincidentally travelled on the real thing from St Pancras to Ashford earlier that day. I love the dark blue livery, but I’ve always been cautious about touching the pantographs … now I know why! 😂 At this point in time I don’t currently have a model railway layout (despite having lots of trains, rolling stock and scenery!), I just really loved the design of the set and wanted it as part of my collection.
I bought my 3 car set (unboxed but in good used condition) for £85, I’m not sure whether that’s good value or not.
13.02 These are the standard wheels you see under Mk.3 coaches, the centres -- which should be polished steel, not that vile 'silver' -- are where the disc brakes clamp down. And oh God those pantographs...
This would have been a really excellent model sixty years ago when Hornby Dublo was in its prime. Still, I agree with you that as a 'fun train set' it sort of is value for modern money. I reckon you should start a separate ratings list for train sets, though.
Love the review as always.
Hi Sam, I think the reason for the fake livery is cost. It would cost them money to use a real livery. I wonder if you can buy extra coaches to make it up to a 6 car unit that it normally runs in.
I believe your controller is playing F below middle C. Of course, nuances in recording speed vs playback speed might result in me hearing a different note than you are hearing.
Is Rustys Roman friend called Tetanus? :D
On a serious note though, it's nice to see a train set that doesn't cost the same as a second hand car.
I have the previous version to that controller, came with my Pendolino train set. I run DCC but it is useful for testing and fixing locos before I convert them to DCC. I had the same issues as you with that interlock. In the end I took the controller apart (I am a fully qualified Electronics Engineer so don't worry) and took the stupid interlock out. I know why it is there but why, unless by flicking the switch quickly it might blow up the controller. I am not sue it would do that anyway. Anyway without that stupid interlock it works much better. Hornby use pulse width modulation in their controllers, except they set the frequency too low within the audio range, hence why you get the ringing noise.
Good review, I think someone else was doing a cheap set like that a couple of years ago, based on a Javelin. No interiors, no NEM couplings and no DCC socket. That one was a better colour, I think it was blue.
Great review here Sam, this is very similar to a set named the blue rapier which was a budget version of the 395 javelin and that set was nearly my first one when I originally started in this hobby back in 2011 but instead got the night mail set.
Thanks a lot David - ahh yes I remember seeing the rapier!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
None of these prices are incredible. It's mainly plastic with a bit of metal. There's about £5 of materials in this and most Hornby sets. What's incredible is that this is sold at a profit with a fictional livery whilst the same thing in a real livery would be 4x the price and most people think that's reasonable.
Actually, lots don't and their gaze will be attracted by a video game or Internet tablet.
Yeh, £60 to me is still overpriced
Supply and demand is a tricky thing. The less people buy, the more expensive a company has to make their products to counter the costs. If you sell 10 a week, you're going to have to charge $100 for each even if it only cost you $1 to make them.
Of course, a good business would look for secondary sources of income rather than so vastly overpricing their products, but there you go.
19:28 this is how I feel when I use a basic Bachmann controller after using their Spectrum Magnum. It’s so slow compared to the Magnum
Think this is a great cheap little set especially for younger kids as less expensive finally!! Found the same on the hst set with the noise the second i put the train on my guage master controller was fine they deffo need to sort that part out! Great review as always!!!
T.A.R.D.I.S. at 9:25. Very cool Sammo!!!
Regards, Jas.
VK4FJGS
Rockhampton Queensland Australia
Argos used to sell this set and in the same livery.
Great review Sam very similar to the Blue rapier (HS 1) My second ever Hornby set got the welsh highland set the little saddle tank with 3 freight wagons and 1 small Blue coach still goes today.
Like the livery actually. With some careful weathering and detailing, it would look pretty good.
This set had an RRP of £99.99 according to W.H. Smith's website via the Wayback Machine and was probably something made for Christmas.
The livery on this reminds me of a mix between the Virgin trains, Gatwick Express, and Transport For Wales liveries as well.
This set being exclusive to W.H. Smith isn't unique to this product, some Bachmann USA starter sets are sold exclusively at Menard's, a home improvement store that also offers their own O gauge model train products and HO scale buildings in real companies' colors.
Considering it’s aimed at youngers as a starter set, it’s bits broke/ falling off should be of worry for Hornby especially putting in mouths, but on the whole for the price, think an average modeller could transform this, replace with new logo’s and bit of weathering alone! Ed.🤓
Love the video, I’ve been wondering lately if you could one day review a pijp product? They have a decent range of “starter packs” would love to see a video of one of them
I took the safety lock off the direction switch. Just unscrew the back of the controller and take out the bit of plastic in-between the switch.
This seems like a fun little set that's kind of a combination of a toy and a real OO/HO model. Could you somehow get a train car with a NEM coupling to hook onto the couplings of these if you really wanted to?
It meets a need ( perhaps not most of your viewers) but hell it’s very cheap and this is the sort of set/ cost if Hornby are serious about getting newbies into the hobby 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
Can You review the LNER Azuma next, please?
I bought one back in March. For what you get for the money it's not bad. Some more expensive Hornby locos don't have lights. I had thoughts of adding weight, modifying the couplings, doing something with the windows. In the end though I gave it away for a charity event raffle. Hopefully it may have encouraged someone new to get into the hobby.
Sam you tested the train with the supplied power supply, as it is goes in the table would have been a test using your normal power supply be appropriate, in case there was a problem with the power supply
the blue rapier was my first ever train set a good few years ago now lol
Wasn't there a lidl exclusive set at one stage?
You finally review a 395! The intercity blue Railroad one was my third model, got it in Christmas 2016
Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle I have the blue one
I paid £100 for this set 2 years ago from argos. As you mention the controller is not fit for purpose. The ones I have used have all cut out after around 20 minutes of use and take for ages to reset before being able to use again. Very frustrating for a young person to use as they think that the loco has broken.
The worst knob you've ever twiddled, eh?
I have the Hornby Railways version of the Javelin, a 6-car set although one of the coaches is duplicated (I got it 2nd hand). It runs ok, but like the Pendolino, having a single motor bogie with traction tyres and poor pickups as well as a low weight means it often jumps the track if continuity is lost (made worse on DCC, as it has an 8 pin socket). Also it lacks the pantograph heads, which isn't available as spares (the spares pack of pantographs doesn't even include it). Of course, it has limited interior detail (but at least it has some, which the pendolino doesn't), and just has directional lights (no cab or interior lights whatsoever, but it does have the top forward light as well as red at the rear), but the couplings are the same as the Pendolino, so not the same as this one, so I reckon they are different toolings (without inspecting my model, which is at my parents' house). The nose does come off on my model, revealing some sort of cosmetic coupling, although mine being 2nd hand lacks the actual coupling parts so I can't comment on its accuracy as a delner.
Hornby would do well to do more of this sort of stuff, although including other types of modern trains since there are so many different steam sets but all we have for diesels is the bagnall, 06, HST, and this javelin (ok, plus the eurostar and the 67 which they've recently resurrected).
Slightly off topic but would you do n scale, no one does it and it’s a whole new bunc of content for you! You should get a kato starter kit for a start. That would suit you anyway with the easy assembly track, perfect for your floor situation!
Just picked up one of these unused off Ebay for £47 very happy with it for that price!
Hi Sam really enjoyed your review. Unfortunately I've looked on WHsmith but they don't have these anymore.
I looked elsewhere and could only find them on ebay and another site. They are asking £130 which I think is a little steep for what you showed in your review.
I really think Hornby need to sort their cheap trainset controller. I would of taken a hammer to it!!
Keep up the reviews 👍
They probably have thousands and thousands growing old in some warehouse. Think the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Very interesting review but it's no longer on the WH Smiths website :( I guess your review was so persuasive, it sold out!
WHSmith were one of (if not, the) first business to start using railway stations as places to have outlets/stalls, and still are fairly dominant in that department, so perhaps that's why Hornby chose to partner with them?
Honestly this is probably good for people who customise models.
Another amazing review keep up the good work . I have a suggestion but I don't think it will be money friendly. Could you perhaps review the gwr class 800 in oo scale ? Again I completely understand as it is 500 pounds .
I adore the Kato n gauge 800, plan to buy one this month. Which is your favourite livery, GWR or LNER?
Thanks very much Dan - and the 800 is one on my list... maybe some day... if I win the lottery ;)
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@ShibaInYourWalls I would go with gwr . I would like the hornby one for oo gauge however its £500 . And I dont have that much spare money lying around.
@@dancooper982 Thanks for deciding for me. I do love the route to Penzance, often use it, it's incredibly scenic with the viaducts, bridges and coastlines. I think GWR is a good choice. Thank you!
The review by euvirail is very good if you want an unbiased and detailed review.
That’s a fab train set for the money you paid. Much more worth getting for a young beginner than the pointless( no pun intended) Hornby Junior set. Though the original price might be a bit steep but mostly down to the simple livery
I am glad they released this as I have been looking for a cheep intercity train for my fictional layout that I can modify for cheep. If I do get one, I will 3D Print a new pantagraph, get some snow bogies with NEM couplings fitted as well as new motor and make it into a DCC train.
DDC?
@@trainman86trainstramsandmore I ment DCC.
@@REDARROW_A_Personal yeah was gonna say
For the price you paid then I agree its good value. I could see this being a gateway into the hobby for kids just starting out, or as an expansion pack for another trainset. .
Your right that there's much worse out there then this!
You should totally do a running session of all the underwhelming train sets
I suppose with some careful painting of some parts, it could uplift the "model" a bit. You could for example paint the pantograph silver, paint the gangways on the ends of the power car and coach, black. It does also have a representation of the door warning lights, towards the center of the coaches, that would look better if painted orange.
Please try the Hornby Acela train set, if I keep commenting this you may actually do it, I did tell you to get this 395 train set a while back XD.
That sounds cool - I might look into it for sure! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Interesting video - I agree with your verdict of 'good value for what it is'; shame there's so much which could - at minimal cost - have made it 'excellent value' (better pan, better controller, interiors etc.). I'd really have liked to see a test run with the 'motor coach' pushing: after all, that is how many people will run it for 50% of the time. Were most of the de-railings in fact when it was in this mode? Also, were the primitive couplings in fact better for 'reverse running' than the standard tension-lock couplings?
Of course it’s a starter set for youngsters who know nothing about Javelins. Just a nicely presented freelance train. Good of Hornby to use it and make it even more basic yet robust and below Railroad as we can see from the bogies and the running gear. I doubt that kids will have overhead catenaries, hence the static pantograph, so that’s a silly comment. And good for WH Smith’s for commissioning the set, it’s sold out!
So less sneering and silly, nay stupid comments Sam. It’s not a collectors item and never intended to be although it’s sold out so it might have some value to the avid Hornby collector.
The train looks like the virgin pendolino train
I’m a bit late to the party, but the note it hit was an Eb, though slightly sharp
could you try a marklin train set but its 3 rail and ac or you could try trix models in ho scale
:).
Controller simulates services during strike ?
so seems like a decent starter, fair enough, wish they at least matched it up to something that dose go those speeds, like DMU or something,
Even for the price i would prefer if there were 2 powered unites and 5 in total - 3 seems rare, again back to DMU those tend to go alone or in pair so maybe more detailed vehicles with less units but both powered would seem like better deal to me.
This is the railroad moulding, the railways versions has different couplings.
22:35 That's a pretty tight "S" curve for cars that long, I'm not surprised it derailed.
I had the Southeastern Version of this train set!
Couldn't see this on the W H Smith website. Perhaps they've sold out?! For £70 it's not bad really. Not a top of the range set by any means, and the naff controller let's it down. But would make a nice Christmas present for someone, maybe. Some of the Hornby Jouef HO scale sets are really good. Best, Pete.
I think they might have sold out now sadly - pity as it was great value :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Have you considered doing a review on the Peko Ice 3 train starter set.
"CITY express" sounds like something found out east in Chicago and Philly.
Had one of them
Wait, Sam forgot to mention it doesn’t have any sprung buffers. That’s going to dock at least half a star off the rating. … 😂😆
The livery might not be realistic but the speed is very accurate for uk commuter trains
Lovely video sam
If I still modelled OO or supported Hornby, I'd absolutely get one of these and respray with a custom livery I think. That being said - its livery certainly has Virgin vibes to it as you noted, which is one of my favourite liveries. As a designer, not a fan of the text like you said, reminds me of the old Gatwick Express livery typeface. If the text was smaller I think it would look better. Fun little set overall. Nice find, and great video.
A custom livery is a great shout for this - very very good idea! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I am trying to find this train set to get for my HO scale model train layout
I believe the livery is to reduce costs buy not having to license a trade mark of a current operator.
other train is Class 221 Super Voyagers as it had 5 coacher dos it tilt ??
Hello Sam!
1:20 haha cheeky Sam
I think the model would perform better on your usual controller. The one in the set doesn’t seem to be able to handle the layout.
I remember seeing this set a lot when I first started looking into model railways, I never found a good review until now
Edit: nevermind, it was a slightly different one that I kept seeing as it had the older controller when I was looking at them
A train set? It's been so long :D
It has! :D
Love your vids!
i own the 'premium' model of the 395, while it does struggle to pull a full 6 car set, it can push it with ease
Great review Sam. In this set I think extra straights would be more fun than a point. What earthly use is a tiny siding! Also Sam have you seen the latest Flying Scotsman loco with smoke is going to be 300 quid when it comes out!
I'm a big fan Sam but you got this one wrong I think Hornby have been pretty smart here, linking up with W. H. Smith's where Grandparents have possibly been targeted has impulse purchasers opening up a whole new market. Let's be honest, unless you're already into this hobby, the general public are unlikely to go into a model shop or buy online. If this project was a success then I think Hornby should consider Supermarkets next. And, as for your comment regarding the inclusion of a Gaugemaster controller.....................
Thanks for the comment Steve - what did you mean by wrong? This is a great value set, and it does the job... no problems here??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A good train set . What a pity that Hornby chose not to include the HM 6000 app based controller. It would have made a fantastic set for a kid or beginner. When my niece's son (6 years old ) comes to play trains I hand him the phone and he's good to go.
Sam and his knobs lately...
I just gained an incredible amount of respect for you
... 69 "nice"
I work on an actual Railroad and whenever I have to say that number over the radio I do it too and the whole railroad laughs 😂😂
Will you get n gauge
The Class 395 looks alright, I like the livery that it has. I like that funny part in the video where you struggle with that controller! 😂