I'm so tired of these ridiculous prices that manufacturers are charging on their websites. Bachmann and Hornby seems to be some of the worst when it comes to this, and it's a real shame. Really, for 80 pounds you should get this thing served on a gold plate, but instead you get just: a normal coach. A perfect example of a ridiculous aspect of the hobby nowadays. There's no way this is just inflation on the market. This is just overpriced. Thank you for the splendid review Sam. - Mat Edit: I saw a few likes on this and wanted to ask people what their opinion on the matter is, and how we could possibly fix this overpricing issue. As said earlier, this is much more than just about Bachmann and Hornby. Dapol is another great example that comes up, as well as of course foreign companies like Marklin, Roco (also includes Fleischmann as they bought that company), and my own experience as a Norwegian: the NJM (basically the only manufacturer that provides Norwegian locomotives and rolling stock with a few exception models having been made by German brands). My point is, from my own experience and seeminly most others, the hobby is becoming way too expensive, and these prices are really not helping in that regard. So the question stands as: How can we inform the manufacturers, as their customers, that we want to get what we pay for? Say for example if Bachmann wants you to pay 150 quid for a model, then it better be bloody worth that price, or we're allowing this hobby to become even more innaccessible and expensive, which is drawing away more customers, which in turn would probably just hurt both the hobby and the manufacturers even more. Because if nobody wants to buy? Well... all I'll say is: Good luck to Bachmann Hornby, Dapol and so on, if they want to keep this up. You're slowly killing your own business.
Could be a case, where they have over priced things and the market has changed, so they know they have less of a market where people will buy, so they charge a high price, because there are a few people who will buy at the higher price, which makes up for any loss.
The market relies on the grey pound - retirees with fat pensions (far more than we'll ever get) and the time to invest in the hobby. The market needs to get bigger and entice a wider variety of people to drive down prices and keep profits up.
Yep - they've done this to themselves. For years it's been clear that there's still a real interest in model railways, but people have been put off by the unnecessary prices... but the manufacturers never listened. And now look at them... tiny production runs, massive price increases, same old models! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The only way to alter anything as a consumer is to simply stop buying overpriced models. But the minority that can afford it will always buy enough to keep justifying the price.
@@SamsTrains Hey, Sam. I have an interesting idea for a review. Can you do a review of the Union Pacific Big Boy? That's an engine you haven't done before.
As you say Sam, it is a nice looking coach at a shocking price. Why are these manufacturers taking the **** out of the very people who keep them in business, a real shame.
Hi Sam Airfix first produced the Autocoach to accompany their 14xx. It's a pity that Air fix gave up the model railway business as their products at the time put Hornby to shame. I can't remember the price of the coach but it wasn't more than £5.00! Regards Terry
I think Bachman is really looking good lately there products are really awesome. But again as in the past the prices are to high. It is a shame people just starting in this hobby find it hard with such prices they can’t start out with much. Great looking product Bachman but please do some thing with the prices. Great video Sam as usual.
I was very surprised by the title here Sam before I saw the video, as I own one of these, after buying the "new" Hornby autocoach and found it severely lacking so traded it in for a Bachmann model. However I paid £30 new for it from Model Railways Direct circa 1 year ago, reduced from an RRP of about £40 - 45 I think. At an RRP of £70 I can only think that Bachmann have intentionally stubbed the price up so they can do a massive "sale" over the Christmas period back down to a more normal price of £30.
I know you negotiated the points with this briefly, Sam, but what is it like actually running when pushed by an engine around the entire layout? Given that is one of the purposes of this coach, being pulled AND pushed, I was hoping to see how it performed. I know the Hornby one I once had was a terrible derailer and was unfit for pushing running, thus defeating its purpose
Hi! That's a fair point - maybe I should've shown it in reverse... but it's stable as anything, and goes perfectly in both directions! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The first RTR GWR Autocoach was made by Airfix in the late 1970's. At the time I was 17 and had to work several days peeling potatoes in a fish 'n chip shop to scrape together the 5 quid which it then cost. Compared to the other coaches which I possessed it was a marvel as far as detail and finish were concerned. Even then the doors in the middle of the coach had wire handrails and the bell on the end was separately painted and fitted. I guess that the Airfix model now seems like a model T compared to the latest offerings but still nostalgia for me...
Interesting reveiw, as I love AutoCoaches and have two Airfix and two Hornby versions and like both of those models, they're nice and cheap second hand (10 quid for the Airfix and 20 for the Hornby if you shop around the intermess). This version is a beautiful model but an eyewateringly expensive thing for 80 nicker. However, 40 is not entirely out of my price range. Hmm. I'm tempted, you know... BTW did you know they ran around Swansea with Jintys? Six of the push-pull 3Fs were transferred to Western Region when a Swansea shed was changed from Midland Region in the late 40's. That would make a nice consist, Bachmann AutoTrailers and Jintys. Thanks for the review :)
Hi Sam, Nearly 80 £ RRP certainly is way too much for what the model actually is. The retail prices and half the price are more acceptable. But to justifie this high price it should have interrior lights, a more detailed interrior, chainlinkcouplings, movable doors, metal chassis, brass detailling etc... I would get one to match the 94xx from bachmann but, since my budget mainly consists of pocket money it is hard to find good models for a budget price. I saw a few autocoaches at the South Devon Railway in 2019 in mid-august. I saw them running with number 9466xx. I saw you there but I was too shy at the time to say hello, so I thought to say hello this way. You boarded the train at staverton station, and took a seat in the same coach I was in. My and my family can be seen at (11:15) (footage from the coach) in the review. The South Devon Railway is a very beautiful and nice heritage line and together with the North Yorkshire and Moors Railway the only heritage line i have ever visited in the UK. Maybe dapol will produce a better and cheaper version since they made the O gauge autocoach. A nice review as always. Greetings from Belgium Marius
Welllllll you could argue technically the autocoach did live on when British rail converted a bunch of mk2s into DBSOs (driving brake second open) in 1979 which were used on the shuttle expresses between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Funnily enough bachmann actually modelled it a few years back
You are right about the price. I paid my two a little less than GBP 38. At twice this price, that would have been a no-go for me. It's like the Hornby coaches : I buy only with a minimum of 50% bargain. It's not me who have overpriced rolling stock to sale, so not my problem. For GBP 35/40, this autocoach is correct, an acceptable price as is would be better on the GBP 25/30 mark. At full price, it's a huge no-go. I hope they will reissue the GWR version, but at a realistic price. Hattons is doing right now a harsh bargain on Hornby coaches, if someone is interested...
Now we have the Hattons and Hornby 4 and 6 wheeled coaches, one of them should produce the Ventnor West pull push set as preserved on the Isle Of Wight. Wod look great behind a Terrier.
hi sam.. you are lucky in getting this model for 30 quid which compared to the hornby bargain coaches a few months back puts it in the right prospective... however i now came to understand why 00 scale models have increased in price so much..they are opening a price slot for the new TT gauge which are being offered at old ( before "inflation" ) 00 gauge prices.... i just saw bachmann new pullman grey on blue set of 5 a whopping 600 quid!!!!!!
Sam - Another great review. I payed £43.50 (inc postage) for the same livery back in 2021 and, like you, was disappointed with the finish and lack of lighting. The fact Bachmann uses a bogie with the pick up facility in place is very misleading. My model had crimson overspray at one end below the window line. Having said that, it does looks good coupled up to my DJM/Hattons 14xx. What a shame this loco has disappeared from the market. I have tried to find out who owns the tooling but have met with a brick wall.
I've been interested in one since they were released, as they're a different diagram to the airfix/dapol/hornby ones (mine is an airfix one in GWR colours). But I've always been put off by the price, even when the rrp was £20 less.
These coaches were built after nationalisation so NEVER appeared in GWR livery. Although it’s true Bachmann did produce a GWR liveried one that was simply reproducing a totally fictions Heritage Railway paint job.
My father always said to me “if people keep buying the stuff, the prices will stay high”. The ONLY way to get prices down is for NOBODY to buy the models at the prices they charge. However, one must then be prepared for the manufacturers to go bust! My dissatisfaction with the prices and the scale/gauge problem of OO was to move up to O gauge.
Hi Sam. One gentle quibble. How come the other auto coaches on Bachman’s website that you showed were much much cheaper? Is the £80 version one with lights by any chance?
I saw your review on the Busy Bee James, and I saw it again in your recent locomotive video, and I thought it might peak your interest that the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge had a paint scheme they called the Bumble Bee, C-16 #268 on display in Colorado wears that paint scheme, I'll send you a picture sometime if you'd like
great review again sam .mutton dressed as lamb then charged venison prices lol .its now getting to the point where i cant afford keep the hobby up and very sadly may have to part with it .but there are people out there that will and can afford these so if they sell a 1/4 of the usual amount they still make money at these prices.cheerssam
Man that is some RSP. at that price i'd expect solid 5 pole motor and damn near hand made wooden bits and pieces. I hope that customers will talk via their valets.
Thanks for another well done video. It is sad to see the price and what you get. It could be improved after purchase (which no one should have to do). A little paint touching up and the addition of lights when the pickups are already there, would make it a more fun item.
Well, that’s nifty. A lot like some of the Amtrak trains here in the States, where there’s a special coach that’s a lot like a subway car in that it has train controls in a small cab at the end, along with a bell and whistle/horn. Same idea as your “auto coach”, but for diesel locomotives (instead) which have M.U. connections that run the length of the passenger coaches and/or radio control like a DPU. I originally thought this was going to be a British version of a doodlebug or RDC (i.e. a self-powered coach). Nope.
More than a fair review Sam. Asking Roco styled prices whilst the quality is, and features are miles away from Roco’s level certainly is flat out preposterous... Especially, the execution of paintwork is quite sloppy at certain areas. For that money all should be immaculate super sharp and crisp quality with lights and not only the interior for that matter. It looks quite cheap actually. This should be 25 GBP or thereabouts we though. What is this abysmal strategy of B about... Are they betting that some people will actually buy it for that atrocious price...?
Having worked in the model trade, i can reveal that there is at least 100% mark up on these items. and more when the large retailers buy in bulk. These used to retail for less than half that price in the early 2000's You are being well an truly ripped off, the manufacturing cost is a fraction of the retail prices. The answer is your own hands, stop buying for while, then the prices will drop.
Agree, the only Bachmann products I ever buy are vintage "Plasticville" buildings for O/S scale. Even though they're from the 40's/50's/60's, they're still vastly superior quality compared to any of Bachmann's current products.
A lot of that price is down to import costs. Bachmann have started producing UK models at factories in the US, and exporting them to the UK. Recent changes in taxes and import/export fees have caused higher prices across the board.
Hi Sam, a "Consist" is called a "Train Formation" in British Railways parlance, if you wish to be "consistent" with the time period depicted! As always you do have a way with words - "The nail in the coffin" being the lack of lights. I suppose bogies fitted with pickups would allow you to to add an LED strip of your own? If you ordered the TT:120 "The Scotsman" Pullman Set, you are going to be gnashing your teeth once again, as this does not have lighted table lamps! But the coaches are to have ceiling lights. These sets are not due to be shipped until the new year - Feb 2023 at the earliest! Thanks for uploading.
I love watching your videos Sam even though I’m an N gauge modeller. When you stated the price I nearly choked on my coffee, I’m not even joking. £79 for a single coach is absolutely disgraceful
They don't appear to be connected to anything - no switches or electronics that I could see, and no LEDs visible inside... also no description of LEDs or lights on any of the product descriptions I've seen :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains That seems really weird but perhaps Bachmann have found that these bogies run better as shown and so will now include them on all their coaching stock. Ha! Ha! Ha! 🤣
haha yeah - definitely an upgrade over the Hornby one, if not in value! Still, I got 2 Hornby ones + the 14xx for less than the RRP of this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As this piece of rolling stock has been praised on the rolling test, I am obligated to compare it to the El Cheapo Ali Express wagon, which is still (barely) the most free rolling thing in Sam's collection. This coach was roughly 8 inches behind the Ali Express hopper, and as such it doesn't threaten the rankings.
haha you're absolutely right - the rolling performance was fantastic, but it in no way justifies the price to any degree... even the very cheapest rolling stock can achieve the same or better... correct! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Hornby Autocoach does goes back to the Airfix one. Airfix have it listed in my Summer 1978 catalogue along with the 14xx autotank. 44+ years. Good grief. That beats Hornby's hanging on to Triang era stuff by decades unless someone can correct me. Their B12 iooks suspiciously 1960s Triang. I wonder if the B12 tender still has the late BR crest locating lines moulded into the sides.
Good review and far i brought a few of these when they first came out, But hell of a lot cheaper!. What a rip off is right with the new price they are asking now. Can see these selling like hot cakes, lol. Was looking at the EFE set of three car SR cross country set that coming out, Saw the price!!!!!!!!!! £74.00 a coach or £224.95 for the set, NO THANKS TIME ARE HARD BACHMANN.
All Bachmann coaches are over priced! And yes the price you paid was about right for full RRP. The last coach I bought was the Hornby MK3 to go with my IC 125, was just over 34 quid. The point less electric pickups are a great feature! *NOT! lol . Good review! Helps us save money by not buying them!
Wow, this is disappointing Bachmann don't put as much effort into thier rolling stock like thier locomotives. for 80£ this should have all the features. Detailed seats and interior, lights, sprung buffers, all handrails metal and seperately fitted and most importantly a good "cab" interior. These look so amazing in real life this looks quite low effort from Bachmann like the Vanwide Van sadly. For the price I would stick with the old Hornby one because it represents the thing decently without ripping a hole into my bank. Quite a shame really. Still great review, Sam 👍👍 when you put ripoff into the title it makes it slightly more amusing
As a comparison, a few years ago (2018) Bachmann charged £79.95 for a Scotrail Driving Brake Second Open (DBSO), a push-pull coach. I thought this was very expensive but it has directional white and red lights on the cab and I interior lights which can be adjusted on DCC. It was the first time this model was available ready to run and it completed my train which I had the other parts for so I bought it. I don't think the autocoach looks good value at all.
No kinematic coupling either, I'd have dropped the score lower on quality personally. Still, it could be a lot worse, it could be the 40+ year old ex-Airfix autocoach for nearly £50 from Hornby, or the equally ancient 12 wheel LMS diner for a massive £60. To be honest I think Hornby are more contemptuous here, at least the Bachmann coach is relatively modern tooled even if you do need to sell a kidney.
Is it strange that Bachmann never made this in Gwr livery considering it’s a Gwr coach. The closest thing we got to Gwr livery is Br chocolate and cream livery
@@SamsTrains This diagram of Autocoach (A38/39/40) was a Hawksworth design built in 1951, so British Railways liveries are the only correct ones for it. The Carmine and Cream on this one is another mark of Swindon's continuing independent streak during the BR era. At the outset, Carmine and Cream was only specified for Express stock, though someone at Swindon decided these autocoaches should also carry it. R.A. Riddles was said to be quite incensed when he saw BR's premier express carriage livery on such a lowly carriage at Paddington. Shortly after, their liveries were changed back to a plain Carmine as specified, but a few kept the Carmine and Cream until lined Maroon became standard a few years later. -Zach
@@18EStudios That was a copy of a one off livery done by a Heritage railway. NONE of these EVER carried GWR livery in BR passenger service (one did get it in the 1980s when it was being operated by BR research based in Derby).
For a short time i was thinking buying 2 coaches to replace my old hornby ones. But in the end i came up with the idea to fit R7305 Maglight Lighting Unit for Mk3 Coaches in the coaches. I think it must be possible to hide the battry in the end of the coach to hide it somewhat. The prices bachmann asks for couches is rediculous, how well detailes and good they are, it's just way too much.
Once again, this is a case of buy second hand! If one of these comes up cheaply, then get it... I really like 14xx's so I'd like an auto coach to go with one at some point 🤔
I have had one of the auto coaches for some time - the problem for me is that frequently they were pulled by a GW 1400 loco - my GW loco comes from Hornby rather than Bachmann and the couplings do match - the coach derails when the loco reverses and I have had to fix up the coupling hook - there is already mention of this problem
The cheapest I've seen them was around £60 at the SVR. Honestly, it'd be cheaper for me to drive to a station, get a train to kidderminster, buy an autocoach, and get another train back. That price is ridiculous!
hahaha literally! Nice enough model... but the price is double what it should be. Yes things are expensive now, but other manufacturers (like Dapol) are offering so much more for less money! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Seems there is a pattern emerging here. Bachmann rolling stock now represents worse value for money than their locomotives by some margin. As a result, sales are probably a tiny fraction of what they once were and therefore few new releases, e.g. not a single main range 00 wagon in the recent Winter 2022/23 announcements. Such a shame, high quality and affordable Bachmann rolling stock was a staple of the hobby not that long ago and blew the competition into the weeds.
The Airfix/Hornby Autocoach can be improved with aftermarket or homemade interior. The door handles may be molded, but they're very effective. I actually though they _were_ separate until you pointed out otherwise, and had to take a second look at the closeup. On a coach, if anything should be die-cast it's the bogie sideframes. The chassis being die-cast is unnecessary and tends to make for poor detail without a bunch of extra add-on bits. I wouldn't call the interior "basic", especially given the paint. I'd more call it low-intermediate. You want basic, look at the old Mainline coach interiors. Now _those_ are basic. This probably used to _have_ an RRP of 40 pounds or lower. As usual, I blame "raise prices to make up for sales shortfalls" gougeflation idiocy, which is poisoning the hobby on both sides of the pond. I remember when a Bachmann Thomas Express Coach was $25. What they cost now... _way_ too much.
I think you are being VERY generous with your criticism. The quality of paintwork and the visible glue is a disgrace - I would send this back at any price because it simply isn't good enough. The interior is shamefully basic but the low quality and lack of detail does explain the absence of interior lighting (which would simply highlight the dismal lack of realism). Overall then, I would give quality a one-start, detail a one star and the same for value, even at the price you paid. For this kind of money I expect perfect paintwork, accurate interior, maybe some seated figures and definitely some lights. Bachmann have shamed themselves with this one.
I bought this very coach from SVR recently last month for 45.99 so you can get a bargain if you look!!! The RRP for all coaches now is north of £60 which while unwelcome, is due to shipping and the world affairs at the moment.
This version of an autocoach is not suitable for pre nationalisation GWR period as it's a post 1948 Hawksworth version hence the "blood and custard" livery. When compared with my Airfix/GMR version there are many differences to the GWR built autocoaches.
I bought a hattons 0 gauge A4 the other day, £299 now that is value for money. I mean I got half a metre long stunning locomotive. That equates to 3 3/4 Bachmann auto trailers.
That price was spit worthy, but to preserve my computer I chocked on my iced tea instead. That's the sort of price I'd expect for a low end locomotive, or at least a set of 2 coaches or 3-4 wagons. I was expecting 60-70, but nearly 80? That's approaching $100 in America money! For an unlight coach? seriously, though, judging by your previous reviews, 30 seems to be the price for a low end coach, 40 for high end coaches, 50-60 if it has some features like lots of very fancy separately fitted details, lights, sound, ultra detailed interior, die cast, and 70-100 if it has the majority to all of those features. That's in pounds, you've got me to the point where I only really think about model railway things in British units.
For £80 RRP, I’d expect this ex-Hawksworth Autocoach to come with a FREE ex-Replica 57xx Pannier Tank in a Trainpack. Absolutely mad pricing from Bachmann!! But there is worse from Bachmann… £499 for a 17 year old reworked 4CEP into a 4BEP. That’s £125 per coach! Or £650 for the Metro-Cammell Blue Pullman. That’s £108 per coach. Sadly both Bachmann and Hornby seem to be operating a duopoly regarding excessive pricing. With the rise and rise of Dapol Heljan and Rapido, this is only going to end up very badly for both! They won’t kill the hobby, but they will kill themselves. RIP Bachmann and Hornby.
i wonder if they continued the pickups into the actual body of the coach or just on bogie. seems like they hit a budget constrain part way through design and dropped the lighting but left the pickups on bogies
Hey Sam I have an idea we're you review the old cheap hornby models, if you don't know what I mean it's the 0-4-0 bugs, E2 tank engine ect. For the new people to the hobby who are looking for more cheaper models : D
you can buy one from a toy train fare or fair for 8.00 pounds and as there not so popular they keep there quality - but what i want is 3 slip coaches only seen them in kits for around a 100.00 pounds crazy price
Hi Ben - I haven't unfortunately... didn't want to risk paying that for a Heljan... heard that they're good though, to be fair! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
If you want a perfect model in all categories you should try the ND's or the DF's by Charming Hao. Charming Hao is the best manufacturer in the world. The models are a bit expensive, like 580 dollars for a locomotive with heavy die cast chassis, smoke, DCC Sound and 20 different lights including wheel lights.
Some of them were built by BR and were named after birds. They had very comfortable seats, a bit like those in the 1938/1949 LUL surface line stock. The DMU's thatreplaced them were nowhere near as comfortable, and the classes 150 and 165 are even worse. Conclusion: these trains GW secondary routes would be an upgrade if they put these trains on instead.
I bought the Airfix /Hornby autocoaches when they first came out .. i had 4 at one point .. Dart castings ,made a detailing kit for it we were just pleased you could buy one on RTR and it was correct .. The Airfix ones are long gone .. I bought a Bachmann one in Crimson and cream .. suits my Hattons 1400.. and i have travelled in Autocoaches and fired 64s many times Paid just under 50 for it Was it worth it ,, it felt pricey at the time .. but now its damn god value looking at the prices now .of wagons . Putting yourself in manufactures shoes .. i feel Bachmann made the wrong one .. as its not GWR era one so limiting its sales potential Also its a very limited coach found mainly in 1s .. sometimes in 2s engine in the middle .. and has been seen in 4s with a 64xx in the middle .. so its not a coach you can sell a lot of.. that reflects its price I would definatly have another one .. Rip Off at 80 quid .. maybe but who pays full retails anyway ? In my view a great model ..
You think this is bad for pricing the Bachmann Thomas and Friends express coaches are now selling for 40-50 dollars retail and they're not comparable to this. New prices for american coaches are also high as well now but at least I can by used ones for much cheaper prices but it doesn't help for buying me ones sadly. I actually paid 60 dollars for a Hornby GWR autocoach and though that was really high but at least I had one. Awesome video as always and I can't wait for the next review.
Wow - yeah that's bonkers for the Thomas coaches - they're super basic aren't they? Wow yeah £60 is an awful lot for a Hornby one... but yeah, at least you got what you wanted! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yeah the coaches are pretty basic and I paid 60 US dollars for one that was new in box at a local retailer. I decided though it was high but I really wanted one for Oliver so I figured I'd make an exception. But yeah those Thomas coaches have always been overpriced for what they are and it's only gotten worse over time sadly.
Hi everybody. Just a bit of friendly advice from an experienced modeller. Please don’t run your locos on the carpet like Sam does in this video. The mechanism can pick up fibres from your carpet and ruin your loco.
Hey Sam, this autocoach from Bachmann is descent but like you said it is a ripoff. I rather buy a super detailed Hornby Pullman coach which has working lights, sprung buffers and separate detailed parts. I have 3 super detailed Pullman coaches from the LNER Queen Of Scots train pack. Maybe, you should get some super detailed Pullman coaches Sam.
Yeah, definitely decent enough. As you say, at least the Pullmans have the working lights... probably better value as a result! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I'm so tired of these ridiculous prices that manufacturers are charging on their websites. Bachmann and Hornby seems to be some of the worst when it comes to this, and it's a real shame. Really, for 80 pounds you should get this thing served on a gold plate, but instead you get just:
a normal coach.
A perfect example of a ridiculous aspect of the hobby nowadays. There's no way this is just inflation on the market. This is just overpriced.
Thank you for the splendid review Sam.
- Mat
Edit:
I saw a few likes on this and wanted to ask people what their opinion on the matter is, and how we could possibly fix this overpricing issue. As said earlier, this is much more than just about Bachmann and Hornby. Dapol is another great example that comes up, as well as of course foreign companies like Marklin, Roco (also includes Fleischmann as they bought that company), and my own experience as a Norwegian: the NJM (basically the only manufacturer that provides Norwegian locomotives and rolling stock with a few exception models having been made by German brands).
My point is, from my own experience and seeminly most others, the hobby is becoming way too expensive, and these prices are really not helping in that regard. So the question stands as:
How can we inform the manufacturers, as their customers, that we want to get what we pay for? Say for example if Bachmann wants you to pay 150 quid for a model, then it better be bloody worth that price, or we're allowing this hobby to become even more innaccessible and expensive, which is drawing away more customers, which in turn would probably just hurt both the hobby and the manufacturers even more. Because if nobody wants to buy? Well... all I'll say is:
Good luck to Bachmann Hornby, Dapol and so on, if they want to keep this up. You're slowly killing your own business.
Could be a case, where they have over priced things and the market has changed, so they know they have less of a market where people will buy, so they charge a high price, because there are a few people who will buy at the higher price, which makes up for any loss.
The market relies on the grey pound - retirees with fat pensions (far more than we'll ever get) and the time to invest in the hobby. The market needs to get bigger and entice a wider variety of people to drive down prices and keep profits up.
Yep - they've done this to themselves. For years it's been clear that there's still a real interest in model railways, but people have been put off by the unnecessary prices... but the manufacturers never listened. And now look at them... tiny production runs, massive price increases, same old models!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The only way to alter anything as a consumer is to simply stop buying overpriced models. But the minority that can afford it will always buy enough to keep justifying the price.
There is no overpricing issue. You’re just a cheap tightarse.
I have to do Biology assignment... nah watching you is way more important. 😂
Don't worry I will do it later, at 3 a.m....
That's soooo relatable 🤣🤣
research for political science here.
hahaha be careful now... don't mess up your grades! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Hey, Sam. I have an interesting idea for a review. Can you do a review of the Union Pacific Big Boy? That's an engine you haven't done before.
Magnificant catches of the model trains coming by and pass, I like it 5 stars, keep up the great work, my friend, Greetings from Portugal to the UK.
Thank you so much Vasco, appreciate it my friend!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As you say Sam, it is a nice looking coach at a shocking price. Why are these manufacturers taking the **** out of the very people who keep them in business, a real shame.
Hi Sam Airfix first produced the Autocoach to accompany their 14xx. It's a pity that Air fix gave up the model railway business as their products at the time put Hornby to shame. I can't remember the price of the coach but it wasn't more than £5.00! Regards Terry
I think Bachman is really looking good lately there products are really awesome. But again as in the past the prices are to high. It is a shame people just starting in this hobby find it hard with such prices they can’t start out with much. Great looking product Bachman but please do some thing with the prices. Great video Sam as usual.
prices will come down if you dont go and buy their products.but clowns who do go buy their products spoil it for the rest of us.
The rop doesn't matter when you can get them for far less
I was very surprised by the title here Sam before I saw the video, as I own one of these, after buying the "new" Hornby autocoach and found it severely lacking so traded it in for a Bachmann model. However I paid £30 new for it from Model Railways Direct circa 1 year ago, reduced from an RRP of about £40 - 45 I think. At an RRP of £70 I can only think that Bachmann have intentionally stubbed the price up so they can do a massive "sale" over the Christmas period back down to a more normal price of £30.
I know you negotiated the points with this briefly, Sam, but what is it like actually running when pushed by an engine around the entire layout? Given that is one of the purposes of this coach, being pulled AND pushed, I was hoping to see how it performed. I know the Hornby one I once had was a terrible derailer and was unfit for pushing running, thus defeating its purpose
Hi! That's a fair point - maybe I should've shown it in reverse... but it's stable as anything, and goes perfectly in both directions! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wonder if that was down to Hornby's fetish for riveted bogies.
Just recently got back into model trains, I got a bachmann set the other day really nice! You got a nice coach!
Ahh fantastic - so glad to hear you got back into the hobby- good luck!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Looks like my ancient Airfix GWR 14xx and Autocoach are going to keep running for a few more years!
The first RTR GWR Autocoach was made by Airfix in the late 1970's. At the time I was 17 and had to work several days peeling potatoes in a fish 'n chip shop to scrape together the 5 quid which it then cost. Compared to the other coaches which I possessed it was a marvel as far as detail and finish were concerned. Even then the doors in the middle of the coach had wire handrails and the bell on the end was separately painted and fitted. I guess that the Airfix model now seems like a model T compared to the latest offerings but still nostalgia for me...
Interesting reveiw, as I love AutoCoaches and have two Airfix and two Hornby versions and like both of those models, they're nice and cheap second hand (10 quid for the Airfix and 20 for the Hornby if you shop around the intermess).
This version is a beautiful model but an eyewateringly expensive thing for 80 nicker.
However, 40 is not entirely out of my price range. Hmm. I'm tempted, you know...
BTW did you know they ran around Swansea with Jintys?
Six of the push-pull 3Fs were transferred to Western Region when a Swansea shed was changed from Midland Region in the late 40's.
That would make a nice consist, Bachmann AutoTrailers and Jintys.
Thanks for the review :)
Hi Sam,
Nearly 80 £ RRP certainly is way too much for what the model actually is. The retail prices and half the price are more acceptable. But to justifie this high price it should have interrior lights, a more detailed interrior, chainlinkcouplings, movable doors, metal chassis, brass detailling etc... I would get one to match the 94xx from bachmann but, since my budget mainly consists of pocket money it is hard to find good models for a budget price. I saw a few autocoaches at the South Devon Railway in 2019 in mid-august. I saw them running with number 9466xx. I saw you there but I was too shy at the time to say hello, so I thought to say hello this way. You boarded the train at staverton station, and took a seat in the same coach I was in. My and my family can be seen at (11:15) (footage from the coach) in the review. The South Devon Railway is a very beautiful and nice heritage line and together with the North Yorkshire and Moors Railway the only heritage line i have ever visited in the UK.
Maybe dapol will produce a better and cheaper version since they made the O gauge autocoach.
A nice review as always.
Greetings from Belgium
Marius
Welllllll you could argue technically the autocoach did live on when British rail converted a bunch of mk2s into DBSOs (driving brake second open) in 1979 which were used on the shuttle expresses between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Funnily enough bachmann actually modelled it a few years back
When Sam said the 80 pound rrp my eyes left my head. Nice video Sam.
I have not bought anything from Bachmann or Hornby this year, I'm enjoying what I have that still works...
You are right about the price. I paid my two a little less than GBP 38. At twice this price, that would have been a no-go for me.
It's like the Hornby coaches : I buy only with a minimum of 50% bargain. It's not me who have overpriced rolling stock to sale, so not my problem.
For GBP 35/40, this autocoach is correct, an acceptable price as is would be better on the GBP 25/30 mark. At full price, it's a huge no-go. I hope they will reissue the GWR version, but at a realistic price. Hattons is doing right now a harsh bargain on Hornby coaches, if someone is interested...
Now we have the Hattons and Hornby 4 and 6 wheeled coaches, one of them should produce the Ventnor West pull push set as preserved on the Isle Of Wight. Wod look great behind a Terrier.
hi sam.. you are lucky in getting this model for 30 quid which compared to the hornby bargain coaches a few months back puts it in the right prospective... however i now came to understand why 00 scale models have increased in price so much..they are opening a price slot for the new TT gauge which are being offered at old ( before "inflation" ) 00 gauge prices.... i just saw bachmann new pullman grey on blue set of 5 a whopping 600 quid!!!!!!
You have it! That's why. It all makes sense now.
You hit the nail on the head when you said they are showing contempt to customers!
Sam - Another great review. I payed £43.50 (inc postage) for the same livery back in 2021 and, like you, was disappointed with the finish and lack of lighting. The fact Bachmann uses a bogie with the pick up facility in place is very misleading. My model had crimson overspray at one end below the window line. Having said that, it does looks good coupled up to my DJM/Hattons 14xx. What a shame this loco has disappeared from the market. I have tried to find out who owns the tooling but have met with a brick wall.
I agree completely with this review 👌
Do you ever get any feedback from the manufacturers?
Why would he? He knows absolutely nothing about the logistics involved in making models, the sheer costs involved.
I've been interested in one since they were released, as they're a different diagram to the airfix/dapol/hornby ones (mine is an airfix one in GWR colours). But I've always been put off by the price, even when the rrp was £20 less.
These coaches were built after nationalisation so NEVER appeared in GWR livery.
Although it’s true Bachmann did produce a GWR liveried one that was simply reproducing a totally fictions Heritage Railway paint job.
My father always said to me “if people keep buying the stuff, the prices will stay high”. The ONLY way to get prices down is for NOBODY to buy the models at the prices they charge. However, one must then be prepared for the manufacturers to go bust!
My dissatisfaction with the prices and the scale/gauge problem of OO was to move up to O gauge.
The trouble is that retailers need sales or they will go broke.
Hi Sam. One gentle quibble. How come the other auto coaches on Bachman’s website that you showed were much much cheaper? Is the £80 version one with lights by any chance?
I wondered that, but if you look, the cheaper ones are the Graham Farish N-gauge versions
To be honest, it looks fantastic here more or less. With a driver in the cab and some passengers should be a spectacular showcase on any layout.
That high floor though. It looks like the carriage has been flooded with 9 inches deep cream of chicken soup. Hope the passengers have wellies on!
I have a auto coach as well, although in maroon and it’s been a fantastic model for about a year now
Ahh fantastic - glad you have one and are happy with it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I saw your review on the Busy Bee James, and I saw it again in your recent locomotive video, and I thought it might peak your interest that the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge had a paint scheme they called the Bumble Bee, C-16 #268 on display in Colorado wears that paint scheme, I'll send you a picture sometime if you'd like
great review again sam .mutton dressed as lamb then charged venison prices lol .its now getting to the point where i cant afford keep the hobby up and very sadly may have to part with it .but there are people out there that will and can afford these so if they sell a 1/4 of the usual amount they still make money at these prices.cheerssam
Man that is some RSP.
at that price i'd expect solid 5 pole motor and damn near hand made wooden bits and pieces.
I hope that customers will talk via their valets.
Well,if they’ve got Valets they can afford the prices.
I have a number of these Airfix and Dapol.. Bachmann coach is not too bad at the sale price. I'm happy with the ones I have. Cheers Paul.
Thanks for another well done video. It is sad to see the price and what you get. It could be improved after purchase (which no one should have to do). A little paint touching up and the addition of lights when the pickups are already there, would make it a more fun item.
Sam, have you considered putting a GoPro into an open truck, parked in a siding or on the off-side track, for "fly-by" footage?
Well, that’s nifty. A lot like some of the Amtrak trains here in the States, where there’s a special coach that’s a lot like a subway car in that it has train controls in a small cab at the end, along with a bell and whistle/horn. Same idea as your “auto coach”, but for diesel locomotives (instead) which have M.U. connections that run the length of the passenger coaches and/or radio control like a DPU. I originally thought this was going to be a British version of a doodlebug or RDC (i.e. a self-powered coach). Nope.
Hi Sam agree they are very interesting coaches. Bonkers price for a mediocre model. almost went for a chocolate and cream one, but not now. Cheers
More than a fair review Sam. Asking Roco styled prices whilst the quality is, and features are miles away from Roco’s level certainly is flat out preposterous... Especially, the execution of paintwork is quite sloppy at certain areas. For that money all should be immaculate super sharp and crisp quality with lights and not only the interior for that matter. It looks quite cheap actually. This should be 25 GBP or thereabouts we though. What is this abysmal strategy of B about... Are they betting that some people will actually buy it for that atrocious price...?
Having worked in the model trade, i can reveal that there is at least 100% mark up on these items.
and more when the large retailers buy in bulk.
These used to retail for less than half that price in the early 2000's
You are being well an truly ripped off, the manufacturing cost is a fraction of the retail prices.
The answer is your own hands, stop buying for while, then the prices will drop.
Hey Sam, I am with you on this coach and most of Bachmann’s current products. My solution is simply “Do Not Buy!”
Agree, the only Bachmann products I ever buy are vintage "Plasticville" buildings for O/S scale. Even though they're from the 40's/50's/60's, they're still vastly superior quality compared to any of Bachmann's current products.
A lot of that price is down to import costs. Bachmann have started producing UK models at factories in the US, and exporting them to the UK. Recent changes in taxes and import/export fees have caused higher prices across the board.
Got mine in a sale last month for £37 and it’s a good model for that price but not a bargain
Looks identical to the Airfix/GMR models I have in my own collection.
Hi Sam, a "Consist" is called a "Train Formation" in British Railways parlance, if you wish to be "consistent" with the time period depicted! As always you do have a way with words - "The nail in the coffin" being the lack of lights. I suppose bogies fitted with pickups would allow you to to add an LED strip of your own? If you ordered the TT:120 "The Scotsman" Pullman Set, you are going to be gnashing your teeth once again, as this does not have lighted table lamps! But the coaches are to have ceiling lights. These sets are not due to be shipped until the new year - Feb 2023 at the earliest! Thanks for uploading.
I love watching your videos Sam even though I’m an N gauge modeller. When you stated the price I nearly choked on my coffee, I’m not even joking. £79 for a single coach is absolutely disgraceful
I went to a model railway show around four years ago and picked up an old Airfix model in brown and cream for £3!
So, Sam, what do the pick-ups connect to?
Is there some switch underneath to turn the lights on and off.
They don't appear to be connected to anything - no switches or electronics that I could see, and no LEDs visible inside... also no description of LEDs or lights on any of the product descriptions I've seen :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains That seems really weird but perhaps Bachmann have found that these bogies run better as shown and so will now include them on all their coaching stock. Ha! Ha! Ha! 🤣
Thanks Sam, another fine review as always, much appreciated
Ooooo I have sooo been trying to get something like this for ages. Glad to see we got one
1:48 wait how much for a single one? 😮 Noooooo! You got to be kidding me!
Still significantly better than the Hornby offering which I regret buying.
haha yeah - definitely an upgrade over the Hornby one, if not in value! Still, I got 2 Hornby ones + the 14xx for less than the RRP of this!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As this piece of rolling stock has been praised on the rolling test, I am obligated to compare it to the El Cheapo Ali Express wagon, which is still (barely) the most free rolling thing in Sam's collection. This coach was roughly 8 inches behind the Ali Express hopper, and as such it doesn't threaten the rankings.
haha you're absolutely right - the rolling performance was fantastic, but it in no way justifies the price to any degree... even the very cheapest rolling stock can achieve the same or better... correct!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Hornby Autocoach does goes back to the Airfix one. Airfix have it listed in my Summer 1978 catalogue along with the 14xx autotank. 44+ years. Good grief. That beats Hornby's hanging on to Triang era stuff by decades unless someone can correct me. Their B12 iooks suspiciously 1960s Triang. I wonder if the B12 tender still has the late BR crest locating lines moulded into the sides.
Good review and far i brought a few of these when they first came out, But hell of a lot cheaper!. What a rip off is right with the new price they are asking now. Can see these selling like hot cakes, lol. Was looking at the EFE set of three car SR cross country set that coming out, Saw the price!!!!!!!!!! £74.00 a coach or £224.95 for the set, NO THANKS TIME ARE HARD BACHMANN.
All Bachmann coaches are over priced! And yes the price you paid was about right for full RRP. The last coach I bought was the Hornby MK3 to go with my IC 125, was just over 34 quid. The point less electric pickups are a great feature! *NOT! lol . Good review! Helps us save money by not buying them!
And this is why Bachmann is resented in North America. This is their norm in our market and has been for years.
Wow, this is disappointing Bachmann don't put as much effort into thier rolling stock like thier locomotives. for 80£ this should have all the features. Detailed seats and interior, lights, sprung buffers, all handrails metal and seperately fitted and most importantly a good "cab" interior. These look so amazing in real life this looks quite low effort from Bachmann like the Vanwide Van sadly. For the price I would stick with the old Hornby one because it represents the thing decently without ripping a hole into my bank. Quite a shame really. Still great review, Sam 👍👍 when you put ripoff into the title it makes it slightly more amusing
I still have the Airfix Autocoach from the 1970's that I think was really well detailed for its time.
As a comparison, a few years ago (2018) Bachmann charged £79.95 for a Scotrail Driving Brake Second Open (DBSO), a push-pull coach. I thought this was very expensive but it has directional white and red lights on the cab and I interior lights which can be adjusted on DCC. It was the first time this model was available ready to run and it completed my train which I had the other parts for so I bought it. I don't think the autocoach looks good value at all.
You can still buy those from TMC for £85.46 on eBay. DCC fitted 10 available it says.
No kinematic coupling either, I'd have dropped the score lower on quality personally. Still, it could be a lot worse, it could be the 40+ year old ex-Airfix autocoach for nearly £50 from Hornby, or the equally ancient 12 wheel LMS diner for a massive £60. To be honest I think Hornby are more contemptuous here, at least the Bachmann coach is relatively modern tooled even if you do need to sell a kidney.
Is it strange that Bachmann never made this in Gwr livery considering it’s a Gwr coach. The closest thing we got to Gwr livery is Br chocolate and cream livery
That is strange... maybe this model reflects the BR era autocoach in its detailing??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains This diagram of Autocoach (A38/39/40) was a Hawksworth design built in 1951, so British Railways liveries are the only correct ones for it. The Carmine and Cream on this one is another mark of Swindon's continuing independent streak during the BR era. At the outset, Carmine and Cream was only specified for Express stock, though someone at Swindon decided these autocoaches should also carry it. R.A. Riddles was said to be quite incensed when he saw BR's premier express carriage livery on such a lowly carriage at Paddington. Shortly after, their liveries were changed back to a plain Carmine as specified, but a few kept the Carmine and Cream until lined Maroon became standard a few years later. -Zach
Bachmann have made this in GWR livery. Was part of the first run I believe. TMC still have some in stock
@@18EStudios That was a copy of a one off livery done by a Heritage railway. NONE of these EVER carried GWR livery in BR passenger service (one did get it in the 1980s when it was being operated by BR research based in Derby).
Great review Sam. Seems like Bachmann went about makng it and pricing the wrong way instead of the Great Western way.
For a short time i was thinking buying 2 coaches to replace my old hornby ones. But in the end i came up with the idea to fit R7305 Maglight Lighting Unit for Mk3 Coaches in the coaches. I think it must be possible to hide the battry in the end of the coach to hide it somewhat. The prices bachmann asks for couches is rediculous, how well detailes and good they are, it's just way too much.
Once again, this is a case of buy second hand! If one of these comes up cheaply, then get it... I really like 14xx's so I'd like an auto coach to go with one at some point 🤔
I have had one of the auto coaches for some time - the problem for me is that frequently they were pulled by a GW 1400 loco - my GW loco comes from Hornby rather than Bachmann and the couplings do match - the coach derails when the loco reverses and I have had to fix up the coupling hook - there is already mention of this problem
The cheapest I've seen them was around £60 at the SVR. Honestly, it'd be cheaper for me to drive to a station, get a train to kidderminster, buy an autocoach, and get another train back. That price is ridiculous!
hahaha literally! Nice enough model... but the price is double what it should be. Yes things are expensive now, but other manufacturers (like Dapol) are offering so much more for less money!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
You nailed it Sam, It's nothing more than a box of rocks! Why would anyone pay more for a middle of the road model?
Seems there is a pattern emerging here. Bachmann rolling stock now represents worse value for money than their locomotives by some margin. As a result, sales are probably a tiny fraction of what they once were and therefore few new releases, e.g. not a single main range 00 wagon in the recent Winter 2022/23 announcements. Such a shame, high quality and affordable Bachmann rolling stock was a staple of the hobby not that long ago and blew the competition into the weeds.
The Airfix/Hornby Autocoach can be improved with aftermarket or homemade interior.
The door handles may be molded, but they're very effective. I actually though they _were_ separate until you pointed out otherwise, and had to take a second look at the closeup.
On a coach, if anything should be die-cast it's the bogie sideframes. The chassis being die-cast is unnecessary and tends to make for poor detail without a bunch of extra add-on bits.
I wouldn't call the interior "basic", especially given the paint. I'd more call it low-intermediate. You want basic, look at the old Mainline coach interiors. Now _those_ are basic.
This probably used to _have_ an RRP of 40 pounds or lower. As usual, I blame "raise prices to make up for sales shortfalls" gougeflation idiocy, which is poisoning the hobby on both sides of the pond. I remember when a Bachmann Thomas Express Coach was $25. What they cost now... _way_ too much.
I think you are being VERY generous with your criticism. The quality of paintwork and the visible glue is a disgrace - I would send this back at any price because it simply isn't good enough. The interior is shamefully basic but the low quality and lack of detail does explain the absence of interior lighting (which would simply highlight the dismal lack of realism). Overall then, I would give quality a one-start, detail a one star and the same for value, even at the price you paid. For this kind of money I expect perfect paintwork, accurate interior, maybe some seated figures and definitely some lights. Bachmann have shamed themselves with this one.
I bought this very coach from SVR recently last month for 45.99 so you can get a bargain if you look!!! The RRP for all coaches now is north of £60 which while unwelcome, is due to shipping and the world affairs at the moment.
The inner child in me sniggered when you said you were pulling off a loco 🤭🤭
This version of an autocoach is not suitable for pre nationalisation GWR period as it's a post 1948 Hawksworth version hence the "blood and custard" livery. When compared with my Airfix/GMR version there are many differences to the GWR built autocoaches.
Isn't the no smoking sign on the window mirrored? After all, it's for the person inside to read, not outside!
Used to travel on one and the flying banana from Chepstow to Brockweir on the Wye Valley line back in the fifties. Both in blood and custard.
I bought a hattons 0 gauge A4 the other day, £299 now that is value for money. I mean I got half a metre long stunning locomotive. That equates to 3 3/4 Bachmann auto trailers.
That price was spit worthy, but to preserve my computer I chocked on my iced tea instead. That's the sort of price I'd expect for a low end locomotive, or at least a set of 2 coaches or 3-4 wagons. I was expecting 60-70, but nearly 80? That's approaching $100 in America money! For an unlight coach?
seriously, though, judging by your previous reviews, 30 seems to be the price for a low end coach, 40 for high end coaches, 50-60 if it has some features like lots of very fancy separately fitted details, lights, sound, ultra detailed interior, die cast, and 70-100 if it has the majority to all of those features. That's in pounds, you've got me to the point where I only really think about model railway things in British units.
haha a very fitting reaction indeed! Exactly... if this had a full interior with lights, then I'd come around a bit!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I do agree with its performance being smooth and very efficient...but the price is not the Great Western Way haha. Cheers mate and have a good!
Thanks Gabriel - wonderful runner, that's for sure... but you'd certainly hope so!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
For £80 RRP, I’d expect this ex-Hawksworth Autocoach to come with a FREE ex-Replica 57xx Pannier Tank in a Trainpack. Absolutely mad pricing from Bachmann!!
But there is worse from Bachmann… £499 for a 17 year old reworked 4CEP into a 4BEP. That’s £125 per coach! Or £650 for the Metro-Cammell Blue Pullman. That’s £108 per coach.
Sadly both Bachmann and Hornby seem to be operating a duopoly regarding excessive pricing. With the rise and rise of Dapol Heljan and Rapido, this is only going to end up very badly for both!
They won’t kill the hobby, but they will kill themselves. RIP Bachmann and Hornby.
i wonder if they continued the pickups into the actual body of the coach or just on bogie. seems like they hit a budget constrain part way through design and dropped the lighting but left the pickups on bogies
Hey Sam I have an idea we're you review the old cheap hornby models, if you don't know what I mean it's the 0-4-0 bugs, E2 tank engine ect. For the new people to the hobby who are looking for more cheaper models : D
Oh, I know these. We have coaches like that here in the US, but we call them "Cab cars". They're usually seen on commuter service.
Ahh fantastic - I'd love to see an American one, must look those up!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
you can buy one from a toy train fare or fair for 8.00 pounds and as there not so popular they keep there quality - but what i want is 3 slip coaches only seen them in kits for around a 100.00 pounds crazy price
Heh, I do love the juxtaposition of the title "Ripoff" with the description "Get yours here". XD
haha! I always include affiliate links where possible - doesn't matter if it's a positive or negative review!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great video Sam, have you reviewed the Heljan Autocar by any chance?
Hi Ben - I haven't unfortunately... didn't want to risk paying that for a Heljan... heard that they're good though, to be fair!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Just buy the Airfix one and pimp it up a bit. You can buy flush glazing kits for not much.
Okay, why do all these models seem to have bits of carpet fuzz on them? It’s especially noticeable on the window glazing.
If you want a perfect model in all categories you should try the ND's or the DF's by Charming Hao. Charming Hao is the best manufacturer in the world. The models are a bit expensive, like 580 dollars for a locomotive with heavy die cast chassis, smoke, DCC Sound and 20 different lights including wheel lights.
That sounds awesome Stefan, thanks so much for the recommendation!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Some of them were built by BR and were named after birds. They had very comfortable seats, a bit like those in the 1938/1949 LUL surface line stock. The DMU's thatreplaced them were nowhere near as comfortable, and the classes 150 and 165 are even worse. Conclusion: these trains GW secondary routes would be an upgrade if they put these trains on instead.
That's very interesting - the ones I've been on had very comfortable seats too!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I remember I was as disappointed as you when I got my Bachmann Autocoach only for it to not have working lights despite the pickups
Both the Hornby Auto coach and 14XX were both Airfix originally.
I bought the Airfix /Hornby autocoaches when they first came out .. i had 4 at one point .. Dart castings ,made a detailing kit for it we were just pleased you could buy one on RTR and it was correct ..
The Airfix ones are long gone ..
I bought a Bachmann one in Crimson and cream .. suits my Hattons 1400.. and i have travelled in Autocoaches and fired 64s many times
Paid just under 50 for it
Was it worth it ,, it felt pricey at the time .. but now its damn god value looking at the prices now .of wagons .
Putting yourself in manufactures shoes .. i feel Bachmann made the wrong one .. as its not GWR era one so limiting its sales potential
Also its a very limited coach found mainly in 1s .. sometimes in 2s engine in the middle .. and has been seen in 4s with a 64xx in the middle .. so its not a coach you can sell a lot of.. that reflects its price
I would definatly have another one .. Rip Off at 80 quid .. maybe but who pays full retails anyway ?
In my view a great model ..
You think this is bad for pricing the Bachmann Thomas and Friends express coaches are now selling for 40-50 dollars retail and they're not comparable to this. New prices for american coaches are also high as well now but at least I can by used ones for much cheaper prices but it doesn't help for buying me ones sadly. I actually paid 60 dollars for a Hornby GWR autocoach and though that was really high but at least I had one. Awesome video as always and I can't wait for the next review.
Wow - yeah that's bonkers for the Thomas coaches - they're super basic aren't they? Wow yeah £60 is an awful lot for a Hornby one... but yeah, at least you got what you wanted!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yeah the coaches are pretty basic and I paid 60 US dollars for one that was new in box at a local retailer. I decided though it was high but I really wanted one for Oliver so I figured I'd make an exception. But yeah those Thomas coaches have always been overpriced for what they are and it's only gotten worse over time sadly.
thanks for the great videos sam!
13:30 - 13:41 Jeremy Clarkson:POWERRRRR!!!!
The Autocoach: Oh, no! Anyway.
Have you reviewed the Dynamometer Car yet? Even more expensive I know but the quality it amazing (except for the lights issue of course)
I got mainline autocoach with chocolate and cream and a hornby gwr 14xx 0-4-2
Very good review Sam, But I would pay the high price if the coach included 15-20 Preiser figures along with one driver Plus lights inside and out.
Hey I just started model trains can you tell me what engine to start off with??
Hi everybody.
Just a bit of friendly advice from an experienced modeller.
Please don’t run your locos on the carpet like Sam does in this video. The mechanism can pick up fibres from your carpet and ruin your loco.
Hey Sam, this autocoach from Bachmann is descent but like you said it is a ripoff. I rather buy a super detailed Hornby Pullman coach which has working lights, sprung buffers and separate detailed parts. I have 3 super detailed Pullman coaches from the LNER Queen Of Scots train pack. Maybe, you should get some super detailed Pullman coaches Sam.
Yeah, definitely decent enough. As you say, at least the Pullmans have the working lights... probably better value as a result!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Don't you have a Dapol Autocoach as well? In O gauge?