Tim Coles in 2011 built a 5 inch gauge model of this running on miniature railways with a miniature gas turbine engine in it. An amazing bit of model engineering.
It'll be like a jet engine like a shhhhhhh and krrrrrrr noise *I know awful impressions lol* but can hear the inlet sucking in air as it's compressed mixed with fuel in the combustion chamber at the back and ignite sending a surge of power to the shaft forwards and hot exhaust shooting out the top I'd imagine on this example. Mind I don't see why a Diesel Turbine powered locomotive wouldn't work as are more fuel efficient than a traditional combustion engine tanks use them nowadays so why not a locomotive plus easily have enough power and torque to pull tonnes of carriages.
Using my aircraft techinican experience here: the GT3's turbine is actually more like an helicopter's turboshaft: both have an output shaft that is being then reduced by a gearbox to the proper speed for use by the rotors or, in this case, the central wheel axle.Which makes the internal mechanism oddly accurate to the real thing in spirit: small electric motors and turbines both share the trait of spinning much faster than you really can use practically!
Yes I remember the Howmet TX Turbine Sports Prototype, I was standing at druids at Brands Hatch in '67 when the throttle jammed (the noise was awesome) and it buried itself in the bank, turbine speed is an issue for practical terrestrial use.
@Kabuki Kitsune no the turbine was an industrial turbine, English Electric EM27 2750hp not a Rolls Royce Derwent engine… GT3s Achilles heel was its reverser it kept stripping gears
You do the most thorough and practical loco reviews on UA-cam. I love that you show all the facets such as build quality, running characteristics, serviceability and value for money. Stay honest and please review more diesel and electrics. Thanks.
I have bought a GT3 having tried to build one, 3 different attempts, very impressed with the model subject to Sam’s comments, very good. A little background I actually have travelled on the prototype as my father was one of the BR drivers assigned to the project at Leicester Marlow Rd sheds and visually I can’t really fault the appearance. So we’ll done KR models.
For modellers. Where did it run, first based in Rugby (test centre) then Whitchurch shed in Shropshire for initial light testing and crew training on the Malpas Line. Test runs to the Llandudno Junction turntable. Next to Leicester MPD this was convenient for English Electric’s Whetstone turbine works. It ran on the GC line & from Woodford Halse running into Marlyebone Station. It was later tested over Shap on the West Coast Mainline. It was returned to English Electric at Vulcan Foundry at the end of 1962 and stored then partially dismantled.
I honestly think this is one of the most creative and luxurious looking locomotives of a "diesel" like engine from Britain. The fact it takes on a look of a steam engine, and the fact it seems that the exhaust comes out at that more brass/golden colored grate at the front makes it cooler. The closest engines I could think of that are close to it would be the A4's or the Milwaukee Road, Hiawatha, 4-6-2. It's an interesting stream lined American locomotive.
What that front bogie screw needs is to be a collared screw, so it can be tightened onto the collar, without tightening onto the bogie frame. I'll bet this was how it was designed, then they saw the price of a collared screw (they are machined, so are quiet expensive to produce, standard screws are rolled, and much much cheaper). You can effect the same by using a close fitting piece of tube from K&M metals, cut to length and slid over the screw before it is inserted and tightened. You can then tighten onto the tube and it won't clamp the bogie. Whether it can be sprung then depends on the spring and whether it will clear the tube. Maybe a replacement spring is also on the cards. The spring should push against a washer, that then bears against the bogie. With a dab of oil or grease, that should work fairly well, though uneven track might be an issue.
I remember seeing way back in the 70s, there was a drawing of an "modern steam locomotive" that looked like an American diesel loco with steam loco running gear. It was very strange looking, but would make a very interesting model.
@@JDsHouseofHobbies I think you mean the ACE 3000, which never left the concept stage once the 1970s oil crisis had passed. Models of it have been made.
A stunner worth waiting for indeed! Looks the part and runs like a sewing machine. In addition you get a twist in authenticity with this model in that you practically have a miniature copy of the actual engine exactly as it performed when it existed, rather than simply being a miniature motorized copy of the prototype like other models. KR Models have started big and they started proud. Well done Sam, and the builders too. Looking forward to seeing what they'll send your way next. Regards, Samuel F.
Marvelous to see competent new manufacturers stepping into the ring. I wish KR the best. Of note I would like to commend you Sam for the ingenious method of inserting the monetization ads artfully into your content without interrupting the flow of your episode. One of the first Ive seen actually programming the space for ads. Seriously. It was a welcome relief to the normal interruption that most content vloggers have.
Very much so - it's impressive isn't it? Really glad you appreciate the careful placement of ads - I know they're intrusive, so I do my best not to let them dominate! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's so detailed, I love it, really like the amount of detail on all the grates, I'd expect them to be just molded without anything behind them. I think the extra details are extra head code disks, perhaps to make some of them appear closed. The tender in real life had a steam boiler used for heating the passenger cars, the grate on top is in some way related to ventilating it. If you want to see how the cab is like in detail, you can try the Train Simulator model, it also lets you go through the entire start-up procedure. Been waiting for this video, always been quite interested in both gas and steam turbine locos.
Honestly, this is an awesome locomotive. So different, so unique, even with the new price, I wouldn't mind trying the sound option. Great review as always, Sam.
The red light reduces the glare of from the windows at night also it does not leave the crew night blind like a white/ yellow will also this also present on airplanes
Fascinating locomotive, isn’t it? I know one of the things that worked against it going into full production was that unlike diesels, this loco still needed a turntable. That is an issue when the competition doesn’t need them
The idea was to take steam locomotives, scrap the steam parts, and convert them to gas turbine while retaining the turntables. It was supposed to save money, but didn't work out so well.
Hey Sam, I became an expert with these push in tender connections. To reconnect Loco and Tender, turn upside down in your hands, level up and push the pins home. Very easy to line up pins and keep level. I don't even try to reconnect Loco sitting on the Rails. Australian Manufacturers have used this system for some time and we get plenty of practice...I recommend to keep connected and use a Peco Loco lift to store when not in use....
I also saw the have a Bullied Leader on their web page and that is tempting also. Even tho it was an spectacular failure and had a habit of making the fireman pass out from the heat of the enclosed space.
Another spot on detailed review Sam, as I've said before WHY don't manufacturers field test their products before letting them loose on the market, I'm sorry but that front bogie design is unacceptable, and the comments you made on the buffers and steps although small items in the scheme of things could be changed before launching the product, you should do yourself a favour and send the manufacturers some of your review videos, it would help them and would also make a great well deserved sideline for you. Take care Sam and thank you again for another great unbiased video.
I feel like the fact the front bogie derails is a massive dealbreaker. As a quote on quote rookie who doest like taking apart my own locos, a fault from the manufacturer that make me have to change it really ruins the model for me. Otherwise its a really nice looking model. Hopefully the Fell deisel ive ordered is a little better
Had problems with the front bogie too. If you tighten it up too far it rides above the track. Fiddled around with it and better now but the front bogie squeaks on 2nd radius curves and, curiously, the bogie sometimes doesnt centre back up on the following straight. It's frustrating because otherwise we love ours.....
I’ve got the sound fitted version, no problems at all with running or front bogie, pulls 10 coaches no problem sweet as a nut. Compared to recent Hornby offerings it’s a good model.
Right at 35:27 you can see the shadow of the ghost train. 😂 spent 30 minutes trying to pause it on exactly the right spot to see it. Great video Sam!! -Aman95
That loco tender coupling is the basic design used on almost every recent continental model. Usually done with no option to separate it. This design will work on anything above R2, and might work on a smaller radius depending on wheelbase. That tender pickup system is considered a premium feature in Europe, most manufacturers use axle wipers. The model train production in China is split between about 4 factories not counting Hornby, Piko and a few American brands who have their own factory. So even if you stumble over a new name, they usually get their stuff from the same production line. You can still get a bad designed frame if bad luck strikes, and the quality control is sometimes sloppy
I wish there was a new company that focused on making budget models rather than super detailed ones. This and other expensive models are fantastic,but I’d rather sacrifice some detail to keep the price down.
To be fair there are plenty of budget models (Hornby Railroad as a primary example). KR models needs to set the standards high to prove they are capable and it doesn’t make any sense to produce a substandard model... 95% of the cheaper/basic models are derived from old toolings as the cost of producing a new tooled - more basic model wouldn’t be far off that of a higher spec model (for which there is a much greater markup in price). Sadly it’s an expensive hobby these days
Sure, I like budget models too, wish we could see more of them! Not a problem that KR hasn't gone down that route of course though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There's a few out there! In the US a company called Accurail makes relatively detailed kits that retail for about $20 USD. They're not too difficult to assemble either!
What a fantastic unique loco! I have been exited to see a review on this for a while, i think this is a great first model, KR models looks to have a bright future!
I’m excited to see what they come up with in the future with their goal of doing weirder/less common locos, there’s a couple of downsides but there are in major manufacturers too and I’m sure (and I hope) they saw this video and took the criticism in. If I ever get one which would consider if I had the money I’d end up asking you exactly what you did the front bogey. Hopefully they gain a bit more traction and maintain their current quality whilst improving what you noted because if they do, there is serious potential here.
Its a great model, I'm glad you got to review it, as far as jet turbines the New York Central railway had some jet powered locomotives. The M-497 Black Beetle comes to mind
Yes! Finally been waiting to see the completed product for so long I’m a big fan of turbine locomotives my favourite being the C&O Class M-1 Steam Turbine, this model really seemed to live up to the hype I’m sure it's a jewel in your collection.
Hi Sam. Thoroughly enjoyed your review. The model will not be added to my collection of nearly 300 locos. No long now until your at 100k subscribers. Fantastic achievement and a lovely new recognition plate from UA-cam.
Its a lot of money for it to keep derailing without having to fiddle with it. PS have you reviewed the Bachmann class D11 Director "Prince Albert" Super looking model?.
Easy enough to fix though. But it's a fair point spending that much money and having to mess around with it. For the money I can see why people would want a loco that doesn't need to be messed with.
@@SamsTrains If you hadn't played with the bogie, you would have been fine. It's loose for a reason so that it will get up an incline. And no, it won't fall off.
@@krmodelsltd5065 not a great reply, when a well respected model rail youtuber has reviewed your product for their large audience and you chastise him for 'fiddling'. Most people are going to fiddle, and anyone can see that screw needs to be loose. If it is correct, perhaps you could release a video explaining how the mechanism works and how we can avoid fiddling with it when servicing?
@@krmodelsltd5065 well i was considering getting my hands on one, but I don't think I want support a company that chastised a respected reviewer for doing his job.
A very realistic model of GT3. I was at grammar school when it was running and the father of one of my friends was a driver who worked on it when it was running on the G. C. main line. The lining out is extremely good and as one of the features of the original that impressed me as lad. One thing that is not correct is the front lamps. It has all the white marker lights open, which headlamp code would denote a Royal Train. Not something it ever pulled as far as I am aware! The white discs were hinged at the middle of the disc and folded down to cover the lamp when they were not required. The same style of disc was fitted to most of the early diesel locomotives as they had to display the same headlamp codes as were in use on steam locomotives. The lower front lamps were not white, but red lamps for running in reverse. Too anyone interested the locomotive sounded rather similar to a very large vacuum cleaner when it was working hard! There are several good photographs in existence including some colour shots taken at Leicester G. C. loco depot which was close to the Grand Union Canal about half a mile south of the station. One excellent shot I have was taken outside the shed adjacent to the shearlegs which were used to lift locomotives requiring attention to the axle boxes. It clearly shows the straw and green coloured lining. A livery that was unique to GT3. I believe the chassis of GT3 was at least partly based on the B. R. Standard Class 5 steam locomotive and as far as I know the roller bearing side rods were another feature unique to GT3. It was a truly unique and amazing machine which really impressed me and sticks in my memory. I remember going to a display of locomotives at the Somerset Town Goods Yard adjacent to St. Pancras Station (where the National Library now is) and seeing it on display with the latest Standard steam locos including a Caprotti valve geared Standard class 5, and the brand new diesels including Warship Class "Sir Brian Robertson". I sadly only have black and white photos from the display which I think celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Stephenson Locomotive Society.
Your reviews getting better and better. I think you did the right thing to solve the bogie issue, it seems that the spring and the washer underneath the spring snagged on the bogie crossmember when it had to slide sideways in the curves. But looking to the chassis design almost all weight is over the drivers, and there is not much of a metal frame above the bogie, so it doesn't have to carry any of the loco's weight, if the bogie itself is diecast, it has enough weight by itself to stay on the track without a spring pressing down on it. The wonkyness of the whole bufferbeam assembly is the main part which lets the model down, it has that Heljan-ish feel over it, but looking to the type of connectors used on the PCB it's well possible that this model comes from the Heljan factory, they produce for the North American market in the like of the Walthers locomotive range, so it's not unlikely for KR models which according to the info on the box is situated in Canada to have Heljan as its manufacturer. The mechanism is superb, and performs better even than many diesels, the metal frames used as pickups is a system more commonly used in North America and is very reliable as it doesn't get dirty like wipers, but it probably had been even smoother if all gears had been fitted, as these eliminate the uneven movement caused by the coupling rods.
I am excited to see more from kr models, try putting it next to a black five they have the same chassie so that will look interesting, great review sam.
Yes, the original intention was to take black fives, and maybe other steam locomotives, scrap the boilers, tender shells, and other parts, an convert the chassis to a gas turbine. Good idea in theory, but with it's protracted development, by the time it finally came out, it look antiquated, and was something of a laughing stock; causing English Electric to quietly withdraw and scrap it; after years and a ton of money to develop it.
I think its beautiful sam , not a bad first attempt from a new company hopefully they will address the minor issues down the line, that front bogie wouldn't stand a chance on my layout 😂
Absolutely stunning model! It makes me very hopeful for what this company may do next. I would love if they continued making models of one-off/unique designs! Like the Licky Incline’s Big Bertha, or Central Pacific’s 4-10-0 El Gobernador
In reality a very unsuccessful locomotive that performed very little useful work. Much more successful were the fifty or so Union Pacific gas turbines hauling massive mile long freight trains from 1954 to 1970. I will attempt to provide a link in my next comment since links in your comments seem to suppress the comment lately. Annoyingly.
Howdy from the great State of Texas! Same, I really enjoy your videos. They are a nice mix of entertainment and information. Only recently have I gotten back into the hobby after nearly a 20yr hiatus with my father. Anyway, keep up the great work, keep having fun and stay safe.
Another honest review. Having read/watched a few others, you seem to be one of the few happy to actually look in detail and give constructive criticism which when forking out £200 is needed. I watched one and was looking at the front and back steps and they were as bent as yours but zero mention of it - like what's the point. The criticism you give I suspect is having a tangible impact on the manufactures with things such as die cast / quality pickups now becoming a selling point. That being said very encouraging from KR models for it's first model and quite tempted by the Fell loco at £150. Hopefully with future releases they'll be able to iron out the issues. Particularly pleased that they have shamed bachmann and hornby with their motors. Very glad it's now running well and I suspect you'll frequently run this more than the score suggests! PS I absolutely love the way the crest on the rear mimics the BR late crest and to us and the real life spotter alike it only becomes obvious on closer inspection.
Thanks so much mate - yeah absolutely - I don't see the point in brown-nosing and only addressing the positives... that serves nobody but the manufacturer. I try to cover the whole picture, and folks seem to like that style. Absolutely though, a very strong start from KR - can't wait to see what they do next! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's beautiful. I love the finish, and the details like the 'SKF' on the axle boxes - SKF made bearings for heavy machinery. I saw a picture of this locomotive in an annual many years ago, and like the 'Q' class, it was so weird, I never forgot it. It's definite 'Space Age' technology, up there with Concorde and the Harrier. Such a pity it was never preserved.
I remember the GT3 when as a signalman at Leicester Central. I rather liked the design. As a modeller l have built one in OO about 12 years ago from scratch and us proudly displayed among my other mainly GW locos. I've named mine County of Leicester with no.1018.
Hi Sam, a very interesting review. I received my GT3 yesterday and sure enough, it derails every time on a particular curved point, I can actually see the leading 2 drivers climbing the rail. I too will remove the bogie spring to see if it solves the issue. That said, I've wanted a GT3 since I read about the real thing in Rail Enthusiast magazine 30 years ago, and the model is well worth the wait!
I was apprentice at EEs Vulcan Foundry where GT3 was built. I started in 1964 and it was there outside one shed until it vanished overnight following year. John
It's kind of funny, how UK gas turbine locos look like steam engines, while the most common US gas turbines looked like diesels. Union Pacific's gas turbines were actually rather popular, and built 3 different generations of them, the last of which generated a massive 8500 horsepower. And, as a bonus, we have a few of them preserved as display engines here in the States.
That front bogey could use a nice brass spacer around the screw, maybe a running washer and weak leaf spring to loosely couple it to the main body, but I wouldn't put much weight on it if it can be helped. If push comes to shove though, a drop of blue loctite will keep the screw as far out as you want without backing out.
11:18 Yup. The difference between a gas turbine and a jet engine is how the energy produced is used. That's it. Jet engines are, technically, gas turbines, only instead of using the high velocity exhaust gas to turn yet another turbine and produce torque they just exhaust it directly to the atmosphere to produce thrust. Union Pacific experimented with gas turbine locomotives here in the US, too. The GTELs were a four unit consist and had an absolutely voracious appetite for fuel. They were built much later than the GT3 was and turned generators which ran standard traction motors in the bogeys as per normal for a diesel/electric. 30+ years of active service before their fuel costs finally caught up with them; at time of retirement they were basically running on raw crude oil run through a filter. They were monsters though, and saw a lot of high priority express freight service across the prairies. Fun fact: The two auxiliary tenders UP 844 tugs around all the time are former GTEL tenders.
Kernow have definitely set a high standard for some of their future models to complete with. It will be interesting to compare this and future models should you review some further on. Great loco overall and nice video as always Sam!
Another superb review. If Sam likes it, then I know it's a "go." I won't buy a rail joiner unless Sam reviews it first. BTW, here in the USA, the Union Pacific experimented, decades ago, with the Gas Turbine. Apparently, the bunker oil it used was comparatively cheap, and the UP is always try to save a buck. The story goes, one stopped for a signal, under a roadway overpass for a time. The heat generated by the idling turbine was so hot that it actually melted a hole in the asphalt. Ooops.
It's great to see a new player to the game come out swinging with a great item, I hope they can keep this up across their future line of products, and one day bring those prices a little more in line.
I think that was quite a fair rating for it. This is sucha beautiful loco, great perfomer with it's annoying flaws, but for a first model from KR Models it really isn't bad. Besides, realistically with any company, the first product is very rarely gonna be the best model, this model might not be an exception depending in their next model. But that is not a kick in the teeth to them at all, it is what it is, it does what it says on the tin and overall KR did not disappoint in my opinion. I'd probably wait for the price to go down, but it's not the worst price we've seen on a model, we've seen far worse for that kind of money. So I completely agree, some issues on the model, but for a first time model, KR have done the job as expected, so nice work KR. Great video as always Sam
As a child I remember seeing a photo of the GT3 in a book with two headcodes apart and along with the grill in the center I was like "They gave that loco a face!" Have you thought about what headcode orientation you'll do?
what a stunning locomotive! Can you review the O gauge Dapol class 57xx? it has a modeled intside frame running gear. (im thinking about getting one for my outdoor layout that i am planing.
Had a Hornby Castle class with a similar front bogie setup. Had to put a very thin teflon washer between the spring (made from an old steam iron cover) and the bogie. Used Loctite 609 to stop the screw coming loose once I worked out the correct tension. Never worked 100% but a big improvement.
There are some variations on Castle Class - see the 346C service sheet for the one I had. support.hornby.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360016350399-HSS-346C-Castle-Class-
It has lights in the cab too!! According to what I saw on Jenny’s channel yesterday, the cab area is fully detailed as well!! It’s a remarkable locomotive.
Thanks for sharing! Not quite a fully detailed cab - there's no cab decoration, just moulded detail... did the other reviews you saw suggest otherwise?? Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A gas turbine is a jet engine, they aren't just used in jet planes, you also get turbo prop planes, which use a generator to turn the prop, but there is also marine applications and power generation, like really large generators that a large building might use as emergency power, or you get large mobile generators that size of a container that are gas turbine driven. In the 50's turbine power was still pretty new so they were looking to bung it in everything, Rover and Ford both had experimental gas turbine cars.
I'm a Big Four guy but this loco is so lovely it almost makes me want to go BR.. The livery has a wonderful deep shine, something which the likes of Hornby etc. oftentimes do not achieve... Good vid Sam thanks! Joachim
Ive seen ther webpage and the model is a nice one and i like its color and that the fact it is a very special model. Thats why i like the speciality manufactures they are thinking outside the box. Happy easter Sam and keep safe. 👍👍👍😀😀😀
A very interesting loco: thanks Sam for such a detailed look at it. i wasn't too impressed with the front buffer beam and buffers - they looked to be unpainted plastic and were all wonky! As a matter of interest, it was built on a 'spare' BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 pair of frames, a type that was current at the time this machine was envisaged. I've seen many comments attributing this as the reason it wasn't fully assessed during a time when BR was trying to distance itself from steam and this loco looked like an odd steam loco, and also to the fact that its economics, in common with the American Union Pacific gas turbines, were undermined by the fact that it was designed to work on cheap waste Bunker C grade oil but developments in the 1950s made that useable elsewhere and its price shot up.
The reality is more mundane. The 4-6-0 was chosen as a proven platform to assess the feasibility of gas turbines without any growing pains associated with simultaneously developing a new chassis or drive system, such as turbine-electric. The concept was viable but faced stiff competition from twin-cab diesels which were continuously improving in power-to-weight and benefitted from innovations in diesel technology in the automotive and marine industries. The crux of the issue was the GT3 needed more research and investment, and BR were afraid of wandering into a sunk-cost fallacy when they already had a proven track record with diesels.
2:20 If anyone wondering the Gas Turbine IS the type of engine that Jet planes use, but not only them: A jet engine is a type of propulsion system, where the power comes, by the engine pushing usually exhaust gasses out in a *Jetstream* to the opposite side of movement, thus pushing to the air and pushing itself forwards. Planes use this as their propulsion method. They can only push the air, or generate directional lift with a propeller, so it's extremely fitting for their propulsion. Rockets also use Jet propulsion, but they work a little bit different. So what is a Gas Turbine really? The Gas Turbine is a type of internal combustion engine, one of the 3 main types; Piston, Turbine, and Wankel-Rotary. They all use the same principle: the "Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow" or Intake-Compression-Combustion-Exhaust. While a Piston engine, commonly found in cars, diesel trains, propeller planes, trucks, tractors, tanks, and even ships, uses the pistons movement, well, there are no pistons in the Turbine. The Wankel-Rotary, commonly found in the Mazda RX-3, Mazda RX-7 and Mazda RX-8 sportcars (If they didn't get LS-Swapped) uses a rotor instead, that touches the walls of the engine, and so it can do the ICCE each rotation...but as you might have guessed, we have no Rotor either. A Gas turbine is built up much simpler than any of the two engines. It consists of: -The fairing: basically walls of the engine -Shaft: Moving parts are connected to here -Compression fans: They are connected to the shaft, and sometimes there are moving and non-moving blade sections. by the spinning of these fans they pull in air, and push it into the engine, which becomes narrower, and also push through more air, and this compresses the air. -Combustion chamber: Fuel is pumped here, and constantly burned, creating more pressure overall, also heating and burning the air, further increasing the pressure. -exhaust fans: the exhaust gasses need to escape from the engine, and the only way they can is through these fans. exhaust passing through here spins the fans, and spins the shaft, which then spins the intake and compression fans, so the engine can work. from here the engine simply can leave. for Jet propulsion, the exhaust kept under pressure, and for a mechanical power take off, extra fans are added, and the gasses de-pressurize while leaving the engine, but still giving off a lot of power through the extra fans. From here, you get mechanical energy, which can be sent into a gearbox or generator. the GT3 is mechanical, so it's sent to a reduction gearbox, which then powers the wheels like it would power a car or truck. There are different type of Turbine engines, depending on their way of giving off power: -Turbojet Basically just a Gas Turbine, that gives off jet propulsion -Turbofan The big engine on airliners. (And the A-10 and the Harrier Jump Jet) It has an extra fan on the front that is way larger than the rest of the engine, with it's own cowling, that pushes extra low pressure air for extra propulsion. -Turboprop No jet propulsion, but a gearbox in the front, connected to a classic propeller. Used on planes obviously. It was invented by hungarian inventor "Jendrassik György", and was first used on the RMI-1 prototype in WWII, but the engines were underpowered, and the plane was destroyed anyways by the US. The Brits strap some propellers on the Gloster Meteor, and now everybody thinks, that the Brits invented the turboprop. -Turboshaft Similar to a turboprop, but a bit different. The GT3 uses this, and the Chrysler Turbine (Car) also used this, but nowdays the main users are Helicopters and ships, that use it as generatiors.
Fascinating locomotive. Seeing that KR Models is a Canadian company (Edmonton) they did follow North American practice and used RP-25 flanges on the wheels.
Yeah that's true! Not too keen on that - I do see more derailments with those flanges, and I can't really see the point in using such finescale ones :/ Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I watched another video showing the sound fitted version of this loco and it sounds awesome on DCC sound. Because the gas turbine was essentially a jet engine so you can imagine the sound it makes.
That is a cool engine. I have actually heard of this even before the model was announced. It’s sad that the real engine had such a short lifespan, but that comes with experiments like this engine.
Tim Coles in 2011 built a 5 inch gauge model of this running on miniature railways with a miniature gas turbine engine in it. An amazing bit of model engineering.
This loco passed us going the other way somewhere between Crewe and Shrewsbury when I was a kid. I was struck by how weird it sounded.
It'll be like a jet engine like a shhhhhhh and krrrrrrr noise *I know awful impressions lol* but can hear the inlet sucking in air as it's compressed mixed with fuel in the combustion chamber at the back and ignite sending a surge of power to the shaft forwards and hot exhaust shooting out the top I'd imagine on this example.
Mind I don't see why a Diesel Turbine powered locomotive wouldn't work as are more fuel efficient than a traditional combustion engine tanks use them nowadays so why not a locomotive plus easily have enough power and torque to pull tonnes of carriages.
@@hordegaming4771 at low speed the wear full hunger and br did not like them
Yes! The Turbine Locomotive is finally here!
haha it finally is!! :D
@@SamsTrains cool locomotive
A locomotive that looks like a locomotive, but doesn't use steam and looks like my grandmother's radiator? Ye, count me in!
haha that's exactly what it is!! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Locomotives that don’t use steam exist you ever heard of diesels or electrics 🤨
@Jeanmarie Radick yeah no one cares
@@pennyjunction9066 he meant it looks like a stream loco
@@pennyjunction9066 r/whoosh
Using my aircraft techinican experience here: the GT3's turbine is actually more like an helicopter's turboshaft: both have an output shaft that is being then reduced by a gearbox to the proper speed for use by the rotors or, in this case, the central wheel axle.Which makes the internal mechanism oddly accurate to the real thing in spirit: small electric motors and turbines both share the trait of spinning much faster than you really can use practically!
As someone in the same profession, I agree
Yes I remember the Howmet TX Turbine Sports Prototype, I was standing at druids at Brands Hatch in '67 when the throttle jammed (the noise was awesome) and it buried itself in the bank, turbine speed is an issue for practical terrestrial use.
That's awesome - thanks so much for sharing... very interesting indeed!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@Kabuki Kitsune no the turbine was an industrial turbine, English Electric EM27 2750hp not a Rolls Royce Derwent engine… GT3s Achilles heel was its reverser it kept stripping gears
Or like an m1 abrams on rails
You do the most thorough and practical loco reviews on UA-cam. I love that you show all the facets such as build quality, running characteristics, serviceability and value for money. Stay honest and please review more diesel and electrics. Thanks.
Many thanks for the kind words - I'll do my best! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have bought a GT3 having tried to build one, 3 different attempts, very impressed with the model subject to Sam’s comments, very good. A little background I actually have travelled on the prototype as my father was one of the BR drivers assigned to the project at Leicester Marlow Rd sheds and visually I can’t really fault the appearance. So we’ll done KR models.
You’re so close to 100k! So well deserved mate 👍 You deserve all the success you’re having with the channel.
Thanks so much mate - I'm absolutely amazed to have gotten this far - really appreciate it!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I swear this is the same shade of brown as most 70s car interiors
haha yep - it looks like like those! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
For modellers. Where did it run, first based in Rugby (test centre) then Whitchurch shed in Shropshire for initial light testing and crew training on the Malpas Line. Test runs to the Llandudno Junction turntable. Next to Leicester MPD this was convenient for English Electric’s Whetstone turbine works. It ran on the GC line & from Woodford Halse running into Marlyebone Station. It was later tested over Shap on the West Coast Mainline. It was returned to English Electric at Vulcan Foundry at the end of 1962 and stored then partially dismantled.
Many thanks for sharing Leroy, appreciate this!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
When Sam mentioned this on the last live stream I was so excited and my god it’s beautiful
haha it really is isn't it? Strangest thing ever to be called beautiful, but I do agree! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains cool locomotive
@@JavierRodriguez-xs9mx definitely :)
It doesn’t look that strange, it looks like a streamlined locomotive. Almost like one of the streamlined k class locomotives of New Zealand.
haha fair enough - it looked pretty strange from where I was sitting! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
When it was crawling I couldn't even tell it was moving 🤯
I know - it's a stunning crawl!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I honestly think this is one of the most creative and luxurious looking locomotives of a "diesel" like engine from Britain. The fact it takes on a look of a steam engine, and the fact it seems that the exhaust comes out at that more brass/golden colored grate at the front makes it cooler.
The closest engines I could think of that are close to it would be the A4's or the Milwaukee Road, Hiawatha, 4-6-2. It's an interesting stream lined American locomotive.
Yeah I agree - it's really fascinating to look at isn't it?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What that front bogie screw needs is to be a collared screw, so it can be tightened onto the collar, without tightening onto the bogie frame. I'll bet this was how it was designed, then they saw the price of a collared screw (they are machined, so are quiet expensive to produce, standard screws are rolled, and much much cheaper).
You can effect the same by using a close fitting piece of tube from K&M metals, cut to length and slid over the screw before it is inserted and tightened. You can then tighten onto the tube and it won't clamp the bogie. Whether it can be sprung then depends on the spring and whether it will clear the tube. Maybe a replacement spring is also on the cards. The spring should push against a washer, that then bears against the bogie. With a dab of oil or grease, that should work fairly well, though uneven track might be an issue.
‘Remember it’s their first try.’ For £200, they don’t get to use that excuse people.
Quite right!
When a diesel is cosplaying as a steam engine:
haha I know!! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It’s unusual but not bad-looking, I’d say.
I remember seeing way back in the 70s, there was a drawing of an "modern steam locomotive" that looked like an American diesel loco with steam loco running gear. It was very strange looking, but would make a very interesting model.
@@JDsHouseofHobbies I think you mean the ACE 3000, which never left the concept stage once the 1970s oil crisis had passed. Models of it have been made.
nah when a Guzzoline train is cosplaying a steam engine
A stunner worth waiting for indeed! Looks the part and runs like a sewing machine. In addition you get a twist in authenticity with this model in that you practically have a miniature copy of the actual engine exactly as it performed when it existed, rather than simply being a miniature motorized copy of the prototype like other models. KR Models have started big and they started proud. Well done Sam, and the builders too. Looking forward to seeing what they'll send your way next. Regards, Samuel F.
haha it certainly does! I've heard that too - fascinating actually!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Marvelous to see competent new manufacturers stepping into the ring. I wish KR the best.
Of note I would like to commend you Sam for the ingenious method of inserting the monetization ads artfully into your content without interrupting the flow of your episode. One of the first Ive seen actually programming the space for ads. Seriously. It was a welcome relief to the normal interruption that most content vloggers have.
Very much so - it's impressive isn't it? Really glad you appreciate the careful placement of ads - I know they're intrusive, so I do my best not to let them dominate!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's so detailed, I love it, really like the amount of detail on all the grates, I'd expect them to be just molded without anything behind them. I think the extra details are extra head code disks, perhaps to make some of them appear closed. The tender in real life had a steam boiler used for heating the passenger cars, the grate on top is in some way related to ventilating it.
If you want to see how the cab is like in detail, you can try the Train Simulator model, it also lets you go through the entire start-up procedure.
Been waiting for this video, always been quite interested in both gas and steam turbine locos.
Honestly, this is an awesome locomotive. So different, so unique, even with the new price, I wouldn't mind trying the sound option.
Great review as always, Sam.
The red light reduces the glare of from the windows at night also it does not leave the crew night blind like a white/ yellow will also this also present on airplanes
Ahh interesting - thanks for sharing!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Fascinating locomotive, isn’t it?
I know one of the things that worked against it going into full production was that unlike diesels, this loco still needed a turntable. That is an issue when the competition doesn’t need them
It really is! And that's very interesting!! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The idea was to take steam locomotives, scrap the steam parts, and convert them to gas turbine while retaining the turntables. It was supposed to save money, but didn't work out so well.
Hey Sam,
I became an expert with these push in tender connections. To reconnect Loco and Tender, turn upside down in your hands, level up and push the pins home. Very easy to line up pins and keep level. I don't even try to reconnect Loco sitting on the Rails. Australian Manufacturers have used this system for some time and we get plenty of practice...I recommend to keep connected and use a Peco Loco lift to store when not in use....
Many thanks for sharing! I'll have to try doing it that way!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Such a beautiful engine.
BTW i never realized but I really like your OO track layout. Good work
Thanks so much - haha you're one of the few that does! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Finally! You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this!!! 😁
haha me too - it feels like forever!! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think that livery is called "Vulcan Foundry red" or "Vulcan Foundry brown"
Or even "improved Stroudley green".
Very cool... makes sense I guess!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wow !! I’ve been waiting for ever for this !!!
Lovely model mate..
Great video, stay safe and take care :)
Cheers mate, all the same to you too - stay safe!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Absolutely love this strange locomotive. Hoping to get one of the second run.
Anyone else notice the missing "r" on the builders plate though? 16:50
"English Electic" is fairly amusing.
Electic
Its value will go up then, like misprinted stamps and coins
I also saw the have a Bullied Leader on their web page and that is tempting also. Even tho it was an spectacular failure and had a habit of making the fireman pass out from the heat of the enclosed space.
Very much so! Will be fascinating to see how those turn out!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I actually saw that run on the Great Central when I was a trainspotter many years ago. One of my all-time favourite locos.
Another spot on detailed review Sam, as I've said before WHY don't manufacturers field test their products before letting them loose on the market, I'm sorry but that front bogie design is unacceptable, and the comments you made on the buffers and steps although small items in the scheme of things could be changed before launching the product, you should do yourself a favour and send the manufacturers some of your review videos, it would help them and would also make a great well deserved sideline for you. Take care Sam and thank you again for another great unbiased video.
I feel like the fact the front bogie derails is a massive dealbreaker. As a quote on quote rookie who doest like taking apart my own locos, a fault from the manufacturer that make me have to change it really ruins the model for me. Otherwise its a really nice looking model. Hopefully the Fell deisel ive ordered is a little better
Yeah that's fair to say - it really peeved me too! Fingers crossed the fell's non-driven wheels will be properly designed!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains well hopefully KR are looking out at these reviews and are taking note. we can only hope :)
Had problems with the front bogie too. If you tighten it up too far it rides above the track. Fiddled around with it and better now but the front bogie squeaks on 2nd radius curves and, curiously, the bogie sometimes doesnt centre back up on the following straight. It's frustrating because otherwise we love ours.....
@@SamsTrains Are you implying that the front bogie was not properly designed? Any evidence to support that?
I’ve got the sound fitted version, no problems at all with running or front bogie, pulls 10 coaches no problem sweet as a nut. Compared to recent Hornby offerings it’s a good model.
Been looking forward to this ever since it was released
Oh me too - amazing that they're finally here!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Another superb review. I share your keenness for the unusual, and hope this signals KR's course.
Thanks so much Jeffrey - yes very much so! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Right at 35:27 you can see the shadow of the ghost train. 😂 spent 30 minutes trying to pause it on exactly the right spot to see it. Great video Sam!! -Aman95
haha where abouts?!? I can't see it! D:
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains it like a flash as the gt3 pulls away and the experimental purple A4 gets out of shot. Little bit of an unintended Easter egg. 😂😂
OH MY GOD that's so beautiful! Reminds me of the American C&O M1 steam turbine, search it up!
I will do!! Thanks for sharing! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The look of this train on thumbnail instantly told me to click. I like it.
Sam is easily the most comprehensive locomotive reviewer on UA-cam.
Thanks so much Jeff, I do my best to include as much detail as possible! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
That loco tender coupling is the basic design used on almost every recent continental model. Usually done with no option to separate it. This design will work on anything above R2, and might work on a smaller radius depending on wheelbase.
That tender pickup system is considered a premium feature in Europe, most manufacturers use axle wipers.
The model train production in China is split between about 4 factories not counting Hornby, Piko and a few American brands who have their own factory. So even if you stumble over a new name, they usually get their stuff from the same production line. You can still get a bad designed frame if bad luck strikes, and the quality control is sometimes sloppy
Very interesting - thanks a lot for sharing Ivo!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Well, it's certainly got a high-performance name.
haha it sure does! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I wish there was a new company that focused on making budget models rather than super detailed ones. This and other expensive models are fantastic,but I’d rather sacrifice some detail to keep the price down.
That's why we offer an installment plan to help spread the payment
To be fair there are plenty of budget models (Hornby Railroad as a primary example). KR models needs to set the standards high to prove they are capable and it doesn’t make any sense to produce a substandard model... 95% of the cheaper/basic models are derived from old toolings as the cost of producing a new tooled - more basic model wouldn’t be far off that of a higher spec model (for which there is a much greater markup in price). Sadly it’s an expensive hobby these days
Sure, I like budget models too, wish we could see more of them! Not a problem that KR hasn't gone down that route of course though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There's a few out there! In the US a company called Accurail makes relatively detailed kits that retail for about $20 USD. They're not too difficult to assemble either!
What a fantastic unique loco! I have been exited to see a review on this for a while, i think this is a great first model, KR models looks to have a bright future!
I agree mate - I've been so excited for it too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I’m excited to see what they come up with in the future with their goal of doing weirder/less common locos, there’s a couple of downsides but there are in major manufacturers too and I’m sure (and I hope) they saw this video and took the criticism in. If I ever get one which would consider if I had the money I’d end up asking you exactly what you did the front bogey.
Hopefully they gain a bit more traction and maintain their current quality whilst improving what you noted because if they do, there is serious potential here.
Maybe that Cheapskate turbine engine?! The big yellow one!
Wow! What a stunner!
It really is!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
When you held the loco while the motor was on I had an idea for them to make SR Battle of Britain With intentional wheel slip
Ooh that sounds good!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. you REALLY do have a MASSIVE fleet.
Its a great model, I'm glad you got to review it, as far as jet turbines the New York Central railway had some jet powered locomotives. The M-497 Black Beetle comes to mind
Thanks a lot Will - that does sound fascinating! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yes! A new locomotive that looks like my father's radiator!
haha I know right! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I first learned of this peculiar locomotive from The Great Book of Trains by Brian Hollingsworth, the Bible of real trains to me as a kid.
Yes! Finally been waiting to see the completed product for so long I’m a big fan of turbine locomotives my favourite being the C&O Class M-1 Steam Turbine, this model really seemed to live up to the hype I’m sure it's a jewel in your collection.
Thanks a lot Ben - yeah it sure did live up to the hype... and then some!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam. Thoroughly enjoyed your review. The model will not be added to my collection of nearly 300 locos. No long now until your at 100k subscribers. Fantastic achievement and a lovely new recognition plate from UA-cam.
Thanks so much - really glad you enjoyed it! I can't believe that either - it is amazing!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It looks like the handsome brother of the Q1
haha yeah - I definitely get Bullied vibes from this too! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Its a lot of money for it to keep derailing without having to fiddle with it. PS have you reviewed the Bachmann class D11 Director "Prince Albert" Super looking model?.
Easy enough to fix though. But it's a fair point spending that much money and having to mess around with it. For the money I can see why people would want a loco that doesn't need to be messed with.
Yes you're right - I'm not saying it's acceptable to have to make repairs, and I did reflect that in the score!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains If you hadn't played with the bogie, you would have been fine. It's loose for a reason so that it will get up an incline. And no, it won't fall off.
@@krmodelsltd5065 not a great reply, when a well respected model rail youtuber has reviewed your product for their large audience and you chastise him for 'fiddling'. Most people are going to fiddle, and anyone can see that screw needs to be loose. If it is correct, perhaps you could release a video explaining how the mechanism works and how we can avoid fiddling with it when servicing?
@@krmodelsltd5065 well i was considering getting my hands on one, but I don't think I want support a company that chastised a respected reviewer for doing his job.
A very realistic model of GT3. I was at grammar school when it was running and the father of one of my friends was a driver who worked on it when it was running on the G. C. main line. The lining out is extremely good and as one of the features of the original that impressed me as lad.
One thing that is not correct is the front lamps. It has all the white marker lights open, which headlamp code would denote a Royal Train. Not something it ever pulled as far as I am aware! The white discs were hinged at the middle of the disc and folded down to cover the lamp when they were not required. The same style of disc was fitted to most of the early diesel locomotives as they had to display the same headlamp codes as were in use on steam locomotives. The lower front lamps were not white, but red lamps for running in reverse.
Too anyone interested the locomotive sounded rather similar to a very large vacuum cleaner when it was working hard!
There are several good photographs in existence including some colour shots taken at Leicester G. C. loco depot which was close to the Grand Union Canal about half a mile south of the station. One excellent shot I have was taken outside the shed adjacent to the shearlegs which were used to lift locomotives requiring attention to the axle boxes. It clearly shows the straw and green coloured lining. A livery that was unique to GT3.
I believe the chassis of GT3 was at least partly based on the B. R. Standard Class 5 steam locomotive and as far as I know the roller bearing side rods were another feature unique to GT3.
It was a truly unique and amazing machine which really impressed me and sticks in my memory. I remember going to a display of locomotives at the Somerset Town Goods Yard adjacent to St. Pancras Station (where the National Library now is) and seeing it on display with the latest Standard steam locos including a Caprotti valve geared Standard class 5, and the brand new diesels including Warship Class "Sir Brian Robertson". I sadly only have black and white photos from the display which I think celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Stephenson Locomotive Society.
Yes it is so realistic train well locomotive
Your reviews getting better and better.
I think you did the right thing to solve the bogie issue, it seems that the spring and the washer underneath the spring snagged on the bogie crossmember when it had to slide sideways in the curves.
But looking to the chassis design almost all weight is over the drivers, and there is not much of a metal frame above the bogie, so it doesn't have to carry any of the loco's weight, if the bogie itself is diecast, it has enough weight by itself to stay on the track without a spring pressing down on it.
The wonkyness of the whole bufferbeam assembly is the main part which lets the model down, it has that Heljan-ish feel over it, but looking to the type of connectors used on the PCB it's well possible that this model comes from the Heljan factory, they produce for the North American market in the like of the Walthers locomotive range, so it's not unlikely for KR models which according to the info on the box is situated in Canada to have Heljan as its manufacturer.
The mechanism is superb, and performs better even than many diesels, the metal frames used as pickups is a system more commonly used in North America and is very reliable as it doesn't get dirty like wipers, but it probably had been even smoother if all gears had been fitted, as these eliminate the uneven movement caused by the coupling rods.
I am excited to see more from kr models, try putting it next to a black five they have the same chassie so that will look interesting, great review sam.
Me too!! And I've heard that... will have to give that a try!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yes, the original intention was to take black fives, and maybe other steam locomotives, scrap the boilers, tender shells, and other parts, an convert the chassis to a gas turbine.
Good idea in theory, but with it's protracted development, by the time it finally came out, it look antiquated, and was something of a laughing stock; causing English Electric to quietly withdraw and scrap it; after years and a ton of money to develop it.
One day the hand will finally touch the loco.
Maybe! ;D
I think its beautiful sam , not a bad first attempt from a new company hopefully they will address the minor issues down the line, that front bogie wouldn't stand a chance on my layout 😂
Absolutely stunning model! It makes me very hopeful for what this company may do next.
I would love if they continued making models of one-off/unique designs! Like the Licky Incline’s Big Bertha, or Central Pacific’s 4-10-0 El Gobernador
I agree - I'll be fascinated to see what's next from them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
In reality a very unsuccessful locomotive that performed very little useful work.
Much more successful were the fifty or so Union Pacific gas turbines hauling massive mile long freight trains from 1954 to 1970.
I will attempt to provide a link in my next comment since links in your comments seem to suppress the comment lately. Annoyingly.
Thanks a lot John - probably much more successful in model form in that case then?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Really cool model I have heard of gas turbine engines before since UP used to operate their own class nice model and great review
Thanks a lot David - yeah I've heard about those... will have to look into that! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Howdy from the great State of Texas!
Same, I really enjoy your videos. They are a nice mix of entertainment and information.
Only recently have I gotten back into the hobby after nearly a 20yr hiatus with my father.
Anyway, keep up the great work, keep having fun and stay safe.
Howdy! That's fantastic - hope you have a great time, keep me posted on how it goes!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Another honest review. Having read/watched a few others, you seem to be one of the few happy to actually look in detail and give constructive criticism which when forking out £200 is needed. I watched one and was looking at the front and back steps and they were as bent as yours but zero mention of it - like what's the point. The criticism you give I suspect is having a tangible impact on the manufactures with things such as die cast / quality pickups now becoming a selling point.
That being said very encouraging from KR models for it's first model and quite tempted by the Fell loco at £150. Hopefully with future releases they'll be able to iron out the issues. Particularly pleased that they have shamed bachmann and hornby with their motors. Very glad it's now running well and I suspect you'll frequently run this more than the score suggests!
PS I absolutely love the way the crest on the rear mimics the BR late crest and to us and the real life spotter alike it only becomes obvious on closer inspection.
Thanks so much mate - yeah absolutely - I don't see the point in brown-nosing and only addressing the positives... that serves nobody but the manufacturer. I try to cover the whole picture, and folks seem to like that style. Absolutely though, a very strong start from KR - can't wait to see what they do next!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's beautiful. I love the finish, and the details like the 'SKF' on the axle boxes - SKF made bearings for heavy machinery. I saw a picture of this locomotive in an annual many years ago, and like the 'Q' class, it was so weird, I never forgot it. It's definite 'Space Age' technology, up there with Concorde and the Harrier. Such a pity it was never preserved.
Yeah me too Brian - some lovely detailing on these for sure! Thanks a lot for sharing,
Cheers,
Sam :)
I remember the GT3 when as a signalman at Leicester Central. I rather liked the design. As a modeller l have built one in OO about 12 years ago from scratch and us proudly displayed among my other mainly GW locos. I've named mine County of Leicester with no.1018.
The GT3 spent some time on the Great Central and always managed to elude me as a trainspotter during its time on the railway during the early 1960's.
Hi Sam, a very interesting review. I received my GT3 yesterday and sure enough, it derails every time on a particular curved point, I can actually see the leading 2 drivers climbing the rail. I too will remove the bogie spring to see if it solves the issue. That said, I've wanted a GT3 since I read about the real thing in Rail Enthusiast magazine 30 years ago, and the model is well worth the wait!
I was apprentice at EEs Vulcan Foundry where GT3 was built. I started in 1964 and it was there outside one shed until it vanished overnight following year.
John
It's kind of funny, how UK gas turbine locos look like steam engines, while the most common US gas turbines looked like diesels. Union Pacific's gas turbines were actually rather popular, and built 3 different generations of them, the last of which generated a massive 8500 horsepower. And, as a bonus, we have a few of them preserved as display engines here in the States.
Yeah you're right... some of our British ones looked like diesels too, the 18,000s certainly did! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
That front bogey could use a nice brass spacer around the screw, maybe a running washer and weak leaf spring to loosely couple it to the main body, but I wouldn't put much weight on it if it can be helped.
If push comes to shove though, a drop of blue loctite will keep the screw as far out as you want without backing out.
I might just order KR’s Bulleid Leader, loved the overall slightly-glossier satin finish on this one.
I know right... I'm thinking about it! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
11:18 Yup. The difference between a gas turbine and a jet engine is how the energy produced is used. That's it. Jet engines are, technically, gas turbines, only instead of using the high velocity exhaust gas to turn yet another turbine and produce torque they just exhaust it directly to the atmosphere to produce thrust.
Union Pacific experimented with gas turbine locomotives here in the US, too. The GTELs were a four unit consist and had an absolutely voracious appetite for fuel. They were built much later than the GT3 was and turned generators which ran standard traction motors in the bogeys as per normal for a diesel/electric. 30+ years of active service before their fuel costs finally caught up with them; at time of retirement they were basically running on raw crude oil run through a filter. They were monsters though, and saw a lot of high priority express freight service across the prairies.
Fun fact: The two auxiliary tenders UP 844 tugs around all the time are former GTEL tenders.
Duly noted, thanks a lot for the info! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Kernow have definitely set a high standard for some of their future models to complete with. It will be interesting to compare this and future models should you review some further on. Great loco overall and nice video as always Sam!
Is has nothing to do with Kernow.
Another superb review. If Sam likes it, then I know it's a "go." I won't buy a rail joiner unless Sam reviews it first. BTW, here in the USA, the Union Pacific experimented, decades ago, with the Gas Turbine. Apparently, the bunker oil it used was comparatively cheap, and the UP is always try to save a buck. The story goes, one stopped for a signal, under a roadway overpass for a time. The heat generated by the idling turbine was so hot that it actually melted a hole in the asphalt. Ooops.
I love ur vids, especially your reviews, but they take ages and 42 mins is a lot of time, I think you deserve a trophy XD!
Thanks so much Rowan - this one was unusually long, there was a lot to cover though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
This is one of my favorite locomotives, its sooo good looking
haha I don't blame you - it really is! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It's great to see a new player to the game come out swinging with a great item, I hope they can keep this up across their future line of products, and one day bring those prices a little more in line.
It certainly is great - I agree!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I saw hornby magazine showcase this and it looked really cool. So when I found out you’d done a review I was straight in to the video
Thanks so much - really hope you liked the video! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think that was quite a fair rating for it. This is sucha beautiful loco, great perfomer with it's annoying flaws, but for a first model from KR Models it really isn't bad. Besides, realistically with any company, the first product is very rarely gonna be the best model, this model might not be an exception depending in their next model. But that is not a kick in the teeth to them at all, it is what it is, it does what it says on the tin and overall KR did not disappoint in my opinion. I'd probably wait for the price to go down, but it's not the worst price we've seen on a model, we've seen far worse for that kind of money. So I completely agree, some issues on the model, but for a first time model, KR have done the job as expected, so nice work KR. Great video as always Sam
As a child I remember seeing a photo of the GT3 in a book with two headcodes apart and along with the grill in the center I was like "They gave that loco a face!"
Have you thought about what headcode orientation you'll do?
haha yeah it does look that way!! I'm not sure - I expect I'll just leave it as is!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Been waiting for this review ! Did not disappoint !
Love the videos Sam, they are only getting better and better !
Thanks so much Henry, really appreciate that! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
what a stunning locomotive! Can you review the O gauge Dapol class 57xx? it has a modeled intside frame running gear. (im thinking about getting one for my outdoor layout that i am planing.
Had a Hornby Castle class with a similar front bogie setup. Had to put a very thin teflon washer between the spring (made from an old steam iron cover) and the bogie. Used Loctite 609 to stop the screw coming loose once I worked out the correct tension. Never worked 100% but a big improvement.
Very interesting - not known any issues with the Hornby Castles... will have to investigate mine now!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There are some variations on Castle Class - see the 346C service sheet for the one I had. support.hornby.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360016350399-HSS-346C-Castle-Class-
I think some of the later Hogwarts Express locos were similar.
It has lights in the cab too!! According to what I saw on Jenny’s channel yesterday, the cab area is fully detailed as well!! It’s a remarkable locomotive.
Thanks for sharing! Not quite a fully detailed cab - there's no cab decoration, just moulded detail... did the other reviews you saw suggest otherwise??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A gas turbine is a jet engine, they aren't just used in jet planes, you also get turbo prop planes, which use a generator to turn the prop, but there is also marine applications and power generation, like really large generators that a large building might use as emergency power, or you get large mobile generators that size of a container that are gas turbine driven. In the 50's turbine power was still pretty new so they were looking to bung it in everything, Rover and Ford both had experimental gas turbine cars.
Also used to pump North Sea gas around the country.
New to the hobby, and just getting my first train set. Thanks for helping bring the medium to the modern age
That sounds amazing - hope you enjoy yourself Luke! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I'm a Big Four guy but this loco is so lovely it almost makes me want to go BR.. The livery has a wonderful deep shine, something which the likes of Hornby etc. oftentimes do not achieve... Good vid Sam thanks! Joachim
haha I don't blame you... why don't you just go for it? ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
One of the few channels I stay to the very end.
Red cab lights help the driver retain good night vision while still being able to see papers etc. Great review and a lovely model.
Thanks for sharing Edward - I've heard that too - nice detail to see here too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I seem at The Border Rail Society Model Railway Clubroom at Carlisle on 9th of October, and I’ve didn’t got it yet to be DCC SOUND.
Ive seen ther webpage and the model is a nice one and i like its color and that the fact it is a very special model.
Thats why i like the speciality manufactures they are thinking outside the box.
Happy easter Sam and keep safe.
👍👍👍😀😀😀
A very interesting loco: thanks Sam for such a detailed look at it. i wasn't too impressed with the front buffer beam and buffers - they looked to be unpainted plastic and were all wonky! As a matter of interest, it was built on a 'spare' BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 pair of frames, a type that was current at the time this machine was envisaged. I've seen many comments attributing this as the reason it wasn't fully assessed during a time when BR was trying to distance itself from steam and this loco looked like an odd steam loco, and also to the fact that its economics, in common with the American Union Pacific gas turbines, were undermined by the fact that it was designed to work on cheap waste Bunker C grade oil but developments in the 1950s made that useable elsewhere and its price shot up.
The reality is more mundane. The 4-6-0 was chosen as a proven platform to assess the feasibility of gas turbines without any growing pains associated with simultaneously developing a new chassis or drive system, such as turbine-electric. The concept was viable but faced stiff competition from twin-cab diesels which were continuously improving in power-to-weight and benefitted from innovations in diesel technology in the automotive and marine industries. The crux of the issue was the GT3 needed more research and investment, and BR were afraid of wandering into a sunk-cost fallacy when they already had a proven track record with diesels.
Sounds like some useful additions for a future re-release by upgrading the plastic bits and buffers and fixing the front bogie. Thanks Sam
I agree Alan - that'll be very interesting!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
2:20 If anyone wondering the Gas Turbine IS the type of engine that Jet planes use, but not only them:
A jet engine is a type of propulsion system, where the power comes, by the engine pushing usually exhaust gasses out in a *Jetstream* to the opposite side of movement, thus pushing to the air and pushing itself forwards. Planes use this as their propulsion method. They can only push the air, or generate directional lift with a propeller, so it's extremely fitting for their propulsion. Rockets also use Jet propulsion, but they work a little bit different.
So what is a Gas Turbine really?
The Gas Turbine is a type of internal combustion engine, one of the 3 main types; Piston, Turbine, and Wankel-Rotary. They all use the same principle: the "Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow" or Intake-Compression-Combustion-Exhaust.
While a Piston engine, commonly found in cars, diesel trains, propeller planes, trucks, tractors, tanks, and even ships, uses the pistons movement, well, there are no pistons in the Turbine. The Wankel-Rotary, commonly found in the Mazda RX-3, Mazda RX-7 and Mazda RX-8 sportcars (If they didn't get LS-Swapped) uses a rotor instead, that touches the walls of the engine, and so it can do the ICCE each rotation...but as you might have guessed, we have no Rotor either.
A Gas turbine is built up much simpler than any of the two engines.
It consists of:
-The fairing: basically walls of the engine
-Shaft: Moving parts are connected to here
-Compression fans: They are connected to the shaft, and sometimes there are moving and non-moving blade sections. by the spinning of these fans they pull in air, and push it into the engine, which becomes narrower, and also push through more air, and this compresses the air.
-Combustion chamber: Fuel is pumped here, and constantly burned, creating more pressure overall, also heating and burning the air, further increasing the pressure.
-exhaust fans: the exhaust gasses need to escape from the engine, and the only way they can is through these fans. exhaust passing through here spins the fans, and spins the shaft, which then spins the intake and compression fans, so the engine can work. from here the engine simply can leave. for Jet propulsion, the exhaust kept under pressure, and for a mechanical power take off, extra fans are added, and the gasses de-pressurize while leaving the engine, but still giving off a lot of power through the extra fans.
From here, you get mechanical energy, which can be sent into a gearbox or generator. the GT3 is mechanical, so it's sent to a reduction gearbox, which then powers the wheels like it would power a car or truck.
There are different type of Turbine engines, depending on their way of giving off power:
-Turbojet
Basically just a Gas Turbine, that gives off jet propulsion
-Turbofan
The big engine on airliners. (And the A-10 and the Harrier Jump Jet) It has an extra fan on the front that is way larger than the rest of the engine, with it's own cowling, that pushes extra low pressure air for extra propulsion.
-Turboprop
No jet propulsion, but a gearbox in the front, connected to a classic propeller. Used on planes obviously. It was invented by hungarian inventor "Jendrassik György", and was first used on the RMI-1 prototype in WWII, but the engines were underpowered, and the plane was destroyed anyways by the US. The Brits strap some propellers on the Gloster Meteor, and now everybody thinks, that the Brits invented the turboprop.
-Turboshaft
Similar to a turboprop, but a bit different. The GT3 uses this, and the Chrysler Turbine (Car) also used this, but nowdays the main users are Helicopters and ships, that use it as generatiors.
Fascinating locomotive. Seeing that KR Models is a Canadian company (Edmonton) they did follow North American practice and used RP-25 flanges on the wheels.
Yeah that's true! Not too keen on that - I do see more derailments with those flanges, and I can't really see the point in using such finescale ones :/
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Good to see it arrive after a long wait and a very good first effort. Fell now ordered.
Thanks a lot Peter - I agree - I do feel confident in their abilities too now!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I watched another video showing the sound fitted version of this loco and it sounds awesome on DCC sound. Because the gas turbine was essentially a jet engine so you can imagine the sound it makes.
That does sound great... I'd love to get a sound one myself some time! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
That is a cool engine. I have actually heard of this even before the model was announced. It’s sad that the real engine had such a short lifespan, but that comes with experiments like this engine.
Awesome - I hadn't heard of it before then!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi sam saw another site do a review on the gt3 no where near as good as your review you do it so much better dave
Thanks so much Dave, that's very kind of you!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)