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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 :)
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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 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 😂
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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 :)
Very true - Bachmann are similar... but KR models have been very open about the whole process... meaning we've seen almost every stage of the model design... so it just feels like more of a journey with this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam. I suggest that you add a small washer to the pilot truck screw so that the screw bolster bottoms out on the chassis so giving you more length on that screw allowing more movement of the truck. Cheers, Dan.
I haven't checked all the comments in case this has been mentioned. Your question on the red cab light would be for night vision. It is often used on ships because red lights don't dazzle you. If you have a red light in the cab, then there is very little adjustment time when you look out into the darkness.
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!
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-
Have just ordered the Bullied Leader class & a 2nd run GT3. I hope they'll have addressed the issues before sending it out. You might find that most testing was done at night, so a red cab light wouldn't ruin the driver's night vision when switched on. Shades of submarines.
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
I watched a video on the GT3 a couple of years ago, and always wondered why no one had made a model version (in 00 gauge anyway). I'm seriously tempted to buy one, front bogie aside - I had the same problems on my bachmann henry, so just swapped it with the bogie from a hornby Britannia! No more issues since
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.
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
Once front bogey is set up perfectly, use a low potency grade Loctite on that holding screw thread. That'll stop it working loose but easy enough to remove if need be.
I’ve finally arrived was GT3 Locomotive is morning today 18th of December, so I’ll say this; Has ordered on 21st of June from KR Model Website, I chose a DCC Sound in £299.
Great model Sam. Interesting to note that here in the states during the exact same time period Union Pacific had a few gas-turbine engines that were built by Alco-General Electric. Whereas your British version sort of had a “stream loco” configuration with a rear cab, the UP version here had a modern diesel cab-forward design similar to the popular EMD’s “F” Series (as in the famous Santa Fe Chief locos). Cheers!
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.
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 just received my pre-order from the second run of this lovely loco from Rails of Sheffield. It seems some remedial work has been done on the front buffer beam as mine is straight as a die and cosmetically is as great as yours is. I've yet to investigate the front bogie to see if anything has been done there, but once I've had it on the track I'll see if it handles things better without adjustment. One thing to mention, you know all the stick that Hornby has been getting over the way they have been packaging their W2's? Well it seems that Rails have decided to follow suit and try to find the worst way to ship these potentially delicate models. Whereas Hornby just stuck the W2 in its cardboard outer into a woefully inadequate cardbox box, Rails went one better putting the GT3 in its cardboard outer just in a plastic shipping bag!! I mean really Rails, for a model costing this much you couldn't have sprung for an outer cardboard box and some "cheesy-poofs" (those foam things resembling a potato snack)?!? Thankfully like my W2 from Hornby this seems to have gotten here in one piece, but really guys please take note and try to do better, especially at this time of year in the middle of a pandemic when there is so much post flying about. Meanwhile another package from Kernow arrived this week beautifully packaged, suitably sized outer with "cheesy-poofs" and sealed well and that was only for a budget model loco...
Hey Sam's Trains. Do you think you can do a review on another diesel? There's one that's called the M1 Steam Turbine Diesel Locomotive, part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway
Gas turbines are not diesels, they are basically high speed jet fuel burning single rotor compressor fans. Diesels use reciprocating pistons like the engine in your car. Not remotely similar.
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
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
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.
Yes! The Turbine Locomotive is finally here!
haha it finally is!! :D
@@SamsTrains cool locomotive
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.
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’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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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!
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
When it was crawling I couldn't even tell it was moving 🤯
I know - it's a stunning crawl!! :D
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.
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 :)
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 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 :)
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 :)
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
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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.
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 :)
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 actually saw that run on the Great Central when I was a trainspotter many years ago. One of my all-time favourite locos.
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 :)
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!
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.
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.
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 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 :)
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've said it before, and I'll say it again. you REALLY do have a MASSIVE fleet.
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 :)
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.
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.
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
Well, it's certainly got a high-performance name.
haha it sure does! ;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 :)
The look of this train on thumbnail instantly told me to click. I like it.
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. 😂😂
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.
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 :)
Wow! What a stunner!
It really is!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
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 😂
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!
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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!
Yes! A new locomotive that looks like my father's radiator!
haha I know right! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
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 :)
It looks like the handsome brother of the Q1
haha yeah - I definitely get Bullied vibes from this too! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
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 :)
One day the hand will finally touch the loco.
Maybe! ;D
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 :)
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 :)
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
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.
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 :)
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 :)
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.
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 :)
You call that a journey. I know of one model from a major Australian company that's about to arrive that was announced back in 2012!
Very true - Bachmann are similar... but KR models have been very open about the whole process... meaning we've seen almost every stage of the model design... so it just feels like more of a journey with this!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam. I suggest that you add a small washer to the pilot truck screw so that the screw bolster bottoms out on the chassis so giving you more length on that screw allowing more movement of the truck. Cheers, Dan.
Thanks for the tip Dan - I think I have it sussed now!
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 :)
I haven't checked all the comments in case this has been mentioned. Your question on the red cab light would be for night vision. It is often used on ships because red lights don't dazzle you. If you have a red light in the cab, then there is very little adjustment time when you look out into the darkness.
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.
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.
Have just ordered the Bullied Leader class & a 2nd run GT3. I hope they'll have addressed the issues before sending it out. You might find that most testing was done at night, so a red cab light wouldn't ruin the driver's night vision when switched on. Shades of submarines.
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 :)
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
I watched a video on the GT3 a couple of years ago, and always wondered why no one had made a model version (in 00 gauge anyway). I'm seriously tempted to buy one, front bogie aside - I had the same problems on my bachmann henry, so just swapped it with the bogie from a hornby Britannia! No more issues since
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
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 :)
Once front bogey is set up perfectly, use a low potency grade Loctite on that holding screw thread. That'll stop it working loose but easy enough to remove if need be.
I’ve finally arrived was GT3 Locomotive is morning today 18th of December, so I’ll say this;
Has ordered on 21st of June from KR Model Website, I chose a DCC Sound in £299.
Love that, Sam! Belting model. Pants front bogie pivot. Poorly thought out and it lets it down I think. Great video!
Thanks a lot Chris, it sure is! Yeah daft design that... the rest of the model is of a much better design (fortunately!)
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great model Sam. Interesting to note that here in the states during the exact same time period Union Pacific had a few gas-turbine engines that were built by Alco-General Electric. Whereas your British version sort of had a “stream loco” configuration with a rear cab, the UP version here had a modern diesel cab-forward design similar to the popular EMD’s “F” Series (as in the famous Santa Fe Chief locos). Cheers!
Yeah it is interesting isn't it? Obviously some thought they were the way forwards!
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
A stunning performer at slow speeds! *stares meaningfully at Hornby and Bachmann* ....
haha very much so! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
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 :)
Almost there to 100k subscribers A lot of things are happening this year have a good day Sam trains
Thanks so much - they certainly are - I can't believe it! Have an amazing day,
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yet another great review sam looks like a great locomotive dave
Thanks so much Dave, it sure is!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I just received my pre-order from the second run of this lovely loco from Rails of Sheffield. It seems some remedial work has been done on the front buffer beam as mine is straight as a die and cosmetically is as great as yours is. I've yet to investigate the front bogie to see if anything has been done there, but once I've had it on the track I'll see if it handles things better without adjustment.
One thing to mention, you know all the stick that Hornby has been getting over the way they have been packaging their W2's? Well it seems that Rails have decided to follow suit and try to find the worst way to ship these potentially delicate models. Whereas Hornby just stuck the W2 in its cardboard outer into a woefully inadequate cardbox box, Rails went one better putting the GT3 in its cardboard outer just in a plastic shipping bag!! I mean really Rails, for a model costing this much you couldn't have sprung for an outer cardboard box and some "cheesy-poofs" (those foam things resembling a potato snack)?!? Thankfully like my W2 from Hornby this seems to have gotten here in one piece, but really guys please take note and try to do better, especially at this time of year in the middle of a pandemic when there is so much post flying about. Meanwhile another package from Kernow arrived this week beautifully packaged, suitably sized outer with "cheesy-poofs" and sealed well and that was only for a budget model loco...
Hey Sam's Trains. Do you think you can do a review on another diesel? There's one that's called the M1 Steam Turbine Diesel Locomotive, part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway
Gas turbines are not diesels, they are basically high speed jet fuel burning single rotor compressor fans. Diesels use reciprocating pistons like the engine in your car. Not remotely similar.
I got a sound fitted one of these for £150! Only drawback is it’s missing its box but for half price you can’t complain!