You definitely should send it back: you’ve threatened to do so several times before with the Heljan 1361, the Beatie Well Tank, (I can’t remember if you did with the Bachmann 9F), so I think you should follow through this time and send a clear message to the manufacturers that this isn’t acceptable. They’re killing the hobby at this rate.
What intrigues me always about British steamers is, how elegant and smooth they look. German and US steamers (the latter as far as I know rarely even had inside cylinders) for example usually have a large part of their piping and valve gear, etc. visible on the outside, which is a huge challenge for manufacturers and modelers of course. Not sure if the "hidden" parts makes/made maintenace more difficult. I guess a lot of elegant solitions were found. Always great watching your reviews. Most buyers of railroad models nowadays demand quality representations of the originals (prototype), not toys.
The surviving prototype (24 CALBOURNE) regularly operates a five bogie carriage train (only limited by the platform length because the carriages don't have corridor connections).
I used to live on the Isle of Wight in the 50s and remember these plucky little fellas working hard on the journey between Cowes and Ventnor. I was looking forward to one of these... Ah well. Thank you so much for your honest review Sam.
I’ve been watching for so long for almost 3 years I think and now I have bought my first model train set I have loved seeing you channel grow and seeing the changes
Some errors with W34; It never carried full Malachite green, just the side tanks. When prepared for transfer to the IOW in 1947 Eastleigh works painted most of the engine in something like LSWR green as apparently they'd just used the same paint on a loco going for preservation. Also 34 didn't have the enamel plate on the rear of the bunker, it had "34" painted on instead. It spent the shortest time on the island for an 02 as when sent for overhaul in 1954/55 it's cylinders and frames were deemed beyond economic repair (three branchlines on the island had recently closed so three engines were redundant). It became the first island 02 to be withdrawn and its' wheels reused on other locos.
That's very interesting Nathan - thanks for sharing this! Quite frankly though, as critical as this is for the price, they're the worst of this model's problems! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
How is it that companies still make unsatisfactory models these days? Surely they'd of learnt by now how to make them work properly. My arm c38 was bad, my bachmann Russian decapod was bad, my hornby flying Scotsman was bad like seriously my 30 yr old rivarossi big boy outdoes them. It's been so annoying I refuse to buy new locos. I work on the basis now that if I'm having to work on it anyway it may as well be cheap and second hand. Enjoying the channel Sam very fair assessments and a service to fellow modelers
Oh dear. I think you were quite generous Sam considering the cut outs and poor pulling power. Also the play between the driving wheels means the connecting rod doesn't stay horizontal. Way overpriced and I would send it back and buy another 1p. 👍
@Kabuki Kitsune don't think would make any difference on DC or DCC, in this case with this loco, there is too many loose gears, for the price Sam paid, you would expect a decent 3 pole motor.
Hi Sam i have just watch your review, and noticed a possible cause of cutting out. is it binding of the drive offsets are not set properly however the slop in the rods can cause this maybe. Kind regards Chris
It could be Chris - doesn’t seem to be entirely pickup related - but with such a poor mechanism with so much slop, it’s not a surprise! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a volunteer on the IOWSR I’m biased, but you must visit. They have the best collection ever of restored coaching stock, with the oldest dating back to 1864. It’s a preservation gem!
Sam, could you do a video where you list some locomotives that are high quality and good for the price that you could recommend to someone who is starting out in the hobby?
Yep! Check out my video on the best model trains for less than £100 - hopefully this is what you're looking for! Also see my best model trains of 2020 video for more top locos. I'll make another of those vids at the end of this year too Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As much as I love the livery the performance is pretty laughable especially on the express points and the pulling power. Sadly the beautiful livery won't be enough to balance the negatives so I'll pass on this one. Still great review, Sam 👍
The cylinder on top of the tank is reservoir for the compressed air for the Westinghouse brake system. The object next to the smoke box is the Westinghouse air brake compressor. I guess these were fitted because the carriages came from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway which used the Westinghouse compressed air braking system.
What a disappointment, I’ve waited 60 odd years for a model of my favourite and local loco and it turns out to be a lemon. I have the earlier variant sitting virtually unused in its box waiting for me to finish the layout to run it on. I got that from the I.W. steam railway. I can’t afford ornaments, so there will be no stable-mates until the thing is re-engineered, which won’t happen. Thank you, Sam, as a pensioner I need to spend wisely and carefully. I can get three well run-in 2nd hand other locos for the price and will.
Hi T8Hants, I spent nearly £170 to buy the EFE I W Steam Railway's model from their shop to support their brilliant work on their preserved railway. It is perfect! it is the best running, looking and finished model that I own. I fitted mine with the Bachman DCC controller chip where the running speed is dialled in and it gradually accellerates up to the set running speed. My Adams 02 is one of the few models I own that the chip functions correctly with. I have nearly 50 locos, a good mix of new and second hand and my EFE Adams 02 is way out in front, it is my only 10/10. The once cheap as chips Hornby Terrier is a 9/10 so something to consider for you. Sam only reviews 1 model and does seem to end up with some real lemons. He has reviewed the Bachmann 1p as perfect, I returned 2 brand new that would not run well, I kept the 3rd as I gave up hoping for a decent one. Good luck.
I've got 8 of these, 4 of the EFE island ones awaiting renaming and numbering and the others are an earlier Kernow version of W16 and three mainland ones being converted to island spec with 3D printed parts. All run well, the only lemon I had was returned as the crank axles fell off when moving.
I’ve got one of these, and the detailing on it is far better by the Westinghouse pump, where yours has assembly issues, and on the boiler bands (evenly applied). I have two of the earlier Kernow releases, and these came with far better paperwork - actual information on how to remove the body (still tricky because of the pipe work), plus exploded parts diagrams. They’ll pull enough coaches for an Isle of Wight layout - and how many have room on a layout for station platforms that can take more than five coaches? Could it be better? Yes. But if you don’t have the skill to turn out an O2 kit to the same standard of painting and lining, then it’s currently the only option and worth the price. I’m less disappointed with the O2 than I was with Rails of Sheffield’s badly made and orange-peel finished IW Terrier.
Very interesting Ian - glad to hear they are capable of assembling them properly then, even if their quality control is poor! Wonder why they've downgraded the paperwork then? Some more detailed instructions would really have helped me with mine... Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I've noticed the pulling capacity problem with my O2 as well. (Bought a Mainland Version) and I was a bit disappointed by it. Its a sad day when my Dapol B4 can haul more wagons than a 2P Passenger Tank can. I just pair it up with my BR Crimson Gate Stock and I don't have any problems with it. That's mostly what they were doing on the mainland in BR times anyway - push pull suburban services around Exmouth, Portsmouth and Eastleigh.
I watched this video with my headphones on, and as I was watching I was hearing this weird buzzing sound. And at 28:39 I finally realised that it was your 3D printer working in the background! Thank goodness I found that out, I was getting a bit paranoid. I know this isn't exactly sound booth level of professionalism given you film in your loft. But maybe pause the 3D prints while recording? Not to be rude of course I love your content! And now I got a "sneak peek" as it were, given I know a video of something 3D printed is coming up :) Edit: I was also hearing this buzzing while you were initially demonstrating the crawl "out of the box" without running in, and how "quiet" the loco was. And I was perplexed at the strange sound being emited by the loco. 😂
Haha yeah I’m sorry about that - I try to avoid it if possible, but I’m desperately trying to get some projects finished, and I don’t feel confident leaving them running overnight... doing my best to avoid it though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Ahh don't worry - you may well enjoy it, and if you don't, you're entitled to return it for a full refund... and if it's faulty (doesn't run right) they should cover the postage costs too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great video, but not sure I agree with you about the lining. If you look at Calbourne which has just been outshopped in exactly this livery, you'll see that the yellow really does form a very thin line along the edge of the black painted boiler bands.
Whole-heartedly agree with your review @Sam'sTrains. I had one of the original Kernow release of the O2, it didn't run, I got a replacement - but slated it on a certain railway forum and got a tirade of abuse for it - from the DJM fan club (karma got them when DJM went bust with all their money for pre-orders).
Bought one of these from Model Rail in the Southern Black at the start of the year. Nice to see they've started putting the model in an ice block as opposed to just sitting in a foam cut out around the locomotive. It's alright model, nothing to shout about. Though the rear pony truck derails it when running backwards over express points due to the small black bits coming down off the back of the bunker (are they brake parts?) touching either wheel of the back axle.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting about the pony truck - mine seemed quite stable during tests... but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there was inconsistency there too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Are they guard irons? Several models, such as the Bachmann Baby Prairie, have guard irons which come down far too close to the railhead (scale dimensions) and can snag in pointwork etc. If so, cut them short.
@@johndavies9270 I'm not sure what they are. They're the bits that look like this | | / \ It's less that they snag on the points and more that they stop the rear pony from turning freely, causing it to derail.
i enjoy watching your videos. i have been "playing with trains" for well over forty years and still think the old models take some beating you can service them. modify and detail them as you wish and they don"t break like the modern ones.some of mine are triang (made in england) and they are still going strong.I dont think the models of today will last as long
The black and yellow lining on the boiler is correct as the black does outweigh the yellow considerably. The lining on the Hornby model appears blurred in places or is this just the camera?
The pickup problem can be solved by cleaning out the grease in the bearings using INOX MX3. Also apply it to any surfaces required to conduct on the trailing bogie. It wont solve the probable under powered motor and excessive slop in the side rods and gears..
The "Complex pipework" means this model is a "Push Pull" version. The pipework being connected to an air compressor "Donkey Pump" (the little double barrel looking item), which provided compressed air for the driving controls when the engine was pushing a couple of "Auto" fitted coaches. DJ Models originally launched this loco model with a matching "Gate Set" two coach push pull set. The Southern Railway/Region used 6 lamp brackets NOT 4, like other Railways/Regions. EFE/Bachmann have missed the two extra SR lamp brackets one either side of the smokebox door, and two rear bunker lamp brackets, half way up the bunker rear, one each side. The Southern did NOT use a Class code for its trains but a destination/route code, which required more positions, hence 6 lamp brackets should be provided on ALL Southern models. My DJ Models version has the correct 6 lamp brackets. Note the jittery, stopping problem of the model as seen in the programme appears to be at a point frog, with a very short straight next to the frog. The problem is therefore most likely, electrical resistance through all these rail joins. As the track is also temporarily laid on carpet, I would suggest the problem is track not the engine !!!! Nice review, but so glad I bought a DJ models version, which has the missing lamp brackets, a slightly different and better in my opinion chassis, and mine seems to run far more smoothly. It was also a little better priced that what you have paid. I guess as the manufacturing plant has changed within Hong Kong but obviously the tooling has been moved to its new owners plant, this may account for the "issues" !
Duly noted James - thanks a lot for the extra info! Not sure how the track can be to blame... I have a collection of almost 500 engines... the locos I consider to be quality don't behave that way on my layout! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, try cleaning the wheels with a track rubber it worked a treat on mine . I noticed the wheels were quite rough so I gave it a go. Runs really well now
"Extremely F---- Expensive Rail" strikes again, I see... It's beautiful, but for the same price as the Johnson 1P, it's just not as good a buy. (I'd love to buy one, but not at this price!)
For about the same $, you can buy the Hornby R3544 B12 -- All metal construction, metal body, everything. Beautifully detailed, great internal parts, Sam gave it 8.84 rating.
This review really interested me. I got mine today, and the performance was way better! All I have is a circle of Radius 2 track, and it handled it with no problem even right out of the box. I haven't tried it with a load yet, but I was honestly very impressed with the performance on this one. It's a real shame that you did not have the same experience.
In general, I must say that I know I got a rather sour deal on it in terms of quality and mechanism, but I figured that would be the case and I bought it anyway. I think it looks lovely, and it runs pretty well for me. If I have to retire it to a display case after a couple of years, I will. I'm happy with it for now.
Fascinating! It seems some examples do run well - I've seen that said on some forums... and equally, there are tonnes of stories about these running badly too! I think lots of people know full well what these are like... but they're eye candy aren't they? ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, Did you return this one? I wonder if manufacturers grade their locos, and send 2nd/3rd grade examples to the cheaper online resellers.
Goodness me the amount of slack in the coupling rods is downright cringy when it crawls. Great review Sam, I love how you shaded this loco with another model by Bachmann :D
I imagine that the Class 66 video was recorded before this one but will be released aftet it. This sort of thing has happened before, and since the O2 is a new release he probably wanted to review it while people were still talking about it.
Sam did a review of the Lima class 66 (one of lima's last models), and hornby now use the same tooling (but different mechanism, liveries, build etc). Sam's score for this loco reflects when it was released under "Lima", not the release under "hornby" that is FAR superior! I have both the old Lima one and the newer hornby one and while the Lima one is alright, the hornby one is really nice!
I was considering that loco. Not anymore. Thanks Sam! By the way - the sound of your 3D printer in the background is a bit annoying (it's probably just me as I used to have the same printer).
This looks kinda like a LB&SCR D3 a D3 No. 2365 or 2356 was hit by a fighter or bomber plane, the D3s boiler was very damaged and the planes polit did NOT plan for what happened next... Steam & medal went in the air RIGHT INTO the plane, the plane crashed down landing in a field the polit was killed. Train Of Thought has a vid about what happened so go watch that for more information about what happened.
The D3's were built for the same sort of duties as the O2, M7 and similar engines on other roads. Oddly the GWR never went in for 0-4-4's, possibly due to some nasty experiences with some broad gauge examples. The Board of Trade didn't like them either, especially after a very nasty crash involving an M7 - leading coupled wheels and fast running were considered a potential for serious trouble.
Sam, during the test I thought this locomotive or your controller were making some very weird noises for models. Others may have noticed too. However I later realised it was likely your 3D printer. Would it be better to avoid printing during filming?
Apologies for that John! I do try to avoid it where possible, but I'm working on a number of other projects that desperately need finishing, and I'm not comfortable leaving anything running overnight - so sometimes it's necessary! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Nice model, but if it doesn't pull, it's no use to me! My layout has a long 1 in 50 grade with a short burst of 1 in 40 as you come out of a 3rd radius curve. Do you have a video review of the previous run (not sure of the manufacturer) O2 tank? I have IoW 24 Calbourne in black, soon to be DCC fitted.
Good review, comparing to the Bachmann model for the same price validates your concern. Yes it does look nice but the play in those gears is atrocious and accounts for some of the running problems they really should have left the DJM mechanisms dead and buried. I did like the look of it but not now.
Thanks a lot Rob - yes it was fortunate that Bachmann had just released another model of the same price... the feelings on DJM mechanisms were quite unanimous... so I'm confused as to why they thought this was okay? Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam. You might use this loco for testing out the Gaugemaster Electronic track cleaner! OIl on the axles you know. I have got a DJM Adams tank and it's okay. However, I ran it in for 30 minutes in each direction before performing any slow speed tests. It has a plastic gear wheel inside which is difficult to replace if you make the mistake of dismantling this model and damaging the cogs. If you are modelling the IOW pre-War, you have more of a choice of locos, post-War, they were all O2 tanks in black! Thanks for uploading another entry to be rostered on as Sam's Trains NWTM special!
That's an interesting idea Allen - but you're right - it's not the kind of loco you can/should dismantle easily... I'd never attempt it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I’ve just ordered the LTD edit IOWSM calbourne which is even more expensive at a hair under £160 but I guess some goes to support the railway/loco overhaul costs and there was no added P&P 😬 possibly this, as was the Beattie well tank, is a kernow commissioned exclusive model in its original run there are ‘rights’ payments involved driving up the costs?
Built at the Nine Elms Works the 60 locos were designed for London Metropolitan lines. When moved to IOW these plucky little puffers were expected to pull passenger trains of up to six bogie coaches on all of the Island lines and this included the 1-in-70 Apse bank from Shanklin to Wroxall. Shame about the models performance!
If they omitted the decoder socket and put a slug of lead in the boiler the loco would be far improved. I've had problems with American bachman loco wheels. Some seem to have something with the blackening.
Mr.Sam, You need your own class 28 diesel locomotive ( Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric type 2) and you also need your own narrow gauge model railway to go with your OO gauge, you need a OO9 scale model railway to be the narrow gauge companion to your OO gauge model railway. I recommend the first locomotive you should get for the OO9 scale railway is a Lynton & Barnstable Manning Wardle locomotive.
I have one of the original Kernow Models issue. 0-4-4 tank locos are notoriously difficult to get running well in OO, due to the wheel arrangement, which usually throws all the motor's weight onto the trailing bogie. ( I used to have a pair of Wills' cast metal O2's, which displayed the resulting balance problems. Like the real thing, the chassis would eventually crack across the third axle wheel arch! ) Sadly, yes, this model is slippery footed - if only it had a metal boiler and smokebox, to put some weight on the drivers. Mine can happily haul two of the Hornby LSWR bogie coaches, or the pair of Kernow (now EFE) 'gate set' coaches on my layout, but can struggle with four of the new Hornby 6 wheelers. The bogie is a bit track sensitive, and its vertical play limits what gradient changes it can cope with. So, relatively light duties only. Otherwise I'm happy with mine. Sadly Sam, your comments and those of your other correspondents generally reflect my own feelings about modern day rtr models. OK, the stuff from the 50's and 60's was basic - sometimes crude, but it still works. I fear very few of the modern models will survive anything like as long. The rtr manufacturers, in my honest opinion, are destroying the hobby.
Thanks John - yes that's true - but it's all in the design! Take the Bachmann Johnson 1P - same wheel configuration, but far more capable with a load Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The EFE models are just older tooled models by various other manufacturers that Bachmann have either purchased the tooling off or using other manufacturers locomotives under license as there are some Heljan diesel locomotives in the EFE range. Issue is the loco's like this one and the Beattie well tank were ex Dave Jones Models and all Bachmann have done is just build them to the same specification and add new digital decoder compatibility.
The foam falling off at 7:46 really rather worried me for a bit, took me a few rewatches of that moment to realize that it was foam and not something else.
Thank you so much, you just saved me £150! After the fiasco of the DJM designed GWR 1363 I am not a bit surprised at your results. Mine still sounds like a coffee grinder after being run in almost a year! I really would have been torqued had I bought this one. Send yours back and keep up the great reviews.👍
Very Comprehensive review and the loco looks very good. I have a copy of 'The Isle of Wight Railway' from the Oakwood Press. Maycock & Silisbury. If any one is interested in the IOW railway history I can thoroughly recommend it as probably the best work on this unique system
Hi Sam, I have a question I think you can help me with. I purchased a Hornby B17 with the tender drive mechanism, and after lubricating it, it barely navigates curves. The curves I'm using are made by Atlas and are 18" Radius. So judging by this, would you say it's something wrong with the loco or the track?
I think 18" should be fine as it's 2nd radius. Does it run well on straights? If so, I'd check the electrical connection between loco and tender - if it's intermittent, running issues can manifest on curves! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
could this be a sign the pickups via the bearings have way too much lubricant on them? I've got an _ancient_ N gauge class 86 with similar pickups on two axles only that was horrible until cleaned. though for that money they should send a butler round to clean it for you
Hmm that's tricky - the Bachmann standards aren't very good... how about the Bachmann V3 tank? The latest ones have a lovely, lovely chassis! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I am not a railway modeller, but having a life long interest in the history of the old railways on the Isle of Wight, I have to say I love this model. I am even tempted to buy one just for display purposes. Lovely model of a wonderful little engine.
I’m an American who’s been binge watching your channel, decided I’m gonna bet back into model railroading and I really like the British trains, I’ve read a few conflicting things, can OO and HO run on the same track?
OO and HO run on the same gauge track (16.5mm) but be aware the difference of European (NEM) and US (NMRA) wheel standards, which unfortunately Sam continuously neglects to note.
As the full horror emerged I kept thinking of the poor parents who might have bought one as a Christmas present for their child only to find it won’t run. Christmas ruined. Now I’m eager to see your Hornby class 66 review, especially as mine seems to work fine.
I have to watch your SR running session video 6 months ago (from when this comment posted) to remind me that you’ve asked the manufacturers to make more SR locos.
I run several very old Triang and Hornby Dublo locos where you can accept this kind of performance, particularly the cutting out but some are much better considering their age! Also got a new Bachman Pannier and Class 08 which are excellent so why does a manufacturer think this acceptable?
No way would I buy that model. But, on a happier note, I'm typing with slightly sooty fingers. I've had my first steam train ride on the Llangollen Railway today, behind 3802. In between the two rides to Carrog and back, I decided to go up close and personal to my steamy sister. "I haven't done this for ages," I observed to the Driver who knows me too well. "Can I have a moment in the cab?" The gent smiled. "If you want to, yes," he happily answered. He climbed down and then I hauled myself in. I had a magical few minutes on the footplate, warming my hands in front of the fire and staying out of the Fireman's path. I'm going to write this story properly. Hope it puts a smile on your face.
i am quite surprised you haven't mentioned the kmrc gwr steam railmotor that is available for pre order in the july or the august update as it has had an up date recently on their website. i would put the link in this comment but i heard somewhere that putting links in yt comments puts them in a spam folder that not many people check so if you reply i can email the link to you. i think you should review it when it comes out. it is 169.99 to pre order at the moment and will come out at 179.99 i think but looks very good from what they have shown. sure this will be a great video as usual Sam. have a good weekend.
Thanks for this Timothy - I’ll look into this for the next news edition! No need to email - I should find it quite easily, thanks so much! 😊 Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I looked at Kernow's web site a couple weeks ago (having pre-ordered, yet heard nothing more) it seemed they no longer market them. Perhaps I looked at the wrong place
I’ve been away from railway modelling a few years now. I never cease to be amazed at the prices manufacturers are asking for new models. Sure the liveries and quality of detailing are far beyond my collection of 1960’s to 1980’s locos but there’s no comparison in construction and running quality.
Sam, again, you measure the back to back, but what are the wheel standards? NEM or RP? I bought a loco after a review and due to the wheel standards it doesn't run through my points. Okay, I should've done further research but if you could include this information in your reviews it may save some of us an awful lot of work
Sam I have to ask my loco from the hornby Valley drifter set the 040 is not working properly it often stops at slow speeds but I think it because im using the bad hornby controller that came with it but I just want to make sure it's not enything else
Yeah could be that - could be dirty wheels or track - I'd recommend one of the cheap gaugemaster single controllers, and give everything a thorough cleaning! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Very interesting, 02's have always been hard to make a model of. The Wills kits were not that great either. Balance issues motors burnout easily. Such a shame.
It's too late for me to send 02's and 0298's back. I did send an 0298 back to Hattons because it was very slow to get up to speed but when stopped it stopped instantly. I sent it back because I suspected that the DCC wasn't removed correctly. It came back working correctly, strange stuff DCC.
I bought mine last week, (BR Green Chale) Looks a great loco but very disappointed with the plastic coupling rods. Seems to run quite well after the 6 pin decoder was fitted (very easy). Can anyone tell me what the larger mystery parts are in the detail pack (the 3 largest bits of plastic). There are no instructions as to where all the bits fit, although I could probably work out where the brake pipes go! Later Edit:- Had it a few days now, and I like it. Once I got over the fact the coupling rods were plastic, they actually don't look too bad. Runs well, no stuttering or jerkiness, and does pull a prototypical load. So all in all, better than reviewed here. Just one mystery piece in the accessory pack (the largest plastic bit if anyone knows?
I see this video and I cannot help but be reminded of Lily from WildNorWester. This is her basis after all! Shame the model’s a lemon. (Also hey again Sam, it’s been a while! Thanks for the video Sam!)
Hi Sam. You have me worried now. I have 2 0298 WT locos to run in and a couple of 02's as well to run in. The 02's are DJ Models that I bought a couple of years ago. Wish me luck. Bye from Ian.
Triang developed a successful chassis which was cheap and cheerful and variations successfully powered a whole range of locos for decades. One thing with Triang/Hornby was that no matter what the loco looked like you at least knew that it would run. Why don't these manufacturers just stick to a successful formula when producing their locos? I don't understand.
Exactly... they were producing more reliable and serviceable locos than this in the 50s... what gives!? I never understood that about DJM - he ignored the tried and tested mechanisms in his insistence to be different from the rest... and now Kernow are continuing the legacy that should have died with his company! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Another as it is no holds barred video Sam, if EFE rail had have given this loco to you to review before releasing it onto the market they could have saved themselves a lot of embarrassment ( provided they rectified your findings ) and they would now be enjoying good sales from this product, just one negative point from this review and that's your generosity of 3 stars for performance, but anther GREAT review Sam, and you've just saved me some money, thank you.
Thanks Paul - though the mechanical problems with this were fairly well reported and discussed on the DJM release... so there’s no way Kernow were unaware of them. It must have been a conscious decision not to change anything - quite disappointing! Cheers, Sam :)
Heard a whining sound when it stopped on the hill and panicked it was the motor... Then realised it was the sounds of 3d printing! What did you have on the go?
I'm considering getting O2 number 31 Chale in BRITISH RAILWAYS malachite green, which would match my hornby A1X number 13 Carisbrooke in the same livery. But I don't think I'll be paying more than £100 for an o2, so I'll probably go for the hornby A1X number 32646 in BRITISH RAILWAYS black with sunshine lettering in the meantime. Does seem quite a bit better than the well tank, although the pickups seem to be just as useless. The rods seem very loose, loads of slack in the driving wheels. Glad it's much less noisy than the well tank, austerity tank, and 1361s. Surprised you gave it 3 stars on performance.
Another non straight running plate, check out at 16.34. Sam, please use the straight edge test as standard procedure. The flimsiness of the running plate can be clearly seen when you try to dismantle the model from 19.52 onwards. The mechanism sloppiness and pickup system is also unacceptable. I will stick to my South East Finecast model.
Oh that's interesting - I didn't even notice that! Maybe you're right - I think I should do that as standard! I mostly do actually, but didn't this time for some reason.... but yes, it is flimsy as it's thin plastic Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Just to add you can hear your 3d printer in the background which i don't find an issue but depending on your view on background noises on your videos, you might.
Excellent video as always, wish the same could be said for the loco!! I thought it looked impressive at first but that mechanism completely spoils it! I’m just wondering if you would ever consider reviewing an Irish locomotive - Irish Railway Models (Accurascale’s Irish division) is releasing their ‘A Class’ locomotives in September and I think you’d be really impressed by it, the level of detail seems amazing!!! Just a suggestion! Keep up the excellent work entertaining us all! Keep safe!
Thank you so much! Yeah I thought it did too - such a pity that wasn't the case in the end! I do have an irish review planned - hoping it'll be good! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Yep - it’s very common unfortunately - shame Kernow were too lazy to fix the problem... though they still managed to charge a small fortune... shameful! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great review sam, that thing is junk, the hobby is dying on it's knees at the moment, I've pulled out all my old lima and hornby models over the last couple of weeks and realise looking at my modern stuff, most likely it won't be running in twenty or thirty years time 😢
I recently restored two vintage Tyco locomotives that have been sitting in a hot attic probably since the 1960s. They were easy to restore, and smooth runners. In comparison, someone gave me a Bachmann split frame 0-6-0, and the plastic spacers between the hubs split the first time I applied power to it! And I would restore a hundred Tycos before one of these split frame Bachmann's, like you said, the detail is there, but they are poor runners and it is not if but when will the plastic spacers between the hubs fail. They are not easy to repair with the limited space between the frames, and Bachmann SHOULD stock spacers for all of these given how often they fail, but they don't.
Sam: For anyone starting to invest in building a layout your channel is indispensable. One of the key elements is deciding what period and region to build and your reviews could save an enthusiast from making some serious and costly mistakes. Well Done!
So glad I saw this video before I bought one. I really wanted an O2, but I guess I’ll wait for another release because I sure as heck won’t hunt this one.
Has anyone else got one of these with a bent running plate? On mine, the left hand side water tank has a 1mm gap at the forward end where the running plate bends away from the boiler.
@@SamsTrains well, it’s at the bottom of the list, so it can’t be particularly good… a relief really, I thought it would have been mightily unfair if the peco train came last
Thanks for posting this Sam. Saved me from spending some hard earned cash. As soon as I realised from your previous reply that it was the same mechanism I thought Oh Dear! Obviously there are some good runners out there but the majority should be melted down and recycled asap! Great pity, such a lovely looking little loco with possibly the worst designed mechanism in model railway history!
Just bought one of these £105 new. I think you are wrong about the lining Sam as on Southern loco's with this livery the black is much more pronounced than the very thin yellow lines. Also my loco runs superbly on my quite poor track with a very slow even crawl. I think you must have bought a lemon, but I do enjoy your reviews.
Nice 0-4-4T tank engine in the beautiful southern green! It’s unfortunate that the ratings didn’t get a 4 or a 5 star, I’d agree with you that £127 is way too expensive for something that isn’t in good quality.
Send it back Sam! I thought that three star for performance was EXTREMELY generous.
You definitely should send it back: you’ve threatened to do so several times before with the Heljan 1361, the Beatie Well Tank, (I can’t remember if you did with the Bachmann 9F), so I think you should follow through this time and send a clear message to the manufacturers that this isn’t acceptable. They’re killing the hobby at this rate.
What intrigues me always about British steamers is, how elegant and smooth they look. German and US steamers (the latter as far as I know rarely even had inside cylinders) for example usually have a large part of their piping and valve gear, etc. visible on the outside, which is a huge challenge for manufacturers and modelers of course. Not sure if the "hidden" parts makes/made maintenace more difficult. I guess a lot of elegant solitions were found. Always great watching your reviews. Most buyers of railroad models nowadays demand quality representations of the originals (prototype), not toys.
Having the parts & plumbing where you can get to it, is a *huge* advantage for maintenance.
The surviving prototype (24 CALBOURNE) regularly operates a five bogie carriage train (only limited by the platform length because the carriages don't have corridor connections).
**Sam reviews a crummy model**
The Evil Scrapman: "I'm HUNGRY!!"
Ooh there’s an idea ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Could be a new show idea.
"SAM's Loco Improvements"
I used to live on the Isle of Wight in the 50s and remember these plucky little fellas working hard on the journey between Cowes and Ventnor. I was looking forward to one of these... Ah well. Thank you so much for your honest review Sam.
"Pants puller" - the 12 year old in me is giggling like an idiot.
You were far too generous with the performance stars.
I’ve been watching for so long for almost 3 years I think and now I have bought my first model train set I have loved seeing you channel grow and seeing the changes
That’s so awesome! Which one did you get?? :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Some errors with W34; It never carried full Malachite green, just the side tanks. When prepared for transfer to the IOW in 1947 Eastleigh works painted most of the engine in something like LSWR green as apparently they'd just used the same paint on a loco going for preservation. Also 34 didn't have the enamel plate on the rear of the bunker, it had "34" painted on instead. It spent the shortest time on the island for an 02 as when sent for overhaul in 1954/55 it's cylinders and frames were deemed beyond economic repair (three branchlines on the island had recently closed so three engines were redundant). It became the first island 02 to be withdrawn and its' wheels reused on other locos.
That's very interesting Nathan - thanks for sharing this! Quite frankly though, as critical as this is for the price, they're the worst of this model's problems! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains the "complicated pipework" are to do with the Westinghouse braking system. Island locos standardised on air braking.
How is it that companies still make unsatisfactory models these days? Surely they'd of learnt by now how to make them work properly. My arm c38 was bad, my bachmann Russian decapod was bad, my hornby flying Scotsman was bad like seriously my 30 yr old rivarossi big boy outdoes them. It's been so annoying I refuse to buy new locos. I work on the basis now that if I'm having to work on it anyway it may as well be cheap and second hand. Enjoying the channel Sam very fair assessments and a service to fellow modelers
Oh dear. I think you were quite generous Sam considering the cut outs and poor pulling power. Also the play between the driving wheels means the connecting rod doesn't stay horizontal. Way overpriced and I would send it back and buy another 1p. 👍
haha yeah - I think I was pretty generous too actually... not impressed!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@Kabuki Kitsune don't think would make any difference on DC or DCC, in this case with this loco, there is too many loose gears, for the price Sam paid, you would expect a decent 3 pole motor.
Hi Sam i have just watch your review, and noticed a possible cause of cutting out. is it binding of the drive offsets are not set properly however the slop in the rods can cause this maybe.
Kind regards Chris
It could be Chris - doesn’t seem to be entirely pickup related - but with such a poor mechanism with so much slop, it’s not a surprise!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I’ve sailed to the Isle of Wight on a school boat trip once but I’m yet to visit the Isle of Wight steam railway.
Yeah I’ve been too, but never to the railway either!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a volunteer on the IOWSR I’m biased, but you must visit. They have the best collection ever of restored coaching stock, with the oldest dating back to 1864. It’s a preservation gem!
Sam, could you do a video where you list some locomotives that are high quality and good for the price that you could recommend to someone who is starting out in the hobby?
Excellent suggestion :-)
Yep! Check out my video on the best model trains for less than £100 - hopefully this is what you're looking for! Also see my best model trains of 2020 video for more top locos. I'll make another of those vids at the end of this year too
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As much as I love the livery the performance is pretty laughable especially on the express points and the pulling power. Sadly the beautiful livery won't be enough to balance the negatives so I'll pass on this one. Still great review, Sam 👍
Yeah I'd agree with you - can't really recommend this one sadly :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
36:42 Hornby Class 66 phasing in and out of existence
The cylinder on top of the tank is reservoir for the compressed air for the Westinghouse brake system. The object next to the smoke box is the Westinghouse air brake compressor. I guess these were fitted because the carriages came from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway which used the Westinghouse compressed air braking system.
What a disappointment, I’ve waited 60 odd years for a model of my favourite and local loco and it turns out to be a lemon. I have the earlier variant sitting virtually unused in its box waiting for me to finish the layout to run it on. I got that from the I.W. steam railway. I can’t afford ornaments, so there will be no stable-mates until the thing is re-engineered, which won’t happen. Thank you, Sam, as a pensioner I need to spend wisely and carefully. I can get three well run-in 2nd hand other locos for the price and will.
Maybe you could try to do a custom model
Hi T8Hants, I spent nearly £170 to buy the EFE I W Steam Railway's model from their shop to support their brilliant work on their preserved railway. It is perfect! it is the best running, looking and finished model that I own. I fitted mine with the Bachman DCC controller chip where the running speed is dialled in and it gradually accellerates up to the set running speed. My Adams 02 is one of the few models I own that the chip functions correctly with. I have nearly 50 locos, a good mix of new and second hand and my EFE Adams 02 is way out in front, it is my only 10/10. The once cheap as chips Hornby Terrier is a 9/10 so something to consider for you. Sam only reviews 1 model and does seem to end up with some real lemons. He has reviewed the Bachmann 1p as perfect, I returned 2 brand new that would not run well, I kept the 3rd as I gave up hoping for a decent one. Good luck.
I've got 8 of these, 4 of the EFE island ones awaiting renaming and numbering and the others are an earlier Kernow version of W16 and three mainland ones being converted to island spec with 3D printed parts. All run well, the only lemon I had was returned as the crank axles fell off when moving.
I’ve got one of these, and the detailing on it is far better by the Westinghouse pump, where yours has assembly issues, and on the boiler bands (evenly applied). I have two of the earlier Kernow releases, and these came with far better paperwork - actual information on how to remove the body (still tricky because of the pipe work), plus exploded parts diagrams. They’ll pull enough coaches for an Isle of Wight layout - and how many have room on a layout for station platforms that can take more than five coaches? Could it be better? Yes. But if you don’t have the skill to turn out an O2 kit to the same standard of painting and lining, then it’s currently the only option and worth the price. I’m less disappointed with the O2 than I was with Rails of Sheffield’s badly made and orange-peel finished IW Terrier.
Very interesting Ian - glad to hear they are capable of assembling them properly then, even if their quality control is poor! Wonder why they've downgraded the paperwork then? Some more detailed instructions would really have helped me with mine...
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I've sent you the Kernow documents and some other bits via WeTransfer to your Outlook address, for your reference
I've noticed the pulling capacity problem with my O2 as well. (Bought a Mainland Version) and I was a bit disappointed by it. Its a sad day when my Dapol B4 can haul more wagons than a 2P Passenger Tank can.
I just pair it up with my BR Crimson Gate Stock and I don't have any problems with it. That's mostly what they were doing on the mainland in BR times anyway - push pull suburban services around Exmouth, Portsmouth and Eastleigh.
I watched this video with my headphones on, and as I was watching I was hearing this weird buzzing sound. And at 28:39 I finally realised that it was your 3D printer working in the background!
Thank goodness I found that out, I was getting a bit paranoid.
I know this isn't exactly sound booth level of professionalism given you film in your loft. But maybe pause the 3D prints while recording?
Not to be rude of course I love your content!
And now I got a "sneak peek" as it were, given I know a video of something 3D printed is coming up :)
Edit: I was also hearing this buzzing while you were initially demonstrating the crawl "out of the box" without running in, and how "quiet" the loco was. And I was perplexed at the strange sound being emited by the loco. 😂
Haha yeah I’m sorry about that - I try to avoid it if possible, but I’m desperately trying to get some projects finished, and I don’t feel confident leaving them running overnight... doing my best to avoid it though!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Ah, i just brought one of these....havent gotten it going yet as im working on the layout rn. But now im dreading doing so
Ahh don't worry - you may well enjoy it, and if you don't, you're entitled to return it for a full refund... and if it's faulty (doesn't run right) they should cover the postage costs too!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains ok, thats good. Thanks for that. Fingers crossed tho
Great video, but not sure I agree with you about the lining. If you look at Calbourne which has just been outshopped in exactly this livery, you'll see that the yellow really does form a very thin line along the edge of the black painted boiler bands.
Whole-heartedly agree with your review @Sam'sTrains. I had one of the original Kernow release of the O2, it didn't run, I got a replacement - but slated it on a certain railway forum and got a tirade of abuse for it - from the DJM fan club (karma got them when DJM went bust with all their money for pre-orders).
Bought one of these from Model Rail in the Southern Black at the start of the year. Nice to see they've started putting the model in an ice block as opposed to just sitting in a foam cut out around the locomotive.
It's alright model, nothing to shout about. Though the rear pony truck derails it when running backwards over express points due to the small black bits coming down off the back of the bunker (are they brake parts?) touching either wheel of the back axle.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting about the pony truck - mine seemed quite stable during tests... but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there was inconsistency there too!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Are they guard irons? Several models, such as the Bachmann Baby Prairie, have guard irons which come down far too close to the railhead (scale dimensions) and can snag in pointwork etc. If so, cut them short.
@@johndavies9270 I'm not sure what they are. They're the bits that look like this
| |
/ \
It's less that they snag on the points and more that they stop the rear pony from turning freely, causing it to derail.
i enjoy watching your videos. i have been "playing with trains" for well over forty years and still think the old models take some beating you can service them. modify and detail them as you wish and they don"t break like the modern ones.some of mine are triang (made in england) and they are still going strong.I dont think the models of today will last as long
The black and yellow lining on the boiler is correct as the black does outweigh the yellow considerably. The lining on the Hornby model appears blurred in places or is this just the camera?
The pickup problem can be solved by cleaning out the grease in the bearings using INOX MX3. Also apply it to any surfaces required to conduct on the trailing bogie. It wont solve the probable under powered motor and excessive slop in the side rods and gears..
The "Complex pipework" means this model is a "Push Pull" version. The pipework being connected to an air compressor "Donkey Pump" (the little double barrel looking item), which provided compressed air for the driving controls when the engine was pushing a couple of "Auto" fitted coaches. DJ Models originally launched this loco model with a matching "Gate Set" two coach push pull set.
The Southern Railway/Region used 6 lamp brackets NOT 4, like other Railways/Regions. EFE/Bachmann have missed the two extra SR lamp brackets one either side of the smokebox door, and two rear bunker lamp brackets, half way up the bunker rear, one each side. The Southern did NOT use a Class code for its trains but a destination/route code, which required more positions, hence 6 lamp brackets should be provided on ALL Southern models. My DJ Models version has the correct 6 lamp brackets.
Note the jittery, stopping problem of the model as seen in the programme appears to be at a point frog, with a very short straight next to the frog. The problem is therefore most likely, electrical resistance through all these rail joins. As the track is also temporarily laid on carpet, I would suggest the problem is track not the engine !!!!
Nice review, but so glad I bought a DJ models version, which has the missing lamp brackets, a slightly different and better in my opinion chassis, and mine seems to run far more smoothly. It was also a little better priced that what you have paid. I guess as the manufacturing plant has changed within Hong Kong but obviously the tooling has been moved to its new owners plant, this may account for the "issues" !
Duly noted James - thanks a lot for the extra info! Not sure how the track can be to blame... I have a collection of almost 500 engines... the locos I consider to be quality don't behave that way on my layout!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, try cleaning the wheels with a track rubber it worked a treat on mine . I noticed the wheels were quite rough so I gave it a go. Runs really well now
I bought W31 chale and mine isn't too bad. Running plate a little warped tho but not too badly. Love the detail on the Westinghouse air pump
Blimey - that's bad enough though - a real pet hate of mine! Does it at least run okay?
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
"Extremely F---- Expensive Rail" strikes again, I see...
It's beautiful, but for the same price as the Johnson 1P, it's just not as good a buy. (I'd love to buy one, but not at this price!)
Those coupling rods look like they can fall of any moment
Also, its nice to be back watching your channel again :)
For about the same $, you can buy the Hornby R3544 B12 -- All metal construction, metal body, everything. Beautifully detailed, great internal parts, Sam gave it 8.84 rating.
Exactly - a far, far better model!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This review really interested me. I got mine today, and the performance was way better! All I have is a circle of Radius 2 track, and it handled it with no problem even right out of the box. I haven't tried it with a load yet, but I was honestly very impressed with the performance on this one. It's a real shame that you did not have the same experience.
In general, I must say that I know I got a rather sour deal on it in terms of quality and mechanism, but I figured that would be the case and I bought it anyway. I think it looks lovely, and it runs pretty well for me. If I have to retire it to a display case after a couple of years, I will. I'm happy with it for now.
Fascinating! It seems some examples do run well - I've seen that said on some forums... and equally, there are tonnes of stories about these running badly too! I think lots of people know full well what these are like... but they're eye candy aren't they? ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, Did you return this one? I wonder if manufacturers grade their locos, and send 2nd/3rd grade examples to the cheaper online resellers.
I finally got one on Saturday at ally pally and it runs beautifully 😀
Goodness me the amount of slack in the coupling rods is downright cringy when it crawls. Great review Sam, I love how you shaded this loco with another model by Bachmann :D
Please can you review the Bachmann caledonian railway class 812 when it comes out?
Maybe! Though they are crazy expensive of course!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Thanks, have a nice day.
Hey Sam, just wondering if you ever made areview of the hornby class 66. I cant seem to find it and I am curious why it got such a low score
I imagine that the Class 66 video was recorded before this one but will be released aftet it. This sort of thing has happened before, and since the O2 is a new release he probably wanted to review it while people were still talking about it.
Sam did a review of the Lima class 66 (one of lima's last models), and hornby now use the same tooling (but different mechanism, liveries, build etc). Sam's score for this loco reflects when it was released under "Lima", not the release under "hornby" that is FAR superior! I have both the old Lima one and the newer hornby one and while the Lima one is alright, the hornby one is really nice!
It's coming soon - and no, it's not very good ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I was considering that loco. Not anymore. Thanks Sam!
By the way - the sound of your 3D printer in the background is a bit annoying (it's probably just me as I used to have the same printer).
This looks kinda like a LB&SCR D3 a D3 No. 2365 or 2356 was hit by a fighter or bomber plane, the D3s boiler was very damaged and the planes polit did NOT plan for what happened next... Steam & medal went in the air RIGHT INTO the plane, the plane crashed down landing in a field the polit was killed. Train Of Thought has a vid about what happened so go watch that for more information about what happened.
Wow - that sounds crazy dramatic - shocking!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
No problem.
The D3's were built for the same sort of duties as the O2, M7 and similar engines on other roads. Oddly the GWR never went in for 0-4-4's, possibly due to some nasty experiences with some broad gauge examples. The Board of Trade didn't like them either, especially after a very nasty crash involving an M7 - leading coupled wheels and fast running were considered a potential for serious trouble.
Sam, during the test I thought this locomotive or your controller were making some very weird noises for models. Others may have noticed too.
However I later realised it was likely your 3D printer.
Would it be better to avoid printing during filming?
Apologies for that John! I do try to avoid it where possible, but I'm working on a number of other projects that desperately need finishing, and I'm not comfortable leaving anything running overnight - so sometimes it's necessary!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Well hello again sam! Very good review as always! Keep it up and congrats on 100k mate!
Thank you so much for your kind support my friend! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Nice model, but if it doesn't pull, it's no use to me! My layout has a long 1 in 50 grade with a short burst of 1 in 40 as you come out of a 3rd radius curve. Do you have a video review of the previous run (not sure of the manufacturer) O2 tank? I have IoW 24 Calbourne in black, soon to be DCC fitted.
Good review, comparing to the Bachmann model for the same price validates your concern. Yes it does look nice but the play in those gears is atrocious and accounts for some of the running problems they really should have left the DJM mechanisms dead and buried. I did like the look of it but not now.
Thanks a lot Rob - yes it was fortunate that Bachmann had just released another model of the same price... the feelings on DJM mechanisms were quite unanimous... so I'm confused as to why they thought this was okay?
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam. You might use this loco for testing out the Gaugemaster Electronic track cleaner! OIl on the axles you know. I have got a DJM Adams tank and it's okay. However, I ran it in for 30 minutes in each direction before performing any slow speed tests. It has a plastic gear wheel inside which is difficult to replace if you make the mistake of dismantling this model and damaging the cogs. If you are modelling the IOW pre-War, you have more of a choice of locos, post-War, they were all O2 tanks in black! Thanks for uploading another entry to be rostered on as Sam's Trains NWTM special!
That's an interesting idea Allen - but you're right - it's not the kind of loco you can/should dismantle easily... I'd never attempt it!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I’ve just ordered the LTD edit IOWSM calbourne which is even more expensive at a hair under £160 but I guess some goes to support the railway/loco overhaul costs and there was no added P&P 😬 possibly this, as was the Beattie well tank, is a kernow commissioned exclusive model in its original run there are ‘rights’ payments involved driving up the costs?
Built at the Nine Elms Works the 60 locos were designed for London Metropolitan lines. When moved
to IOW these plucky little puffers were expected to pull passenger trains of up to six bogie coaches on all of the Island lines and this included the 1-in-70 Apse bank from Shanklin to Wroxall. Shame about the models performance!
If they omitted the decoder socket and put a slug of lead in the boiler the loco would be far improved. I've had problems with American bachman loco wheels. Some seem to have something with the blackening.
Mr.Sam, You need your own class 28 diesel locomotive ( Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric type 2) and you also need your own narrow gauge model railway to go with your OO gauge, you need a OO9 scale model railway to be the narrow gauge companion to your OO gauge model railway. I recommend the first locomotive you should get for the OO9 scale railway is a Lynton & Barnstable Manning Wardle locomotive.
I do actually - they look fascinating for sure... maybe I'll design one for myself!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Your welcome. 😉 Also I really like narrow gauge railways.
I have one of the original Kernow Models issue. 0-4-4 tank locos are notoriously difficult to get running well in OO, due to the wheel arrangement, which usually throws all the motor's weight onto the trailing bogie. ( I used to have a pair of Wills' cast metal O2's, which displayed the resulting balance problems. Like the real thing, the chassis would eventually crack across the third axle wheel arch! )
Sadly, yes, this model is slippery footed - if only it had a metal boiler and smokebox, to put some weight on the drivers. Mine can happily haul two of the Hornby LSWR bogie coaches, or the pair of Kernow (now EFE) 'gate set' coaches on my layout, but can struggle with four of the new Hornby 6 wheelers. The bogie is a bit track sensitive, and its vertical play limits what gradient changes it can cope with. So, relatively light duties only.
Otherwise I'm happy with mine. Sadly Sam, your comments and those of your other correspondents generally reflect my own feelings about modern day rtr models. OK, the stuff from the 50's and 60's was basic - sometimes crude, but it still works. I fear very few of the modern models will survive anything like as long. The rtr manufacturers, in my honest opinion, are destroying the hobby.
Thanks John - yes that's true - but it's all in the design! Take the Bachmann Johnson 1P - same wheel configuration, but far more capable with a load
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
What is efe rail going to do when plastic isn't used anymore?
They'll introduce the world's first £400 all-paper locomotive!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The EFE models are just older tooled models by various other manufacturers that Bachmann have either purchased the tooling off or using other manufacturers locomotives under license as there are some Heljan diesel locomotives in the EFE range. Issue is the loco's like this one and the Beattie well tank were ex Dave Jones Models and all Bachmann have done is just build them to the same specification and add new digital decoder compatibility.
Isn’t the Westinghouse pump crooked?
The foam falling off at 7:46 really rather worried me for a bit, took me a few rewatches of that moment to realize that it was foam and not something else.
haha yeah I did wonder what that was... luckily it was just that foam! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Thank you so much, you just saved me £150! After the fiasco of the DJM designed GWR 1363 I am not a bit surprised at your results. Mine still sounds like a coffee grinder after being run in almost a year! I really would have been torqued had I bought this one. Send yours back and keep up the great reviews.👍
Thanks a lot my friend - yeah running in doesn't help these mechanisms - I figured that out the hard way!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Say Sam, which DJM/ Ex DJM model you’ve looked at would you consider to be the best?
Very Comprehensive review and the loco looks very good. I have a copy of 'The Isle of Wight Railway' from the Oakwood Press. Maycock & Silisbury. If any one is interested in the IOW railway history I can thoroughly recommend it as probably the best work on this unique system
Hi Sam, I have a question I think you can help me with. I purchased a Hornby B17 with the tender drive mechanism, and after lubricating it, it barely navigates curves. The curves I'm using are made by Atlas and are 18" Radius. So judging by this, would you say it's something wrong with the loco or the track?
I think 18" should be fine as it's 2nd radius. Does it run well on straights? If so, I'd check the electrical connection between loco and tender - if it's intermittent, running issues can manifest on curves!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
could this be a sign the pickups via the bearings have way too much lubricant on them? I've got an _ancient_ N gauge class 86 with similar pickups on two axles only that was horrible until cleaned.
though for that money they should send a butler round to clean it for you
It's possible - but again, due to the design, you can't fix that without dismantling the wheelset/chassis! :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
1:19 I thought you'd hate it as its the opposite of your favourite? Great video regardless! I'm still hooked!
I can't quite put my finger on why, but something about the rankings book around 36:50 is leaving me with a sense of foreboding.
haha completely justified! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I’m in need of a mid sized br tender engine have u got any suggestions as am stuck for choice 👍
Hmm that's tricky - the Bachmann standards aren't very good... how about the Bachmann V3 tank? The latest ones have a lovely, lovely chassis!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Thx for the response very helpful now looking at it the do look quite good thanks a lot Sam 👍
How come you don’t do the close ups with the extra parts attached??
I am not a railway modeller, but having a life long interest in the history of the old railways on the Isle of Wight, I have to say I love this model. I am even tempted to buy one just for display purposes. Lovely model of a wonderful little engine.
I’m an American who’s been binge watching your channel, decided I’m gonna bet back into model railroading and I really like the British trains, I’ve read a few conflicting things, can OO and HO run on the same track?
Yes they can run on the same track. OO is slightly bigger than HO tho which looks a bit jarring in my opinion.
OO and HO run on the same gauge track (16.5mm) but be aware the difference of European (NEM) and US (NMRA) wheel standards, which unfortunately Sam continuously neglects to note.
Hey Sam loved the video as always. How do you keep finding these wonderful green locos all I can ever find are the boring black locos 😂
Haha thanks mate! Yeah anything that looks nice does get snapped up pretty quickly sadly!
I think that’s lily the wellsworth and suddery engine
As the full horror emerged I kept thinking of the poor parents who might have bought one as a Christmas present for their child only to find it won’t run. Christmas ruined.
Now I’m eager to see your Hornby class 66 review, especially as mine seems to work fine.
I have to watch your SR running session video 6 months ago (from when this comment posted) to remind me that you’ve asked the manufacturers to make more SR locos.
I run several very old Triang and Hornby Dublo locos where you can accept this kind of performance, particularly the cutting out but some are much better considering their age! Also got a new Bachman Pannier and Class 08 which are excellent so why does a manufacturer think this acceptable?
No way would I buy that model. But, on a happier note, I'm typing with slightly sooty fingers. I've had my first steam train ride on the Llangollen Railway today, behind 3802. In between the two rides to Carrog and back, I decided to go up close and personal to my steamy sister.
"I haven't done this for ages," I observed to the Driver who knows me too well. "Can I have a moment in the cab?" The gent smiled.
"If you want to, yes," he happily answered. He climbed down and then I hauled myself in. I had a magical few minutes on the footplate, warming my hands in front of the fire and staying out of the Fireman's path. I'm going to write this story properly. Hope it puts a smile on your face.
That's understandable Kelly - and what a great day that must have been - sorry to hear you got messy though!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
i am quite surprised you haven't mentioned the kmrc gwr steam railmotor that is available for pre order in the july or the august update as it has had an up date recently on their website. i would put the link in this comment but i heard somewhere that putting links in yt comments puts them in a spam folder that not many people check so if you reply i can email the link to you. i think you should review it when it comes out. it is 169.99 to pre order at the moment and will come out at 179.99 i think but looks very good from what they have shown. sure this will be a great video as usual Sam. have a good weekend.
Thanks for this Timothy - I’ll look into this for the next news edition! No need to email - I should find it quite easily, thanks so much! 😊
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I looked at Kernow's web site a couple weeks ago (having pre-ordered, yet heard nothing more) it seemed they no longer market them. Perhaps I looked at the wrong place
I’ve been away from railway modelling a few years now. I never cease to be amazed at the prices manufacturers are asking for new models. Sure the liveries and quality of detailing are far beyond my collection of 1960’s to 1980’s locos but there’s no comparison in construction and running quality.
Sam, again, you measure the back to back, but what are the wheel standards? NEM or RP? I bought a loco after a review and due to the wheel standards it doesn't run through my points.
Okay, I should've done further research but if you could include this information in your reviews it may save some of us an awful lot of work
I’ll double check that, thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam I have to ask my loco from the hornby Valley drifter set the 040 is not working properly it often stops at slow speeds but I think it because im using the bad hornby controller that came with it but I just want to make sure it's not enything else
buy a Guagemaster Combi if want a small quality controller, about £38 ish?
Yeah could be that - could be dirty wheels or track - I'd recommend one of the cheap gaugemaster single controllers, and give everything a thorough cleaning! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Very interesting, 02's have always been hard to make a model of. The Wills kits were not that great either. Balance issues motors burnout easily. Such a shame.
can you please do a review of the bachmann trench engine?
That sounds amazing - I'd love to! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It's too late for me to send 02's and 0298's back. I did send an 0298 back to Hattons because it was very slow to get up to speed but when stopped it stopped instantly. I sent it back because I suspected that the DCC wasn't removed correctly. It came back working correctly, strange stuff DCC.
How is a six pin decoder socket okay in 2021? Please do elaborate.
I think it is okay in smaller locos where space is at a premium and you're unlikely to have lights or smoke!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I bought mine last week, (BR Green Chale) Looks a great loco but very disappointed with the plastic coupling rods. Seems to run quite well after the 6 pin decoder was fitted (very easy).
Can anyone tell me what the larger mystery parts are in the detail pack (the 3 largest bits of plastic). There are no instructions as to where all the bits fit, although I could probably work out where the brake pipes go!
Later Edit:- Had it a few days now, and I like it. Once I got over the fact the coupling rods were plastic, they actually don't look too bad. Runs well, no stuttering or jerkiness, and does pull a prototypical load. So all in all, better than reviewed here. Just one mystery piece in the accessory pack (the largest plastic bit if anyone knows?
I see this video and I cannot help but be reminded of Lily from WildNorWester. This is her basis after all! Shame the model’s a lemon. (Also hey again Sam, it’s been a while! Thanks for the video Sam!)
Ooh interesting - will have to look that up! Yeah - definitely a lemon overall!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam. You have me worried now. I have 2 0298 WT locos to run in and a couple of 02's as well to run in. The 02's are DJ Models that I bought a couple of years ago. Wish me luck. Bye from Ian.
Triang developed a successful chassis which was cheap and cheerful and variations successfully powered a whole range of locos for decades. One thing with Triang/Hornby was that no matter what the loco looked like you at least knew that it would run. Why don't these manufacturers just stick to a successful formula when producing their locos? I don't understand.
Exactly... they were producing more reliable and serviceable locos than this in the 50s... what gives!? I never understood that about DJM - he ignored the tried and tested mechanisms in his insistence to be different from the rest... and now Kernow are continuing the legacy that should have died with his company!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Another as it is no holds barred video Sam, if EFE rail had have given this loco to you to review before releasing it onto the market they could have saved themselves a lot of embarrassment ( provided they rectified your findings ) and they would now be enjoying good sales from this product, just one negative point from this review and that's your generosity of 3 stars for performance, but anther GREAT review Sam, and you've just saved me some money, thank you.
Thanks Paul - though the mechanical problems with this were fairly well reported and discussed on the DJM release... so there’s no way Kernow were unaware of them. It must have been a conscious decision not to change anything - quite disappointing!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Not condensing gear, it’s for air brakes. The rear plate is the number plate not works plate and more than a couple were over here.
Duly noted! Thanks very much for the info! :)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Heard a whining sound when it stopped on the hill and panicked it was the motor... Then realised it was the sounds of 3d printing! What did you have on the go?
haha yeah! Video coming soon! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I'm considering getting O2 number 31 Chale in BRITISH RAILWAYS malachite green, which would match my hornby A1X number 13 Carisbrooke in the same livery. But I don't think I'll be paying more than £100 for an o2, so I'll probably go for the hornby A1X number 32646 in BRITISH RAILWAYS black with sunshine lettering in the meantime.
Does seem quite a bit better than the well tank, although the pickups seem to be just as useless. The rods seem very loose, loads of slack in the driving wheels. Glad it's much less noisy than the well tank, austerity tank, and 1361s. Surprised you gave it 3 stars on performance.
Another non straight running plate, check out at 16.34. Sam, please use the straight edge test as standard procedure. The flimsiness of the running plate can be clearly seen when you try to dismantle the model from 19.52 onwards. The mechanism sloppiness and pickup system is also unacceptable. I will stick to my South East Finecast model.
Oh that's interesting - I didn't even notice that! Maybe you're right - I think I should do that as standard! I mostly do actually, but didn't this time for some reason.... but yes, it is flimsy as it's thin plastic
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Just to add you can hear your 3d printer in the background which i don't find an issue but depending on your view on background noises on your videos, you might.
Excellent video as always, wish the same could be said for the loco!! I thought it looked impressive at first but that mechanism completely spoils it! I’m just wondering if you would ever consider reviewing an Irish locomotive - Irish Railway Models (Accurascale’s Irish division) is releasing their ‘A Class’ locomotives in September and I think you’d be really impressed by it, the level of detail seems amazing!!! Just a suggestion! Keep up the excellent work entertaining us all! Keep safe!
Thank you so much! Yeah I thought it did too - such a pity that wasn't the case in the end! I do have an irish review planned - hoping it'll be good! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I got one ages ago called Calbourne in black but the performance is quite poor unfortunately.
Yep - it’s very common unfortunately - shame Kernow were too lazy to fix the problem... though they still managed to charge a small fortune... shameful!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great review sam, that thing is junk, the hobby is dying on it's knees at the moment, I've pulled out all my old lima and hornby models over the last couple of weeks and realise looking at my modern stuff, most likely it won't be running in twenty or thirty years time 😢
Thanks a lot Ciaran - yeah junk works! You're right - I often wonder how long modern locos will keep running for!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I recently restored two vintage Tyco locomotives that have been sitting in a hot attic probably since the 1960s. They were easy to restore, and smooth runners.
In comparison, someone gave me a Bachmann split frame 0-6-0, and the plastic spacers between the hubs split the first time I applied power to it! And I would restore a hundred Tycos before one of these split frame Bachmann's, like you said, the detail is there, but they are poor runners and it is not if but when will the plastic spacers between the hubs fail. They are not easy to repair with the limited space between the frames, and Bachmann SHOULD stock spacers for all of these given how often they fail, but they don't.
Sam: For anyone starting to invest in building a layout your channel is indispensable. One of
the key elements is deciding what period and region to build and your reviews
could save an enthusiast from making some serious and costly mistakes. Well Done!
Thank you so much Leroy! Really glad these are handy for you,
Cheers,
Sam :)
So glad I saw this video before I bought one.
I really wanted an O2, but I guess I’ll wait for another release because I sure as heck won’t hunt this one.
Before testing "slow running" perhaps an hour or so running in - in both directions might help.
Absolutely - full running in was completed before conclusions were drawn, as detailed in the video!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Has anyone else got one of these with a bent running plate? On mine, the left hand side water tank has a 1mm gap at the forward end where the running plate bends away from the boiler.
In the logbook… why is the Hornby class 66 flickering?
Also… is that a review that isn’t out yet?
Yeah it is - coming soon - not a very good loco either ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains well, it’s at the bottom of the list, so it can’t be particularly good… a relief really, I thought it would have been mightily unfair if the peco train came last
Thanks for posting this Sam. Saved me from spending some hard earned cash. As soon as I realised from your previous reply that it was the same mechanism I thought Oh Dear!
Obviously there are some good runners out there but the majority should be melted down and recycled asap! Great pity, such a lovely looking little loco with possibly the worst designed mechanism in model railway history!
Just bought one of these £105 new. I think you are wrong about the lining Sam as on Southern loco's with this livery the black is much more pronounced than the very thin yellow lines. Also my loco runs superbly on my quite poor track with a very slow even crawl. I think you must have bought a lemon, but I do enjoy your reviews.
why is the Hornby class 66 flickering in the rankings?
Nice 0-4-4T tank engine in the beautiful southern green! It’s unfortunate that the ratings didn’t get a 4 or a 5 star, I’d agree with you that £127 is way too expensive for something that isn’t in good quality.