It says on Hornby's forum that Bachmann are currently refusing to supply Hattons who Bachmann maintains are developing a rival manufacturing business. There is no explicit mention of this on Hattons website, but Bachmann is not listed as a manufacturer in the forthcoming releases page, and also Bachmann 'due to stock' items which were mentioned are no longer featured. So it looks like it is so, at least for the time being.
I love Bachman and Oxford plank wagons because they are the prototypical length (16'6" with a 9' wheelbase). The Hornby and Dapol plank wagons are fictional (17'6" with a 10' wheelbase)
Somehow I missed this video when it first came out. But I got to watch it today with my coffee ☕ and cookies 🍪 🍪 🍪 so that's great. I really enjoy the trainset videos because they have a loco and bunch of other interesting stuff as well. Thanks, Sam, for posting your awesome videos. You get a 5 star * * * * * rating 👍 Cheers from Canada :-)
Amazing train set by Bachmann! It is pretty lucky that you got that train set for 110 pounds while the actual 3F locomotive by itself costs around 120 pounds. :) I also love the detail on the freight cars and the brake van too since mostly a lot of them are simple but these are good super detailed rolling stock! :D
Both engines are the Johnson 3F's. Deeley built a few Johnson engines during his engineering tenancy, which were re-built by Fowler who also re-built Johnsons. Johnson progressively developed his goods 0-6-0s. They all had a wheel base of 8' - 8' 6". They used inside cylinders sleeve valves and were normally saturated steam rather than superheated. Many were originally 2Fs and some survived in that state. Fowler's Jintys 0-6-0T were virtually an updated Johnson 0-6-0 in tank form.
I have 43257 the BR early crest version of the same loco. It seems to be the same as yours on the damage front through years of use as it doesn’t seem to be quite as durable as other models, I also find that it makes grinding and squeaking sound as it goes along. However I am now going to try and rectify this with a rolling road and some graphite. If anyone reading purchases this be careful as it really is a delicate model and DO NOT run it on 1st radius corners!!!
It could be a really good start for anyone wanting to do an LMS layout. A few more wagons, bought bit by bit, would make a very nice goods train. The second radius oval and the controller would be great as a running-in oval.
I picked up a 3f for my self and am very pleased with it, when i saw it in the shop i thought about this video. Mine seemed to work much better out of the box and i have hornby track and controller from about 8 years ago
I am 1/4 length of the video in, just as the brake van is taken out of the package and I can tell you that I, as an european collector, am stunned by the mindset and culture behind a single start set train. Marklin (read Mearklin) which is the longest producer of toys and train models in the world (155 years now if I get this right) always packed their trains as you can see here and they were all fine. Let's say that the cardboard was not that rubbish in quality and flimsy but apart from that, it was always came in a ''polystyrene tray" and it was always fine. Also, the way you get out rolling stock out of a polystyrene tray is by grabbing the transparent plastic foil. It has two purposes: Polystyrene is harmful for any kind of metal and alloys, so the wheels, the bearings, different metal made details, buffers will oxidase before the package reaches the final buyer so it is there to protect the metal from entering in contact with the polystyrene and the second is that you can grab it and pull up entirely, not just half way as you did in your review, and it should be all fine. We have and used what you call ''ice block'' since the 80's, I don't know why UK tends to do everything so different and sooo not like anyone else just because "we are British", and I've seen packages being entirely different but not in a good or pro-efficient way, nor in a bad or inefficient way. I don't think the damage in the pack was caused by the packaging as a piece of cab glazing cannot be broken out of it's place just by hitting the box, nor does it scratches or bends details if it's just a bump. As you can see, the outside of the box is clean and clear so clearly the damage was man made from another cause than the packaging. The is nothing wrong with how they pack, it's just the scratching with the left hand on the right ear over the head british way of setting the mindset over something, like thinking the packing lead to the damage of a piece that is INSIDE a rolling stock item, that if broke because of the packing, WOULD'VE NOT BEEN IN THE CABLE AREA having two layers of foil on it. And if I get into it like really really taking upon details, compared to LS Models, Roco, Marklin, Trix, ACME, Brawa, and all the other 1:87 HO in EU, what Bachmann and Hornby does at the best collector quality at 1:76 OO is horseshit. I'm sorry I have to be this blunt and brutal but it is, the spacing between the tender and the locomotive ON ALL MODELS, what the fuck is that, the stupid coupling with the stupid HALF METER TO SCALE OR A FULL METER in some cases gap between coaches, no professional close couplings as a general professional add on detail on the UK OO market, what the fuck is this. Then going to cab details, lighting, interiors, pick-ups, wiring, motors, digital systems, infrastructure mathematics and stay-to-real-rail-engineering options, and all that jazz
Thanks for the comment, yeah I’d agree with most of that! The thing is though, Marklin produce extremely high quality models. Bachmann do not. They’re also not terribly competent, since they do usually use the ice block packaging, just not on their train packs or sets! I agree that better packaging might not have saved the cab, but there’s no doubt whatsoever that the damage to the handrail was due to the poor packaging! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I finally bought a Bachmann set Sam, this one in fact! Bought it new via eBay for £72.00 +p&p. I bought it because of your very favourable review in that we have a loco that is more up to standard than a lot of Bachmann locos, 3 pole motor or not! Lol. I'll let you know how I get on with it. Best, Pete.
18.55 Yes, these are both 'the same' wagon -- the Railway Clearing House or RCH 12-ton 8-plank pattern of 1923. Thousands of this standard design were produced by wagon-building companies for the multifarious collieries and coal traders. The only difference was in the maker's plates applied by the various builders -- a beautifully printed Charles Roberts plate can be seen on the Stewarts wagon solebar. No plate is visible on the Wood wagon, though they weren't always picked out in white, so that's acceptable. What isn't visible on either wagon is the registration plate. All private-owner wagons had by law to carry a plate showing which railway company had registered them, as the inspecting authority. These were usually small, but they were always there and pretty much always picked out in white. Also, somebody in Bachmann's artwork department seems to have stopped taking his medication on the day the Ward livery was produced. It looks very much as though the load figure on the curb rail reads 20 tons, which is quite definitely wrong. These were always and only 12 ton wagons.
I've always been intrigued by Bachmann's train sets. There is this one in particular with two Mk1s and a Jubilee in Brunswick green worth around 175 pound on Hatton's I believe. 175? for two super-detailed coaches and a Jub? Hot dawg!
There is another Bachmann train set that I can think of, it’s called “local fright”, in that train set you get GWR 57xx pannier tank in GWR green with some GWR wagons.
These were a Johnson design of 1875, originally Class 2F. As you rightly say, Deeley continued production and fitted a bigger boiler (Class 3F). Amazingly, 976 were built and some were still running in the early 1960s. Such fun to see your Triang one in action - it was also available in lined black at one stage (in 1964 I think).
#3522 was built by Neilson & Company on March 31st, 1897 originally for the Midland Railway. She later became LMS #3522 in 1923 and finally British Railways #43522 in 1948. She was withdrawn from service on September 27th, 1958 and was cut up at McLellans Scrapyard on June 30th, 1959 at the age of 62.
You did very well with that set! Bargain! Four scale models, accurate for 1923-1940, plus track; an ideal starter set. Nice review too. Keep up the good work.
My son got me this for my birthday in March. I run it with my Bass wagons. Also 4F definitely started out with the Midland Railway. Have you got special carpet? I nearly killed a few locos running on carpet.
That's great to hear Tom - I bet it looks good with those! It's a very hair-less carpet - and I'm forever cleaning it, and servicing my locos - so it works just fine! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The 3F has to be one of my favourite models...I admit it, I'm biased to MR locomotives! The Hattons price is a great deal, but I managed to acquire my set cheaper from Tennents Trains for £99. If the set had an extra layer of polystyrene to cover the contents of the set, it would be magnitudes better for minimal cost. Mine also had some damage to the contents from them rubbing through the clear plastic and into the box lid. Its one thing having such nice models in these bargain sets, but it would be nice if they actually stood any chance of arriving in one piece!
Cracking train set there Sam. I went to the Belfast Model Railway Exhibition today and I bought some wagons. The event video should be live by tomorrow morning as it is a whopping 7,5GB and over an hour long. It would be great if you could cover local model railway shows in your area mate. All the best Ash.
hello sam that is a bargain for a train set and I would get it but I am getting an oxford rail deen goods and railgun train pack and will you be reviewing any more train sets this year and are you getting the HO/OO big boy soon from david
Thanks a lot David - ooh yeah the Dean goods beats this, that's for sure! Enjoy mate! Nahh - I think I'm giving that a miss :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a starter set it's a bit of an own goal by Bachmann vis-a-vis the packaging; what were they thinking?! Good quality items at a great price but left to the vagaries of transport and delivery (especially those by a company named after a Brazilian river if current reports of "casual delivery methods" are representative). Such a pity - for the price of a stiff card lid (pennies) or padded lid insert they've compromised an otherwise brilliant starter set. Again - what were they thinking???!!!
Material costs are only a small proportion of a loco's retail price -- so a Pacific doesn't cost much more than an 0-4-0T to actually make. It still only has one motor, one chassis block, one chimney cap, etc. A big part of the finished cost is distribution and sales, which is where train-packs and train-sets score -- one box, which only costs pennies more despite its larger size, instead of many to assemble, pack, ship and store. Every individual item costs the company money to handle -- money which, in the tens of thousands, tends to add up. 'I want to buy a model train for my son.' Okay, pick a loco. One box. 'Maybe a few wagons for it to pull.' Three more boxes. A circle of track -- another box. 'And I guess I'll need a controller/transformer.' 'Certainly, sir, we have three types to choose from.' Each item comes in its own box, all from different shelves of the retailer's probably extensive stock. 'Or sir could buy this train set, which comes with everything sir will need in one box.' 'Hey, neat idea.' From a cost-accounting point of view, what's not to like about that? Plus, especially at the 'junior' end of the market, you can get away with putting items in the set which haven't been selling so well individually -- I think Hornby in particular have sometimes been guilty of this.
Looks pretty decent, shame yours had a bit of damage. I have the ancestor of the Bachmann controller that came with this set and I find it quite satisfactory when I am using some of my old non DCC stuff.
When I went to Margate, came out with an Hornby Adam radial for £70 (since it was in the bargain box for ages!!!) And a free Hornby visitor centre 2014 wagon!
So two questions for you. 1.) how decent quality is Bachmann for their UK engines? They drop the ball a lot stateside. 2.) would you ever review an MTH engine? There are some overseas engines in their product line but I’d love to hear your thoughts on their engines. Also they make their steam engines from die cast metal.
Hi James - from what I hear their UK branchline stuff is better quality than over in the US, but they still leave much to be desired! MTH sounds awesome - I'd love to try one!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
How many locos can you think of that require 3rd radius though? I would argue for a starter the smaller second is better as it means the layout is smaller and therefore easier to fit in that the third while loosing no real functionality. Seeing as, like you kept saying it's a starter set.
Quite a few - I've had Hornby Pacifics struggle on 2nd radius - and wider curves greatly reduce friction and therefore wear, which is why Hornby use them as standard! Happy New Year, Sam :)
This is a fantastic value for money and highly detailed train set, by Bachmann, what. Finally a Bachmann item that isn’t a complete or a slight rip off. But in typical Bachmann fashion, they found ways to cheap out and insult their customers. No tender pick ups, loose and flimsy box packaging, broken parts in the box, tight curves, under powered controller, and loose fishplate fittings. Bachmann, the model railway manufacturers that makes the same cheapskate decisions over and over again
My Bachman's controller that came with my graham farish controller blew up and it made the trains run super jittery and I thought my trains were broken until I read a forum online and it said the controller was the problem so I bought a gaugemaster combi and all my Robles were alleviated and my lovely n gauge trains came back to life
I have a Bachmann controller similar to this one, I believe it is an older version of yours, and it has the same issue of speed control. None of my engines will even move unless past 30% speed. And my EMD F3 diesels, which are adverised on the box to have incredible slow speed abilities, struggle to live up to that on that controller. And I am sure that the engines are not the issue, as I have six of them from the same brand, so if any of them were flawed, it would show. So it seems I need to upgrade my controller sooner, rather than later. Thanks for the review, and for confirming an issue I never realized I had before. XD
Had a similar issue with the Railway Children set, which has identical packaging. The loco's handrails were all smashed off and one of the weights inside the engine itself was loose. Can't say Bachmann's train sets have decent packaging at all.
Thinking about it, the weight was smashed loose in my railway children loco too - though at least they used thicker cardboard with that one, but it was far from excellent! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I believe the RRP fro this train set was around £140.00, so you saved around £30.00, Sam. You got yourself a deal on it, but not many model shops have any stock left, so it looks as if it has been discontinued.
This is a very nice set. I might pick it up one day when I have the money. But I wonder why they haven't made any more Thomas and friends sets yet. Maybe they just need some ideas. Well I got some and what would be in them. 10. Thomas's special branchline train. I know that Thomas has already had two sets. But this one would be a railway series based set. It would include a Bachmann Thomas in his normal colours or railway series colours, Annie, Clarabel and the special coach that Thomas had in 'the missing coach'. Not only would you get a full oval circuit, but you would get Bertie Terence, Ffarquhar station and a water tower. 9. Henry's olden days. Henry hasn't had the honour of being in either a Hornby or Bachmann set. So this would be a great chance to have him in one. You would get old shape Henry, two green branchline coaches, a green branchline brake coach, Elsbridge station, a water tower, a water tower and a oval shaped track layout. This would be a great way to get an old shape Henry. 8. The flying Kipper. Another set involving Henry. This time with his favourite train. In this set you would get Henry, a live lobster truck, two brown version of the Sodor mail truck, a couple of regular box vans, two troublesome truck number 5's and a brake van. For scenery, you would have cranky, the Brendem docks building and a station to deliver the fish. The Brendem docks building and the brown post trucks would be a nice inclusion. 7. Percy's mail run. The only set with Percy was a downer. All we got was two troublesome trucks. But this one has an oval track, a Percy with a working lamp, two mail trucks, a brake van, two stations and the interesting feature of having the trucks open up and drop the mail. It would be a great way to introduce two new mechanics. A working lamp and opening mail trucks. 6. Oliver stands by. An episode based set. It woul contain Oliver, both rusty and fixed S.C.Ruffy, Troublesome truck 1, Troublesome truck 2, Troublesome truck 6 and Toad. It would be a great way to re create that classic scene of Oliver pulling S.C.Ruffy apart. 5. Rusty's maintenance train. It should only be fair that the 009 gauge engines. What better way than by having Rusty, a flatbed truck, a crane and a guard's van rolling along a oval layout that is decorated with a bridge, a few trees, a tunnel and Harold the helicopter. 4. Toby's morning commuter. The set would contain a railway series coloured Toby and Henrietta, a north western railway box van, Victoria and two trucks that could visit Ffarquhar station or have rest in the shed. It would be nice to have more railway series characters and coloured engines. 3. Bill and Ben's Quarry tour. Have Bill and Ben take Tourist around the quarry themed layout in two brake vans to see the rock loader, the engine sheds, the old mine tunnel and the sidings where multiple exclusive quarry dust versions of Troublesome truck 1, 2 and 4. With an extra switch to connect it to the mainline. 2. From humble beginnings. This set would include an LBSCR E2 Thomas, a black livery James, Annie, Clarabel, Judy, Jerome, the breakdown coach and a collection of trucks. There would be two sidings two place either the breakdown train or Annie and Clarabel in them and there would be a field where James had his crash. 1. Emily and Rosie's circus special. Another episode based set. You have a circus based layout complete with Tents and all other circus attractions on a extremely large oval track and a circus banner to go over the track. There would be a large haunting area to put the trucks in. The trucks are circus reprints of standard trucks and the Emily's coaches. The two engines you would get would Be a Rosie and Emily model with Buntting decorations to send in the clowns. Do you have any ideas for a Thomas and friends Bachmann set. Write your own in the comments. Which set would you buy?
Just found this set on Ebay and am super excited to say that it’s on its way to me! This will be my first “super detailed” model! Most of my other locos are either Railroad models or the Bachmann Thomas and Friends engines! Also excited to get the Hornby East Coast Express set for my birthday, and the Hornby W4 Peckett in London Authority Blue! :)
Idk if this apply’s over in Britain but here in America they use cheaper locomotives for these sets for example I bought one of these sets that came with an f-unit and my brother bought the same model separate his had windshield wipers and a better Santa Fe logo up front so look out for that
A train set of this Quality made by Bachmann USA would also be one that has to include DCC or DCC sound! Most of their starter sets have decent, but not super detail, locomotives and basic rolling stock with plastic axles. 22:16 I don't know why Bachmann UK doesn't use the E-Z track that they use in America. It's a great system of track and holds together really well (they have special tracks where the power wire clamp is built into the track section). Also, there are only two major radii of track (18-inch and 22-inch), and they only include 22-inch radius curves in sets if the train included needs it. 26:13 that sometimes happens to me, but I think it might be because I use the difficult to clean Steel Alloy track, which is cheaper than Nickel Silver. (I purchase only nickel Silver in recent times)
Yes that's very true - though DCC is much more popular in the US I think! I guess they picked more realistic track for this set?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This is very nice. I have a few questions. Where can we see a proper tour of you layout. And why do you have it on the floor. I was a model rail enthusiast as a boy until about 14-15 years old. This was in the 1980s. I gave up my model railroading for the guitar and music which I still do today as a semi professional. A few years ago when both my parents passed away I inherited my old trains and things and have been planning to sell it all recently. However in researching the possible value and interest in model railroading ca 2020 I have discovered a whole (new) world on youtube. There was nothing like this back in the 80s other than magazines from the library. I really love watching all the different youtube videos incl yours, and I still have the model railroading bug. I have decided not to sell my trains after all, and hope one day to set up a layout. And maybe buy a new set or two. Cheers Rob from Adelaide South Australia
I do have layout tours on my channel! It's always been on the floor - only intended to be temporary, and then my channel took off! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The rolling stock looks good and the controller feels nice to use, but that proprietary track feed is a pig. The 3.5mm jack looks like a good idea, but if the loco that should be moving isn't, I find that's the bit that needs fiddling with. The Hornby controller might be rough, but with Bachmann quoting an RRP of £68.50 for theirs on their website, Hornby have them beaten hollow in terms of relative value, even with having to buy the PSU separately. I wander if Bachmann are expecting the packaging to be binned on opening as it's a set, though even then it's still pretty shoddy.
Yeah I agree - I snipped the connector off in the end, and did away with it! Yes I agree, on RRP Hornby wins by a country mile... but then again they’re absolute garbage with no transformer, so it’s no surprise ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Though I love this locomotive, I believe that is a 4F locomotive, as the 3F I believe is a tank engine, and as well, both are preserved, though all 3Fs are either static or are in overhall. I could be very wrong.
Other than the packaging, the only thing that would keep me from choosing this as a starting train set in this scale would be that I'd rather a passenger train, it looks beautiful and a great value!
This is one of the nicest starter train sets I've seen, and to not have just the engine be of high quality, but the wagons and brake van of the caliber too is amazing. It's just sad that the packaging is terrible for such a nice train set. However, I think you got a great addition to your collection, and despite the bend in the handrails, that 3F is a very beautiful engine. Great review, and I hope to see the train in other reviews and running sessions in the future. :)
I have actually bought that brake van from Hattons and I think it was 30 pounds, so that and 2 nice wagons along with the loco makes it great value. As for the packaging - surely a bit of corrugated card or soft foam on top wouldn't have cost much - geez!
Absolutely Gerry, they’re not cheap things, which is why I was astonished! I agree, it can’t have cost much to improve it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I did look at buying this train set a few years back when I was after the LMS brake van without duckets as I thought it was much better value to buy the set than just the brake van (I think the set was under £100 at the time). Although in the end I just bought the brake van which I kind of regret but I did end up buying the KWVR 3F closing special loco (which was £99)
I completely agree with you on that price Sam! That price I just can't quite comprehend! Especially as the loco itself is £10 more! I got a Bachmann/Branchline VT Class 220 Voyager set a few years ago. That was great! The controller you got is identical, only fault with the controller is that there is no neutral although that's not a big issue. Now about that loco, the damage... not really acceptable, and not easy to get out either... marks down there. The brake can however, I have been in the real one of them LMS ones last week! And I can say that the brake van is absolutely 10/10! Track is alright. The poster is interesting and a nice feature. The information booklet very helpful. 935 built, that's a lot! I know the 4Fs (Fowler 4f 0-6-0) were quite high in number to!
Haha I know - it’s crazy stuff isn’t it?! Yes overall the controller is very decent! The brake was actually my favourite aspect of this - love it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, Nice one , When you are an o.a.p. you have to have lots of birthdays ( I must be 150 by now) it's alot of money in one go , love the 4F , I think you made a good buy , All the Best Brian 🤗
Hi there Sam . What do you do to earn all the dosh to buy trains ? Hardly a day goes by without another informative video . I'm sure you could build a great layout around the joists in the loft , and then all these locos could be housed in a super-large Loco shed . Ah well , when you run out of dosh , I'll make an offer for a number . Wishful thinking.
I earn my living through UA-cam, I'm really lucky! You're very kind mate, thank you! Yes I'd love a proper layout some day - we'll see! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I wish their N scale sets were easier to get ahold of... I need to buy the one I can actually get now. Instead of waiting and watching them disappear. I do a GIS and I see so many interesting sets that are out of stock and seem to be impossible to find.
This is one I have unfortunately I have received it second hand, the loco was in horrid condition. I mean it was free but they did not take care of the loco. Would love to pick up a new Bachmann 3 F. As it probably my favorite 0-6-0.
The damage to the locomotive I don't believe has been caused by the packaging. There's no damage from what I can see, to the box, so I think damage is factory related, but could also be from the packaging. I believe you should qualify for a replacement train set Sam, so you should go down this route, rather than repairing.
There's no doubt it was the packaging Jacob - look again, I clearly showed the crushed handrail, and the hole it made in the plastic wrap! I agree though - not very acceptable! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi, Bachmann and Hornby are compatible? I saw your video for beginners where you showed Horby, but I was thinking in use modern diesel locomotives. What would you recommend. Thank you for the videos, they are helping a lot.
Hornby and Bachmann are definitely compatible when it comes to coupling and running on the same layout. The only thing I'm not sure of is the controller.
Hey Sam,that was an excellent video,I must say. My My,so many 0-4-0’s running from the LMS,I’m sure I just might go crazy,the set looks good,and for 110 pounds as you said,I think it’s good,since the Hornby Railroad Flying Scotsman was the same price .-.,nonetheless great video,can’t wait to see what you review next time! God Bless, Magnus
Thanks s o much Magnus - yeah absolutely, I can highly recommend this if you're looking to expand your fleet - the Bachmann controller is much better than the ones Hornby use in their train sets too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
i am definantly gonna get this set, i had a look an my local shops site thats best for model near me in new zealand (ironhorse hobbies) and its 409.95 nzd (409.95 gbp) and all together buying everything seperatly it comes to 740(375 GBP) odd nzd so an absolute steal
Well done to 'call out' Bachmann Sam If someone like you, who reviews trains, does'nt call out 'bad' workmanship (the degree of skill with which a product is made)...who will ? Another excellent review thanks
That packaging is horrendous and bachmann should so better. They must have the ice packaging for all of the rolling stock they should use those in the foam, and they could reuse the same foam tray for all sets. What would you recommend for an LNER shunting engine, preferably quite cheap?
I know Sam - I don’t know why they couldn’t incorporate the ice block packaging into their sets! I’d strongly recommend the Hornby J50 - they’re excellent and pretty cheap! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I originally wanted to start with either this or the permanent way DCC sound set (Also from Bachmann Branchline). Sadly I can only find them on UK sites and don't want to go through the hassle of getting a transformer and all that. It looks like really good value for money and I'm surprised Bachmann sets aren't as popular as Hornby. And also sadly any new ones won't be sold on Hattons due to Bachmann being a bit childish. Also an idea I had for a video: You could take a look at the Thomas 009 Skarloey Railway stuff by having a friend bring an engine and track in if they have it Like those O gauge reviews you did. It could be a really good way to inspire people to do 009 and make it more popular.
Ahh yeah that's fair enough mate - sorry you weren't able to go for these! I'd love to try the 009 stuff, I might give it a go one day!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam we have a problem with the toy town people designed no longer keep steam and diesels engine's in the railway's they wanted new and modern electric train's and they wanted new overhead wires around the railway's and they wanted a upgraded new modern railway's liens and they wanted a 2nd platform as well.
Sam, the damage to the Handrail is certainly down to the Very Poor Packaging.For the glazing unit to end up where you found it, it must of fallen off as the set was packed. i cannot see how else it could of got there. Martin (Thailand)
![The Complete Story of Destiny! From origins to Shadowkeep [Timeline and Lore explained]](/img/n.gif)
I can just imagine hattons seeing this video and rubbing their hands awaiting all the orders for this set, i may be among them. Great vid Sam
Haha! Well you have to hand it to them, it’s a great price! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It says on Hornby's forum that Bachmann are currently refusing to supply Hattons who Bachmann maintains are developing a rival manufacturing business. There is no explicit mention of this on Hattons website, but Bachmann is not listed as a manufacturer in the forthcoming releases page, and also Bachmann 'due to stock' items which were mentioned are no longer featured. So it looks like it is so, at least for the time being.
Sam'sTrains the locomotive on your shirt is the mallard
Oh man, this would be perfect for my Stoke-On-Trent based layout! Basically, most model engines you review i really want to buy. Great vid
Haha glad to hear that mate - I can certainly recommend this for the money! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I love Bachman and Oxford plank wagons because they are the prototypical length (16'6" with a 9' wheelbase). The Hornby and Dapol plank wagons are fictional (17'6" with a 10' wheelbase)
Many thanks for sharing - that's a very good point to consider!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Somehow I missed this video when it first came out. But I got to watch it today with my coffee ☕ and cookies 🍪 🍪 🍪 so that's great. I really enjoy the trainset videos because they have a loco and bunch of other interesting stuff as well. Thanks, Sam, for posting your awesome videos. You get a 5 star * * * * * rating 👍 Cheers from Canada :-)
Amazing train set by Bachmann! It is pretty lucky that you got that train set for 110 pounds while the actual 3F locomotive by itself costs around 120 pounds. :)
I also love the detail on the freight cars and the brake van too since mostly a lot of them are simple but these are good super detailed rolling stock! :D
Thanks mate! Yeah I felt very lucky! The wagons certainly were very lovely! :3
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I think Bachmann sets are great! If you keep an eye out, you can pick up a set for a very good price! :-)
Yeah absolutely - this was very impressive! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Both engines are the Johnson 3F's. Deeley built a few Johnson engines during his engineering tenancy, which were re-built by Fowler who also re-built Johnsons. Johnson progressively developed his goods 0-6-0s. They all had a wheel base of 8' - 8' 6". They used inside cylinders sleeve valves and were normally saturated steam rather than superheated. Many were originally 2Fs and some survived in that state. Fowler's Jintys 0-6-0T were virtually an updated Johnson 0-6-0 in tank form.
Thanks again for your expertise Don, cheers! :D
I have 43257 the BR early crest version of the same loco. It seems to be the same as yours on the damage front through years of use as it doesn’t seem to be quite as durable as other models, I also find that it makes grinding and squeaking sound as it goes along. However I am now going to try and rectify this with a rolling road and some graphite.
If anyone reading purchases this be careful as it really is a delicate model and DO NOT run it on 1st radius corners!!!
Ahh that’s not great - I’ve noticed a few Bachmann locos making that grinding noise, it’s not great is it?!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
the 4f did come from the midland railway but the lms built a lot but with the controls on the left hand side of the cab.
Ahh cool, duly noted mate!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
"I've never owned one of these Bachmann controllers" *_Flashback to your DC controller review_*
That was this one - I just filmed this some time ago ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Confusing timelines! 0:
It could be a really good start for anyone wanting to do an LMS layout. A few more wagons, bought bit by bit, would make a very nice goods train. The second radius oval and the controller would be great as a running-in oval.
Absolutely Richard - a great way to start right at the top! It certainly would, you’re right!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I picked up a 3f for my self and am very pleased with it, when i saw it in the shop i thought about this video. Mine seemed to work much better out of the box and i have hornby track and controller from about 8 years ago
Ahh my dad has one of these! Well, The actual loco at least, not sure if he got it with the set, but he most likely did.
Good video as always mate!
Ahh that's awesome - they are brilliant sets, for sure!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains ye, shame about the damage you received :(
I am 1/4 length of the video in, just as the brake van is taken out of the package and I can tell you that I, as an european collector, am stunned by the mindset and culture behind a single start set train. Marklin (read Mearklin) which is the longest producer of toys and train models in the world (155 years now if I get this right) always packed their trains as you can see here and they were all fine. Let's say that the cardboard was not that rubbish in quality and flimsy but apart from that, it was always came in a ''polystyrene tray" and it was always fine. Also, the way you get out rolling stock out of a polystyrene tray is by grabbing the transparent plastic foil. It has two purposes: Polystyrene is harmful for any kind of metal and alloys, so the wheels, the bearings, different metal made details, buffers will oxidase before the package reaches the final buyer so it is there to protect the metal from entering in contact with the polystyrene and the second is that you can grab it and pull up entirely, not just half way as you did in your review, and it should be all fine. We have and used what you call ''ice block'' since the 80's, I don't know why UK tends to do everything so different and sooo not like anyone else just because "we are British", and I've seen packages being entirely different but not in a good or pro-efficient way, nor in a bad or inefficient way. I don't think the damage in the pack was caused by the packaging as a piece of cab glazing cannot be broken out of it's place just by hitting the box, nor does it scratches or bends details if it's just a bump. As you can see, the outside of the box is clean and clear so clearly the damage was man made from another cause than the packaging. The is nothing wrong with how they pack, it's just the scratching with the left hand on the right ear over the head british way of setting the mindset over something, like thinking the packing lead to the damage of a piece that is INSIDE a rolling stock item, that if broke because of the packing, WOULD'VE NOT BEEN IN THE CABLE AREA having two layers of foil on it. And if I get into it like really really taking upon details, compared to LS Models, Roco, Marklin, Trix, ACME, Brawa, and all the other 1:87 HO in EU, what Bachmann and Hornby does at the best collector quality at 1:76 OO is horseshit. I'm sorry I have to be this blunt and brutal but it is, the spacing between the tender and the locomotive ON ALL MODELS, what the fuck is that, the stupid coupling with the stupid HALF METER TO SCALE OR A FULL METER in some cases gap between coaches, no professional close couplings as a general professional add on detail on the UK OO market, what the fuck is this. Then going to cab details, lighting, interiors, pick-ups, wiring, motors, digital systems, infrastructure mathematics and stay-to-real-rail-engineering options, and all that jazz
Thanks for the comment, yeah I’d agree with most of that! The thing is though, Marklin produce extremely high quality models. Bachmann do not. They’re also not terribly competent, since they do usually use the ice block packaging, just not on their train packs or sets! I agree that better packaging might not have saved the cab, but there’s no doubt whatsoever that the damage to the handrail was due to the poor packaging!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I finally bought a Bachmann set Sam, this one in fact! Bought it new via eBay for £72.00 +p&p. I bought it because of your very favourable review in that we have a loco that is more up to standard than a lot of Bachmann locos, 3 pole motor or not! Lol. I'll let you know how I get on with it. Best, Pete.
18.55 Yes, these are both 'the same' wagon -- the Railway Clearing House or RCH 12-ton 8-plank pattern of 1923. Thousands of this standard design were produced by wagon-building companies for the multifarious collieries and coal traders. The only difference was in the maker's plates applied by the various builders -- a beautifully printed Charles Roberts plate can be seen on the Stewarts wagon solebar. No plate is visible on the Wood wagon, though they weren't always picked out in white, so that's acceptable.
What isn't visible on either wagon is the registration plate. All private-owner wagons had by law to carry a plate showing which railway company had registered them, as the inspecting authority. These were usually small, but they were always there and pretty much always picked out in white.
Also, somebody in Bachmann's artwork department seems to have stopped taking his medication on the day the Ward livery was produced. It looks very much as though the load figure on the curb rail reads 20 tons, which is quite definitely wrong. These were always and only 12 ton wagons.
I've always been intrigued by Bachmann's train sets. There is this one in particular with two Mk1s and a Jubilee in Brunswick green worth around 175 pound on Hatton's I believe. 175? for two super-detailed coaches and a Jub? Hot dawg!
That does sound decent actually, I’ll have to look at those! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Flying Scott I’ve got that set, I can totally recommend it!
Bachmann controllers in the u.s are the same as branchlines, better in quality by only a bit, if you want a nice slow speed, stick with hornby.
Ahh okay, thanks for the tip mate! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
There is another Bachmann train set that I can think of, it’s called “local fright”, in that train set you get GWR 57xx pannier tank in GWR green with some GWR wagons.
Sounds awesome Adam, I’ll be sure to check that out! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
These were a Johnson design of 1875, originally Class 2F. As you rightly say, Deeley continued production and fitted a bigger boiler (Class 3F). Amazingly, 976 were built and some were still running in the early 1960s. Such fun to see your Triang one in action - it was also available in lined black at one stage (in 1964 I think).
Thanks a lot for the info John - glad you enjoyed the Tri-ang one too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam I just went to a model railway show down under in Victoria and I got a Dutch loco can you get a Dutch Loco and review it
Ooh sounds awesome mate! Yes I would love to try that actually! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, I got this set from Hattons a couple of weeks before Christmas for £95.00. Arrived without any problems aswell!!
Blimey that is excellent Jon - a wonderful value set really! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
#3522 was built by Neilson & Company on March 31st, 1897 originally for the Midland Railway. She later became LMS #3522 in 1923 and finally British Railways #43522 in 1948. She was withdrawn from service on September 27th, 1958 and was cut up at McLellans Scrapyard on June 30th, 1959 at the age of 62.
Hey Vincent, thanks a lot for your expertise as usual - appreciate it mate! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Pretty good price. And the loco price, well you can't beat that.
Thanks Michael - yeah I thought so too! :D
Great review of the Bachmann Branch-Line 30-105 The Midland Marvel Train Set, Sam. Very well done and thank you.
Thanks very much Jacob, really glad you liked it! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
You did very well with that set! Bargain! Four scale models, accurate for 1923-1940, plus track; an ideal starter set. Nice review too. Keep up the good work.
Thanks mate - I thought so too, very impressive! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
My son got me this for my birthday in March. I run it with my Bass wagons. Also 4F definitely started out with the Midland Railway.
Have you got special carpet? I nearly killed a few locos running on carpet.
That's great to hear Tom - I bet it looks good with those! It's a very hair-less carpet - and I'm forever cleaning it, and servicing my locos - so it works just fine! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The 3F has to be one of my favourite models...I admit it, I'm biased to MR locomotives! The Hattons price is a great deal, but I managed to acquire my set cheaper from Tennents Trains for £99. If the set had an extra layer of polystyrene to cover the contents of the set, it would be magnitudes better for minimal cost. Mine also had some damage to the contents from them rubbing through the clear plastic and into the box lid. Its one thing having such nice models in these bargain sets, but it would be nice if they actually stood any chance of arriving in one piece!
Haha I don’t blame you - they are fantastic! I agree, it’d be much better even with that simple improvement!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Cracking train set there Sam. I went to the Belfast Model Railway Exhibition today and I bought some wagons. The event video should be live by tomorrow morning as it is a whopping 7,5GB and over an hour long. It would be great if you could cover local model railway shows in your area mate.
All the best
Ash.
Oh wow Ash hope you had an awesome time - I’d love to visit more of them! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
hello sam that is a bargain for a train set and I would get it but I am getting an oxford rail deen goods and railgun train pack and will you be reviewing any more train sets this year and are you getting the HO/OO big boy soon from david
Thanks a lot David - ooh yeah the Dean goods beats this, that's for sure! Enjoy mate!
Nahh - I think I'm giving that a miss :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a starter set it's a bit of an own goal by Bachmann vis-a-vis the packaging; what were they thinking?! Good quality items at a great price but left to the vagaries of transport and delivery (especially those by a company named after a Brazilian river if current reports of "casual delivery methods" are representative). Such a pity - for the price of a stiff card lid (pennies) or padded lid insert they've compromised an otherwise brilliant starter set. Again - what were they thinking???!!!
haha I don't know Rob - beats the hell outta me - at least they're consistent with their self-defeating mindset?! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Material costs are only a small proportion of a loco's retail price -- so a Pacific doesn't cost much more than an 0-4-0T to actually make. It still only has one motor, one chassis block, one chimney cap, etc. A big part of the finished cost is distribution and sales, which is where train-packs and train-sets score -- one box, which only costs pennies more despite its larger size, instead of many to assemble, pack, ship and store. Every individual item costs the company money to handle -- money which, in the tens of thousands, tends to add up.
'I want to buy a model train for my son.' Okay, pick a loco. One box. 'Maybe a few wagons for it to pull.' Three more boxes. A circle of track -- another box. 'And I guess I'll need a controller/transformer.' 'Certainly, sir, we have three types to choose from.' Each item comes in its own box, all from different shelves of the retailer's probably extensive stock. 'Or sir could buy this train set, which comes with everything sir will need in one box.' 'Hey, neat idea.'
From a cost-accounting point of view, what's not to like about that? Plus, especially at the 'junior' end of the market, you can get away with putting items in the set which haven't been selling so well individually -- I think Hornby in particular have sometimes been guilty of this.
I noticed that the cab does not seem to be sitting plush on the chassis.
Yes I saw that too in some of those low shots - I reckon it got a good battering during delivery!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Looks pretty decent, shame yours had a bit of damage. I have the ancestor of the Bachmann controller that came with this set and I find it quite satisfactory when I am using some of my old non DCC stuff.
Thanks Ian, yes with further testing that controller is definitely satisfactory, not too bad at all!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I went to Margate, came out with an Hornby Adam radial for £70 (since it was in the bargain box for ages!!!) And a free Hornby visitor centre 2014 wagon!
Blimey that's brilliant - what a bargain! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I love train set reviews. Please do some more American ones Sam. WIth 50s era engines.
Thank you! I'll see what else I can find! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I'm looking for a HO scale American train set what would you recommend
My price range is around 0$ 50$
The drivers cab seems to be a bit bent forward, either that or the numbers are wonky.
So two questions for you.
1.) how decent quality is Bachmann for their UK engines? They drop the ball a lot stateside.
2.) would you ever review an MTH engine? There are some overseas engines in their product line but I’d love to hear your thoughts on their engines. Also they make their steam engines from die cast metal.
Hi James - from what I hear their UK branchline stuff is better quality than over in the US, but they still leave much to be desired! MTH sounds awesome - I'd love to try one!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, today I got an old Tri ang engine but it does like working it's green!
That's awesome mate! Which engine is it?? :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I don't know but I also have a ivatt class mt2 (tri ang)
Just like the NYC Hudsons, large number were built, non were saved
Yeah absolutely - it's a real shame :(
How many locos can you think of that require 3rd radius though? I would argue for a starter the smaller second is better as it means the layout is smaller and therefore easier to fit in that the third while loosing no real functionality. Seeing as, like you kept saying it's a starter set.
Quite a few - I've had Hornby Pacifics struggle on 2nd radius - and wider curves greatly reduce friction and therefore wear, which is why Hornby use them as standard!
Happy New Year,
Sam :)
This is a fantastic value for money and highly detailed train set, by Bachmann, what. Finally a Bachmann item that isn’t a complete or a slight rip off. But in typical Bachmann fashion, they found ways to cheap out and insult their customers. No tender pick ups, loose and flimsy box packaging, broken parts in the box, tight curves, under powered controller, and loose fishplate fittings. Bachmann, the model railway manufacturers that makes the same cheapskate decisions over and over again
haha I agree Mayo - finally!! I agree - they very nearly pulled out all the stops, but just fell short!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
How much did you pay for your controller
Which one mate?!
@@SamsTrains the one that you normally use in your vids
Bought this set a year ago, honestly it's just great.
It really is! Overall very happy with mine! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great review. The quality of the engine and rolling stock is a lot better than some of the Bachmann USA train sets sold here in the states.
My Bachman's controller that came with my graham farish controller blew up and it made the trains run super jittery and I thought my trains were broken until I read a forum online and it said the controller was the problem so I bought a gaugemaster combi and all my Robles were alleviated and my lovely n gauge trains came back to life
Oh god really?! That’s really bad actually - glad you found the gaugemaster much better! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey Sam please can you do a review of the Hornby Mallard Pullman train set - I am considering buying one - great vids!
Sounds good mate, I’ll look into that! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Thanks so much!
I have a Bachmann controller similar to this one, I believe it is an older version of yours, and it has the same issue of speed control. None of my engines will even move unless past 30% speed. And my EMD F3 diesels, which are adverised on the box to have incredible slow speed abilities, struggle to live up to that on that controller. And I am sure that the engines are not the issue, as I have six of them from the same brand, so if any of them were flawed, it would show. So it seems I need to upgrade my controller sooner, rather than later. Thanks for the review, and for confirming an issue I never realized I had before. XD
Ahh very interesting - yeah it's strange isn't it? Not a fan of it to be honest, I hardly ever use it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Had a similar issue with the Railway Children set, which has identical packaging. The loco's handrails were all smashed off and one of the weights inside the engine itself was loose.
Can't say Bachmann's train sets have decent packaging at all.
Thinking about it, the weight was smashed loose in my railway children loco too - though at least they used thicker cardboard with that one, but it was far from excellent!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I believe the RRP fro this train set was around £140.00, so you saved around £30.00, Sam. You got yourself a deal on it, but not many model shops have any stock left, so it looks as if it has been discontinued.
Yes I think you're right - and it was definitely a pretty big saving! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam,
Those brake vans are £29.95 + £2.75 postage, so £32.70, at Hatton’s. So the train set is very good value.
Jim
Blimey Jim - that is fantastic then!! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This is a very nice set. I might pick it up one day when I have the money. But I wonder why they haven't made any more Thomas and friends sets yet. Maybe they just need some ideas. Well I got some and what would be in them.
10. Thomas's special branchline train.
I know that Thomas has already had two sets. But this one would be a railway series based set. It would include a Bachmann Thomas in his normal colours or railway series colours, Annie, Clarabel and the special coach that Thomas had in 'the missing coach'. Not only would you get a full oval circuit, but you would get Bertie Terence, Ffarquhar station and a water tower.
9. Henry's olden days.
Henry hasn't had the honour of being in either a Hornby or Bachmann set. So this would be a great chance to have him in one. You would get old shape Henry, two green branchline coaches, a green branchline brake coach, Elsbridge station, a water tower, a water tower and a oval shaped track layout. This would be a great way to get an old shape Henry.
8. The flying Kipper.
Another set involving Henry. This time with his favourite train. In this set you would get Henry, a live lobster truck, two brown version of the Sodor mail truck, a couple of regular box vans, two troublesome truck number 5's and a brake van. For scenery, you would have cranky, the Brendem docks building and a station to deliver the fish. The Brendem docks building and the brown post trucks would be a nice inclusion.
7. Percy's mail run.
The only set with Percy was a downer. All we got was two troublesome trucks. But this one has an oval track, a Percy with a working lamp, two mail trucks, a brake van, two stations and the interesting feature of having the trucks open up and drop the mail. It would be a great way to introduce two new mechanics. A working lamp and opening mail trucks.
6. Oliver stands by.
An episode based set. It woul contain Oliver, both rusty and fixed S.C.Ruffy, Troublesome truck 1, Troublesome truck 2, Troublesome truck 6 and Toad. It would be a great way to re create that classic scene of Oliver pulling S.C.Ruffy apart.
5. Rusty's maintenance train.
It should only be fair that the 009 gauge engines. What better way than by having Rusty, a flatbed truck, a crane and a guard's van rolling along a oval layout that is decorated with a bridge, a few trees, a tunnel and Harold the helicopter.
4. Toby's morning commuter.
The set would contain a railway series coloured Toby and Henrietta, a north western railway box van, Victoria and two trucks that could visit Ffarquhar station or have rest in the shed. It would be nice to have more railway series characters and coloured engines.
3. Bill and Ben's Quarry tour. Have Bill and Ben take Tourist around the quarry themed layout in two brake vans to see the rock loader, the engine sheds, the old mine tunnel and the sidings where multiple exclusive quarry dust versions of Troublesome truck 1, 2 and 4. With an extra switch to connect it to the mainline.
2. From humble beginnings.
This set would include an LBSCR E2 Thomas, a black livery James, Annie, Clarabel, Judy, Jerome, the breakdown coach and a collection of trucks. There would be two sidings two place either the breakdown train or Annie and Clarabel in them and there would be a field where James had his crash.
1. Emily and Rosie's circus special.
Another episode based set. You have a circus based layout complete with Tents and all other circus attractions on a extremely large oval track and a circus banner to go over the track. There would be a large haunting area to put the trucks in. The trucks are circus reprints of standard trucks and the Emily's coaches. The two engines you would get would Be a Rosie and Emily model with Buntting decorations to send in the clowns.
Do you have any ideas for a Thomas and friends Bachmann set. Write your own in the comments. Which set would you buy?
Hi Nathan, that all sounds awesome - I hope you're able to do some of that!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Just found this set on Ebay and am super excited to say that it’s on its way to me! This will be my first “super detailed” model! Most of my other locos are either Railroad models or the Bachmann Thomas and Friends engines! Also excited to get the Hornby East Coast Express set for my birthday, and the Hornby W4 Peckett in London Authority Blue! :)
Ooh awesome mate - really hope you enjoy it - be careful now!! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Didn't you own a Bachmann controller when you were doing the comparison between the different DC controllers?
Yeah it was the one - I filmed this quite a while ago!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Idk if this apply’s over in Britain but here in America they use cheaper locomotives for these sets for example I bought one of these sets that came with an f-unit and my brother bought the same model separate his had windshield wipers and a better Santa Fe logo up front so look out for that
Yeah that does happen in the UK - some models are pretty basic!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
My OCD wants to organize the 4F's carages
haha!! xD
U should doa piko set and what size is your layout mine is 20x25 in my basement and is done in pico
I should, for sure! And I’m not sure of the exact size!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It looks like the one that the Rev. W. Awdry used for his James Model and by Hornby.
Yeah it does actually!! :D
A train set of this Quality made by Bachmann USA would also be one that has to include DCC or DCC sound! Most of their starter sets have decent, but not super detail, locomotives and basic rolling stock with plastic axles.
22:16 I don't know why Bachmann UK doesn't use the E-Z track that they use in America. It's a great system of track and holds together really well (they have special tracks where the power wire clamp is built into the track section). Also, there are only two major radii of track (18-inch and 22-inch), and they only include 22-inch radius curves in sets if the train included needs it.
26:13 that sometimes happens to me, but I think it might be because I use the difficult to clean Steel Alloy track, which is cheaper than Nickel Silver. (I purchase only nickel Silver in recent times)
Yes that's very true - though DCC is much more popular in the US I think! I guess they picked more realistic track for this set??
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This is very nice.
I have a few questions. Where can we see a proper tour of you layout.
And why do you have it on the floor.
I was a model rail enthusiast as a boy until about 14-15 years old. This was in the 1980s.
I gave up my model railroading for the guitar and music which I still do today as a semi professional.
A few years ago when both my parents passed away I inherited my old trains and things and have been planning to sell it all recently.
However in researching the possible value and interest in model railroading ca 2020 I have discovered a whole (new) world on youtube.
There was nothing like this back in the 80s other than magazines from the library.
I really love watching all the different youtube videos incl yours, and I still have the model railroading bug.
I have decided not to sell my trains after all, and hope one day to set up a layout.
And maybe buy a new set or two.
Cheers
Rob
from Adelaide South Australia
I do have layout tours on my channel! It's always been on the floor - only intended to be temporary, and then my channel took off!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The rolling stock looks good and the controller feels nice to use, but that proprietary track feed is a pig. The 3.5mm jack looks like a good idea, but if the loco that should be moving isn't, I find that's the bit that needs fiddling with. The Hornby controller might be rough, but with Bachmann quoting an RRP of £68.50 for theirs on their website, Hornby have them beaten hollow in terms of relative value, even with having to buy the PSU separately. I wander if Bachmann are expecting the packaging to be binned on opening as it's a set, though even then it's still pretty shoddy.
Yeah I agree - I snipped the connector off in the end, and did away with it! Yes I agree, on RRP Hornby wins by a country mile... but then again they’re absolute garbage with no transformer, so it’s no surprise ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Though I love this locomotive, I believe that is a 4F locomotive, as the 3F I believe is a tank engine, and as well, both are preserved, though all 3Fs are either static or are in overhall. I could be very wrong.
Thanks a lot for sharing Peter, I'll check that!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
A Bachmann American train set I’d recommend is the Overland Limited
Awesome! Thanks for that, I’ll give it a look! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@6:20 ouch that sucks, It sucks when the package fails it’s product. :(
I agree - it's pretty basic stuff isn't it?!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam'sTrains It is, you are welcome Sam.
Other than the packaging, the only thing that would keep me from choosing this as a starting train set in this scale would be that I'd rather a passenger train, it looks beautiful and a great value!
Yeah that’s fair enough mate, though of course this would look nice with some coaches too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This is one of the nicest starter train sets I've seen, and to not have just the engine be of high quality, but the wagons and brake van of the caliber too is amazing. It's just sad that the packaging is terrible for such a nice train set.
However, I think you got a great addition to your collection, and despite the bend in the handrails, that 3F is a very beautiful engine.
Great review, and I hope to see the train in other reviews and running sessions in the future. :)
Thanks a lot Chris - I thought that too - wasn't expecting such excellent rolling stock! Glad you liked it!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I have actually bought that brake van from Hattons and I think it was 30 pounds, so that and 2 nice wagons along with the loco
makes it great value.
As for the packaging - surely a bit of corrugated card or soft foam on top wouldn't have cost much - geez!
Absolutely Gerry, they’re not cheap things, which is why I was astonished! I agree, it can’t have cost much to improve it!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Awesome video
Cool train
I need to get back into the hobby
Thanks very much mate, I can highly recommend it! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
In my opinion I think this train set is absolutely gorgeous.
I think it is too mate! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This is a lovely set! I'm tempted-I'm very tempted!
Great review as always! 👏
Thanks again mate - I can recommend this one, just check it over once it arrives ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Looks a great set....is it HO ?
I'm having a bit of a toss up between the rapido trains stirling single or the rivarossi big boy
Ooh tricky stuff Connor - I don’t know what I’d choose! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
2:21 True. But maybe the train set is not wanted, but the locomotive is, so they lowered the price
Ahh interesting - thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I did look at buying this train set a few years back when I was after the LMS brake van without duckets as I thought it was much better value to buy the set than just the brake van (I think the set was under £100 at the time). Although in the end I just bought the brake van which I kind of regret but I did end up buying the KWVR 3F closing special loco (which was £99)
Ahh, well that makes sense mate - and at least you got the brake van? ?:D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great review Sam. It's a great train set at a bargain price!
Thanks Jose, glad you think so too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Still down in Devon and Dartmouth? If not, did you enjoy what the south had to offer!
I'm back now mate, but yes it was superb thank you - very lovely as always! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I completely agree with you on that price Sam! That price I just can't quite comprehend! Especially as the loco itself is £10 more! I got a Bachmann/Branchline VT Class 220 Voyager set a few years ago. That was great! The controller you got is identical, only fault with the controller is that there is no neutral although that's not a big issue. Now about that loco, the damage... not really acceptable, and not easy to get out either... marks down there. The brake can however, I have been in the real one of them LMS ones last week! And I can say that the brake van is absolutely 10/10! Track is alright. The poster is interesting and a nice feature. The information booklet very helpful. 935 built, that's a lot! I know the 4Fs (Fowler 4f 0-6-0) were quite high in number to!
Haha I know - it’s crazy stuff isn’t it?! Yes overall the controller is very decent! The brake was actually my favourite aspect of this - love it! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, Nice one , When you are an o.a.p. you have to have lots of birthdays ( I must be 150 by now) it's alot of money in one go , love the 4F , I think you made a good buy , All the Best Brian 🤗
Haha looking forward to it mate, lol! Yeah it was hard to resist Thais one!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Hi there Sam . What do you do to earn all the dosh to buy trains ? Hardly a day goes by without another informative video . I'm sure you could build a great layout around the joists in the loft , and then all these locos could be housed in a super-large Loco shed . Ah well , when you run out of dosh , I'll make an offer for a number . Wishful thinking.
I earn my living through UA-cam, I'm really lucky! You're very kind mate, thank you! Yes I'd love a proper layout some day - we'll see! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
So if bachmann can give proper bearings on the 3f, why not do the same with the hall class???
Exactly - they know the benefits, but they don't use them! :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I wish their N scale sets were easier to get ahold of... I need to buy the one I can actually get now. Instead of waiting and watching them disappear. I do a GIS and I see so many interesting sets that are out of stock and seem to be impossible to find.
I know - I've noticed there aren't very many of them!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
can you run all of your pannier tanks and 14xx tanks with all toad break vans
Ooh that’d be awesome! :D
This is one I have unfortunately I have received it second hand, the loco was in horrid condition. I mean it was free but they did not take care of the loco. Would love to pick up a new Bachmann 3 F. As it probably my favorite 0-6-0.
Ahh sorry to hear that Warren - at least it was free! They are good though, you’re right!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I would love to see Sam reviewing a Fleichmann, Trix, Märklin or Kato, anything German or Japanese :)
The damage to the locomotive I don't believe has been caused by the packaging. There's no damage from what I can see, to the box, so I think damage is factory related, but could also be from the packaging. I believe you should qualify for a replacement train set Sam, so you should go down this route, rather than repairing.
There's no doubt it was the packaging Jacob - look again, I clearly showed the crushed handrail, and the hole it made in the plastic wrap! I agree though - not very acceptable!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi, Bachmann and Hornby are compatible? I saw your video for beginners where you showed Horby, but I was thinking in use modern diesel locomotives. What would you recommend. Thank you for the videos, they are helping a lot.
Hornby and Bachmann are definitely compatible when it comes to coupling and running on the same layout. The only thing I'm not sure of is the controller.
Hey Sam,that was an excellent video,I must say. My My,so many 0-4-0’s running from the LMS,I’m sure I just might go crazy,the set looks good,and for 110 pounds as you said,I think it’s good,since the Hornby Railroad Flying Scotsman was the same price .-.,nonetheless great video,can’t wait to see what you review next time!
God Bless, Magnus
Thanks s o much Magnus - yeah absolutely, I can highly recommend this if you're looking to expand your fleet - the Bachmann controller is much better than the ones Hornby use in their train sets too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam our lord has blessed us with..... A new bargain from. The one the only HATTONS!!
haha absolutely! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Wait, hornby are bringing out another new controller!??!? i thought they just brought one out?
Nooo, I was talking about the new one - I just filmed this a while back!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam'sTrains ooh ok
i am definantly gonna get this set, i had a look an my local shops site thats best for model near me in new zealand (ironhorse hobbies) and its 409.95 nzd (409.95 gbp) and all together buying everything seperatly it comes to 740(375 GBP) odd nzd so an absolute steal
Who does better sets: Hornby or Bachman?
This is better than most of Hornby’s sets, but overall Hornby’s selection is better in my opinion!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Well done to 'call out' Bachmann Sam
If someone like you, who reviews trains, does'nt call out 'bad' workmanship (the degree of skill with which a product is made)...who will ?
Another excellent review thanks
Thanks mate - agreed - there's no point in any of this if we don't point out when something is wrong!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
That packaging is horrendous and bachmann should so better. They must have the ice packaging for all of the rolling stock they should use those in the foam, and they could reuse the same foam tray for all sets.
What would you recommend for an LNER shunting engine, preferably quite cheap?
J 72
I know Sam - I don’t know why they couldn’t incorporate the ice block packaging into their sets!
I’d strongly recommend the Hornby J50 - they’re excellent and pretty cheap!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I originally wanted to start with either this or the permanent way DCC sound set (Also from Bachmann Branchline). Sadly I can only find them on UK sites and don't want to go through the hassle of getting a transformer and all that. It looks like really good value for money and I'm surprised Bachmann sets aren't as popular as Hornby. And also sadly any new ones won't be sold on Hattons due to Bachmann being a bit childish.
Also an idea I had for a video: You could take a look at the Thomas 009 Skarloey Railway stuff by having a friend bring an engine and track in if they have it Like those O gauge reviews you did. It could be a really good way to inspire people to do 009 and make it more popular.
Ahh yeah that's fair enough mate - sorry you weren't able to go for these! I'd love to try the 009 stuff, I might give it a go one day!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It's 1st radius track larger loco's struggle with so 2nd radius is fine
Yeah that is true - I don't know, I just prefer 3rd radius really!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
sam for an experimental video do you think you can make a contraption that makes a train go off of a jump and land on another piece of track?
I’ve tried it - I don’t think I can do it :(
The broken hand rail adds realism
Haha! I don’t think the real one could ever get broken could they?!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Some are
On old locos
Sam we have a problem with the toy town people designed no longer keep steam and diesels engine's in the railway's they wanted new and modern electric train's and they wanted new overhead wires around the railway's and they wanted a upgraded new modern railway's liens and they wanted a 2nd platform as well.
Oh dear, unfortunately the railway operator declines to comment ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Is the bull on the warwell an injoke?
I honestly don't know - he just appears on the track at random, I can't do much about it!! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, the damage to the Handrail is certainly down to the Very Poor Packaging.For the glazing unit to end up where you found it, it must of fallen off as the set was packed. i cannot see how else it could of got there. Martin (Thailand)
Yes I thought to Martin - not acceptable at all :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)