I have the DCC version of that livery. I guess the crawl issue is down to it being in DC it can't use the power properly. However, the DCC version crawls really well and the sound is crazy good.
I suspect that comes down to the power needing to go into the circuit board and there is a minimum voltage that will start the lights. Since you have DCC the motor start voltage can be set precisely with the decoder rather than it waiting for power from the pcb board.
Accurascale - What a breath of fresh air they are. It would probably be silly to say they care more than their rivals. But their whole approach is beginning to make it look like they do. 🤩
I got mine a couple of weeks back and can say, on DCC with the stay-alive, crawls like a dream. With sound, it’s an amazing loco and even has Hall effect sensors to detect flange squeal on corners.
Bought this model in DRS Blue on your review and recommendation. Normally, diesels really don't get much interest from me. I like seeing small machines work so model scale steam locomotives absolutely give me joy to watch pulling coaches or hauling freight. As soon as I received the model, I was speechless at how heavy this thing was. And now after I've run it in, it's made me disappointed. Not with the Class 66 itself but with prior purchases I've made from other manufacturers that made lighter, cruder detailed, less feature packed and more expensive models. I already had three models of Accurascale's up and coming models on preorder, two GWR 57XX and one P Class. But I didn't expect the Class 66 toabsolutely blow me away. It made me much more excited for those up and coming releases from Accurascale and how they continue to set the bar even higher. Thanks Sam for your hard work!
Now sam, you have no IDEA how long I've been waiting for you to review this - what a cracking piece of model machinery- really clatures the essence of the sheds - 9.43, what a blooming amazing score!!! Well sam, once my pocket has replenished after getting a nrm gloss mallard, then I mist get one of these! I think this loco was amazing to begin with, but with a reasonable amount of issues, however accurascale has absolutely smashed this loco! Awesome video sam, and I look forward to your next review- also great to see a review of a new 00 gauge loco! At last! As always sam, an awesome loco and review sam as always!
Not my era for modelling however, it’s amazing that Accurascale can produce another fine model AND at a sensible price. Other manufacturers need to take a page (or more) out of Accurascale’s book.
Absolutely stunning loco. I'm usually someone who bashes the current prices of railway modeling and the prices of locos, but with this I think it's very good value for money. It's beautiful.
The class 66 is now the most superb model. Being from the southern region, I used to see the 66’s every day, and they are awesome in real life. Yes there are a few iffy models around, but this one is not a lemon, but a high quality one. And the price is very reasonable. Great review, and the score is a good example of how the others should improve their quality. Well done. 🎉
I have a DCC sound fitted Accurascale Class 66 plus Hattons and Hornby DCC versions. The Accurascale model is head and shoulders above the others in terms of quality and particularly the DCC sound which comes from a different planet compared to the Hornby TTS version. Definitely one of my best locos and Accurascale seem to be taking the hobby to new heights but at relatively affordable prices compared to Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan. Great video Sam.
Seems like Accurascale sorted out a number of the issues you had with the Hattons Class 66. I have a feeling that it will appear in the "Best Model Trains of 2024" video at the end of the year.
Hi mukka, hope you are well. I recently received 66001 from Accurascale. It is in EWS livery and is a wonderful memory of my time working for them in the early 2000s. Now I live in Oz it is bringing me some melancholy moments of my days in the UK. I'm not a fan of 66s actually but could not resist buying this beast seeing as I shunted enough of them around Bescot thence later in my career, Wembley. Regards to you and Chloe. Gaz 😁
Great vid Sam - a cracking loco anyway but AS really have taken it to the next level - I had a Hattons one which had countless problems, I replaced it with a couple of Bachmann ones which are robust and powerful enough for me, that said I'll still keep an eye out for these AS ones. Also, Rails have some Hornby 153s for £89 - it's a fantastic price and a good modern loco too. Well worth checking out.
With more models from 'mainstream' manufacturers pushing £200 and over for DCC ready models like this, Accurascale offering such consistently impressive and high quality models at such comparitively lower prices is just staggering. My only downside is that they're proving so popular - understandably so! - that many Accurascale models are selling out well in advance on pre-orders alone! But I suppose thats a decent problem for a manufacturer to have 😅
Thanks for a lovely review, Sam. Really enjoyed this one. I have purchased the Class 66 now. I was just wondering, you mentioned on DC you have the ability to turn the cab lights on, but you did now explain how as far as I’m aware. Could you tell me how you did this?
For once i am realy tempted to buy one, the price and quality are far superior to the Class 66's from other brands. If Accurascale can continue this standard across all ther models, then Hornby and Bachmann need to up their game. Every layout should have one or more !
I wonder how the general public will take these models… apparently there have been issues with some accurascale products in the wild… not saying Sam isn’t being genuine, don’t get me wrong, I’m just curious to see if the model is consistently good out there in the wider world. Like, the 37’s, fantastic models. But apparently some of them have had problems. So I’m curious to see how this release goes.
Good review, If you had reviewed it with DCC fitted I think you may have had a score of 10. Keep up the good work and please start including DCC to complete the review.
There a bit of a hole in your reviews when it comes to Accurascale. When you reviewed the Dapol Class 68, you marked it down for excessive weight. Though with this model and the Deltic, you don’t mention the weight whatever. I was amazed that you marked the 68 down for being too heavy which always stuck in my throat a bit. Like you were desparate to mark it down for no other reason than the score was already high. I’m not having a pop, just pointing it out. Consistency is everything so that’s why I mention it. I thought the 68 was a wonderful model at the tibe, that’s why I noticed your comment about the weight. Anyway Sam you do a fine job overall, just thought I’d mention the oddity. I’m not usually an eagle eyed tossmop but honesty and transparency is, as you know well, key. Anyway San, carry on for as long as you enjoy it, because you’re the best reviewer of such things going.
The only thing is as engines they lack the character of the old diesels - very utilitarian; made to do a job. Excellent train for the price though. Customers are spoiled these days. 👍
The class 66 from Hatton's has become better thanks to Accurascale for fixing the problems and making the class 66 a fantastic model. For 169 British Pounds, it is a reasonable price for this model Sam. Accurascale has become an absolute force of nature.
I love the idea of using a sticker in the cab. Mono-colour interiors are one of my biggest gripes with locos and this lets them achieve a lot with very little cost. Id love more locos to come with stickers in the detail bag
This Might Win Best Loco Of The Year Maybe we still have 6 months left speaking of accurascale do you think you will get there new class 31 great video sam keep it up
Hi Sam. I reprised your review of this model (you are my "go to" reviewer), as I missed out on the Accurascale "Evening Star" example on release. They're now being offered on the pre-owned market for silly money, so was debating whether to acquire the cheaper Bachmann version. However, I'm glad I did, as Accurascale's is just superior in all respects. So, I've decided to be patient and wait for either Accurascale to re-issue it, or until I find a sensibly-priced pre-owned model. I do like the livery of the one you reviewed, but 66s are a little new for me, so I will hold out for a retro-livered "Evening Star."
39:41 so, in regards to the title, YES! AccuraScale is really coming along as a manufacturer, and I wish nothing but the best for them. Hornby, Bachmann, make sure you are taking notes. Great review, Sam, and take care. 🎉
Hey Sam, Great review once again, seeing how Accurascale models are, without a doubt the most popular & amazing model locomotives I really aspire to purchase one! Also I am really looking forward to how Accurascale will do with the Andrew Barclay Tank engines & the SECR P Class tank engines in the future 🚂
Electro Motive Diesel is now part of Caterpillar. The next order will be equivalent to EPA tier 4 emissions standards which will end in 2025. Tier 5 will require Carbon Dioxide emissions being reduced to near zero.
What a beast! The detail is just overwhelming. It's not often a model gets an improved version that still retains what made the predecessor great. Lol no lie it actually hurts looking at the Hornby Class 66 (Malcolm) alongside it. Granted I know The Hornby one is based on the older Lima tooling and is essentially a budget model but the difference is night and day. Though to be fair I know the Hornby 66 you had didn't have a particularly good livery with how it was applied; the detail was literally buried under it if I remember right when you reviewed that one. Other liveries do tend to do the Hornby 66 bodywork more justice. Who made your Red Class 66 @35:00?
Sorry, all wonderful, but £300, plus a dcc system and chips for my approx 150+ locos? Don't think it will ever happen. Even with the prices, I am 68 now and I'd be dead before I fitted them all. If I was starting out now, perhaps, but manufacturers think we all live in London with directors wages. Even second hand, they are expensive so thanks, but, no thanks!!!
Hello! The class 66 has a very similar design to the RENFE class 319, which date back to the 70s with having a major refurbishment in 1992 making them look super similar to the class 66. I believe they both originate from the same companies so maybe thats the reason for the similarly. Amazing review!
I’m excited because Rails just announced Dapol’s new class 66, but for O GAUGE. Given the quality of the other ones, I think this will be a great model for Dapol.
Seems like a pretty good loco! Personally I do think that the mechanism design isn’t great, as models need to be serviceable and seeing as you cannot access the bogies at all, I’d say that’s a pretty major issue.. what happens when that oil starts to dry up? Answer, you have a poor running locomotive that you can’t clean… I’m personally not a huge fan of the body being clipped ether, as screws are more long lasting, and while I personally don’t mind there not being a pre-fitted speaker, for the price you would expect it. That being said the model looks great, has a good motor and runs pretty darn well!! I also think five stars on value is generous. Yes you get what you pay for, but £170 is still a hell of a lot of money, for that price I’d expect a perfect model, and while that’s basically true here, with Bachmann and Hornby you also often get exactly what you pay for, and while Hornby’s prices are high, Bachmann’s seem to be coming down and becoming more on par with Accurascale’s, and yet the best Bachmann ever get for “you get what you pay for” is four stars… I’m not trying to rant or put you down, I just feel that you often are over generous with your Accurascale reviews, almost like you are sponsored or something. I overall like Accurascale and find your videos useful, but please forget about brand names in your reviews, there is proof that you have been too generous to Accurascale in the past (cough cough, manor), and I feel that even here you didn’t knock off marks for things you would on a Bachmann or Hornby loco. My rankings personally would be: Detail: 5/5 Performance: 3.5-4/5 Mechanism: 3-3.5/5 Quality: 5/5 Value: 4/5
completely unrelated some how, I live in south america, and ive found its way cheaper to buy from uk retailers that ship worldwide than it is for me to take my car and drive to the local model shop, when it should be the other way round
Sam - with Accurascale locos the DCC sound is unbelievable, especially in their models with hall sensors for squeal.. time for you to consider reviewing these instead of their DC cousins? Keep up the good work.
Hi Sam! I just want to say God bless you for your work! Thanks to you, I am becoming a bigger enthusiast despite not seeing many trains up close. I have subscribed to you, and wish you all the best on your channel!
Good review, and awesome loco, but would it not make more sense to test it with as many coaches as you say it can handle? Also I dont understand why a loco should slow down in curves to be honest. If it is well built, is should have some play in the axles and handle curves well, I have other manufacturers (I am from Austria) but I never recall any issue like that. I did see it in your reviews, but that must be a super bad, stiff mechanism that has not play and wiggle room in it. Should actually not too har to produce, with xtremes like BigBoy at an exception. I guess bogie logos are not really that affected by it, much more steam locos, but tbh I did not expect any issues with that on the curves, but still a valid test.
I bought the Climate Hero with sound. I had seen the real class 66 in Castle Donnington where my lockup was. I have now ordered the Bachmann Collectors Club rolling stock to go with it. It's a good model.
I really should’ve preordered one of these. They’re attractive looking diesels nonetheless… and hauling an absolute rake of evemodel gondolas really shows its strength. The wagons are super free rolling but it’s amazing. Looks right at home
The class 66 was not based off the 59, but rather it was a development that came as a result of the popularity of the 59. In the case of this locomotive, though, they share no internal parts, being all new design, though they do share positioning of some inner workings. The locomotive is little better than a 'rebuilt' version of the popular SD40-2 from the US, though modified to meet UK and European standards, with dual cabs, and a full body shell to keep in line with European and UK loading gauges. Internally, however, they're still the same SD40-2 locomotives, with many of the early builds of the locomotives having American style control stands where the throttle, brake, and reverser are located. Though this control stand is mirrored when compared with US locomotives, as the driver position is reversed. The locomotives with the american control stand are typically the Class 66/0 and 66/3 earlier variants, while the later 66/4, 66/7, and 66/8 variants saw rebuilds with UK style desks and control positioning. Info taken not from Wikipedia, which unfortunately is very wrong in the history of the locomotive, but from the book "Class 66: 3/4/7/8" (Britain's Railway Series) Paperback, January 1, 2023.
Hi Sam. I think you should add a public service warning about this model’s weight. Namely, stand clear if the model takes a tumble off the layout - if it hits your foot, it’s going to seriously HURT!! 😬 You will be screaming in pain, and hopping around like a one-legged bunny rabbit! 🐇 Still, though, I’d say this rates up there with some of the Athearn Genesis line (HO scale) in terms of detail, or some of the Rapido ones as well. It’s also nice that the price is reasonable for this level of detail, not a total rip-off. I wonder if they have a sound-equipped one? It’s also nice to see they’ve added some capacitors to help with the all-wheel pickups. No problem of this stalling on express points! 😊
If I was being HYPER critical, and mainly because I have been looking at these a lot recently (class 59 and 66 very similar), some of the steps under the cabs are a tiny bit wonky. Some of the moulding around the high level headlights looks a bit tatty as well… But If that’s the worst I can do, then yeah, very good model indeed!
Darn you, Sam! I was hoping to avoid buying an Accurascale 66 but your season high scores and adulation - which you never give away lightly - makes that impossible now. What’s worse is, my layout has a Teesside theme; I now see every one of the prototypes modelled has been filmed around Middlesbrough, leaving me zero excuse not to buy one. Thanks!
Nice information book on the Class 66...built in London, Ontario (well, that's cool.) Very impressive model and well represented by you, Sam. I hope this model brings you many years of satisfaction. Perhaps, when it comes time to "service" this unit, there will be information regarding the axle caps. Nice DCC access hatch, and in the instructions and other books, I noticed "March 2024" as the print date. Wow, way to go Accurascale! Again, Sam, good show in presentation of this very well built locomotive. John British Columbia, Canada
Sam Great Review I've bought 3 of these they are fantastic models , if you DCC fit them with the ESU sound an even more realistic model , the slow crawl is also smoothed out with DCC .
Another good video Sam mate. The new Accurascale 66 is an outstanding model. The model Hattons wished it was. Been waiting for you to do this one since it was released. You should try the Cavalex class 56 if you can. Another truly outstanding model.
fun fact one or more of class 66 found its way to scandinavia. in sweden it has the swedish class t 66 and it has the livery of rush rail. i like accurascale locos they are so nice and has a as you pointed out insane quality details and build quality. 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
This piece of model train design, engineering, value for money blows the likes as Hornby and Bachmann out of the water not to mention the expensive poor rubbish Heljan dare to put on the 00-rails. It can be done to perfection and Accurascale just proved it once again ! Bravo Accurascale !!! This is a reference 00 Diesel. I hope they have distributors in the EU for a saw the real beast on the rails in France, Belgium and Germany. Thanks for reviewing Sam.
I think I would have given it a half of a star more under mechanism because I don't know how the axel boxes are attached or removed. Either way it does not change the rating and being new I wouldn't remove them or disassemble the trucks. Great locomotive and video, Jersey Bill
Just put some of these in the display cabinet where I work, I must admit though the packaging on these is quite snug, so snug in fact I almost broke the ladder on the GBRF variant 😬😬😬
Great review and what a fantastic loco. Sadly not my era so I won’t be getting one - but it makes me hope and pray for a 58 from Accurascale. Maybe one day!
This looks fantastic. I have the same Hattons one as you reviewed, 66789 in Large Logo blue. I had 2 axleboxes fall out, I think, but I haven't run it for a while. I'm considering getting one of these Accurascale ones, sound fitted ideally, but I have no idea which to go for, and one isn't top priority, so I probably won't get one from this first batch.
I have the DCC version of that livery. I guess the crawl issue is down to it being in DC it can't use the power properly. However, the DCC version crawls really well and the sound is crazy good.
I suspect that comes down to the power needing to go into the circuit board and there is a minimum voltage that will start the lights. Since you have DCC the motor start voltage can be set precisely with the decoder rather than it waiting for power from the pcb board.
Accurascale - What a breath of fresh air they are.
It would probably be silly to say they care more than their rivals.
But their whole approach is beginning to make it look like they do. 🤩
It's corny but true. Company run by engineers and passionate people instead of stingy bean counters.
Modellers making models for modellers.
I thinks its incredible that Heljan demand £249 (retail) for their recently released and flawed 00 Class 47. Blows my mind.
I got mine a couple of weeks back and can say, on DCC with the stay-alive, crawls like a dream.
With sound, it’s an amazing loco and even has Hall effect sensors to detect flange squeal on corners.
Bought this model in DRS Blue on your review and recommendation. Normally, diesels really don't get much interest from me. I like seeing small machines work so model scale steam locomotives absolutely give me joy to watch pulling coaches or hauling freight.
As soon as I received the model, I was speechless at how heavy this thing was. And now after I've run it in, it's made me disappointed. Not with the Class 66 itself but with prior purchases I've made from other manufacturers that made lighter, cruder detailed, less feature packed and more expensive models.
I already had three models of Accurascale's up and coming models on preorder, two GWR 57XX and one P Class. But I didn't expect the Class 66 toabsolutely blow me away. It made me much more excited for those up and coming releases from Accurascale and how they continue to set the bar even higher.
Thanks Sam for your hard work!
Think the "you must read" cards are inspired by "danger overhead live wires" boards. Fun idea!
My thought exactly! I remember those Danger! notices appearing on steam locos in the 60s...
Now sam, you have no IDEA how long I've been waiting for you to review this - what a cracking piece of model machinery- really clatures the essence of the sheds - 9.43, what a blooming amazing score!!! Well sam, once my pocket has replenished after getting a nrm gloss mallard, then I mist get one of these! I think this loco was amazing to begin with, but with a reasonable amount of issues, however accurascale has absolutely smashed this loco! Awesome video sam, and I look forward to your next review- also great to see a review of a new 00 gauge loco! At last! As always sam, an awesome loco and review sam as always!
haha thanks Jack, hope you like the video! Absolutely cracking indeed - and well deserving of the score!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Deltic was actually 25% lighter than the class 66... Interesting inflation
@@andressanchez4517Deltic was heavier.
Good luck Accurascale all sold out.
@@tonyrobinson362 thought they probably would 😂😂
Not my era for modelling however, it’s amazing that Accurascale can produce another fine model AND at a sensible price. Other manufacturers need to take a page (or more) out of Accurascale’s book.
Now THIS is how a model should be. Absolutely superb in model form and i love the real things to. Amazing machines.
Absolutely stunning loco. I'm usually someone who bashes the current prices of railway modeling and the prices of locos, but with this I think it's very good value for money. It's beautiful.
The class 66 is now the most superb model. Being from the southern region, I used to see the 66’s every day, and they are awesome in real life. Yes there are a few iffy models around, but this one is not a lemon, but a high quality one. And the price is very reasonable. Great review, and the score is a good example of how the others should improve their quality. Well done. 🎉
I have a DCC sound fitted Accurascale Class 66 plus Hattons and Hornby DCC versions.
The Accurascale model is head and shoulders above the others in terms of quality and particularly the DCC sound which comes from a different planet compared to the Hornby TTS version. Definitely one of my best locos and Accurascale seem to be taking the hobby to new heights but at relatively affordable prices compared to Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan. Great video Sam.
Seems like Accurascale sorted out a number of the issues you had with the Hattons Class 66. I have a feeling that it will appear in the "Best Model Trains of 2024" video at the end of the year.
Hi mukka, hope you are well.
I recently received 66001 from Accurascale. It is in EWS livery and is a wonderful memory of my time working for them in the early 2000s.
Now I live in Oz it is bringing me some melancholy moments of my days in the UK. I'm not a fan of 66s actually but could not resist buying this beast seeing as I shunted enough of them around Bescot thence later in my career, Wembley.
Regards to you and Chloe.
Gaz 😁
Great vid Sam - a cracking loco anyway but AS really have taken it to the next level - I had a Hattons one which had countless problems, I replaced it with a couple of Bachmann ones which are robust and powerful enough for me, that said I'll still keep an eye out for these AS ones. Also, Rails have some Hornby 153s for £89 - it's a fantastic price and a good modern loco too. Well worth checking out.
I just recently purchased a New Hornby class 66 from Hattons for £67, also a 21pin chip for £22 and I am delighted with it. Regards from Ron
Sorry I ment to say Rails of Sheffield ! Not Hattons. From Ron
With more models from 'mainstream' manufacturers pushing £200 and over for DCC ready models like this, Accurascale offering such consistently impressive and high quality models at such comparitively lower prices is just staggering. My only downside is that they're proving so popular - understandably so! - that many Accurascale models are selling out well in advance on pre-orders alone! But I suppose thats a decent problem for a manufacturer to have 😅
Thanks for a lovely review, Sam. Really enjoyed this one. I have purchased the Class 66 now. I was just wondering, you mentioned on DC you have the ability to turn the cab lights on, but you did now explain how as far as I’m aware. Could you tell me how you did this?
I didn’t do this in my testing - but I believe it’s possible using the switches on the DCC blanking plate!
For once i am realy tempted to buy one, the price and quality are far superior to the Class 66's
from other brands.
If Accurascale can continue this standard across all ther models, then Hornby and Bachmann
need to up their game.
Every layout should have one or more !
Is it possible for you to give weights in imperial measurements also. It’ll help us in the US.
I wonder how the general public will take these models… apparently there have been issues with some accurascale products in the wild… not saying Sam isn’t being genuine, don’t get me wrong, I’m just curious to see if the model is consistently good out there in the wider world.
Like, the 37’s, fantastic models. But apparently some of them have had problems. So I’m curious to see how this release goes.
Anybody else getting a bit fed up with huge boxes models are in? Is it really necessary?
Good review, If you had reviewed it with DCC fitted I think you may have had a score of 10. Keep up the good work and please start including DCC to complete the review.
There a bit of a hole in your reviews when it comes to Accurascale. When you reviewed the Dapol Class 68, you marked it down for excessive weight. Though with this model and the Deltic, you don’t mention the weight whatever. I was amazed that you marked the 68 down for being too heavy which always stuck in my throat a bit. Like you were desparate to mark it down for no other reason than the score was already high. I’m not having a pop, just pointing it out. Consistency is everything so that’s why I mention it. I thought the 68 was a wonderful model at the tibe, that’s why I noticed your comment about the weight. Anyway Sam you do a fine job overall, just thought I’d mention the oddity. I’m not usually an eagle eyed tossmop but honesty and transparency is, as you know well, key. Anyway San, carry on for as long as you enjoy it, because you’re the best reviewer of such things going.
The only thing is as engines they lack the character of the old diesels - very utilitarian; made to do a job. Excellent train for the price though. Customers are spoiled these days. 👍
The class 66 from Hatton's has become better thanks to Accurascale for fixing the problems and making the class 66 a fantastic model. For 169 British Pounds, it is a reasonable price for this model Sam. Accurascale has become an absolute force of nature.
I love the idea of using a sticker in the cab. Mono-colour interiors are one of my biggest gripes with locos and this lets them achieve a lot with very little cost. Id love more locos to come with stickers in the detail bag
I think even the most hardcore classic diesel enthusiasts will appreciate this model of a modern locomotive. How fantastic.
Did you have any problems with your Hattons 66 Sam? If I remember correctly you were pretty involved with the release of the original Hattons 66.
Yeah it was a good time - I hosted the announcement stream! The example I reviewed did have the axle boxes dropping out, but otherwise it was spot on!
This Might Win Best Loco Of The Year Maybe we still have 6 months left
speaking of accurascale do you think you will get there new class 31
great video sam keep it up
Looks fantastic. I'm not the target customer though, I'm perfectly happy with my secondhand Lima Freightliner 66 for £40.
Now this is what I've been waiting for! Can't wait to see how this 66 goes by accurascale, I've heard it's fantastic
Hi Sam. I reprised your review of this model (you are my "go to" reviewer), as I missed out on the Accurascale "Evening Star" example on release. They're now being offered on the pre-owned market for silly money, so was debating whether to acquire the cheaper Bachmann version. However, I'm glad I did, as Accurascale's is just superior in all respects.
So, I've decided to be patient and wait for either Accurascale to re-issue it, or until I find a sensibly-priced pre-owned model.
I do like the livery of the one you reviewed, but 66s are a little new for me, so I will hold out for a retro-livered "Evening Star."
Hi Sam, do you have a community discord server?
39:41 so, in regards to the title, YES! AccuraScale is really coming along as a manufacturer, and I wish nothing but the best for them.
Hornby, Bachmann, make sure you are taking notes.
Great review, Sam, and take care. 🎉
A Truely amazing model. I also like how you have other models from similar eras to be on the tracks with the featured model. Cheers.
On dcc it will crawl insanely well
Hey Sam, Great review once again, seeing how Accurascale models are, without a doubt the most popular & amazing model locomotives I really aspire to purchase one! Also I am really looking forward to how Accurascale will do with the Andrew Barclay Tank engines & the SECR P Class tank engines in the future 🚂
The EMD SD-40-2,in Continental disguise! Gorgeous,and as said,well executed! Equivalent to an Athearn,or Broadway Limited! Thank you 😇 😊!
Electro Motive Diesel is now part of Caterpillar. The next order will be equivalent to EPA tier 4 emissions standards which will end in 2025. Tier 5 will require Carbon Dioxide emissions being reduced to near zero.
What a beast! The detail is just overwhelming. It's not often a model gets an improved version that still retains what made the predecessor great. Lol no lie it actually hurts looking at the Hornby Class 66 (Malcolm) alongside it. Granted I know The Hornby one is based on the older Lima tooling and is essentially a budget model but the difference is night and day. Though to be fair I know the Hornby 66 you had didn't have a particularly good livery with how it was applied; the detail was literally buried under it if I remember right when you reviewed that one. Other liveries do tend to do the Hornby 66 bodywork more justice. Who made your Red Class 66 @35:00?
Can't believe you've never done 'Sam's Trains' branded slippers! Would be a great merch opportunity.
If this was a Bachmann model they would ripped you/us off big time THEY WOULD CHARGED ABOUT £ 300 plus.
I think if a model ever gets a 10/10, it’s gonna be accurascale lol
Sorry, all wonderful, but £300, plus a dcc system and chips for my approx 150+ locos?
Don't think it will ever happen. Even with the prices, I am 68 now and I'd be dead before I fitted them all.
If I was starting out now, perhaps, but manufacturers think we all live in London with directors wages.
Even second hand, they are expensive so thanks, but, no thanks!!!
Hello! The class 66 has a very similar design to the RENFE class 319, which date back to the 70s with having a major refurbishment in 1992 making them look super similar to the class 66. I believe they both originate from the same companies so maybe thats the reason for the similarly. Amazing review!
I’m excited because Rails just announced Dapol’s new class 66, but for O GAUGE. Given the quality of the other ones, I think this will be a great model for Dapol.
Seems like a pretty good loco! Personally I do think that the mechanism design isn’t great, as models need to be serviceable and seeing as you cannot access the bogies at all, I’d say that’s a pretty major issue.. what happens when that oil starts to dry up? Answer, you have a poor running locomotive that you can’t clean…
I’m personally not a huge fan of the body being clipped ether, as screws are more long lasting, and while I personally don’t mind there not being a pre-fitted speaker, for the price you would expect it. That being said the model looks great, has a good motor and runs pretty darn well!!
I also think five stars on value is generous. Yes you get what you pay for, but £170 is still a hell of a lot of money, for that price I’d expect a perfect model, and while that’s basically true here, with Bachmann and Hornby you also often get exactly what you pay for, and while Hornby’s prices are high, Bachmann’s seem to be coming down and becoming more on par with Accurascale’s, and yet the best Bachmann ever get for “you get what you pay for” is four stars…
I’m not trying to rant or put you down, I just feel that you often are over generous with your Accurascale reviews, almost like you are sponsored or something. I overall like Accurascale and find your videos useful, but please forget about brand names in your reviews, there is proof that you have been too generous to Accurascale in the past (cough cough, manor), and I feel that even here you didn’t knock off marks for things you would on a Bachmann or Hornby loco.
My rankings personally would be:
Detail: 5/5
Performance: 3.5-4/5
Mechanism: 3-3.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Thank you for your work and video. ACCURASALE is superb,I have got the "hoover" Class 92 from GBRf with sound .PERFECT !
Well done, Accurascale! A fair price, too, given the sheer quality of the model.
Normally I don't pay much heed to British diesel power, but I'll admit that this thing is a work of art.
completely unrelated some how, I live in south america, and ive found its way cheaper to buy from uk retailers that ship worldwide than it is for me to take my car and drive to the local model shop, when it should be the other way round
Sam - with Accurascale locos the DCC sound is unbelievable, especially in their models with hall sensors for squeal.. time for you to consider reviewing these instead of their DC cousins? Keep up the good work.
Hi Sam! I just want to say God bless you for your work! Thanks to you, I am becoming a bigger enthusiast despite not seeing many trains up close.
I have subscribed to you, and wish you all the best on your channel!
Good review, and awesome loco, but would it not make more sense to test it with as many coaches as you say it can handle?
Also I dont understand why a loco should slow down in curves to be honest. If it is well built, is should have some play in the axles and handle curves well, I have other manufacturers (I am from Austria) but I never recall any issue like that. I did see it in your reviews, but that must be a super bad, stiff mechanism that has not play and wiggle room in it. Should actually not too har to produce, with xtremes like BigBoy at an exception. I guess bogie logos are not really that affected by it, much more steam locos, but tbh I did not expect any issues with that on the curves, but still a valid test.
i love my accurascale ews class 66
The price blew me away, only 170 pounds! I was expecting something like 230 pounds. The loco was well deserving of that price.
Would be interested if at anytime you had the time/money/opportunity to compare the ESU HO Class 66/77 with the model tested.
It would have been good if you tried placing various loads/weights in the wagons. I luv this channel and the way it's presented. 😊
I have some Hatton´s Class 66.The wobbeling was no good idea. I think, Accurasale can do it better !
There parent company of Irish model railways so have lower tax but still kick others off market crazy brilliant
I bought the Climate Hero with sound. I had seen the real class 66 in Castle Donnington where my lockup was. I have now ordered the Bachmann Collectors Club rolling stock to go with it. It's a good model.
On digital it will be superb... though I wouldn't use an ESU myself.
id say perfomence and mechanism should be 4.5 each
The box is huge.
Always pick up diesels by the fuel tanks because the plastic body might not be attached.
For me, it has to be Frizinghall Model Railways of Baildon, West Yorkshire.
Just shows the difference between manufacturers. Those that make models and cater for the modeller, and those still in the land of toy trains
Electric motors generate their maximum torque at zero RPM so the crawl issues are not down to torque.
Bloody hell, how big is that box's😲.
You sure you haven't got an 'O' gauge one.
If this is any indicator of what the P Class may look like, I am excited for its re-release! Definitely will buy Bluebell
Yes absolutely! Although I don't think they're changing the P in any way!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Eat your heart out Hornby that's how build a model locomotive.
On DCC it crawls brilliant at scale speed, Its not made to hump shunt wagons.
bachmann recently announce a all new tooled class 08 / class 09 found this on rails sam
Awesome video today Sam sorry for the late comment I have been on holiday and what a lovely class 66
Lots of "AWESOME's" there at least 10!😂
I really should’ve preordered one of these. They’re attractive looking diesels nonetheless… and hauling an absolute rake of evemodel gondolas really shows its strength. The wagons are super free rolling but it’s amazing. Looks right at home
Order one from a future batch. There will be more.
Awesome video Sam!!!! This is an amazing loco!!!!
Do you plan to review any more Athearn models?
Stop sitting on the fence Sam, do you like it or not?!
The class 66 was not based off the 59, but rather it was a development that came as a result of the popularity of the 59. In the case of this locomotive, though, they share no internal parts, being all new design, though they do share positioning of some inner workings. The locomotive is little better than a 'rebuilt' version of the popular SD40-2 from the US, though modified to meet UK and European standards, with dual cabs, and a full body shell to keep in line with European and UK loading gauges. Internally, however, they're still the same SD40-2 locomotives, with many of the early builds of the locomotives having American style control stands where the throttle, brake, and reverser are located. Though this control stand is mirrored when compared with US locomotives, as the driver position is reversed. The locomotives with the american control stand are typically the Class 66/0 and 66/3 earlier variants, while the later 66/4, 66/7, and 66/8 variants saw rebuilds with UK style desks and control positioning.
Info taken not from Wikipedia, which unfortunately is very wrong in the history of the locomotive, but from the book "Class 66: 3/4/7/8" (Britain's Railway Series) Paperback, January 1, 2023.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this - much appreciated!
Good enough to build a new layout around, Sam?
This is easily one of the 10 best items you’ve ever reviewed
It’s gotta crawl smoothly to be a star. Detail is great. But if a loco doesn’t crawl, it always disappoints. 😊👍👍
It does on DCC
Will you be doing reviews of the other accurascale hattons remakes, such as the P class?
As and when they are available of course!
Yes absolutely! :D
Looks great.....weight stops crawl?
As an American, I love the 66 engines. Especially since it's an EMD. and EMD makes the best-looking engines with monstereus sounds
Hi Sam. I think you should add a public service warning about this model’s weight. Namely, stand clear if the model takes a tumble off the layout - if it hits your foot, it’s going to seriously HURT!! 😬 You will be screaming in pain, and hopping around like a one-legged bunny rabbit! 🐇 Still, though, I’d say this rates up there with some of the Athearn Genesis line (HO scale) in terms of detail, or some of the Rapido ones as well. It’s also nice that the price is reasonable for this level of detail, not a total rip-off. I wonder if they have a sound-equipped one? It’s also nice to see they’ve added some capacitors to help with the all-wheel pickups. No problem of this stalling on express points! 😊
If I was being HYPER critical, and mainly because I have been looking at these a lot recently (class 59 and 66 very similar), some of the steps under the cabs are a tiny bit wonky.
Some of the moulding around the high level headlights looks a bit tatty as well…
But
If that’s the worst I can do, then yeah, very good model indeed!
Darn you, Sam! I was hoping to avoid buying an Accurascale 66 but your season high scores and adulation - which you never give away lightly - makes that impossible now. What’s worse is, my layout has a Teesside theme; I now see every one of the prototypes modelled has been filmed around Middlesbrough, leaving me zero excuse not to buy one. Thanks!
Nice information book on the Class 66...built in London, Ontario (well, that's cool.) Very impressive model and well represented by you, Sam. I hope this model brings you many years of satisfaction. Perhaps, when it comes time to "service" this unit, there will be information regarding the axle caps. Nice DCC access hatch, and in the instructions and other books, I noticed "March 2024" as the print date. Wow, way to go Accurascale! Again, Sam, good show in presentation of this very well built locomotive. John British Columbia, Canada
Fantastic Model.A pity its just the wrong era for me but looking forward to their class 60.A very impressive review from Sam..
Sam
Great Review I've bought 3 of these they are fantastic models , if you DCC fit them with the ESU sound an even more realistic model , the slow crawl is also smoothed out with DCC .
Another good video Sam mate. The new Accurascale 66 is an outstanding model. The model Hattons wished it was. Been waiting for you to do this one since it was released. You should try the Cavalex class 56 if you can. Another truly outstanding model.
fun fact one or more of class 66 found its way to scandinavia.
in sweden it has the swedish class t 66 and it has the livery of rush rail.
i like accurascale locos they are so nice and has a as you pointed out insane quality details and build quality.
🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
Size of that box!
Hey sam, I bought my first british loco! It's a hornby class 91, Do you know of any issues that the model I bought may have?
This piece of model train design, engineering, value for money blows the likes as Hornby and Bachmann out of the water not to mention the expensive poor rubbish Heljan dare to put on the 00-rails. It can be done to perfection and Accurascale just proved it once again ! Bravo Accurascale !!! This is a reference 00 Diesel. I hope they have distributors in the EU for a saw the real beast on the rails in France, Belgium and Germany. Thanks for reviewing Sam.
I think I would have given it a half of a star more under mechanism because I don't know how the axel boxes are attached or removed. Either way it does not change the rating and being new I wouldn't remove them or disassemble the trucks. Great locomotive and video, Jersey Bill
Just put some of these in the display cabinet where I work, I must admit though the packaging on these is quite snug, so snug in fact I almost broke the ladder on the GBRF variant 😬😬😬
Great review and what a fantastic loco. Sadly not my era so I won’t be getting one - but it makes me hope and pray for a 58 from Accurascale. Maybe one day!
This looks fantastic. I have the same Hattons one as you reviewed, 66789 in Large Logo blue. I had 2 axleboxes fall out, I think, but I haven't run it for a while.
I'm considering getting one of these Accurascale ones, sound fitted ideally, but I have no idea which to go for, and one isn't top priority, so I probably won't get one from this first batch.