Britain's Biggest Tank Engine | Hornby GWR 72xx | Unboxing & Review 

Funny how this class was the largest tank-loco in Britain, while most EU countries would say its a "medium" size loco.

I know this is off topic, but the songs Sam is choosing for the opening of these videos just are getting better and better

This Hornby 7200 class tank engine is decent which is all I can say but the mechanism I cannot complain. Its mechanism is pretty good because it is easy and simple to maintain Sam.

After years of watching your channel I've come to the decision that the most beautiful locos are the big tank engines, as the Prairires, the Pacifics and this Mikado. They are perfect to be seen in side view, so powerful but compact and complete, no tender but still a great bunker, with the water tanks that cover only from ½ to ⅔ of the boiler, and the crew more protected overhead, better if with coloured and lined livery than black. But also the GER A55 Decapod is beautiful, even if so differently shaped. So I really appreciated today's review, not that much for the model but surely for the prototype.

I thought the 4MT tank or the A5 Tank engine were big. This is a big engine. I have learned something from you. When it comes to trains or any merch in general. Quality and Price is the most important.

Please re-review all of the locos you reviewed years back. Your current standards for reviews is so much better.. Also, comparisons between manufacturers are always interesting. as well as between tooling changes. Please consider adding in brands like Trix, Roco, and Arnold. I recently saw an Arnold N scale shunter diesel wiith a built=in ability to uncouple. It seems to be old tech for Arnold, but I was blown away by how simple it was.

I have an out of Canon version of the thomas the tank engine story of tenders and turntables, where sir topham hatt decides none of his big engines need tenders, so he adds tanks on the side of the boilers and a massive coal bunker to eliminate the tender. this loco is the embodiment of that idea

what a beautiful machine indeed, greetings from the little island out west 🇮🇪

I picked up one of these in a train pack with 3 wagons from Hornby for £75 at Gaydon in 2019. Had it all weathered by TMC and myself and sold it on for £160. Wonder where it is today!!!

Another great review by Sam's Trains! Yeah, I agree that Hornby didn't do a very good job with this, a Mikado tank should be able to pull far more than 22 coaches on straight track, and the weight is very underwhelming. It sure is a looker though, I've always loved the big GWR tank engines. 😃

Nice video Sam very good camera work as usual I am really looking forward to seeing your next video bye for now Philip

Great looking prototype. At least the big side tanks and bunker gives some scope for adding weight if needed. I just wish that they (or Dapol) would make a GW King and Castle to modern standards together with matching coaches.

Hi Sam. I think it’s good to review models again. Looking back at how some models were good, bad , or indifferent. Me personally, I would have sent it back to the supplier for a new model or a refund. As you did with the Hush Hush. Being an older person ( nearly retired ) , you may say that the limited income brigade are more picky. But to be honest, I was brought up to make sure that what I paid for was decent enough. The marks and plastic appearance is something I think should be pointed out to the manufacturers. We are in an age of throw away culture. Although the news says otherwise. But if manufacturers are selling shoddy products, they need to be told. People who say oh that’s ok, are promoting the manufacturers to continue to supply shoddy work. If the model doesn’t live up to the expensive price tag, send it back. I agree they should have a model with less detail available, but Hornby , Bachman etc can always sell the enhancements as an extra for those who want it. When the model is on the layout running around, virtually no one can see the extra fine details. I could go on for a long time about it, but maybe I am just an old fart. Lmao. Anyway, such a great video from you as usual. Enjoyed the content and review. More older models, updated reviews are welcome. Thanks for sharing

I have 2 Hornby 42xxs both of them are great performers

Imagine if Dapol would attempt the design, like they did with the Manor, 4300, Large Prairie, and the 2800

By the way, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that there's a display of various Railway/Railroad company logos @ the B & O Railroad Museum in Baltimore in Maryland with the officially well-known British Railways lion crest bein' exactly 1 of 'em!

Interesting review, Sam. I have two Hornby 72xx's and a 42xx and they're some of my favourite locos I have...

By the way, seeing that this official locomotive certainly happens to basically be officially Great Western Railway designed by Charles Collette just like Duck the Great Western Railway 57OO class pannier tank engine himself, it'll basically be very shockingly surprisingly clear for the engines that officially work on Duck the Great Western Railway 57OO class pannier tank engine's own official Branch Line that runs from Tidmouth all the way to Arlseburgh known as the Little Western due to their own official Great Western heritage!

Picking up on the "design clever" locos, I'd definitely be interested in a video on this!

Love the Horby 52xx, I have three, and they are lovely.

Did you know Sam that the 42xx's wheels have no bearings on the axle. It's really weird that they don't have them, check out the parts list X6564. Cheers Jasper & Willow

Great video Sam, I enjoy watching these videos as they are always fun and informative. I think this engine looks very nice, and the model isn't TERRIBLE but yeah they have a few improvements to make on other 7200 Class models. By the way, I think you should do a review on Hornby's chainlink couplings. :)

I always loved the big tank engines so much.

I distinctly remember reading a magazine article regarding Hornby and “design clever”. Even then they were talking about cost pressures. The cutting back on separate pieces was also mentioned explicitly, which was my biggest worry. Or it would have been if I was modelling in 00. Fair review Sam, all the best.

Thank you Sam! I think that it will help evaluate engine performance (especially long wheel configurations) if you test them going back and forth trough points switching to see if they have any derailment or other issues .

Lovely video once again, Sam! I really like 42/52/72xx's. Thanks for re-visiting it!

Looks so cool. I want one. Anyway keep being awesome. I wish i had that much trains. I envy you

Hey sam have you ever thought about reviewing a Kato N scale starter set? I recently got one and the quality is incredible.

noob question , is this still available anywhere to buy new? really want one for my micro layout

I'm really enjoying these re-reviews of some some locomotives you've reviewed in the past. It's interesting to see what you think of them now compared to back then, I hope there are more of these kinds of reviews to come. I really enjoy your video's, keep up the great work Sam!

Decent review here Sam, interesting looking tank engine and certainly interesting seeing a tank engine that is quite large, unrelated to this model but I have just got a great model recently, it’s one of the EFE rail class 58s in the coal sector livery to go with my rake of 25 hornby HAA hopper wagons.

On the minus side, not a tank engine I'd buy, but she is Great Western. On the plus side, show me a Great Western engine hard at work, and I'll show you why I love her so much.

Hi Sam enjoyed the video, as mentioned there is space where the boiler would be, question would an added weight in that space make the pulling capacitity better or would it affect the motor? also could you cover paint over the glue marks? enjoyable as ever.

Hi Sam, this is the second release of the model. The first had moulded smokebox dart and no bearings. The feedback was so bad they modified it for the second release

ah, nice! Not every day you see a mikado tank engine! (Mikado being a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement)

Re the weight issue, could some weights be fitted inside the tanks?

Such a coincidence I was watching a video about this loco earlier today

Hi Sam remember me can I say smth I'm your biggest fan

Interesting re-review! Would a bit of 'Liquid Gravity' in the boiler front end and bunker help the performance?

Hornby selling a a cheaper loco at a “Hornby” price? Say it isn’t so!!!!! Keep bringing it out and holding manufacturers to account!

Awesome video! I have the cousin of one of these, a 42XX I bought second hand for £25. I love it! Very powerful, smooth and reliable. I suspect someone has added weight to it, but regardless, a lovely loco!

I love your model train videos! Btw do you know any model railway kits that I could get on a budget?

I personally just suddenly realized that the locomotive that you're reviewing throughout the video certainly happens to basically have an official Mikado (2-8-2)wheel configuration! In fact, it's basically quite clear to me that this locomotive certainly would basically make an official episode of Thomas and the rail tours featuring this official G W R class 72xx Mikado type of steam-driven railway tank engine that officially reviewing the pros alongside the cons of the model!

I use Kadee couplings on everything, when it comes to couplings I am very fussy, but is that too much to ask for? I don't think so. I have found on a lot of rolling stock that I have had to glue the couplings in place in order to get them to sit at the correct height, this is normally due to the poor design, alignment or height of the NEM pocket. I use hot glue for this.

Hornby are now using shrinkflation or TT:120 as they prefer to call it 😊

Hey Sam - but what about the R3404 BR 2-6-4T Fowler Class 4P No. 42334??? It's also a 4MT & drawn back in2002.That is a similar size Loco - what do you think??? 🤔🚂🚂🚂

Are you going to make more 3d models. I would like to see a custom designed steam locomotive of yours.

At least the Hornby 72xx has a decent mechanism particularly it’s even got a fly wheel

I think this actual class was modified in real history after the larger cylinder upgrades of the 42xx? Resulting in a raised section over the cylinders on the running plate. Which is not depicted in the model? Looking forward to seeing how 7200 comes out once preserved. So maybe wait for a retooled version or another more detailed from Bachmann?

Rosegold draincocks and whistle, must be the Valentines day edition.

I agree with you Sam I bought at Wally at the NEC this year I found the steps very very weak and thin on the way to the loco you’re right it’s too light thank you for showing me how to take the body off because I think I’m going to put more weight into my location maybe it’ll grip better but it is a very very light loco and so is the other one in the same class the one without the spare wheel and shorter bunker as I’ve got them both both with the same problem on the steps and very light locos I Was disappointed myself so I agree with you I’ve got to do a lot more to get them pull. And secondhand I got them at £90 each and that was on a trading so luckily I didn’t have to pay any money it was a trained in disappointed But I know I can do the work of waiting it up a bit so I fully agree with you.

Classic case of old Hornby having decent mechanisms and poorer bodies whilst the reverse was true with Bachmann! Not sure whether the metal slidebars are parallel behind the cylinders ?

hey sam. great video..........i am new to model trains can you suggest me some cheap modle trains

I remember this locomotive from your old review you did. I’ve always liked this tank engine with the 2-8-2 wheel configuration!

Plan on getting two one as is and one to convert into a Thomas character. But waiting sales being a penny pincer

Awesome video today Sam beautiful locomotive

Hi Sam, I found the odd one out. Is it the LNER j50? Cheers Jasper & Willow

Hola buenas tardes sam s excelente video muy linda locomotora abrazo grande

A quick one. Please review some older southern models again, GWR are toooooooooo common, lmao. Being a southern softie, diesels and electric are my era.

Have any more key staff left the Big H so far this month - just asking 😵😵‍💫🤪

One of these is on my wish list. They used to haul up my valley as a kid.

Even though I'm a fan of the 72xx class, I was disappointed with the GWR green model I got from Hattons. She's just far too light, and the detail is more like a Railroad model instead of something in the main range. I also think I paid too much for my model (£120, if I recall correctly). To anyone who is looking to buy a 72xx for yourself, I suggest that you pay no more than £85 or £90 pounds for the engine. As for Hornby's design-clever era, I don't really understand why they did it, especially since the only benefit of getting the main range versions was a fancier livery. I found that out with my LNER 'P2', and I've also got a Railroad range version of 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' because - in that case - I wasn't concerned about which specific version I got.

I have NEVER seen any 00 Loco pull 22 coaches . you should have a more realistic strength test

In fairness to the manufacturer, once there's any glue or paint on it, the plastic can't be recycled. (Of course, that doesn't justify selling it at a premium price.)

Sam did you receive your Chinese C80 coal hopper? When will we see the review for it.

Didn’t they do a price drop on this model a few years ago in a release

Hmmm ... probably not much use for reversing a train with the coupler the way it is?

The J50 cameo was nice. Though I think the western engines look a bit angrier than usual. The Greasly Was Right chanting might have something to do with it.

You make me want to see mine besides my Roco BR 86, same wheel disposition on both, same class of engines (tank engines). I forget my Italian Gr. 941, same type (2-8-2 tank). For today... I'm a fan of the type, and I had a substantial bargain on her, so no complain overall. As is, with a price below GBP 100, this one would made a good railroad model. Someone wanting to make a more decent model of this beauty ?

If you are looking for big tank locos try the Bachmann 2-6-4T Stanier Fairburn, I have had mine for a very long while now and it is DCC ready. The BR running No on my model is 42096 and is a brilliant runner especially on DCC.

£197 certainly sounds like what Hornby would price it nowadays. Currently the M7 is £193.99 and the Fowler 4P is £189.99 (both on pre order)

I didn’t know this was the largest tank engine in Britain. Is that only due to a technical specification since it’s a 2-8-2? I’d have thought the 9N or Remembrance tank were the biggest, but I guess I don’t know my tank engines well enough.

Nice loco Br black is not a bad colour 👍😊👍🤩

Hey Sam, I hope you're having a great day. Seeing as you showed a certain level of enthusiasm towards Märklins A3 Flying Scotsman I would like to bring you some news about it. As you are doubtlessly aware. Märklin itself uses an AC triple pickup system. Where the center pegs are used to pick up electricity and the outside rails to ground the engine. Meaning you can't run Märklin engines on your Hornby layout. However there may be a way around that issue. You see, a couple of years ago, Märklin bought out their rival Trix. Eversince this, Trix has been using a two rail DC pickup system. Meaning those engines should be compatible with your layout. Their pages also often speak of the models having a DCC decoder fitted, which is a good sign towards compatibility. And whilst the couplings aren't the same, they are fitted in a NEM tention lock socket, so should be exchangeable with the ones you use. The model is currently sold out, however if you wish. I could ask around with various local dealers to see if any of them have one in stock and since I have a holiday planned for early August, take it with me and drop it off for your convenience. This way I could bring it over for you to review, as well as add it to your collection and you'd only have to pay for the actual engine itself. Here's a link to the shop page, you'll need to translate it, since it's in German: www.trix.de/de/produkte/details/article/22886/4186?tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bbacklink%5D=4186&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5BbrandId%5D=2&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bera%5D=&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bfilter%5D=1&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bgaugechoice%5D=8&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bgroupchoice%5D=&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bnewonly%5D=0&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5BnoPaging%5D=1&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bpage%5D=1&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bpagesort%5D=artnrasc&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bperpage%5D=1000&tx_torrpdb_pi1%5Bsubgroupchoice%5D=&cHash=b86ce03d2256669e78e45ba8123b221f

The new P2 is out by the way finally.

this engine would look good in olive drab green and ww2 military markings. It could also use american couplers

Super unusual design, definitely like it, not saying the model is good though.

That's cool

I seem to remember when this was first marketed and wondered were they worth it. Obviously not. But it would be great if this model was revisited without the “design clever” moniker. But it will probably be a lot more expensive that the Inflation plus 10 quid price. By the way I don’t think “design clever was a bad idea If you had the option to buy separately fitted parts for detailing yourself if you choose to. Does anybody else agree.

When are manufacturers going to make even bigger tank locos the 4-8-0 T's the 0-8-4Ts the Z class the G16 the h16 etc the U1 garret from LNER which is a tank loco bring rhem on 😊😊

Sad to say that the model was too light. I ended up putting a lot of lead into the body of the model. Ideally, if the weight went up, and the gearing went down, it stood to be a very good model indeed.

Truthfully, it looks pretty good. poorly priced but seems a rather nice locomotive otherwise. shame they could not be bothered to put some ballast blocks in it to double its weight. but if it was at the right price, i think there is always going to be a market for a good looking yet no frills model that can serve as a starting point for people getting into the hobby yet continue to look good as they get other higher end stuff. Detail wise, i imagine they did this specific design on purpose, a basic black locomotive is likely a lot cheaper to produce. question on the chassis: was it common to the other large tank engines from Hornby? the ones the 72xx were based on? that would save a ton of money if they can reuse existing tooling and parts. makes the price even more objectionable i think.

Strange though they made the rear truck work, something Hornby tell is impossible on a Pacific!

I have three of these ,bought mint boxed for just over fifty pounds each , heavily weathered they work fine

Awesome

Isn’t that Mikado wheel configuration

What's this, Hornby coupling problems? I thought Heljian was the one with the bad coupling design

Although not a great model, I really enjoy mine especially as it has a decent sound unit and has been weathered. Looks and sounds the part with a long rake of mineral wagons. My real ire is reserved for my 2 52xx tank engines which really are the pits! Great video Sam.

I love it

That is a big tank i have the smaller brother the class 42xx.

Maybe Hornby UK should inspect models before they are sent out, and then things like the glue marks would be stopped before getting to customers.

Being a native of the South Wales Valleys and the son of a coal miner, I have a soft spot for anything that was used to move the black gold! I acquired both a 42 & 52 some time ago but couldn't find a 72 at a reasonable price until recently. I'm now the proud owner of a 72 in Great Western livery, bought from Clark Railworks, and am very happy with it. It feels quite heavy, so perhaps the previous owner added some ballast. It runs extremely well and looks the part. Having said that, I fully agree with your review. These locos would be fine if they were in the Railroad range/price bracket. PS: even used models are fetching well over £120, so if they do come back into the range, they'll be priced at around £200, I guess.

If Hornby did ever bring this back I would for sure get it, but I wouldn't pay alot for it. Cheers Jasper & Willow

I like it but for an 8F, the lack of weight would put me off. I'd want it to pull a long train

I remember your first review of this, and saying I wanted one, having a 4200 and 5205 at that point myself. I still don't have one... My 42xx (in gwr shirtbutton green) had its 8 pin blanking plug badly fitted, so much so that 2 of the pins were bent and the body wouldn't come off very easily in the first place to access it. No idea how that happened. This is the sort of thing the Railroad range should be. Not 30+ year old models with slightly upgraded features, but more accurate yet still basic models with much better mechanisms. Do you plan on reviewing the Heljan 0 gauge GWR railcar? Rails currently have them on sale so they aren't much more than a dapol tank loco atm.

I don't know about biggest tanks. The GCR 8Ns & LSWR G16s were beasts as well.

Isnt that Jaguar from T&F?

Great review Sam’s trains and the odd one out is the j50 because it’s from LNER and it’s a 0-6-0 next to the pub

my biggest argument against model trains is 1 word, hotwheels you can buy a die-cast model car with great paint, graphics, and details for the scale for

72xx's are my favorite British "Mikado" Locomotive only because British Mikados are an oddity and so a Mikado Tank Engine is more interesting. 7200's don't deserve a bad model for what they are.