Great Loco, Horrible Mechanism | Bachmann 3MT | Unboxing & Review 

This is becoming a bit of a thing now. You either buy a loco with good detail or good mechanism, rarely do the two come together now. Thanks for the video, and keep up the hard work Sam!

Hattons sounds like the UK’s equivalent of ModelTrainStuff, over here in the US. Both seem to knock a big chunk off of the price of models; you can routinely find a model on MTS for over $100 less than the RRP. Also: Good God, the loco is limping *even in the intro!*

This is a perfect example of why Bachmann only thinks customers care about details and just wants to show their locomotives looking pretty on display. I genuinely believe that Bachmann purposely doesn’t want us to run their model trains because the mechanism is Bachmann’s typical comedy of errors. You forgot to read out my superchat request

Thanks to this Channel, just bought my first loco off ebay (Terrier in SR livery) and picked up a Toad break van from my local model shop.

I have one of these. It too had tight spots as it ran which rather ruined it for me. But then, all of a sudden it started to run smoothly (it's on DCC). I can only assume that the "bearings" have settled in. I can't imagine that the cost of machining some housings and fitting bronze bearings would add more than a fiver to the cost. Although it's a theoretical improvement I'm not so sure that a 5-pole motor would necessarily make much difference because I have many 3-pole locos that run beautifully; I suspect that it actually comes down the build quality of the motor more than anything. But a flywheel should be a legal requirement if there's room! Oh, and you're right - it's an absolute stunner in the looks department.

Imagine a loco that is the perfect blend of Bachmann detail and Hornby performance. Wouldn't that be the dream? Honestly, I find there to be no excuse for Bachmann to producing these knockoff mechanisms when they're main competitor can produce such amazing ones by comparison, especially for the prices they're asking nowadays. Also, for the love of god, add some bearings, I can't imagine they cost much and can do wonders for a models well-being and longevity. Sometimes, I really miss the old Triang x04 motors. May not be up to modern standards, but they were sturdy, reliable, and really only needed the motor brushes replacing every so often when they wore out. Only time I needed a motor replacement on my Triang L1 4-4-0 was when the motor unwound, a very rare occurrence. Other than that, the loco has provided stalwart performance for me for close to 10 years now. As always, enjoyed your video, keep up the good work, and let's hope Bachmann really gets their act together soon with regards to their mechanisms. :)

Hi Sam, just a suggestion for the future. Maybe you could give the loco its first run and then dismantle it to show the mechanism, and then run it in, just so that people don't say the reason it isn't running is that you broke it. I don't believe for one second that you break your locos when you dismantle them, but I know there are some people out there who think it is you instead of the poor mechanism. Sorry if I sound like i'm having a go at you, I don't mean to, I only said this so you don't have to put up with any more people complaining.

Thanks for your great model train reviews....they are so in depth and thoughtful. Much appreciated Sam. 😃👍🌟

Thank you Sam for, once again, a seemingly very thorough, considered review. As everyone seems to be saying, a well finished but seriously marred loco -again! Well done on your scores! Tim

It's the same old wolf in sheep's clothing here Sam. Beautiful on the outside, rotten on the inside. I would have given it only two stars for performance, in all seriousness. I won't bore you with all the mechanical shortcomings as you have mentioned them all anyway. A good looking dud. Best, Pete.

It's a good job you're here to review models and separate the good from the bad. Bargain prices always raise suspicion for me since there's normally something wrong with a model for the price to be reduced. Great video sam :)

To confirm, this is the old bachmann 3mt tank. So anyone sad thinking it's the new one is wrong. The new one is having a retool so it can get rid of the issues this one has.

Sam, you should try a Roco German tank loco - you will be impressed! Second hand models can be picked up at reasonable prices. Quality and performance way above Hornby/Bachmann

I bought one of these last year to replace a Hornby S15 I dumped after the third motor with fourth TTC decoder failed. My MT3 also failed to run properly so I did what I wish all modellers would do, sent it back!! The replacement was tons better and improved after running in ( no smoke) . I ran on dc for a while without motor issues before investing in DCC sound and it is currently one of the quietest (sound off!) sweetest locos I have.

Sam I think you may have to look in the manual which comes in the box, it says this is not a toy and shouldn’t be run on carpet! Take note 😉

Kader Group, parent of Bachmann: the other model train company that knows how to leave their customers with mixed emotions.

It was one of these locos that taught me what lubricating Bachmann 3 pole motors does. Beforehand it worked really well (second hand, so could have been worn in a lot), but as soon as it was lubricated things started going wrong. Every time I start it, it does that puff of smoke you mentioned you had randomly alongside poor running that needs pushing and nurturing, before running fine for the rest of the running session. It's getting better, so hopefully it will reach a full recovery in good time (before the lack of bearings kill it anyway that is)

This is the thing now doesn't matter how much you spend the quality of model trains is so hit and miss its hard to know what to buy. I'm glad reviewers like Sam exist because it gives us modellers an informed review for how locomotives run and look so we can make an informed choice. It's a pity you didn't get the arm c38 through hornby wouldve been good to see a review before I bought it lol

A video from Sam!!!! Time for a bathroom break so I can watch it! Yaaaaay!

Here is a idea. Maybe use your improving 3D printing knowledge to try and improve a mechanism on a Locomotive. Start small maybe. Then try and improve some larger ones.

Hi Sam I've been a viewer for a long time now and u have inspired me to build my own model railway.

Hi sam fun fact: i think thats the inspiration for arthur from thomas and friends if im right

They’re gorgeous locomotives!! The design is Ivat and it’s based on the Great Western Large Prairie. It’s a beautiful locomotive, and you have all sorts of parts that you might wish to fit.

It's a beautifully detailed thing and lovely in BR black. Those square bearings always put my teeth on edge. Hopefully whatever is binding up in the mechanism will wear smooth and it will stop it's lurching motion.

Sam so cool to see you on the tv in the ad for hornby on yesterday channel

Cool review of the BR Standard Class 3MT tank by Bachmann Sam 👍👍 In my opinion, I find that the Class 3MTs are sandwich locos in between the Standard Class 2MT & 4MT tanks as it has 2-6-2 wheel arrangement & bunker from 2MT and the front end of the running plate is from the 4MT.

Great review Sam, I do like the standard 3 tanks but I do prefer the 4's, the good news is the 3 rebuild is coming along nicely and should be completed soon! -TheImperialDiamondSpinosaurus

At least you didn't take the lights out with this one, so funny on that Hornby programme the other night with the scale speed record, just the sort of daft thing I would do. 🚂😂

good review. good to see you on the Hornby documentary onTV 's 'Yesterday' keep up the good work!

This sure is a great model indeed! Bravo Sam Bravo!

I've got one of these. I did find that it took a long time to run in, and it had a few hiccups during that process, but once it was done I found that mine ran really smoothly. The mechanism just needs a long time to iron out the kinks.

Great review Sam . Could you change the motor and fit bearings to see if it runs better and make video of the overhaul?

Hi Sam, Good review, Why is it things look nice and don't work as good, All the Best Brian 🤗😎

Remember though that Stanier was a Great Western man, utilising GWR features such as a Belpaire firebox with a taper boiler etc. Ivatt in turn basing his designs largely on Stanier's. Just as one can say that the ubiquitous Black Five can trace it's roots all the way back to the Hall Class. Great video Sam! Cheers, Joachim

Hilarious! I have the same model, currently languishing in my scrap box. The lurching continued until the valve gear decided to unravel...Trivia alert; back in 1964 I got a cab ride in a 3MT on the 'Kenny Belle' from Clapham Junction, and it stayed in one piece! Such a shame about the 3MT; they were a common sight on ECS duties to and from Clapham Junction and Waterloo, and have always been a favourite design. Bachmann can get it right; I have a couple of fairly ancient LondonTransport-liveried 57XX panniers which perform quietly and flawlessly; likewise the H2 Atlantic and one or two others. That being said Hornby aren't perfect either! Thanks Sam, and congratulations on your elevation to TV stardom!

The 82045 Trust is actually creating a new-build locomotive that just happens to be a Standard class 3MT Tank! It's a real shame they were all scrapped by the end of BR.

Hey Sam. It looked to me like the port side valve gear was all out of alignment so I was not surprised that it didn't run. Cheers, Dan.

No doubt a lovely loco! Personally my favourite class but the mechanism is a shame, but I can't wait to see 82045 completed!

Sam, you say the fine detail is flimsy this must be inevitable if it is to be fine scale the only way to make the detail sturdy is to make it clumsy and out of scale. I also note you often pick up on the seam line along the top of the boiler. I suggest you look at some images of the prototype this is where the cladding sheets join in full size creating a joint just like the seam on the model so not sure you are being altogether fair with your criticism.

My grandad has 2 of these and one of them is a superb runner and the other is not so good it performs similar to yours with almost no torque and runs very slowly at 60/70% speed. I love the look of the engine and the one that runs well has amazing pulling power because they are weighty little things. Great video and I’m glad it’s not just him that has the same issue. Cheers Dan :)

As you will notice, the locomotive modelled was made in Swindon, the home of the Great Western Railway. The Ivatt design is based on the Great Western Large Prairie locomotive, IN THE FACTORY FROM WHICH THE FATHER CAME.

Nice to see you on tv 👍

The new build BR standard 3MT tank is 82045 and it’s currently being built at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway.

Hi Sam, my father would have called this "a big lantern with a tiny light". Well what's in the name... we all know: It's what is inside ! And you demonstrated this again. Keep out fingers crossed that - maybe - one day Bachmann will produce decent loco's, nice looking, good performers and for a reasonable price. Until then I pass my way on any of their products. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Filip

Hi sam My fairburn tank by Bachmann is nice looking Can't do second radius In my opinion does need an updated tooling Looks nice Opening smoke box door is point less in my opinion Tar for sharing your findings Keep safe arp

KEEPIT UP SAM!

Wouldn't it be nice if all those DCC fitters and weathering expert companies could offer a mechanism upgrade service. Add bearings and change to 5 pole motor with if room fit a flywheel would be very popular.

Hi Sam my Hornby railroad tornado has stopped working and become a free roller even though it is loco driven how do you recommend I fix it

The Ivatt you refer to is a class 2....Riddles did a std2 tank based on that design ... The std 3 did take influence from the GWR prairies, similar boiler for example.

I purchased one of these ages ago but mine has been professionally re numbered as a limited edition model by the group who are rebuilding the new build version at the Severn Valley Railway. The new build real version of loco will be in BR green.

Well done Sam. Good viewing as usual 👍🏻

One of its problems might have been over lubrication. That slowing down during the running in followed by a puff of smoke and then speeding up again sounds like what my Triang locos used to do when I was too liberal with the 3in1 when I was a kid. Once it got hot from running, the excess oil in the motor burnt off and after that it ran as normal.

Good review of a glass case classic from Bachmann. Have you tried shunting this model over points in reverse? I find on mine it always details when shunting rolling stock. Does your model have a V-shaped notch in the rear coupling assembly? On mine, that's is the cause of problems. Would you describe this loco as a curate's egg (good in parts)? Thanks for uploading.

Nice engine. CHEERS FROM OVER SEAS UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

i bought mine over 10 yearsago...nice looking model....fortunately mine is a reasonable good runner, no issues (yet) there....:-)

Sam 3d print idea, make express coaches good enough to go behind your favorite express steam loco they have to be of your own design and have working corridor connections along with having an interior

It must have been a big honour being on Hornby: A Model World on Monday.

SAM you were on Hornby a model world this week!!!!!

Hiya Sam, was watching Hornby: A model world on Monday and was pleasantly surprised to see you conduct an experiment (what else). Did Hornby get in touch with you? How did you react? Amazing as always! Regards

Having watched you repair dead and moldy, it would be interesting to see you take a new loco, and without buying/replacing parts, turn it into a “runner.”

Hi Sam, I would appreciate an in depth report on the politics and history behind the various controversies between manufacturers and retailers, as hinted at in several of your reviews. Preferably illustrated with affected locomotives and rolling stock.

I love the standard 3 and have 2 myself. Haven't had any problems with mine (both a few years old), they are both decent runners so think you might have a dud?

A fair trial, I just wish I'd seen this before I bought mine, also at a "discount", (but glad it was). Mine seemed to perform great on its running in , but only on left hand curves. A really horrible clunking on the right hander!. I did spot a slightly bent hanger on the rear of the slides (which should be vertical , one is, one isn't) so I'm not sure if this contributes. Now the second of two of my Bachmanns that you have reviewed (the other is the 4MT) and scored poorly,: and the same problems on both of my locos. I won't be buying another until I've checked your reviews first. Choo choo

Hi Sam, I have precisely the same model - actually right alongside me (I have several 'on show' alongside where I vegetate watching the TV, which I rotate). It is absolutely one of my favourites - performance has always been good, and got better, and always very smooth. Crawl is very smooth and slow, up to quite a reasonable speed - very prototypical. Mine is as smooth as nearly any bushed Hornby locomotive - aside the 56 running at the moment which is beyond virtually anything!! She can haul the 13x bogie TEA crude oil tanker train of Bachmann carriages I have on my layout currently without any major issues. Any smoke on the motor I'd be careful - perhaps previous owner (purchased new or 'good used'?) over-oiled it? Perhaps a little running in is required, but I'd be careful of that motor. Mine's VERY consistent and has none of the problems you mention. Gave mine the kiss of death!! Never done it before, but started moving slowly then wisps of smoke. Now inconsistently transitioning between slow and normal - weird. I removed from operational duty and when able will investigate - just found a screw between the sleepers - perhaps ... not happy! Al.

Never had an issue with the 3 of mine. Strong, dependable and consistent. Not sure where you bought this one but none of mine had/have the issues youre trying to put across.

I think the model is a lovely thing sad that the mechanism is not as lovely as the model itself, and also great video as always !!

Feels like most of the models you review are made to be set pieces instead of active models. They look the part, but with such awful mechanisms and at eye-watering prices, you have to wonder why they bothered at all.

Appreciate the channel, thank you. You referred to a better 2-6-2 from Bachmann on the inside track but I didn’t catch name. What was it please?

I like the loco personally and would buy it, I can see that mechanism lasting a fair time personally.

Hopefully Bachmann gives these things' mechanisms a much needed upgrade to match the external details.

Thanks Sam. I was wondering if you could help me out. I received an email Etsy asking me to review my Uncle Fredrikson's Amazing Balancing Coaches. Unfortunately I haven’t received them. Is there anyway to check in them. Thanks.

Hi Sam for my birthday I got a Hornby Duchess of Sutherland and a Hornby Burton Hall and a LMS brake van and a Triang convertor horse box wagon and unfortunately the Hall class is a poor runner it runs but it wobbles terribly but my Duchess of Sutherland runs OK Considering she is tender driven

That Mechanism quality looks like belongs under the LNER V3 you reviewed a couple of days ago. Shame this one didn't have the same quality chassis as the V3.

Hi Sam, The tooling for this model is over ten years old. - may explain the lack of bearings and the three pole motor.

Hey Sam I have suggestion could you maybe do some Chuggington Bachmann models?

Looks to me, with its speeding and slowing per revolution, as if it might be one wrongly quartered pair of drivers. BTW, your reviews are better than anything I've seen in any mag. Cheers.

The class 3 came about because of Western Reigon clinging on to all things GWR. The rejected the Britannias and the 4mt saying they were unsuitable for their signalining which was developed for right hand drive locos, but I dispute this was a real reason, as the left hand drive locos are closer to the signal to see clearer. In the end the WR were allowed to develop a standard loco suitable for their needs. The low numbers produced were due to the fact most of the work could be handled by either the Std class 4 tanks or Std (or Ivatt) class 2's, so not many were used on other reigons. I can not work out why if Bachmann want to be cheep skates and not use bearings, and dont wish to rejig the chassis tooling, why they dont use a ball nose milling cutter, rather thant a slot/end mill producing square holes, at least you would have a rounded tops where the ware occures rather that two excess pressure points where the flat services make contact with the shafts.

Thanks for this review Sam. I have one of these on pre-order due in June (BR Black Late Crest Weathered). Having second thoughts now. Will inspect the hell out of it in the shop and run in well before using it on the layout. FYI the RRP is now £180.00. I have the Bachmann 2MT tank and it runs fine. Maybe the latest ones have an improved mechanism?

The N gauge version is rather nice too....had my BR green one for a good while now

Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle such a shame about the mechanism

I love the Standard class 3 as it was Triang's first standard tank, R59. It is a shame the .mechanism lets this one down again.

Have you considered replacing the garbage motor with an aftermarket 5 pole? Not that you should have to, but a loco as detailed as that needs a lot more love than Bachmann gave it.

I've been reading from my F.B groups about failing locomotives, points and other electronics. New doesn't mean good and it concerns me because I have to import my locomotives so if they are crap it costs to replace/return it. Good review Sam 👍but looks dosen't make a locomotive go. I've just bought a Bachmann class 24 from AJM Railways so I'm hoping the thing will work.

The loco looks nice indeed. Shame about the fact it's another with a bad mechanism. Great video. I think it looks like the ivatt

Do you plan to do a review on the Bachmann Caledonian 812 when it's released?

I have a question, not about Bachman but about the company PIKO. Does anyone know if their models are good quality? Their prices are quite low and would be perfect for my beginner track

Good review.

Hi Sam might be a bit late commenting on this for a reply lol but, I'm super anxious about buying Bachmann cos of very high prices and poor mechanisms, could you do a top 5 best and worst Bachmann mechanisms video one day? They look beautiful but I want my models to work!!

HEY SAM I saw you on the hornby channel the other day

A rather striking contrast to the bachmann V3 you reviewed a while ago, perhaps put the body of this one on the V3 chassis and have a perfect bachmann loco?

I was watching the video, and noticed the dome was slightly off from the body. Not sure if that is an error or part of the real engine but am just pointing it out. 10:17 it was at

“Arthur is it just me or did you gain a little weight?”

I saw you on the latest episode of hornby a new World Series. It’s the first time I hear you swore lol

You should of bought the Hornby Version Sam!!! Oh I have the slightly larger version - BR 2-6-4T Fowler Class 4P. I do also have a Static Model of the BR '2MT' 2-6-2T. Anyway my Hornby version runs well!!! 😉🚂🚂🚂

It’s such a beautiful detailed loco…..nice and heavy too. How much trouble and cost would be involved to simply re power it? For the price you paid you could remove the old motor and add bearings to the chassis…..now you’ve got a great loco. I know that no one should have to do this on any loco but….you’ve bought it so make it better.

Sad to read this. I have a WR green version, which is a sweet runner. Must have a Monday good quality version. Totally agree about finish of model

Hi Sam. Talking of issues not addressed in reviews: there seems to be damage to the running plate above the cylinders on the lefthand side of the model. It looks as though it had been attacked with a rasp file!

I have 30 locos on my layout, diesel and steam. None of the steam locos are Bachmann. Can anyone guess why?

Once I get my last paycheck from my current job, and my first paycheck from my new job, I'm gettin' a ET44 (though I'm modeling 1940's Southern Pacific, I still have a modern collection). I was wondering if you'd be interested in a model aswell, as paying for the two engines from the manufacture will knock a few dollars off the total. I am personally getting BNSF, however, I'm thinking of sending you (at my cost, because my new job pays that well) Norfolk Southern, since it has direct ties to the Southern Railway, of which you seem very interested in. I know I don't have to, but you kinda need something that's a bit more modern than the 50's in you're collection too.

Another brilliant review Sam, not impressed with Bachmann, do they really think their customers are that gullible?