Hornby Class 101 DMU Unboxing & Review 

Your videos made me start my personal oo guage railway layout. MANY THANKS!

A proper DMU, and Hornby have done a great job here! Used to go on the real things to school from Solihull to Warwick (and back, 1980-1981) when the Tyseley-allocated ones dropped instead of the Derby Works suburban ones. Preferred the 101s by far, and occasionally a Cravens one would turn up as part of a hybrid set. Odd one out in the running session? The 2-HAL.

Fun fact: The BR Class 101 with the green livery is the basis for Daisy The Diesel Railcar in Thomas & Friends. She is pretty sassy in the show which is quite entertaining to watch! The Rev Awdry's model of Daisy is made from a Triang Class 101 and was repainted in the late 60's to have a yellow panel at each end

Wow! I had a green 101 in the same boxing in 2008 for my birthday. I really do like it! One of my oldest (in terms of how long I've had it)!

These have a very unique driving mechanism, they run on a gear system. There are 4 gears and the gears work similar to a car. I've lost count of how many times I've forgotten to increase the gears on TSW 2020!

Fair review Sam. I think this model was a updated version of the older Lima model and was in a period where Hornby had purchased Lima and had started to add some of their products into the hornby range, but updated the details and motor to make them look more impressive and perform better. Unfortunaley lights and super detailing has only been a recent as 2010 due to DCC users. Some of the items in the railroad range we see today are old Lima items with slightly better detail like the hornby class 121 (the one you couldn't remember the name of).

Hi Sam, you've pretty much got the thing about the couplings spot on. The 101 and the 121 Bubble Car were originally Lima models which Hornby inherited. These models would of used the standard 'pancake' motor that we all know and love. When Hornby re-released the 121 and 101 with upgraded skew-wound motors, they would of had to redesign the skirt around the motor bogie. My guess is that they redesigned the molding to have the NEM pockets for the 121. As the 121 and the 101 have the same bogies, it made sense to use the retooled bogie skirt on the 101 as well. This explains why the motor unit has detachable couplings and the other units still have the much thicker and chunkier molded Lima tension locks. Hope this helps!

The couplings are the way they are because this model is a retool of a lima DMU. They kept the two non powered cars the same hence the different shaped tension locks. The reason the Loco has NEM couplings is that they had to redesign the drive system, as you said with the inclusion of more pickups. They could then use the same clip on piece from the motor bogie for the non motorised one, saving money.

I just love these heritage railcars. They either crawl about on branches or haul the semi-fasts from York to Scarborough.

I have my dads DMU from almost 40 years ago. Still running, however you've inspired me to give it a deep clean 😊

Although the Hornby-branded version of this DMU came out in 2006, it is actually an old Lima tooling, probably from the 1980s. After Lima went bust in 2004, Hornby bought them and so inherited all the toolings. A lot of the less-detailed models in the Hornby range today (such as their class 66) are ex-Lima items.

Daisy the Diesel Railcar is based off of the BR 101. However, she was built as a single-unit, while those built in real life were multiple units.

The origins of this unit date back to the Lima days, when Hornby aquired Lima tooling some items made it to the railroad range, the 101 was retooled partially around 2006, the DMBS new dcc ready motor etc & nem couplings, I dont know if they retooled the TCL or the DMTL later with nem couplings instead of the big ugly Lima ones. The railroad class 55, 40, 31, 59, 66 etc all X Lima tooling

Some years ago I bought the 110 br green dmu for £28 boxed! Still had the tissue paper packaging too!! One of my favourites :-) Also, the diesels with lights weren't that common. I think because the 125 and 225 were so popular, people assumed that most were fitted with lights.

An asome review Sam, good to see another DMU. The 101 train (Daisy from Thomas an Friends!) was a very nice pack, with a great perfomance, a proper quality, and the detail was very good. Even if doesn't have the best detailing is still good and impressive to be from 2006. It is enteresting that there are a mix between the Railroad and Railways range, but I guess is due to the age of the set. And overall, it is good for what it is, and the value was worth in my opinion. Anyways, thanks for the attention, and I'll see you next time.

As you suggested in the video, I suspect the reason why only the motorized coach has the NEM couplings is that Hornby generally re-designed/re-tooled the motor bogies (Lima power units were pretty rubbish!) when they re-released the Lima models, but probably didn't think it was worth bothering with for the unpowered coaches.

Lovely DMU, have you ever considered buying the Bachmann version? From what I've seen, they have working lights, an electrical connection between the units and can be bought for around £130 brand new, which is not bad considering how great it looks and runs. My local model shop has a DCC ready one for sale for £127.50.

Sam, this class 101 dates much older than 2006. 2006 is when Hornby took over the old Lima range and re-released this model, which dates back much further into the 1990's. It was one of Limas better models, which is probably why it was one of the earlier models to reappear in Hornbys range.

I havent seen one of these videos in a while. Nice review man. All the ratings were fair and the 101 is a nice DMU.

This diesel is what Daisy from Thomas and Friends is based on. Daisy was a female diesel who works on Thomas’s branch line.

If I'm correct, I spotted three other DMUs. The odd one out is the GWR Railcar. Your green one-car DMU looks a bit like a Wickham car, yet I'm not sure what it is either. You can show DMUs all you want, including the Janus, 04 and 08 shunters. But not those ugly boxes on wheels. I sniff and and sneer at all diesels, plus I hate them with a vengence. I can tolerate DMUs and shunters equally; they're not quite so bad and just as useful as steam engines. Make no mistake.

Hey Sam. If you can find one online, have a look at the old Lima 101 DMU. Hornby bought Lima in 2004 and they used a lot of the old Lima moulds. I suspect your Hornby DMU is the same tooling as the Lima version (that had pretty good windows too), but with new swapped out bogies on the drive unit.

Nice video Sam, I am so happy that you have the Diesels back. Could I recommend that you review the Hornby class 150. Thanks Sam. Ned

Hi Sam! Every thought of seeing a Van with a Pizza logo on it? Try and get it with some other vans that have food in them! Great Engine! Your Pal, Duckie :)

How interesting. It looks a bit like an older tooling that has had a partial upgrade/refresh (maybe done with a limited or minimal budget), the rather eclectic mix of NEM/non-NEM couplings and painted underframe moulding might suggest this. Hornby certainly have form for inexplicable couplings, I'm sure that I remember seeing a RailRoad A4 that was sold with a narrow tension lock NEM coupling on the front of the loco and a moulded-on wide tension lock on the tender.

Hello Sam, what a great model, good price too! I have it in the BR green with the 105 and the 108. I love the blue and grey livery, I can remember riding on them. Thanks for the brilliant video, Sam, keep up with the great work!

Hi Sam, the traction tyre fell off my Mainline 45 the other day,and it runs much better without it. How Strange!?!

always nice to see newer or late 70's 80's though to the 90's diesel's there under rated i mean yeah steam engines you like them but these, they were once like steam engine cept these are no longer used and are normall scraped

I’m from America and I mostly do ho scale trains but I really really like your videos!!! Your awesome!!!

hi sam. I used to have a triang railways dmu like this in 1964 in green.but good to see it again

I like these and the 121 recently saw a 2 part thing about the intercity 125 and APT

The 1975 version had illuminated headcodes that operated in the direction of travel.

Interesting fact is that I got a cab ride in a class 101 DMU when I was young

Great video Sam, really enjoyable. I must say i really like classic DMUs especially the 101 and 105. You have to give Hornby credit for doing an affordable model of the 101 as an alternative to the really detailed version that Bachmann do. Be well and keep safe, regards Gary.

Hey Sam, you should try to review the Bachmann HOn30 Skarloey and/or Rheneas models, sometime. I understand if you wouldn't want to, however, since they are quite expensive, for their size, and since they're not 00 or 0 gauge. Just an idea! By the way, I love your videos! I'm getting into starting my own model railway, now that thankfully I have a decent paying job. EDIT: Maybe, since I'm planning on ordering one of them for my birthday this year, maybe I could lend it out to you, for the video. If you want, please feel free to contact me, if you would want to do that.

Great Review as always Sam. But this 'OO nutter' has No Idea what that 3rd mystery coach/DMU is either..! So No Screaming at Screen from me. ( And I doubt if you would hear it from Adelaide anyhow..!) I am looking at buying a DMU for my Collection. So before I bid, I refer to SAM for his un bias opinion, before Bidding/Buying a 2nd Hand Hornby DMU. You posted this years ago but still worth Checking out Sams Opinion. And as for 'Screaming' I doubt if your still listening out for it Now anyway..! Thanks for your Efforts, it Does help us 'On a Budget Buyers..!' Even years down the Track..!! ("Boom Tish") Cheers All, kim in Oz..!!😎 P.S. like watching these Older Clips as it's 'Pre Global Pandemic'. Which is nice not to Hear mentioned..! 😷

Hornby RailRoad range was first introduced in 2007.

Wouldn’t this be great to see this in the railroad range or in a train set!

18:39 it’s a class 121 railcar :)

Sam!! Hi, Hornby just announced that they will be coming out with a Coca Cola train set for around 80 dollars/pounds. Please do a review when possible. I would love that so much!! -Dylan L

19:27, the odd one out is the Heljan, or the Lima... nope going sticking with the Heljan.

Good review Sam. Just two things, that centre unit does look un-naturally high and it has brown seats inside, by the time they were running in blue and grey they had dark blue upholstery. . Anyway, its still a fair rendition of 'the bone shakers;. *I have done many a teeth rattling trip in those old DMUs Jon PS = Odd one out? The ex-GWR flying banana?

did i spot a gwr railcar?

This was a very good review, I love steam, but it doesn’t hurt to have some diesels to spice things up.

Excellent review of the three coach DMU Sam 👍😉 I went to gaugemaster shop today to buy wires to improve my Bachmann controller and a LMS brake van. I personally like the Bachmann two coach DMUs as it nice to get in one box and also the Hornby Railroad diesel rail car does look good with excellent details. Are you going to review the Bachmann Class 150 DMU in the near future? that would be nice to see the details as well the good & bad points of the unit. Have you seen the Hatton's video of the new North British J36 and are going to buy & review one?

Quite a good model for its age Sam....and as always a fair and detailed review....Bob

It's a rehashed Lima model

Looks OK to me, the signs on the windows make it look a lot more detailed that it is. One thing I noticed was that the buffers look a bit odd. Good value for money.

I'm faiirly sure this is an ex Lima model, certainly the high body on the bogies suggests that. I would guess the motor coach is new compared to the other two but again almost "Tweaked" Lima so that's probably why there are NEM couplers on the motor coach and not the others.

I don't personal like diesel but still a good looking model.

More diesels please, one you have yet not reviewed is the EWS Class 60, please could you review that and run it with megaboxes. The only loco I knew the class of that i spotted parked was the class 142 pacer. The mystery loco was a class 121 bubble car. Another great video Sam. Thanks.

I have a few coaches now with close couplings as they have NEM pockets or needed to add couplings as someone had cut off 1 or more on one end, I even got more Hornby close couplings in MIB models Porthcawl for just £3.25, they are £7.40 I believe on the Hornby site so I got a bargain, also that is a 121 Hornby DMU, dapol also make a 122 version as well as 121 versions, but their ones are way too dear for my liking, prehaps hornby could make a railroad 121 DMU Arriva wales livery one?

It’s strange how they only preserved one end of the DMU lol. You’d think they would want both end cars

Hi Sam, this pack does come with a detailing pack (steps under the cab door) they seem to be that they have been fitted to your model - don’t worry haha! After watching your review, I had to buy one myself, so I’ve just got myself a green one off of eBay! All the best and keep it up :D Oh and what make is the 110? Looks very nice

Yes more details and more electric locos and definitely look into get a virgin Pendalino dcc fitted version the train pack I've got one and it's great and it's a class 390 thx sam

Does hornby also made the class 105?

Hello Sam Where can I get Hornby or Bachmann trains cheaply Thanks in advance! 😀😉😀😀😊😉😉😀😀😉😉😉😉🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

Does Hornby make any BR Class 43s and do you have any? If so, could you do a review on it (if you haven't already)?

That train is lovely and great vid keep up the good work 😉

nice review like always, always back at it with great video's!

Good review Sam. Unfortunately I’m not good with my DMUs, but is the odd one out the parcel DMU in BR blue?

Great review I’ve got the Bachmann 2 car on pre order of the 101 in green. The DMU you forgot what it is it’s the 121 known as a bubble car lol

Do they do it in br green, want to know for my heritage railway

Even if this is a slightly updated model made from 80s Lima tooling with a better motor, one can't help but note it costs about the same as a tank engine does these days!

Hello Sam!

It looks similar to the class 108

@sam'strains when will you buy more I.H.C. american steam loco's ?

I definitely need a DMU.

Sam uploaded a video ...... DROP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING AND WATCH IT!

Hi Sam, made a nice change I do like the DMUs the 108 nice to . All the Best Brian 🤗

Ahh I do love a good DMU! Especially in a Blue-Grey!

I always call diesels diseasels because when I was a big fan of Thomas(he actually got me into railway modeling) There was an episode when Bill and Ben saw a diesel for the first time (it was a diesel class 28) she had accidentally taken bills train and as they found her she told theme that she is a diesel ,they were discussing who should take the train then Edward came and asked what's going on Bill replyed: this diseasel stole my train :-)

Odd one out is the 2-BIL EMU at 19.46

I'm looking forward to the American Week. Any idea when that'll be?

Nice little thing. One thing came into my mind when watching, are you using a new / different camera? Just noticed some different characteristics from the camera. The Bachman 101 has lights in and from memory its approx £125 (But if anything I think it's cheaper). Thanks

that's cool Sam and the train is the same color of my room

Lovely video! Gotta love the DMUs please maybe do a review on the class 450!

The br 101 a nice one!

You gonna get the Alan Pegler Flying Scotsman

Nice DMU there Sam, been thinking about getting a BR blue one for a while! Not sure though, the pre orders for the Network Rail Mk2's are enticing me...

I like the green versions better. Also don't try to make one pull a milk tanker because, it will refuse.

You had to sneak in a southern electric EMU lol

Great review

The odd one out is the 2-HAL

Remember the hymek I told you about. Everytime I try to make it move. It cuts out the power to the layout. Im going to see if the my local model show can fix it. Fingers crossed

Ohhhhh very nice! I Love the DMUs especaly 101s! -Axel

HEY SAM'STRAINS, YOU SHOULD MAKE A RACE WITH THE DMU 101 VS. THE REAL LIFE DAISY MODEL IF YOU HAVE IT

Here's An Advice If U have A Coach Split From A DMU/EMU: Use It As A Coach!!!

the dmu you forgot its name, looks like Daisy from Thomas.

how steep is Gordon’s hill on your train set?

Beautiful loco keep up the great work sam 👍

Great video as usual, look forward to watching your next stream on catch up next week 😊

Yeah sams trains! Wow that's vintage

great unboxing Sam !

About the train: -it is classy. -it is good looking. -it runs nicely.

Well done on this review Sam! 👍

I would like more diesel trains sam do you still have your ultra bright dmu sam

Odd one out :2-HAL is a EMU

Great video Sam they are quite good DMUs

Nice review Sam!