This level of model is important to the next generation. Not just because it’s cheap but also because it’s more robust. Everyone should be doing everything they can to encourage the entry level railway modeller
That's a West Highland Terrier, Sam. 6 months ago i got a 15yo Bachmann 47 of ebay, beautiful runner, 21 pin dcc, directional lights. And no traction tyres, about £60 as well.. which is a better deal i think. Good review
There really is a market for these lower priced models. Fine for older modellers like myself - we were brought up at a time when much of our modelling consisted of upgrading and detailing the basic models of the time. So much more fun IMHO than spending a fortune on a super detailed model with nothing you can customize for yourself. Did you see Jenny Kirk’s update of the Railroad Plus class 37? She was able to get a really nice model at the end with a little work.
In my honest opinion, I think the overall rating should be a bit higher - I have a class 37 and class 47, with the mechanism, although the same as this, they are very smooth and quiet. And I guess these models aren't supposed to be detailed, so their cheaper and better value for money - great video as always sam!
The mechanism isn’t good, but they do run well, so hard to say really, but I think the most important thing is that these are cheap, as that’s the whole point in them, and honestly, after seeing this, I’m pretty tempted to pick up a Railroad plus Class 37 and 14xx
Hi Sam. I saw far too many Class 47s in my youth to warrant having more than one on my layout - an ageing Bachmann green version of the last diesel-hauled York-Bournemouth train on the Great Central line. As for the odd-one out, I think we’re supposed to say it’s the Class 92. But I’m opting for the Class 52 as that’s a Diesel Hydraulic transmission whereas all the rest have some variant of electric transmission.
If these Railroad "Plus" locos were no more than around £40-50 I think they'd be far better value for money, their current RRP is stretching too far into the triple figures and I dont think a lot of people on a very tight budget will want to spend that kind of money on a loco that is more "toy grade" than "model grade"
Good videos. That 47 is a ex Lima model which most of the Railroad ones are. You can tell by the buffer removal to take body off. Nice space on front to shine a led bulb through 😉 Hornby put Scalextric motors in them....
Nice to see Hornby going for the budget market as other manufacturers don't do so. Hornby are stocked through Argos again and have started to list the Flying Scotsman train set for £150 which is a bargain but seems to be out of stock in most places.
I like Railroad Plus locos - a good price and better quality finish. If they added basic directional lights at a slightly higher price of around £120 they would be perfect for the budget modeller. As to the weight I add weight and its fine given the price. I also replace the D couplings with the narrow profile couplings.
Good review of the railroad+. I have a couple of locos in this range which are fitted with DCC chips. On my layout they perform better on DCC than on dc. End of the day the cost is driving my hobby. I do have high end locos and rolling stock too. Great channel Sam always enjoy your videos.
Nice review Sam! I definitely think one can get their money's worth much better with locos such as those in the Athearn RTR, Atlas Trainman, and/or Walthers Mainline range.
For sure, the only problem is if your in the UK, then those models aren’t readily available, and you would have to import them, which is expensive, not to mention the fact that a beginner probably wouldn’t recognize these locos since their from the other side of the world.
The decoration on the old LIMA models was good as the Railroad+ model. Also the reliable pancake motor runs better and will last a long time and is easy to service. Personally I would buy an old LIMA 47. They do still hold a good price of around the £30 mark.
At least plastic doesnt suffer from Mazak rot ;) ok Lima 47 chassis can expand a bit making the bogie swinging tight, but a little light filing of 1 or 2 strokes sorts that out. Put in a CD motor as well in a LIma model, and combined with the legendary Lima weights make for a smooth and quite runner comparable to your bachmanns etc. Im a firm believer of the '3 foot' rule...if its more than 3 foot away doesn't matter in terms of super detail and tiny, delicate components. Reliability and running is better than looks
@@smithge4uk Have put the CD motor in some of the LIMA O Gauge models and its a nice conversion. Agreed there there is a good amount of weight in a LIMA loco.
Proven Italian engineering vs Hornbys cheap Chinese garden shed engineering , theres no contest. Been running the Lima models for over 45 years & theyre still top class performers, worst days work ever when the Marx Bros at Margate bought the Lima range up. £30-50 gets you a model that will last a lifetime, cant see that Hornby thing lasting 5 years.
@@alanrobertson9790 i agree, virtually most of my diesel fleet is lima, and I even have silverfox warships on lima chassis due to the fact I want to be able to service them
This was a blast from the past. I had many Lima 47s quarter of a century ago. The body seems unchanged since then, the chassis and motor changes are a mixed bag; it’s good to see it’s quieter, has more pickups and is easily chipped for DCC, but the original motor was geared far more appropriately and was far more serviceable (all my Lima models still run). The paint jobs were on par or a bit better back then too. Given the choice I’d probably look for a good used Lima than buy a new Hornby model for similar or less money. In practice, I’ll keep saving for the new Bachmann offering.
Thanks for a fair review, Sam. As an operator I don't want superdetailed models - I need something that can stand up to a lot of handling without damage - trains are normally set up, run just once according to the timetable on my layout and then are removed before being replaced by the next one... Tiny, fiddly details will not stand up to this. As for the couplings - the modern NEMs are not reliable enough and often will not couple when shunting on a curve - I prefare the large, old fashioned D couplings purely for reliability. My ideal locos are the ones manufactured forty or more years ago - they're cheap, reliable and easy to modify - I often bash them into something else. So to paraphrase your good self - I can pay £200 plus and get all of the detail that I DON'T want or buy something much cheaper that does the job. The only thing stopping me buying the class 47 is that my layout is set in the 1915 to 1918 period. Once again, thanks for a thorough and unbiased review, I'll certainly look out for suitable Railroad-plus models in future.
With some weathering and added detail it could become a great looking locomotive. However, hornby as a company is not what it used to be. It peaked in around around a decade ago, and now their quality and production has seemed to have declined quite a bit.
As my interest in UK prototypes has grown, I’ve begun to seek out models for my collection. Being based in the USA, I’m not familiar with the manufacturers that make UK railway models, so I appreciate your brutal honesty in your reviews. I think your methods are consistent and detailed. Thank you for your work.
If you accept her as an entry-level model, she does the job. Why didn't had I such models in the 1980s and the 1990s ? The only critical point I can see is the drivetrain which is a complete joke, but that might have added more pounds to the bill to conceive and manufacture one correct to replace it. At least, it does the job. But I can see a kitbashing project : replace the bogies and the drivetrain by 3D printed ones with everything needed to have a good drivetrain : bearings, all wheel drive if possible, no @#[\¡§ traction tyres, full screw-openable conception, a gearing that permits a top speed below 400 km/h, and maybe some flywheel if possible. Well, this is a project that might interest you, do you ?
Coupling size is a good design feature as folks who will buy this loco will also probably buy older rolling stock (secondhand) with large D couplings. I applaud Hornby for bringing lower detailed lower priced locos to the market.
At a few feet away you cannot notice the lack of detail but you can see the smart colour scheme and although simple the mechanism is a tried and tested one, so I definitly think this is a good loco at a good price. Horses for courses, as they say, so in that respect it's a winner 🙂
Wouldn't the Railroad models be for younger members? Since they can be handled roughly as theres no bits to break off, and the older members can buy the bachmanns version with all the little details and whatnot, and working lights. Still i would like a bargain but if i choose between the Hornby Railroad class 66 or Bachmanns(or Accurascale) one? I'll stick with the bachmann (or the new Accurascale).
Their can't be any better than the Bachmann models, at least you get extra fittings like the air hose, vacuum pipes. Hornby are to toy like as young children.
They also come in many liveries too, I have just purchased a GBRf blue version, fitted lighting kit " illuminated models, TTS sound, Hornby front end detailing kit, added more weight..( car balance weight's ) and changed out the fuel tank/ battery box, for the Bachmann unit..looks great...now I have 6 RR 47s and still have not broke the bank...😊
Looks very nice my friend. Not bad this one. Keep being awesome my friend. Ur the best. I still have to wait to get payed for a new train. Ill keep u updated
Railroad,Railroad Plus, Main Range , just Simon Kohlers hopeless marketing . Forget all these labels . At half price from a Bachmann loco , even less at £66 this is good value for money and what the hobby needs as an introduction . I think it’s great . I have the previous issue one that was TTS but with sound removed and it’s a lovely smooth runner . I also have a Bachmann one ( not the latest issue) and to be honest I use them together without issues .
The mech, and the 2 driven axels, is very typical of Lima / Hornby Railroad. Almost all the early 80's and earlier models had that setup. The usually work pretty well for what they are. It's a cheap, Raolroad + model, it's not going to have the mechanism that the expensive models have. It may have been a nice to have, but they are simple, the work. A lot of the old Ringfield motors, which are all plastic gears, are still running strong now, around 50 years later. I am not that disappointed with the way this one was made for the price and the segment it is designed to fit into.
I really struggle to understand the point of railroad + range. Not enough value and it just makes far more sense from a consumer perspective to buy old stock off of eBay and buy some detailing parts and then end up with a unique model, full of character, and customised to meet any desire you want. Why then, would someone buy a railroad or a railroad + model with the prices these days? I have no clue.
For the money, I prefer to buy up the older Bachmann 47s. I've managed to buy a couple of secondhand Bach 47/4 in this livery for £80-85 since the new tooled Bach 47 was released. For what is supposedly a more refined paint finish, its a poor show too with those blurred lines between yellow/black, the bad masking between the blue sides and grey roof and the mishandling of still wet paint. I've done better repaints of the old Lima model. The bargain bin price is a bit more palatable, but even then I'd willingly pay £100 for the old Bachmann model over this model for £60.
Good to see you reviewing a model from this range, thank you. We had a young lad come to our club the other week and it's nice to see a range we could potentially recommend to his parents at reasonable money. Do you, or other commenters who might have one of these, know if the Hornby RR+ chassis is compatible with the old Lima Class 47 body shells?
Being in the US, the craziest thing about this model for me is how it is DCC ready with an 8 pin socket and even a speaker housing...but it doesn't have a single headlight despite the body shell being more or less a big box of open space! In something like a Walthers Trainline locomotive, you won't get DCC compatibility but you'll definitely at least get a working headlight in both directions as a standard feature.
It’s basically impossible for manufacturers in the UK to sell models that aren’t DCC Ready for some reason. I don’t quite know why, but I’m not going to complain.
Hey Sam, You should customize a Class 40 diesel into D199, ya know like from Thomas the tank engine. You can add a face if you want but if you dont want to thats ok but it will be interesting!
A bit of a throwback to Lima / Jouef days aimed at small budgets and kiddies, and great so see H does serve them quite well actually. She definitely should have deserved a higher rating Sam but your scoring system seems to be designed towards highest expectations stuff. We gave a 7.5; for under a 100 it's an overall rather very decent offer. Lights should have been added though (simple none directional LEDs with some basic voltage reduction circuitry cost almost nothing). On Hornby's site the 'plus' only shows in pictures of products and isn't explained whatsoever, which is rather odd and confusing. Evidently, model train companies such as Märklin/Trix update their stuff regularly and simply code it with a higher version number in the library but communicate to costumers by 'updated version' which is at least crystal clear. Oh well, the loco is a very decent offer we thought. Cheerio.
As always many thanks Sam. Got to say full price not a chance. What you paid thou I would have to think about. I thought I would give these a go at the begining of the year. I bought 2 class 37s. A Network Rail and a Europhoenix. I went to fit their chips and was stunned that there was no interior cab at all. Nothing!. I didn't even run them. Straight back to the shop. I think it is better to just buy a better product that is second hand.
Hi Sam, thanks again for another good review. I am fairly new to the hobby and I just don’t get the obsession with the having super detailed locos that you can only appreciate when they are still and viewed with a macro lens, so why pay the silly prices that manufacturers charge for this detail! A lot of people like myself need reading glasses to even read the loco number, let along the tiniest of detail. I would also speculate that most peoples layouts are also not finished to this level of detail, so why have locos that are, As you might guess I am a big fan of the railroad plus range especially DCC with the TTS and now TXS sound. My layout is standard hornby set track with 1st and 2nd radius curves (a school boy error) but the Railroad plus locos can handle these and the standard points without any issues but my Bachmann locos struggles on the curves and derails on the points. It depends on your priorities but if you are looking for a reliable, nice looking loco at an affordable price then Hornby’s railroad plus range can’t be beaten.
I’ve bought a few of these Railroad Plus models (the 66s are Railroad Plus, imo) for £50 to 60 or £100ish DCC Sound prefitted and like them. They run well, pull a reasonable load and look colourful on the track all for a modest price. They are robust but how long the motor will last is imponderable. On the other hand, it should be easy and inexpensive to swap as it’s in a single module. These models will never shine using your review method as you score against an absolute value (a comment not a criticism)….a quality v cost adjusted system would bump up the score. While writing, may I take the opportunity to say how much I enjoy your vids, value your detailed reviews, and thank you for the wacky 3d prints I have bought off you. John
Have to say this is just the tts 47 with the tts decoder removed nothing really plus about it for the price i'd at least expect led headlights for the price
Not gonna lie, I quite like this concept. Maybe giving their steam locos a painted cab and the full fonts, I would be quite interested in one. In fact, I'm looking to get the 14xx when it comes back in the full decoration to replace my ageing Airfix one from 1980. I like the Railroad range and this one, considering the very lovely decoration, is something I can see being a success for Hornby especially if the price isn't too bad like this one, less an 100£. Definitely want to see more Railroad and Railroad Plus reviews. I know Hornby is guilty of re-branding Railroad models in Railways packaging, Class 92, 66 are the two you mentioned. I have a 4F, 2P, L&YR Pug and to some extent the P2 which are guilty of this. However, I think we should wait and see if Hornby changes this attitude I can't think of any model in their range today that is guilty of this. Great review, Sam 👍👍 Edit. Having seen your rating on the mechanism, I find it a bit harsh. The five pole motor deserves two stars I think. The rest looks fine to me.
Hi sam great review as always I picked up an nwse railroad plus 47 for 60 euros which is around 50 pounds new didn't really want it but at that price couldn't resist I put some extra weight in and some sound deadning in the hollow of the shell it did state on the box it was railroad plus got some etched name plates also 😂
A Corgi??? This is not a Welsh 🏴 Class 47! Sam, “Galloway Princess” was a Scottish 🏴 based Class 47 and was allocated to Glasgow’s Eastfield MPD and is embellished with Eastfield’s ‘West Highland Terrier’ logo. Have travelled behind this locomotive in this condition on the WCML Carstairs-Edinburgh Waverley Portion. Originally retailed by Hornby at £120 as a Web Exclusive RailRoad Plus Model, picked mine up at a discounted price of £87 at Harburn Hobbies of Edinburgh. Gutted that this ex-LIMA model now being sold for £66!
After this year's SVR spring diesel gala I really fancied a ScotRail class 47, and the only options were a £300 bachmann one or a £90 Hornby railroad plus model, so I went for the latter, separate detail is non existent but it has a fantastic livery, and for me that's fine for the price
Haha no it didn’t, there was a fault with one of the bogies (I suspect Masak rot) where the centre wheels were too low down causing the bogie to pivot… so I removed them and lifted them up a touch, glueing them in place as dummies. I guess they’ve just dropped off over the years unfortunately!
I own one of these. When I started the hobby at 13 years old I couldn't afford a €200 loco, so I picked up this little guy and it does the job. Great that there are still affordable models out there!
Sam please check out the Railroad Plus’s TTS sound fitted versions. My 47 Jack Frost only cost £115. Sound superb and runs smooth. It took about 3 hours to add buffer beam details and paint to the bogies and cab as well as add crew, which makes it indistinguishable from my Bachmann version at more than 2 feet. I would have to spend more than the RR model just for a sound chip for the Bachmann. Ps being DCC it’s slow speed is much better than your test and they seem to have limited the top speed. Plenty of space inside for extra weight but I haven’t found that to be a problem.
What no etched nameplates? Should have been included if its a Railroad Plus model. We just got 3 of Railroad Plus TSX sound fitted class 47 locos with etch nameplates included, Hornby R30321 47200 Herbert Austin at our price of £112.49. This is what makes it a Railroad Plus model. The class 66 u mentioned at the beginning should be Railroad as its based on the old Lima model, and still has no lights, and the class 92 would be Railroad Plus as it got lights.
I would have improved the rating, especially with the mechanism. I'd have given 1* for the 5-pole motor with a 2nd * for the quietness of operation. If you take the DCC socket away, it is literally the Lima model of 35 years ago.
1:52 Good old Hornby, still seemingly hard-wired to shoot themselves in the foot at every opportunity. The branding for this "Railroad PLUS" loco is missing. Just says "Railroad" If you're going to charge a bit more than standard Railroad level, if you were any other company on this planet, you'd make sure that you shouted about that fact on the packaging to justify it. But no, Hornby didn't bother, as you say Sam. I had hoped that the departure of certain management might have had an improving effect. Hmm...
I think you might have a normal railroad model. I have a plus class 47, albeit in Scotrail livery. It is labelled clearly on the end of the box as railroad plus, has etched nameplates for user fitting and is DCC fitted with TTS sound. Suggest you get back to the retailer as this doesn't sound right to me. As a point I've just bought a Railroad Plus Class 55 Black Watch that has fitted HM7000 sound chip and is labelled as such.
The mechanism isn’t bad on these things; the traction tyres are a shame, but the lack of all wheel drive and weight is honestly a non-issue. I’ve a number of the cheaper Hornby diesels and electrics and they’re smooth as anything else, if not smoother. Performance is really unlocked with a decent chip plugged in - I’ve an ex-Lima class 87 that, when an ESU V5 is plugged in, is as smooth and quiet as my super detail alternative. The Zen range of chips by DCCconcepts also gets great results but Hornby’s own chips are a bit naff for slow, smooth control. They really do haul a lot too provided the rolling stock has free running wheels, those little motors have some serious torque and they’re pretty bullet proof too. I can’t recall who did it, but a user on here put a Railroad class 31 to the test and yeah.. it just pulled everything. I love these things. Detail up the buffer beam, add some weathering… you can’t tell the difference from 3 feet away. We need more of this sort of thing in a world full of £200+, limited run models.
Hello Sam, I have on for you, I have two Bachmann Class 25's, both are identical, same running number, both weathered. both have same production number, but one states it is 21 pin DCC ready. The other is 21 pin ready , but nothing on the I D label on the end of the box Your video's are very informative Looking forward to the next. Mick
I usually buy the TTS fitted locos, as very cheap, fit lighting and super detail front ends, add extra weights and hey presto, a very good model...they run well too, better than the higher priced products...I have found ;?they are fitted with pickups on all wheels , a 5 pole motor is also fitted.. They will happily run through Peco Bullhead points.. The coupling on the latest models are the standard NEM design... If you want a big fleet, these are the answer... P.S. the dcc fitted models really do preform well, a very slow creep is really achievable, TTS sound is excellent, which I have now retro fitted to all my locos Hornby , Bachmann , etc..
Interesting if slightly confusing review. One minute you seem to like the next not! I have a Railroad Plus class 57 in green modern GWR colours. Accepting the limitations, I am pretty pleased with it and looks the part on the move with a rake of mk3 GWR sleepers. Have added some detail myself and adding lights next so can be improved but still a very reasonable cost. I have Bachmann diesels too so well aware of the difference however based on your 47 review, I struggle to see where it is worth buying all that weight and detail for £200 but also get a loco that can’t get itself round a corner properly!?
Excellent review, although I think you were a little too harsh. A 6+ score would have been more reasonable, IMO. The other point about these ex-Lima bodied models is that bits don't fall off them as soon as you pick them up, which is a key issue for many modellers, not just youngsters & beginners. Anyway, keep up the good work, sir.
I do not understand why a light in a diesel loco is not a given in 2023. My first 2 HO locomotives in Mid 1980s (an F3 and European Electric loco) were Playart (made in HK) el cheapos that had both lights and can motors
Can't stand the fact they use "Railroad" as the name. Why not "value", "bargain", "starter" or some other name ? We already have too many Americanisms coming into the language with help in products for the home market. If it was aimed at the American market for export, fine but would they buy stuff that looks like its from the70s and 80s ?
I think like most of Hornby it is just inconsistent. I brought a class 20 railroad plus and a class 40 railroad plus. The 20 is quite brilliant for its price. Lots of detail, NEM pockets, very heavy for a smaller diesel. The 40 is more detailed than your 47 and came with separately fitted parts like etched name plates to go over the painted ones. Very light weight though and not a great performer but once moving is decent.
Yeah, I have a Railroad Plus Class 40. The detail is honestly not bad considering it's a budget model - but it has disappointing pulling power: it struggles to haul 3 coaches on anything other than straight and level track. And of course, there will be people who started out with this model: I'm worried that they'll be discouraged from buying further ones!
Personally I think "Railroad Plus" is a bit of silly range to have. IMHO this level of detail and decoration should just be the Railroad range standard. The additional printing is unlikely to cost Hornby more than pence per unit, and those purchasing budget models deserve the best that can be made for the cost. After all, when the Lima 47 first came out 36 years ago, they featured a very similar level of printed detail even then.
I have just brought 2 class 37s to go with my 47 ,I shall not be spending £ 160 to £200 on a loco it’s railroad for me .Smooth running ,fast & slow , no fine detail but you can’t see the detail when running .
I think they are exactly what the hobby needs..If it gets younger people involved then good. The low gearing is prob becuase young people just want it to move quick. Dirty it up a bit with some powder and I bet it'll look grt.
I bought a Railroad Class 47 last year and the 40 'Aureol' this year and both their motors make this chug noise, almost like a Tractor...sadly my 47 struggles with a load of 3+ coaches and one bogey appears to be slanted so the loco runs at a slight tilt, and I've tried to locate the issue with no success. Not had a good Railroad experience
The key take away from this is that simple mechanisms can outperform over complicated ones! When a loco with no bearings, no drive shafts, and only drives one set of wheels can out perform the likes of Bachmann the question is why are we paying so much for unnecessarily complicated drives? For me I would also sacrifice detail for performance, and for that reason alone I would go for the Railroad Plus not the Bachmann, it's just a shame the gearing isn't better.
Came here to see if lighting is fitting as have just bought the TXS fitted version in Hornby's sale. Shame about the lights - wonder if there is a retrofit kit available since they managed to fit them on another RR+ model
Just a suggestion, why don't you buy a 2nd Lima loco, service it and test that as a comparison? I used to have a lot of Lima loco's back in the day and they had similar running properties, if I remember right but made a lot more noise. I do like the look of this 47, LLB locos look really nice
These are great for anyone on a budget or who want a more robust model e.g. kids or older modellers whose eyesight and hand co-ordination aren't what they were. Also people like me who are mainly steam fans but would like a few early diesels but don't want to pay £200+ for one. They one thing that would really improve it is some basic lights like the Railroad HST.
But what do the dealers do? Stock all three of everything made in these ranges? I feel that this Loco's ratings are wrong, it was not reviewed as a Budget + Loco. You listed all the missing things, like no separate fittings, no all wheel drive, no crawl etc. It should have been reviewed as what it is and no it is not for me. (Wrong Era) Martin (Thailand)
I know you keep calling this a budget model, but for many of us, £100 is still not affordable. I tend to buy second hand Lima diesels at around £30 each as that is within my budget. I have a friend who can only afford second hand Triang locos at around a tenner each when he can find them. New models are a no go to us, but we still enjoy our hobby and I don't begrudge anyone who can afford the new releases
The dog is a West Highland Terrier - a Scottie dog. Which is odd, because Galloway is as south west as you can get without being in England. I've seen that logo on a train not that long ago. Possibly the same one?
Im doughtfull this locomotive is the railroad plus model? The level of finish is below railroad plus! They usually give etched name plates and the box says railroad plus enhanced livery so i guess horrnby put that in the listing by mistake???
Sorry Sam but That's not a Corgi but a West Highland Terrier meaning this Engine ran out of the Glasgow depot. Thought you would of done better research on Scottish engines.
Nice review, but I would have given a 2 stars to performance. The old one had 3 poles and this one is a 5 pole motor (you did say). That alone should get a whole star, I think. Cheers!
The couplings situation i guess would be for as much backwards compatibility as they can do with? maybe they are thinking that people who buy in this ranger would have done so for years and thus are more likely than not utilising these rather than more modern (tho that too would be sortable by using an accessory bag with alternatives). just one wierdo's speculation however i do not know what hornby are doing or why, except buying competition because they are unable to defeat them.
If Hornby can do budget well, then great, bring younger people with less spare money into the hobby. Don't be such snobs, remember your roots as youngsters loving life. If you want the best, go buy it, but I bet the youth buying this range will be having more fun.
Why can't Hornby paint a loco? They used to be able too, I had an early Dutchess of Southerland set and the paint was really good, but the lack of care is such a shame on several of their models. For the money though it's not to bad.
Hi Sam I am trying to get some bits together for a display at the Ronald McDonald house hospital in Oxfordshire for the kids this Christmas do you have any old trains and track to donate for us please or do you know anyone we can ask?
Ex Lima model offers a very good base for adding further enhancements if you want to, a much better model than the Hornby tooled class 47 from their original range. They are not up to the same standard as other manufacturers offerings but still a good model for the price.
For Halloween, I did make a moke up of a ghost well tried to it runs, though, so I can't complain. But I would like to see Sam have a go at making one, which will be a pretty good to see his take on a ghost train
