A class 47 was my first ever loco back in the early 90s (part of the Woolworths Royal Mail train set and is still running on my layout today) and always holds a special place in my heart! I've been super impressed with the reviews of this new model so far but nothing has made me want to pull the trigger on one yet (mainly price and livery I'm after) but this review has come the closest! watching it go round your layout has been really fun, and as always your style of narration and down to earthiness has really stood out! The two tone green looks stunning and seeing it pull those marroon MK1's is also really nice to see! Thank you.
I can definitely understand why you and many others out there are hesitant as it is a lot of money. The good thing is that Bachmann have invested a lot in this tooling so it'll be around for a while to come and I'm sure they'll be doing every livery under the sun (fingers crossed for the one you want!). Really glad you enjoyed the video though! I try not to "influence" people too much but just let my own enthusiasm show in the hope that it'll allow people to make up their own minds. Thanks for watching 😃
I love how you've not added background music over the top for the running session - allows the loco to 'sing'. A great looking (and sounding) loco, but I couldn't justify buying one myself due to the price - it well well actually be good value for money, but it is still a lot.
I paid extra for the sound so I'm gonna make you listen to it 😆 No I felt it was an integral part of the review so it was more important for people to listen to that than have background music. If I get any other sound fitted models in the future I'll probably do the same. I can definitely see the how the price will put off a lot of people - I think even for me I'm going to have to be a lot more selective of which models I buy in the future. Thanks for watching 👍
I think Bachman and Hornby are going way over the top with their prices these days. You are being very generous in your comment’s about the window. At the price paid, to receive a broken model is, in my view, a disgrace. Where is the quality control? You shouldn’t have to repair a loco pushing a retail price of £400! I’ll be giving it a miss. Very thorough review though, which will no doubt be helpful to potential buyers. Glad you are happy with your purchase, enjoy! Happy Christmas Keith
Hey Keith, no you're right about the popped out window and I was quite generous in the video as I'm hoping it'll be an easy fix. If that isn't the case though or I find anymore problems with it I'll have to return it which is a shame because it's a fantastic model, but for £315 it has to be perfect. Thanks for watching 😃
This is a brilliant model. Managed to get mine just before Xmas 2021. You are right about the windscreen which fell out at both ends. Also had an issue with the drive mechanism so both were fixed by Bachman under warranty. Even so she now runs flawlessly on my Bakewell layout and I love the working fans, sound and coasting features + the brakes. She pulls a rake of 6 Pullman coaches normally effortlessly I have had the locomotive now for 8 months and will send her away to be professionally weathered at some point. Yes the price was a bit high but seems everything is these days and I dont purchase as much as I used to. I am now waiting for special occasions to get something I like.
Glad to hear Bachmann have sorted yours out! From my own experience they do tend to have a very good returns/repair system in place. I do think you're right about the price - gone are the days where a lot of us would get a model we don't really need just because it was a bargain. Now we have to be more selective and when we do spend a lot of money, the model has to blow us away! Thanks for watching 😃
I'm a fan of the fans as well, i'm waiting for Hornby to bring out the the new HST yellow/blue pack with working fans on both power/dummy cars, love the fact they can be operated independently, mind you Accurascales class 31 & 37 have working fans.
Yeah I think that will be a lot of people's reactions. I'm "lucky" in the sense that I've never had a big diesel like this before so it's all new to me. But for those who have the previous version it's probably not that much of an upgrade. Thanks for watching 😃
It's a fine line to balance - I do think the prices are high but I still bought the model so obviously I was willing to pay that price. I try to stay fairly neutral and let people make their own minds up. Thanks for watching 😃
I do fancy getting one of these but I was surprised to see that CAB 2 windows had fallen out plus the warning yellow bleed lines were poor. Did you notice CAB 1 near side vertical hand rail was broken at the top fixing point. Sounds great
Yes it is a shame about the cab windows. Like I said in the video it looks like it will be relatively easy to sort but not something you want to have to do on an expensive model like this. Thanks for watching 😃
Excellent, sounds like it's going to be a very good Christmas then! Yeah I definitely think there is an argument for having fewer locos but all kitted out to a very high standard. Thanks for watching 😃
A really excellent review of an iconic prototype. The model looks/sounds/runs very well, but the review is tops. A lot going on in this model, no wonder the price!
I know, nearly £400 at the RRP too! Bachmann have always been expensive but if this is where prices are going I'm really going to have to cut back on new models 😂 Thanks for watching 👍
Is that a W1 sitting in the fiddle yard during the running session? While I don't have an interest in getting one myself, it's always interesting to hear others thoughts on models that have been released and whether they're worth it. Cheers
Blimey, you've got keen eyes! You may see it making an appearance on the channel shortly... there's too many new locos coming out at the moment for me to keep up with! Thanks for watching 😃
Me too, but Bachmann really lured me in with this one! 😂 If there was any diesel I was going to get, it was a Class 47 so I figured I might as well go the whole way and get the version with all the bells and whistles. Best of luck with your search and thanks for watching 👍
I made an Original Character based off the BR class 47, specifically, the one with the exact same number in this Video. She is one of my Female OC’s, and her name is Hazel.
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I’m guessing it wouldn’t have all functions available on the HM7000 system operated by the iPhone app though. ???! What do you think. I am struggling to get my Arduino command station working.
This has a Plux22 decoder socket and as far as I know Hornby don't make a Plux22 version of the HM7000 decoders. Very few manufacturers do, I think it's only Bachmann that use them really.
I think it was worth it the sound was great and the details look great too. I like that the fans work and the lighting on it. Thank you for the review. MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖
I suppose it's because very few locos (steam or diesel) come with crew figures included as standard but I agree, why is that the standard. It's an interesting question but not one I have the answer to I'm afraid. Thanks for watching 😃
I don't blame you, it is an excellent all round loco! Considering how much Bachmann have invested in this I reckon we'll be seeing lots more of these in the future. Thanks for watching 😃
Looks excellent. I probably won't be getting one at the moment (since I already have one of the previous Bachmann 47s), but they've done a great job with it!
Yeah I'd agree with that. They are fantastic locos but if you've already got the previous version I'm not sure it's that big of a leap, especially with the price increase. Thanks for watching 😃
The one you have will have a driver, this one does not. I have 32-806DS this has a driver. However, I do like the cooling fans but in the real world of loco running I would be more irritated by an empty cab than fans I would hardly notice once carriages are on the loco, and other ambient noise added into the mix.
@@PaulBriden Good points. Mine does indeed have a driver - and on my locomotives that do have rotating fans (e.g. Hornby Class 31/50), I hardly notice them.
Nice review mate. Bachmann really have done a good job at this one. I love the tinted windows and the moving fans it just adds another element of realism to the model. A shame about the broken window hopefully you can fix it. For 315 pounds that is pretty reasonable. - Nicholas.
Thanks Nicholas, yeah it really is a stunning model and is great fun to have running round the layout. The windscreen is annoying but I'm sure I'll be able to slot it back into place when I'm feeling a bit braver. Thanks for watching 😃
With the price of models (or anything that was shipped half way around the world) going up it seems like these prices are going to be with us for a long time. All manufacturers build in margins and sell them to retailers at a reduced price so we are going to be relying on these retailers to offer these new models at a more palatable price. In doing so I hope they are not putting their own business at risk. We want and need these retailers. The model itself looks great and shows off DCC at its best.
Yeah you've hit the nail on the head there Stephen. I think as well that, as Bachmann have added more bells and whistles to this loco, they can justify the higher price. It certainly seems like the Deluxe versions have bene the most popular so far. I agree about us needing the retailers too. I always try to support them where I can and as far as I know Bachmann don't sell direct anyway so it's even more imperative. Thanks for watching 😃
Hoping another run of these with different running numbers will not be too far away. Now I have seen the fans working wish I had gone for that upgrade as went for sound fitted only. Perhaps next time if I save the pennies (sorry pounds). Remarkable how smooth and quiet the drive is. It's so good it seems a shame to turn the sound on!
I think that's almost a certainty! Bachmann have invested a lot in this new tooling so that they can produce every possible variant. I expect we'll be seeing several new runs announced every year for quite a while yet. Thanks for watching 😃
Looks a great model and for what you get it does like you get a lot of quality with it. Not sure it is worth £370 but at the same time £300 seems pretty reasonable for what you're getting. I do like the attention to detail and the way the lighting on the sides plus the working fans. Those are great little additions. As much as you're not gonna notice them that much when it's moving around it's a nice thing to have on it. Great video on the new loco and hope you get lots of fun with it. Hope to see it on the next live stream. I know, you run the Roco Z21 control system. Could I trouble you to get an opinion on it? Do you run the full or express version? Thanks Tim
Hi Tim, yeah I agree. £370 is bonkers but the retailer price is much more reasonable considering you get the sound pre-installed and the extra features too. I've actually noticed the fans kick on several time when I've been running it - it helps that it's accompanied by the sound too! I certainly hope it will feature on the next livestream too! As for the Z21, I really like it. I have the full version and I've found it very easy to use and setup, especially as I'm not used to DCC but I am used to doing things on my phone. A bit like this Class 47 it comes with a premium price tag but you get quality for that and the best thing is that it just works. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
@@LetsGo_41 A locomotive still needs a driver mate, how can it be realistic with no driver. People do drive locomotives. It is not even subjective like a colour, a logo, a type, or a brand. Bachmann claims the loco is realistic, this is the deluxe model. The glass falls out. Your money and what you buy is up to you. Its like all these gadgets, once you have shown all the people you know the fans work, how often are you going to notice them.....I tell you what, everyone will notice the loco has no driver everytime you run the loco. Bachmann 32-806DS and 31-656 have drivers. I have 9 Bachmann class 47 locos of which 3 are DCC with sound, they all have drivers.
@@PaulBriden Well, then don't buy this model it makes no odds to me. I am not bothered whether people will notice or not as most people I know aren't interested in model railways so won't be interested. If I decide to buy one and it annoys me not having a driver then I'll add one. Either way it still doesn't sway my view that £300 is a good price for the model and that £365 is over priced. I like what Model Railway guy has to say about it and what the model has to offer.
A couple of years on prices do tend to go down a bit once it's not the latest item anymore. Probably a reaction to the new Heljan 47 as well to make it a more attractive option. Thanks for watching 😃
Hiya, even the standard DCC Ready Class 47s from Bachmann have speakers pre-fitted so you should only need to add a decoder to get sound. I believe Bachmann sell the sound decoders separately so you check those out if you want the sound I demonstrated in this video. Alternatively you could try YouChoos - I've been very pleased by their sound decoders that I have installed in other locomotives. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy ah interesting! I looked up my Bachmann 32-817, and model rail database states that it's sound decoder ready.... I shall investigate!
I opened mine up and I can't see that there's already a speaker in it. It has 2 terminals marked L & R so I think these are the speaker connections. I don't think there's any additional space in the chassis where a speaker would be hidden. I think it's meant to sit over the "well" on top of the chassis close to these connections.
Awesome, they are great aren't they! Yes you can turn the sound down, I had the same thought when I first got mine too 😆 You change one of the CVs to set the overall volume - I can't remember which particular CV but I'm pretty sure it was listed in the instructions as I'm very much a DCC Sound novice! Thanks for watching 👍
Hey Sean, I haven't experimented with it personally but I would imagine there must be some way to achieve that. The sound instructions from Bachmann seem pretty comprehensive. Thanks for watching 😃
I purchased one of these (secondhand) a few weeks ago and on first receiving it I was pIeased regarding the condition of the modei. However, upon powering it up it made the most horrendous noise at anything more than sIow speed, start up proceedure sounded fine. I upgraded the speaker but that made no difference and repIaced the originaI speaker back into the modeI. I now find that when it's sat on the track (turned off) there is an eIectricaI sounding buzz coming off of it. I've checked the wiring for short circuits but can't find anything amiss. I'm now stuck with a £150 ornament that I can't even Ieave on the track in case it shorts out and causes damage. Anyone eIse had these issues?
Oh no, that really sucks! Have you tried putting in a different decoder at all? It could be that the loco is fine and it's just a faulty decoder - still not ideal but at least it would narrow down the problem. Depending where you got it from they may still be able to help you if you weren't able to test a secondhand loco before buying (ie: Online). But I can't say I've experienced anything like this myself. Hope you're able to get it sorted and thanks for watching 👍
If definitely seems like a nice model, and the bells and whistles and what makes it worth buying in my opinion, that said it is really pricey, not an easy model to simply pick up for that price... in USD it’s over $400, and while the features are nice, part of me feels that money could be better spent on upgrading a layout (or on a steam engine with my bias on engine preference haha), that said it doesn’t seem like a waste of money, it seems like Bachmann’s put in enough effort to justify the price for a change.
Yeah I think if you don't already have a 47 and want one AND can make use of all the extra features on DCC then it's a great model - but if not you're probably better of hanging on to the previous Bachmann models or keeping an eye on Heljan's new one. Thanks for watching 😃
Have Bachmann missed yellow paint off the centre axleboxes on one end or is that how they came ? But on pricing itll soon hit £400. Love the engine room lights and the dimming lighting as the loco is fired up.
The missing yellow paint on the centre axle box is how they came - it's because of the speed cable I think which is more noticeable on the other side. Yeah I love the light dimming too! Just shows the lengths Bachmann are going to now when they program their decoders. Thanks for watching 😃
Oh dear, same error as all the other class 47's. Until refurbished [in the 80's?] it was impossible to switch on both tail lights at the same time. The desk switch for the tail lights were [same end] push for ward for left, centre off and back for right. Refurbished models were both on or off.
Yes true, though I'm not sure how many people will notice - especially if they're mostly off anyway when running with a train. I think there was talk on one of the forums about adjusting the CVs for this but I'm not sure what the outcome was. Personally I don't mind as my layout is intended to be a heritage railway so it's feasible that a refurbished loco has been repainted back into the BR two tone green livery. Thanks for watching 😃
It is a really nice loco to run! The prices are high but for someone who really wants a Class 47 with all the bells and whistles (or horns rather!) then I think it's worth the money. Thanks for watching 😃
This looks fantastic, another great video. I’m going to be building a diorama over the festive season, is it possible to run a loco a short distance on a diorama? Do you have a video covering what might be involved to achieve this? Keep up the good work 🚂
Hey there, it kind of depends how big your diorama is. I haven't done anything on this specifically but I do refer to my shunting plank Pickwick Yard as a large micro layout so you might want to check out some of those videos perhaps. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy ok thanks, will check those out, the diorama is only 1 metre long, so not far to travel at all, wish I had the space for a bigger layout. Can’t wait to get stuck in to some static grass application, I’ll be following your helpful videos around that.
So far it's definitely been one of the best runners I've come across. The DCC braking function makes it really interesting to drive too which is a fun challenge in itself. Thanks for watching 😃
I didn’t think the green locos had the tinted windscreen . I thought it was brought in in BR Blue days . Is there a reason there isn’t an axle cover on the second bogie?
I'll be honest I'm not an expert but I imagine Bachmann will have done the research. As for the axle cover I believe it has a speed cable instead, it's more apparent on the other side. Thanks for watching 😃
If you check out some of my other reviews you'll see that the rolling road I use is designed for locos driven at one end, where the Class 47 here has all wheel drive. Additionally, the point of the rolling road test is to see how the loco performs. With a steam engine it's easy to see the wheels and motion moving but with a large diesel like this, watching the wheels (that are partially hidden behind the bogies) is a lot more tricky. Having the loco actually run up and down a piece of track is visually more interesting in this instance and is something I do with all the large diesels I review. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
Great loco review, love the class 47, all the little bits like fans and thee tinted Windows really add to the affect and the sound it amazing, this is definitely the best class 47 you can buy today and I do like a 47, definitely thinking about getting one after watching thus video, again great video 👍🏻
Yes I really do think Bachmann have made the definitive Class 47 here. In some ways I do feel sorry for Heljan who are currently working on their own one as it could end up being a bit redundant now. Thanks for watching 😃
Isn't Daisy meant to be a passenger bubble car, something like Class 121? Even so I think the Bachmann Thomas range is all HO scale rather than OO so it's unlikely to happen. Thanks for watching 😃
It should be pointed out that Bachmann fixed the issue without hesitation and free of charge. But yeah if you don't mind the older tooling go for that and save the money. Not everyone will agree with you of course but there's no point getting worked up about it, just enjoy the hobby in your own way. Thanks for watching 😃
What’s the point when you can’t buy the “deluxe” version of the 47? My local dealer tells me Bachmann are not delivering his orders the reps don’t even call. I pre ordered a Bachmann class 20 months and months ago and he can’t get a delivery from Bachmann. I even contacted Bachmann and asked when they would be delivering to my dealer and they just said ask him what a totally crap company. I try and support my local dealer but it seems that’s no longer possible. When l went to a box shifter l had delivery next day and they told me they had 52 in stock. So Bachmann are not supporting the smaller trader. Why don’t Bachmann get enough stock (of the 47) so they can be purchased other than pre ordering? In the good old days before the dreaded China appeared and things were made in the UK they could do another production run if demand was there instead of being at the mercy of a manufacturer on the other side of the world. The “just in time” system does not work as the evergreen ship grounded in the canal demonstrated recently. ( l really wanted one as l used to drive the real thing out of Kings cross)
Considering Bachmann have made a pretty hefty investment on this new tooling I think it's safe to say that they'll be making more Class 47's for many years to come. Have you checked to make sure your local retailer is definitely an official Bachmann stockist though? If they aren't getting any of the new products that are high in demand it sounds like they may not be as I can't say I've heard of any other retailers (big or small) that haven't had their allocated stock for the new products... lately that's been more of an issue with Hornby. Thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy yeah a got 47375 and it’s so smooth running and the sounds are top class I went for the middle of the road price, kinda wished a had spend the extra £26 lol.
Att that price they can stick it where the sun does not shine. At least I can say it like it is unlike so many others who shall never even be able to purchases it. You know the ones who say its great all the time and they are throathing at the mouth types
If you think it's too expensive then just don't buy one. You're entitled to your own opinion and I'm entitled to mine and I'm very pleased with it despite noting the fact that it is a very expensive model. Thanks for watching 😃
I have 32-806DS which is fairly new in itself. What you get with yours that mine does not have is the engine fans, lights looking into the engine compartment, the glass, the lower orange pipe work. I do not know what speakers mine has because I have not taken it apart. The actual body is the same as far as I can see. It is worth noting that engine compartment lights are nothing new to Bachmann, they did it with the Class 85 model, 31-677. To me the most important thing this does not have, despite all the money you have spent is a driver, yes a driver. How can a loco be realistic without a driver. All my class 47 locos have drivers. I have two that are in two tone green, the afore mentioned and 31-656, both with drivers. To me this is what makes this a waste of money. In anyones book a loco without a driver is useless it does not move. How can moving fans be realistic with no driver to move the locomotive.
Ah, but which end would you put the driver in? Some would say it would be less realistic if they added a driver to one end but not the other, or two drivers in each end. We don't tend to get driver figures with steam loco models either so I think Bachmann are just following the standard here. The body is a completely new tooling but a Class 47 is a Class 47 so it's not going to look radically different from the previous versions. Thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Sadly I will have to beg to differ. For one, putting a driver in a steam loco is easy, unhook or disconnect the tender and in they go. Taking a diesel apart can be a different proposition, almost impossible with some to put a driver in. As for not following a standard, incorrect. I have 9 Bachmann class 47 locos and they all have drivers in , this is there own standard. A good question, do you put a driver in each end. Well I have seen a driver sitting in each end of a diesel loco on several occasions, or a member of staff. I saw a member of staff sitting in what would be the back of a class 66 only a couple of weeks ago. I think this is personal choice here. I tend to take the body off and add a driver if it is easy to do so, if not I stick with one and run the loco with the driver facing forward.
The prices are a piss-take, even at the retailers. There is no way that poor sound should be anywhere near a loco at those prices, Bachmann are complete amateurs when comes to sound fitment and production on their loco's....no depth and hollow.
I mean, it'll always come down to personal opinion but I didn't think the sound was hollow at all. Remember it'll never sound exactly as it does in the room when recorded then uploaded and compressed through RU-vid. If you get a chance to hear one in person that's probably the best, even if you don't end up changing your mind. Thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy yeah but it's a pretty good indicator and to me that sound isn't great for such an expensive model. Ok for example, listen to the Accurascale Class 55 and you'll see what I mean.
Ran my sound version this morning and it is a lot better 'live' rather than in this recording. Having Suttons class 24's with great sound for comparison I would say this is not too far away. It will be interesting to see if Roads and Rails think it is worth a speaker upgrade
Am sorry how much and the cab doors don't open wtf. Sometimes Bachmann come up with some great ideas. Hobby getting to expensive in my opinion Keep safe arp
Are cab doors really a thing that people want though? I know Hornby experimented with a while ago but they seem to have dropped it now. I guess it'll always come down to personal opinion but I'd much rather have the tinted windows and operating fans. Can't argue with you about the hobby getting expensive though. We seem to have had a very drastic increase in prices this year (for obvious reasons) but it seems Bachmann are leading the charge. Thanks for watching 😃
Thanks glad you enjoyed it! Yeah I think some people will find this just too expensive and that's understandable, we all vote with our wallets so to speak. Thanks for watching 😃
@barnabyjoy They are if you want to attract young people into the hobby - problems in the industry relate to the poor decision to move production to China and has failed to turn out as well as hoped. This is why manufacturers such as Hornby are now in the process of reshoring production back to the UK
Haha, yeah I reckon if I'd stuck to my usual interest of small industrial locos I'd probably be in the same boat. I'm too easily drawn in by the latest big and shiny models on the market though 😂 Thanks for watching 👍
I would say Bachmann are still more expensive than Hornby. Aside from the Live Steam range or the special edition Dublo locos, I've not seen a Hornby loco come anywhere close to the RRP of this 😅 Funnily enough I've also found Hornby to be more reliable than Bachmann too in recent years. Personally I've sent at least 5 locos back to Bachmann for repairs/refunds as opposed to just 1 for Hornby - but it's down to each individuals experience I suppose. Thanks for watching 👍
Manufacturers have lost me now, I'll never buy new again, don't forget they're paying ridiculously low wages in China and these are mass produced. Quality ? Yes overpriced? Yes. Bachmann quality is still the best running overall , but enough is enough, I'm out.
I think the increase of wages in China, along with the shipping costs, is a big reason why we've seen the prices increase this year. But that is a good stance to take if you do feel the prices are too high. If enough people stop buying the models then manufacturers will stop making them so expensive and revert to more cost effect solutions instead. Thanks for watching 😃
