For a first attempt, Sonic are really proving their worth in the model industry. Maybe it's just because they picked such a beautiful locomotive to start with, or because it looks so good.
From what I have seen from other reviewers it’s a nice locomotive from a new manufacturer, it’s certainly an interesting locomotive in real life with it having the pacific wheel arrangement, I might look into one if they are still available in the future.
Unique look , reasonable pricing , fair runner . Would be an interesting update if you have a go at that front spring set-up . Thanks for the review Sam . 👍👍
This is a very nice looking model from Sonic models. Like what you have said Sam, there are some problems on the model which are noticeable. Overall, it is reasonably priced and a pretty good model to own.
Thanks Bryan - yeah a few minor issues, but I suppose that's quite normal with a new manufacturer... looking forward to seeing what they do next! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think along side value you should ask the question 'How much would Hornby charge' for a loco of that build and quality as that cost wise seemed right. It would be ineresting to see what a different spring would do to the ride quality
haha that's true - Hornby would've changed more - but theirs would probably have fewer of the issues I identified with this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wow, a superb dashing start from a new initiative! I’m persistently candid and I will say that this puts many OO manufacturers we have seen so far to a bit of a shame for that price from our European continental H0 perspective. Although, again no running lights on OO steamers remains a mystery for us, but then it wasn’t always prototypical in Britain to our understanding. However, the balance of value for money is exactly spot on. Looking up Sonic, it seems an initiative of a man called Sam Leung, a former Kader/Graham Farish engineer known for British N scale models. Well, well done for making and reviewing this Sam and Sam. Wonderful.
Linda, Due to UK law requiring all railways to be totally enclosed by fences there was no need for the large powerful headlamps found on European or American steam locos as UK drivers could be reasonably sure of not encountering anything - nor any member of the public need to see trains coming from a great distance. As such the only reason UK locos carried lamps was to identify the type of train (and sometimes on certain companies the route used) to other railway staff like signalmen so it could be identified against timetables and dealt with as appropriate. Because the ‘code’ changed depending on the type of train the lamps used were removable Parkin / oil lamps hung on brackets rather than being permanently fixed in position.
@@philkeller4170 Ah, I see. Thank you for clearing that one up. Makes sense. Powerful lamps mostly was a US thing I believe. The European continental locos used kerosene and were rather low intensity. German steamers even had very small diameter head lamps; for indication only. I can't imagine the driver seeing much ahead by them. Anyway, in H0/OO scale, running lights add an essential feature of basic interest not to be omitted perhaps, however them not always being prototypical, certainly in the case of British outline.
Hey Sam an awesome video as always. It looks like a good model tbh. Currently on the lookout for a Hornby standard 4 with the larger tender and without the larger cab doors.... Anyway, I've an idea for a video, you could test different types of motors off ebay etc to see which performs the best, eg has most torque, smoothest perfomer etc and see which ones win and in turn would be best for kit building etc. Let me know what you think, but for me personally I'd find it quite helpful. Have a great day.
Thanks very much my friend - ahh sounds good, the Std4 is pretty decent from Hornby. And cool idea - thanks very much for that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The 'Brass Valves' you mentioned are oil pots. On the real locos they are filled with oil at the journey start and the oil us fed to items inside the loco through wicks. Looks a very nice model especially for their first 00 loco. Thanks John Harrison. Wirral.
Hi Sam I have this model it's nice overall but it does have some quality control issues. Is the running plate straight on your model? I've read that some have a bowing on the front.
You know, with the reunification of the two halves of the Great Central Railway being nearly done, I kind of wonder if they'd end up doing a replica of one of the A5s as kind of a celebratory thing for the completion of joining the two halves together. And assuming that the rails can handle this engine and stuff.
I would love a new build 9N/A5, mostly because there aren’t many large pre-grouping tank engines around anymore. If we did get a new one, as a personal preference I’d have it be based at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, as I heard some A5s worked at Whitby in British Railway days.
Seeing one at the Great Central Railway would also be great. I wonder if they’ll have their O4/8K and Class 2 new build finished in time for the completion of their reunification project.
I am a Metropolitan enthusiast and enjoy the out of the city lines. I have a C13 so this loco complements my interests. I bought the GCR version to run as a one off br repaint or preserved loco, modellers licence. I had the wow factor when i opened it. The noticeable faults i picked up on are the rough edge to the casting, the huge size of grab rails by the cab doors and the joint on the boiler top. I have not run it yet as it is too deleted expletive cold in the attic. After seeing the review it will be interesting to see how it will eventually pull 6 harrow models white metal met coaches. Overall i feel it is a very good model at a fair price.
Great review and model. It's curious that the front and rear buffers don't match. On pictures I've seen of the prototype in LNER days there were oval buffers at both ends.
This is a stunner! I wasn't all that fussed about it at first sight, but after that video I'm sold! On a related note, how about a "hit parade" type video counting down the top 10 best crawlers in your collection?
The GCR 9N is awesome, especially with the move to die cast ! Most locos have some design criticism. Would love to see the manufacturer produce a GNR C2 LNER C12 442 tank loco.
I see what you mean about the pre-grouping era, beautiful engine design. Makes me feel like building a layout purely around that time which was known as "La Belle Epoque" around 1890's - 1914.
Great video Sam, very nice to see a new company dabbling in OO, I wonder what they'll make next? Shame it has a few issues, but what can you expect from a first release model? Maybe they'll go back and tweak the problems in future? - TIDS
Thanks Monster - yeah I wonder that too!! I think the issues are pretty much to be expected, and overall it's better than I thought it was going to be! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have the LNER lined red version. Had not even noticed that the handrail were different materials as all painted black. Mine came fitted with the lights not loose which was nice. Not a fan of the rear trailing wheel set up as it does not like reverse running but is better after running but still easily derails on tighter corners but do not notice your 2 radius issue and can get it round my quite tight little layout just especially in forward motion. like your comments about the prices other manufacturers make I thought this was very reasonably priced, lovely runner and superb finish just a little bit disappointed about the rear bogie. Otherwise the wait on pre-order has been so worth it. Have not bought a new loco since before Covid so it must be special.
What i have seen with collecting 1:18 scale cars is that manufacturers who previously made cheap models, or new manufacturers in that sector, often step up to the plate to make really good quality or good value models when established manufacturers start to become a bit lazy or greedy with their prices.
I've had mine a fortnight and hadn't noticed any of the faults you've highlighted, even parked next to Bachmann's 11F I didn't notice any difference on the crest and lettering. I'm well pleased with it for the price.
I’ve been having a go at making this in Lego since the model came out. It’ll hopefully be great, but I doubt it will surpass the amazing level of Sonic’s model, which is pretty darn amazing considering it’s their first ever loco.
I like the model and yes the minutest faults do show, and they are not large enough to make the model a no no. I like the wheel arrangement and the coal bunker is a good representation. If I was modelling in 00 , or collecting, it would be one to own. Massive thanks for reviewing the model. A great review, and as per the normal with your reviews, the comments are fair and not demeaning. Good for Sonic in bringing a good model to the hobby. 🎉🎉
@@SamsTrains There are more 4-6-2T locomotives. I'm not sure if any are in model form, but these engines are as follows: Caledonian Railway 944 Class, LB&SCR J1 and J2 classes, LNER Class A8, LNWR Prince of Wales Tank Class, LSWR H16 class, LNER Class A6 (formerly NER Class W1), and LNER Class A7 (formerly NER Class Y). Perhaps if you find one, you can review it here!
Just to add to my previous comment. I see the rear steps are on the end of the loco, i wonder if this is why the MET G, H and K class locomotives had the same treatment in their construction.
Nice locomotive, you should try and change these springs. I would be interested to hear if it resolved some of the running problems. I encountered a similar issue on a N scale model and changing the springs had resolved the running issues. You can definitely see the locomotive is a lot wobblier than the coaches.
I've often wondered if the Great Central loco style was the basis of early clockwork models by Hornby etc. - even the prototype looks as if it should have a hole in the side for a key ... Very enjoyable video, by the way.
As it happens, real life British steam locomotives have sprung buffers, which reduces the risk of damage or derailment when they shunt or couple up to rolling stock. It might not work o n many models because of the big plastic couplings, but it adds to the realism and I suppose it’s a nice gesture to have that helps make prices feel justified.
Arguably the most handsome tank locomotives ever built.(Especially in Great Central livery). I agree with your criticisms but the actual elaborate lining looks very good. I want one!!
Two weeks I'm waiting mine, just being shipped to France yesterday ! And that was a more than one year preorder... Seems Rails of Sheffield has a massive backlog for overseas shipping ! First the instruction leaflet is sober and easy to read, you got the info you need straightforward, a very good point. For the engine : wow ! Looks superb ! Only on the aesthetics, it's already a win. Some minor issues, thanks to point them, not critical and deal-breaker for me. Important, dynamic qualities and drivetrain. For the later, good conception, but a little bit painful to open (but far from Heljan's nightmares !). More than correct dynamic qualities too, a fair puller for small passengers trains, albeit lacking torque. We just need some LNER quadarts to go with her ! Overall, a good start for Sonic Models, hope they will keep on with other models. And best of all, good priced ! I'm longing mine !
I pre ordered mine right at the first notice for these locos and was waiting nearly 2 years. Very carefully un boxed my loco to find the cab roof was adrift at the front and one cab door was lose in the bottom of the packing. There was no external damage to either outer or inner box it was packed in so the only thing I put it down to was not assembled right at the factory. The loco has been returned to Rails for either repair or replacement, it never made it to the track.
Aw man I've been waiting for this review! Uploading while I'm in the currently constructing the benchwork for my 1st layout is perfect timing as usual Sam. Can't wait to see this one running on this layout one day
You were lucky. It is a lovely loco but several of us have had issues with the front pony. Someone looked into this and it seems to do with the spring leaking through the screw hole. For me, the wheels locked backwards then worked ok (shown in in my video). Some have solved it by adding a washer to keep the spring in check. I've bought a spring from another loco front pony to try. Other than that I love it. I've had one on order for months. Like you, the GCR is local to me so I also have the other loco. I understand the lead worked for Farish, so he is experienced but with N gauge.
Tank engines are my favorite. That’s why I love British engines the variety of tank engines that we don’t have in the USA. I really like the livery on this model. The detailing is great. I would love to buy one but I don’t know how to get it from the dealer you mentioned. Great video Sam keep them coming.
As a lover of tank engines this is a fantastic looking loco, but doubt I'll be buying one, mainly it's a little out of my price range, plus I don't do DCC, and never will, I'm very 'old school' so, and like many of my friends in this league, we don't want cab detail, sprung buffers(that will never come into use) lights, f/box glow etc., nor to be DCC ready, so if manufacturers omitted these details and made some basic 'railroad' models, they would have a few sales from us 'old timers' - just my thoughts, great review though.
Hi Sam, I have the LNER green version, 5167 and the printing is sharp and the number is nicely red shaded and it has black buffers. My only complaint is that the free axle of the rear truck has a habit of derailing when running in reverse over my complicated points system. Running in on DC over the recommended time period of one hour in each direction reduced what little noise there was and after fitting the DCC decoder the locomotive was really responsive and smooth running on all curves. Six suburban coaches were no problem for the locomotive. I am so pleased with it that I have just ordered another in LNER black. In general I agree with your conclusions but in my case a stiffer spring on the rear axle would be useful so my performance score would reduce to 3.5 stars. Keep up the good work.
Could it be possible to swap the front and rear bogie springs? Then you would have a stiffer one in the rear, and a lighter on at the front for easier turning around curves.
@@InventorZahran Hi, the front bogie spring is fine I have just replaced the rear one (its a fine hair spring) with a slightly stiffer one. and it seems to work better but not yet perfect. Thanks for the suggestion
Great review. Pre ordered model, very excited when it came sadly my loco didn't move when taken out the box. After running init developed a horrible very noticeable squeak when going round curves and was prone to cutting out. Also would regularly derail on my 2nd radius curves. ( I have locos with similar wheel configurations that run on my layout fine). Sent it back to rails of Sheffield where it's currently with their technical team hopefully issues are related to my model only.
I just ordered mine in lner black as I needed another lner tank engine and there doesn't seem to be many on the market, seeing as the only other lner tank engines I have are the j50 and j70. I also didn't want to get the v1/v3 from bachmann as I've heard they are to basic in detail for the price.
Heljan BR class 28, OO9 scale models. When will Sam’s Trains ever actually do those things? I’ve been waiting Patiently for a long time now, and I don’t see any results.
I pre-ordered one, they finalised it and took the money the same day Hattons took the money for their genesis coaches. Irritating but not a major problem. Got everything unpacked and ready for a running in session, turns out the curves on my layout are too tight for the A5 and the genesis coaches. I got one and a half circuits from this before it derailed and two from the coaches (behind another loco) before they all derailed. Major problem. Looks like I need to find space to build a new layout...
Hi sam I hope you are well I got and review the same as you. The price is pretty good Alot of die cast Only issue I have with the model is more pick ups But over all a great model Thank you for sharing your opinion and model with us Keep safe ARP
Thanks a lot Adi - yeah very pleased with this, glad you are too! Yeah a few more pickups would have covered them, but I didn't have any cut-outs with mine - did you?? Thanks for watching, Sam :)
stupid idea, but I had this image in my head that has stuck with me. in thomas the tank engine, there was the episode of tenders and turntables, where thomas commented that Gordon should ditch his tender and get a nice bunker instead. a loco like this, probably not this one, is what I had pictured. I actually imagined a Baltic style with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement. I get that this makes very little sense, but its a fun "what if"
I got mine last week,S4101-07 BR lined black early emblem,69804,lining, I thought was good and the numbers on the bunker well defined, but the emblem on the tanks rather fuzzy and pale. Also, mine unfortunately came with the lamps attached express code on front, and the tail lamp on the top bracket on the back of the bunker, which I wasn't too pleased about. I also think that the bunker coalrails look rather plastic and flimsy, otherwise, no complaints.
After you present a loco that doesn't have all the wheels with same gauge and especially if it slows down or derails on tight curves are you trying to fix it? It might work better. Since I'm following you and you've mentioned about gauging I've checked all my models. And the ones that didn't have the right gauge or different gauges on every wheel seems to work better after some adjustations. For example I have a small 2 axle shunter , on one axle it had 14,3 , on the other one 14,6 and it keept on cutting. After adjusting both axles to be 14,4 it works better.
Yea that logo reminded me of the Arnold's. But a "Pacific" tank loco? I'm interested! Also the lack of walve-gear representation makes everything much cheaper to design, and manufacture, so the for the price.
Not a bad locomotive from Sonic Models, just needs a few things to be improved to bring it to "A" grade. (The tampo printing on the body, the railings, motor, coal bunker detail).
Hi Sam. I’m trying to persuade my other that I need a Hornby 100 year Flying Scotsman. Do you or anyone know anything about the quality and they claim they’re limited edition. Any help appreciated.
Well there goes my overtime pay this month... The only issue is the GCR one was always the one the caught my eye, but on closer inspection the LNER black one looks absolutely stunning....
Sonic Models only came about in 2018 and was formed by former Graham Farish (Bachmann N scale) designers. They only have two N scale steam locomotives and a box van tooling available exclusively at Rails Of Sheffield
Does anybody know if the new Hornby Next18 sound decoder will work with this loco? It does have a Next18 socket, so it should work, but I don't know if the inbuilt speaker and wiring provided by Sonic will work with the new Hornby Next18 sound decoder. I am tempted to give it a try, but thought it worth asking if anybody else has tried it already.
Good morning Sam. I had never heard of Sonic models so I took the plunge to acquire this locomotive from Rail's and my favoured engine was L N E R black with red linings. What a lovely locomotive. Very impressed with the detail, mechanism and PRICE. Then i watched your review and I'm glad i went with my feelings and bought one . 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Great video Sam thank you.
Well I seem to be he only one who thinks that stalling on 2nd radius curves isn't acceptable - and in fact I would consider it a pretty big issue. I've got a Flying Scotsman that will go at any speed on 1st radius, never mind 2nd - and my small layout only has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, so if I'd bought this it would have only run properly on the outside track - glad I didn't!
Yep, mine slows on 2nd radius curves as well and it annoys me. It can crawl realistically out of my station and accelerate through a transition curve, but then slow down again as the curve gets tighter (2nd radius). A pity, as it looks so good, so it can only run well on my outermost loop.
@@richardhiggins6471 Yes, but what worries me is we seem to be increasingly willing to pay what are large sums of money for things that don't work properly - I mean all a model loco has to do is run smoothly and reliably, and that's my number one criteria, and it outweighs everything else put together, so if it can't even do that, it's really more of an ornament in my view...
@@SuperJ333 I agree that smooth running is my number one priority too. Fine detail matters less, especially as I know that OO gauge track is at least 2mm out of scale. As for why we pay high prices for goods which are less than ideal, I suppose it depends on what the alternatives are. If, like me, you model BR (ex LNER) then you might be very keen on an A5, and the only alternative is kit-building one yourself. Kits for less common models on ebay tend to work out at around £100 or more, plus you need the skills to build and paint them. I can build rolling stock alright, but have struggled to produce smooth running metal locos, so I have stuck to ready to run (or body kits on ready to run chassis). Most of my model locos have been bought secondhand and it's rare that I spend £150 on a brand new loco. From this experience, it will remain rare!
I wonder if we'll ever get a new manufacturer that brings out budget locos. Perhaps it's not financially viable anymore to box shift larger qty of lower spec...
In certain shots it looks like the spring is pushing the front of the loco upwards so most of the weight is going through the rear drivers, which may be why is struggling in the bends. Don't you have a Bachmann J11 ? Another GCR loco, although I'm not sure it came in that companies livery.
