I've just received the Flying Scotsman version of this model from Modellbahnunion in Germany. Massively discounted (I live in France so no customs/VAT issues). It is essentially for display and my main gripe is the lack of a front valence in-fill as provided on the Bachmann 90. I realise this would mean removing the coupler mechanism but I would have been prepared to do that. However, if looked at from 'normal' angles, it's not a deal-breaker (at the price I paid). Overall, I'm quite satisfied but as you say, it is not worth the full price (and I'm used to the prices of some Continental models!). Thanks for the excellent review and I'm very impressed at how you managed to deal with that smudge!
I have the Intercity swallow version of this model, like you I had the original model from 1990 when I was a kid and was so happy to hear finally the class 91 was going to be retooled to a standard the loco deserves and I did plan to buy a second one if it was up to scratch as I model the ECML. I was really disappointed with the model it is a poor runner due to lack of movement in the bogies and the plastic pantograph is shocking for a model of this price. The Bachmann class 90 is far superior and I wish Bachmann or Accurascale had produced a class 91 as this Hornby one feels rushed and certainly out up to the standards of other models in the same price bracket. I so wanted this model to be good and it really wasn’t at all.
@@mrbluesky2050 i absolutely agree, I don’t think Hornby had the 91 on their ‘to do’ list until the threat of yet another manufacturer taking away another of their models they have cornered the market on for decades just like the HST and they had to react.
I was originally considering the Swallow livery. Yes, there is a problem with the overall engineering - the lack of speaker provision, the location of the screws, access to the driver compartment and lack of motorised pantograph. The Bachmann 90 is a more refined model which I got in the Swallow livery. I'm sorry your motor wasn't up to scratch but you're not alone. I was lucky on that front. Thanks for sharing.
Oddly enough, I have 91110 and that does come with a driver fitted. Hornsby got details right - he is wearing an LNER tie - but he appears to be sitting on the wrong side of the cab. Can I suggest you consider adding a “Design” score, to reflect how carefully a model has been designed to allow adding equipment? Putting a TXS into the 91, with a speaker and power bank, was a chore; compared to (for example) the magnetic roof on Accurascale locos, or the pull-out DCC socket on my Dapol Wainright D. Thanks for another great review. I wish I had your painting skills!
Thanks Jeremy. The ease of access for DCC, adding speakers, drivers etc. is definitely something that warrants being called out. I'll be reviewing the scoring scheme again for 2024.
A well balanced review, as ever. You’ve paid for it, and so are entitled to share your views, especially as they are so well considered and thought out. You’re a far more forgiving man than I, however: a £150+ loco with a paint finish problem would’ve been sent straight back to the retailer, with a demand that they refund the postage, as the item was faulty. But I understand why you didn’t do that.
Hi Stephen, I wasn't at all happy with the defect and if I had purchased it from a local model shop I'd have been down there in a flash and would recommend anyone do the same. I realise I took an approach that most wouldn't and even with the circumstances I could have gone either way with it. When I saw it running really well and confirmed the paint I had would do the job, that titled it for me. Thanks for commenting.
Id just like to say thank you. Your no nonsense approach to your reviews finally gave me the go ahead to buy one of these... finally. I got the GNER liveried one with the newer DVT for £200 all in. Lovely models 👍 Thank you for the time and effort you put in for us all, keep up the great work.
Thank you i enjoy watching the reviews you give,i was waiting for you to say how much a full rake of coaches etc would cost,my chin hit the table! But all in all it does look very nice how you had it set up,and your filming is excellent.Thanks again.
Nice review, even though I don't run BR I still watch the reviews, the RRP is really shocking and when you mentioned the total price for the full train and coaches then I just laughed, thanks again for your videos lad. 👏
In addition to the initial price tag, something I found really offputting about these is that I couldn't find any packs like the older models came with. 2 Coaches, 1 DVT, 1 Loco. (they could even cut it down to 1 coach and lower the cost) That said I did get the LNER one discounted and while even the discounted cost still makes me feel bad, I'm happy overall with the product itself. I agree the pantograph is very delicate and I also had the same issues with the couplers between the coach and loco, I thought the buckeye couplers were designed for Mk4s, just as the 91 should be, so was a little surprised by this. (I kept using the Buckeye couplings but managed to get the loco coupling stuck halfway in which gave it enough clearance) Another big plus for me is the new DVT, out the box mine feels a lot more stable than my older tooled GNER one which felt very light and had a habit of jumping off the track when pushed. I've had no such issues with the newer tooled LNER DVT so far.
Looks nice, but the price is holding me back.. 😬 I'd have liked to seen interior lighting in the carriages which would enhance the realism 💡💡I've got 3 sets of the older 91 model with rakes of Mk4's +DVT's in Intercity + East Coast + Virgin Rail liveries, my East Coast has the most car variations 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃
While when these were announced I was tempted by one, even at a discounted price, I couldn't justify it anymore. Have two of the old ringfield versions and I'm happy with them. Thank you for the review of this, it was a really interesting look into the new version of this class. Cheers
I pre ordered this and genuinely wish i hadn't. The first model I received had running issues but the second was okay. I have several 90's which were cheaper and a far superior. I dont think I'll preorder from hornby again. Ive just bought the railadventure hsts on offer at £280 and thats even overpriced. Again quality issues with the finsh and the spinning fans have needed adjustments to get them to work.
Yeah, the notion of pre-ordering Hornby doesn't make sense these days, at least on the diesel side - I can't comment on steam. The Bachmann 90s were more refined models, no issues with my two. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of them where it really depends on what price you can get it for. Given the RRP, anything around £150 should be snapped up as that's massively discounted and, to be fair, a good price given the current market climate. I have the IC 'swallow' version and it runs beautifully, in fact it may be my favourite Hornby locomotive mechanically.
Another excellent review (and not sure why, but strangely calming, maybe it’s your accent🤔) I’d love to see a video interview between yourself and a Hornby designer.
Well spotted. I've since been able to pick up the unbranded coaches for £20 but they were £40 a pop at the time of filming so I was sweating my assets here.
I think you are wise to adopt the philosophy proposed by Peter Dixon in the 'Old Man's Shed' of rectifying faults yourself in preference to sending it back. He points out that you may well get a second-hand model with a bad motor in return! Thanks for uploading.
I have the Battle of Britain livery version runs great with a txs decoder with the class 73 profile switched over to electric sound until Hornby release the profile
Hornby really need to up their game with the internals of their loco's, whether electric or diesel and allow space for proper speakers and decoders and just feel they are struggling to catch up with the new players whose offerings are tooled to allow proper sound not to mention the external details. Also, Hornby need to move to servo/dcc controlled pantographs on their electric models and still keep the model within an acceptable price point but to be honest I doubt they can achieve that with their bloated overheads which in turn result in ridiculous RRP's.
