Hi Sam. Unfortunately my health took a nose dive in 2016. I could no longer work. After a long period in hospital I finally got home. Needing something to occupy my time, I was browsing through U tube & discovered Sam’s Trains. It reminded me of my older brothers set when we were kids. Anyway I got started & built a layout & really enjoyed it. It’s been a life saver for me. I now have a reasonable layout, & have plenty of things to do on it yet. It certainly satisfies my artistic & engineering side. I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. My wife & I have both had time in England & absolutely loved it. I really enjoy the English steam trains & especially the English scenery, so have based my layout on English steam & scenery. My first train was a B2 Pecket on your recommendation. Absolutely love it. Thanks again Sam for all your helpfully information. Ralph. From down under.
I'd totally love to see a bottom 50 list and a top 50 list of locomotives ignoring value! Also I see you had to exclude the Heljan 1361 and Heljan Tango from the top 50 list as they are clearly perfect models and would easily put any other models- or real life locomotives at that- to shame.
Yes, Gresely's Big Engine policy - and the later efforts of Peppercorn - have left a legacy of cracking locos for us to enjoy. The GER's Holden made a few decent locos too, and even Thompson's B1 is has its attractions. The A4s are a perennial favourite, but I think overall the P2 Mikados are top of my personal list. Their sheer size & muscular presence- even in OO scale - is awesome!
This was a very good watch! I would love to see a list that you consider to be your BEST models, regardless of price/value. And then the worst that have given you the most trouble over the years since you’ve bought them
Good idea, big list of all the yearly lists based upon scores awarded back in their respective review. Rewarding audience of old who were here for a while and helping newcommers see the general trends. Infact across the makers it also speaks volumes of their trends. Regarding more lists i reckon it could be a regular (maybe annual?) feature, something like Best, worst, most exciting or most disappointing. I do enjoy the stigmatization of ratings especialy with added highinsight of more recent times and progress of the hobby or hell even hobbyist in this case.
Funny story Sam I got my Dapol 2-6-0 for £35. Because the seller said it was a Bachmann D11 but it was really a gwr 2-6-0, so I got a really great bargain ;) Cheers Jasper & Willow
Sam, this is such a useful video, thank you. It’s also so seamless and flows so naturally it’s too easy to overlook the hours you must have spent editing countless clips and putting the script together, not to mention all the effort in conducting the reviews in the first place. Despite my occasionally questioning some of your scores (and others your methods) you do us Railway Modellers all a tremendous service with your thorough reviews and this Top 50 summary is a great testament to your hard work over the last several years. A ‘Bottom 50’ might be fun but a Top 50 omitting the Value scores could be far more instructive, given how fickle prices have become in the last 2-3 years.
Yes please - do both. The Bottom 50 would be great for Hallowe'en - a real horrorshow. What would be good for us newer (re-)entrants into model railroading, is the top 10 or 20 for value, perhaps split between above and below 100 pounds.
@@SamsTrains ahhhh, it’s a future review! Bit of a spoiler, but I do enjoy reviews when you are impressed with the model (though I also enjoyed “triggered” Sam 🤣), so I shall look forward 👍
Sam - I would add that AS A MATCHED PAIR, Hornby's A1 and A3 (in original and final conditions) are a must, and must rank in the top three. The original releases from the much lamented 'SK' factory were perfectly finished, and with none of the 'ski-jump' running plates from which these models later suffered. My reasons for my rating were due to details which would have been so easy to overlook. 1470/1470N 'Great Northern' (A1). Obviously the boiler fittings are higher than in later years, and also the buffer-beams aren't cut-away at the corners. Cab detail included just 'benches' rather than the later bucket seats for the crew. Also the GNR original pattern tender (only used for the first batch of A1s (1470 to 1481) - compare with the 1924 standard tenders as modelled in the A1/A3's later incarnations. The crowning glory of the Hornby's model of the original condition A1 is in the area of the cylinders: short-travel valve gear. The longer combination levers used with the short-travel valves is beautifully caught by Hornby - a level of detail that many specialist scratch-builders could miss. A true gem of a model. 60049 'Galtee More' in the final A3 condition, right at the end of the Pacifics' reign on the ECML. Continuing the above, the long-travel gear, introduced from 1928, is superbly captured,, with the shorter combination levers. Detail-wise, apart from missing inner cylinder detail, this is one of the greatest of all models, and also captures the presence of the A3 superbly. Even the 'wrong' '6' on the smokebox door numberplate is captured, reflecting the faulty batch of numberplates received by Eastern Region at one point. It would have been so easy for Hornby to go with the BR specification '6'! Lovely details on the inside of the smoke deflectors too. Glorious model, which is in my favourite A3 condition - final nick (double-Kylchap, German deflectors etc) but coupled to a 1924 tender. PS If you remove the coal loads from either this or the A1 above, one can see the lifting rings for lifting the tender bodies when required in works. Obviously the later high-sided tenders don't have this feature. The finish of both these are of the highest order for period (only flaw being a hardly visible mould-line top-centre of boiler). Anyway, enough of me!
YES...top 50 ignoring Value, and bottom 50,, I enjoy this kind of scale of comparison for Locomotives. Thoroughly enjoying the channel, keep up the great work :-)
@@SamsTrains After sleeping, it dawned on me the NER E1/J72 wasn't on the list, and you can see why after watching your review. Suspect it will be on a top 50 excluding value however.. Hope so as its one of my favourites.. Cheers Sam
Hi again Sam. I've watched most of the excellent reviews you've made and agree you've become a more critical reviewer over the years. This is understandable and necessary: it is always difficult to compare different eras, as both quality, detail (and prices!) are virtually unrecognisable from those from the 70s, 80s & 90s. This is true when trying to compare footballers from different ears too, for example. Just one plea - please don't hesitate to share with us your enthusiasm for a product, regardless of its cost (which you quite rightly criticise when relevant), as this is a key element of your reviews for me. Keep up the great work, Sam. I've not come across anyone better than you when it comes to reviews.
Evening after dinner coffee and a delicious chilling Sam’s trains. Having seen some of your uploads from a few years ago and older content with some reviews, certainly an extensive maturity can be noticed Sam, we must say; profusely more incisive today we thought. Prices are not exactly Big Mac level are they, hence serious models deserve serious reviews but playfully lighthearted as you do. Although running continental H0 models here, we do have the cutie Hornby Daphne Peckett on the line converted to AC. She’s lovey and all good and well so far. If there is to be another “visit from the UK”, shall it be the Merchant Navy; an absolute stunner. Overscale compared to H0 yes, but they are just too gorgeous. Another challenge remains…, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. It seems that indeed Märklin’s version simply is a converted Hornby and OO scale but they do at least have the front light where it normally should be. Well, cheerio and keep on doing what you’re doing :)
Thanks very much as always Linda - I've always thought they deserve serious critical reviews too! Appreciate you sharing all of these - they are some amazing models! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i remember lady Patricia was the 1st loco I fell in love with, i wanted one since i was a young young lad, I suppose as small as it is I lived a dream and have her running regularly
Since retiring I have been making up toy sets to give away, adding all the stuff you cannot buy or things that would be way beyond pocket money prices for a youngster to purchase. There is a dearth of decent toys these days, quite a lot of 'merchandising' but inconsistency of scale means they are a bit of a dead end. I haven't made or helped to make a toy train set for a couple of decades now as everything is too expensive and the youngster would be hard pressed to add to it themselves. What is needed (for a toy train set) is a small 0-6-0 mixed traffic engine or a BO-BO diesel for about £50-60, 3, and 5 plank (maybe a 7-plank as well) wagons, a couple of vans and maybe add a tank wagon all for about £5 - 8, a 4-wheel coach and brake coach for maybe £15. Something on the lines of the Peco N Gauge wagon kits would be perfect, especially if they did the coaches as well (whatever happened to the old Peco Wonderful Wagons with their pre-printed embossed card bodies?). Simple detail (adding more detail would be a satisfying introduction to model making for a youngster) but (perhaps most importantly) reliable running. That would be suitable for a 5-12 year old but the idea would get laughed off the stage were anyone to propose it. Having said which the recent Kato 'pocket' range in N is clearly aimed at this market so it should be 'doable'. The old Builteeze buildings and other card kits are still available and a good starting point, especially for N. In 00 we have the Dapol (ex Airfix) kits but in N cheap buildings are hard to source and in 00 the railway itself is too expensive. I'm looking at trying the Kato stuff to see if it is as reliable as people are saying and if so some kid is going to get a small layout for Xmas. The kids seem to like the sets I make and I suspect there would be a market for a small starter set with the option of limited expansion at reasonable cost , instead of 'advertising' just recruit some youngsters to make RU-vid/TikTok etc videos. Somehow I don't see it happening though, so the market will gradually dwindle as the number of people with fond memories and deep pockets will decline over time. Pity though, kids used to get a lot of fun from a train set.
Was on the edge of my seat for 49 locos, then you could have knocked me over with a feather when you suddenly included a "train pack" at first place which made first place seem like a bit of an imposter. Really enjoyed the video though!
Hello Sam. The one I most liked out of that lot is the Metropolitican Electric Bo-Bo. It's an unusual item and no other loco looks like it! After having reviewed so many locos, maybe you should review some Scenecraft and Skaledale items? How about reviewing a Bachmann signal box? There's a lot you can say about it. The original box and location on which the model is based, the operating company and the history. I am tired of seeing your review models trundling past that battered old cardboard cutout signal box you've got down there! Thanks for uploading.
Sam, thank you for just being relatable and down to earth… I always feel like any other channel makes makes feel so insignificant and unworthy of the hobby, but you just feel like a chill bloke who loves talking trains! Thanks for the years of great content, keep it rolling!
I was wondering if you would consider keeping a publicly available list of your review scores? Maybe in a Google sheets file or something? As often I'd like to see a quick look at your top picks
As someone who's contemplating getting into the world of model trains and ignoring the elephant in the room(tt120) it would be great to see top trains ignoring cost. After all, a loco you got for a good price in say 2019 for example doesn't really help when purchasing today. Thanks for all your great videos.
Just finished watching your "Cheapest train set ever?" video. Since comments are turned off on that video I'll comment here. With that loco and track you could 3D print enough engines and rolling stock to rival your O gauge collection.
Yes. starting with value for money was a good starter particularly for a newcomer. Second would be technical correctness possibly, and third Premium bond and lotto winners or well paid job selection, bling to the max.(trouble is you have only a few DCC and sound tested?)
I am scraping just about 50 locos, so here’s my top 5: 1: Accurascale Class 37 2: Dapol Class 68 3: Accurascale Class 55 4: Bachmann Class 20/3 5: Bachmann Class 57/0
I am most interested in Southern locomotives and was pleased to see some in this selection. There were also a few pre-Southern era that would later have been in Southern livery. The Merchant Navy class was, like most Southern locos, in BR livery. Generally I would like to see more of the Spam Cans in original Southern livery. (Although, maybe that is just me).
I was interested in the Southern loco's too. What happened to Rails of Sheffield D class, it didn't make the top 50. I must revisit the idea of getting the Hornby Adams Radial though as Sam thought it was a good model.
It was great to see so many LNER models in the top Fifty. Well done Maud for getting Third Place. There are so many Locos on my list and you showed most of them. Sam, I would like to see your bottom fifty locos. I think you were right to make the Oxford Rod and Railgun your number one. Martin. (Thailand)🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
top 50 lemons would be quite amusing indeed ! ;) superb video as always sam! the professionality and passion you put in each video is outstanding! greetings from italy !
Nice to hear your explanations about the limits of your notation system. Great evidence of professionalism. So, what does I have in this list ? -- N15 -> yeah ! Class 24 -> agreed, one of the best diesels from Bachmann -- Peckett -> no comment, it's a must-have ! Especially for industrial/light railways lovers -- Hornby Adams radial -> agreed, nice engine, but watch out your slopes (driving wheels not sprung) -- Dapol large Prairie -> got two of them, and I am happy of both ! -- Hornby B1 -> good model, well balanced. -- Oxford J27 -> very good model, love it . -- E4 -> my favorite wheel configuration, not my favorite 0-6-2 (I prefer the GWR one), but it's a very nice model. And a Southern 0-6-2 for me, I don't have a lot of SR engines. -- J15 -> if you are into LNER, it's a must-have. -- Dapol GWR mogul -> superb ! And a very innovative model at a decent price, agreed on the overspeeding (what I don't like with UK models). -- J11 -> one of the best thing that happens when Bachmann decides to do a decent job. -- Class 03 -> take is as a reference model for small shunters. -- Midland 4F -> my favorite steaming brick. Simple but nice model. -- Barclay 0-4-0 -> see Peckett and add a yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah to my comment. I have three of them. It's a reference model, you can bet on her. -- Hornby Fowler -> nice, but picky on tracks. -- J36 -> love her, it's a typical british 0-6-0, and a good model. -- O1 -> good balanced model on the features/price ratio. -- J70 -> I LOVE this oddball, completely kinky, completely British ! -- P class -> as the Barclay, superb. -- Johnson 1P -> a jewel, I'm glad to have bought her instead of the Hornby M7. Nice model. -- Dapol Manor -> see GWR Mogul -- Midland 1F -> love to see her here. A discreet engine, but a must-have if you want some LMS shunting power -- Class 22 -> my favorite kinky british diesel. I have her in OO and also in N, yes, I'm nut... -- Class 20 -> well deserved, the precedent model was in the just fair-middle of the road for quality, this one is a nice retool -- J50 -> well deserved place. I just have some limitations with the DCC decoder mounting. If retooled, a Next-18 socket would be welcomed -- Peckett B2 -> see the first of the list with more yeaaah. The decoder mounting is a drag, need a Next-18 instead ! -- N7 -> An 0-6-2 too, second favorite for the 0-6-2 wheel configuration for me. My model is one of the first issued. And I just remember I have a second one in BR 5, a nice one. On the models I don't have in this list, I would take the Oxford Deans Goods. I have zero GWR 0-6-0, and the Collett Goods from Bachmann is not manufactured... I'm also interested by those diesels : Hornby class 66, class 56, Accurascale Deltic and Bachmann class 37, even if I have no use for the three first one. A Bachmann class 37 would get my buy if available in BR green. Well, let's wait for the bottom 50, I guess I might have some on this list...
Brilliant I always wondered which were the best. I think your rating system is a great idea (STS Sam's Train Score/Scale a really useful metric!). Thanks as ever
I totally agree with the number one. What a fantastic set, specialy for that price. And i would love to see a bottom 50 list. Very nice video. Have a nice day. Greetings from Holland
Great review Sam. So much so I made a list of what 'Floated my Boat..!' Not being into the more Modern Loco's, aiming my purchases and Layout at Pre Grouping/early B.R. Basically Steam Loco's of my Youth. So I Loved this Video. Thanks for your Advice and Help. Kim in Oz. 😎
It just so happens that I have eight of the models listed in this video. Not sure what that tells about me. Perhaps I have developed a blind trust in your reviews? No matter, keep up the good work. It's a lovely hobby and you are a blessing to it! 😄👍
Nice to see the Hornby B2 Peckett up there! One of the best running locos in my fleet. Heavy, Strong, Durable, reasonably priced and a ton of detail. What more could you need?
Been waiting for this video for a loooong time. Thank you. Please create a printable list so we don't have to keep watch ing the video too many times. .....and do create a bottom 50 as well.
I've had my Hornby Adams Radial professionally rebuilt into the Isle Of Wight Central Railways' Black Hawthorn 4-4-0 no 6. Extra weight on the driving wheels with the rear pony truck removed.
I'm surprised no one hasn't done a review for the gold plated Mallard that came out awhile ago, in the last year i mean you have those from way back when..great vids sam
Great idea for both extra videos. I own 4 locos and they were all in the top 30……. Well I did get them on your approval so I guess that figures. Nice one Sam 👍🏻
One series I would really love to see you do is a "guide for complete beginners" for loco maintenance. I've inherited a ton of old Horney, Lima, Triang, and Backman stock ranging through the ages, and I'm terrified to take them apart to give them a servicing (my dad used to do all the servicing). So a series of videos on each main motor type, how they come apart (and more importantly, go back together), and how to clean and service them (especially if you haven't got a cache of expensive tools to use) would be of a tremendous help.
There are already specific videos for every type of older Hornby, Tri-ang and Lima loco mechanism on RU-vid. Just put the brand and model number into the search window.
Real GLAD that you included the "old" Bachmann Class 37's (in this instance Robert Farlie) I find it laughable to call them "old", as I bought a fleet of them, brand new, 2016 onwards Even today, they ALL have "delivery mileage only", as I only ran them 20-mins each way** **(whilst I've got all the expensive brand new gear (rails/loco's), I don't have layout (space) It was only such a very short while ago that EVERYONE raved over them (how good they were) I only paid £89.00 for my first one & £95.00 for my 2nd - (both brand new, less than £100) Whilst I can "afford it", I feel that today, prices ARE exorbitant & beyond my 'pain threshold' !!!!
The Class 37 made #10 and glad about that one.😊 I am a novice collector, only a handful of locos but I did get this Class 37 'weathered'. After seeing that weathered look and after visiting London in 2015 and riding on those very locos, I purchased the model and Happy it made the list.
Thankyou Sam, very helpful video in where to spend your money. Superb collection you have of locos, rolling stock, and nice looking layout. Certainly the place to look for an honest review.
@@sambrown6426 If you are interested in WWI, that's enough. There are better choices e.g. Bachmann's Johnson 1P, Improved Precedent and McIntosh 812 (all personal preference). I own the gun. It's ok.
Great video as always and find your reviews the most honest anywhere, find other sources can be a bit biased at times, especially some of the magazines. What's your favourite bargain second hand loco you've got in your collection?
I feel kind of bad that there weren't more American logos on there, however I can't understand. Bachman has a Cornerstone on the market over here and a lot of theirs look nice and that's about it. It was nice to see the gg1 though
I've got a couple of the Oxford Rail Dean Goods (sadly no rail gun) and I like them, but you should see some of the comments the model got on the forums. "Car crash" of a model and "the worst RTR release I have seen in a decade or more". Probably didn't make it into that guy's top 50...😮 I'd be interested to know your scores after stripping out value.
Hi Sam, A bit strange that you question the ratings of your own - objective & honest - reviews ? Yes, you changed the point system, but then again... So yes, give us a review of your 'best' - regardless the price. My personal criteria are: Overall Quality / QC problems / RTR - performance - out of the box / Mechanism / Ease of servicing and durability. Price is:... subjective as is the liking & choice of a particular model. My favorites are: J15 - S15 - K1 - O1 - B1. Had some problems with a S15 and replaced the motor; the Hornby Large Prairie was a bad runner but after some 'tuning' became quite reliable; the Oxford Adams Radial is a 'fragile' loco but runs well after a good servicing thanks to your 'autopsy' video about the issues with this model; the Bachmann Ten wheeler is retired - fed up with it stalling on every point and the Bachmann 2MT only runs descent tender first. My layout is a fully 'operation' RR - all engines DCC Sound most TTS and reliability is priority. I'm curious for your best. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Filip
Sam…am I going mad (quite possible), I can’t find a review of the orange class 20 from Bachmann? I thought I had seen all your reviews, but that one didn’t ring a bell. Searching only brings up the Green class 20, with a much lower score?
