It's nice to know that your P Class from Hattons still holds up well all these years later. Take notes Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan, this is how you make a locomotive without pricing your customers out of the hobby.
So, if we add this to the list of the "Top Twelve" locos you have reviewed in the last two years, it comes in at Number 8. (Even though it is a model from 2020). 9.63 Hornby J36 0-6-0 Old Maude 9.54 Hornby B2 Peckett 9.30 Hornby J50 0-6-0 9.25 Bachmann C1 Atlantic 9.20 Dapol Class 22 9.19 Bachmann Class 37 9.07 Bachmann Johnson 1P Tank Engine 8.93 Hattons P-Class 0-6-0T (from 2020) 8.88 Hornby Class 31 and/or Class 56 8.85 Hornby J36 8.84 Hornby B12 LNER 4-6-0 8.80 Hattons Barclay 0-4-0
which means he has been incredibly biased by saying it's the best steam loco... interesting... very interesting... 🤔 🤔 only joking, love your work sam, do 009!
I picked up one of the ROD versions around this time last year (and I might nab the other since it's still in stock). It is a lovely little model, although on mine the front glazing dropped out one day as I was picking it up. Still, it runs much better than my Hornby Terrier which seems to flip a coin on whether its going to run or not whenever I put it on the tracks. Certainly one of my favorite tank engines!
I happen to have one of mine running on the layout at the moment - it is the later batch of SE&CR green with more realistic brass. I had forgotten how stunning it is
With a rigid chassis, an 0-6-0 can have as few as 3 wheels in contact with the track. That means 2 on one rail and 1 on the other. If that lone wheel is on an insulated frog or dirt spot on the track, the engine stops. Axle compensation (the sprung axle) means the minimum number of wheels that can be in contact with the track, when correctly sprung, is 5. Thats a minimum of 2 wheels in contact per rail, which is a 100% improvement in contact.
Absolute little beauty! As an SECR fan who struggled with that beautiful livery, I never expected to have RTR locos sold in that and with full lining. I note the Hattons page claims it does have a flywheel, also that other reviews claim the recommended DCC chip doesn't fit. Ironically, the prototype's weakness may explain the high survival rate. SR tried them in Cornwall and the Lyme Regis branch and when they didn't thrive, put a number up for sale to private railways. Here they were much less vulnerable to 'scrap all steam' orders that affected BR in the 1950s/60s.
I love mine - I got the ROD version and it’s a little beauty! Initially mine ran a tad sketchy in reverse but some running in fixed all that. Definitely recommend them
It is good to reflect back to one's older models and rediscover them if they have not been used in a long time. This loco is a genuinely nice model and one of the absolute best examples of a painted livery all over. The working mech is excellent with the double pickup wipers on each wheel, though annoying to get at the wheel bearings and gear is a hassle with the brake rigging in place. I can overlook this because it is an unbelievable good running locomotive. Hatton's did an excellent job with the production of the P Class. It is just a shame we can't get a model of this quality all the time from all the manufacturers.
Mine is now fitted with sound and a big stay-alive which occupies the cab below the doors. Disadvantage is that it only has the top half of a driver now, advantage is that if you lift it off the track it runs and chuffs for a fulkl seven seconds- and never stalls on any track even at the slowest crawl.
Only one company has finally nailed the brass dome colour and affect. I even congratulated them at the Aly Paly Model Railway Show last week. Its Dapol with their new GWR Large Prairie and Manor. It appears to be electroplated not paint, but definitely more pale yellow brass colour than the richer gold colour
Wow, she’s astonishing beautiful Sam. And just look at all the intricate distinctive lining along with all the details. Extraordinary. It is what the British locos always set them so well characteristically apart compared to the German steamers where all colours are to be had as long as they’re black with red wheels and running plate, lol. A tad shame about the wonky buffer but she’s forgiven. The pick-ups on the other hand are well done and at least much less flimsy as per usual. Despite she having a tad of a rudimentary motor, the crawl and controls are astonishing. Overall, genuine high quality Sam which always makes us smile (since it is our priority numero uno). Great stuff.
We have just UN BOXED OURS!!! Got her on the Bluebell and joined Chris Eden-Green and friends on the next train. Did a competition of what's in your bag. Saw the tiny box and guessed a P. Being BOYS all the P jokes came out but 3 years on a memorable journey. Yes she is now on the display case lovely livery yes the same as above. David & Lily.
I love my p class but it wasn't without issues: had to send the first one back as it didn't work properly . Hattons sent a replacement next day, looked great but it was still a bit rubbish running. A check with a wheel gauge revealed the wheels were all wonky! Took a moment to fix , and it runs as well as it looks.
Great review sam, real nice to see that these models hold up so well, despite the few flaws with them, for a retailer making their own models, these are very impressive! Top notch stuff! -TIDS
Dear Sam, following your review on the diminutive P class locomotive, I went directly to Hattons and bought one. It arrived today and it is a delight! Thank you for doing the video even though it is many Moon's after its arrival on the market. Notwithstanding, they sent me a brand new one! Such a magnificent retailer to produce such a glorious product! Regards, Drew.
Been watching for a long time man, just wanted to say your persona and your videos are always awesome. They sincerely cheer me up, I haven’t been to your side of the world for a long time, but if I ever get there again I’d love to take you out for a pint after browsing the model shops. Talk trains with someone who knows! 🎭🎭🎭
I have also had two in BR early and late liveries for a few years and they continue to work smoothly, quietly and flawlessly. Over setrack points they never falter, unlike several other locos I could mention with much longer wheelbases. Excellent little models and ideal shunters, given their super low speed performance.
A P Class is shown hauling a 2 car passenger set at Rye in picture 43 of Middleton Press "Hastings to Ashford". The caption says this loco was an economical machine on rural branch lines. This photographic evidence suggests these locos were not confined to goods train operations. This Hatton's model would make a good layout loco for those depicting a branch line commuter service in Sussex. Thanks for uploading.
I love the tank engine. The new Percy lookalike saddle tank engine has arrived, and is wearing a custom Thomas face I bought from ebay (Hornby style) one or two years ago. I've taken a photo of her, which I'm sure you'd like to see. That's the good news. Now for the dangerous bad news. I've just bought a Dapol Gunpowder Van from ebay, which might explode while running on my railway. Plus because you uttered a word I won't repeat, luckily for you, I dare you to do a review half naked, lol.😂🙂
That is a very nice performer! Try a steam loco from Broadway Limited Imports - I just got their Pennsylvania T1 duplex and I'm absolutely in love. It's such a smooth runner!
It's probably accurate, but why is the counter weight for the siderods on the middle wheel on the same side of the wheel as the siderod itself, as can be seen in 22:00?
My Hatton's P Class was a great runner for about an hour. It was chooching along just fine at a scale 25 mph and suddenly lurched, derailed and never turned a single rev again. At the time Hatton's was sold out of the SECR so I took a refund and got a Terrier. I didn't know if mine was exhibiting a characteristic of the class. Turns out it was a fluke, but that was early days. I miss my pretty little characterful P Class to this day.
And you know what makes these models even better? A new run of these has been announced - and contrary to Sam's completely reasonable prediction based on other manufacturer's tendencies to make re-released models twice the price of the original, these new runs are priced at £85, £14 cheaper than the first run. And the icing on top is that they've even announced a brand new livery, the SECR Goods Green. The same announcement has also been made of the nearly as good Andrew Barclay tanks, at the same price and with new liveries. This just goes to show that Hornby and Bachmann can shove their £250 'new' models and make way for Hattons, a company that seems to understand that pricing their models beyond any reason both alienates customers who can't or don't want to fork out small fortunes, and probably makes the manufacturer lose money as a result. I wish Hattons all the best, and can only hope they bring out some new prototypes with the same amazing detail, outstanding performance and incredible prices as this one in the near future.
Hi Sam not watched this one yet but I’ve just got my first Hornsby peckett- bear, it’s beautiful, the open backed cab really shows off the cab. I’ve been binge watching your 3 peckett w4 vids in anticipation and I was not disappointed, apart from the price that is! Thanks again
in a nutshell : a little jewel, everything a model should be : correct price, very good looking, top notch drivetrain, excellent dynamic qualities for a no-flywheel engine. Special mention to the decoder installation : you can open the engine (take that Heljan !), and you don't have a nightmarish installation of a DCC decoder, just a plain 6 pins socket (take that Hornby ! I don't thank you for the 0-6-0 Peckett). I have the BR4 black version, simpler livery, but still a jewel. Like you, a reference for my little fleet, continental models included. Mmmm... Maybe a comparison with my Roco BR 80 to do, same ballpark, 0-6-0 tank both, five poles motor, just a flywheel in extra with my Roco, near-identical retailer's prices. Will see that someday... Thanks for the video Sam !
I have pre-ordered one from the latest run, the batch that will be completed by Accurascale now that Hattons are shutting down. By the way, I have a feeling that the prototypes might not have done too well pulling a load of 2 bogie coaches and 3 4-wheel coaches on a normal branchline.
Not my cup of tea, but love the livery, I have noticed that the front coupling is drooping a little bit! You are right about how well it runs, so why can't others make their models run as well as this? Shame that this livery is not available now, it would be nice for people who want one if Hattons brought it out again! Fans should requist it on the live streams
Idea for future video. You and a guest set up a couple of railways each with a yard with various train cars that go to one of 2 or 3 locations. And race to deliver the most cars to their respective destinations. Each of you only gets to use a single locomotive.
I love the P-Class, seeing the release of Bluebell was what got me back into the hobby, unfortunately I missed Bluebell but I managed to get Pioneer II. Which does has some quality issues but still performs this good. I hope Hattons do a re-release so I can get this version and maybe Bluebell too
Far more powerful than the Terriers and the SECR liverys is fantastic. I have to admit that I haven't run mine recently and I still have 3 to run in including 2 in that rather dull looking grayish livery. I've been messing about with too many Terriers. You are right about Hattons should do another production run of the P's concentrating on the SECR, Southern, Preserved and BR/SR liverys. I love your reviews but because of living so close to Crawley station and Three Bridges when all goods trains were steam hauled I have a very strong affinity to the Southern. Soon I will buy some more locomotives to pull my vast collection of coaches. I hope I can get you to buy more green liveryed coaches. Bye from Ian.
To be honest, I think this engine suits the description of Thomas over the E2. It's smaller than the E2 but has many similar features. Awdry always described Thomas as being a small tank engine, but E2's are quite large.
Hi Sam'sTrains great video. Got four from them Samstrains love them. Easy my number two favourite loco in my collection are still the best tank engine ever make I would love to see a new run from them. I would never give them up in my collection. The one I'm looking out from is the Hattons Originals H4-P-010 SECR P Class 0-6-0T "Pride of Sussex" in Robertsbridge Flour Mill green. Them I got all the one I want But thinks of getting ROD one.
Interesting review Sam. A cute and truly realistic crawlin' tender loc. Top class value to applaud for. Very well done Hattons. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, filip
I know it’s outside your comfort zone but for realistic speed lights and sound try any Canadian Rapido models or Scale trains for the detail and slow running
I'd love to have one of these. It's very unfortunate that there aren't a lot left, and my favorite colors are among the few sold out. Still, at least I can still get one.
What is the name of the tool you use to measure the gauging of the engines? Just curious as I might purchase one or at least something similar for myself
Hi Sam. I'm absolutely blown away by this model. Not 100% perfect as per the reasons you've given, but fantastic features for the price. There is no better livery on ANY model!
Yeah I agree they are fantastic models I'm fortunate to have 3 of them :) i like them that much, the bluebell blue, SECR green & ROD green one and I must say no quality issues at all. all still work after a few years of running now. Would be interested in another batch of them to be honest. Hatton's really set the standard all models should follow with these so I think your definitely right to call other brands out when they charge alot more for lower quality items lets say. Thanks again for the review Sam looking forward to the next one.
What a lovely loco. I want one !!!!!!! Hattons don't seem to have any in stock of this particular model 002, but only more boring models 5027 and 5753 which just don't have the lining like this one you've shown. Really gutted. Would you consider selling me yours. Long shot but got to ask !!!! Kindest regards, Rick the Bulldog
What a great little loco! Is that worm gear made out of brass? Does that make it a flywheel too? It might not cut it for a bigger loco but I'm sure it would do on such a small loco...
A positive review for a positive trend setter. something like this is very important to contrast against the Hornbys and dapols of the logbook. Admirably the ability to still critique is seemingly intact.
My first one of these did not run very well at all out of the box. However, Hattons replaced it very efficiently, all in the last few days before Christmas. It is a lovely model.
@@SamsTrains The replacement runs much better but I confess that I have not run it very much yet despite having bought it just before Christmas 2020! I think I just got a rogue one first time around. The motor and gears did not seem to be getting along with each other with the first one and I was not going to investigate why and risk not getting a replacement. Hattons were really good at resolving the problem though and I say that not having any vested interest in them at all.
Well, an excellent model of a beautiful loco. Makes me wish that it fell within my prototype... but realistically I can't model everything in OO gauge. Have you ever explained exactly how you calculate your scores? Just averaging the five starred categories here would give a rating of 8.8, so apparently something in the pulling power pulls the result up to 8.93, but I've no idea how you arrive at that, since you just give the amount as a number of coaches.
A bit late watching this video and not checked out the comments. Maybe the way forward to reduce loco prices is to have some element of the consumer fitting large parts of the loco together? Like the old Triang CKD kits.
Thomas and the LBSCR E2 did become a very popular despite the unpopularity or just how the loco is sort of unreliable engines in general. What do you think of this in comparison of this model, @Sam’sTrains?
Sam, I'd like to get your thoughts on something: I have a DVD player that connects to my computer that I _think_ is spring-loaded and opens by pressing a button. I don't know if you've ever seen or had one of these, but what if a base keeper plate and/or coal load could be removed like that?
I wish Hattons would do another run of the Class 66.I would love to add a few to my collection. I reckon they could do a cracking 67 too, much better than the toy like Hornby version.
I rather fancy another Hattons class 66 as well. My existing one had the issues which I cured whilst being filmed. I'll get around to adding that to RU-vid one day. They are not as difficult to cure as some other videos or forums suggest.
I really like the P class. I have three of them; 2 RODs and the grey loco which is my favourite. It's a shame they don't release some more. I would be tempted.
I really like the P class i have found a supplier with most of the liveries in stock but the pricing on them is £160. I asked hattons if there was any plans for a rerelease and was told there wasnt
I've definitely seen slightly better crawls in your reviews, with slightly less cogging at very low speeds, but not much. It hits all the boxes pretty well, and is the perfect sort of model for a somewhat casual modeler. They did have some very minor quality issues on the implementation, but loads and loads of quality features. All the things you could easily add to improve quality, they added. oh, also, my opinion on the electroplating vs metallic paint. The electroplating looks like polished brass, the paint, at least when done well, looks like a sandblasted or brushed sort of finish, or a brushed finish. Polished with a scratch pad rather than a buffing wheel. Personally, I think the paint on the P class actually looks better than cheaper electroplated parts, but it's just a matter of preference.
I'm not sure - I can only remember diesels running better than this - but let me know which ones are better, and I'll gladly retract that, lol! Glad to hear you like the painted dome - I know some people do! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I'd have to scour the videos for it, but I distinctly remember a largish tender engine, I think it was black, that you got to crawl almost imperceptibly slowly, like the slowest speeds of the P class but with less cogging, and it did so a bit more consistently. The only "best" I remember for a specific thing is that the el cheapo wagons still have the best rolling distance, and I have double checked that one against all you other reviews as far as I know. I remembered those to compare because it was so unexpected.
@@SamsTrains I went back and looked, and I think I found it on the first guess. The one I was thinking of was the LMS black 5, so I was definitely right on thinking black. I wouldn't say it was much better than the P class, looking at it again, but I do think it had a bit less cogging. Probably because it has a lot more mass than the P class, so even when barely moving it has a good bit of momentum.
Hi Sam. I bought one of these second hand and was really impressed by its performance for its' size. It has more power than the Hornby and Dapol models and so I bought two more and look forward to have them pulling the Hattons four wheel/six wheel coaches when the are available. In the meantime they will have to pull the SR six wheel coaches from Hornby on my test track. I have 12 of them and they make up a very long train equivalent to about 8 Maunsell coaches. From iancooper62.
Oh man! I really love the P class 100% still my favourite model, yet I don’t have one because I’m too stingy to buy new. 🤣 I’m was gutted I missed the live stream on Sunday, and even more so once I saw the competition!! How would requesting the C1 Atlantic, a rake of teaks and the J72 bank long have faired?
hi - i have 7 of these locos all differant out of the 16 they made - they did 2 runs of this loco but there not making any more - out of the 7 i have 1 is dead now the board inside came loose and the chip shorted out with the side of the motor -i now have another one thats started to get a dint in the shell from over heating so that 2 now i dont use - little problems i have with them the buffer keep the square behind the buffer they keep falling off had a few now its happend to
