The Worst Model Trains of 2021 

You're unfair. The wrapped class 66 had an hidden quality feature : it burns very well....

Sam is a brilliant comic. This episode had me howling. The "Boobie Tat" getting a snow day? Burning the Malcom? Kicking the bucket? Not only do we get stone cold analysis, but superb humor.

11:53 I did some research, turns out that's not an FEF class locomotive. The locomotive is actually a new york central Niagara locomotive with it's smoke deflectors removed, its NYC black paint replaced with the UP greyhound livery, and a Vanderbuilt tender replacing its NYC centipede tender. I guess you could also nickname this engine "the northeast imposter"

Sam, would you ever consider putting the scores up anywhere as a permanent list that we can find each rating rather quickly?

I was half-expecting the Hush Hush to be in the Top 5 owing to your particular example being such a rotten example. Fortunately, it seems that they are not all as bad but Hornby do need to put your one right or give you a full refund, despite your significant attempt to repair it.

How can you not love this guy. He was one that git me back into it. Saw him on the Hornby yesterday series. Enthusiasm is infectious

I love how funny you are in this video really shows that behind the serious model train reviewer there is a comedic side and i'm all for it. Can't wait to see the best locos of 2021, shame the Hush Hush won't be there will never forgive Hornby for that.

The American steam locomotive you can get actually came in a pretty big and good train set and from what I've seen is a good price for what's included

Although I don't collect model trains (I am into classic cars more), I love your videos and presentation... I love the aesthetics of old trains. Since I am an artist, I find it inspiring. I now feel like I must draw a realistic old locomotive and I will let you choose which one.

Seems the class 17 has around the same reputation as the real life counterpart!

I have to say that these "turkeys" all appear to have been made in the PRC, I cant help but notice a drop in build quality when ever the manufacturers move their operation there, as my older models all run with a lot less problems, or could it be that the makers feel they have a captive market with which they can take liberties?

I was thinking, "oh, hornby isn't on this list, well done the-" then the 66 came on screen! Your punishments are to cruel, harassing a train with christmas, and in December to! Outrageous! I'm calling the BTSFHPAFT (British transport society for helping poor and forgotten trains.)

Happy Christmas to you Sam! Another fab year of content from you. Have a nice break over the festive period and play with trains as much as you can!

Great work Sam, my son loves watching your videos and as a train collector myself I can say you are entertaining and accurate, happy new year and cheers for making lockdowns more bearable!

I’ll say this though Sam, your packing for the 66 was about as good as Hornby’s current ‘standard’

Sam, your videos are always fun to watch and your reviews are always honest… never be ashamed of speaking the truth my friend… keep up the good work, because you have many people who have bought or refrained from buying based on your reviews…. Cheers Simon

Sir Rowan Atkinson doing model train reviews. "Bachmann, have you been eating dung again."

I actually had a great laugh (cause it was funny) over your rating/punishment of the 66 given I’ve got a DB Schenker one, without the wrap! I had it running on a club model railway layout last month, and there are 2 sections it has to get up a decent gradient. Had a mixture of 12 wagons behind her, from hoppers to loaded container wagons, and she did it with ease. Weirdly enough, some commented it was “smooth!” Which I know goes against the experience you had for it. But overall I agree, it’s a cheap loco, isn’t the greatest, needs to be overhauled but is still relatively okay.

I will never forgive Bachmann for painting a Niagara in Union Pacific colors.

Another great video Sam, and very entertaining....humour to soften the blows inflicted by "model makers"....works for me. Hope you are feeling better, be safe and well. Have a great Christmas.

Damn, I know this is a niche hobby to some extent but the markup on some of these trains is mindblowing.

All the original Heljan Class 17's were recalled due to motor issues. If I recall, I had to send mine back via the dealer and it returned with a new chassis.

A shame about the ROD, I wanted it for a long time before your review, I actually got it for my birthday soon after. I do still like it. Maybe one day I can find a way of cutting notches into the chassis to fit bearings for the axles, so that the lifetime of them can be extended. Maybe replace the motor as well. I guess you can count this as "defending it" but I think the lack of detail (around the outside) is prototypical, it's an army engine, they weren't built to be pretty. But for the price you are right, a less detailed loco should be cheaper, especially with the horrible mechanism. Thankfully mine didn't come with the glue marks in the cab, and so I can just admire the great looks of it's interior, they did do a great job with that part.

Some of the Twitter police was calling you carpet boy. I did point out that Green wasn’t a nice colour on them. Keep up the good work Sam!

This was good fun, great job Sam. Will look forward to the best 2021 models video.

That 1# spot reminded me of early 90sBachmann diesel locomotives with plastic chassis and pancake motors. I don’t see how anybody anywhere could think that is an OK product to give in this modern era, there’s a reason why even Bachmann stopped making them.

Sam, Would you ever consider N gauge? I have a N gauge layout but miss the reviews for N gauge stuff

I don't understand why anyone would make a light plastic locomotive. By definition, locos are heavy, to firmly press against the rails and to have good traction.

4:41 felt like I’m watching a horror movie about people who judges the bad actors which is the model trains. I’m more than creeped out by the disturbance and the monotone of the clapping and the grayscale. Sam, you know how to make things feel unsettling when you want a certain part to feel off.

Love this video and was thoroughly entertained by it. I was particular taken by the "sarcastic applause" bit - actually a bit scary! Thanks for posting!

Thank you Sam for the insight into these badly made trains , saves me a lot of disappointment in buying some of them , unfortunately most models are made in China and true to form I have never seen anything of quality come out of China yet .

Now, here's a late response! I'm a newcomer to Sam's Trains and have watched masses of your vids in the last few weeks, despite not having a model railway these days. You make insightful, professional and provoking videos that I enjoy on a number of levels. But this one takes the biscuit! It's just refreshing to watch someone actually express, and justify, their opinions whilst obviously being a bit provocative. Keep up the great work!👍🏻

Great video it is a video anybody in this hobby should see. It shows you what to watch out for just because you pay more for an engine it does not mean it is better. Sam I hope you are feeling better. I will keep you in my prayers hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

As soon as I saw the title, i knew it was going to be good! Sam's face when he does the Sarcastic Clapping, couldn't stop laughing!

11:43 might be the most ridiculous face I’ve ever seen Sam pull. Great video though Sam! 😂

That's great Sam! Thanks for the best laugh I have had this Xmas!

Genuinely surprised not to see the Hush Hush on this list.

The punishments were just absolutely hilarious I was laughing so much at some of them great video can't wait to see the best models of 2021

The note with the Comic Sans MS is the icing on the cake for me! Amazing video, happy new year :)

That American Bachmann loco is typical of the standard of Bachmann's North American range as a whole. I'm always surprised to see how much nicer their OO offerings are.

Happy Christmas Sam's Trains. Have enjoyed the videos.

I totally agree with the Hornby class 66 as it really was pants but I would have thought that the hush hush would have been THE WORST locomotive of the year as it was just so bad that it didn’t really work out of the box and required a huge amount of work just to get it to run and especially after the extended wait and extortionate price 👎

Totally bonkers . . . but so funny and enjoyable. Say no more. . . keep it uppppppp !!!!

I'm surprised the Hornby Hush Hush wasn't on the list.

Merry Christmas thanks for the videos☺☺

Good one Sam. I do like your reviews and am heavily influenced by your findings. Merry Christmas and look forward to watching what you like the best :)

The funny thing about the Heljan class 17 is that in real life, the class 17 was a terrible diesel. I guess Heljan wanted to be realistic for once.

Best video of the year Sam 🤣 definitely agree with your results. I also wanna know what forum was it that you keep going on about?

coul i take part in being jurdged for being the worst? i created a design of undercarridge for a n scale electric locomotive and i am intending to release it as an open cource design to copy for ant diy train modeler around there is there a way to prepare for open courcism of a design ?

Sitting on that class 14 with the brief fart was a good punishment 😂 You should keep the 66 in it's scorched state for live show requests.

The union Pacific’s should’ve had a separate carriage, it would’ve only costed an extra £10, just to separate it.

Great video sam, all those 5 are shocking by a) level of detail for price b) price itself C) poor performance - especially last 2 and feel that scores for these models - especially last 3 should be re-adjusted down < 4.0. No excuse for manufactures to produce such tact for the high prices they charge and pricing more hobbyists and new owners, e.g., young children, grandparents, out of the market

I hate the way people go and cry about you unfair you are on the forums. They are fine with people posting reviews which are incorrect, but you - rather than just pointing out the good, you also point out the bad. That's why you are my go-to reviewer, and I think I speak for many thousands of people when I say don't stop producing or change your ways because a couple of people who claim they know better. Keep up the good content Sam!

I can't wait to see you Christmas train video, I made my theme this Christmas an all freight train Christmas

What problems did you have with your Heljan class 17? I've got one identical to yours and I've never had an issue with it

a week after you posted this my grandfather passed away... Its been over a year and I'm still hurting from it. Your videos keep me goinh. Thank you Sam

Listen as sarcastic applause becomes a better steam exhaust sound effect than many fitted to locos! Not sure how the Hush Hush didn't end up as the worst of the year based on your review of that. A loco that didn't run, had massive detail issues (including that cab) and wobbly plastic ... bleurgh! Marry Christmas, Sam.

Your absolutely right with the number one choice, I had two class 66 the DB Schenker and the Yeoman liveries extremely bad models and like you said they weren't in the cheap railroad range. Regards David

19:37 the echoing wheeze!!! 🤣

02’s were quite powerful. On the Isle of Wight they pulled 6 coaches full of holidaymakers over fairly steep gradients like Apse Bank.

Great video, very funny, those nicknames were very interesting haha! Also rest in pieces Class 17, you won’t be missed! I wonder what the best models video will be like? TheImperialDiamondSpinosaurus

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all from Steve, Beeston, Leeds

I was semi-surprised about the FEF problem. I have one of the same type, paint scheme and all, except it’s engine driven. No wires to the tender at all. Of course, this was from a train set that came with freight cars, track, and it had a smoke unit. But that handled curves very well. Interesting how one change can ruin performance

Special mention to the ‘Hornby Hush Hush’ !!

Surprising to see a Hornby train in 1st place... that 66 does deserve it's place tho haha, nice video :)

This channel is a really, really hidden jewel, you deserve a lot of more subs.

Was not expecting an American loco in this video however the fake FEF has some of the classic bachmann issues making me not surprised by the issues

I don't know much about trains. I used to do them a long long time ago. WHen I talked about my old train having metal parts - it was a Bachmann. So they're still the brand to go with - as long as its the higher in models. LOL - you crush trains you don't like. BRAVO!

Once again- prototype steam locos had their boiler cladding made in two halves. These joined along the top of the boiler. In some cases they had a rivetted band over the join, in many more there was no band and the plates just overlapped. On a model these should be shown as a straight join line.

Hi Sam, great video. I paid £165 for The Isle of Wight Steam Railway's EFE Adams 02 and it is perfect! I bought it to help them out during COVID. It has the best detail, paint and finish of the 50 or so OO locos I own. It is the quietest runner I own too. My Bachmann 1P looks great but slows to a crawl and stall or takes off at Mach 2 without touching the controller. I have 3 Hornby Schools that are perfect unlike yours. Quality Control seems to be a massive problem and I also think that locos bought from discount outlets are not as good as the ones I buy from my local shop or by mail order small retailers. I will just add that I only own 50 or so as I have sent over 20 back to online discounters and zero back to my local store or small shop online retailers. Keep up the good work young man

I'm sorry for your luck with the locos, but at least they inspired some comedy gold. That OSCAR parody does Stephen Boyd proud!

I like how the Heljan class 17 nickname is “Look Daddy”

Great job on the judgement scenes. I like your imagination & editing skills

I was so pleased to see the Hornby 66 as the “winner” following your earlier review, truly awful! I think there’s an interesting comparison/contradiction between their TV propaganda “it’s all about the detail” (not to mention their prices) and what they actually sell us. I DO hope that it was inside the burning box? Subscribed and Happy Christmas. TonyS

Here's an idea for later this year: Maybe in addition to doing the Top 5 Best/Worst Trains of 2022, maybe you could do an additional pair of videos regarding the Top 5 Best/Worst Trains you've ever reviewed, since your channel is, as of I believe May of this year, in its 10th year, and your first video will be 10 years old on May 13 of next year!

the Adam's 02 locomotive is like "wait WHAT?" something like that🤣

Suprised not to see the Bachmann 9F here

A Citizen Kane reference. Next try James Whale screaming It's Alive the next time you get one that barely runs.

That last Malcolm loco is a literal nightmare on wheels

Hello Sam. I came across your videos quite by chance, but you have brought MANY smiles to this miserable old bugger!! I just LOVE your honesty and very self-effacing style. You are the most interesting and amusing "anorak" I have ever seen!! I have NO IDEA why people bother to argue with you; It is patently clear that you really know your stuff! The first video I watched was your review of the "Hush Hush" and I was so impressed with the lengths you went to, to give it a fair "crack of the whip"! (I think I would have thrown it out of the window!) Mind you; I would have ensured the window was open first, as after paying £120.00 for the thing, I wouldn't have wanted to add a glaziers bill to my costs! Shame; beautiful looking model, but Hornby have dropped the ball on this!! (a ball of coal? a ball of diesel? a ball of steam?!!!) Im afraid no analogy comes to mind! Either way, thanks for your videos! I will be watching MANY more! Take care, regards, James.

I got flashbacks about the wires blocking the tender wheels on one of my expensive bachmann locos... not fun to fiddle with

Your show never Disappoints me Always Awsum. So kool Great job. 🚂❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍. Way to kool

To be honest I was expecting Bachman to be on this list

I think missed the hush-hush off the list. The packaging for a start and dam thing just not working 😕

Plot twist: the Union Pacific Niagara found its punishment most amusing

I’d imagine with some modification the Union Pacific loco could be vastly improved. Just a bit of paint touch up and fixing that drawbar issue, and you’d have a half decent looking locomotive!

a very creative way to send off the engine in shame, great video Sam

I cab just tell I’m going to love this video 😂

14:55-15:14 Nobody: Not a single soul: Not even Santa: Pornhub descriptions be like: "Guy dressed as Santa Claus laughing at toy train"

I was hoping some if not at least one of these horrible locomotives would go to the evil scrap man. LOL!!!!

Great video hilarious punishments cheered me up no end enjoyed watching. 🎄seasonal greetings form Paul 🎄🚂🚂🚂

I bought a similar loco to the 5th worst one: Bachmann LNER O4, which has the same design as the ROD 2-8-0. The difference is that I got it for £90, which I think it's quite a good price for it.

Hello Sam I've been trying to get my hands on a 9F for a year now but have had no luck, would you have any idea where I could possibly find one, greatly appreciated, Merry Christmas and a happy new year, Luke ;)

It is very unfair to criticize the Heljan class 17 for being a bad model. It was an awful locomotive in reality, so making a good model of it would be inauthentic!

I think you definitely got unlucky with the Hornby 66. Almost every other livery available is not done like that and is properly painted. Yes the packaging displays it as being a main range model but at the end of the day that’s irrelevant as the price shows the model is not top of the range. It’s sad you’ve ended up with a bad example but I’m sure if you ever get another one in a different livery the decoration will be much better. I’d certainly be disappointed if the decoration was like that on all variations of the 66.

The Union Pacific 4-8-4 is really a New York Central Niagra 4-8-4 with a different paint job and a different tender.

Hilarious that Vicar scene with the burning loco and shoddy organ! That voice effect and diction, superbly done, as is the text of the prayer!

Sorry about this, Sam... but it's time to cheat! 5th: Bachmann ROD 2-8-0 4th: EFE Rail Adams 02 3rd: Heljan Class 17 2nd: Bachmann UP 4-8-4 1st: Hornby Class 66 Honestly, I may get a Class 17, I like Derek and felt he had more potential as a character. My personal honorable mention is the Hornby W1 Hush Hush. And I honestly must say that 18:32 is the most bizarre funeral I've ever seen. 😓 Can't wait for top 5. I have a feeling the Dapol Large Prairie is in there... We'll see. Cheers Sam.

I love Sir Nigel Gresly’s little cameo!

The sad thing is, this isn’t even a UP design. It’s actually a NYC Niagara. Bachman didn’t even bother changing the smoke box number plate. The Santa Fe version is a whole lot closer. Even the tender isn’t correct. It should be a centipede design.