£50 For A Complete Train Set | Any Good?

[@SMTMainline]

This is fantastic, an actual affordable train set! I miss when these used to be more common, these are the sets that bring people into the hobby and as a result I think they're very important. Most of these starter sets today are all battery powered, I can't tell you how happy I am to see an actual electric one. Maybe I'm overly excited but this seems really good and I think I might get one my self.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - it's a shame they're not more common :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alexfogg381]

I know what mean smt mainline, I still have the bachmann challenger set with e-z track. I restarted my interest in model trains, with two starter sets, and second hand track from an antique shop.

[@moisesm9602]

Oh hi there

[@SMTMainline]

@@moisesm9602 Hey

[@SMTMainline]

@Joel Chandler Exactly, I don't think most families can cough up $250 for a train set. Even in the 2000s bachmann and lifelike were still making budget friendly sets. Now life like is gone and bachmann has raised their prices by around 3 times the amount.

[@SamsTrains]

Hey Folks - the loco in the video isn't a SD40-2, it's an Alco C-628 (or something similar!), and Soo Line is a real company! Thanks to everyone for letting me know!

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

It is an Union Pacific Alco

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! :D

[@HoundOfBaskerville]

Sam'sTrains they’re all scale models as well

[@JohnNack]

I was just about to comment the real name

[@susannahrinker727]

THE BIG BOY WAS ALCO! I did a full on project on that.

[@tullyDT]

I know you thought that the "elephant turd" was a crappy accessory, but honestly if I had that as a kid I would have been really excited to do it up with paint and flock. It's a nice introduction into making model scenery if you use your imagination

[@TackyFlamingo]

that’s exactly what i was thinking. the craft abilities

[@MisterHampshire]

When my brother was young, mum bought him the cheapest farmyard set you could ever imagine. There was a shepherd figure - grossly out of scale to the hut that came with him - with some horses and sheep, all of which were out of scale to each other etc. The number of hours he spent playing with it all is indescribable. So much so that when mum found, by chance, one of the farm figures decades later, mum had tears in her eyes at the happy memories. Including having to make things like you have to, in the same way. I can see this set being similar - amazing play value.

[@SamsTrains]

haha really?! That sounds nightmarish, lol!! Some of these basic toys are often the best - I'd agree with that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Slashowski]

This was my first train set, I got it long time ago for Christmas and I have so many fond memories of it. The play value, as you said, is great, but what I found far more important is the fact that this set offers gateway to railway modelling. Even though I was too young to really help with modelling, my father created nice and simple little model (I think it was mostly grass), turned that elephant turd into a hill with a tunnel and a little stream in that so called valley, bought additional tracks and switch tracks, fixed everything on a piece of plywood and I had an almost portable model railway. Thank you for reminding me of it, I think this set offers far more than it shows. Cheers from Slovenia!

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome - the play value is awesome, and you're right - you can expand it if desired! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@doubleutubefan5]

The wagon load is actually underground pipe cut to size, and SOO line is an American railroad that ran in the midwest (Iowa, Illinois, etc that is now bankrupt) We still see SOO Line freight cars to this day that haven't been repainted yet. Many of they are from the 1970's old stock but still rolling.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for the info mate - appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Zebrails]

@@SamsTrains Put this in the "Search Box" :> Soo Line GP38-2 switching and roaring in run 8 EMD 16-645

[@doubleutubefan5]

@TRAIN FANATIC 1200 lol thanks for watching

[@blacquejacqueshellaque6373]

Soo line is now part of CP rail

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

That's about 96 inch pipe. I never see it that big. You're essentially burying a river at that point and hauling that stuff is most of the cost.

[@iceeblueburst03]

“Cargo Train”, most creative name ever.

[@SamsTrains]

haha - someone must have spent hours on that name ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@raymondo162]

probably written by someone who has english as a second language. i challenge xenon to translate 'freight train' in to any eastern european language. or any other language for that matter.

[@malcolmloud9389]

Must of took 10 years

[@iceeblueburst03]

@@raymondo162 Should I use Google Translate for this?

[@jamesstrainspottingandmode4438]

That is so creative

[@ronclark9724]

My uncle who worked his entire life for the Frisco Railroad used to say, "You can't spell stupid without UP when referring to the Union Pacific Railroad...

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's brilliant Ron - I'll have to remember that one! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Eastkentuckysirensandtrains]

@@SamsTrains is the train HO Scale?

[@everettrailfan]

@@Eastkentuckysirensandtrains Yeah it is.

[@firstnamelastname3841]

It’s an ALCo C-628, one of the most beautiful diesel locomotives ever made in my opinion

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh thanks a lot for letting me know! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@railroadmike6843]

Interesting to note that UP had Alco C-630 units . Not sure f they had the 628

[@Ranger0463]

@@railroadmike6843 They did not, unless they got them when they absorbed SP, and SP had a few of theirs from long ago still laying around.

[@IOwnASUV]

I personally think they're kinda fugly

[@stevenplyler6306]

@@Ranger0463 The Alco’s were retired from the UP and SP rosters mostly in the 1980’s when new GE’s and EMD’s came on the lines for the most part for by 1996 when the UP-SP merger happened it was just EMD’s and GE’s and maybe a few small manufacturers or rebuilders Locomotives on the two respective lines. Alco’s and MLW’s still ran on Canadian Railway’s up through the 1990’s but all the U.S. Class 1 one Railroad’s had retired their Alco’s in 1980’s. While Alco’s and MLW’s definitely went to many Shortlines and a few Regional Rail operations up through the 21st Century of course ! And The Museums Too !

[@ClassicTrialsChannel]

To get a child for Christmas it's perfect. if they really like the hobby you can get something more expensive at a later date and if not you haven't spent a lot of money.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - it'd definitely give them the bug! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@coloursmoke]

Perfect for this.. or for an old guy's first trainset

[@torstenscholz6243]

Yeah, that's exactly what's missing in the model railroad world, cheap, simple, affordable entry sets for kids to play and have fun with. Children that are just getting started don't need the best detailing or the most advanced digital technology, they just want something to play and have fun with.

[@timpriddy349]

For a local train....that motor (alco) is really dated.........in real life it would be a gp40 4 axle

[@teaandchat1]

From photos I've seen, the Soo Line Quad Hoppers were usually white with red lettering. Soo Line mainline locomotives were painted red or white with red nose.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - maybe a bit of creative license went on there then?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TheAreotrain]

@@SamsTrains On the yellow with blue considerable amount of creative license. On the green and white, if you change the railroad to Burlington Northern, then you have a little more merit as they had green and white freight cars. Also while the Soo may be nothing more than a paper railroad in the Canadian Pacific Railway system in current times, you can still see some of the old paint rolling thru here in the states.

[@emdB67]

I notice both quad hoppers have the same number on them, even though they're different colours. :) An image search for Soo Line Quad Hopper shows plenty of brown ones, white or light grey ones. But no green or yellow. But for the money you save on the set, those bothered by this will have enough change to buy some paint. lol!

[@Greatdome99]

Open hoppers were oxide red. Grain hoppers were either white or silver.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

They were white with black lettering not red and all locos were white and red

[@crouchingtigerhiddenadam1352]

"I didn't include the big poo" ... "if you want to mess around with it you can" *Yes review the steam!*

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@jajproductionsfruitcakefil8489]

As someone interested in models but also a student, I really appreciate you reviewing cheap/budget stuff in addition to the more 'standard' locos and sets, even if some of it is elephant dung!

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that mate - yes I love the bargain locos too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iancoop76]

Sorry Sam but when I was still at school I bought an Airfix railbus kit and acting on a suggestion of a reviewer in a magazine by utilising a rocket motor I motorised it by fitting a stick around the axle of metals wheels that I fitted to the kit. I glued the motor onto the floor and applied some glue to the shaft of the motor. I had to buy a box of small elastic band to go around the motor and the axle with the twig . A couple of bits of single core wire was used for pick ups. Now it is very fast at 12 volts and will do 240 mph/15 seconds scale speed around a circuit of 1 scale mile. That layout was exhibited 2 years running at the MRC exhibition in London. The layout was.constructed by the Crawley Model Railway Society. I was a member and the layout was put up in the club room were I used to run my rail bus. That was about 63 years ago when I was mates with Rodney Stenning and Gordon Gravit. Can I challenge you at 12 volts.Bye from Ian Cooper?

[@robertmarshall6578]

This is a self-contained set aimed I would say at (approx) 6-9 yr olds, and as described by Sam it completely fills the bill. No need to quibble about lack of detail, steel track, elephant turd etc., it's not supposed to be an accurate scale model, but it offers enormous play value and learning skills to its intended market, and equally important, appears to be functional and pretty well built for its purpose. If I can get hold of it, my 6yr old grandson will be getting one for Christmas - just the job! I often take him to Chesterfield (Derbys) station to watch the trains, this set doesn't look like anything he's seen there, he's not old enough (like Sam) to have heard of Soo Line, but he won't care!

[@unpaintedleadsyndrome]

KZbin: I think you would want to see this me: you must be kidding? me, half an hour later: guess youtube was right...

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks for watching! :D

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice set to practice your painting and weathering skills on!

[@SamsTrains]

That's very true indeed Frank! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@southjersey10]

My thought as well 😃

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

Not on shiny plastic.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

@@MilwaukeeF40C A layer or two of matt varnish first.

[@CanYouHandleLife]

Thank you so much for posting this. As a teenager I had a train layout but then life happens. Yesterday I looked into starting again but there is this thingy called budget...I saw Mehano on a certain selling site but never heard of it. Your review helped me very much, I'm buying one.

[@frankdingle9920]

I've never heard of them "Mehano" but it was brilliant to watch. I'm 67 and just getting into model trains. Only been a few months into model trains but it's so addictive and so much money, I'm having a blast. Fulfilling my childhood dreams

[@Taggart00]

That western set looks interesting (although you didn't link to that one). This is what hornby should be doing to get children into the hobby at £50 you get more value than the nearest priced hornby set, where as Hornby release a bundle at £200 for the lockdown.

[@SamsTrains]

I'll check that one out mate! I agree - this would be awesome from Hornby! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@richardfrancis578]

I really like that! With a repaint, the wagons could look really smart, and a bit of weathering would make that loco rather convincing. The little set is fantastic value for money :)

[@SamsTrains]

That's very true - it'd actually make for a great project! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@uturnman76]

Sam, love your videos. Yeah this is not an SD-40 dash 2. . Its either an Alco Century C-630 or a General Electric U33-C. The U-33 series are what we chaps in the states nickname "U-Boats" dont know why, but its what we call them. Also generally the -2 or Dash Two means it was upgraded to better electronics / motors etc. Similar to a Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 is an early version and a Mk4 is a later more improved version. GP in front of a diesel stands for "General Purpose" Whilst SD designates "Special Duty" i.e. 3 axles or what you call Co-Co ... keep up the terrific work. Love the vids...

[@PP266]

Mehano used to be Mehanotehnika, the main Yugoslavia's train model factory. It became in 1991. Mehano and worked until 2008 in Slovenia. They moved the production in 2010 in China. And this is a Chinese made set. I can't over that, as a I kid, I destroyed a Mehanotehnika set. Which was second hand, but... But... Haunts me today! They used to made some fine trains!

[@williambabcoke248]

Ok, that is NOT an SD40. Looks to be a U-Boat of some kind, or some alco locomotive from the 60s. Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, get a scaletrains rivet counter locomotive. Insane amount of detail on one of those.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot William - based on the comments, I think you're right! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kyaing9047]

ALCo C628, to be exact. A very cheap tooling of it lol

[@Joe-o7n9j]

I agree re Scaletrains. Have a look at their stuff Sam and you'll consign your UK stuff straight in a skip. Over 800 parts on the HO scale UP Turbine

[@CardboardSliver]

I've noticed Alco had oddly spaced axles on their C+C bogies. Looking at my Bachman SD70AC and an ICH Premier AlCo Century 628, I can see the EMD has evenly spaced axles, where as the AlCo has a bigger space between 2nd and 3rd axle.

[@MrDrifterNL]

@@CardboardSliver This was done back then to keep the traction motors inside of the locomotive truck (bogie), where the axles are furthest apart the traction motors face each other.

[@_KaiTheGamer_]

The gondola has a brakewheel! Huzzah! Edit: Oh wait all the freight cars have brakewheels. Even better!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know right!! xD

[@robertdarnell5141]

Someone needs to send him a nice E or F unit, I’d love to see him react to some more American locos

[@philismenko]

I'd love to see his reaction to a life-like trains layout lmao

[@Calilasseia]

£50 or so for something that an 8 year old will be ALL OVER is pretty good. And despite you referring to the oversized scenery chunk as the "elephant turd", 8 year olds are going to have HUGE amounts of fun turning that into a piece of grassy hill with a stream. Remember that Blue Peter got a LOT of mileage from persuading kids to build all sorts of things from cardboard bog roll tubes and suchlike, and this brings back some memories of watching those episodes :) 6 to 9 year old kids will have a blast with this, especially if their parents are happy to let them get messy with glue and paint on the "elephant turd" :D

[@lukehughes6094]

Hope you enjoy creating your new pieces of scenery. Can now wait to see more videos like this about the different railway items available. Love hearing the history of the class.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Luke - yes I'll definitely do more one day! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jetseekers]

Awesome, tho honestly looks like something from when my dad was a kid

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah me too!! ;D

[@KyopipotheHWFan]

@@SamsTrains Unboxing electric Locomotive EP09 Unboxing SM42. This two models trains no Bachmann no Hornby this two trains models from company PIKO Please.

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

As I am old enough to be your Dad, I agree. In fact, I would have really wanted this!

[@gmaster5754]

Yay at last a review I thought you’d given up on making reviews

[@SamsTrains]

haha nooo - of course not!! :D

[@bussesandtrains1218]

Never gonna give it up, never gonna let subscribers down

[@thehobbyistden3720]

That is an amazing price. Even in CAD it's a heck of a good deal. Now I have been to Maheno's webstore now and then and writing up my shopping list. Their webstore is a bit clunky as they do not seem to list DC/DCC powered stuff separate from the AC powered stuff.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Den - I agree, lol!! Ahh okay, I'll have to be careful with that too then! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mitchellmilitello]

I used to watch your content religiously a few years back. I returned today, and I am pleased to see the charm hasn’t left!

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear - thanks so much for the kind words! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@nikolausbautista8925]

Never in my years, have I ever been disappointed by a Mehano locomotive (need to procure their TGV & ICE high speed sets, sometime!). Owning one of these ALCO C628 locos, I am most grateful to see you're pleased. God's Speed to you, and keep Uncle Pete's ALCOs rolling!

[@SamsTrains]

Me neither actually - they seem to be very good indeed, especially for the money! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesspaldin9520]

Well Sam, you have managed to clear amazon uk’s stocks with this review. the only one showing this evening is from Poland at £161.00!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - they all went really quick!! Hopefully they'll get more in stock soon! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DoubleX8620]

Man this looks very nice👍 I really like the locomotive and the waggons. The value is so good, much better than the Hornby Juniors train. Maybe adding some weights to the loco will make the power even better. I''m definitely looking forward of buying one. The AWD is amazing and my favourite feature. Great review, Sam

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks a lot mate - I really did too - very impressed with this one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@journeythroughtherails5294]

It’s a beautiful locomotive!!! Great video Sam! Have a awesome day 😁 -Nick

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Nick - have a good day too mate! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@roman_panek]

Its once again one of those recommended videos at 3 AM, i was never into railways as a whole, but i can say that i enjoyed this review, even though i aint going to buy it or anything. It reminded me of my train set when i was i child, and i still cant believe how much fun i had with one locomotive and few cargo vagons! Thank you for this well structured content. I regard people doing this, playing a mastermind behind a small world. I cant imagine doing it my self, but watching it is very, very satisfying.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear that Roman, thanks very much! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alexanderpoirier3350]

President’s Choice, a grocery store chain here in Canada, featured almost a dozen train sets released around Christmas time over several years. The engines were decorated in Canadian liveries while the freight cars were either painted in authentic Canadian markings or had PC products featured on the sides of the freight cars. Two of the sets were diesel while the rest were steam powered. Mehano and later IHC (International Hobby Corporation) produced the train sets. The same transformer in your set was included in the sets as well. I would highly recommend you take a look at these interesting sets and even the buildings that were produced to go with them.

[@jezurkajezic8937]

Thanks for a great review! I had Mehano trains as a kid since 1980.s. At that time still in former Yugoslavia ,Mehano was called Mehanotehnika (existing since 1950 s) .They made a very nice affordable train sets and also export them a lot in the USA or UK too...Today in Slovenia ,EU, Mehano produce starter sets like this one but also more expensive and more high detailed digital locos too.😊

[@pintokitkat]

13:33 continuity error, Sam. Tut tut.

[@SamsTrains]

haha! Wow - that was pretty sloppy! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davidstrains4910]

Great video Sam it is an ok price just wish it had some British stock in it instead if American

[@LHoriginal]

Same here

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks David - ooh better get yourself some British models ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Great video Sam the train set is a good deal but it is not available in The USA I wish it was . Thank You for keeping us entertained during this times of not being able to go out.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Louis - it's a shame they're not available in the states?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@brentboswell1294]

Union Pacific has a licensing division that decides if a company is allowed to use their likeness on models and toys. I'm pretty sure that Mehano hasn't been in touch with them...as an aside, Mehano made HO gauge models (locomotives and cars) for Atlas in the 1970's and 1980's. I'll bet someone in Serbia found the tooling in the back room and started cranking out new ones again 🤣

[@theodorelease8477]

Louis buscarino I looked it up and you can get it in the USA,but it’s $184.00 not worth it. It should be about $50.00 if that

[@brentboswell1294]

@@theodorelease8477 true, considering that you can get a trainset quality model from Bachmann, with EZ-track and Bachmann's own Kadee coupler clones, for around $100

[@gkjsooley]

My first train set (Christmas 1978) was an HO Model Power Canadian National freight set (made by Mehanotechnika in Yugoslavia for Model Power, with the exception of the caboose, which was made by Roco) featuring an Alco RS-11. I still have the loco and it still runs.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - glad to hear they last a good time! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Triplex5014]

I've had 4 Mehano train sets as a kid. I didn't know for better than Mehano because in Croatia it's all we had, mostly sold as kids toys in various stores. Cheap and plastic but I gotta say pretty reliable for the price. Mehano is an old company from ex. Yugoslavia and now it's in Slovenia today. I still kind of miss having a train set to play with. I donated my last train set to my high school where I was in a team to make a small model railway layout. It was an Burlington Northern Alco C628 with a crane and boom tender, hopper car and a caboose. Yup and I'm a train engineer today! :) Trains were always my passion.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that's pretty awesome - glad you found them reliable back in the day too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@wendysrailway6434]

Hi Sam..a brilliant review..I'm really tempted to get one of these...the Elephant turd LOL..you could incorporate in your own layout and maybe paint it or add some scatter and bushes...or maybe not, having looked at again, lol

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much - I can highly recommend it - although I'm certainly not putting that turd anywhere near my layout ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@skuula]

How about throwing that 5 pole motor from the other day in it :)

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely - I've thought about it! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Greatdome99]

And don't forget to add flywheels.

[@lukeslocomotives]

I thought it said "sod line" XD

[@SamsTrains]

haha I'd love that!! :D

[@alcobufff]

Mehano was sort of a "every ones got one" here in the states. Although pretty much no one realize it. Because of the company eastern European heritage, remember, this was still the tail end of the cold war, It decided to market its products to established train manufactures that sold their products in the US. Everyone for AHM to Bachman to Model especially, repackaged and sold some or all of their models. They were great pullers despite the little 3 pole motor's, as they had all wheel drive by this point. I had a gp18 when I was a kid that was sold via Bachmann, I did not know it was a Mehano at that time. I always like it because it was about to pull huge trains. When I started installing DCC decoders, About 12 years ago, I used some of these models, from the likes of AHM as my early attempts. I was highly impressed by how well they put together for what they were.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I can see why - they're such good value really! Many thanks for all the info! Cheers, Sam :)

[@muir8009]

Thank you for an intelligent comment, most here seem to be just random comments containing information that is wildly guessed at.

[@DC4260Productions]

I'm confused as to why the ALCO C628 engine in this set has the number 3222 when the real Union Pacific 3222 was an EMD SD40-2.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - it's a bit off isn't it? ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SimplyTakuma]

@@azuma7628 Here is the comment i found, no chinese at all! 🙃

[@SimplyTakuma]

@@azuma7628 Funny be me its on englisch....maybe, you PC?

[@pacificproductionsofficial]

Ah U Boats, very nice locomotives

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah! I quite like this one!! :D

[@Kmaster2007]

It’s actually a an Alco

[@redleader8952]

actually an Alco C628, but still a very nice locomotive

[@mariebcfhs9491]

my favorite U-boat is the U8B! A Vietnam veteran LOL

[@Spankbucket]

It's worth noting that the controller is AC and the supplied power supply is also AC (obviously!). I have a few of these and I really like the way they work particularly on my N gauge layout.

[@polska207]

I have a Mehano train set from 1994 that was made for President's Choice it's a 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive and I got it used at a flea market and it's really nice for who it was made for and still works great today

[@wizardsghost876]

Way back in the 80s all Manufactureres did make inexpensive start sets like this.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they definitely seemed to! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MSBworks]

It was what seduce me to buy too one set from Mehano , the Spanish AVE with a metal chassis loco, two cars and one fake loco, same controler and metal railway lines in Amazon for about that same price. I think it worth it too! Of course i made some improvements like real pantrografs, digitalization, ilumination and a set of spare 3 cars. It's like a bargain and some modeling work together!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - I'll have to look that one up!! Sounds cool!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robinforrest7680]

I bought a Mehano French outline train set for a small nephew a few years ago. Funnily enough it contained an SNCF B-B 67000 diesel just like your Lima 0 gauge one. I remember being pretty impressed given the price. The loco was quite good as I recall and I improved the rolling stock by adding some extra weight. This lot would be quite nice with some extra weight and some very serious weathering... The loco will probably be better once it's well run in.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh a French one?? That sounds awesome - I'll have to look into that one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GerdJanvdG]

Hi Sam! I've had a similar Mehano set as a kid, two actually. A Thalys set and a Boston & Maine diesel cargo set. The little plasic things in the bag at 11:09 are for clicking the tracks together. You don't really need them (as you show too, you didn't use them) but they can come in handy for kids. I recently found out that both trains I have still run after having been stowed away for more than ten years. The Mehano quality is amazing. I now use the tracks of these sets to run a more expensive Roco locomotive, an 1100 series from the Dutch National Railways.

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds pretty cool mate - thanks for letting me know what those clips were for - sounds good for keeping everything together actually! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GerdJanvdG]

Sam'sTrains No problem Sam :) Do you only cover trains from the British railways and it’s predecessors, or do you also cover foreign material?

[@JulieAV]

The Union Pacific number 3222 belongs to an UP EMD (General Motors Electro-Motive Division. [Later: Electro-Motive Diesel ]) SD40-2 but the loco model in the kit is an ALCO (American Locomotive Co.) Century 628. ALCOs have those distinctive rear corners on the long hood and on front hoods on "High Hoods". This is a Low Hood for better forward visibility.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted Julie, thanks a lot for the info! Cheers, Sam :)

[@makinjica]

I had one of those as a kid , almost the same , 2m track steel ,4 wagons , santa fe on main loko . 1 motor with driven shafts to each wheels with full gear box inside. Control box was ran by 2x4,5vlots and that was bad. I even than changed it to run on wall adaptor . Watching your channel and smt mainline bring s bac memories and now i want to go and get new loco ...

[@johnchandrav.1823]

Hi Sam..enjoyed the video. Thank you! The Locomotive is an Alco Century C628(The trucks/bogies give it away). Yes..a matter of fact,I have operated a Mehano made Locomotive (Life-Like Brand). Bought it in 1992,from the local Toys R Us store( back when the store stocked good stuff) It was a good runner.. equipped with a 'Can Motor' ..ran good. Having no traction tyres/tires...I added a little lead weight on the chassis...and it could pull a really long train.. putting other much heavier, traction tyred Locomotives to shame. I had loads of fun with it.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much John, and many thanks for sharing - they've been around for some time for sure then!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I actually bought the locomotive itself from Amazon for $28 (yes, I’m American) back in 2020. It was, for a good amount of time, my largest operable diesel locomotive. It was that way until earlier this year when I purchased a Bachmann SD40-2 With dcc and sounds from the real NS 3430 for an astounding $178. It replaced the mehano c630 as my largest diesel. I later sold it off after I converted to DCC.

[@richardkitterman3541]

Looks like the trains my local toy store and hobby store used to sell back when they were still in business! My first “modern”-inspired toy train was an EMD Geep, three or four freight cars, and a caboose all in brightly painted metal. Took me back a ways. Thanks for showing us!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting Richard - that one sounds pretty good! It's a pleasure mate! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SodorValleyProductions]

SOO Line is an old railroad in the US, which it’s territory is now owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway. I used to work that territory in North Dakota, and would run freight trains up to the Canadian border for interchange

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for the info mate! I didn't know this! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mikeytrains1]

Hey Sam, it’s the guy that suggested looking over the Scaletrains SD40-2 again, I’m most likely not the first but no, the locomotive in the set and cover is *not* an EMD SD40-2. Rather, it looks to be some sort of locomotive built in the ALCo “Century” Series, most likely one of the C6s. A simple google search finds that the locomotive is possibly a C630, as the Union Pacific owned a few of them if I recall correctly. The numbering series is completely wrong though, and the C630s would never wear that scheme if I recall correctly once more. Regardless I don’t really expect one from outside the Americas to tell a locomotive apart when it comes to us, no offense of course, but hey! You learn something everyday. Cheers from America, Mike

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks again for the comment Mike - duly noted on that, yes others have let me know about this one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@astridvallati4762]

The first high side wooden wagon is DR or DB early 50s. The Tubes are concrete sewer/stormwater/culvert pipes. The Soo line cars are US standard Hoppers ( Coal, Gravel, even Grain, with Tarpaulins/ fibreglass roofing. SOO LINE was a Class 1 rail company, Central Northern USA. Sam, you should expand your Knowledge outside your insular 00-UK - 1/76 outlook, which actually is quite good for those of that ilk. Doc AV

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for this - I was wondering about that one!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesgilbart148]

Amazing value! Yes, as others say, that loco and wagons would look much less like plastic toys with some good weathering - perhaps add a caboose to the consist? The 'elephant poo' could look really good after painting and grasses, bushes and trees etc. are added

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot James - yes indeed, they would make great projects! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@dancampbell3068]

I love your enthusiasm Sam, it's inspiring. Super respectful and honest, much like the legend that is James May. This set is rather lovely, it almost makes me feel like a child again. I'd have no hesitation in purchasing this for my son's as a starter set. Thanks for the review Sam. Stay safe.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Dan - that's very kind of you! Yes it did me too actually! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@railroadactive]

Here in Canada, Mehano train sets were marketed under the President's Choice brand and were sold in supermarkets around Christmas for around $70. They had a steam locomotive and around 5 freight cars and a large oval of track, though the loco was the only decent part of it. Sadly, they haven't been made for years but they can be found for sale online for much higher prices.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - I didn't know this, thanks for the info! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@osmanpasha_diy]

Menaho also produces a starter set with G1206 locomotive, and the locomotive has a freaking speaker! And a DCC socket! And a metal chassis! And lots of not-molded details like metal railings and horns. And some wagons in that starter set even have metal wheels. It costs around $100, but still cheap. I have one and am absolutely amazed by the quality of the loco. But the rails are still steel.

[@pettra1]

Hi Sam. Have received my own set today. Although, like you, I could hear things rattling inside, when I opened the box, everything was in apple pie order! There were no breakages on the loco, the wagons were neatly arranged in the box as was the track. The size of the curves differs to those of Hornby, Peco etc as three of them equate to two of Hornby etc. Interestingly, the radius is 3rd, amazingly, as I did a comparison, laying the Mehano track on top of the Hornby. Yep, it's 3rd radius. A 3 pin wall transformer easily plugs into the controller, so no problem there. Even the elephant calling card seems ok! The inner packaging was intact, no splits or tears anywhere. Even though this is clearly an inexpensive set, I thnk I shall have a lot of fun with it. You can get extra rolling stock via the Mehano website if desired. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised. Am awaiting the Ouigo speed train set from Mehano, should arrive tomorrow. There are other speed train sets available too. Seriously Sam, I'm impressed. A project: how to exchange the current couplings for nem couplings. Any ideas? Best, Pete.

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey Pete, sorry to hear that - at least there were no breakages though! Great that it's 3rd radius though, I'm impressed with that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@pettra1]

@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, nothing to be sorry about.....?! The set was just fine. Do you have any ideas about changing the couplings? I also noticed that the plug on the controller that fits into the power track piece is screwed on. It will be interesting to see what it's like inside, once the casing is unscrewed and taken off. We might be able to plug it directly into a Hornby power track piece, for instance. Pete.

[@ITTFami]

Those Mehano controllers are quite impressive indeed. I own a couple of them. They're based around an LM317 linear regulator. You can mod them by adding a TO-220 heatsink to the regulator itself. This increases the current output of the controller to around 1 amp continuous and 1.5 peak (!). One of my controllers is modded this way and it handles my old clunky Spanish Ibertren models (which absolutely devour power) no problem at all.

[@SamsTrains]

I certainly thought so - very good indeed! Thanks for the tip on that - I'd be interested in trying that! Cheers, Sam :)

[@railwayjade]

Although this is more ‘plasticky’ remember this is a kids train set. We used to be a dealer for Mehano and I found their stuff amazing - again, they don’t pay attention to detail in terms of liveries for various railroads but a more experienced modeller can fix them up nicely in a project. The locos motors are strong and quiet. We sometimes had problems with the controllers but I think that happens with any manufacturer.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes this one did look a bit more plasticy for some reason - very happy with it overall though! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jeffreymcneal1920]

By default, I own two Mehano locomotives. To my dismay, the Mogul runs like a Swiss watch and looks fairly decent. The diesel, GP 40, actually runs decently, not a crawler, but holds its own at speed, and the wagons that went with it are quite pleasing to the eye and stay on the rails.

[@a_szabo_bence]

Wow! As a kid, I've started with a MEHANO starter set like this. This was about 15-18 years ago. Good to see, that they are still making theese cheap sets. I know they are more like toys, than serious models, but that's it's benefit. If gets broken by the kid or something, you won't bother.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - yeah they still seem to be going strong (I think!) Absolutely! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stf2222]

Hi Sam i don't know if it is already said. But the things on the spruce is just for locking the track together. Had one of these sets myself several years ago.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Steve - yes you're right, that has been confirmed! Thanks for the info! Cheers, Sam :)

[@stf2222]

@@SamsTrains with my pleasure sam

[@70053morayfirth]

This is a fascinating review, because you are assessing it against other model railways when most of those purchasing it will probably be looking for a toy. And it does rather well. The level of detail, printing on the wagons, controller and general contents of the box are astounding for fifty quid. Imagine how delighted a youngster would be getting this as a present that's the price of a video game. Imagine how delighted a model railway enthusiast would be!!! Something to keep everyone having fun in this lockdown. Great vid.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot John, yes this is very true - but even so, I found it impressive for the cost! I would have been thrilled with this as a child! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@nowhereman5]

On my 10th birthday, after years and years of asking my parents for a train set I got a Mehano train set which is pretty basic, it's the loco (a GP18 in an SNFC livery) +3 cars (and the tracks and controller of course) so the box was much smaller as it got no buildings nor mountains and such. After it, I went with other brands like Athearn, Atlas, etc as Mehano is quite strange in Mexico, but anyway, it's a great starter kit for someone with a low budget and the quality is really good for the price (still got everything after 15 years except for a car). Also, it is ideal for someone who wants to experiment with detailing and weathering. Nice video, I subscribe!.

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome - great to hear you expanded it too, perfect! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

Man, I wish we had these in america! Most cheap train sets are battery powered, as SMT mentioned, and have plastic track that can't be expanded, as they usually come in circles. And the next level up is a 100 dollar set by bachman, and all you get is just the EZ track, and a train, and of course the transformer. I think this would do wonders for anyone wanting to try out the model railroad hobby, as all you need is a basic train and a sense of imagination.

[@SamsTrains]

I can't blame you! Yes the compatibility is brilliant with these! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@hiena8511]

Hey sam i have a union Pacific dash 8-40c(narrow nose) from bachmann spectrum series ( my photo on the right of the comment ) and the slow moving have impacted me because it looks like stopped but two minutes after it have moved some centimeter but only works on DCC current and is my neighbor loco mine is the same engine and the same serie but in DC and it have a lot of problems on turns of 420°

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh interesting - is that one better than this then?? Sorry to hear it has issues :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@hiena8511]

@@SamsTrains the only problem is the handlebars are made from very thin plastic and is very fragile

[@wraith3302]

That locomotive is actually an ALCO C628. Back in the day each builder had their own unique styling, the big giveaway that it's ALCO are the clipped corners where the number boards go, and the Century series all had the stubby short hood on the front (its where they keep tools and spares as well as the toilet). They were built from 1963 up until shortly before ALCO went out of business in 1969 but fortunately some of them are still in service today.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for that Spork, duly noted! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@wraith3302]

​@@SamsTrains Style was important even in freight service. You could easily tell the difference between ALCO, EMD, Baldwin, Fairbanks-Morse, and later GE. And I was mistaken the C628 there are only 3 survivors, two in Mexico and one in Australia, but other Century-series locomotives are still in service.

[@janskeet1382]

A great review. I could see someone on that design team pleading for that plastic mountain with a tunnel. “It’s a first train set, you have GOT TO see the train come out of a tunnel. I don’t care how big it makes the box! I WANT MY TUNNEL!”

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Arun - and that's true, tunnels are awesome!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@outtour2525]

Don't have a interest in model trains but this was recommended by youtube, it's great to see people with different hobbies

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that, thank you! :D

[@outtour2525]

Sam'sTrains this day and age a lot of people are just involved with social media, so it's awesome seeing people with hobbies and interests!

[@donaldswink6259]

Where I live in the United States I’m about 145 kilometers or 90 miles from the General Electric plant that builds the AC4400 Diesel Locomotive. Although I’ve never been to the plant they do show how their built on youtube if you decide to go to that site make sure you put in what locomotive you want to see because there’s a few sites on their that show how these things are made. When I watched the video which was a few years ago the said they cost around 1.6 million pounds or $2,000,000 million dollars for one locomotive and should last about 25 years. They recently built another plant in Texas, U.S.A. so that they could keep up in production.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that sounds awesome Donald - thanks a lot for sharing! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Brandonvilches0721]

the Locomotive is actually a ALco C628 they were built in the 1960s altho ALco went out in 1968 but they kept producton by MLW (montreal locomotive works) they also came out in wide cabs in the 1980s with the MLW M420W which was made in 1973. then more variants with the M636 and the M640 which the difference would be that the bell would be in the front of the cab most railways in the US and canada owned these locomotives... untill MLW went out of business

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh okay, thanks for that one Brandon - appreciate the knowledge! Cheers, Sam :)

[@Alcofoamer]

I've had two Mehano locomotives, they used to be sold in North America under the "IHC" name and before IHC by Pemco and AHM. They are very basic in detail, but very reliable runners that will last forever and make good budget locomotives.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted - yes I've seen some of their models marketed as IHC before too! You're right! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TestECull]

Seeing inside that locomotive I see a good place for a custom build. Get rid of the toy-like carbody, repower it, throw a bunch of tungsten putty in there around the driveshafts, 3D print a body of your own, and you've got one hell of a puller. Also easy to rig for DCC if you wanted to.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah of course - it would make for a great project! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robinbrowne5419]

Hi Sam, You are absolutely right that things need to be packaged properly, since many items are shipped air-mail, which means that they fly through the air into the shipping bin. PS - My friends and I who have N Scale trains, here in Canada, nearly always use that kind of controller, with the built-in clicky-switch at zero. Brilliant :-)

[@zdene]

Mehano company was one of the best toy factory in Yugoslavia, but back them it was called Mehanotehnika. I have a lot of Mehanotehnika H0 trains. Some of locomotives are old around 50 years and they stil work like new. They were producing model trains for a lot of Amreican companies like AHM, IHC, TYCO...

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing - I didn't know this!! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@JBofBrisbane]

Re the couplers and drawgear - in my experience with Mehano, you can replace the Euro couplers with Kadee or other knuckle couplers, but it does involve dismantling the bogies.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're right - they're just clamped in place - if I had replacements, I could definitely do that! :D

[@roguerailroader4132]

HOLY MOLY!! That's an older UP diesel engine, this is why I check Amazon for deals like this

[@SamsTrains]

haha awesome!! :D

[@roguerailroader4132]

@@SamsTrains If you think that's neat you should really check out the sets offered by Kato. I have one of their sets that has the Metra transit with the old styled engine (which I think are still in service for Chicago are but limited) and for what it offers just might be a steal. I'll see on doing a video about it.

[@mgr_video_productions]

Awesome review. The locomotive looks to be a former AHM tooling. The set reminds of the Tyco and Life Like electric HO scale train sets seen here in the states.

[@pattisears9372]

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😉😉😉😉😗😗😗😗😝😝😝😝🤓🤓🤓🤓😏😏😏😏😒🤫🤫🤫🤫🙄

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

That is an Alco. No doubt. A C628 I have the original Mehano 1980s version in Lehigh Valley scheme running for years on my layout. Very powerful HO engine with a good solid motor. The prototype were originally built for heavy coal trains.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for letting me know - appreciate that! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@rogerking7258]

This looks ideal for a five year old. If they don't take to it, the price isn't too much to swallow, but if they do, it looks to be compatible with code 100 track, so can easily be extended. It's the sort of thing that Tri-ang used to make in the 1950s and 1960s.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - the price is spot on really!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davidshepherd397]

Mehano put out sets for a Canadian Grocery store. I have 2 of them they were about $99.00 cad in the early 2000s. One of mine is that bullet nosed 6060 that you reviewed, and the original tender was very like the one in the set. One of the locomotives also came with smoke liquid. The track looks identical. Another great video Sam. Thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Very interesting David - that sounds great! Appreciate the comment, Sam :)

[@irtbmtind89]

Mehano is famous for these cheap train sets and it's nice to see they're still making them. They made the Tyco sets that were in every Walmart and Toys'R'Us in the 80s, and in the early 90s they made specially branded train sets for Loblaws (basically Canada's Tesco) for Christmas. They also did lots of outsourcing work for higher quality models before everything moved to China. I have a bunch of old Mehano controllers (some stamped Made in Yugoslavia) and yes they are very good for what they are. With DCC it seems the industry is not interested in making good DC powerpacks anymore.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for the info on Mehano - I didn't know they did any Tyco stuff! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@irtbmtind89]

@@SamsTrains The other thing Mehano was notorious for was cranking out cheap and generic pieces of rolling stock from the same tooling unchanged for decades and slapping (sometimes hundreds of) usually inaccurate road names on them. They had a couple of big importers in the US who would always have multiple page ads in Model Railroader magazine with hundreds of product listings in tiny print. They made so much of this stuff that it's still kicking around at hobby shops and train shows.

[@antonbruce1241]

For those interested in more accuracy: UP 3222 was NOT an Alco, it was an SD40-2, built in May, 1973. UP had very few Alco units, and those were a B-B classification - two axle trucks, not three.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks again Anton, duly noted! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robertsparks3685]

Interesting review. Thanks Sam. You might be interested to know that the Soo Line was originally a subsidiary of a Canadian Company. In the early 1900's, There were serious problems building track north of Lake Superior. The Soo line connected two sections of track in Canada by going south of Lake Superior which means going through the USA. The name comes from the connection between the cities of Soo St Marie and Winnipeg. The line created a vital connection to Western Canada for goods ( and other more controversial items). i.e. Canadian troops were moved through the USA to react to a rebellion in 1904. I have driven the length of the original Soo Line. The bridges etc still say Soo Line. I am not sure if the Soo Line is still owned by Canadian Pacific Railways.

[@shayhamilton313]

The locomotive is not actually an EMD SD40-2 but rather an ALCO (American Locomotive Company) C-628 and the Soo Line was a real American railroad. The Soo Line cars are a typical American hopper car used to transport stone, coal and other various similar items. The items that were on the sprues that you were unsure about are clips for the track to help better keep it together.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh cool, thanks for letting me know Shay, appreciate it! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@arthur850_]

Its just nearly the same technics as in my Mehano TGV Thalys. I got my TGV Thalys in a starterset too but a bit older then yours. It still runs fine with also a DIY light job done by me! The Mehano remote is indeed a really good one! I use them as daily drivers on my layout and they do the job really well! I'm really happy with them! :D Accept for that a month ago one of the two broke because for some reason when I plugged it in the power, it went rightaway to 100%+ for some reason. I scared the shit outta me because my old girl (Fleischmann br 01) went flying around the track and I just couldn't stop it! I needed to plug the power out and then the train stopped... I opened the remote it up, but nothing special was seen... I threw it away and bought a new second hand one on the internet for 5 euro's and that one is now doing its job nicely on my layout!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - yes the TGV is mechanically very similar, though I like the quad worm drives - very cool! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@arthur850_]

@@SamsTrains Its quite a clever systen that works really well for a low budget! Really nice job done by Mehano! :D

[@garlandward4372]

Those grey cylinders are called culverts, they're concrete in real life and they're for making sewers and things. They are an absolute staple of American train sets. Look up video of the Lionel culvert loader and unloader, they're two classic operating accessories. Another great video - thanks

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks a lot for that - appreciate the info! Cheers, Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

The elephant turd is a economical bit as it's the tunnel shown on the box, I think its clever how they have made it part of the packaging. Pretty interesting set for the money especially when you get the locomotive, three decent sized wagons, proper steel track with a controller, track mat and some scenic items (including the elephant turd tunnel).

[@SamsTrains]

Yes it's sort of clever, and sort of daft at the same time!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)