All New Bachmann Caledonian 812 Class | Unboxing & Review

[@Paraffinmeister]

Still strange seeing 828 in miniature when I know the real thing so well (I helped on and off with her last overhaul, I've spent countless hours cleaning and polishing her and firing). Stunning model that really does her justice. Fun little story, I was one of the first people to pre-order it when the project was launched at MRS back in 2018 and the woman dealing with the order forms got wind of the fact I knew the real loco quite well and instantly latched on to me saying "HEEELLLLLPPPPP can you tell me what the differences are between "as built" and "as preserved"?". Thankfully I was able to fill her in on most of the differences (different pipework and details besides just the shade of blue). Re price: It's worth remembering that some of the money goes towards the real 828's next overhaul. Another excellent video and a good start to the year, keep up the good work.

[@SamsTrains]

haha fantastic - so it does her justice? That's very good to hear! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leifvejby8023]

Thanks for the story - wish i could give more than more like!

[@leifvejby8023]

I can, I have two youtube accounts! Done!! Gave Sam one more like too!

[@willknipe9491]

@@SamsTrains in theory you could make your own Caledonian coaches.

[@robertscott1317]

Not going to lie I bought both Caley Livery versions to help support her and get two fantastic models as well. Sure footed runners on dcc if a bit coggy at the bottom end

[@joshuapboston1999]

Nice to finally see a model version of Donald and Douglas's basis! The class 812 looks absolutely beautiful!

[@SamsTrains]

It is! People have been after this for years! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@SamsTrains What happened to your triang one

[@carlomalijan8001]

What’s pretty cool, is that’s their original color, from the Railway series.

[@Stanier_Standard]

we finally get to see Donnie and Dougie in their IRL form

[@QJ89]

I recall that Bachmann Did create models of Donald and Douglas, 11 years ago. I could be wrong, but they were Bachmann's first attempt at making models of the 812. Oh, and that flimsy brake-bar does seem like a deal-breaker.

[@sableveil]

Not only is it (Decently) detailed, It's a pretty decent runner. It hauls a pretty good amount of coaches. Overall, I think Bachmann did a good job on this.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I think that's fair to say on the whole - a very good job! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joshuaW5621]

I’m excited to get them when I come back to railway modelling. And since the 812 is out, the Unlucky Tug is now planning to make models of Donald and Douglas.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh amazing - they sure are very awesome models! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

I like the look of the Caledonian 812! I absolutely love the Caledonian blue livery too, it’s quite a smart look! Definitely getting some Donald & Douglas vibes out of this since they were also in blue, not just black.

[@SamsTrains]

I do too - such an amazing livery! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@EtBEF_02]

We need more Scottish engines on the model train market

[@rottenroads1982]

@@SamsTrains, I would love it if you started your own OO9 scale model layout. A layout to go in tangent with your OO layout. And the first OO9 scale locomotive you could get is a Bachmann Baldwin 10-12-d. I would also like it when you get a Heljan BR class 28. I am still waiting, and I will keep waiting.

[@TheSharkKing45]

I wonder how long until Bachmann makes Donald and Douglas in Caledonian Blue?

[@speleokeir]

An excellent review Sam. Fairly typical for Bachmann: looks gorgeous, mechanism not the best, over priced. The way I always think about it is this: What else can I get NEW for £200? e.g. - An Oxford Rail J27 and say 5 new wagons or 4 railroad coaches. - An OR J27 plus a second new loco such as a Peckett, Terrier, K1 or one of a variety of 4-6-0s which several model shops currently have on sale for around £100. - Or a big 4-6-2 Paciific loco. I guess it depends whether you have your heart set on that particular loco and there's no doubt it's a beauty. However when you see what Oxford Rail can do for a far lower price tag you do wonder how much of a mark up Bachmann and Hornby are making. If Bachmann said they were giving a percentage of their profits to the Trust for the original it would be an easier pill to swallow. Seriously though normally it makes more economic sense to sell a large number of units at a small profit each time and grow your market than make a large profit on each item, but only cater to a more exclusive well-off market. It would be nice if Bachmann and Hornby published their profit margins to prove we're not being ripped off and justify their prices. For Hornby now they've bought Oxford Rail it would be sensible to take a long hard look at how OR managed to have manufacturing costs that allowed them to produce such good value models and adopt some of the same methods and practices for their own production.

[@pettra1]

Assuming Bachmann is a British company, their accounts are a public document so are available for inspection by anyone. You can easily get hold of Hornby's public accounts.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much - yeah that's fair to say! Much better value models out there, no doubt about it... but better looking ones? Maybe not so much... I agree - I'm fascinated by how Oxford managed to pull off the J27 for that price! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@atlantaman]

I bought the served blue version with sound. Good runner, good sound and lovely finish featuring excellent attention to detail: Hornby - eat your heart out, from my recent experience (lousy W1 and Rocket) you ain’t capable of rising to this level. Very pleased with my 812, Sam.

[@andrewguttry6886]

Good honest review as always Sam. I imagine the excessive cost is down to economies of scale and limited production numbers, being as it's a Rails exclusive. Had it been mass produced for the general market in higher numbers, I reckon you could knock around £50 off the RRP. Being a Southern Region modeller it won't be added to my collection, nice as it is.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Andrew - yes that's true - one reason why I'm not a huge fan of exclusives... you can't tell me they wouldn't sell at TONNE of these if they were better value, and available everywhere! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adriancarter2863]

So being a “Southern” modeller, what do you think of Bachmann’s 00 analogue 4-BEP at £499 RRP produced for the general market? Basically a near 15 year old model of their 4-CEP with only one trailer coach altered. An analogue version is only worth about £150-175 as nearly all the R&D costs were covered years ago, maybe DCC Sound £250. But £500 for an analogue 15 year old model?? Get real Bachmann! With Hornby now trying to charge £500 RRP for their re-released 4-VEP (now over 15 years old too) in SWT livery, it seems that Bachmann and Hornby are trying to create a very expensive duopoly! Would love both a 4-BEP and another 4-VEP, but at £1,000 between them, could have a holiday in Newfoundland with my Canadian 🇨🇦 relatives for that price!

[@andrewguttry6886]

@@adriancarter2863 One would have to be an idiot to pay anything even remotely approaching the £500 being asked-(and yes, retailers will discount it, but by how much?)-especially taking into account its age. We have rapidly increasing rates of inflation, stagnant wages and are about to be shafted royally by the energy suppliers, so I don't anticipate many sales with people watching their money very carefully. I'm a pensioner with limited resources and am gradually being priced out of the hobby; and I'm not the only one, given the demographics of the model railway hobbyist tend toward those of a 'certain' age...!

[@paulcaswell2813]

@@SamsTrainsAnd how many modellers of pre-grouping railways do you know???

[@MachRacer4]

I’ve got three of them. The CR light blue, the as preserved CR dark blue, and the BR late crest black. They’re nice running engines. Worth the money to get the factory sound fitted versions.

[@metaltiger4061]

Got mine about two weeks ago, the preserved livery and was hoping you’d do a review of this, I think it’s one of the best models currently out there and Bachmann have done amazingly well with it despite the long wait but totally worth it, glad your pleased with yours and awesome review, keep up the good work.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing! It's definitely one of the best models out there... in terms of looks at least! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidstrains4910]

Great review Sam the locomotive looks great and I definitely think it is worth the money especially as I have seen other reviews on this locomotive, bachmann have done a great job.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - they sure have done a great job! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@denz2973]

Donald and Douglas would be proud to see one of their siblings on the screen (I haven't commented on your vids in ages)

[@Abdu11L4hi]

I love the Caledonian 812 design ,especially in that stunning blue livery .I also have one of these but it took a while to arrive but ,overall, It's an amazing loco.

[@SamsTrains]

I do too - incredibly elegant - particularly in this livery! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Wow, that is a superbly detailed model, it looks like it just come out of the painter's livery shop, the lining is almost perfect and enhances the Royal blue livery to another level. It is almost crying out to be bought due to the excellent locomotive presentation.

[@SamsTrains]

It certainly is stunning - the paintwork is mazing for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ashleywalton8416]

Yes! Been waiting for this since mine arrived. Gorgeous loco desperate for more caledonian models. Great video Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ashley - hope you enjoyed the video! Are you happy with your model too? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ashleywalton8416]

@@SamsTrains I am I think it's one of my favourites. Love anything caledonian anyway. I don't run my locos so was interested to see how you found it :)

[@DarkGlobeProductions]

Got mine last week. Absolutely beautiful model 😁 having lived near the Strathspey Railway I always wanted a locomotive of 812 and 419 so that's one down and one more to go to have the 3 surviving caledonians all modelled up

[@SamsTrains]

That's fantastic to hear - so many people have been waiting for these to get made! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheRealEasyA]

Ah yes! The Caledonian 812 is one of my favorite locomotives! I'm really glad you got to review this thing. I also love the color.

[@sixsmallwheels5104]

812 is honestly one of the nicest models I’ve ever seen . I might get one even

[@SimJackson]

Yay! Been looking forward to a review of this from you since I heard about itlast year! Looks absolutely beautiful in the Caledonian blue!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Simeon - hope you enjoy the video! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jorgemartinpaez4376]

the engine that Railway series /Thomas and Friends characters were used for the Scottish twins Donald 9,and Douglas# 10, on the NWR, thier original numbers had fallen off.. love these engines locos, maquinas de vapor! great video! now i have the themes of the Scottish twins playing in my mind! awesome mate lol

[@lordflasheart6801]

For me, this has to be one of the loveliest models I have seen recently. I actually said "Wow" when you took it out of the plastic carrier! Beautiful model and another great review. Nige

[@crazybattlegoose8872]

Yes! So glad you did a review, just started watching so if it turns out to be good I'll be placing my order! They look beautiful

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Cameron - overall if you don't mind the price, I can highly recommend it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ericprint3576]

Ever since I was a lad I've liked Donald and Douglas and their Scottish history glad to have a decent model of their basis

[@Projeect2008]

ayyyyyy The first locomotive review of 2022 and what an AMAZING LOCO this is.

[@WarmBreezeStudios]

I just can't say how much I really love this video, Sam💙I love the music you used, I agree that this model is something really special because I loved Donald and Douglas as a kid and I love their real life basis! I have a deep love for this great Scottish steam engine🔷🏳💙🚂

[@Mason58654]

One of the most gorgeous OO scale locomotives I’ve ever seen! 👍 Glad that you got one! 😃

[@codymarshall2540]

Fantastic video you did today. That Caledonian 812’s Blue Livery looks extremely beautiful. I would absolutely buy that loco, but with DCC Sound, because I love having model locos with Sound and the locomotive does made me like Donald and Douglas more than any Thomas & Friends Characters. Hope you enjoy the new year of 2022 and I can’t wait to see what brand of any model trains you’ll have for your next review. Cheers.

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

Donald and Douglas' basis. And it's fitting that they're painted blue. In the original books, they were repainted from black to blue after The Deputation. But in the TV series, they remained in their black livery.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes indeed!! I remember that actually - very fitting! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@nathanswales828]

Thanks Sam! I always wanted to see you review it when it was released

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Nathan - I always wanted to try this too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@generalpopeye4148]

I got 2 of these 1 in the "as delivered" light blue and the other in the "as preserved" dark blue and they arrived the other day as my first OO scale locomotives. I have yet to take mine out and examine them so this video is great to see.

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam Great review I think everyone came to the same conclusion with locos prices. For me it one if not best Bachmann loco to date I cant understand why Bachmann have not used the new drawbar connection on this and lnwr improved precedent class like they did on the v2 Only my opinion. Keep safe arp

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Adi! It's easily one of the best looking - agreed! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@metalsonicempirenewchannel4782]

It’s been quite the while pal I see your still making awesome videos everyday that’s nice to see.

[@tykedopwnz]

Starting 2022 with a review of an astonishing loco? Caledonian locos are honestly something else. All of them look unique and beautiful in their own regard. 812 is probably my second favorite loco ever, only beaten by the GWR Manor

[@catapultking8861]

The blue is beautiful! I hope someday the get to do the “BeetleCrusher” Class 498 or some other Caledonian locos.

[@robertscott1317]

Dunalistair III surely!!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh lovely! Maybe this will be the start of a Caledonian trend? I hope so! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Brooklyn_T_Guy]

I bought two for myself and ordered some 3d printed Douglas faces using all of my savings, both are coming this weekend and this review just makes me so excited. I know this custom will be great :D

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow!! Sounds an awesome project - have fun! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@danthebluetank6636]

It’s about time these were made! Donut and Dougie (joke name I give them) finally have their basis out!

[@FormallyknownasE100]

I think it's a very fair review. Very glad you went for it and as you say it's hard to have regrets when it looks that good. I certainly don't with my two (as built and preserved) but am in the market for anything Scottish, not least the 812. They are now the pride of my collection and my favourite model by far. Even my fiancee thinks they are fantastic! The preserved is darker but on balance I think I prefer the as-built slightly. I was ok with the brake rigging but I did use tweezers as it looked fragile. On DCC as supplied the decoder is very much tuned to the motor with a good speed curve and top end but realise this doesn't help DC modelers. The next 18 socket change is a positive in my book even if the socket has changed position, as they are better than the 21 pin (come on Hornby - they should have switched straight to PluX22/ next 18 as it's 2022!). All next 18's are small so it'll be no problem fitting them there thankfully. The model feels quality and I think Bachmann can be pretty proud of themselves. Agree that the reverser and cab supports should be metal. At least nothing has fallen off and they should be robust. After lubrication and running in mine is silky smooth so don't miss the flywheel too much. My primary criticism is the terrible draw-bar setup. Pricing is high but it is a limited commission so to be expected that will add a premium. Compared to what you now buy the J36 for, it still could be cheaper or they could have added more die-cast. I'm ordering some etched number plates for them both at £5 per pair so they definitely should have been included. Nevertheless if this is a sign of things to come for 2022 they we are in for a good year. I'm sure this will be a favourite for future running sessions you have!

[@SheffieldNo14Productions]

The Caledonian Railway 812 Class, eh? Pretty amazing model, very highly detailed, but the engine itself is beautiful so I suppose that’s partly responsible for it’s looks! 812’s are truly stunning engines! Great video as usual Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes indeed - the engine is very elegant, but I think it's the livery that wins for me! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@yourfriendlyneighbourhoodb2688]

Given the NBR and the Caledonian Railways feud with one another before grouping, I feel like this model and the Hornby Maude would have an absolute field day with the other Bachmann did a great job on this one. If the firebox flicker were a bit better on DC I’d really consider getting one. (Hornby are doing a lot of shady things at the moment, but there’s no denying they can make good models. Their Princess Royal firebox is IMPECCABLE)

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's a great point... I need to make that happen! Yeah - not sure why they couldn't have the flickering work on DC when other manufacturers have managed it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@EmilyChaosDrivr]

Im so excited!!! My birthday comes soon and this wee lad is definitly going to be on my layout soon. The 812 is such a wonderful mixed traffic locomotive and the model is great for people that want to do an express but dont have the money for several locos. A bit sad though that you cant find the blue variant these days. I think im going to repaint mine into a blue livery with red stripes, similar to Edward, Thomas and Gordon. The scottish twins also wore this livery in the books.

[@leroyholm9075]

Sam: Great model for looks, my twitchy eye at seeing a steam locomotive in bright blue is only at minimum reflex!

[@SaltyVan]

Noooo Sam you had the prefect chance to run Donald and Douglas Great review. The loco is a beauty

[@SamsTrains]

I know!! Can't believe I didn't think of that! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ThomasZoey3000]

I should've guessed you would get the locomotive at some point. I have the Preserved livery, but I can say for sure, it is a very nice model. Love this video, really looking forward to seeing what you'll bring out this year.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I suppose it was inevitable and I just didn't know it... amazing model overall! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@clipperrail8988]

Phew. - glad you like it. Got my preserved livery one in December and it’s a beautiful, one-off, special little loco, but a silly price. One bought as a rare treat and I’m very happy with.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - the preserved one looks even more complex than this one... glad you're happy! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TTTEFan84]

I hope we get to see Donald & Douglas facing-off their real life counterpart in a video soon

[@SushiDoge]

So excited for this review!! Just got mine yesterday :)

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh amazing - hope you're happy with it? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SushiDoge]

VERY happy with it, better than I ever imagined. The nearly year long wait definitely paid off for me

[@thesplendidredengine5james865]

Lovely review Sam, I'd love to get my hands on Caledonian 812 ❤

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I do love the blue colour but I bought two other 812s; one to represent a Belgian type 30 ROD that did actually pull the railway guns in WWI and of course it was black and my favourite in LMS livery. Tomorrow I take delivery of two Improved Precedent Class locomotives from Rails: one in crimson and the black LMS version. They were in my basket for ages before I could justify buying them.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh fantastic - what a great modelling idea! Sounds great - hope you enjoy the Precedent! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailwaynoob]

@@SamsTrains Me too. I can't eat for a few weeks now :)

[@modelrailwaynoob]

@@SamsTrains I ended up buying the CR 812 too :)

[@atruebluefriend]

Losh sakes...another fine review of Donald and Douglas there, lad!

[@lindsaydonovan6241]

Locos i'm interested in you reviewing this year: -Anything from Oxford Rail -Hornby class 110 -EFE Rail 1938 stock -Rapido trains titfield thunderbolt -One of the Dublo branded locos

[@CAshleyMoss]

Hi Sam. Great review, as always. Have recently bought the preserved version. I agree that it’s VERY expensive but I’ve found it to be really smooth and reliable, running faultlessly. It’s also stunning to look at so I have no regrets! Chris Moss

[@DmanOfficial15]

I got one for Christmas and I was blown away by the speed. The only disappointment with the loco. However an interesting note is that the removable coal load on mine didn't have the rubbery bottom that yours had

[@harryprince5472]

That’s a stunning looking livery at a glance sam , good to see the reviews are starting with a bang

[@SamsTrains]

I agree - it's a great loco!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@zippingcruises7712]

Hey Sam, I recently got Covid, your videos are really helping me get through it. Thanks for being a great KZbinr. Sincerely, Me

[@alancarpenter2070]

Hi Sam, I have the "As Preserved" 828 as it is my absolute favourite loco and it runs an the "Strathspey Railway" which is close enough to me for a good day out. I pre-ordered mine as soon as I found out it was coming out. I wouldn't pay that much for a similar model again, but I am well pleased with mine. Mine crawled smoothly even more slowly than yours, straight from the box, lucky I guess. My only real complaint is the loco/tender drawbar connection. A screw would have been better and would not have broken the bank. The loco on the "Strathspey" normally hauls six maroon Mk 1s as far as I know. Another review up to your usual high standard. I can't wait for part 2 of your wooden "Rocket" kit construction. Regards, Alan.

[@andrewdking]

That lining really is sublime. Nice to see they have differentiated in colour been the brass bits and the copper piping, something Hornby needs to improve upon. However, all the metal painted parts (copper, brass and steel) use a really bad grainy paint. This makes all those parts look like they were originally really rough sand castings, though many are supposed to represent smooth polished or machined metal. Now paint brand Alclad2 do some superb metallic paint finishes. Prepare with a gloss black first though to ensure the best shine

[@lukeblake7003]

I have the preserved livery version of this. And it runs like a dream! It is also my first firebox glow equipped loco.

[@sableveil]

I LOVE that blue color. I may just have to get it for that. It;s even the same color as his shirt!

[@johnylitalo4163]

Perfect for Donald & Douglas from the Railway Series.

[@miloseal25]

I'm excited to see the unlucky tugs make the Donald and Douglas models from these

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh amazing - I'll have to look at that too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@miloseal25]

@@SamsTrains yeah he did it for the other characters as well also I got a Bachmann Oliver

[@TheZeldafan57]

Solid review Sam, I agree with everything. I'm excited to receive mine! I'll be putting DCC into it so I can easily modify the start and max voltages. Even if initially I thought the price was steep, I'm now happy to support companies producing quality products for high prices rather than a certain *ahem* other company.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - really hope you enjoy yours - be careful with it now! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheZeldafan57]

@@SamsTrains Got mine today... you'll never guess... the brake rigging didn't break! MY breakage was that hardwired baseplate, tried to take it off (without excessive force because this has happened more than once) and one of the solder joints connecting it broke. Nearly pulled my hair out trying to solder it back on!

[@davidwebster537]

Hi Sam's Trains this was a brilliant review I bought one myself being from Scotland and also having had a run behind 828 on the Strathspey Steam Railway.

[@Tombola1993]

We’re all grateful that 812 is still around.

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Loved your review. You have come a long way in terms of your subscriber since I first started watching your videos. I have the sound version, for my collection and the sound is amazing. Was surprised how small it is.

[@Chris9017]

After seeing this model, I went right to Rails of Sheffield and bought one myself, but I paid a little extra for the DCC Sound, but it's in the same livery. The ones in as preserved are unfortunately sold out, so I bought one in the same livery as this while they're still available. They won't last long on the shelves. Beautiful engine Sam, great review, and I can't wait for mine to arrive. Brings me back to when I bought the Hornby J36 because of your rave reviews that engine too. :)

[@SamsTrains]

Oh fantastic Chris - hope you really enjoy it - bet the sound is very good too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Chris9017]

@@SamsTrains I just took one look at your review, and not even half way through, I went onto the site and put in my order. I’m really excited to get it! :)

[@chrisvaughan159]

Drawbar - Tender issue. I've found that 2mm I/D Nitrile "O" rings fit over the Tender spigot and if retained by a tiny drop of PVA solves this separation problem. Just fit one to the top of the spigot leaving plenty of vertical play in the drawbar below. A bodge but it works.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing! That's a solid idea! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@craigthe]

Glad to have you back

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! It's awesome to be back! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lindaoffenbach]

A good well first review of the year Sam. Had we been in British 00, this one certainly would have made our day. Considering the low production run (exclusive) and all of its qualities, specially the highly intricate superbly done linings and finish, plus it being a good runner as well, the price seems quite justified for us. People often expect to pay Vauxhall money for a Bentley… That’s just not realistic. It does indeed have some niggles here and there, but even the most expensive models have. This is one is fine for the money. For value, we had 4 stars in mind tbh, but we certainly do understand your point of view.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - and thanks for sharing your point of view too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

I love the blue color it looks like a great locomotive!

[@SamsTrains]

I do too - we need more in this livery! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robertlucido3686]

I went to a train show last weekend, I got some stuff, I use to go to a quarter scale railroad called the Junction Valley Railroad in Bridgeport, Michigan, the railroad closed in 2016, and I'm going to paint and decal some engines and rolling stock for that railroad, I'll send you some pictures when I finish some, also did the comment I left you about Rail-Trails

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh sounds very exciting - good luck with the projects!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OddBallThe4th8382]

Wow that Caledonian blue is stunning! I would love to see more Scottish engines from Bachman and Hornby (and all the others!)

[@SamsTrains]

It really is... I've been thinking the same... we need more! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@masterofsouthern5427]

The livery is best I ever seen. Brilliant review Sam 🙂

[@cbrooks122000]

I really like my preserved sound fitted one. After watching your review I went to pick it up off the railway and noticed the plastic drawbar adjustment on the tender had snapped, so obviously another thing they didn't get right. I will make a metal one.

[@cbrooks122000]

I fixed my one by gluing a strengthener on the back by using a thin piece of plastercard. I thought the original part shouldn't be plastic so I checked with my Bachmann 4F, same type of model. Did you know on the 4F they use a metal part, on this model they use plastic but they haven't "beefed it up" to compensate for the different material.

[@mitchellwhittington2507]

I'm surprised you didn't run Donald and Douglas alongside her. The three are technically siblings.

[@traingoddess]

Did you say two engines, Inspector?" "Yes, sir." "Then send the other back at once!" "Certainly, sir. But which?

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! Good old Scottish Twins! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@trainzville9237]

Good Evening Sam, that is an excellent review on the Bachmann Caledonian 812 No.828. I too have the Bachmann Caledonian 812 No.828, but in Caledonian Railway Blue Livery as preserved. I respect your opinion on the built & running quality of it, but with mine, I don't mind at all, even though I paid a lot of money into purchasing it, as long as it looks excellent & runs very well. Keep up the good work mate. 10/10 & 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Kind Regards Trainzville/Jordan Shingler

[@trainzville9237]

Hello?

[@busterdragon1]

Yeah definitely a beautiful Loco in real life & in model form but I definitely agree with you, as soon as a saw the tender pickups in a different video I got the feeling that Bachmann hadn't pulled out all of the stops with this and your review proved me right. its a shame any preserved loco deserves that treatment I believe & I am fond of this loco as I live not very far from it in Scotland. I do believe after seeing this the Hornby J36 is better whilst not perfect but they didn't cost near as much and that's even the TTS sound version. As always Sam thanks for the review and good luck with the next one :)

[@melchestermodelrailway]

We need some Sams Trains Slippers in the merch department!

[@HarryC_640]

Beautiful loco Sam! What a great way to start the year!

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

I'm impressed. It seems that Bachmann did the job...which, as an American, it's nice to see! Gorgeous loco......even if she is a bit fast. I agree...the cost could be a bit cheaper....more like $150-165 would be more acceptable.

[@KawaiiLizzi]

Now you can do Donald and Douglas vs the Caledonian 812 in a race, that I would love to see.

[@jimross623]

As the Caley 828 was parading down the catwalk behind some other famous models… Sam says “this really is a beautiful model. I can’t wait to get my hands on it…”. That doesn’t sound at all perverted. Have you seen the Caley 828 stripped down Sam? Each to their own. ;-)

[@revvingnoodle7192]

Donald & Douglas theme intensifies

[@lachd2261]

Absolutely beautiful. I think you might have been a tad harsh on your detail score. Gorgeous

[@thatmodellingbloke]

Looks lovely Mr Warwell! Here's to a decent 2022!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you!! And amen to that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@russellbenton2987]

Yep quite right . The J27 is incredibly good value. , the Caley overpriced . You’ve obviously got Bachmanns premium price and Rails exclusive price combined here, although I do wonder if Rails have actually moderated the price as I think the C class from Bachmann is £230. But she is gorgeous . I’m biased because I’ve wanted a proper Caley loco for ages . I like it so much I bought both blue ones and love them .

[@RobertJohnDavis]

Thank you for this review. I was about to drop quite a sum on a sound fitted version, but after seeing the thick cab walls and heavy tender lines I put my credit card back in my wallet. The paint is beautiful, but those scale 12”+ walls are hard to overlook.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Robert - yes if that sort of thing puts you off, this isn't the model for you at £200! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@HeavyTanker-vx4oq]

I imagine that Brake Rigging could have just been a bad batch of plastic. Happens a lot these days wth the shortages. Bachmann would probably send you a replacement if you wanted.

[@SamsTrains]

Maybe you're right - not too impressed with that though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kloudykatt]

Quite a stunning looking model from Bachmann, and I'm just as surprised with the performance. That price is really high though. My ALP 45 DP cost about 131 GBP and that has a metal running plate along with DCC.

[@julianyknow6537]

Brilliant review Sam! i gotta say it is a Stunning! utterly stunning model, one day i really do hope to own one, it's a one of a kind :D in the real world with the real thing too! :D

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - it really is stunning, that's for sure! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thefountainpendesk]

OMGGGG IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you!! Hope you like it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mrradio2295]

Time for Unlucky Tug too make Donald and Douglas.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I've heard a lot about this today! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mrradio2295]

@@SamsTrains your very welcome

[@LancashireAndYorkshire]

Ooh, might have to get one for myself! Great review Sam!

[@kristlkirk2847]

This looks incredible great review

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@CynderHound]

Coreless Motor - Check! Next18 DCC Ready - Check! already looking good so far!!!

[@nigelwest3430]

Mine arrived today, What a beautiful little Locomotive :-) Very happy with it even for £200

[@RobA500]

Good review Sam, I’ve drawn too the same conclusions, my lined J27 is a bit better in quality terms plus the water level gauges have the black & white stripes rather than plain silver as on this model so cab detailed is better on the far cheaper model. Not taken mine apart yet but will need to when I get a decoder for it. So for the extra £110 we get a red LED until you pay more for DCC.

[@FormallyknownasE100]

Blue paint too! My favourite colour no less :P

[@Zebrails]

Nice review Sam... yes, beautiful decoration/details (less brake rigging) and fast... A CR drag race... how 'bout it? 31:17 I just obtained one of those "Rolling Road" devices for $50 Canadian from Alie-Express, a friend ordered it for me, six axle version and no wire attachment... was $50CA a good price? John British Columbia, Canada

[@georgewarren2841]

I just bought one of these today at model rail Scotland and the detail amazing but one small thing I use and old style hornby dc controller and even set to zero the loco moves 🤣. Might need to update to a better controller now

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

I’m not sure if you noticed this Sam, but the brake rigging on the tender is a bit crooked, might want to fix that when you get the chance. It’s on the middle axle

[@SamsTrains]

haha I daren't touch it... the loco break rigging broke at the touch! Thanks for watching, Sam :)