Another Rip-off? New EFE Rail Adams O2 Tank Engine | Unboxing & Review

The latest EFE Rail steam locomotive is here... but is it any good?
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0:00 Intro
2:53 Unboxing
7:57 History
9:08 Detail
17:13 Mechanism
20:30 Performance
26:57 Haulage Testing
33:10 Ratings
37:08 Conclusion

[@gregmacdonald927]

Send it back Sam! I thought that three star for performance was EXTREMELY generous.

[@kyletrummel69]

**Sam reviews a crummy model** The Evil Scrapman: "I'm HUNGRY!!"

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh there’s an idea ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thehobbyistden3720]

Could be a new show idea. "SAM's Loco Improvements"

[@SuperRobotStudios]

You definitely should send it back: you’ve threatened to do so several times before with the Heljan 1361, the Beatie Well Tank, (I can’t remember if you did with the Bachmann 9F), so I think you should follow through this time and send a clear message to the manufacturers that this isn’t acceptable. They’re killing the hobby at this rate.

[@SkipseyTrains]

The surviving prototype (24 CALBOURNE) regularly operates a five bogie carriage train (only limited by the platform length because the carriages don't have corridor connections).

[@gkjsooley]

"Pants puller" - the 12 year old in me is giggling like an idiot. You were far too generous with the performance stars.

[@truefilm6991]

What intrigues me always about British steamers is, how elegant and smooth they look. German and US steamers (the latter as far as I know rarely even had inside cylinders) for example usually have a large part of their piping and valve gear, etc. visible on the outside, which is a huge challenge for manufacturers and modelers of course. Not sure if the "hidden" parts makes/made maintenace more difficult. I guess a lot of elegant solitions were found. Always great watching your reviews. Most buyers of railroad models nowadays demand quality representations of the originals (prototype), not toys.

[@tankmicr00man]

I used to live on the Isle of Wight in the 50s and remember these plucky little fellas working hard on the journey between Cowes and Ventnor. I was looking forward to one of these... Ah well. Thank you so much for your honest review Sam.

[@redversb2347]

Oh dear. I think you were quite generous Sam considering the cut outs and poor pulling power. Also the play between the driving wheels means the connecting rod doesn't stay horizontal. Way overpriced and I would send it back and buy another 1p. 👍

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I think I was pretty generous too actually... not impressed! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@perthdave100]

@Kabuki Kitsune don't think would make any difference on DC or DCC, in this case with this loco, there is too many loose gears, for the price Sam paid, you would expect a decent 3 pole motor.

[@airwolfpete1234]

I’ve been watching for so long for almost 3 years I think and now I have bought my first model train set I have loved seeing you channel grow and seeing the changes

[@SamsTrains]

That’s so awesome! Which one did you get?? :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jeannedarcalterberserker8620]

As much as I love the livery the performance is pretty laughable especially on the express points and the pulling power. Sadly the beautiful livery won't be enough to balance the negatives so I'll pass on this one. Still great review, Sam 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I'd agree with you - can't really recommend this one sadly :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@T8Hants]

What a disappointment, I’ve waited 60 odd years for a model of my favourite and local loco and it turns out to be a lemon. I have the earlier variant sitting virtually unused in its box waiting for me to finish the layout to run it on. I got that from the I.W. steam railway. I can’t afford ornaments, so there will be no stable-mates until the thing is re-engineered, which won’t happen. Thank you, Sam, as a pensioner I need to spend wisely and carefully. I can get three well run-in 2nd hand other locos for the price and will.

[@JBB27907]

Maybe you could try to do a custom model

[@sjaakmcd1804]

Hi T8Hants, I spent nearly £170 to buy the EFE I W Steam Railway's model from their shop to support their brilliant work on their preserved railway. It is perfect! it is the best running, looking and finished model that I own. I fitted mine with the Bachman DCC controller chip where the running speed is dialled in and it gradually accellerates up to the set running speed. My Adams 02 is one of the few models I own that the chip functions correctly with. I have nearly 50 locos, a good mix of new and second hand and my EFE Adams 02 is way out in front, it is my only 10/10. The once cheap as chips Hornby Terrier is a 9/10 so something to consider for you. Sam only reviews 1 model and does seem to end up with some real lemons. He has reviewed the Bachmann 1p as perfect, I returned 2 brand new that would not run well, I kept the 3rd as I gave up hoping for a decent one. Good luck.

[@nathanbowers6364]

I've got 8 of these, 4 of the EFE island ones awaiting renaming and numbering and the others are an earlier Kernow version of W16 and three mainland ones being converted to island spec with 3D printed parts. All run well, the only lemon I had was returned as the crank axles fell off when moving.

[@ThePainTrain765]

36:42 Hornby Class 66 phasing in and out of existence

[@christopherpearson4489]

i enjoy watching your videos. i have been "playing with trains" for well over forty years and still think the old models take some beating you can service them. modify and detail them as you wish and they don"t break like the modern ones.some of mine are triang (made in england) and they are still going strong.I dont think the models of today will last as long

[@CanadianRRProductions]

Well hello again sam! Very good review as always! Keep it up and congrats on 100k mate!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind support my friend! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@gerrard1144]

Those coupling rods look like they can fall of any moment Also, its nice to be back watching your channel again :)

[@ridleyscurry2480]

Sam, could you do a video where you list some locomotives that are high quality and good for the price that you could recommend to someone who is starting out in the hobby?

[@petermahon4641]

Excellent suggestion :-)

[@SamsTrains]

Yep! Check out my video on the best model trains for less than £100 - hopefully this is what you're looking for! Also see my best model trains of 2020 video for more top locos. I'll make another of those vids at the end of this year too Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

Thank you so much, you just saved me £150! After the fiasco of the DJM designed GWR 1363 I am not a bit surprised at your results. Mine still sounds like a coffee grinder after being run in almost a year! I really would have been torqued had I bought this one. Send yours back and keep up the great reviews.👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot my friend - yeah running in doesn't help these mechanisms - I figured that out the hard way!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Deuce_and_a_half]

I watched this video with my headphones on, and as I was watching I was hearing this weird buzzing sound. And at 28:39 I finally realised that it was your 3D printer working in the background! Thank goodness I found that out, I was getting a bit paranoid. I know this isn't exactly sound booth level of professionalism given you film in your loft. But maybe pause the 3D prints while recording? Not to be rude of course I love your content! And now I got a "sneak peek" as it were, given I know a video of something 3D printed is coming up :) Edit: I was also hearing this buzzing while you were initially demonstrating the crawl "out of the box" without running in, and how "quiet" the loco was. And I was perplexed at the strange sound being emited by the loco. 😂

[@SamsTrains]

Haha yeah I’m sorry about that - I try to avoid it if possible, but I’m desperately trying to get some projects finished, and I don’t feel confident leaving them running overnight... doing my best to avoid it though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@matbeech7518]

How is it that companies still make unsatisfactory models these days? Surely they'd of learnt by now how to make them work properly. My arm c38 was bad, my bachmann Russian decapod was bad, my hornby flying Scotsman was bad like seriously my 30 yr old rivarossi big boy outdoes them. It's been so annoying I refuse to buy new locos. I work on the basis now that if I'm having to work on it anyway it may as well be cheap and second hand. Enjoying the channel Sam very fair assessments and a service to fellow modelers

[@nathanbowers6364]

Some errors with W34; It never carried full Malachite green, just the side tanks. When prepared for transfer to the IOW in 1947 Eastleigh works painted most of the engine in something like LSWR green as apparently they'd just used the same paint on a loco going for preservation. Also 34 didn't have the enamel plate on the rear of the bunker, it had "34" painted on instead. It spent the shortest time on the island for an 02 as when sent for overhaul in 1954/55 it's cylinders and frames were deemed beyond economic repair (three branchlines on the island had recently closed so three engines were redundant). It became the first island 02 to be withdrawn and its' wheels reused on other locos.

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting Nathan - thanks for sharing this! Quite frankly though, as critical as this is for the price, they're the worst of this model's problems! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@nathanbowers6364]

@@SamsTrains the "complicated pipework" are to do with the Westinghouse braking system. Island locos standardised on air braking.

[@PebProductions46]

This review really interested me. I got mine today, and the performance was way better! All I have is a circle of Radius 2 track, and it handled it with no problem even right out of the box. I haven't tried it with a load yet, but I was honestly very impressed with the performance on this one. It's a real shame that you did not have the same experience.

[@PebProductions46]

In general, I must say that I know I got a rather sour deal on it in terms of quality and mechanism, but I figured that would be the case and I bought it anyway. I think it looks lovely, and it runs pretty well for me. If I have to retire it to a display case after a couple of years, I will. I'm happy with it for now.

[@SamsTrains]

Fascinating! It seems some examples do run well - I've seen that said on some forums... and equally, there are tonnes of stories about these running badly too! I think lots of people know full well what these are like... but they're eye candy aren't they? ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@flickrscreen]

@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, Did you return this one? I wonder if manufacturers grade their locos, and send 2nd/3rd grade examples to the cheaper online resellers.

[@terrier11newport]

I finally got one on Saturday at ally pally and it runs beautifully 😀

[@terryflynn8830]

The pickup problem can be solved by cleaning out the grease in the bearings using INOX MX3. Also apply it to any surfaces required to conduct on the trailing bogie. It wont solve the probable under powered motor and excessive slop in the side rods and gears..

[@zerosen1972]

I've noticed the pulling capacity problem with my O2 as well. (Bought a Mainland Version) and I was a bit disappointed by it. Its a sad day when my Dapol B4 can haul more wagons than a 2P Passenger Tank can. I just pair it up with my BR Crimson Gate Stock and I don't have any problems with it. That's mostly what they were doing on the mainland in BR times anyway - push pull suburban services around Exmouth, Portsmouth and Eastleigh.

[@raconbacon5649]

Ah, i just brought one of these....havent gotten it going yet as im working on the layout rn. But now im dreading doing so

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh don't worry - you may well enjoy it, and if you don't, you're entitled to return it for a full refund... and if it's faulty (doesn't run right) they should cover the postage costs too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@raconbacon5649]

@@SamsTrains ok, thats good. Thanks for that. Fingers crossed tho

[@Pearson4472]

Hi Sam, try cleaning the wheels with a track rubber it worked a treat on mine . I noticed the wheels were quite rough so I gave it a go. Runs really well now

[@physiocrat7143]

The cylinder on top of the tank is reservoir for the compressed air for the Westinghouse brake system. The object next to the smoke box is the Westinghouse air brake compressor. I guess these were fitted because the carriages came from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway which used the Westinghouse compressed air braking system.

[@davidtucker8724]

I bought W31 chale and mine isn't too bad. Running plate a little warped tho but not too badly. Love the detail on the Westinghouse air pump

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey - that's bad enough though - a real pet hate of mine! Does it at least run okay? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Very Comprehensive review and the loco looks very good. I have a copy of 'The Isle of Wight Railway' from the Oakwood Press. Maycock & Silisbury. If any one is interested in the IOW railway history I can thoroughly recommend it as probably the best work on this unique system

[@MSR_Studios]

Hey Sam, just wondering if you ever made areview of the hornby class 66. I cant seem to find it and I am curious why it got such a low score

[@PebProductions46]

I imagine that the Class 66 video was recorded before this one but will be released aftet it. This sort of thing has happened before, and since the O2 is a new release he probably wanted to review it while people were still talking about it.

[@callumbruce8607]

Sam did a review of the Lima class 66 (one of lima's last models), and hornby now use the same tooling (but different mechanism, liveries, build etc). Sam's score for this loco reflects when it was released under "Lima", not the release under "hornby" that is FAR superior! I have both the old Lima one and the newer hornby one and while the Lima one is alright, the hornby one is really nice!

[@SamsTrains]

It's coming soon - and no, it's not very good ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@toboldlygosmodelworks1973]

Whole-heartedly agree with your review @Sam'sTrains. I had one of the original Kernow release of the O2, it didn't run, I got a replacement - but slated it on a certain railway forum and got a tirade of abuse for it - from the DJM fan club (karma got them when DJM went bust with all their money for pre-orders).

[@christopherdrummond1830]

Hi Sam i have just watch your review, and noticed a possible cause of cutting out. is it binding of the drive offsets are not set properly however the slop in the rods can cause this maybe. Kind regards Chris

[@SamsTrains]

It could be Chris - doesn’t seem to be entirely pickup related - but with such a poor mechanism with so much slop, it’s not a surprise! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulweston8755]

Wonderful review as always, well done Sam

[@paulweston8755]

Such a shame model is not up to scratch as I was born and bred on the I.O.W so was hoping to add a something that would reflect this connection

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Paul! Yes it's a real pity that they didn't spend the money to make the model actually worth £130! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alsmith5604]

Great video, but not sure I agree with you about the lining. If you look at Calbourne which has just been outshopped in exactly this livery, you'll see that the yellow really does form a very thin line along the edge of the black painted boiler bands.

[@RobA500]

Good review, comparing to the Bachmann model for the same price validates your concern. Yes it does look nice but the play in those gears is atrocious and accounts for some of the running problems they really should have left the DJM mechanisms dead and buried. I did like the look of it but not now.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Rob - yes it was fortunate that Bachmann had just released another model of the same price... the feelings on DJM mechanisms were quite unanimous... so I'm confused as to why they thought this was okay? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@christopherstokes9393]

"Extremely F---- Expensive Rail" strikes again, I see... It's beautiful, but for the same price as the Johnson 1P, it's just not as good a buy. (I'd love to buy one, but not at this price!)

[@SheffieldNo14Productions]

I see this video and I cannot help but be reminded of Lily from WildNorWester. This is her basis after all! Shame the model’s a lemon. (Also hey again Sam, it’s been a while! Thanks for the video Sam!)

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh interesting - will have to look that up! Yeah - definitely a lemon overall! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Titfield1999]

I’ve got an EFE 00 loco and an EFE N gauge Clayton and I must admit for some reason the N gauge loco runs better and pulls more than the 00 loco 😅 not sure why/how. Great vid again Sam

[@SamsTrains]

haha really? That's absolutely ridiculous - thanks for sharing! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@seeleymainline8293]

Hey Sam loved the video as always. How do you keep finding these wonderful green locos all I can ever find are the boring black locos 😂

[@SamsTrains]

Haha thanks mate! Yeah anything that looks nice does get snapped up pretty quickly sadly!

[@traintastictrains3632]

Excellent video as always, wish the same could be said for the loco!! I thought it looked impressive at first but that mechanism completely spoils it! I’m just wondering if you would ever consider reviewing an Irish locomotive - Irish Railway Models (Accurascale’s Irish division) is releasing their ‘A Class’ locomotives in September and I think you’d be really impressed by it, the level of detail seems amazing!!! Just a suggestion! Keep up the excellent work entertaining us all! Keep safe!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much! Yeah I thought it did too - such a pity that wasn't the case in the end! I do have an irish review planned - hoping it'll be good! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@miscellaneous.7127]

1:19 I thought you'd hate it as its the opposite of your favourite? Great video regardless! I'm still hooked!

[@AllensTrains]

Hi Sam. You might use this loco for testing out the Gaugemaster Electronic track cleaner! OIl on the axles you know. I have got a DJM Adams tank and it's okay. However, I ran it in for 30 minutes in each direction before performing any slow speed tests. It has a plastic gear wheel inside which is difficult to replace if you make the mistake of dismantling this model and damaging the cogs. If you are modelling the IOW pre-War, you have more of a choice of locos, post-War, they were all O2 tanks in black! Thanks for uploading another entry to be rostered on as Sam's Trains NWTM special!

[@SamsTrains]

That's an interesting idea Allen - but you're right - it's not the kind of loco you can/should dismantle easily... I'd never attempt it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrShepardDog]

For about the same $, you can buy the Hornby R3544 B12 -- All metal construction, metal body, everything. Beautifully detailed, great internal parts, Sam gave it 8.84 rating.

[@SamsTrains]

Exactly - a far, far better model!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SkipseyTrains]

The black and yellow lining on the boiler is correct as the black does outweigh the yellow considerably. The lining on the Hornby model appears blurred in places or is this just the camera?

[@paulisnotonfire]

Bought one of these from Model Rail in the Southern Black at the start of the year. Nice to see they've started putting the model in an ice block as opposed to just sitting in a foam cut out around the locomotive. It's alright model, nothing to shout about. Though the rear pony truck derails it when running backwards over express points due to the small black bits coming down off the back of the bunker (are they brake parts?) touching either wheel of the back axle.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting about the pony truck - mine seemed quite stable during tests... but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there was inconsistency there too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johndavies9270]

Are they guard irons? Several models, such as the Bachmann Baby Prairie, have guard irons which come down far too close to the railhead (scale dimensions) and can snag in pointwork etc. If so, cut them short.

[@paulisnotonfire]

@@johndavies9270 I'm not sure what they are. They're the bits that look like this | | / \ It's less that they snag on the points and more that they stop the rear pony from turning freely, causing it to derail.

[@radoslawsocha4955]

I was considering that loco. Not anymore. Thanks Sam! By the way - the sound of your 3D printer in the background is a bit annoying (it's probably just me as I used to have the same printer).

[@insertnamehere15]

Hi Sam, I have a question I think you can help me with. I purchased a Hornby B17 with the tender drive mechanism, and after lubricating it, it barely navigates curves. The curves I'm using are made by Atlas and are 18" Radius. So judging by this, would you say it's something wrong with the loco or the track?

[@SamsTrains]

I think 18" should be fine as it's 2nd radius. Does it run well on straights? If so, I'd check the electrical connection between loco and tender - if it's intermittent, running issues can manifest on curves! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stepheng7586]

Another great video Sam. I'm staggered by how manufacturers are charging so much money for a model like this.

[@SamsTrains]

I am too Stephen - it's crazy isn't it? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Proj2008]

nice product review sam hope your doing well!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much! I hope you are too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@adamrushton1740]

I’ve sailed to the Isle of Wight on a school boat trip once but I’m yet to visit the Isle of Wight steam railway.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I’ve been too, but never to the railway either! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ianbackhouse6799]

As a volunteer on the IOWSR I’m biased, but you must visit. They have the best collection ever of restored coaching stock, with the oldest dating back to 1864. It’s a preservation gem!

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

I have to watch your SR running session video 6 months ago (from when this comment posted) to remind me that you’ve asked the manufacturers to make more SR locos.

[@rabg7479]

I’m in need of a mid sized br tender engine have u got any suggestions as am stuck for choice 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Hmm that's tricky - the Bachmann standards aren't very good... how about the Bachmann V3 tank? The latest ones have a lovely, lovely chassis! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rabg7479]

Thx for the response very helpful now looking at it the do look quite good thanks a lot Sam 👍

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle such a shame about some of the quilty

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks James - yeah it really is a pity :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cormacafton6069]

Sam I have to ask my loco from the hornby Valley drifter set the 040 is not working properly it often stops at slow speeds but I think it because im using the bad hornby controller that came with it but I just want to make sure it's not enything else

[@duck1946]

buy a Guagemaster Combi if want a small quality controller, about £38 ish?

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah could be that - could be dirty wheels or track - I'd recommend one of the cheap gaugemaster single controllers, and give everything a thorough cleaning! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

Nice 0-4-4T tank engine in the beautiful southern green! It’s unfortunate that the ratings didn’t get a 4 or a 5 star, I’d agree with you that £127 is way too expensive for something that isn’t in good quality.

[@ben60009]

How come you don’t do the close ups with the extra parts attached??

[@ianmarsh9268]

I’ve got one of these, and the detailing on it is far better by the Westinghouse pump, where yours has assembly issues, and on the boiler bands (evenly applied). I have two of the earlier Kernow releases, and these came with far better paperwork - actual information on how to remove the body (still tricky because of the pipe work), plus exploded parts diagrams. They’ll pull enough coaches for an Isle of Wight layout - and how many have room on a layout for station platforms that can take more than five coaches? Could it be better? Yes. But if you don’t have the skill to turn out an O2 kit to the same standard of painting and lining, then it’s currently the only option and worth the price. I’m less disappointed with the O2 than I was with Rails of Sheffield’s badly made and orange-peel finished IW Terrier.

[@SamsTrains]

Very interesting Ian - glad to hear they are capable of assembling them properly then, even if their quality control is poor! Wonder why they've downgraded the paperwork then? Some more detailed instructions would really have helped me with mine... Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ianmarsh9268]

@@SamsTrains I've sent you the Kernow documents and some other bits via WeTransfer to your Outlook address, for your reference

[@ciaranburke3243]

Great review sam, that thing is junk, the hobby is dying on it's knees at the moment, I've pulled out all my old lima and hornby models over the last couple of weeks and realise looking at my modern stuff, most likely it won't be running in twenty or thirty years time 😢

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Ciaran - yeah junk works! You're right - I often wonder how long modern locos will keep running for! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@survivingworldsteam]

I recently restored two vintage Tyco locomotives that have been sitting in a hot attic probably since the 1960s. They were easy to restore, and smooth runners. In comparison, someone gave me a Bachmann split frame 0-6-0, and the plastic spacers between the hubs split the first time I applied power to it! And I would restore a hundred Tycos before one of these split frame Bachmann's, like you said, the detail is there, but they are poor runners and it is not if but when will the plastic spacers between the hubs fail. They are not easy to repair with the limited space between the frames, and Bachmann SHOULD stock spacers for all of these given how often they fail, but they don't.

[@samuelfieldhouse67]

Has anyone else got one of these with a bent running plate? On mine, the left hand side water tank has a 1mm gap at the forward end where the running plate bends away from the boiler.

[@a.r.productions]

Goodness me the amount of slack in the coupling rods is downright cringy when it crawls. Great review Sam, I love how you shaded this loco with another model by Bachmann :D

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Great video. I love British tank engines they are my favorite. But as usual Bachman engines are all looks and no substance, no back bone but carry a hefty price tag for them. Keep those great videos coming.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Louis... though actually this loco makes even Bachmann ones look good value!

[@bluepretsels]

Lovely video Sam.

[@JamesSmith-mv9fp]

The "Complex pipework" means this model is a "Push Pull" version. The pipework being connected to an air compressor "Donkey Pump" (the little double barrel looking item), which provided compressed air for the driving controls when the engine was pushing a couple of "Auto" fitted coaches. DJ Models originally launched this loco model with a matching "Gate Set" two coach push pull set. The Southern Railway/Region used 6 lamp brackets NOT 4, like other Railways/Regions. EFE/Bachmann have missed the two extra SR lamp brackets one either side of the smokebox door, and two rear bunker lamp brackets, half way up the bunker rear, one each side. The Southern did NOT use a Class code for its trains but a destination/route code, which required more positions, hence 6 lamp brackets should be provided on ALL Southern models. My DJ Models version has the correct 6 lamp brackets. Note the jittery, stopping problem of the model as seen in the programme appears to be at a point frog, with a very short straight next to the frog. The problem is therefore most likely, electrical resistance through all these rail joins. As the track is also temporarily laid on carpet, I would suggest the problem is track not the engine !!!! Nice review, but so glad I bought a DJ models version, which has the missing lamp brackets, a slightly different and better in my opinion chassis, and mine seems to run far more smoothly. It was also a little better priced that what you have paid. I guess as the manufacturing plant has changed within Hong Kong but obviously the tooling has been moved to its new owners plant, this may account for the "issues" !

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted James - thanks a lot for the extra info! Not sure how the track can be to blame... I have a collection of almost 500 engines... the locos I consider to be quality don't behave that way on my layout! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@aleopardstail]

could this be a sign the pickups via the bearings have way too much lubricant on them? I've got an _ancient_ N gauge class 86 with similar pickups on two axles only that was horrible until cleaned. though for that money they should send a butler round to clean it for you

[@SamsTrains]

It's possible - but again, due to the design, you can't fix that without dismantling the wheelset/chassis! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Alpha-oo8]

Say Sam, which DJM/ Ex DJM model you’ve looked at would you consider to be the best?

[@rancidschannel3206]

Very interesting, 02's have always been hard to make a model of. The Wills kits were not that great either. Balance issues motors burnout easily. Such a shame.

[@TiasVsEverything]

So glad I saw this video before I bought one. I really wanted an O2, but I guess I’ll wait for another release because I sure as heck won’t hunt this one.

[@johnd8892]

Sam, during the test I thought this locomotive or your controller were making some very weird noises for models. Others may have noticed too. However I later realised it was likely your 3D printer. Would it be better to avoid printing during filming?

[@SamsTrains]

Apologies for that John! I do try to avoid it where possible, but I'm working on a number of other projects that desperately need finishing, and I'm not comfortable leaving anything running overnight - so sometimes it's necessary! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lapiswake6583]

I'm considering getting O2 number 31 Chale in BRITISH RAILWAYS malachite green, which would match my hornby A1X number 13 Carisbrooke in the same livery. But I don't think I'll be paying more than £100 for an o2, so I'll probably go for the hornby A1X number 32646 in BRITISH RAILWAYS black with sunshine lettering in the meantime. Does seem quite a bit better than the well tank, although the pickups seem to be just as useless. The rods seem very loose, loads of slack in the driving wheels. Glad it's much less noisy than the well tank, austerity tank, and 1361s. Surprised you gave it 3 stars on performance.

[@peterkneissl3358]

If they omitted the decoder socket and put a slug of lead in the boiler the loco would be far improved. I've had problems with American bachman loco wheels. Some seem to have something with the blackening.

[@stephenrussell-clark8329]

Thanks for posting this Sam. Saved me from spending some hard earned cash. As soon as I realised from your previous reply that it was the same mechanism I thought Oh Dear! Obviously there are some good runners out there but the majority should be melted down and recycled asap! Great pity, such a lovely looking little loco with possibly the worst designed mechanism in model railway history!

[@rottenroads1982]

Mr.Sam, You need your own class 28 diesel locomotive ( Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric type 2) and you also need your own narrow gauge model railway to go with your OO gauge, you need a OO9 scale model railway to be the narrow gauge companion to your OO gauge model railway. I recommend the first locomotive you should get for the OO9 scale railway is a Lynton & Barnstable Manning Wardle locomotive.

[@SamsTrains]

I do actually - they look fascinating for sure... maybe I'll design one for myself! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rottenroads1982]

Your welcome. 😉 Also I really like narrow gauge railways.

[@9501599]

Another interesting review Sam, it's a pity it looked promising in the box 📦. I'm surprised they didn't use the tooling or add on bits from that red one; I'm not a steam enthusiast😉. EFE is a Bachmann affiliate is it not? 🤔🤔. You are right £130 isn't worth it.

[@DADeathinacan]

The foam falling off at 7:46 really rather worried me for a bit, took me a few rewatches of that moment to realize that it was foam and not something else.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I did wonder what that was... luckily it was just that foam! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@connorsutherland2005]

Please can you review the Bachmann caledonian railway class 812 when it comes out?

[@SamsTrains]

Maybe! Though they are crazy expensive of course! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@connorsutherland2005]

Thanks, have a nice day.

[@skarloeyno1510]

I was going to get one but after seeing your review I think I'm just going to get a kit Brilliant video

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - even I'd prefer a kit to be honest, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@timothycole9232]

i am quite surprised you haven't mentioned the kmrc gwr steam railmotor that is available for pre order in the july or the august update as it has had an up date recently on their website. i would put the link in this comment but i heard somewhere that putting links in yt comments puts them in a spam folder that not many people check so if you reply i can email the link to you. i think you should review it when it comes out. it is 169.99 to pre order at the moment and will come out at 179.99 i think but looks very good from what they have shown. sure this will be a great video as usual Sam. have a good weekend.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for this Timothy - I’ll look into this for the next news edition! No need to email - I should find it quite easily, thanks so much! 😊 Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johndavies9270]

When I looked at Kernow's web site a couple weeks ago (having pre-ordered, yet heard nothing more) it seemed they no longer market them. Perhaps I looked at the wrong place

[@mathewevans5690]

Such a shame the model is not up to scratch! Based on what i saw you were very generous with your performance and mechanism score. Think i would have gone 1 or 2 stars as it's very below the standard of other manufacturers. All that cutting out was nuts. Never the less another great review Sam, always enjoy watching.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Matthew, yes I think I was quite generous too... if it continues to degrade, I might revise the scores to reflect it. Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words, Sam :)

[@ride279]

How is a six pin decoder socket okay in 2021? Please do elaborate.

[@SamsTrains]

I think it is okay in smaller locos where space is at a premium and you're unlikely to have lights or smoke! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Teesbrough]

As the full horror emerged I kept thinking of the poor parents who might have bought one as a Christmas present for their child only to find it won’t run. Christmas ruined. Now I’m eager to see your Hornby class 66 review, especially as mine seems to work fine.

[@paullepine4765]

Another very good and blunt review Sam. I think your scores were rather generous though - it is that poor! Was it my imagination or was the rear of the engine bouncing up and down when moving?

[@azuma892]

Do you have the Heljan GWR Railcar?

[@SamsTrains]

I do! :D

[@domh5385]

I’m an American who’s been binge watching your channel, decided I’m gonna bet back into model railroading and I really like the British trains, I’ve read a few conflicting things, can OO and HO run on the same track?

[@18EStudios]

Yes they can run on the same track. OO is slightly bigger than HO tho which looks a bit jarring in my opinion.

[@muir8009]

OO and HO run on the same gauge track (16.5mm) but be aware the difference of European (NEM) and US (NMRA) wheel standards, which unfortunately Sam continuously neglects to note.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid sqam keep up the good vids

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PebProductions46]

Having just received mine 2 hours before the review went up, I laughed out loud at 5:27.

[@SamsTrains]

Haha yeah - famous last words!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robinforrest7680]

I’ve been away from railway modelling a few years now. I never cease to be amazed at the prices manufacturers are asking for new models. Sure the liveries and quality of detailing are far beyond my collection of 1960’s to 1980’s locos but there’s no comparison in construction and running quality.

[@tobys_transport_videos]

Nice model, but if it doesn't pull, it's no use to me! My layout has a long 1 in 50 grade with a short burst of 1 in 40 as you come out of a 3rd radius curve. Do you have a video review of the previous run (not sure of the manufacturer) O2 tank? I have IoW 24 Calbourne in black, soon to be DCC fitted.

[@paulwilson3083]

Another as it is no holds barred video Sam, if EFE rail had have given this loco to you to review before releasing it onto the market they could have saved themselves a lot of embarrassment ( provided they rectified your findings ) and they would now be enjoying good sales from this product, just one negative point from this review and that's your generosity of 3 stars for performance, but anther GREAT review Sam, and you've just saved me some money, thank you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Paul - though the mechanical problems with this were fairly well reported and discussed on the DJM release... so there’s no way Kernow were unaware of them. It must have been a conscious decision not to change anything - quite disappointing! Cheers, Sam :)

[@phil36310]

Indeed Sam, you showed the evidence and your ratings are honest. Way to expensive for a very poor runner. Not on my wish list. Thanks for reviewing. Cheers.

[@leroyholm9075]

Built at the Nine Elms Works the 60 locos were designed for London Metropolitan lines. When moved to IOW these plucky little puffers were expected to pull passenger trains of up to six bogie coaches on all of the Island lines and this included the 1-in-70 Apse bank from Shanklin to Wroxall. Shame about the models performance!

[@chrisclark6192]

Hi Sam. Good and honest review. Overpriced and not fit for purpose, you should send it back. Cheers Chris.

[@leroyholm9075]

Sam: For anyone starting to invest in building a layout your channel is indispensable. One of the key elements is deciding what period and region to build and your reviews could save an enthusiast from making some serious and costly mistakes. Well Done!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Leroy! Really glad these are handy for you, Cheers, Sam :)

[@TheHistorySoldier]

I can't quite put my finger on why, but something about the rankings book around 36:50 is leaving me with a sense of foreboding.

[@SamsTrains]

haha completely justified! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johndavies9270]

I have one of the original Kernow Models issue. 0-4-4 tank locos are notoriously difficult to get running well in OO, due to the wheel arrangement, which usually throws all the motor's weight onto the trailing bogie. ( I used to have a pair of Wills' cast metal O2's, which displayed the resulting balance problems. Like the real thing, the chassis would eventually crack across the third axle wheel arch! ) Sadly, yes, this model is slippery footed - if only it had a metal boiler and smokebox, to put some weight on the drivers. Mine can happily haul two of the Hornby LSWR bogie coaches, or the pair of Kernow (now EFE) 'gate set' coaches on my layout, but can struggle with four of the new Hornby 6 wheelers. The bogie is a bit track sensitive, and its vertical play limits what gradient changes it can cope with. So, relatively light duties only. Otherwise I'm happy with mine. Sadly Sam, your comments and those of your other correspondents generally reflect my own feelings about modern day rtr models. OK, the stuff from the 50's and 60's was basic - sometimes crude, but it still works. I fear very few of the modern models will survive anything like as long. The rtr manufacturers, in my honest opinion, are destroying the hobby.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks John - yes that's true - but it's all in the design! Take the Bachmann Johnson 1P - same wheel configuration, but far more capable with a load Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

No way would I buy that model. But, on a happier note, I'm typing with slightly sooty fingers. I've had my first steam train ride on the Llangollen Railway today, behind 3802. In between the two rides to Carrog and back, I decided to go up close and personal to my steamy sister. "I haven't done this for ages," I observed to the Driver who knows me too well. "Can I have a moment in the cab?" The gent smiled. "If you want to, yes," he happily answered. He climbed down and then I hauled myself in. I had a magical few minutes on the footplate, warming my hands in front of the fire and staying out of the Fireman's path. I'm going to write this story properly. Hope it puts a smile on your face.

[@SamsTrains]

That's understandable Kelly - and what a great day that must have been - sorry to hear you got messy though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@samuraifool912]

Definitely Send it back. And just buy something that will make it around your Layout. Your Layout isn't perfect, sure but come on Guys. Not everyone has a Perfect layout, of which I am one..! Great Review as Always. Thanks for your Efforts in producing it. ! 😎

[@beckyjohnson6798]

This looks kinda like a LB&SCR D3 a D3 No. 2365 or 2356 was hit by a fighter or bomber plane, the D3s boiler was very damaged and the planes polit did NOT plan for what happened next... Steam & medal went in the air RIGHT INTO the plane, the plane crashed down landing in a field the polit was killed. Train Of Thought has a vid about what happened so go watch that for more information about what happened.

[@SamsTrains]

Wow - that sounds crazy dramatic - shocking!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@beckyjohnson6798]

No problem.

[@johndavies9270]

The D3's were built for the same sort of duties as the O2, M7 and similar engines on other roads. Oddly the GWR never went in for 0-4-4's, possibly due to some nasty experiences with some broad gauge examples. The Board of Trade didn't like them either, especially after a very nasty crash involving an M7 - leading coupled wheels and fast running were considered a potential for serious trouble.

[@thegamingperio4115]

Love it sam 😃 Could you make a new shunting secion but whit a peckett and a terrier. Pliz i love the terrier and the peckett.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot my friend - and great idea, love that idea! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Anonymouse_Art_INC]

The engine this model is based off of has to be the most interesting design I’ve seen in a while. The driving wheels are so far forward compared to the trailing wheels, kinda just making it feel long for what it is. I know that there are a lot of differences in American and British designs, but it still threw me for a loop. I ended up going down a small research rabbit hole while the video played. All in all, a very informative video. In more ways then one. Thank you

[@johndavies9270]

To the best of my knowledge the only American 0-4-4's were the Forney type, used either on suburban elevated lines or New England narrow gauge - otherwise they preferred to have at least a leading pony truck. As I've said elsewhere on this thread, the Board of Trade didn't like fast passenger engines with driving wheels leading due to perceived stability issues (they were equally rare as tender engines), which were worsened in the case of a tank engine by the water, slopping about in the tanks. (Off the top of my head, I can't think of any European 0-4-4's either, although the Prussian State road had a light 0-4-2 type.)

[@IanCawthorne]

Good review. I think you were too generous with some of the scores like a fair few have said in the comments. Not a patch on the 1P. The next 0-4-4 to watch to compete (and better) with the 1P I am hoping will be the G5 from TMC.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ian - yeah maybe you're right actually - I do feel I was a little generous! The G5 sounds amazing - can't wait to see it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sirhilsam]

A bit 'iffy' for the price...but a handsome looking loco. Please review the Hornby iTraveller 6000. I prefer a physical dial but I'd love to see a phone controlled train.