Appalling Hornby Stephenson's Rocket Flatbeds | Unboxing & Review

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0:00 Intro
3:23 Unboxing
8:03 Detail
12:03 Performance
16:28 Ratings
18:58 Conclusion

[@17473039]

Sam: "Hold on to your hats and swallow your coffee" Me: "Nah he's exagerating" Sam: "£84.99" Me: *chokes on custard cream biscuit*

[@Beatlefan67]

Ditto!

[@timbervalleyproductions]

"I'm going to have a custard cream" - James may. Completely irrelevant, lol

[@Meld61]

Glad I was sat down when you announced the price .Not that I would want them .

[@CymruJedi]

I’m so happy you’re willing to call Hornby out on these things. I have seen many other channels showcase these, and not bat an eyelid at spending this sort of money on this cheap asset flip design.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - bit too much sycophancy going on in this hobby... I can honestly say I take no part in that... and it feels pretty good! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@maringarvanovic8011]

Clearly there are other channels that want to keep in their good books so that they get their freebies. I cannot prove this however, come on!.

[@SamsTrains]

Very much so! Of course you can't prove it... but the evidence is that I find/talk about problems and issues... and they don't!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TomDavias]

You know I was really tempted to get a Stephenson's Rocket and all the rolling stock to tag along but you know after seeing the build, the price and quality, yeah I think I'll pass

[@SamsTrains]

haha I can't blame you - we'll wait and see what the next batch cough*excretion*cough is like! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@electrohalo8798]

Mark my words, a 3D printed version would be far superior in build quality and cost!

[@bentullett6068]

@@electrohalo8798 one of the other manufacturers is producing more realistic cauldron wagons from the era Rocket was around and looking at them they look really impressive. I hope someone does some more locomotives from the early days of steam.

[@azuma892]

Aww Sam you should do the history on these. "In 2021, Hornby decided to reuse their Era 1 coaches as flatbeds, subsequently they increased the price to £84.99, none of these ever existed in real life. The end."

[@SamsTrains]

haha fantastic - maybe we should send this to Hornby, and suggest they update their packaging with this backstory?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@REDARROW_A_Personal]

@@SamsTrains Hornby has dabbled in Alternative History in the past with the Bassett Lowke by taking some random 0-4-0 locos and wagons including a Smokie Joe Engine and slapping some greebling on them from Airfix Kits. I wouldn't be supprised this is another Alternative History Series. They just failed to tell us that.

[@AlanM1966]

This should be your next 3D project.... showing Hornby how it can be done!

[@Anbregour]

That'd be a great watch

[@SamsTrains]

I definitely will do this at some point! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@technoandrew]

I'm usually not too phased by the escalating price of models, but when you revealed the RRP of this wagon pack I actually swore out loud. Still, a very entertaining video Sam, always enjoy a good rant from you. Hope you had a good Easter.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - I couldn't believe it either seeing it for the first time! Glad you liked the vid anyway, and hope you had a good Easter too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@GrahamFoulston]

I actually hate with a passion the company Hornby and all that it stands for at the moment. I hate the fact that they have diminished a name I cherished for years - if I said model trains years ago I would actually be saying Hornby. I hate the way they are treating our model shops and retailers with their stupid tier system, I hate their complacency of not listening and that they know best, I hate that they think they can sell utter crap at top dollar rates - I just hate everything about them, passionately. 🤬🤬🤬 Nothing would give me greater pleasure (and I really don’t want to admit this but . . .) than to see them go down the tubes, a new management team steps in who not only know about manufacturing but also know about this beautiful hobby of ours and get Hornby back to what we all know and love about that brand. Such a damn shame. Cheers for now Sam and another great video. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. …………Graham

[@alastairwilson457]

Well said Graham, really short sighted and cynical business practices from Hornby. Others will take their business.

[@joginns778]

Graham Hornby almost did go down the tube if it hadn't been for covid 19 the models there all making are to high tech and cost way too much bachmann are the same fortunately dapol so far have kept there prices down there are also new company coming into the model railways charging the earth it's now turning into a rich man's hobby I for one won't buy Hornby it's utter rubbish,

[@GrahamFoulston]

@@alastairwilson457 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chrisbaines6931]

i'm rapidly becoming an accurascale convert. the wagons i have brought from them have been outstanding. Hornby havn't annonced anything i want to buy for a few years. the Std 2 Mogul is the only pre-oder i have in that Hornby produce and that was annonced how long ago?

[@blatherskite9601]

Say what you mean, Graham. Don't hold back!

[@rohanhalle580]

Hornby, what in the honest ***** are you doing? You're going to make AliExpress look premium. Great review as always Sam.

[@CaptainRex501stTorrent]

That's a funny comment my friend but a true one.

[@davidknowles2491]

Hell even WISH is looking more appealing right now!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I literally just bought some new wagons from Aliexpress for a fraction of the price of these... and they're giant box cars! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains An idea for you : comparison with the -least worse- best of Ali Express/Wish and some Hornby products like this one...

[@rohanhalle580]

@@davidknowles2491 A wish model for £10 which is two mismatched halves of a box van hot glued together is probably value for money.

[@andrewguttry6886]

Fleischmann pricing with 1960s Airfix 'quality'. Outstanding! Hornby are either desperate and in trouble, or they're taking the proverbial, hoping nobody will notice...

[@SamsTrains]

haha very much so! I'm here to make sure the latter isn't the case! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrisbarnes3653]

9

[@malcolmlucas6627]

@@SamsTrains Which is the best model between the hideous Coca-Cola bottle lowmac wagon and these dreadful waste of plastics. Hornby could offer both together in a "gift set"!!!!

[@GreatWestern5199]

Such a shame that a wonderful manufacturer like Hornby has been brought down by themselves. I love all my 2010s Hornby models, and I wish they would sort out their commitment and their pricing to become the go-to manufacturer again.

[@diamond_dude1011]

i'll agree that buying models is becoming harder and harder, as their prices are much higher than they used to be. shame that all people care about these days is £££££

[@BattleshipOrion]

@@diamond_dude1011 It depends on the hobby too. I can get a few warships for the price of these flatbeds.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I love my 2000s-2010s models too - I just hope they don't blow it... they still make decent models, they're just lost in all the rubbish... and hidden behind ludicrous prices :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@GreatWestern5199]

@@BattleshipOrion True. I reckon you could pick up 3-4 Airfix Large Prairies for the price of these. I found one for £24 once and didn't hesitate, so I reckon 4 could be bought at a push for the price of the wagons.

[@GreatWestern5199]

@@SamsTrains I suppose, let's hope they see clearly soon.

[@Evaunit98]

It’s brilliant, for the same money my model shop was selling a railroad P2, I’d take the Doncaster behemoths over these any day

[@SamsTrains]

haha I would too!! Crazy D:

[@CustomiZe_]

Be careful though, I bought a railroad p2 and when you fit any of the details don't expect it to go round 3rd radius curves 👍

[@datawizard8194]

@@CustomiZe_ Well from what ive seen it does say that on the "instructions" if thats what you want to call them

[@CustomiZe_]

@@datawizard8194 oh really, I didn't see that but the front bogie barely turn with the front steps fitted. Considering its intended market I would say radius 3 would be a minimum though if not tighter.

[@Evaunit98]

@@CustomiZe_ I have the railways version so I’m always careful with it on corners, if you do that and have family generous curves it works well

[@joginns778]

Here's one for you Sam did you know in 1998 the rocket loco travelled at over four Hundred miles an hour?,yes that's right when she went to Japan my husband jack was one of three entrusted by the science museum to look after her she went by jumbo jet out of Heathrow,

[@SamsTrains]

Wow no I didn't know it went by plane - shocking! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mikehall5167]

Sam, interesting as always. Would you consider asking Hornby for an interview, maybe Simon Kohler (or someone similar) could explain to their customers and long term supporters exactly why we are seeing extraordinary prices, especially in comparison to other manufacturers. Doesn’t feel as if many people in the press side of the hobby are asking these questions.

[@andrewcharlton4053]

Coming back into the hobby as an adult in shocked by the amount of abuse from manufacturers that modellers will put up with. My interest in the PC enthusiast space obviously spoiled me, with Media genuinely getting angry at scams similar to this. And to me, this product absolutely is a scam and should be labelled such. Its a disgrace

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Michael - yes you're right, we should be asking those questions! And I feel you Andrew - the PC tech press are the best of any industry, take LTT - just the gold standard! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewcharlton4053]

@@SamsTrains LTT are definitely the most popular but I'd say Gamers Nexus are probably more what I was thinking of. I just really cannot see how Hornby expected to get away with this. Even if they do make sales, who's going to be happy and are you going to return to make another purchase anyway. I'll be staying away until it changes, plenty of good models from other brands or Ebay/Hattons

[@lapiswake6583]

These wagons look absolutely fantastic, wtih excellent value for money. I can't wait to go and buy a whole rake of 20+ of these wagons! Haha nope. I hope you're gonna buy a pack of the Accurascale Chauldrons, 3 realistic wagons based on preserved prototypes for about £45, and do a harsh comparison...

[@pettra1]

Good idea!

[@SamsTrains]

haha... you mean the properly researched, accurate, realistic yet ultimately cheaper Chaldrons?! Sounds like a top idea! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rupertchappelle1089]

Excellent Chaldrons. I want more.

[@urbancohort9145]

Great, honest review delivered in a dry sardonic way. I have a desire to model the early days of the railways, and limited skills at scratch building and less confidence. I would love there to be a RTR version that was reasonably accurate and reasonably priced… I guess my wait goes on! Thank you Sam. Wish all reviews were as candid.

[@rochmel1409]

Thanks Sam. At the beginning I had assumed the steps were part of a one piece moulding hence why they were present but they are actually glued on? Why? Surely that is a cost that could have been avoided unless the whole design process was a single e mail from Margate to China saying 'take the coach chassis and stick some planking on it' which of course means that there is no contribution towards research and development contained within the £84 (which makes it even worse). I would love to see an interview with Hornby justifying their pricing policy. I am sure it would be entertaining.

[@phil36310]

Hi Sam, ... and it doesn't end there! Hornby advertises their 'web exclusive range'. Prices at least are 'exclusive' ! No more retailers in the future it seams. That's it for me with Hornby. "Appalling" is the right word Sam. I fully agree with you. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.

[@paulweston8755]

Another fab review as always, nice one Sam 👍😁

[@joncrawford3485]

I'm wondering if Hornby is branching into mortgage services; cos the way they're going modellers are going to have to mortgage stuff to be able to pay for their items!

[@SamsTrains]

haha you could be right Jon - this reeks of desperation doesn't it?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@timtheeagle1]

I'm becoming quite a fan of your brutally honest reviews! Call them out!

[@kymnorley8657]

Thanks Sam. I appreciate your honesty. I bought mine at the old price but even that was expensive. And one of the buffers fell off before they came out of the box. After my initial enthusiasm I'm beginning to think that this era 1 stuff is too much trouble. Hornby has this fiddly non-standard coupling, Accurascale has added a new magnetic coupler to the mix, but at least it fits the NEM 362 mounts, and Rapido is using the NEM 363 mount on its SECR Brake van and Lion just to complicate matters. Oh dear!

[@SamsTrains]

No problem Kym - ahh sorry to hear that - it is certainly a lot of trouble... and you're right, even the old price was pushing it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Loweko1170]

It says all you need to know that Hornby now advertise personal finance and loan services as part of their online shopping system.

[@malcolmloud9389]

I would like to see other pioneer era locomotives like fowler's ghost, iron Duke, or maybe one of the the locomotives from the rainhill trials.

[@marrrtin]

I would like to see the Planet, the service loco which resulted from Rocket, with smokebox and inside cylinders, and its immediate descendants such as Patentee or Lion (of Titfield Thunderbolt fame), or the many eccentric-looking machines by the likes of Crampton or Hackworth from the height of Railway Mania, so wonderfully modelled by Mike Sharman.

[@SamsTrains]

I'd love to see some of those too - Iron Duke and Planet would be amazing! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Just an idea, that would be great to have such rolling stock from this period in O scale. The size of the prototypes matches what you can get in O scale, and I think that would gives better models overall, in terms of details, functionality, aspect, without being too cumbersome compared to OO gauge.

[@SunnyJohn45]

Sam, I'm an old American who's been a modeler in multiple scales since 1957, but there are things about British prototypes and modeling I don't understand. For example, why 1:76 scale (NOT gauge) on 1:87 track (gauge)? Why hasn't something better than those wretched looking NEM couplings come along in the last half century or so? Given the UK's weather, why did railway companies torture crews with little or no cab for protection? I admire your calling out manufacturers like you did with Hornby in this instance. Americans are used to paying high prices for models, but Hornby seems to have outdone us in this and other cases. Kudos! One last thing about these models: why are the coupling chains modeled in slack? They look ridiculous when the cars are coupled in tension and even more ridiculous if an uncoupled one is hung from the hook and doesn't hang straight down. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@timfairweather7568]

In answer to your first question regarding British OO scale being too big for the track gauge. This came about because HO locos were made just large enough for American HO scale locomotives to accommodate the motors of the time. British locos are smaller so they upped the scale to take the same motors. Companies wanted to be able to sell one track etc globally so the track and gauge stayed at HO with OO scale British locos and and stock. Unfortunately, OO became so established that we are now stuck with this odd arrangement unless you model P4 or EM scale which is not available rtr. The same happened with British N gauge. Sigh.

[@SunnyJohn45]

@@timfairweather7568 Thanks for the explanation. I've been watching Sam's videos and they've piqued my interest in learning more about all thing British railways and railway models. I looked up P4 and EM. What did you mean about British N scale/gauge?

[@timfairweather7568]

@@SunnyJohn45 you are welcome. British N gauge is 1:148 American 1:160 both run on 9mm gauge track and this is where the N comes from: N for nine. Again, oversize British locos and stock etc compared to the gauge for the same reasons as HO and OO. The British Ngauge fine scale (em/p4) equivalent is P2 or perfect 2mm to the foot scale. Again, nothing RTR and so we are and will be stuck with the odd arrangement of British N gauge.

[@SunnyJohn45]

@@timfairweather7568 Thanks again, Tim. I never heard of British N. Now I know.

[@exarkun42]

If I want Era 1 stuff I'll stick with the Rapido Lion lol Keep up the good work! P.S. the P class from the stream arrived yesterday. A cute engine with great running and performance. Would have happily paid the RRP for it. Thanks!

[@JAFKARNAT]

If you took the yellow and blue coach tops off then you could have flatbed trucks, a bit of thin balsa for planking would be an option.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Sam enjoyed your latest video thanks for sharing DD.

[@garystephen8718]

I don't have a train set nor do I intend to get one, but enjoy these videos as a look into something I know nothing about. I'm no stranger to expensive hobbies (I play Warhammer) but even so, some of the costs companies are charging you for these models are insane. I hope these videos get the views needed to switch people off of buying from the bad eggs ruining it for you all, force them to revise their pricing strategy.

[@samspade5962]

It’s up to you guys,if you don’t buy these expensive monstrosities then the company will either shape up or go under,personally I’d prefer the latter

[@stevenperry7493]

Thanks for the review Sam ,,I think I’ll be saving my money .

[@badlyfilmedproductionspres8022]

Ive just been looking at Accurscale caudron waggons, three pack £45 approx.. And there is a whisper it a Hornby magazimne videos with grain wagons.. three pack for £84 (i Think) and theyre three times the sze

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

I purchased a new engine and carriages last month and receive a 30 % discount, it saved me $45 , it definitely made me smile on the trip home to unpack and run the track's, 😆.

[@georgebottarini1788]

I bought them last year and an sorry. I have stop buying the rocket series, even cancelled the mail version, cannot deal with the coupling. Thanks Sam.

[@johnjephcote7636]

They are called 'Carriage trucks'. Only later on did they acquire the soubriquet 'flatbed' as a multiplicity of other uses was found for them. The design remained basically unchanged until BR phased out such vehicles. Originally designed to carry private persons' horse-drawn carriages.

[@DevilsEyeCT]

If I remember rightly, with the Rocket set, you got 3 small coupling for display and 3 longer ones for running. I assume they are still doing this for them.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you could be right... but I've always found both sizes worked fine.. so I just use whatever I grab first! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@paulsngaugechannel]

Hi Sam, I thought I was watching a belated April fools video, but then I realised that it is the middle of the month. No doubt the retort from the few who think that Hornby is just doing normal business and we should be grateful for the little rubbish that they produce ( by mistake) , but even the WTF products bring a time honoured manufacturer to disturbing new levels of complacency. Hornby can still produce great products, and as you often comment, huge prices bring huge expectation. Unlike some of the models, not just Hornby, there is less quality control now than ever before. And the QC does not appear to be done by the companies, Bachman, dapol, Hornby, graham Farish, etc , but at the factory producing the products for these companies. If the hobby is to survive, more people need to send back the faulty models and get refunds, the shops and distribution outlets need to return to the model companies, and then the companies will see what is happening. Accept a faulty, substandard product only gives the false impression to the companies, and they have only seen small returns from the public. For the price they are asking for, the model should have no defects and be worthy to be called a model. We know some people think replacing the bit that fell off, straighten out the bent piece and clean off the glue or bad paint job is part of the hobby, but only if you are building it yourself. I pay for a train model because I don’t have the skills to build one, I have tried and ended up with a bad model. Houses, scenic items I can do, but trains are always my downfall. And £230 for a model that is not completed correctly or has problems, is not what I paid for. Regardless of the manufacturer.

[@OlivierGabin]

Agreed for the same reasons. I'm more radical: if it's junk on a testbench, I don't buy at all, period. Even if the model teases me, or is on my shopping list. I'm also buying N US, N Japanese and N plus HO continental models and this level of utter contempt for the customer is only seen within the UK market models. If I would start modelling today, I would ditch UK models from my shopping list and go full continental due to the complete joke that those kind of models are.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep - I wish this was another April fools too... better than my twisted idea of comedy! Nope, not even the Hornby brown-noses have got an excuse for this one... at least none of them have dared post it here that I've seen so far! You're absolutely right of course - we buy pre-built as an alternative to building them ourselves (which is dirt cheap, I've done it)... if we're paying the money, they should be right! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@darkstone_official_2427]

Where do you get your freight cars and coaches from? I need some more hook and loop rolling stock but can't find anything outside of the Thomas and Friends stuff. I'd like some actual coaches at some point.

[@EmperadorCris]

Sam will end all boredom just you wait,Great video and great wagons Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's very kind, thank you!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@michaelmckinnon7314]

Yes the steps on the flatbed wagons are historicly correct because the originals were taken from the passenger coach production line and they were left there because it made for easier loading. The replica that's "inaccurate" is based on the blueprints, technical drawings and technical specs.

[@James-Railyard]

And here I thought Bachmann USA’s MSRP numbers were outrageous! At least the smart hobby shops heavily reduce the price. However £85 ($110) for THREE tiny flat cars? No. Flat no. Great video Sam. I’d love to see more USA train reviews. If you’re looking for sturdy and cheaper USA rolling stock I recommend finding old Athearn Blue Box kits. Easy to build or modify.

[@modelrailpreservation]

For newly produced kits, I have to say Accurail has been filling the void left when Athearn discontinued Blue Box kits.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

Hey Sam, I think the blue open air coach is supposed to be between the rocket and the enclosed yellow coaches.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're probably right! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@benbobbb]

no matter how terrible the product may be, i always love a review by sam. always honest and always funny!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks so much Ben!

[@tenterdentown2452]

Hi Sam, I have had to have an operation on my eye for a detached retina so I can't do anything on my layout. However, I can see sufficiently to watch Sam'sTrains videos on the subject. For a visually challenged person, the good thing about your videos is the laconic commentaries that always keep me amused! The only explanation I can think of for Hornby's surreal pricing strategy is that their financial backers are being very strict with them and are forcing them to comply with a business plan. As I understand it, the modern Hornby Hobbies was created by a management buy-out of the earlier Triang-Hornby firm that went bust. According to this analysis, city money was used to finance the buy-out and the more the stock market goes down, the more Hornby's prices must go up! From a Sam's TTrains point of view, the prices make no sense! I think I would advise you not to pay these prices. Instead, I would review earlier Hornby and Triang-Hornby items as that will make just good a video for a fraction of the cost! Thanks for all your effort in making these videos!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's a truly horrible thing - I know somebody with the same problem - really sorry to hear that, truly hoping it all heals up nicely for you... know it's a horrible recovery, so thinking about you! Yes I think the almighty pound is definitely forcing their hand - it does make sense - but I just think that if you put customers first, the money will come! I'm no expert though... I hope for their sake that they know best and their strategy is the right one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidhinks8384]

Thanks Sam, I think I am genuinely sad that Hornby think this is acceptable or indeed ethical (do they?). So glad that there are other manufacturers coming through. I only hope Hornby wake up to themselves before it is too late.

[@SamsTrains]

Cheers David - that's assuming they're thinking at all these days... doesn't seem like it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Noodlewerfer]

Not gonna lie, I was expecting to see it get negative stars in the value rating after you showed the build quality and the wagon just being a coach chassis. Still an entertaining video, though! Can they even be coupled to any era 1 locomotive other than the rocket with that type of coupling system?

[@Valleys56xx]

Please Oxford, make some Era 1 rolling stock! And Oxford Diecast, make some horse drawn carriages and goods loads to put on the top... Hornby's management, quality control and accounts can just do one, I'll not be bothering paying any attention to their offerings in the future. Good review, Sam, thanks :)

[@SamsTrains]

Wouldn't that be something? Knowing Oxford, they could've done something like this for £2.50 each... but they're sadly not a competitor to Hornby any more now that they're owned by Hornby... still not clear how the acquisition will change Oxford :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thomaschambers4894]

Will they chain couplings hook on to bachmann thomas front or back couplings

[@thomashambly3718]

The gap between those planks and the chassis is incredible! What were hornby thinking when they made these?

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam such a shame about the quality on the modle

[@davidstrains4910]

Decent review there Sam I saw a video a few months ago that stated some of the rolling stock is using items from the rocket itself, some good examples are these wagons which use the base of the coaches and another one was the rocket tender being used as a wagon.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - yeah I've found much the same too - very lazy! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bjmorley]

The front wheel on Rocket's Tender is always jamming on your model!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah... no weight on them, yet they have pickups.. just the nature of the design really! Could adjust the pickups, but I'd rather have the wheels stick than have the loco stall due to bad connection! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@grahamclayton675]

Why not have a go at 3D printing a better product?? Looks easy enough to take the dimensions of Hornbys bodge . Then sell them at s as realistic price !! Just a thought.

[@raymondwilson2933]

Mainline wagons. That’s what I would invest in. Easy to work on, detail and improve. How many would I get for £84.00. I would say around about 10 wagons.

[@jonny_vdv]

Sam's Trains: these Rapido wagons are quite expensive Hornby: hold my beer

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Also I saw in your last American review video you brought your box cars back True they do have plastic wheels but at lease They are something compatible

[@mattbarker581]

The underside that we don't really see is better detailed than the sides and tops🥴 Good video as always!

[@malcolmloud9389]

Unrelated question but will you ever get a network southeast livery diesel or electric loco.

[@Alpha-oo8]

Oooo, spare couplings! That’s value for money right there

[@ianturvey3894]

Well, I can’t see these flying off the shelves! Really are shoddy. I’m with you on this product Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

haha certainly not - they'll be in the bargain bins provided no clown keeps buying them (ahem!) Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@emilioi.valdez6680]

You want horrid, try the Rocket coal wagons by Hornby. They're essentially the Rocket's tender without the barrel and painted a different color.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I've seen those - definitely ordering a set ;) Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tonypetts6663]

Not sure about the 5 for performance either, you didn't do a reversing over the points test like you have previously. As they are so light I don't know if they'd manage it.

[@sturmtigerking4263]

HOLY MOLY!!!! 84 quid!!! That's taking the mick. They are literally just flatbeds. Wow that's blown my mind. Hornby need to rethink things.

[@captainfantastic9238]

Your can buy them for around £62 retail, but that's still about £30 too much!

[@johndelaney5197]

Thanks for this review, I was going to have a look at some of the Hornby Rocket merchandise for my "The Great train Robbery " (1978) model as it was made here in Ireland, but if it's all like this I think I'll pass, Thanks Sam

[@SamsTrains]

No problem John - not one I can recommend! If these were going for £30 or less, then they'd be just the job! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

the Great Train Robbery, it is the new salespitch for Hornby nowadays !

[@johndelaney5197]

@@OlivierGabin So true my friend, So true..........😔

[@mintyicecream44]

THE BLUE WAGON HAS THE SAME COACH CHASSIE AS WELL🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@petersmith4455]

hi sam , i am sticking with my triang-hornby collection of wagons.thank goodness i got them years ago, hornby are taking the P,

[@SamsTrains]

haha can't blame you for that Peter- much less trouble!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid sam thanks lee

[@lastationproductions]

I want the rocket lol I love the design of the loco and coaches

[@spadiuA321]

You should make a playlist with some or all of your "bad" models

[@metalstorm242]

Fantastic review. The Hobby- You can't give them cheap remakes and sell 'em at eye-watering prices! Hornby- Hold my beer...!

[@MarcusWhitelam]

Hornby: another satisfied customer, we are definitely doing well. 🤣

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep - the perfect delusion! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@nfordf450]

Yes it might seam pricey. I’m a modern era American modeler in N scale. But there’s one thing you need to think of when it comes to early railroad modelers. At least in the states. Are very small numbers. I would love to have some in my scale just to display from time to time. But as it won’t be a high demand product. Hornby knows a lot of these models probably won’t sell right away. And the ones that do have to pay for the warehousing of the ones they will be holding onto for years now. That’s one effect of price in marketing that is driving that price. The other is the cost of manufacturing. Small runs cost more from the tool and die price that’s often lower over a larger run. So it’s a careful balance. Make enough for demand so your not warehousing a ton of models. And making enough sales to pay for the tooling cost.

[@geertmarien9076]

Spot on!

[@JackMitchell404]

I wonder whether Hornby is in a pricing death spiral where the prices have gone up such that the volume's collapsed which has eliminated revenue, forcing the prices up further.

[@TheJmnewton]

Is Hornsby selling anything with these prices? And if so why?

[@michaeldavies9600]

Nice review Sam,surely Hornby would have known that someone (like you) would do a review on these wagons? I think Hornby have lost the plot on pricing,i wouldnt mind so much if it was top notch quality but it isnt.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - it just makes no sense does it? Are they even bothered any more? :/ Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@michaeldavies9600]

@@SamsTrains Probably not ! The only Hornby items i buy now are pre owned.

[@rodsmith3911]

A bit of a change since the original Jinty tank loco cost 33/6d (£1.67p) and open wagons 3/6d (17 1/2p) when I began with OO trains in 1958! They were quite a reasonable price even then so today's prices are just a rip off.

[@Foxx_modelling]

You should do another O scale review, maybe of the Dapol 57xx in Great Northern and southern railway ochre or "The railway children" livery they sell them on Hattons and it's a very pretty loco

[@HulaViking]

Are there any pictures of the actual flatbed wagon? A quick search turned up nothing and I didn't see them next to any of the replica Rockets in museum photos.

[@SamsTrains]

As far as I know there are no photos - just drawings... and none of them look anything like these! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jbird167]

Will you be getting Rapido's Titfield Thunderbolt or Hornby's Lion?

[@hemsdavis]

Heljan is looking at Hornby and pointing and laughing at this point. You’ve got to laugh because otherwise you’d probably cry.

[@SamsTrains]

haha very much so!! ;D

[@ultimateventus712]

Wow. For just two pounds more than these 3 coach chassis, I got my partner the iTraveller 6000 set just a few days ago. Wonderful value for money

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I really liked that set too - well worth the money! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MayoHosko]

I always enjoy your rant reviews. I think people should start organising a class action against Hornby if they can find evidence of anti trust or something

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!! I don't expect that's an avenue that would work - much better to just vote with our wallets and stop buying... I don't buy Hornby for any other reason than for videos these days! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I bought oe of these ready for the rocket but haven't opened them yet :(

[@michaeldavies9600]

Just looked on Hattons you can buy a pack of 3 Oxford Rail 7 plank wagons new for £28 lol :)

[@Dave_at_Its_My_Model_Railway]

OMG how much are they now ? I bought mine for £47.50 from Colletts Models and they still have some left at that price !

[@9501599]

Hi Sam 👋another good review, I would have given for quality 1 star, detail 1.5 and value half a star. I think you were generous. You know it's disappointing 😞that a top manufacturer like Hornby cuts corners this just isn't good enough. 😕. Nice of you to call them out on this one👌

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Guy - yes I had to calm down a bit before writing the scores, haha! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@graymichael09]

Yet you look on Hornby website and they get great reviews. Wonder how many of the reviewers are their staff!

[@lesbird2074]

I've just bought two of the Oxford ex-GE vans for not much more than the RRP of one of these flat wagons. Enough said.

[@blocked4239]

Sam are you gonna do a review on the hornby class 40 that comes out later this year?

[@rickybrett6846]

Think that may depend if he is willing to shell out 800 quid for one lol

[@blocked4239]

@@rickybrett6846 it’s 97 quid

[@richardclowes6123]

Hornby have "really extracted the urine" on this set haven't they !!! Like you Sam, I tend to be a bit pro Hornby, but certainly not in this case. Question: Would the loco make it up a 3% incline, in your opinion. Glad you did this video and saved lots of disappointment and frustration the world over before people went out and bought them !!!

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

@Sam’sTrains Have you watched the Rocket 150 video on YT? The full one of course.

[@sirrliv]

I've found a solution to Hornby's gross negligence for historical accuracy (if not their extortionate pricing): These are not actually Liverpool & Manchester rolling stock at all, but rather from the Ankh-Morpork & Sto Plains Hygienic Railway, a tribute to the late great author Sir Terry Pratchett and the penultimate entry in his iconic Discworld series "Raising Steam". Rather than being Stephenson's Rocket, the locomotive is now Ned Simnel's pioneering creation Iron Girder. The enclosed coaches are 1st Class carriages of the AMSPHR, and the blue open cars are the early 3rd Class stock prior to company director Moist von Lipwig's near untimely demise when saving some children from being run down by the demonstration engine and his subsequent insistence that all passenger stock have roofs, and that 2nd Class be introduced to encourage passengers to aspire to better things. The red carriage included in some sets is now a postal wagon for the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, with Moist von Lipwig as Postmaster General. And here's the best part: Rather than being gross mockeries of historical accuracy and frankly a barefaced insult to their customers for the sheer laziness of their design, these green flat wagons are now special passenger carriages for oversized beings like trolls, who don't mind the wind and rain since they're made of stone. Likewise, the brown repurposed tenders, er, that is, "open goods wagons" are now accommodation for goblins and other small creatures who are used to rough treatment. Even the sheep wagons (not yet shown on this channel) are now special double decker coaches for dwarves, gnomes, and others who take pride in their low stature. So there you are, Hornby's naked bare faced cash grab transformed into a heartfelt tribute to one of Britain's greatest modern authors. And if anyone from Hornby stumbles across this, 10% royalties, yeah? P.S. My gods, I never thought I'd see the day. A 1 on Sam's rating chart. I didn't think you had it in you, Sam. In an attempt at fairness, I can think of 2 positives to these pieces of tat: 1. Though not even remotely realistic or accurate in design, wierdly they're probably the most accurate in function for Rocket to be pulling. By the time the Liverpool & Manchester Railway actually opened in 1830, Rocket was already basically obsolete; the Stephensons had already produced the larger Northumbrian Class, which were basically the improved production model to Rocket's prototype, and before the year was out would introduce Planet, a truly revolutionary 2-2-0 with horizontal cylinders mounted under the smokebox driving inside cranks on the drive axle, the true first modern steam locomotive from which all others would be derived from for the next 200 years. Rocket meanwhile was almost immediately downgraded to a "ballast engine", effectively used for little more than maintenance trains, until 1836 when it was sold to the Brampton Railway in Cumbria and was retired from service in 1840. So in that very limited way, it actually makes more sense for Rocket to be hauling flatbeds than coaches since that's what she did in service as she wasn't much use for anything else. 2. If one is skilled with a screwdriver and the build quality inside isn't as bad as outside, one could make some rather interesting fictional livery by swapping the yellow coach bodies onto the green chassis. A small change, but maybe more to someone's taste than plain colors all around.

[@SuperJohnmu]

Hornby are at it again! Announce a limited edition, then increase the number produced in that limited edition

[@DarthSantaFe]

To increase the realism, strap on a Dalek and hook them up to a Tyco Turbotrain.

[@chrisjackson6582]

Think I might wait for the rapids lion for my fix

[@SamsTrains]

That's smart!!

[@cwilliams9635]

I pre-ordered the pack when they were announced. I purchased mine as collectables but, I'm doubtful they'll ever be collectable or valuable in future. Flatbed wagons certainly aren't shelf-queen material either.

[@CustomiZe_]

And coming up next month, Hornby sells a sawn in half box van and call it a five plank wagon for £50. 👍

[@Colonel-Commissar_Renik]

Always sworn by Mainline for 4 wheel goods wagons, and this reinforces that. So come on Sam, you know you want to put modern rolling stock up against Mainline 😉

[@SamsTrains]

haha you reckon they'd stand up to modern rolling stock?! Could be worth a try! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam Hope you are well? Them chains are pain for me as I have motor issues in my hands I wish hornby would we think it. I but some era 1 rolling stock when more era 1 locos are in oo gauge in rtr Keep safe arp

[@DigitalDavis16]

Even some of the Accurascale 3 pack wagons - bigger, sturdier, better built wagons of the modern era - at 70-75 pounds per pack are so much better value. I understand the Rocket tag, but not to the point where it’s this expensive. Even a similar 3 pack of wagons in Australia is a decent amount cheaper!