Bachmann vs. Hornby Trains | What's the Difference?

[@DoubleX8620]

As a Swiss that mainly grew up with Märklin and got a Hornby starter set just two years ago on a school trip, I'll pick Hornby. They have some very affordable models like the Railroad range that I absolutely love. I find British locomotives so fascinating, mainly because of the different liveries, colours and the individual companies before becoming BR. Bachmann is just too expensive for my tight wallet, but they do make some amazing models. Interesting comparison as always, Sam 👍 ;) Also I decided to join your channel Membership to support your great work

[@SamsTrains]

Very interesting - so Hornby looked good compared with Marklin?! I'm surprised and glad to hear it! Yeah, can't condone some of Bachmann's prices :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@basicallystupid7080]

As a beginner model-er, this will definitely help out as I JUST began to think to make of an railway. Definitely based around the time where steam engines were waay more common than diesels, around when they just began.

[@RzMK]

I found your channel recently and I truly admire your effort in making these videos :) I'm also a model-railroader and I find all these British locos so different from our continental European ones! Greetings from Poland :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much for your kind comment - that's very kind of you! Greetings from the UK! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robinleach2251]

Every time I start to watch one of your videos, my wife shouts 'Hello Sam' from the other room!

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's awesome - tell her hello back! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robinleach2251]

@@SamsTrains Done! Cheers, made her day!

[@Kuriboh1008]

Wholesome

[@jimcrawford5039]

So does mine! Lol. Australia.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Thanks Sam. Love your vids! Ex UK. Australia for 55 years.

[@Kuriboh1008]

It's weird how Thomas the tank engine can mould you into a model train enthusiast

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I know right?! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@InventorZahran]

The original Thomas show was filmed with model trains, so I'm not surprised that some of us became enthusiasts as a result.

[@CR-ng4qe]

Ikr

[@FalloutAmazing]

@@SamsTrains can we be friends and I'm sorry about earlier?

[@jumaclo]

@@InventorZahran its sad that the thomas i grew up on is now “the original Thomas the train” i feel so old

[@masterofsouthern5427]

Also at least Hornby understands their audience by Doing a Railroad range and premium one so customers can experience a good range of products without paying a fortune 🙂🙂

[@dafyddthomas7299]

agree but still an expensive pastime.

[@graham2sexy955]

Some of the rubbish in the railroad range has crept over a hundred pounds....

[@thejohnler8358]

@@123CrazyChazy Some Railroad models nowadays are almost as expensive as the preimium models were when the brand was launched

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, I agree with the Railroad range in principle.... and I don't even mind that they're often based on really old models! But their intention to attract beginners or younger modellers fails if they're too expensive... which now they're starting to be :/ Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulcaswell2813]

@@123CrazyChazy Inflation has been awful. I bought the Bachmann A1 on launch at £115. Ten years on it nudging £200...

[@davidstrains4910]

Great comparison Sam if I’m honest I would say that all models that are made are great

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks David! I wish I could say the same - I'd say *most* models that are made are great! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@shmunggus]

:)

[@DoubleDeckerDave]

Sam'sTrains Yeah, with stuff like the Tango you can't say they're all winners!

[@mistermadmachine6311]

👍

[@dannywest7587]

There's complaints about plastic bottles in our oceans,I wonder how many plastic trains end up in our Oceans?

[@Fatduck-nm3jj]

This is what I wanted to see since 2017

[@SamsTrains]

Nice! Hope you like it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@petermurry4816]

Great site Sam, I'm 77 & used to have model trains years ago. So what I wold like to ask you is for complete run down on the best loco for each class related to my time train spotting days at Bournemouth in I think it was 1960 I think ?? & I decided to change to aviation (where I have been lucky to work within most of my career) A GREAT site Sam & only recently found it.

[@jacobditmars8414]

Sam you goofed at 12:49 (called a tank engine a tender engine) but apart from that good video.

[@SamsTrains]

I did, haha!! ;D

[@Fabian06]

This is very helpful! Im planning to start making custom model engines and a model railway myself! This is very helpful, Thanks Sam!

[@michaelricks1618]

Really excellent review. Well researched and very thorough. Pointed out many things I was totally unaware of and will be very helpful in making future purchases. The manufacturers could watch and learn a lot her - and I hope they do! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@masterofsouthern5427]

Personally I prefer Hornby over Bachmann as you can easily replace loco parts for a bargain and The prices of their products are considerably cheaper especially with their mechanism Thanks for this Sam I have been waiting for this 🙂🙂

[@SamsTrains]

Very true! They're much more user friendly in that regard - better and cheaper - I like that too! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cbrooks122000]

Have you tried replacing parts on a new Hornby loco? You cannot get the parts, like West Country valve gear, Fowler Tank pickups. It is getting worse. Ok, Bachmann spares might be expensive but at least you can get them.

[@peteryoung4957]

Another interesting video Sam. I think if, I was modelling 00 (I have N gauge) I'd go for Hornby. I hope the manufactures watch your reviews.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Peter! I think I'd choose Hornby too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@G-ra-ha-m]

An old comment, but I'll add that I'd also buy Hornby: simply because it's English. I'm not nationalistic, but do believe in encouraging local quality manufacturers... ... also I started with Hornby when I was very young in the 1970s and enjoyed them very much.

[@gs425]

I'd like to add two points... 1.hornby try to be all things to all men. From cheapo train set locos right up to amazing top detailed stuff . And yes I agree it's not always made clear what market each loco is aimed at. 2. Bachmann diesels are great, but so many of their steam locos woddle down the track like an angry duck!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes two very good points - Bachmann's diesels are another kettle of fish altogether, if I had more diesels, I'd be in a position to do this video for diesels too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaeldavies9600]

Im bit of a tightwad as well so another reason i only buy from the bargain basement and Bachmann seem to be always out of my price range!

[@gs425]

@Baz Bazdad hi Baz. Yes I owned a gs425 for a total of 18 years. I say total because 5 years after I sold it , I bought it back. Wish I still had it . The perfect all rounder. Most modern bikes are either too big or too small.

[@Ensign_Redshirt]

This is spot on consumer information, and proof that both companies can produce good products when challenged. Watching and reading reviews of the Bachmann and Heljian (providing you get a later example) narrow gauge engines are good examples of two companies working out of their normal comfort zone. From what I've seen you seem to get very well engineered and well thought out tiny models. Considering how much of a slating Heljian get for build quality it is proof that when they do it right they really do it right.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Les - they certainly can! The narrowgauge engines do look fascinating - I've always wanted to try them, very interesting that Heljan seem to get them right too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@HeavyTanker-vx4oq]

Apparently Bachmann is completely different in the UK, here in the states the are the cheaper option, and aren't that reliable, or good pullers, or well detailed. Just kinda MEH here in the states, but the prices don't mirror that, a Spectrum DCC 4-8-4, be it a Daylight, or a N&W J-Class. Are around $300 plus if you can't find them on sale.

[@SamsTrains]

They're exactly the same in the UK, they're just not the cheaper option, everything else is accurate! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulmcmahon1129]

We might finally see some quality in the UK when Rapido get established here?

[@robmasterman]

Sam, you really are the Best thing that's happened in our Hobby for years, your Reviews are second to none, giving so much useful information to help people with future purchases, which at the prices of items these days, is becoming so important. You are unbiased in your views, and I, as one of your thousands of followers, are extremely grateful, for your invaluable help...Keep up the Great work...Bob

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks so much Bob, not sure about that!! So glad you like these videos though, so lovely to hear that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@edwardlawrence9916]

Seeing the hornby 08 reminded me, for the love of all things model railways you have to try a hornby 08, they are just amazing! Would love to see a review of that!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I have heard that - I'm looking out for one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alanriley9754]

Am delighted to have found your channel Sam. Your commentary is thorough and educational. Thanks.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Alan, that's really lovely to hear! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@CymruJedi]

This was a great comparison video, good job man

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! :D

[@Meddled]

I don't have a model railway, I'm more into the prototypes. What I like about this channel is how clearly you speak. It seems quite rare to encounter a KZbinr who knows how a sentence is going to finish from the start. No 'I'm' or starting each new thought with 'so...'.

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's very kind of you - thanks so much! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Meddled]

@@SamsTrains no worries! When I have a layout in a year's time I know who to blame!

[@davidrees3625]

Very informative Sam. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your reviews!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David! :D

[@liamcalder1385]

Hi Sam. I have been a supporter of Hornby since i first started in model railways but i have bought a few Bachmann locos such as the Crab and the 43xx and i really like them. the detail is good and the running is great but deep down im still a hornby fan. Thanks Liam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Liam! Yeah I like their Crabs too actually, always liked mine! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@longlivetherailways1571]

Wonderful video Sam! I wonder if you could do something crazy and buy like a Roco or Trix or perhaps a Piko locomotive. It would add some nice variation to your reviews, and I find them quite impressive in terms of performace and detail! Some are quite expensive though.

[@SamsTrains]

I would really like to - I'm really interested to know what they're like! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rustingparts]

As an american, im not sure why but european trains just dont seem to be as advanced at this scale as they are in the states. The fact that new locomotives are shipping with open frame motors is just wild to me

[@manunderthemask4762]

The 4F wasn't Dapol, it was Airfix :)

[@SamsTrains]

You're right - spot on! Decades and decades ago xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@1maico1]

One of Sam's best videos. Lots of info packed into it and footage of loco innards rather than the carpet or slippers :-)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much, haha! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jaybee1921]

Another profesional informative video from young Sam, well done! The price comparison is quite fluid between the two but I think that part of that pricing structure includes shipping costs from Europe and China. Still, with regard to quality and value it's like anything else these days, you get what you pay for.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Jonathan - yes it's fairly fluid! And often you do get what you pay for, but occasionally not always! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@QuakMans]

This year I got a real good price on a Bachman train set, online it’s around 350, I got it in a store for 160! [ it was an HO scale ]

[@jonswinfield9336]

Very interesting I remember when Bachmann first came on the scene in this country Everyone raved about them and said ‘ why can’t Hornby be like this?’ It seems as though there’s a complete turn around I heard that both manufacturers are using Chinese factories at one point I believe the same factory This huge discrepancy in price and quality is unbelievable I’m very disappointed to be honest How are most people going to know what they’re getting? Keep making these videos they’re really good 👍😊

[@Poliss95]

You'd think that Bachmann would be cheaper since they own the factories, while Hornby use other people's factories for some models.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, it is very confusing! Bachmann have tried to explain their pricing by blaming it on changes in China: worker's wage increases, difficulty in finding labour, exchange rates and a decline in demand for model railway merchandise. These explanations *would* hold up if Bachmann were manufactured in China and all other manufacturers were elsewhere. But as other manufactures *in exactly the same boat* have been seen to do much better (not just in terms of price, but also quality), this explanation is inadequate to my mind! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jonswinfield9336]

Sam'sTrains From what I can see Hornby have worked really hard to become a modern company for this day and age Competitive and good quality Maybe Bachmann uk could learn something here and restore their reputation and boost sales😊

[@bikelife_myr7917]

Hey, sam great review! lots of people's reviews are biased or not in-depth but u made sure that ur viewers would be satisfied great job!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! I do my best to be honest, really glad you notice it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tornado1986cw]

This I why I stopped collecting model trains, was how expensive they were getting couldn't afford it anymore 😔, still enjoying the vids by the way

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah the price is getting to be a problem unfortunately :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@arnolddavies6734]

That’s the reason I never got into model railways. Way too expensive a hobby these days.

[@pettra1]

Some of the prices you quoted were different to those shown on the screen, I noted. Maybe there have been updates since? If I had to choose between the two, I think Hornby would get the nod really. Better mechanisms including far greater use of 5 pole motors swings it for me. Oh, and price is a significant factor, especially these days when people's livelihoods are in the balance due to Covid-19.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, one of Bachmann's was higher than I quoted; I quoted a previous price tag, which has now been increased according to their website... we have seen big increases in price over recent years! I'd agree - can't say enough about good mechanisms! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great stuff Sam. Love to see a diesel comparison too including Heljan.

[@HarryC_640]

Hi Charlie!

[@SamsTrains]

Cheers Charlie! I'd like to do that too, but I don't own anywhere near as many diesels as I do steam; it probably wouldn't be fair of me to do that until I've sampled a few more! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@williambabcoke248]

So Sam, I am right now a little bit down on Hornby because of my S15. I figured that I would give them another chance. What engine would you recommend to put Hornby in the best possible light for me. (Keep in mind that the layout I run on has a 4% grade on it, so it needs to be able to pull. A lot. Traction Tyres are ok. ) I was thinking something like a B12 but I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Also, to keep on this comparison series, maybe you could do a comparison between Hornby, Oxford, and Bachmann where you build a train from only their products in a budget and see how they compare.

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry about that mate :( Sure, the B12 is an excellent call - so is the J15 and J36, to name a recent few! Yeah it'd be cool to do more comparisons, cheers mate! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pirozcontractor6006]

The way I see it: Hornby- Better with steam locomotives Bachmann - Kings of the diesel, electric and DMU segments EMU's - No way to tell However, the lack of spare valve gear for certain Hornby locos like the rebuilt Merchant Navy is a massive turnoff.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true - Bachmann's diesels are epic, probably better than Hornby's (the ones I've had) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johnbirkin89WS]

Expert commentary here, as always humbly but authoritatively presented. I found this most entertaining, but how are you faring with your Hattons Class 66? Is this still top of the tree, the cat's whiskers etc?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much John, that's very kind of you! I don't have the Hatton's 66 sadly - the one I reviewed was only leant to me as a sample! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Mewtwo557]

"So if we kick off with an 0-6-0 tender engine..." *shows off tank engine*

[@hythekent]

Percyextra / Mewtwo557 For goodness sake, give him a break! How many quality videos have you uploaded?

[@Mewtwo557]

Calm down my dude. It's just a joke.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

@@Mewtwo557 you can have an 0-6-0 Tank Engine... Actually most tank engines were 0-6-0... Most 0-4-0's had a saddle tank or pannier tank design due to the short nature of the locomotive

[@Mewtwo557]

I don't think you got the joke.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

@@Mewtwo557 I don't think you get the idea of a joke... a joke is required to be funny.

[@craigthelej]

Imagine Hornby and Bachmann having a collab. Hornby's quality mechanism with bachmann's beatiful detail

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah it would be very interesting! Though they'd never need to do that - they both have the ability to create superb models without the other's input - it's just persuading them to actually do it! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kiwitrainguy]

Better that than the other way around.

[@prideoftheline2009]

Bachmann: thomas and friends show models Hornby: counter part thomas models

[@craigthelej]

@@123CrazyChazy Bachmann had trash quality compared to hornby tho

[@craigthelej]

@@123CrazyChazy Not gonna lie they both have flaws.

[@craigthelej]

@@123CrazyChazy really? Bachmann always put bad motors in their locos

[@SamsTrains]

Bachmann's were certainly more accurate, but they were much poorer by design (mechanism!!). Some of Hornby's did suffer mazak rot (Bill and ben were big ones), but at least this wasn't by design! Bachmann's have the motor failures *because* the motors can't handle all that friction from the complicated eye mechanisms, crazy number of gears, and lack of bearings in the wheelset! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@peterdriffill7950]

One of your best videos! Would be great to see a similar video looking at the other manufacturers!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Peter - I may try that one day! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@BritanniaPacific]

Here’s an aspect you left out: who sells out quickest? My vote’s for Hornby.

[@craigthelej]

That's a good thing and a bad thing lmao

[@SamsTrains]

I have no way of knowing that unfortunately, and it's more complicated than that - it depends on production capacity, price, who's stocking them etc... hard to draw a conclusion from! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@UbleyHalt]

Over the last 10 years or so I’ve bought a number of locos’ I’ve never run any of them, as I don’t have a layout! Having watched your video if I ever do I’m expecting quite a lot of unreliability!

[@SamsTrains]

You'll never know until you try - there are plenty of lemons out there, but plenty of superb runners too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@moxxierl1809]

Hi sam, Great video! Quick question, do bachmann trains work on hornby DC or DCC controllers? Considering they work on the other track

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! Yes they will do! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@LHoriginal]

Nice one! I like both, but I usually stay with Hornby because I use rail master

[@SamsTrains]

Good call! Railmaster is pretty decent! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@britanniaolivercromwell5006]

I like how bachmann doesn’t include tender pick ups and when they do,they have the effectiveness of someone hitting you with a wet noodle

[@SamsTrains]

haha, basically accurate! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kiwitrainguy]

My Hornby P2 doesn't have tender pickups (must be the cheap version) so I'm going to fit some myself.

[@davidchiles5331]

I'm new to this and really appreciate your videos, thank you.

[@infinitethenextkazekage392]

They have 1 similarity *mmmmmmmmmmmm yees t R a I n*

[@SamsTrains]

haha! xD

[@hythekent]

One of your best comparisons Sam,. Very useful indeed. Thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much mate, appreciate it! :D

[@paddycoleman1472]

Interesting video, thanks Sam. The Bachmann mechanism info really surprised me especially given their generally higher.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Paddy - yes it is very unusual isn't it?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelaldred6529]

A very good statement on the differences between the two manufactures would be interesting to know on how the two compare on Train packs or sets.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Michael! That's a great thought too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@squish8785]

wow i like this now im thinking of getting both my first sets from both hornby and bachman thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh nice - choose wisely!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. Brilliant summary of Bachmann vs Hornby. Why on earth don't these manufacturers listen to (professional?) YT reviewers? You have to admire Bachmann's attention to build quality, but conversely Hornby's attention to the mechanism. I'm sure they both would claim it's down to money, but I'm also sure that they would attract more sales if only they would listen! I would love you to throw Dapol (and Helijan?) into the mix!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Paul! They don't have to listen to us, because I for one could be wrong. If we are wrong, it'd be nice for them to explain how so, and also how they justify their actually very different approaches! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

@@SamsTrains Hi Sam. Yes, they don't have to listen to what you say, yet woe betide those who won't listen, even if they don't agree. You have been reviewing models since the year dot and have earned the right to be listened to. I doubt that there are a lot of differences between your opinions and those other esteemed reviewers. It's time for the manufacturers to wake up and smell the coffee!

[@kiwitrainguy]

Great video. One gripe I have about Bachmann is that their interior lights (cab lights, EMU and railcar interior lights) are always light orange LED's and I've had to go around and substitute the ones on my Bachmann stuff with warm white LED's instead.

[@RBXTrains]

I don't think that's the case on the more modern stock, the class 350 is spot on.

[@johnphillips3943]

Hi Sam. I own 2 Hornby super detailed 08's. Both are superb models, very well detailed (on a par with my Dapol O gauge 08's) and run extremely well. They cope very well with points and their slow speed is faultless which makes them perfect for shunting my lay out. They are better than the Bachman versions in both of these departments and I can highly recommend them.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for sharing John - I really must try a Hornby one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FlyingScotFilms]

12:48 That’s the best tender engine I’ve ever seen 😂 Great review sam!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - my bad!! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@williamgeorgefraser]

I don't have a OO layout but I would love to get the J36 and renumber it 65288 which was one of the last 2 in service. Dunfermline High School Railway Society repainted it for a railtour before it was withdrawn. I helped with the work.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sounds like a great idea - hope you can do that some day! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SheffieldNo14Productions]

Based on the Thomas range... I’ve noticed that Bachmann is more accurate than powerful such as with the Gordon model. The Gordon of Bachmann’s detail is superb, as compared to the Hornby model which is oversized and with a lot of the proportions wrong. However due to the larger tender, the Hornby Gordon is able to house the motor in its tender and that gives it more power and more tractive force with less effort. The way I understand it with my minimal knowledge of physics is that with the Bachmann model, the engine has the motor and the pulling power is all at the front, meaning the load at the back is heavier. With the Hornby model the tender pushes the locomotive instead of the loco pulling it. So the weight at the back is decreased while the weight at the front is increased. This is better because it is easier to push something rather than to pull it. So the Hornby models are stronger. Also I think the Bachmann model has a tiny motor crammed into the engine which is less powerful than the bigger Hornby motor in the big tender. So if you’re looking for durability and power, then the Hornby models are the ones for you. If you’re more of a serious collector or somebody who wants accuracy over power such as a filmmaker or someone, then the Bachmann models are the ones for you. These are just my thoughts.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true - more accurate than mechanically sound even, agreed 100%! Thanks for sharing - cool stuff! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@neilviney1889]

Hi Sam. loving your work. Just an observation - Whenever I've heard you say that a certain loco is a bit noisy, when running, it's usually a Bachmann. keep up the great work.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Neil, you're right actually - very true! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@astrochaos4182]

I really like Bachmanns J72 since it’s the only Bachmann engine I own at the moment but I still massively love Hornby as my Dad and Late Grandfather had some

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah the J72 is lovely actually - really like mine! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CrystalLakeRailway]

Both company’s produce great models, I guess it depends on your preference which one would be better.

[@SamsTrains]

That's certainly very true!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Im_B0red]

Sam did not let quarantine bore him

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely! :D

[@ianmulcrone3090]

In N gauge ive noticed its dapol with the better models and graham farish (bachmann) with the better mechanisms.... Back in the 00 days for me, i noticed bachmann used to look better, hornby though were the workhorses, the bachmanns spent most of their time in the sidings looking pretty, while the hornbys did all the running.... the coaches though, they were fine either way

[@SamsTrains]

haha, fascinating how the tables can turn with a change of scale - I'll have to try N gauge one day! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@edmundcarew7235]

As an Australian, like the American below, I also prefer Hornby, but that may be related to how I've had this manufacturer's products since I was about 11. You packed a huge amount of information into the video.

[@SamsTrains]

That's fair enough - thanks for sharing, and hope the info overload wasn't too much! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Fair comparison, I agree. In a nutshell : -Bachmann : drivetrain mediocre to fair, good level of details, constant quality, excessive price. -Hornby : very good to excellent drivetrain, usually good to excellent level of details, but quality is random, with some lemons and motors issues. Price justified to good. When the Standard 2MT by Hornby will be sold, I invite you to make a comparison with Bachmann's Ivatt 2MT tender engine, it is roughly the same model (the BR standard is an improvement of the Ivatt). I bit my fingers when I saw that the Hornby model will have a die-cast body for GBP 162, retailer's price (RRP GBP 180)... I'm going to buy one anyway ! I'm in for a diesel/electric comparison, it will be very interesting.

[@SamsTrains]

Fully agreed - you're right to mention Hornby's lemons and occasional quality lapses - hopefully I mentioned those too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Themodelrailer]

I had my first loco at 7 now 35 :-( and my intercity 225 runs like a dream with the original ringfield and thanks to your servicing videos just as good and quiet as new out the box so always a hornby fan and whenever i search for a loco always look at hornby products first something just seems that bit extra nothing against the other brands but they always feel a bit more especially with the name and legacy also having relatives who lived in hornbys home helps too 😂😂

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Kevin, so glad to hear that your old classics are running well again! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@coloursmoke]

9:12 Track record! :D 3:59 great! good to see the internal details!? or the plastic moulding details. ;-)

[@taylorshaw8000]

This is very good information for anyone who wants to join the model train hobby.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Taylor, really glad you think so! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@barleyarrish]

Investigative journalism at it's best!

[@SamsTrains]

haha it's far too generous to call this investigative journalism, but thank you very much! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Great video and good comparisons, another plus for Bachman is that you can get their new products from Rails without issue but I cannot get any new Hornby products (2020+ onwards) from Rails (with their possible fallout between both parties ). A minus for both is that their new releases are costing more and more money every year pricing potential buyers out of the market / hobby.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's very true - and I agree on prices, pity about that :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cantthinkofaname3344]

Right, but you've made a few videos on the Hornby channel. This would suggest that this study is, even if not deliberate, slightly biased. An example is that you could have used the same loco classes when you did price comparisons.

[@SamsTrains]

No, I don't think that's a reasonable conclusion. Given the fact that my audience is an order of magnitude larger than Hornby's, I was doing them a favour, and not vice versa as you suggest, by producing content for their channel. Regardless, I was very critical of both Hornby and Bachmann in this video, so the word you're looking for is *balanced* not biased. To have used the same classes for price comparison would not have been fair, as neither manufacturer has their own modern example of the same class, except the 08, which I did show. In cases where both manufacturers produce the same model, one is always much older than the other (Hornby vs Bachmann A4, Jinty, Patriot, 4F etc) So how would using the same classes have been more fair? Make sure the evidence supports your narrative my friend!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Damocles178]

Very informative; really enjoyed this. I think doing a Diesel Hornby vs Bachmann video would be a splendid idea especially when Bachmann has certainly tackled Diesels Hornby hasn't such as the Peaks. I actually am genuinely intrigued with the difference between the 08's too. I know Hornby's Class 08 did have some rather nice but unexpected surprises such as opening doors. No doubt when it comes to choosing between both ranges one may just offer a class of loco that the other doesn't or they simply have a better version.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! Great idea - if I had more diesels, I could totally do that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@captbumbler5356]

I found this very interesting , I have some very old Tri-ang railway stuff in my loft some of it has grey track with 3 lines. I also have the O gauge Stephensons Rocket "real steam" train and track plus extra track only ever run once and then put in loft.

[@markyoung01maccom]

Sam I really enjoy your videos , though to be fair I’ve had Hornby, Bachmann and the like. I now collect almost completely Märklin,Roco and Fleishmann I just feel the German and Austrian brands have better production outcomes.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! I've heard great things about those brands - must try them some time! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AlexTrain5249]

I’m so used to the British Railway Stories and I think another one of those W.P. Allen models is used but with a face.

[@clivewilkinson6076]

just bought a second-hand HO Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 light mountain almost as new condition. Amazing detail and a nice runner. Do you know if these are a higher spec than other Bachmann locos? It apparently has a belt drive as part of the mechanism, not sure if that is a good thing, but as long as it isn't some sort of rubber band, I guess it would be ok. The rest of my collection are one Tyco, one Athearn, and the for British locos one Wrenn, one Oxford, one Hornby-Dublo and five modern Hornby steam.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I have some Spectrum locos too - I'd say they're roughly the same spec as their Bachmann Branchline locos - I'm not keen on the idea of a belt drive either. They certainly don't run better than locos without belt drives, but I haven't had any problems either! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Pennington_TMD]

Great video Sam , please can you do a video on the diesels too ? Thanks!

[@SamsTrains]

If I get more diesels, then sure!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@AustralianRailwayVideos]

Thanks for this video, when im older i wanna start an english model railway but the Class V2 is only Bachmann and the West Country is only hornby Edit: i have the mallard and flying scotsman that i got ages ago but they both have small issues, and the mallard doesnt run properly anymore :/ only fully functioning train i have is an SDJR Tank engine no. 24

[@rmyers7]

It may be comparing apples and oranges, British versus American markets. But here in the U.S. Bachmann list prices are notorious. The lists are usually _way_ higher than street prices, and way higher than either their quality, or the relationship to other vendors would justify.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you are right - the list prices are much higher than what you'd pay in the shops, but they're still more expensive than Hornby in most cases! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@9501599]

Hi Sam another really good video please do a diesel and electric comparison. I liked what you said because I have been thinking about the same thing. But I am a diesel fan and please do a comparison.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Guy - I'd love to try a diesel version, great idea! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Rog250]

Great video Sam very on the ball with the key differences. One aspect I was surprised you didnt mention because you often do in reviews of individual locos (eg the Bachmann V2) are the loco-tender connections. On balance is Bachmann or Hornby better (ie easier to connect/disconnect etc) in your view?

[@simontaylor9972]

Thank you for this post. Lots of important info.

[@timothycole9232]

i recently got a bachmann small prairie and a 94xx and even though they have no fly wheel they don't stop straight away when i cut the power, the wheels keep spinning for a second. do you find this on any of your bachmann locomotives?

[@stevieh7292]

Very fair comparison, Sam. Top work!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Stevie! :D

[@michaeldavies9600]

Great video as always and a interesting one at that.I think id rather have an engine that worked better and lasted longer,than one that looked better and had more detail.I dont have any Bachmann engines mine are all Hornby and one Oxford Rail Janus Shunter that was bought in a Hattons bundle with three wagons.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Michael - I think I'd rather that too! Hornby do run better than Bachmann these days, no doubt in my mind! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alanthorne3921]

Good video.Although I don’t own any Bachman ho locos(I have five N scale with no problems) I was fully aware of the rather lacklustre mechanisms of their locos.I really like rebuilding old locos that I find at flea markets,etc but if I buy a new loco (not often,I’m poor)I really want it to run properly with a good design.Having no wheel bearings on expensive locos in this day and age is inexcusable.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Alan - interestingly I have heard that their N gauge gear is much better - not seen it for myself though! I agree - they should have those features, or they should be cheaper - simple really! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thegrimreaper2208]

I own the premium duke of glouster set and it’s absolutely gorgeous

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - I love the sound of that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mytinplaterailway]

Excellent film. One area Hornby win hands down is the aesthetics of their packaging. Superb photography, really makes the box look special. Bachmann's window boxes are anonymous, and useless for being able to see what is inside.

[@SamsTrains]

That's true actually Ian - they do make their stuff look excellent - good point! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lapiswake6583]

Was having issues with my bachmann 9f the other day with it cutting out randomly (my heljan o2 took over from it, and it ran perfectly), so I invested in a set of dcc concepts wiper pickups, which I'll be fitting into locos without tender pickups (most bachmann tender locos like the 9f, ivatt 2, ivatt 4, unrebuilt patriot, wd 8f, especially split chassis locos where I've added a dcc socket in the tender, and also hornby locos like the p2 and peppercorn a1). You certainly have more bachmann locos with tender pickups than I do (I think my only one is the GWR City class). I had to service the loco part of my 20-year-old hornby tender drive Flying Scotsman because one of the pickups had bent badly, so I was intrigued to find 2 wiper pickups per wheel (6 driving wheels, so 12 wipers). And of course the axles had proper brass bearings too. It was one of my first locos, and sure it had an issue of one of the big end screws going missing for a while and also the traction bands failing at one point, but its still a good loco despite its age. It even has separately fitted handrails and sprung buffers! I have to say, bachmann have better DCC interfaces in locos. Tender mounted 21-pin DCC sockets in their more modern locos, against hornby insisting on using 8-pin sockets in everything (unless sound fitted or small). Hornby also have loco mounted sockets but tender mounted speaker enclosures, which seems silly for TTS.

[@SamsTrains]

That's interesting! I'm not familiar with the Bachmann 9F, does it have pickups on all the driving wheels at least? I never knew the Hornby Scotsman ever had two pickups per wheel - that's quality stuff! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lapiswake6583]

The 9f has pickups on the flanged driving wheels, not the centre flangeless one. I'd say the bachmann 9f is the better model as its more detailed and comes in more variants, but the hornby one runs much better (mine died a couple of years ago, so I only have one bachmann one now, 92006)

[@HarryC_640]

Also Sam I heard about those people trying to attack you on Twitter regarding el cheapo. I absolutely love the series and I hope it is here to stay! Never mind those people who claim that there was some ‘stereotyping.’ If you ask me they’re the ones doing the stereotyping. Absurd.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Harry! Please don't worry about it, and thanks so much for the support! I've explained the "joke", and they're not getting it. Time to approach this properly! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RBXTrains]

Interesting comparison. I tend to only by from BR 1st gen DMUs to modern day MUs, and I've always found Bachmann have made way better mechanisms than Hornby. With this intuition I have twice tried to buy a any steam as a service to form a heritage service, buying Bachmann and both times they were pathetic models struggling to pull the 4 or 5 coaches I had for them - seems like I should perhaps try something Hornby related when my budgeting next allows me to.

[@Nighttime-Challenger]

Both great models I actually have a Bachman 0-6-0 tender engine NC&STL 152

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh nice - that sounds pretty good too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Nighttime-Challenger]

@@SamsTrains if you want i can use instagram to send a picture of what it looks like

[@stephenrussell-clark8329]

Great video Sam. Generally a great summary. Very surprised you don't have a Hornby 08 diesel shunter. They are fabulous. Great low gearing and will pull anything. Treat yourself!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much - yeah I probably should fix that one day, I've heard they are good! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@peterheath9002]

funny you say you'll start off with tender locos then proceed with a J72 tank loco; Got me really confused from the beginning. Though the rest is really interesting. Many thanks

[@georgebenson6036]

Interesting comparison. Your message seems to be do your research and consider getting engines with good motors and tender pickups. At the end of the day good runners are to be preferred over good lookers. Am I right about that?

[@roguerailroader4132]

Soooo abridged version of I got this right and do feel free to correct me. Bachmann has looks and features that Hornby doesn’t do. Hornby might be sloppy and inconsistent with looks but make up for it with better mechanisms and motors. Is that about right?

[@2010ditta]

That was well put together Sam..nice one. I enjoyed that.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Tim! :D

[@jacobhampshire1181]

My grange class is a bit controversial because it was reasonably priced at 89 pounds but has next to no diecast as it is really light. However it does have a very detailed body. What are your thoughts on the hornby grange?

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's right - the Grange was a very light model, but mechanically sound and good looking! I liked it, but I have a review if you want to see more! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thebeaver2963]

You know, Bachmann is pretty expensive over here in the states. The cheapest bachmann loco ive gotten was a 0 6 0 that was on sale for $60.

[@SamsTrains]

Same over here - but that sounds like a good deal! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)