Better Than Oxford's? | Hornby Adams Radial Tank | Unboxing & Review

[@adrianolsen-woodhamwoodtur4980]

Just acquired one of these locos, and I’m delighted with it EXCEPT that my version R3423 (BR Black Late Crest) had its decoder socket incorrectly wired. Apparently, there was a batch made around 2014-15 that had this faulty wiring. In short, the track wires from the front bogey are soldered to the wrong pins, with the result that while the loco works fine on DC, it will (probably) fry any DCC decoder installed. There are rectification explanations available if you Google “Hornby Adams Radial wiring fault”. It does require some fiddly re-soldering, but its not too big a job if you’re confident/competent with soldering. Great video Sam, as ever. Your channel is one of the very best out there ! Many thanks

[@lukeslocomotives]

*"Smells like burning electronics"* You didnt destroy the heljan 1361 and not tell us did you?

[@SamsTrains]

Not yet, I've been close! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Tombola1993]

Sam'sTrains You’re going to use the Heljan 1361 as a test subject, aren’t you?

[@matthewcastle24]

@@SamsTrains I am now a member

[@theretrocrowe]

Shame that there are no polls anymore, that was one of my favourite parts of the video :(

[@Bittern19]

TheRetroCrowe Hello

[@theretrocrowe]

@@Bittern19 Hi :)

[@SamsTrains]

I did put one into this video - is it working?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@theretrocrowe]

@@SamsTrains Nope. Not working for me

[@samuelsocha8384]

@@SamsTrains for me neither!

[@selwynlawton7939]

Sam, your you tube channel is "incredible"... Hattons had sold out of the R3422 so I ordered R3423 being BR Black Late Crest. When I placed my Order on 21st June, they had 8 in stock. I checked one hour later and they only had 5.. R3423's left. Since then Hattons have completely sold out of stock of all their Hornby Adams Tank loco's... Wow, that's amazing and a pat on the back to you for your complete honesty when reviewing these Loco's Well, take a bow because you deserve it "Sam our Loco man"

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Selwyn, I truly appreciate your kind words - haha yeah things do seem to sell out after videos - it's probably not all down to me! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@theretrocrowe]

Glad you got one! I have been wanting an Adams Radial for ages, but never been sure how good the Hornby ones are

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate! I can highly recommend them overall - not perfect, but much better than Oxfords, particularly at just £79! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

​@_hearts4southpark_.VERY SHOCKINGLY SURPRISINGLY WELL SAID!

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

​@@SamsTrainsVERY SHOCKINGLY SURPRISINGLY WELL SAID INDEED FOR SURE!

[@theretrocrowe]

The Bluebell railway has the only examples of my 2 favourite tank locomotives (LBSC E4 and this), and yet neither are operational :(

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - I really must go there! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@aplane9625]

First off My favourite steam engine The basis for my favourite OC made my wildnorwester “Adam” RIP They used to work on the Lyme Regis branch My Nan lives there and sometimes took the train when she was younger

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam, The only ones left ended up in the Lyme Regis Seaton area and although very young in the early 1950's I can distinctly remember seeing and being pulled by one on a family holiday. The only reason I can explain this is at such an early age the unique gracefull design printed itself on my brain. Excellent video with very thorough and well presented information.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks for the info Leroy - I didn't know that! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CyanShock]

Glad to see you review this one after the oxford! I've had a hornby adams radial for over a year and it's easily the best runner in my collection. I don't recall any glue marks on mine but I haven't done a close inspection in a while. I do remember it also being a little oily when I first got it much like yours.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Steven - great to hear yours runs well too - very pleased with mine indeed!! Glad yours was even better! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@scot913]

Finally was able. To get back on my layout today Turms out the old 4p still runs extremely well

[@SamsTrains]

That's great to hear - hope you had a nice time! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@selwynlawton7939]

Sam....Hornby Adams Radial Fix: My New Loco was slipping and Driving wheels lifting around curves, the front pony being far too rigid with all wheels @ 11.5mm. The pony being difficult to work on I removed the wheel set by pulling off one wheel off each and removing the axles. I replaced the pony wheels with 10.0mm Powerline P1109 Insulated metal wheels, you need to use those large flange wheels such as 10mm Trax wagon wheels, to keep the pony on the rails and through the points.......... I used a black marker pen to blacken out the wheels and axle heads....... This Loco runs Fantastic and is capable of pulling at least 15 Passenger Coaches....

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for sharing this - I wasn't aware that Hornby's had that issue! Great fix though!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam I have actually managed to get details of the locomotives that worked the Lyme regis Branch in the 1950s and early 1960s they were 30582 30583 30584, officially allocated to Exmouth Junc shed.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very cool, thanks for sharing! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tryffan-ddu009-layout9]

I chose to buy a Hornby Southern Black Adams Radial and have to say I think it is a really attractive loco. One of my favourite. Great review Sam. Very useful comparison. Thanks.

[@cbrooks122000]

After this I went and ran my Oxford, previously only having checked it worked ok. You are absolutely right, on any pieces of uneven track it gets stuck. It seems to run ok as fast as my Hornby Schools locos, so no issues with the running speed. I did have a lot of issues initially with it blowing up DCC modules. I eventually tracked it down to a very large soldered joint on the motor that was occasionally touching the wheel, hence killing the module. Rails has the Hornby one for £69.50, so I ordered one.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh yes sorry to hear that - it seems they're all that way unfortunately. Oh dear - that solder joint isn't good news - very sloppy! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@derekhartley5157]

Great video, have just received my R3423 (B.R. version) from Amazon for which I paid a good price of £69.57 - Only 3 left as at 5/01/21. Your video is spot on - runs so beautifully, and what a great crawler! and pulls 10 carriages so easily, without slip

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Derek - that's fantastic, what a deal! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Great review, I have received mine (same as yours) this week, it is a good kettle. I had not been carefull on the finish of mine, so, I cannot say you if mine have an Heljan-like finish. Anyway, I had just seen a small contentious point about the Hornby's Adams Radial : mine had stopped skidding on some points of my provisional layout, Kato HO rails laid on my lounge's carpet, not really flat. But this happens only at minimal speed, when you crank her up, anything goes. My advice : don't run her at pace or low shunting speed on uneven track. I think it is something due to the conception of the prototype : long chassis with just two driving wheels. One solution for Hornby would have to sprung the driving wheels to avoid this. But I think this might have to do with my track, code 80 when Hornby/Peco setrack is code 100, one test to do... At least, the motor doesn't blows up after two hours of poor running, like my ex-Oxford Rail sent back to Hattons for refund... Yes, it is a good runner overall, I confirm.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear that Oliver! Ahh that's interesting - thanks for sharing that, you might be right! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@turbulanceism]

My centenary smokey joe arrived today! Im so happy with it, looks stunning

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh amazing! Can't wait for mine to come! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@turbulanceism]

@@SamsTrains i look forward to the review, mine unfortunately is box bound like a lot of the centenary range

[@FlyingScotsman-vv1jh]

@@SamsTrains it'll be great mate. I remember having my SD,JR Number 24 0-6-0 and a Smokey Joe as my first ever engines as a child

[@gerardburton3741]

Hi Sam, When you were slow running this engine after the run in the rear set of bogie wheels did not spin. Just seemed to lift and drag in both directions. When you sped the engine up to connect the coaches the wheels started to spin.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - I haven't noticed that - I'll check!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DigitalDavis16]

This just made my “which tank engine do I get next” choice harder...overall tank engines with a similar shape to the radial are understated and beautiful. Very tough choice!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sounds awesome!! Yes very hard to choose! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GaryNumeroUno]

Sam helped me with my decision making. I went and ordered one of the Hornby ones from Kernow for £66. Thanks Sam.

[@jacobhampshire1181]

I recently got a Hornby grange class. I was surprised by how light it was but I am still happy seeing as my other locos are mainline collet goods and Dean goods. I was most happy about the sprung buffers!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes they are pretty light - but good runners overall! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jackhumphries1908]

Brilliant Review! Seriously considering buying one of these for myself! Also what video editor do you use?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jack - I can highly recommend it! I use Premiere!

[@lukeslocomotives]

3125 Built: 1885 Numbers: 125, 0125, 3125, S3125, 30582 Names: N/A Rebuilt: N/A Class: 415, 0415 Configuration: 4-4-2T Withdrawn: 1961 Status: Scrapped

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@connorjohnson7834]

We've got an Oxford Adams Radial in Southern black, but I think we got lucky and got a good one as it runs pretty well, goes slow but it seems naturally slow and doesn't smell. However it does have the same problem with uneven track/change of gradient. had her since May 2018, maybe the trip halfway round the world to New Zealand sorted the motor out. All the best

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh glad to hear yours runs well - thanks for sharing!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@wideyxyz2271]

If I'm not mistaken a couple of these engines were kept in service to run the now defunct Lyme Regis branch from Axminster to Lyme regis. Because they were quite powerful but could handle quite sharp curves (due to the radial configuration of the wheels) they were ideal for the fairly heavy (summer) passenger trains.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - thanks for the info! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@KevMcA85]

Got the hornby Adams radial tank as part of the Hornby Lyme Regis pack. Love it.

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that - it looks a superb pack! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@andrewsea4252]

I have two of Oxford, both on dcc and one has also sound. Both run very well but can't pull a lot. After the bogie modification and extra weight it is better but still has problems with uneven track. I didn't pay a lot for them so i be quite happy with them, specially the sound on. Nice to see your test of the Hornby one. I am thinking of buying one. Your tests are one of the best on KZbin. Don't change it because you are thinking of sponsoring or something like that.

[@SamsTrains]

I wonder if those motors prefer DCC then? Both of my Oxford examples are basically knackered! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Sam I bought one of the Hornby Adams radial and when it came it was in perfect condition no glue marks and it runs great I have not missed yet following you reviews thanks.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - sounds like you got a good one then! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RobA500]

I have an Oxford one in the preserved livery and so far seems to run okay. I think they are geared to run slower than the Hornby but my motor doesn’t seem to get too hot. I fixed the pony truck problem by filing the axel slots a bit deeper which give the wheels a bit of spring on the pins the axel sits on. I have been tempted at times to get the Hornby Lyme Regis pack though.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear that Rob - sounds like the motor in yours is much better then! Good idea on the pony truck too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@barleyarrish]

I have always loved this loco, and when oxford announced it I got one of the first. Mine run's very well no nasty smells, but it does suffer from the unsprung pony truck. she usuall pulls 4 mk 1's and occasionaly a few goods,I'v even left her running at about 50% and gone for dinner and returned to find her still runing and no smells. Very tempted by the hornby AR but as I'm in the process of laying a loft layout, it's going to be tortoise point motors first (owch).

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Barley - glad to hear yours is better overall! If you have an Oxford without a faulty motor, then that's much more compelling! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@grahamebradford1028]

Hello. Just a heads up on the Hornby Adams Radial Tank. I bought one, its a lovely looking loco in my view. However, although its sold as DCC Ready, there is no room to fit a decoder. The place for it is in the tender area, but with a decoder fitted, you cannot get the bodyback on. Crazy, had to send it straight back, and the problem was confirmed by the retailer who was very helpful and had come across the problem previously.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I noticed that the area seems ridiculously small too - can't understand why they do that!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@the4tierbridge]

I saw a video on Dailymotion on the Oxford model. I guess the person making the video couldn’t tell that the drivers weren’t on the track, so they sped it up. 2 minutes after that, the motor blew up. Smoke poured, gears spun very loudly, and it slipped back down the hill it was climbing. The next video from them was how to fix an Oxford Rail Adams Radial.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh dear - that's a disaster isn't it?! Blimey! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tonyslight826]

Hi Sam. I got this loco the oxford and in the process of altering the rear bogie to prevent it lifting the driving wheels i love my model its in the southern rail green version once I've sorted it i will be happy i did buy this model as used ,had it been bought new [ yes you've guessed it SENT IT BACK ] LOL but I do like it, pity Hornby didn't do it in the same southern green. Another great review Sam. thank you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Tony - are they actually doing that then? Very good news! Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@tonyslight826]

@@SamsTrains No Sam I'm doing it fingers crossed. Cheer's

[@lapiswake6583]

My oxford EKR 5 runs fine. It burned out an inductor on the pcb when I put it on my dcc track without fitting a dcc chip, but still ran fine. She's now DCC and runs round my layout with ease, albeit without much haulage strength. Have to say the Hornby one seems much better, but I can't justify another when I have over 260 locos already.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear yours was okay! haha that's fair enough - crikey! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@redversb2347]

Love this loco and ended up returning three models (two Oxford Rail and one Hornby) which struggled to run on flat track without wheelspin. Finally tempted by another Oxford at a bargain price and - touch wood - it seems to run okay. Glad your Hornby runs well

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that - the wheel config does seem to be one that struggles a lot - glad your latest one works well! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@annakemp2080]

I just got an Adam's radial of my own. Sadly had to be modified right out of the box, but it runs smoothly now.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear you were able to sort it out - well done! :D

[@theretrocrowe]

This loco so nearly made it into my top 5 of the year - it was joint 5th but I chose to put the Bachmann 5MT ahead of it just because my Radial performs terribly. At least it gets an honourable mention

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear yours runs terribly mate! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adamrushton1740]

Sam, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway is reopening on August 15th

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh amazing - hopefully they have a good season! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

That is great to hear. I think the Severn Valley Railway is also looking at opening in August.

[@theretrocrowe]

I've been going on a BR Black spree this year, and the Hornby Adams Radial is definitely the best looking in that livery! The Heljan Garratt looks great, but it doesn't have the beautiful lining of the Adams Radial

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - yes those locos do look super smart in the BR Black! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RoadsterRyan23]

Purchased the lovely Hornby BR version 30583 (preserved BR livery) for £67. Cant wait for its arrival.

[@SamsTrains]

Great choice there - what a deal!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andosrailway2369]

The odd one is the West Country, she’s the only one in BR while all of those locos are in Southern. Love the Q1 in that siding. Cheers for a lovely video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Almost Ando - I think there was a less SR loco in the mix ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@raymondrichter2620]

After watching your review on this model, i have just bought this loco, the late BR version from Kernow models at a great price for £67.99. Didn't find any issues with it, highly recommended.

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that Raymond - yes they're very nicely designed! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@secondchancejunkyard7946]

Two things: 1. Intro song of the day, "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin. Has the engine of the day entertained you? 2. You could see about swapping mechanisms of your Oxford, and Hornby 4-4-2Ts. I thought that would be an experiment that you can try.

[@SamsTrains]

haha nice - yes it did entertain me! I've thought about that myself - it would be worth a try! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@darwinsmonkeybutler2113]

The one at the Bluebell railway is pictured in the ‘Thomas The Tank Engine’ book, ‘Stepney The Bluebell Engine’ alongside Cromford.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh awesome - that's cool! :O

[@reliantrailways]

I have got one, and I can agree, the Adams radial tank is very good I got mine as part of the Lyme Regis branch line pack

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that mate - ooh that sounds a lovely pack! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@simontheplantsman]

I recently snapped one of these up for less than £60 from Kernow's and in spite of bad reviews my impression meets yours.....decent runner, good looker and for that price! Great video

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - yes I can't complain about this one to omuch! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@havocatthewedding9852]

I got this at a train fair this weekend for £30 ! Its in perfect nick and I'm blown away.

[@HenryKelsall]

I grabbed an Oxford Radial in April and it did not run...at all. So I sent it back for the Hornby version and that run's beautifully and luckily had no quality control issues on the detail etc. Super happy with it and I think It was £79 excluding postage from Hatton's. I'd say Oxford's has the edge in a couple of areas on detail, but given that it runs so well and it still looks awesome I'd just recommend Hornby's, you know you will get a good runner. My second hand Q1 runs better than the Oxford Radial I had to return!

[@SamsTrains]

So sorry to hear that - but yes, my Hornby ones run way better, that's for sure!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

It's a stark contrast to the loco I have just purchased which is the bright yellow Dapol B4 (Sussex). I have the Oxford version of this loco but i would possibly look into getting the hornby loco.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - I bet that looks wonderful! Yes I could recommend this! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CW56]

I’ve bought a Terrier off Hattons and it’s arriving next week. Happy Father’s Day Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Amazing Reny, hope you enjoy it!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@skalemodelkorner289]

Great loco and review! I really like the Southern lettering and that southern black. One of my favourite liveries! Cheers, Luca

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too actually - it looks grand doesn't it? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

WOW! That sums it up. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👌 When you showed the underside of the mechanism, I KNEW we were in for a treat. The looks are very nice indeed... But the PERFORMANCE!! That's nearly a Benchmark Model. I know your Model Railways are MUCH cheaper than here in the Colonies... But considering what you GET, that's outstanding value for money! I'd have TWO, and they would still be less than a comparable U.S. Loco!! 😞😖 Cheers and stay SAFE! Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Carmine - I was very impressed too! This was much fun! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ThomasZoey3000]

I had been wondering if I should get the Hornby Adams Radial, and now after seeing your video, it's clear the answer is yes, I should get one. Great review, look forward to buying one for myself.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I'd say Hornby is the best option, for sure! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@whitewallwheels1hardcore.m_o_h]

the one you have is the war time version - Hornby R3422 Class 415 Adams Radial 4-4-2T 3125 in Southern Railway wartime black

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh duly noted, thanks for this! :D

[@theretrocrowe]

Here's an interesting fact: The Southern Black and Late BR Black Adams Radials are the exact same number - The paperwork in the video says it was eventually 30582, the same number as my BR Black Radial

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting - thanks for pointing this out mate! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jurgenonstenk]

So here's something interesting. I bought a Hornby Adams Radial when they where new and I can safely say it's my least favorite Loco. The problem is that not only was the detail badly applied and already damaged, but the loco also doesn't run properly. It runs very slowly and then has a burst of speed before slowing back down. I had a look at it running without pistons and saw that one of the cylinder rods likes to shoot out. Causing the entire thing to slow down because the piston is blocking it from doing so. A fun fact about mine is that I bought the preserved one in BR black before it was painted BR black. I guess mine was ahead of it's time.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that definitely sounds like the motor mate - sorry to hear about that! You should have sent it back and got it replaced :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@williamhabermann2395]

These are my Favorite Tank Engines! I Really want one!

[@SamsTrains]

I can see why William, they're awesome, would highly recommend them! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

The way you described the passengers as dying of old age by the time they reached their destination, that's what made me think it might be The Green Ghost Train. Don't forget about my idea of a Ghost Trains in the Dark running session. I'd love to see that sometime, but before Halloween is preferable with me.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh of course Kelly - I forgot all about that!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rydermike33]

Very sound advice there Sam. The Hornby Radial is a lovely loco but it's also such a shame about the Oxford Rail's problems. Thanks again.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Mike - yeah I agree mate! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

How funny! Your Oxford Rail Adams Radial Tank Review popped up in my recommended feed a few days ago and now you release the Hornby review. It’s almost as if KZbin knows! 😂

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's interesting!! This has been scheduled a while, so youtube could have 'known'! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@SamsTrains I wouldn't put it past them to have come up with something like that in their algorithm! Was very enjoyable to watch the two pretty much back to back 😃

[@TomPrickVixen]

I brought mine (lined BR black) 3 years ago. I wanted an Oxford one, but I couldn't find any 2nd hand one on eBay (I wanted a cheap), but I fond a Hornby one for 63 £ - "as new" - so I went for it. I ran it with 20-23 wagons without a problem, and it was also able to pull the Xmass train for a test! Here's my loco anomaly: I own two (by accident) SNCF 231 E locos by Altaya (re-branded and modified ex Rivarossi stuff) with strange characteristics: - I have no idea how to dissemble them, the one that still has some paper says nothing about it, I removed all the crews from the bottom, the chassis got loose (and i got access to the gears), but that's all, I also asked on a French forum (since it is an SNCF loco), but they said that they tried the same too with no luck (the original Rivarossi ones are sightly different with the back of the motor is visible inside the cab, but these ones has a cab detail glued in - yes i cut it out to see what is behind it, but i only found a fully closed up motor, no screw or anything - ). - on "cold" both locos take about !1.3 Amps at 7V! , but after 30 sec or so, when the motor warms up it drops to 500 mA (and the loco goes much faster). The motor is hot, but i can still touch it (on the one I cut the cab-detail out). Paper says it is a 5 pole motor, and has similar over-complicated all metal mechanism, and chassis like most old Rivarossi tender locos, (with brass bearings)! - They are loud, even by Rivarossi standards (yes i oiled what i could access to)! I would appreciate any help with these!

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey that's very impressive! Ooh blimey - that's definitely not good - interesting that it sorts itself out in the end though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TomPrickVixen]

@@SamsTrains For that to say, i would need the old Rivarossi one, and test that too!

[@clivebennettHornbyDublo]

I always have a look at your reviews before deciding what to seriously consider as a new buy. A few weeks ago I thought of getting the Adams Radial Tank. Having watched your reviews of the Oxford Model I ruled these out. Any way I went for the Hornby Train pack with the BR liveried Adams and Lyme Regis Branch line coaches which was heavily discounted. Same experience as you the loco ran well great mechanism but does need the track to be laid properly. Agree not all track in the model world is laid this way and if there is any slight dip in the rail height it will spin the wheels so you need to be spot on with the track laying to get the best performance at low speed. They are a great looking model bags of character no other tank engine like it. Glad you now have one that performs it is a pity Oxford did not reach the level of production quality they did with their N7 (which is easily my best modern loco in terms of build and performance) when the Adams was made albeit I think this was their first loco? Any way keep up the reviews very enjoyable to see as well as informative. Thanks.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Clive, that's great to hear! Glad you avoided the Oxford Adams - mine's been nothing but trouble. Yeah - at least Oxford's more recent offerings have been so much better! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SampullMC]

" Smells like burning electronics up here. Don't ask me how I know that" Would that be the LED controller from China, the terrier you blew up, or the Oxford Radial? Haha.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it certainly did stink when that went bust too ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davidknowles2491]

Maybe he secretly set fire to the Heljan 0-6-0 and just didn't tell us? :D

[@SampullMC]

@@davidknowles2491 Good point. Forgot about that. Haha

[@donaldduckith6792]

@@davidknowles2491 Apparently, he almost did.

[@Surfliner450]

Sadly, I know that smell, but I call it smoldering Lionel E-Unit (reverse unit)

[@lgubbins4688]

I’ve got the Hornby Lyme Regis Branch Line pack with the Adams Radial. It looks and runs brilliantly. Well worth getting when on special offer. Another excellent review Sam 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Fantastic!! I agree - well worth it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@andrewguttry6886]

Just ordered the BR-late example from Hattons. ALL three of my Oxford versions have failed! I'm hoping for better luck this time...

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - hopefully you get on better with Hornby - I much prefer them! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SammoKarm]

Its about time a manufacturer has got the gearing correct, that looks very good.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes indeed Sam - a nice change! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tencents49]

Nice review! Have you ever considered an american articulated locomotive (Big Boy, Allegheny, etc)?

[@SamsTrains]

I have considered it - it would be awesome to try one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@billywindsock9597]

The first pull away with four coaches was really lovely. A good model and at £80, a bargain. Good job Sam. . . . . . and then a Q1 in the background :-)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Billy glad you liked that - yeah very happy with this one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@journeythroughtherails5294]

Sam! You are close to getting 100k subscribers! Can’t wait to see that happened 😁 Btw this is MrTop5 I just changed my name -Nick

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Nick - still loads of work do, but that would be amazing!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@yaboi5932]

@@SamsTrains how do you not have 100k yet 😳

[@SuperJ333]

Sam, and everyone thinking of buying one of these - lovely loco, but NOT if you're digital. It's DCC ready, but there's NO space under the body for a decoder - I've tried fitting one, I've even had a model shop try, and we can't make a decoder fit anywhere. Sam - you may like to try it, and by all means publish it, whether I'm right or wrong - either way, it should be in the review.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I can see that being a problem - ridiculous isn't it?!? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@atent5124]

Oxford’s cabs are always fabulous! Having such a detailed cab in such an enclosed area is amazing considering the price point here. :D for the money, I’d say Oxford’s version is the loco you should go for.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree - they really are! Always very impressed with those! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davidparry9147]

Hi Sam, another really useful review. I agree that the Adam's Radials really are superb looking locos. It is a shame about the Hornby build quality - they really need to work on their finish quality or consistency of finish. I have some railroad models which are finished superbly and more expensive Hornby models with the dreaded glue marks! Thanks for the video - I'm definitely considering buying one of these locos now BW David

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks David, I think they are too - and agreed, for sure! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@gearedloop3195]

I know this is irrelevant-- but for the longest time, I had an idea for a tank engine (this actually the second time typing this because youtube rfreshed for no reason), the configuration being 4-8-6, but in recent times i changed it to 4-4-4-8 (would've been 4-4-4-4 if not for the larger coal bunker), yes indeed, it is a *DUPLEX* TANK ENGINE, insane really. It would have sloped side tanks, normal cylindrical smokebox but with smoke deflectors, banjo dome and a low-profile double funnel like the flying scotsman's with a whistle near it like the a4 class and a normally positioned second whistle, that of a d51, and dual-caliper vented-disk/disc breaks/brakes on each driving wheel closest to the piston on each side (something i brought back from the car community). Unintentionally extremely flexible, figuratively and literally, I cannot find one specific purpose for this *thing,* passenger trains and expresses, goods trains and heavy cargo, rushed orders and smooth rides; though I can tell you that it isn't very money efficient. And almost forgot, nice video, Thanks for staying loyal to your fans and content.

[@gearedloop3195]

The 4-4-4-4 config must be someone's fear.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh no problem mate - that's very interesting - i didn't know about this! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DrewsRailwayWorld]

watched your review of both and took the plunge and ordered the Hornby Radial from Hattons who had the BR late crest for GBP72 ( after Vat taken off and Postage put on ended up at GBP71.20) let you know how it goes re finish quality, cheers Drew

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh good luck - do keep me posted! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@whispersinthedarkasmr2436]

Mine from kayser did exactly the same thing as your Oxford rail, Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's a shame - such a nuisance! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@yemmel9761]

I dont know why but the adams radial tank engine has so much charm in my eyes

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they really do - absolutely lovely!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robertwilloughby8050]

The Class 40's were very rare visitors to the Southern Region.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh duly noted Robert! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rynodynomyte2755]

Beautiful model Sam! It’s great to have a preserved example but it looks like it’ll never steam again! It should because tender engines are way more expensive!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ryno - yes it seems that way - let's hope somebody does overhaul her one day! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RoboNinja300]

So happy to see this is a good working model, I’ve like the look of these but was severely put off by the oxford one. Granted the glue marks are a bit of a downside but, overall though, I’m happy to see that there’s a decent runner available :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - I can't blame you there - I'm sick and tired of my Oxford ones too! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@gerrard1144]

that diecast boiler looks so good!

[@SamsTrains]

I know!! It is so epic! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@chriswilson2431]

Mechanically a better effort than oxford rails attempt. I wonder if the motors are interchangeable between the Oxford and hornby units?

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I agree Chris - no the motors appear to be totally different unfortunately :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Marco-xz9sc]

I have seen yours for sale for a long time, it wasn’t the biggest seller in that livery. I find that mine was sitting for a long time on the shelf and it was said to have been serviced and tested before it was sent to me. I find they don’t take care when they service it before sending to me

[@SamsTrains]

I can definitely imagine that - but I quite like the livery actually! Ahh sorry to hear that :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Marco-xz9sc]

Sam'sTrains I love the livery too!! Just sad that mine was opened and serviced improperly. And some locomotives of this class I believe had a reversing rod that was curved. This class was in service for so long that I cannot keep track the changes and modifications made to it. Some models have a larger rear wheel others not.

[@fredtedstedman]

strange to have lining on the splashers , but nowhere else ? The Oxford green one has an alarming bend in the solebar ! (25:22)

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, it's a very minimal livery isn't it?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@KnifeyKnifeyBrothers]

Here after your top 50 video, I’d love to see a video where you test your top 20 best runners again to see how they’re doing

[@GosportRailworks]

Always liked the 415 Class, was originally gonna get the Oxford OO Gauge one, though then saw one for O Gauge but then thought I could make one in N Gauge, that was till I saw the designs for the 5in Gauge castings! I've still yet to work out which gauge to get one of these in, prob O so something can run with my Terrier. Great Video as always Sam! ~James

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks James - blimey that sounds amazing for sure! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robmasterman]

It leaves me speechless Sam, that after all these years and the benefit of modern techniques, that the likes of Hornby, still can't build a Model without these basic faults. The loco seems to run well which is a bonus, but with so many issues with many of the New Models coming on the Market, someone is going to look out, as the buying public's expectations are not being met...Another good review....Bob

[@SamsTrains]

You're right of course Bob - not at all acceptable for the price really! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@vodka2432]

One of my favorite engines!! Amazing review!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Tony, appreciate it! :D

[@TheJmnewton]

Another great video. Lovely runner and good colours. What kind and number of coaches would it have pulled in its day?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot John - I'm not sure, it certainly wouldn't be many! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mobius8002]

Just a thought .is the chassis and motor mount same as the oxford ? Because if so you could fit a hornby motor to the oxford ...assuming hornby have made spares which seldom few companies do these days

[@whitewallwheels1hardcore.m_o_h]

just had a thought on the adams radial could you fit a thinner axle on the rear then it would rattle in its bearings but it would not stick any more

[@SamsTrains]

Good idea, but it wouldn't fit the wheels properly then. I've heard that you can file down the bearings, so as to give more movement - never tried that though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rhyspoole1259]

Hi sam! Great video! Was the odd one out the NER j72? Rhys

[@SamsTrains]

It wasa indeed Rhys - well spotted! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davidknowles2491]

Kernow are doing these right now in both Southern and BR for £66.99!

[@SamsTrains]

Superb! Now that's much more like it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. I do so love a satin finish. In addition to the points you made, I think the buffer beams are woefully under-detailed. You gave five stars for the performance; do you think this justifies the cost of the motor? I guess it depends on what they cost Hornby (and what Hornby may charge customers for after-part replacement motors). I have also noticed very silly prices on a certain on-line market place for all sorts of items! Wouldn't be nice to mix-and-match the Oxford Rail and Hornby versions - might need a paint job, though. Do you think the poor assembly was a one-off or generic on this model? Overall, I think the better runner makes the better model. I often start my comments part-way through your videos, and then you say something that basically answers them - Oh well.

[@bentullett6068]

The prices of these locomotives were around the £140 price point originally but because the retailers like Hattons and Rails of Sheffield have some left in stock they have reduced them heavily in price to clear them out of stock. Issue is this makes spares seem expensive, although I do agree with Sam £40 for a genuine motor is expensive compared to the cheaper same style motors he can find elsewhere that run just as good as the original motors.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too Paul! No I certainly don't think it justifies the cost of the motor - I'd assume that price is heavily inflated, and the proportion of the loco RRP accountable to the motor would be much smaller than that - I'm 95% sure they cost a fraction of that to produce! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains On Conrad, I had found top notch 12V DC motors around GBP 10 each, and even less. And Conrad is not the cheapest retailer in electrics and electronics you can find. Hornby blatantly screw up the customer here.

[@TANGARASandOSCARS]

Minimum curve R2 is there any irony with this, given the engine was famous for being able to handle windy tracks?

[@johnd8892]

But even the sharpest curves on the Lyme Regis branch were probably R10 or so. Such are the extreme compromises made to get stock around the curves wanted by toy train players or even people classing themselves as scale modellers. Even back in 1962 Tri-ang explained these issues, On page 21 of the 1962 Triang Railways First Ten Years book they pointed out the minimum mainline radius on British Railways was 792 feet. They then scaled that back to a scale 9ft radius equivalent. I now see they used HO scale but in OO it would be a but bigger. They then pointed out who would have an 18ft by 18ft room for a circle of scale mainline track as [art of the explanation pf why Tri-ang chose the standards they did.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's very true John - even 4th radius is incredibly tight by real standards - makes our models even more amazing! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kingorry7223]

Hey Sam, I got an Adam's radial for £72 at the Hornby Open Day. I must say, i think you got unlucky, mine only as one glue mark, and mines has no painted gauges. But other than that, those other niggles arent apparent on my model at all.

[@kingorry7223]

That glue mark around the valve on your one, is not visible on mine

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that's a good price - and glad to hear yours was much better! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pettra1]

Just wondered if you might like to run in your locos prior to reviewing them? The quality of performance seems to me to be dependant on this, especially on the crawl. Sometimes of course you may have only just received the loco, but perhaps delay making the video until the loco has been run in properly?

[@SamsTrains]

Nope, I unbox them for the first time on camera during the review. It makes no difference though - they are run in properly before I judge the performance, and I make this clear in every review! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mauricepoole3644]

Not sure it would be high on my acquisition list, but Hornby for sure.

[@SamsTrains]

Good choice Maurice - I'd agree! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SuperJ333]

Hi Sam - on the strength of you review I bought one of these from a model shop on eBay, and as it's DCC ready, I asked them if they could fit a decoder for me. They said yes, but in the end they were unable to do it because there's not enough room under the body - and these are professional sellers. There's a video on KZbin about the Hornby Adams being wired incorrectly, so that adding a decoder could be a disaster, and I'm writing to Hornby to ask what's going on - I just thought you and the viewers should know.

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey, I wasn't aware of this - thanks for bringing that to my attention! I do know that the space is very limited... but mis-wired? That's a joke! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lewishughes8541]

Hi sam hope your ok I prefer the hornby one what are the hornby p2s like

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Lewis! The Hornby P2s are very basic, and have very poor mechanisms unfortunately :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JintySteam1]

I picked up a radial from a local exchange shop for just £80 :)

[@kickbackman1277]

Anyone else turn on auto captions at the start just see what it comes up with this time? Sam strains lmao

[@SamsTrains]

haha I've seen that before too, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)