Hornby class 66 are they any good?

in this video we tack a look at a Hornby class 66. is it any good. lets find out

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Watched your video again. Now started to collect Hornby, after trying their Class 67. Now have a large collection of Class 50, 60 and 67 for my collection. The 60s and the 67s, now have sound.

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Fitting significant chunks of dead lead to the Hornby 59, 66 & other light types can transform the haulage capacity, i've got a majorly modified model (body detailing) but standard chassis, i have put a few weights inside, approx 10oz. And it pulls more than the Bachmann model. However... The crap "throw away" motors from Hornby won't last as long under such loads but for a fiver it's so worth doing!

[@bigfella1952]

Nice review, would have liked to see it pulling a load. Good running is the main thing, and should be “The Rule” on all models. What is it like on slow operations, such as coupling and uncoupling .?. But for £70 and less, good value. Lights etc can be easily added very cheaply. As you pointed out, you can two Hornby 66’s for the price of a Bachman. You pays your money and takes your choice. X The Bigfella x

[@trainman07011]

The lack of lighting is a big minus.

[@johnreyortiz6154]

Hi Matt il brought an class 25 40plus years ago hornby run like an dream cost 10 pds kev philpines

[@tgk300xx4]

Andrew Kiely It’s 70 quid pounds what do you expect? To down vote a model at 70 pounds for a lack of lights is unreasonable and ignorant at the extreme.

[@pirozcontractor6006]

@@tgk300xx4 Well, the Hornby Class 92 retails for around the same price and still retains directional lighting AND raisable pantographs.

[@tgk300xx4]

Piroz Contractor Your point is? The models are two years apart and requirement have changed. The lack of lighting on the 66 is not a problem at all

[@paulkandi]

I have 3 of these and after super detailing and fitting sound, love em...!

[@WDG13031]

The Hornby Class 59 and Class 66 are quite impressive. Both being ex-Lima models, they were good for their day. They still scrub up well for today, especially for those who are on a budget or those who just don't care about the detail. There's scope to detail these and also improve them in many ways. You can add weight, detail and all sorts. Personally prefer this model. The Bachmann one is pricey already. It doesn't even have the kind of underframe detail we come to expect these days. I'd rather buy a Hornby one and add the detail. Spare motorized bogies are easily available and and you have modify these to have two powered bogies. Lighting kits are easy to get.

[@robstrains8711]

Not into modern diesel but defiantly can't fault the running at all, The thing that gets me though I thought their budget models where railroad being in this box could confuse some as they are normally used for there premium models, The one downside for me would defiantly be no lights but them again you could certainly fit some for way less than the Bachmann costs, All in all I would say yes it is worth the money paid.

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Nice review Matt, not bad for £70

[@D402DDS]

Be interested to see it’s hauling capability. I know the Bachmann one drives all wheels. But on your note on cheaper is just as good. Recently purchased a pair of old Lima prairie tanks, just as good as the Bachmann ones for a 1/4 of the price.

[@ScaniaVabis580]

D402DDS... I added significant amounts of dead lead to one of these a few years ago, ended up pulling more with it than my Bachmann 66's! However... Hornby uses very cheap and nasty "throw away motors" that die very easily after significant haulage has been undertaken so it's probably best to just spend a little bit extra and go for the Bachmann model. That being said, i rather buy less detailed cheaper models, gives more enjoyment when you superdetail them.

[@maxheadroom7687]

Hi Matt, I was confused as I thought this was a detailed model being sold off cheap as it was not marked up as a railroad model! As Robs Trains said in the comments it will confuse some people...ie me! Thanks for posting as I don't think I will bother with it now as there are some new models coming out. Great review again.

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Stephen Wratten... Hornby bought the rights from LIMA to continue making these crude models... Fuel tank too small for a 66/0, bogies are incorrect lengths and missing details. It on a par with railroad quality and hasn't been modified apart from the motor and all wheel pick-ups since LIMA made them. For the price, you may as well go for thr Bachmann model.

[@RedShedNick]

Matt I have 22 db66 mostly detailed and renumbered ,because I have a db traction depot.aThe Hornby locos blend in quite nicely with the babhmann ones.Yes a lot of mouldings and no lights,but run very well and the printing is upto Hornby high standards.So yes and roughly half the price so a big thumbs up for it and your review too. Thankyou Nick.

[@mrhaggit]

I’ve got a Lima Freightliner 66506 which is nice downside is the poor pancake motor, hornby 66s I have 1 of pulling power is a downside.

[@tmthetrainspotter2068]

Looks better than I thought but I prefer Bachmann's.

[@robd2184]

I had some of these when they were Lima in about 2001. Good for 2001 , but completely left behind now. Bachmann detail is far better, motor is far better, running is far better. For another £30 get a secondhand bachmann - the reason the DB bachmann ones are so much is they didn’t really make enough in those colours and they have scarecity value on eBay.A brand new DB , ex EWS version can be had for £125 new ...

[@NewJunction]

This model will defiantly divide opinions, for the money you can't go wrong Imo, regards Richard

[@deutive9874]

I would say: "get the lima one as it is cheaper, has more detail, and in some cases has a better motor"

[@SimGuySilver]

Needs the LED lights though.

[@SouthWesternModeller]

I bought this same model Matt a year ago for £59. It was the first loco for my new layout. It is great for the price, but I'm now starting to have some issues. In reverse and at slow speed it jumps. I've cleaned it and tried a new decoder, but no difference. At moderate speed it still runs very well even though the middle wheel set on each bogie doesn't seem to turn. I will be interested to see how yours performs in time. Cheers, Jamie

[@modelsandtrains7915]

I'd rather buy the hornby 66s than the Hattons one... yes hattons has all the details but who's going to see all the details while its whizzing round

[@jaydee2559]

hornbys is unreliable at low speed going round bends. The motor is underpowered. I've got two of them. On that note one is visibly quicker than the other too (and the slower one keeps tripping on points and shorting it all - and has an annoying squeel from one bogey). I bought both brand new.

[@ianhaynes5898]

I would be tempted to stick some of those jewels onto the 'lights' as they look a bit dead as they are.

[@richardthompson2688]

the 66 classes are very good i have 2 of them excellent trains

[@rob235ioa1]

i have 5 now

[@keithbroomhall7139]

I aquired one of these recently of a friend, I normaly only run 'steam outline' but like the 66s, so having tried it out on my non DCC layout with very old track and some quite small radiases it went great, no snags, even on my old hornby points, like you I don't want gimmicky things like lights/sprung buffers/glowing fireboxes/cab detail/sounds, so yes I love it, but still think DCC fitted to this loco when not req'd would be cheaper! for us non-DCC operators, so why should they fit it?

[@alextopley2657]

Why no working lights? 10 LED's wouldn't cost a lot, apart from that they seem fine

[@tmthetrainspotter2068]

Hornby's Class 92 costs £52 on Hattons and it has directional lights so they could have done it with the 66.

[@TechandTrainsChannel]

They just used the lima mould with no modifications

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Runs well, but not a fan of Hornby. Thirty years ago I was. Currently have 23 Bachmann Class 66s, with a further 6 on order.

[@morgenergy4074]

Although simple and rather underwhelming for today's continuously growing unrealistic expectations of models, little things like this make the biggest differences. They're good and simple, and ripe for modification and addition of detail or whatever. When it's going around a layout, no normal person is going to think "oh that's a cheap model, reeee!". Frankly I believe that if anybody has a problem with a train like this, they shouldn't be so insistent of their demands for crazy detailing and such, it's so selfish and close minded. Not everybody needs nor wants models with so much detail, technology or whatever, nor do they have the money to pay for them. Hell, not even companies can afford to make premium models all the time - Manufacturing costs are huge with how much work there is and expenses there are...especially when they're only making a few thousand for a shrinking demographic. Cheap models like this are needed, they provide a backbone to the premium market. Whilst little Jimmy can run his trainset, Old Bill can run his exhibition grade layout. I intend on getting one of these at some point, maybe a few in different liveries. They're cost effective and look like a 66. Get out my drill and soldering iron and a handful of LEDs can be installed within an hour. A Bit of weathering as well and you've got yourself an excellent scale depiction of a locomotive at a sensible price.

[@NGaugeVideo]

I really do echo these comments. I picked up a 'Biffa' liveried one recently. Added a TTS sound chip and hey presto a sound fitted good new loco for under £100!! People can modify at there leisure but a good starting point. 10 out of 10 I think. Well done Hornby 👍

[@TERRYBARTLETTRAILMAN28]

It looks nice and fantastic running maybe digi trains might have sound chip for it

[@thebritfarmer]

They need to put it in a RailRoad box and stop pretending it is something it isn't. They seem to be good at doing this and it needs to stop.

[@morgenergy4074]

They're releasing a 59 in Yeoman livery in the railroad range later this year, at a slightly lower price too. Pretty cheeky after releasing that and the 66 in the standard range for so long.

[@colinbrown5416]

Matt,I liked your review..I have a box full of Hornby diesels,,I have problems with all of them..they look good,they run well when new..but they start to have problems after a few weeks..I've had many replacements,,they are out of warranty now..the TTS ones are the worst..the more expensive ones are no better.hornby have a CL60 I sent last July for repair,,they don't have the parts to repair it.250 pound I paid for it.I just don't know..I've had Lima for years,,never had trouble with any of them unfortunately I sold them.now I've got a collection of rubbish..the Bachmann ones are ok I've only had a problem with one ,they sorted it no problem. Sorry hornby ,,get your selves sorted!!

[@jaydee2559]

@@colinbrown5416 I've bought two new Hornby 66s recently - one in august and one a couple of days ago. Both have become a bit of a disappointment. I've got a couple of old Limas and they just run - reliably. Had to do a fair bit of work on one but now i've done that it runs far better than my Hornby 66s. Like you i've now decided i'll buy up old Limas instead - might not be the best build quality but so far i've had more enjoyment from them than the Hornbys.

[@9footsasquatch625]

@@jaydee2559 yeah i got a couple of Hornby 66's, wasn't long before i wished i didn't waste the money on them. Might build a display case and they can sit in there. It's about all they're good for

[@scottishtransport437]

I've got the bachmann Freightliner 66 and the Hornby EWS 59, both decent

[@RedShedNick]

the transport guy trains and ships they are they are great And bachmann Gbrf evening star out next week,not limited bound to sell very well.

[@JVTRAINS]

Great video mate

[@petetatonks]

👍

[@generalgrievous5615]

I live 1 mile away from London gateway

[@davemarson7241]

Price wise very good, but too modern for me. Nice model though.

[@themidlandcompoundarchive9430]

Half and half I'd say.

[@TomPrickVixen]

No! It simply can't get away with this simplicity today. There are numerous budget locos out there, in similar, or even lower price as new, witch has working lights, all wheel pick-ups, and drive on both bogies, and DCC ready as well, like the Piko's hobby range. I'm not really complaining on the detailing, do to its category, but I do demand better "technical content" from a modern model.

[@NixTrains]

Completely agreed Tom. Hornby is coming out with too many shoddy products. Even their rolling stock these days are faulty in every imaginable respect forget locos. Hornby has to go BACK TO BASICS of making model railway if they wish to survive in the days to come! Adding some more views, DCC is often quite frustrating where-as DC remains FUN. Hornby should prioritize. Dapol already has O scale bluetooth locos that can be controlled by an app in a cellphone! No such thing called "train controller' needed + obviously got that comfort of being wireless.

[@AdiPullen]

Hi Matt Surely it depends on taste no am in sure who else does them? If u have other by a different manufacturers do a compare video Keep safe arp

[@DentalHygieneTipsUk]

Matt: This is basically the cheap model Also Matt: I paid £70 for it.

[@geertgoethals5464]

nah....i have 4 class 66 from mehano i have 2 66 from heljan and a trix one....all a better then the hornby,but costs indeed a few pounds more..

[@rob235ioa1]

1 of the best locos hornby make...........far better than the competitions and 100% reliable unlike others

[@ericcraig8205]

Need to put a load on to give a good review,they are worthless if they will not pull a reasonable model train unless you are light engine move only modelling

[@Ed_Gilbert]

What controller did you use?

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

I honestly just think the Bachmann 66 is better in everyway apart from price

[@NixTrains]

£ 70/- is not less "another rather shoddy Hornby product compared to its competitor, I must say. Even old Bachmann Class 66s with directional lights- the very presentation, getup & having fun with the locos get affected by the lights! (If you ask me). Then why buy the Hornby product!?!! (They have done too many compromises to many of the releases while their competitors haven't!) Price-wise others are quite worth the money.

[@carolinegray5297]

I wouldn’t cal it shoddy

[@formidable38]

You cant compare the 2 as they are both aimed at different corners of the market! The Hornby model was originally the Lima tooling which was bought from Lima when they ceased trading, this happened long before Bachmann even thought of making a 66! Hornby obviously thought there was a market for the ex-Lima tooling, the one big factor being the price difference. Its budget and premium, apples and oranges!

[@ianjackson7876]

good review Matt seems quiet and smooth, well done Hornby..£70 cool

[@HungryGuyStories]

Are the couplers fitted with NEM pockets so that Kadee couplers can be installed?

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Hungry Guy... Later releases do have NEM pockets but the first batches from Hornby don't.

[@roymartin7454]

Ok loco,but a £26 lima can get you lights and more detail just saying

[@carailphotography]

Wow, that's quite bad from hornby. I think a definite competition opportunity for bachman

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Its_Chris_2003 / Chris Andrews... Well it is a Lima model after all!

[@kevhunta]

Yep quite good

[@JesTGU]

was that it going at max speed?

[@nov3019892008]

Ive alwats liked hprnvy models, always. Very reluable, only thing is the detail idnt alwats that grest and also i found for a while the quality of their points was quite poor

[@davidstrains4910]

Looks nice but the bachmann ones are better I got mine for £80.00 pre owned

[@narrowgauger4229]

David's Trains Yep if you look good enough you can pick them up for really cheap. I got one for £60.

[@davidstrains4910]

BNSF 2874 what livery is it mine is the stobart livery

[@narrowgauger4229]

David's Trains Cool mine is Freightliner.

[@Crewecabking]

The downside is the lights don’t work

[@anthonyjones993]

Ive got this 66 and i got it for £65.00

[@57305northernprincess]

The mould for Hornby 66 is the 59 model

[@RedShedNick]

57305 Northern Princess very true

[@DENPTrains]

No, its not.

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Although they look the same, they are significantly different, silencer size, underframe details and bogies are different for a start.

[@TheSlug2143]

No it isn't, I believe its the old Lima 66 mould.

[@TrainSpotter-nh2yp]

Where did you get it?

[@Mattslade6024]

got it from Ebay

[@carolinegray5297]

A collection item

[@Synthematix]

Nah, these are toys, i wouldnt pay 70 quid for a lima rebrand

[@0zwarrior]

Horses for courses.

[@TheEnglishTrainSpotter2021]

No

[@jamesmorris155]

Bland modern engine poor quality ,just an opinion because something is cheap its still a waste of money if its c**p.Great vid as usual though ,regards ez

[@morgenergy4074]

Not crap if you don't want much from a model. I sure as hell don't need that much detail or whatever, models like this one are lifesavers. Don't like? Don't buy. Go spend more on a premium model 😋

[@jamesmorris155]

Or buy 1 stunning model or waste money on 2 S**t locos like this .Rather stick hot pins in my eyes than watch this rubbish model go round and round ,but if you can stand this toy on your layout then you would love my girls thomas trackmaster it goes through hoops and does somersaults and everything ! Honest.

[@jamesmorris155]

Wow bet your fun at parties!Not a selfish attitude an opinion.If you want rubbish then buy it its a free country but dont inflict your beastly society on the rest of us ,my dear.

[@morgenergy4074]

I don't think I'd be the one who'd have issues at parties. Once again, you're saying some very selfish and ignorant stuff. If you think it's "crap" you're not thinking of the people a simple, budget model like this would benefit. And even then, it's ripe for modification if you want more out of it. Do calm down for goodness sake - they're only little trains. 😋

[@jamesmorris155]

Why did you delete your comment inbetween my 2 ?You really are a very sad person ,get a grip and stop being a bellend

[@Gordons1888]

Class 66 bah they belong in the scrap yards

[@JamesSmith-zv9nw]

BR LNER 7220 Not everyone likes steam trains, I myself see steam trains as big kettles. 66s are great.

[@Gordons1888]

ShortSet37 I didn’t say steam was better I like good Öl diesels like the 37 but 66s belong in the scrap yard

[@nigelcarter9503]

Nice review Matt, not bad for £70