Hornby Locomotion Number 1, Era 1 & Era 11

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

I cannot add anything more that you have not already said about the looks of these locomotives. I hope Hornby resolves things you pointed out to your satisfaction and please keep us informed of the progress. Good luck Matt, Jersey Bill

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I will report back, there have been a few suggestions in the comment so I will give those a go as well. All the best Matt

[@tomlawton7087]

I agree with you about the "special" factor that means so much for the few days that you have them. I attended Swansea show, which is near to Oxford Diecast's site, and their stand was great, and had early production of the Bond Bug. I had to have it, there and then! Such a glow; although many others now have it, but I had it first! ;)

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I am so glad you agree, it sounds crazy, but its just nice to have if first. Thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@MichaelGidlow]

Nice video. I received my Era 1 Model on the 7th Dec after running in on a rolling road it does run at lower speeds, it also squeaked but seemed to get improve as it ran in .My layout is still being build and will be DCC so I checked the chip fitting, after releasing the recessed screw the top came off OK, but the inbuild speaker was loose this made reassembly difficult until using a tinny spot of bluetak to hold it. Overall pleased lovely detail.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

It is a lovely model, I will try and run in, but I want to check I can oil with Hornby without upsetting the warranty as the poor running loco could be a bit more in-depth. I think its quite amazing Hornby have managed to make the loco DCC ready, anyway, Many thanks for watching and your kind words and I hope you can enjoy running on your layout soon.

[@peterwebster3076]

i received my 2 locos the other day and was blown away with them i have all the era 1 models now great video

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

They are beautiful looking locos and given their complexity I was worried about durability, but didn't expect a poor runner out of the box, I will see what Hornby have to say. but so please your locos are going well.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Mine is going back. It looks great but is a very poor performer, even after lots of running in. I admire Hornby for trying but I hope the replacement is not a duff too.

[@StevenTT120Layout]

Thanks for the update 😢

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I want to oil mine, but worried about invalidating the warranty, I will see what Hornby have to say, best of luck, Matt

[@modelrailwaynoob]

@@dustyshelfcollectables Such a shame. I see that their own decoder doesn't fit either!

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

​@@dustyshelfcollectablesif it mentions lubricating points etc in the leaflet, and what kind of oil to use (which I'm certain that it will), you would be doing as Hornby say, and that shouldn't invalidate the warranty.

[@PhilCrompton]

Thanks so much for this video. I have both on order and I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Like you mention - it’s got to be one of the best models Hornby have ever made and I couldn’t resist getting two 😅. Hornby have said on Instagram that the water tanks on the tender are different as well and they look different in your video

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

It is a beautiful model and fantastic that Hornby have had a go. I hope yours arrive ok and please enjoy! I will go back and study the water tank, thanks for pointing that out. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

Oh dear. You’ve got me worried now. I’ve got an Era 11 one on its way. Fingers crossed. One thing to add is that it won’t take an HM7000 decoder as advertised on the website so a DCC solution with appropriate sound is going to be hard to find

[@Railwayrob]

Great video and review as always. I received my era11 model yesterday. Thankfully both my steps are in place. After running it in the jerking reduced greatly but didn’t completely disappear. I had to check after watching your review! I do love this model though. Shame about the double hit on your account. When I got my Stephensons Rocket a spoke was missing on the chimney and steps were missing on the blue carriage.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi Rob. My own fault for ordering both, I got caught in the moment, I was genuinely quite excided by this release. Glad yours arrived ok and thanks for confirming both steps should be present. All the best Matt

[@TheHouseofWindsorAviary-oh4vw]

They do look fantastic. I have watched two reviews now both with the same issues and that squeak !! Hesitant now to have one shipped to me here in Canada incase it is a duff.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

yes that is difficult as not easily replaced or returned, that said may be a rare model to have in Canada? Anyway many thanks for watching and if you do get one I hope all is well.

[@AndrewCooper-eo7oh]

Hi dust thanks for film. Great sham.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi Andrew, Many thanks, glad it was of interest. Matt

[@tomlawton7087]

It looks like the tender of the Era 11 is translucent, so the colour of the tender varies with the amount of back-light. Is this a true perception?

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

No, Its a pretty solid colour from what I can see.

[@Pearson4472]

Try cleaning the wheels with a track rubber until the wheels are shining, I’ve found that sometimes the continuity is better, it’s worked for me on a few loco’s out of the box. If the wheels look clean they probably could still do with a buff, hope that helps Elliot

[@Pearson4472]

I’m waiting for Santa to drop mine off, hopefully mines got no issues

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi Elliot, I will take a look thank you for the advice, hopefully you will not have to wait to long for your loco..16 days. Thanks for watching.

[@TonyBullUK]

I have the era 11 model and there is no weight to them which means pickup is poor. The only way I could run it in on my rolling road was to “strap” the tender to the rolling road with a rubber band!

[@azuma892]

Wow Hornby released a new tooled model in the same year it was announced? Is this real? 😂 I don't usually pre-order models, it’s safer to look at reviews first to see if they are decent, I’m not too mad about collecting everything anyway. Not too sure about getting Locomotion after seeing this, you got 2 expensive models that both have issues.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I need to see what Hornby have to say, Id like to oil but don't want to touch it till I know the warranty is ok. I did laugh about the release in the same years as announced, but was suppose to be Q3, not just before Christmas, Anyway thanks again for watching and the message.

[@rogerking7258]

Neither of these locos runs well whatever the price. One is poor and the other is dreadful. Coupled with that is the fact that the valve gear appears to be wobbling about on both. I'm assuming this valve gear is plastic, when the extra effort to make it in more rigid metal should have been a priority. And good luck with getting the missing step replaced. I bought a Class 08 shunter and the cab roof vent fell off and went missing within a few days; Hornby's reaction was that "we don't carry spares for items like that". By contrast, when I needed some tiny spares from Accurascale they were all in stock and were despatched immediately. At £185, Hornby's quality control is disgraceful; it is seemingly obvious that they either don't test run their products or they just don't care how bad they are. I wanted one of these, but will no longer consider buying one.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I have noted the valid gear moving, but gave artistic licence given the tolerance needed. I will reserve judgement on Hornby's response I can only hope at this stage! Anyway many thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@DaveAtLittleton]

I couldn't see the other side of the loco in the videos but the era 11 one should have 3 matching wheels and one odd one (that's how it's preserved today), where as the era 1 one should have all matching wheels?

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi thanks for the information and I can confirm on the Hornby era11 model there is one wheel with open spokes, I am appreciating that level of detail now having not observed that before. Many thanks.

[@russellbenton2987]

I do wonder if Hornby are asking too much of their factories . I got the Rocket but I seldom run it, so decided Locomotion was not for me . I’d sent to jolting one back . This video is great because it highlights the inconsistency of running which cannot be ignored . Hope you let us know how you get on with Hornby

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I will feed back once I have spoken with Hornby, yes maybe asking a lot of the factories but also pushing the boundaries of the hobby. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@jeffreysmith156]

I commend Hornby for producing this. The poor running one seems to have some stiffness somewhere. Hopefully Hornby can get it fixed for you. I decided the model was too delicate for me.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Indeed I echoed the comment in the video, has off to Hornby for attempting such a loco. I will get to the bottom of the running but unlike a second hand loco where I would investigate or oil, I don't want to do that till I have spoken to Hornby in case I invalidate the warranty. Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@ianturvey3894]

Just watched a review by Modeloco. He has the Era 11 version and it appears that the same step on the left hand side of the tender is also missing. It was found loose in the protective housing in the end. As you said, typical Hornby issue.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

To be fair Hornby have gone to extraordinary length to protect the model and the step is high detail but very vulnerable, My step is not in the box so we will see if Hornby can send a replacement, I am content with fixing the problem as long as part are available, going on some of the comments I perhaps should be worried. Anyway many thanks for wachiong and taking the time to message.

[@ianturvey3894]

@ I do think the level of detail is incredible and from what I’ve seen of it running, it looks fantastic. I hope you can get a replacement step. Once run in, it will great to watch the mesmerising valve gear in action.

[@briancooper562]

With its extreme short wheel base and rigid axle location anything not flat will cause reduced contact on one axle. With all the moving parts full lubrication is also a requirement, as is running in. I was wondering if era ! track was something that will need to be produced? Brunel , Butterley Ironworks, John Curr, Stephenson, and others all having variations on a theme.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I like the idea of era1 track! I am hesitant to lubricate the non runner until I have spoken to Hornby, You are right to point out the flatness of the track, but I have one loco moving and the other not and off camera I have tried om my other tracks so I will seek support from Hornby and see how we go. Anyway many thanks for watching and sharing your advice.

[@ollychap1985]

What is the loco and tender connecter like? I had trouble with the wires on the rocket

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Very valid point, I will check, thank you!

[@ollychap1985]

I had a nightmare with the rocket the tender connection is a very poor design

[@johnd8892]

Thanks for your review and demonstration helping me with my purchase decision. One or two other reviews running in on a rolling road seemed a lot quieter. Variation in a product characteristics not a good sign of high quality to me. Important when the servicing and spares situation for me is far less than ideal of what you may experience.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I will run in, but I want to do this with oil and until I have assurances from Hornby this will bot effect the warranty ad on of the locos is a very bad runner I am hesitating. I will see the situation with spare when I ask for a replacement step. Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@Shauniboy1984]

Great review matey, very disapointing performance for the cost of these. I got tiger but it was dreadful performance wise as well so I ended up trading it at a local model shop.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I will contact Hornby and see it there is a resolution, I love the look and the motion looks amazing, Anyway thanks for watching and your kind words.

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Very helpful nice review on the models - shame about some of the issues you’ve experienced. By the way you have spelt “apologies” wrong on one of your video text overlays. Given that you have had to correct referencing the Era II version, I thought you might want to correct the word apologies as well.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thanks for the kind words, unfortunately not much I can do about the spelling, but thanks for saying its a 3-4 hour render and upload process to make a small change so not practical and I will lose all the comments . I do kick myself even with proof watching and my wife watching most videos before they go live typos and errors creep through. Anyway Many thanks for watching.

[@madeinyorkshire52]

@@dustyshelfcollectables Oh PLEASE don't worry - its a great and very helpful review. I know what you mean about proof reading...I used to have a small publishing business so I know exactly what you are saying. Have a great Christmas and New Year!

[@StormmyStormmy]

Hi, very nice looking loco’s with very nice detailing, I personally buy new Hornby trains anymore for personal reasons, I do buy their coaches and main range wagons that interest me, I’m not sure that the support is there if you have proper issues with these models, Hornby don’t carry spares anymore because it’s to expensive for them apparently, I hope you get the issues you have sort as soon as possible, these locos aren’t cheap, thanks for sharing.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

The details are lovely and I am sure I will get a resolution, I will contact Hornby and see what they have to say, Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@eurovnik]

Hornby has a real problem with its smaller, detailed locos. They're beautiful, complex models but they don't work properly. That's been my experience with Lion/Tiger and multiple TT:120 A1/A3s and A4s. No problems with contemporary big Hornby locos in OO (I have a Class 67 from the Red Rover trainset and a Railways A3 Lemberg). Also no problems with Kato N Gauge steam locos. Hornby just seem incapable of miniaturising. Perhaps they should have invested in their own Joint Venture factory in China like Piko and focused on a long term relationship and improving quality, rather than using multiple different subcontractors to cut costs as much as possible. Or moved production to Eastern Europe like Märklin and Fleischmann/Roco with slightly higher labour costs than China, but full ownership and control of the factories. Etc, etc.

[@StormmyStormmy]

Hornby do come up with some great ideas but they rarely seem to support them once the customers have problems, their customer service is poor as is the spares department that is nonexistent in my opinion, I have to say I’ve only seen 1 video of this loco where the reviewer was totally happy, it’s a very intricate and delicate model that Hornby have produced, they’re not that great at lesser models in my opinion, I believe they’ve got a contract with Chinese companies that use prisoners to do the work, some of the quality is very questionable and the quality control has disappeared, I really have to take my hat off to those whom purchased this model because if it fails it could turn into a nightmare getting help from Hornby and that’s me speaking from experience.

[@stormbowman7148]

They could have but that would not have kept the prices down. People want models that are cheap and full of details. This is what you get. You pay premium for the European models for a reason.

[@KS-oc4hu]

The variability of Hornby quality is really infuriating. The same model can arrive running superbly, a non runner or anything in between. Its not really acceptable with the prices just going up and up.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Very valid points about peko and Kato their models are very good, my Tiger and Lion ran ok and I don't recall any real issues, Anyway many thansk for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@tallytalbot7150]

I can understand your disappointment, having to fork out a kings ransom for two models and that just before Christmas. From a personal point of view I don't think they are worth the money but that's just my opinion. I think sometimes Hornby bite off more than they can chew after all this was a very ambitious project right from the start. Any teething problems or quality issues surely should have been addressed by the time of their release. What is the durability of this locomotion ? I guess only time will tell. Good luck with you purchase and wishing you a merry Christmas and I do enjoy your honest video's .

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi, I have only myself to blame, but no regrets...yet more investigation to be done. Thank you again for watching and your kind words.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Oh and I meant to add a Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

No crew provided ? All locos should have one, especially early, open-cab types, but this doesn't even have a cab (or footplate?) . . .

[@jeffreysmith156]

Is it the tender wheels that are squeaking or the mechanism?

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I think its the mechanism, the cylinder motion, but as said below, I don't want to oil yet.

[@Alexander_Sth]

Hi. Why to give it back if you can try to do two things. First lubricate all moving joints, because I hear not lubricant parts. And second carefully clean everything which transfer electricity in this loco. After guarantee would finished I suggest to make additional electricity puller for cart.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi, Thanks for the advice, normally I am the first to try things to make a loco work, but these are brand new and £180 so I am not going to do anything in case I break the delicate components or invalidate the warranty, hopefully Hornby will get back to me with a resolution. Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@Alexander_Sth]

@@dustyshelfcollectables well, actually I hear parts which are not lubricated, and first thing need to be done is to lubricate with new oil. That is not Hornby problem, that is our problem to make first inspection, you do not know how, who and how long have stored this locomotive and what was happened with fabric grease or oil. Easy thing which sometimes modelers "forget" to do. The same for cleaning process, it is normal to clean weels and all electrical parts after storage.

[@piers995]

I'm sorry your locos do not run so well. I think it stems from the prototype itself. Her and her type were apparently very difficult to get to change direction. The complex vertical motion requires very accurate tolerances to convert linear motion into rotary motion and this is complicated because both sets of wheels are driven. I suspect when shrunk down to OO the tolerances between reverse and forward are so close that the mechanism is effectivity sticking in neutral as it were. That is why Stephenson dropped this design of motion for a pair of single inclined cylinders and later horizontal ones. Very brave of Hornby to attempt to create a working model. Very gentle tweaking of the motion gear might assist, but you probably don't want to do this with brand new models. If you choose to request replacements I hope they do not suffer the same difficulties and you get nice smooth runners.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

A fascinating view point, I hadn't really thought of it that way. As you say I wont make any adjustment till I have spoken with Hornby, but I am sure it will get sorted. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@goupigoupi6953]

A box is a box is a box. Deserves at most 1 minute.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I appreciate the feedback and thanks for not just giving a thumbs down. It is frustrating when you don't know what was wrong. Its difficult to judge time an even more so when I start to ramble.

[@stormbowman7148]

The bell is from a US visit, afaik.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Its an interesting loco, there has been some good investigation into its history this year, thanks again for watching.

[@MoleculeMind7]

Is it not black in its current era 11 state?

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I thick that way I have era2 in my mind as the loco was originally preserved in 1880. At least in the blackened era 11 there would have been a clear difference form the era1. Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@AdiPullen]

Hi mate I hope you are well They look stunning but they run very poorly Am glad i cancelled my order of it. Keep safe ARP

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi, yes not the best runner, Id like to oil but hesitant to do anything till I have spoken with Hornby. All the best Matt

[@Paul-ey1ct]

So you've got the same model twice really, Hornby ain't as silly as we think 😂ehhh.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Only myself to blame! Thanks for watching.

[@carolinerogers1057]

Great review not the best for the price tho hope u resolve them with hornby

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Hi Caroline, I am sure I will get get it sorted, I have faith in Hornby, the details is fantastic and the look amazing in motion, just need to move a bit more. All the best Matt

[@michaelchapman6895]

The tender on 'Locomotion' looks very plasticky; almost toy-like. Hmmm, not sure about buying one now...

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I don't feel it two our of place, Id say the colour on the era 1 model is better though, anyway many thanks for watching.

[@IainDavies-z2l]

Why is Hornby waisting there time producing this rubbish when we need decent OO guage models like the Class 120 DMU, Class 126 DMU, Class 303/311 EMU, 51 stock 2 and 4 car EPBs, 4CIGs/BIGs. Instead of these manufacturers duplicating models.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

yes I do feel a bit foolish buying what is in essence two locos the same, but at least I got to review both side by side. Anyway many thanks for watching and taking the time to share you thoughts.

[@monsvillerailways5736]

Interesting Matt. If they are virtually identical, why produce two models. Looks like Era 1 is a poor runner? But for the money they are both not good. Good luck.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I would have liked a little more difference, on reflection maybe the era11 actually the blackish colour of the actual loco in the museum. I guess the two model is to catch people like me, I have no regrets they are stunning, If only both were running well, I will se what Hornby have to say. All the best Matt

[@Rob1972Gem]

Special limited edition locomotives is what is ruining and completely killing this hobby sorry to upset the snobs but that is what killing the hobby 99% of people just want affordable nice decent quality rolling stock and locomotives. Most people don’t even want the super duper ultra detailed stuff because to be honest, the majority of time when it comes, it’s either glue marks all over the Loco because they can’t put it together correctly or it’s broken so get it to an acceptable level charge sensible prices for stuff and stop the limited edition crap but regarding this video I think these locomotive look amazing but obviously they are more to stick in your cabinet as a display piece which you can put on the track and will work but if you run these over and over I can see them not lasting longtoo many points of failure

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Vey fair and valid points, Thank for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@chrissouthgate4554]

Why a Era 11 in the first place? Its an Era 1 Loco. Just do it right to start off with.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

So I keep thinking about this, is is era 11 or era 2. The loco was preserved in 1880 so that would be era 2, if it was era 11 then should it not be blackened as the currant look of the loco? Anyway thanks for watching.