Hornby RailRoad vs Hornby Railways. What really is the difference?

[@ianforfun1]

I like the comparison videos and very informative. There was nothing wrong with your voice as it came across clear. If there was a vote for the best railway intro I would vote your intro as the best on KZbin, just thinking of the blending of the steam whistle the engine beat, and the music with the visual. Thanks for a great video!

[@Mattslade6024]

Ow thanks very much Ian😊

[@dalipparmar6134]

Great Video for a beginner to watch, so something new to learn about, but love your set up. Thank you.

[@Mattslade6024]

Thanks very much 😊

[@SuperJ333]

My experience has been that my basic Railroad models run better and smoother than my expensive Railways ones!

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah they do run very nicely

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

Nice comparison. Not always possible to compare identical liveries, so very well done indeed in this situation. And a good running session to boot! Cool!

[@stormbowman7148]

As a father of three small children, funding for the railway is not at its highest. So I enjoy the Railroad models as it allows me to keep the hobby alive at a small budget. I don't mind their less details, as others have written: You can always try and improve on the models, which can also be a hobby in itself.

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

Super video. I think it's a case of comparing them and deciding if there are things you could live without. I have quite a few railroad models and I'm happy with them. Thanks for showing. Regards Paul.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I'm very happy with the one I've got as well

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

While Bachmann Manor steam engines weren't designed to be fitted with sound, Dapol's new Manor models are. Dapol are releasing sound-fitted and analogue versions alike. The sound-fitted models cost just over £169, the analogue models (I'm after Hinton Manor in BR Black) cost just over £140. Dapol Manors have something the Bachmann models will never have: a firebox glow. Who doesn't love the firebox glow effect? The Bachmann Manor models (I bought Dinmore Manor from Hattons) cost as little as £56. True, they are much cheaper. Yet, I know that cheap isn't always the better option. My unboxed Bachmann model of Hinton Manor (from Oswestry Train & Toy Fair) cost £20. But she is destined to be replaced by the better and more expensive Dapol version. I've got the money saved up in my purse; nothing will stand in my way. The show must go on, whether you have a bad cold or not.😂🙃

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid thanks lee

[@peterbradford5987]

Great video. I spent 40 years dreaming of model trains with lights. I will buy the dearer ones as in the dark it looks great.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah they do look fab running at night

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Matt. When displaying the price information, did you have the correct text against the correct loco image?

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I did. I checked and they are the right way round

[@videomalc]

Excellent video Matt, I think Hornby, inadvertently (due to the price increases) have actually rejuvenating the hobby. It's great to see people are using and encouraging other to use, their skills to bring old models up to todays standards. I say this with a 1980's HST in pieces in front of me, (missed out on the farewell tour loco), but upgrading it to give the farewell tour HST a "run for its money". Keep up the great videos, I didn't even notice your cold.

[@Mattslade6024]

I have a Old Hornby HST and I love it. It's still a good model even after all these years

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great video Matt. Good comparison between the two. Personally I have always been a fan of the railroad range of products as they are on the cheaper end of the price. And its not just locos its also the rolling stock as well. - Nicholas.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I love the Railroad range and I will be getting more

[@railway187]

Interesting comparison, good video 👍

[@Mattslade6024]

Thank you 😊

[@rogerking7258]

How do they compare dimensionally? Is one more accurate than the other?

[@Mattslade6024]

Got to be honest I've never looked in to how accurate these models are

[@alness1289]

Big difference is lights : Can be installed for a lot less than £125.00

[@johnhughes3796]

Good video but would have been nice to see the internal mechanisms. Is the Railways one using the old pancake motor?

[@mike59317]

Nice one Matt, I have Tri-Ang, lima, Airfix and Hornby Rail road 31s. love the class and like your review, cheers.

[@Mattslade6024]

Thanks very much Michael

[@bentullett6068]

In fairness I am buying more older second hand Hornby and Lima models at the moment that are what the vast majority of the Hornby Railroad models are based on as they aren't that bad detail wise and from a distance they look ok running on the layout. Plus there are quite a few aftermarket parts to repair them if the motor has a fault. As I run on analogue DC the old ringfield motors don't bother me but I might look into retrofitting a new chassis and motor unit in the models if I went the DCC route.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I'm doing the same thing. Love a good second hand loco 😁

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Nice.CHEERS FROM OVER SEAS UNITED STATES 👍 ♐

[@Mattslade6024]

Thanks very much

[@cbrooks122000]

Interesting video, I didn't even realise Hornby made two types. The thing you did miss is the Railroad version has the dreaded traction tyres. Anyway great video thanks for explaining, also helps when looking at secondhand ones.

[@Mattslade6024]

Ow yeah I did forget to say about time traction tyers

[@SimonWitt]

A good comparison, between the two. Lack of external details on larger locos are a lot more noticeable on Railroad models such as the 37 or 66, especially on the underframe detail where it can be a large block of black plastic with not much definition. On a smaller loco like the 31 that's less pronounced. However they can have their place on a layout and as long as they bring the operator enjoyment running them on their layout, then they've ticked the right boxes. They're also a good option to test modelling techniques on such as weathering or learning how to fit lights for example. One place that Railroad models do excel in which you mentioned though is the livery application which is just as good as the super detailed models for the most part It does feel though (broken record here) that Railroad costs have gone up a lot recently as well as the super detailed ranges. A few years back a Railroad 66 was 60 quid, now a 31 is almost GBP100? No wonder they're trying to stomp on any smaller company wanting to bring out their own models such as the Cavalex 91. I can't wait to see what happens when Accurascale 37s release and then their 31s next year and show up Hornby big time for value for money. The only problem with Accurascale models will be relatively smaller production runs and needing to pre-order well in advance to get what you want because they're too popular

[@Mattslade6024]

Ow it is very noticeable on the 66. I have one and I think a bit of weathering will help

[@clipperrail8988]

All credit to Hornby for being the only manufacturer who are giving us a choice of going for a budget range. The Railroad range is a mixed bag - some are simply improved versions of old Lima models, but there are some outstanding models tucked away in there that are either budget versions of the main range models or models specifically designed for the Railroad range. Quite often they appear in the retailers heavily discounted - I've picked up some models for as little as £38 new. Some gems would be the Tornado, Crosti 9f, Flying Scotsman and the amazing P2.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah some are better than others but generally they are go models for the money

[@marcdempsey5850]

A good video, railroad does offer the continued progress of this hobby to many. Some of the features being lacking do then offer better opportunities later such as the space as you pointed out for better speaker with the sound chips. If you venture down the weathering of models well it’s going to difficult to see all that extra detail under the dirt and grime… hornby now have their rail road enhanced livery just to add to that. Great video, how about a class 37 or 47 compare if have them? Cheers all best Marc

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I buy detailed and raroad but add sound chips and soon lights to railroad The new railroad plus class 37 ROG is a little light but fab

[@zepheris_]

The railroad range is models made from older toolings, originally released in the '90s '00s.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yep that's right

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hey Matt, I like the Railroad one. I had a top quality 31 years back but it exploded due to marzak rot. The Railroad ones are fine. Prices are however mad just now lol

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I've heard a lot of problems with that on the expensive 31s

[@HamStrains]

Top quality, yet exploded... quite a juxtaposition of statements. Its mazak, or actually zamak in industry terms, oh and its not just one alloy its a family of them with 3 main alloys used. Unlimited knowledge to be had for those that like learning. Funny thing is zamak 8 is actually better than brass as a bearing material, and this is what was used in many of those models that everyone complained lacked brass bearings. 😆 oh dear we need to learn as modellers what is nonsense don't we.

[@jamesjosephjjdyer3368]

Matthew tho the prices might be hard to swallow the £96.99 seems to be a better price than the £223.99 in my opinion. JJ

[@Mattslade6024]

Thanks JJ

[@lucitonstjames3925]

You can pick up the original Lima model for £30-50. No cheapi motor / cheap grade metal wheels & wires. With the original Lima model you are getting proven / easy to maintain / run for a lifetime engineering. The key to the Lima models is that the more they’re used the better they work.

[@tenterdentown2452]

Hi Matt. I think Railroad models are perfectly adequate for those with small layouts. However, if you have a larger layout your milage should be greater. Railroad models would get worn out after 20 years on the layout! Thanks for uploading.

[@RobA500]

Good comparison. Another point as far as I can see is the railroad models seem to be more reliable having seen far more complaints about railways models with failed motors etc, I have one such failure myself at this moment. As far as the Class 31 is concerned I'm happy with my old Airfix model, yes the driven wheels are plastic and the centre ones on the driven bogie are fake but from normal viewing distance you'd never tell. The line blurs a bit more with rolling stock as I found a couple of years ago doing a direct comparison with the MK1 coaches proved they where from identical moulds with only extra paint detail on the railways version (not much extra I might add), that should now have been corrected with a new railways tooling but there are probably other items in the ranges.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah when a loco is running around a layout you can't really see one the expensive detailing on the loco so a railroad loco looks just as good

[@johnireland624]

RailRoad 31 won’t suffer from Mazak rot unlike some of the full Railway versions have in the past. Light kits are available for under £20 for them on eBay and as an added bonus, the Lima Class 31 body is a perfect fit on the RailRoad 31 chassis without modifications (none of the ones I’ve fitted needed modifying) so greater range of liveries available if Lima body fitted at a fraction of the price of the fully detailed Class 31 and without the worry the chassis might get Mazak rot on the RailRoad version.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah your right they wont. £20 is not too bad to add lights to the locos

[@johngibson4641]

Both gorgeous locos but I will be opting for the cheaper ones and second hand too (sorry but im a cheapskate). Awesome video again thankyou. Cheers from John in Australia

[@Mattslade6024]

Nothing wrong with that. I'll be getting the new railroad one myself when it comes out

[@russellbenton2987]

Good video. I know a lot of people who think the Railroad ex Lima locomotive is better . The new Accurascale model will show what’s possible at around £169 . Expect the Hornby model to disappear or suddenly reduce in price

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I'm looking forward to the Accurascale model it should leave the Hornby models far behind

[@neilharbott8394]

The Railroad Range does have its place - mostly being a cheaper option, which allows folks with limited income access to the hobby. But this isn't always the be-all end-all deal. If you're an accomplished modeler (or maybe even aspiring), and are inclined to modify your models, anything from renumber/rename, thru weathering, to adding detail, you have an option - buy the expensive/more detailed unit: which means you need spend less time with your changes - or buy the cheaper/less detailed unit and go to town - and if you mess up your changes on a cheaper unit you won't feel as gutted as you might editing a $200-300 model! Frankly I also have a mixture of models, and you can be darn sure that any work I do on them, will be performed on the Railroad Stock first, especially for any new techniques I try out, so I get things right, before I start messing with the expensive stuff!!

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah you don't want to mess up a loco costing more than £200. Start off with an older or railroad model

[@chrisfercee9428]

Simples, Railroad is a more basic entry version based on the Lima tool, full fat Hornby quite a well detailed model for its day, but chassis have been known to disintegrate due to mazank rot over time. New full fat versions will disintegrate your bank balance regardless. There is a new version planned by another company in 2023......

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah I have heard about that problem. Luckily mine is ok

[@attuslebeard5133]

A good comparison. The full fat version is never worth over £200. Tbh I'm more than happy with my Airfix version - only cost me about £25 a year ago

[@Mattslade6024]

Very expensive for the new one. I'll be sticking to the new railroad 31 when it comes out

[@paulkavanaghk]

Some of my Railroad models have been better runners than the expensive ones!

[@newtownyard1317]

Great video Matt nice to see someone comparing the 2 ranges, however personally I've ditched Hornby all together as their prices are far too high for the actual product you receive.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah they do have very high prices compered to what you get

[@JB-ek4yx]

I'm English but I can pronounce Glyder Fawr, also Glyder Fach, partly because they're part of my favourite walk along with Tryfan, walking from Llyn Ogwyn

[@Mattslade6024]

I not good with Welsh at all even living in Wales my whole life haha

[@davidstrains4910]

Great video Matt and a very good topic to talk about there, the railroad range is a very good range from hornby and hopefully this railroad plus range can be just as good, one thing with the railroad range is sometimes it can be better than the main range stuff, a good example is the class 31 which as we can remember the early class 31s had the mazak disease but the 31 in the railroad range didn’t due to having a plastic chassis so there are some cases where the main range isn’t as good as the railroad range, another good thing about the range is the ability to upgrade locomotives, I have a blue class 31 and one thing that I did was install LED lights, I may do some other upgrades to my blue class 31 in the future if I want to. That departmental class 31 is nice though but if I remember it was a kernow exclusive and I think it’s sold out now but if it was available that is one I would probably want to buy.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah some can be just as good as locos costing more than twice the money

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

They could at least put working lights on the RR range of locos!

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah would be nice if they did

[@trainsontuesday]

The long term survival of this hobby is going to hinge on getting large numbers of young people involved. Hornby and Bachmann are both killing the business by pricing them out. A prime example can be found in the comments by Newtown Yard.

[@LNER985]

Hornby and Bachmann are not killing the business.

[@Mattslade6024]

Yeah we need new people coming in to the hobby and these Railroad loco will help them to start

[@fokusnikfim]

Hello. Klasse video. Super lakomotive 🚝🚝🚝👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Thanks. Fim 🚂👮‍♂️✋

[@Mattslade6024]

Thanks very much