Hornby's Excellent Gresley J50 Tank Engine | Unboxing & Review

A fresh look at one of Hornby's best tank engines - Sir Nigel Gresley's J50!
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0:00 Intro
3:50 Unboxing
8:04 Prototype Info
9:37 Detail
16:09 Mechanism
18:36 Performance
21:34 Haulage
26:30 Ratings
29:37 Conclusion

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Hi Sam, I think I found the odd one out. Is it the J15, because it's a 0-6-0 tender engine not a 0-6-0 tank engine. Does that mean I get a free cookie lol :) Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Well done you, yes that was the one! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stephendavies6949]

The J15 is a lovely model too.

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@SamsTrains You gave it away?

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@stephendavies6949that happened 7 years ago!

[@stephendavies6949]

It just goes to show that Hornby at its best is extremely hard to beat. Which is why we need a strong, successful Hornby.

[@jammy8617]

I absolutley love my J50, I bought it a coulple of years ago on the strength of your original review! Managed to get a decoder in without removing that tank weight too!

[@leokimvideo]

I had a look around the Oz sellers of this loco. It's price in Australia is between $165 to $180 AUD and thats expensive. BUT and this is the huge BUT all the sellers have it as OUT OF STOCK. So this has me asking was it ever in stock? Are items set up on website sales as a lure to the online shop?? But my point is considering the financial trouble Hornby is in if the stock is available how can they make money? Sad to see on what was looking good the very low and awkward rear coupler.

[@modelrailfan37]

Hey Leo, agreed, hopefully Hornby will bring this back for a reasonable price. To be fair though, I’d honestly pay $165 AUD for it though, as if you do the conversion from Pounds to AUD, £1 is currently $1.90 Australian. It’s too bad the AUD to Pound Conversation is ridiculous right now, so hopefully that improves. I live in Canada myself, and last time I did on order to the U.K., the conversion £1 was about $1.50 CAD, but now it’s more like $1.70. The world we live in is crazy…

[@XleeHS]

leo you’re the goat

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

I do hope the pre-grouping trend continues. The beautiful variety of locos, rolling stock, and liveries allows for far more visual contrast, and many of those locos were still around during grouping.

[@SamsTrains]

I hope so too! There are so many more awesome locos/rolling stock out there to be done :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@drake_the_ohioan_j50]

I stopped whatever I was doing just so I can watch this video, for *reasons*

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha thank you so much Drake! :D

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@SamsTrains 10:46 - LBSCR E2: I’m so thirsty. I don’t think i can get to the harbor without more water. 10:56 - “Aah! Just what i need, J50, a good long drink.” 11:02 - “I think I feel good as new now, J50. I think I can race Camelot around the railway. 11:08 - Camelot: “Goodbye, J50 and E2. Take care!” 11:12 - LBSCR E2: “Well, perhaps nothing! Come on J50.”

[@kerrygreen4977]

I picked up one of these from a dealer for £70 at the Alexander Palace show this year. He was selling quite a few, all which seamed to be boxed and new old stock. I think it is a brilliant loco and well worth £70.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - yeah that's well worth the money!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@S.C.RuffeyGuy]

Great review as always, Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! :D

[@stevenvickers8559]

Hello Sam, this lovely little loco reminds me of my Hornby Jinty I had in the 70s. Which I see an 'Era 2' version is due out in early 2024.

[@peckettproductions]

It looks nice I might consider getting one!

[@SamsTrains]

If you can find one, it's well worth it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

Hornby's J50s are amazing models, i chose the BR departmental one so that it would stand out amongst my other BR locos. By the way, i dont think the prices did go up. Got mine December 2021, and at the time the rrp was still £74.99, might have went up after that, but it definately hadn't went up when i got mine

[@J50TerryProductions]

I absolutely love this class of a tank engine! It even resembles my OC!

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam really love the j50

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much James, me too! :D

[@JustinFrazier_360]

Amazing review sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you Justin! :D

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Sam, Nice review , very impressive, like it alot , All the best Brian 😃👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Brian, really glad you liked it too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Small world. I recently picked up this very same J50 second-hand from Clark Railworks, alongside an A2/3 Pacific to boot. In terms of model quality, that's like going from one end of the spectrum right to the other.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Always been tempted by these as they did work into and on the Southern in BR days.

[@MelonRWM]

amazing Review thanks sam i just so happened to bought the exact same model a few days prior from rails of shefield, what a funny coincidence .

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Nathan, blimey that's a coincidence!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MelonRWM]

@@SamsTrains yea i know right its funny , your content always cheers me up Sam :)

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you Brian! :D

[@briandesens144]

@@SamsTrains you're welcome 😊 buddy 😊

[@lukeslocomotives]

Ah yes, a re-re-review Great video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Hope you liked it :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rowejon]

Inspired (lured) by your channel I've just had a spending spree on LNER locos & coaches. I've also hauled my older locos out of the attic & I see that my Lima J50 cost 7 pounds 64 pence new. I must get some track laid.

[@billywindsock9597]

This is a good model of a lovely loco. In my top five models and real loco's, not sure why, I just love the looks.

[@SamsTrains]

I think so too - and I don't blame you - they're awesome aren't they??: D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@nickrails]

Damn, being trying to get hold of this exact loco for years but they are rare as hen's teeth. Top model of a super loco.

[@davidballoid2118]

Sam, I think for the next Odd One Out should be the Queens Jubilee from the Bradford Exchange !😁🤣😂

[@HarrisHandle]

Hi Sam, I’m the one who won the J50 on your live stream, i agree it is also one of my absolute favourite locos, I’m actually holding it now.

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome - I'm so happy I was able to give you one - I remember it well... awesome models! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@azuma892]

Sam, can you keep the original videos up, after the loco has been re-reviewed? It's interesting seeing how the hobby advanced and how your opinions change.

[@SamsTrains]

I tend to remove them, just because I prefer people to find the latest reviews rather than the dated one... this way the videos on my channel stay up to date! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MiniModellingOfficial]

@@SamsTrainsyou could turn the videos to “people can only watch if they have a link “ so list them in your channel description, but when you search for them they won’t show up! Just an idea, great video as always Sam!

[@ianhartley5057]

I also love the old videos. It’s amazing to see how far Sam has come and they have a charm all their own

[@rottenroads1982]

@@SamsTrains, I shall continue To wait Patiently for when you finally do The Heljan BR class 28 Review and when you start dabbling in the realm of OO9 Scale.

[@lukeslocomotives]

​@@SamsTrainsMaybe create a playlist with all the older ones, and add into the title that they are also older ones so people know there's a newer one, whilst others can watch the old ones still for the sake of watching them

[@stephendavies6949]

Hello Sam. I've got the 1970s/80s Lima version! I guess that's where Hornby got the original idea to update/renew the tooling for model you have? Mine still runs OK but is not overly-detailed. If I didn't have the Lima version, I'd definitely buy one. Can't resist a Gresley loco...!

[@dutchbeef8920]

Now there is a thought, Hornby owns Lima these days did they retool the Lima 😮 is it really a Lima underneath, god forbid 🤦‍♂️ I actually like the Lima

[@michaeltaylor1869]

Nice video Sam very good camera work as usual as always I am really enjoying your lovely reviews and camera work keep it up I am really looking forward to seeing your next review I hope you get a nice loco Also when is your next video going to be on KZbin bye for now Philip

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Michael, I really appreciate your kind words! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rogerwindsor2130]

One of my favs as well. Got 2 of them. One in London transport livery, maroon

[@Alextrains502]

Hi Sam love your videos

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Alex! :D

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I actually have 2 of these Sam, although one of them is still running. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - at least you have a runner! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@clockwork3494]

It's fascinating to think that if a certain collection of books with a bright blue tank engine had been illustrated per the author's requests it's likely this review would instead be on the E2, with the J50 actually being the more popular and still constantly produced model today.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it would certainly have made things very differen't wouldn't it? Crazy stuff! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukewolsey]

I have the Lima J50 in BR black and it is SO NOISY!

[@StarWarsJay]

It’s surprisingly modern looking for something that came out 110 years ago. It has the look of one of the last steam engines just before everything went diesel.

[@stratman9449]

yep..great (and heavy) little loco...mine is the early BR logo type weighs 274 (!!) gramms and is a very good runner....love it...also it cost me even less than yours, only a few years ago from hattons...so all good.....😅

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I love the J72 a lot more. The odd one out is my favourite LMS tank engine, Jimmy the Jinty.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh good choice - the J72 is lovely too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@user-tn2xf7zq3k]

Only yesterday i was watching hornby a model world and i saw the you were on it 😂

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha awesome! That was a lot of fun :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Jimyjames73]

Hey Sam - I have the same Loco but the only differences are :- R3405 & it is No. 585 & mine came in "The Sovereign" Range - "The Station Pilot" Train Pack & cam4e with 3 Wagon... 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - I'd forgotten that they'd put these in the Sovereign range! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jaywatchtravel6146]

Good video Sam I have a similar problem with the couplings on my hornby mark 1 I fixed it by replacing the dove tail connector seams some of the dove tail connectors can come bent from the factory or are damaged with use

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I think I have some MK1s from Hornby that do that too... they drop out quite a bit! I think I fixed it by just glueing them in! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on channel thanks lee

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Lee! :D

[@What.its.like.]

I love your shirt I do classic cars and people say I’m not a car guy..

[@andrewdking]

Personally I'm not a fan of the look of sloping side tank locos, but that aside, this is a real quality looking item. With your excellent close-up camera work to show us the finer details, I'm well impressed with the finish and fitments. That is except for the rear end; a shame about that lower row of moulded in lamp brackets and the well dodgy NEM coupling pocket. A shunter needs spot-on couplers. You should have tested the height conformance of the NEM pocket with one of those Symoba gauges (from DCC Supplies) !

[@Bigbigpoopi]

That WOULD have been Thomas if Dalby didn't convince Awdry to make him an E2

[@gwheregwhizz]

Hornby sell pre-2006 tooled Airfix kits under the 'Vintage Classic' sub-brand including many kits from the 60s and 70s and they sell very well at prices slightly below newer, more detailed, better finished kits. Model makers appreciate the honesty so don't feel ripped off (Airfix is unique amongst companies to do this). Perhaps if Hornby put some older toolings into production at sub £100 (lower detail and R&D costs already recouped so possible) and clearly marked them as 'Vintage Classic' locomotives they would sell very well.

[@speleokeir]

Most Railroad are basically old tooled models re-released, although they sometimes upgrade them a bit e.g. the Railroad HSTs

[@dallanschowe8525]

Sonic Models recently did an N gauge version of this loco. Very cool model.

[@bambostarla6259]

Hi sam, I've been watching your videos for about 7-8 years but now I finally bit the bullet and started designing an actual layout. Its an expensive hobby and I never really got around to it until now. Doing the classic 6x4 loop layout but it will do do just run my trains round. Keep up the amazing content!

[@OlivierGabin]

I can't remind the price of mine, bought in 2019, but it seem I paid her around GBP100. For the decoder, I've bought a 8 pin Hatton's socket-only decoder, I did not have fit it yet, but it seems this kind of decoder might fit without removing the weight. Anyway, the model is superb, the level of detail and the quality is still on to by today's standards. the drivetrain is excellent, better than some actual models, not overgeared, and with good performances. Sole problem : the couplers on your own. I can"t remember if this was the case on mine, I was not looking at that in 2019, I decided to go all Kadee far later. Might have not been a problem, but I would check this. It has to be corrected in case of a reissue, and you can put a next-18 socket where the 8 pin one is. A good candidate for a reissue in my opinion, I might be tempted by a BR version if so.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that would sound about right for 2019. Very interesting about the decoder - where abouts does it fit? It sure is wonderful - and a brilliantly simple design too, that's true. Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains The decoder's components sat on a small PCB soldered over the 8 pins, and roughly 1/2mm broader on all sides as the socket itself. It's like a DCC ordinary plug, but with everything you need to have a real PCB. Rails of Sheffield also have some like this, I might even have bought one from them, can't remember...

[@lindaoffenbach]

Always looking forward to a next review Sam 🙂 She certainly looks very nice for the RRP back them. Excellent runner as well. Pity about the imperfections at the back caused by the packaging. One thing we couldn't wrap our heads around tbh, without any intention of wanting to be snarky or anything, is why Hornby did hold on so long to open motor armatures. From continental perspective that's something from many decades ago. Was/is there an advantage we aren't aware of? It seems to us that it would very much vacuum in dust and grime. But there must have been a reason for it. Was it mainly cost, or something we are oblivious about...? Cheerio.

[@rmarsh9387]

I actually got a Pre-Owned J50 from Hatton's last winter and I couldn't be happier. Very weighty, smooth as silk when running, and looked great. Given that I couldn't find them anywhere else I jumped on the chance to get one. So happy I did, he runs the goods on my lil branchline loop now

[@sly123size]

So far i managed to find some j50 Locomotives online and you could still buy some of them and get some of the 3d printed models of it as well to

[@camrondouglas7259]

Id be so absolutely delighted to see you reveiw N scale locos (i am personally running N scale) your reviews are so comprehensive, and your honesty is very helpful! Thanks for the fun Sam!

[@piers995]

A lovely loco. I wonder if you could fit a second hand J50 Hornby chassis and motor to that Lima body?

[@shippingbad]

Fun fact: thomas the tank engine was a j50 for a brief time when he was first illustrated (also built as a wooden toy)

[@davidstrains4910]

Decent review here Sam, it is certainly a nice looking tank engine the J50, haven’t got one myself but may keep a look out for one in the future.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - very cool looking aren't they? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robertlucido3686]

Has there been anything new in TT scale and have there been any updates on your TT scale layout, it's been a while since we last seen anything about that

[@mikeking2539]

Just wondering if a direct 8 pin decoder would fit in without any issues 🤔?

[@stephenchappell7512]

one of my favourites would have loved if one of these had survived perhaps working preserved on the Worth Valley alongside the N2

[@SamsTrains]

I agree Stephen - I really hope they get one finished some time :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stephenchappell7512]

@@SamsTrains I think both 'Lima' and 'Mainline' did versions back in day It wasn't until I much later that I found out that they together with another popular LNER model the Sandringham's (Footballer's) were extinct 😪

[@deviousbadger]

Another vote for GNR liveried version if the tooling allows, and while they're at it, Hornby could also do a GER Blue J15 (or Y14)....

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - wouldn't that be fantastic? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@LetsMakeTracks2023]

Hi sam. Im trying to start up my own model railway channell and I would love to know how you get your newton readings for the locos, If you could point me in the right direction I would be greatful 😁

[@Alextrains502]

I love the j50 to

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely - they're awesome!! :D

[@dalecherne5377]

Lets see if Hornby can now produce the same quality with ALL of their future models after this one!

[@SamsTrains]

I agree - if they did, they'd have a much better reputation! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dh9033]

All very well Sam and this J50 is a worthy runner but what about the new Rapido 15XX? I don't feel like buying a 15XX until I've seen your response and I know others feel the same way too. Cheers 🙂

[@user-eb8ld6kn8t]

Looking forward to you reviewing the rapido 15xx. Presume you've ordered? Best loco I've ever ordered. Expecting a huge score...

[@petersmith4455]

hi Sam great video, pity the clowns at hornby didn't make use of this chassis for the railroad 08 diesel.

[@mynx_uk]

ok so the servicable motor has persuaded me to like this one. oh and i found my mystery loco, its a mikado 4 8 2

[@davidsheriff8989]

Going loco Sam? I watched a guy in US with 2 N guage locos pulling 200 + wagons....have you ever done a maximum test on all locos? Would be an interesting video perhaps...cheers.

[@williamtown4058]

What I want Hornby make again is the Saint Class with a brand new tooling.

[@paulsngaugechannel]

Great video. The J50 was a highly recommended model then and now. I notice often that you have a lot of models in boxes. And wondered if they all had been reviewed. The one’s not boxed are old models or secondhand ones without boxes. Great selection Sam. 🎉

[@johngibson4641]

Hi there Sam ,, what does pregouping mean ? Cheers from John in Australia

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

If Hornby ever did bring this back Sam I would probably get it again. Although I wouldn't pay a high price for it. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

I definitely would, particularly if it was in a pre-grouping livery! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@star86703]

Nice looking loco😊

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Sam! :D

[@drevo50]

From Hornby’s golden period. Superbly designed, specified and well built. Mine, like yours, runs superbly. What a gem.

[@mikeking2539]

A fair bit of coupling droop, would a coupling that is 'cranked' upwards work better?

[@jonathanpan6110]

Yay! The original Thomas!

[@thunder-foxx3463]

Love this review, it’s a real shame Hornby’s value for money doesn’t match up to this anymore. I’d love to see more up to date reviews of old ones you’ve done in the past! I think it would be nice if you did a fresh review on the Bachmann Jubilee “Falkland Islands” it’s the nicest model I own and I’m curious to see what it’s strongsuits are when compared with the modern Samstrains rating system

[@dutchbeef8920]

I do actually like the Lima because you can pick them up cheap and say what you want about the couplings at least Lima managed to get them at the right height. I agree the Hornby looks better though but in contemporary Hornby money this loco would be 150 quid no doubt (and flawed).

[@David_Mattox]

It would probably still be in black, but I would like Hornby to release a version depicting a GNR J23. It would be so nice…

[@SamsTrains]

I'd love that too - maybe we should start a campaign?!? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MatthewsBranchLine]

Hey Sam, as an American, where do you recommend I buy British locomotives and rolling stock? Additionally, which brand makes the best wagons and coaches (at least in your opinion)? Thanks! -Matthew, an amateur collector

[@SamsTrains]

That's tricky! Your best option would be to find a retailer in the US that stocks British models - I understand there's a few that stock Hornby etc. For other British brands, you'll have to find a British retailer that offers the best postage price - I know Hatton's is pretty decent for that, as they ship overseas all the time, but well worth doing a comparison between a few... try The Model Centre, Model Railways Direct, or Kernow! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Sourdo1]

these "looks back: at locos are just an attempt at filling air time. You do a good job of covering up this, so I guess some of your viewers don't care, but it is very obvious to regular subscribed viewers.

[@paulrb894]

Interesting videos but can you do some more diesel or electric trains as we not all interested in streaming 😃

[@scotthamp384]

Have you compared this with the Hornby E2?

[@williamsquires3070]

I’m curious to know if Sam keeps the same wagons in the same order for these reviews, or does he just grab random wagons and couple them up? 😊

[@SamsTrains]

haha no I don't keep them in any special order! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidmolin8944]

Imagine if hornby actually did rerelease the j50 at the same price and quality today

[@dakshanbalaramesh]

The OG Thomas himself! The J50's are real lookers, aren't they? Great review as always Sam, would definitely love to see one in a pre-grouping livery. Wonder what this would be like with an HM7000 decoder, if it's possible to fit one? Also, please do consider reviewing a Hornby Dublo model, would love to see your objective take on the range

[@OwenBudd1]

Thomas isn’t a J50, Thomas is an E2 Class from the LB&SCR.

[@RobA500]

Ha only paid £66 for mine from Hornby's shop. DCC can be done without removing the weight, just use a small direct pin decoder.

[@AtkataffTheAlpha]

The J50 stopped as soon as you pointed at it. It’s like pointing at a dog and it freezes looking at you thinking it did something wrong

[@zacsrailways8020]

Where'd the accurascale 37 go on your ranking?

[@SamBarr-cx5er]

Nice to see it has a powerful skew wound motor, that coupling is a lot more than a little off, needs packing underneath IMO. I personally would not put up with that.

[@williamsquires3070]

(@17:52) - Why is the flywheel fitted with grape jelly??

[@quarrylocomotiveproduction5439]

Hey Sam's trains did you know that Thomas the tank engine was originally based on a J50 tank engine ?

[@levidarling5107]

Hey Sam, the reason why this engine is so popular, is because this very tank engine was supposed to be Thomas the Tank Engine! I know, crazy right? Well, that’s what Awdry wanted him to be, but ultimately stuck with Reginald Payne’s illustration instead. Sort of.

[@spankflaps1365]

Weird how Gresley engines normally had the most beautiful front ends, but the J50 looks like it’s lost an argument with a low bridge.

[@Arkay315]

Greasley's little tanken danken.

[@amagames914]

I have an experimint for u to take the mettal rods from any model and make test with it

[@Blur4strike]

It's always nice to revisit a locomotive to see if it still holds up well after a few years.

[@speleokeir]

Hi Sam, I agree they're nice weighty tank engines with an excellent mechanism. I have a BR one which I bought brand new from Hattons 2 yrs ago for just £59 when they were on sale. Bargain!😀

[@michaelschultz5127]

I'm sure that official that gave this that price was probably caned afterwards.

[@hughoconnor9172]

I recognise the general increase in prices but still think £70+ is a bit extortionate for this loco.

[@michaelschultz5127]

I thought LNER colors were always " a blood an gold stripes colours"

[@FlyingFoxProductions8995]

W

[@SamsTrains]

X

[@jeffheins6624]

I am still on the fence as to whether or not to chip mine or not