Hornby Thomas vs Bachmann Thomas Review: Thomas & Friends Range UK vs USA, Reloaded!

[@leokimvideo]

i have watched this video through a few times, and I am speechless..! if only my model could pull the 6 coaches with ease I would be happy, but as I know my Thomas just loves to show off his wheel spinning ability. now the question i have in my mind is simple if traction tyres are not part of the reason why the hornby Thomas hauls so well what is? why were traction tyres ever needed in the first place? do i own a LEMON Thomas?

[@nicethingsinme]

LOL Thomas Tony 😊☺😇😆😃❤👍👏🚂

[@nicethingsinme]

Go Tony Go

[@Steamer96]

It could of been you old coaches have plastic wheels which cause more friction and make the train harder to pull.

[@owendinostudios1200]

The whole Hornby Thomas series even got a new retail in 2015, but sadly it was canceled

[@urtooslow4415]

@@owendinostudios1200 ye 😔

[@kompst_tu]

Ahh nostalgia. I used to hate these videos because this guy based his tests solely on performance over detail, thus Bachmann lost every time!

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Mmm... Not really a fair or accurate appraisal. Bachmann won handily when it came to Bill and Ben, Edward, and Toby in large part *because* of detail (with him even pronouncing Hornby Toby's superior performance a hollow victory). Bachmann Diesel also won, though by a narrower margin, and Percy wound up being kinda a toss-up thanks to the edge provided by Bachmann Percy's eye mechanism and proper valve gear. And don't forget that in the Thomas, Percy, and James comparisons... the Bachmann models were in many ways *disadvantaged* when it came to detail. All three Bachmann models have solid, blacked-out cabs that you can't stick a crew in, whereas all three Hornby models have proper cabs. Bachmann Thomas and Percy have lousy faces. Bachmann Percy has wonky bunker proportions and no rear windows as a result, plus he weirdly lacks a dummy coupling hook at the rear. And Bachmann James also lost a _lot_ of points for coming with gray wheels and tender axleboxes (as well as the missing black paint on the lower part of the smokebox).

[@leokimvideo]

@Damocles178 as crazy as this sounds i will be doing a follow up video to this one of Simierski, there is a chance the wheels are set incorrectly on my Thomas the part I don't understand is my Thomas will only start to haul only after I add weight to the engine, now to me that points at a traction problem, i don't understand why simierski's non traction tyre Thomas basically performs as good as the one with tyres has simierski got 11 helium filled coaches there?

[@minerofdiamondsboy4337]

Hi Leo so I just want to say it was last year I got lots of model railroad stuff from a close family friend and it is similar to the stuff you grew up with like the controller I use is the tech II trainpower 1400 and well like your old controller I can change directions when the power is applied and power in after short circuits had been applied to the track

[@leokimvideo]

also.. notice that the 3 thumbs down tuber has not struck yet, I have a very strong suspicion this is one person acting across three channels, i get hit every time when I upload sadly a tuber with a sick, twisted and demented mind who only creativity is wrecking others..! i have some very interesting data on this fact!

[@callum110597]

Since I grew up with Hornby, even used a Thomas model from them, I would pick Hornby, but I also love how the Bachmann models look more like the character in the TV series.

[@FlyingPringleJJ]

3:32 whats the engine going behind thomas? i mean the specific model train

[@_chp_]

FlyingPringle it was A. A little 0-4-0 by Hornby or a 0-6-0 by Hornby

[@LBPStrikerInc]

Great how you addressed this issue mate! Again superb quality in the creation of this review including some interesting shots!

[@robkleinherenbrink5690]

3:34 a differents between the coupling hooks. The older one has Grey ones and the newer one has black hooks. Other way round

[@aIex_yz]

I remember watching this a few years ago and I didn't get it back then, but I still liked it

[@AVFCAM]

Mate, these H vs B reviews are ace. keep up the good work, an absolute riot watching them!

[@iron1349]

3:26 Breakfast is ruined!

[@PercyandSailorMoonfan2002]

+Ferris Welker Exactly!

[@almostkentish3042]

look what you've done to our breakfast! now I shall have to cook some more.

[@train4292]

REFERENCE!!

[@icantcomeupwithagooduserna2581]

Thomas Comes To Breakfast in a nutshell

[@icantcomeupwithagooduserna2581]

The house rocked

[@TheVicarstownSentinel]

Very interesting review redo, Simon! I'm surprised that the 2010 Thomas, despite what had been shown in Leokimvideos' video, was still capable of pulling 11 coaches. My vote still goes to the Hornby model, price regardless, as I feel the Bachmann one just doesn't cut it for me. Have you ever considered testing or reviewing the strange 0-4-0 OO Hornby Thomas? That'd be interesting to see, I think.

[@JBofBrisbane]

No, HO and OO models are different scale. Track is same-same (16.5mm gauge).

[@JoeyTurner476]

I'm starting to like these reviews. Will there be a Henry vs Henry or Gordon vs Gordon in the future?

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@trainmaster844 - no, the axleboxes and wheels are black. The silvery look is due to them being metal, chemically blackened, as opposed metal, painted black.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@sparkshot - I think Leo's test was a more than reasonable take on the formula. The main difference is weight distribution, I don't think many models could take 1500 centred in one truck. Across 11 free wheeling coaches, however, it works differently as it obeys the laws regarding conservation of momentum. I'll say this, it slipped for nearly 30 seconds to get it started, but once it got up to speed it was no problem at all.

[@SolmonGTrauth]

I prefer the hornby Thomas because it his closer to the RWS version of him, plus the REV.W.ADWRY approved of the hornby range anyway if you like the TV series then get the bachmann thomas.

[@TehGallopingSausage]

My vote goes to Gordon vs Gordon. Also, I noticed one difference between the two Bachmann Thomases. The 2010 Thomas has pegs behind the front bufferbeam to fit the snowplow that came with the holiday set, something my older Bachmann Thomas lacks. Not sure how important this is to the model in itself, but just something I thought I'd add. :-)

[@theelpanchogods9637]

Judging by the speed of the original Bachman Thomas, i am surprised how much faster my new Bachman one is

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

The Bachmann range has seen motor upgrades since this video was made.

[@JH55000]

when I bought my hornby Thomas just over 10 years ago, it was only £25.

[@ericpierre53]

Nice Gold Ertl Thomas Behind Percy

[@jubileesaranandfriends1492]

Watching The 2 Models Of Thomas Is Making A Traction Tyers And The Centre Wheel Set. The 2008 Thomas Has White Buffers And One Centre Wheel Set Traction Tyers.

[@Bunbiichuffn]

9:44 Springy Buffers! :D Great review. This really showed how different the Thomases are with the change of times.. despite being so much the same. I quite liked the addition of the Bachmann Junior Thomas in the background, though I'm surprised it did not get a mention.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@speedracer456v - we will indeed! Next week perhaps, I have a second 60163 tornado review to get through first.

[@djrockstar9398]

I remember watching your videos as a kid.

[@Thomas__Blue]

This year I need to get a new Bachmann Thomas because my old one bit the dust, partially due to me fiddling with it and I ordered a Hornby Thomas from the early 2000's recently, as it was $50 US dollars w/ free shipping (and. I ordered Annie and Clarribell. And I had the series 1 Hornby trucks a few years ago) while the Bachmann Thomas was just under $38 US dollars.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@trainboy7 - yep. And it was when I filmed it, hence it got the chop.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@TTTEandbigG - it does on certain models. The Bachmann models, no, it tells you date of original entry into the system.

[@Jasonnf1]

Is there anyway possible that u can make a vid on how u could put the same coupler from the back of bachmann Thomas to the front of the train? Pls thank u

[@chrisshackelford9197]

Bachmann is better at making their Thomas trains match in length and width. Also Bachmann Thomas looks more related to the Thomas the tank engine model used in the show. Hornby Thomas doesn't look like it at all.

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

That's because Thomas is supposed to be a modified LB&SCR E2 class, and Hornby retooled their model of the E2 to make him.

[@chrisshackelford9197]

ZeldaTheSwordsman Yeah Thomas was given a shorter body for handling sharp corners. He also can go faster than most E2s, about 60 or 70 mph. He has higher strength limits.

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

No, TV Thomas is shorter because he was based off the shortened appearance in the illustrations by C. Reginald Dalby. As for the speed thing, that's post-S4 writing for ya

[@bobthebrick1988]

Chris Shackelford yeah it does. only the face tho

[@JSmokesII]

Chris Shackelford fuck yeah you're right

[@pandagear6730]

I'm currently having a nostalgia trip and i re-found this video after thinking about what the actual video was for a good 30 minutes to an hour and a lot of searching

[@brandonbaggaley2317]

Next, please compare the Hornby, Bachmann & Lionel versions of the Hogwarts Express. I go for the Bachmann and the Lionel because of 2 reasons. Hornby's model is a Castle Class not a Hall class. The engine that is in the HP movies is 5972 Olton Hall, a Hall class locomotive. Second problem, Hornby forgot to add one detail: Olton Hall's number, 5972.

[@andyalexis10]

Someone knows the name of music at the minute 04:15 please ... !!!

[@trainmaster844]

@CavemanGames - I believe on the G-Scale (or Large Scale) James, the livery has been appropriately applied, but with the same grey wheels and axleboxes...

[@NWRTales1221]

Overall I give the Bachmann Thomas a 10/10 while the Hornby thomas 9.9/10

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

Remember:old is 75% of the time better

[@EuanEchidhog]

Hi there Am surprised how well the 2010 Hornby Thomas performed after watching Leo's vid. Very good vid review there bud ^^ Also, I vote that you do Gordon next! Euan

[@DarthArzenal]

Always love these reviews Simierski. They'll be of significant help to me when it will come to choosing items for my model trains hobby. By the way, d'you know if traction tyres are available as a separate item? I need some for my 1999 Hornby Thomas, who lost his tyres due to my tampering. :(

[@SteamKing2160]

What is funny is that all O Gauge / Scale Lionel trains come with at least 2 - 4 traction tires/tyres depending on the size of the model. If it is a 0-8-0 for example, it only needs two. If it is a 2-6-6-6 Allegheny for example, it needs four. Some models do not have traction tires/tyres even though they can haul a long train easily and that is because all Lionel Command Equipped models (ones I own so far that are from the late 1990's) are made of diecast (even though I own one that has a plastic shell) with very heavy weighted motors and chassis' making the models haul a long train without any problems unless the interior of the engine is clean and has been lubricated with grease and oil.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@SnowflakeTH - it's a mark sparks, the wheels are chemically blackened on the new one. - don't forget to vote chaps, I jumped the gun slightly as I realized I had my dates mixed up!

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@dstu09 - they are Bachmann Branchline replacements (LNER type).

[@hypershadic2014]

i understand that the bachmann thomas isnt as fast or strong but just like its look to the tv series the bachmann thomas is again closer to the series where thomas couldnt pull that big a train and he wasnt extremely fast so if you were going to choose between which engine there are only two faults to the bachmann thomas the buffers are different and the face is off but other than that what you have said everything else is close to the series more than the hornby thomas so in the end its whoever got a higher score so bachmann wins this round just like the first.

[@hypershadic2014]

Charlieignatious I know that if I said other wise it is cause I was in rant mode

[@JSmokesII]

hypershadic2014 Bachmann are even better that you can even modify it with a smoke unit hornby just takes up to much space

[@chanahyun259]

True hornby is trash

[@caboose.20]

11 coaches > 5 coaches, easily. Don't give me that "Thomas couldn't do it in the show" nonsense.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@Legoworks5 - check the wheels to see if any debris is stuck to the flanges.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@Whizzer1 - I used a GNR smokebox door and remove the emily face altogether.

[@dcg12b]

I much prefer the tyres on the Hornby Thomas but I do love to see a model slip when pulling a heavy train. Makes it look much more realistic. :D A very interesting review. As ever I vote for for Henry the Green engine please. :)

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@TMRReturns - not even slightly. I run them into the ground so you don't have to!

[@SaltyVan]

Maybe you could make it a trilogy and really the 2015 Hornby Thomas VS Bachmann LBSC Thomas

[@SteamKing2160]

Also, even though a majority of my Lionel trains have traction tires/tyres, they do not "bump" around the layout thanks to the speed control inside the models. (Ik these are DC not DCC models that you are reviewing, I am just stating that my Lionel models do not bump around my layout whatsoever)

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@EuanEchidhog - cheers chap, mind I think both Leo and my reviews are correct in what they say. I think the viewer needs to look carefully at the two sets of footage and observe the different trains in action.

[@bertiethebusfan14]

you could have done the two bachmann model to see if any difference with the 2008 and 2010 models

[@Damocles178]

Well this certainly proved to be very interesting. From what I heard from Leo's video I expected the non-tyre Thomas to be a terrible performer in comparsion to the one with tyres but after seeing this I now realize the differences between the two are quite minor though still giving each a distinct advantage; one can pull more comfortably and the other is faster though I imagine 11 coaches is still pretty good for most modelers. Though I do agree that Hornby could consider doing some updating.

[@BramGroatFilms]

Which review does Stephen make a cameo in, and wonder whether he should be there?

[@baxter22071990]

@sgprailfan theres a dark blue engine in the background of some shots, which is sold under the "bachmann junior" line of train sets, it just so happens to be the body casing on which bachmann based their thomas model on, hence "bachmann junior thomas"

[@WTT_321]

Will you use the new Thomas team to do the Tug of War challenge or still keep the old Thomas team to take the lead?

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@leokimvideo - You could well own a Lemon, but it may be a simple case of the setup of the model's chassis being slightly out. I've watched your Hornby Fail video a few times today, I think I know what the problem is, but it's difficult to be sure at this point. However, I do think the train, the track, and the weight has a significant bearing on what a model can or can't take easily.

[@garge7676]

it really depends on where you live, canada, USA, amrica etc chose bachman, UK etc, hornby

[@mixedtrafficproductions9371]

I find it hilariously ironic that the traction tyre Thomas was attributed for its performance and praised for its tyres on its center wheel set but the 2010 Thomas performs just as well under the same coach load and is also faster.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@FireWizard1000 - no they haven't...Hornby have, Bachmann haven't. They have, however, made a 57xx in their bachmann branchlines range.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@Damocles178 - There definitely needs to be some updating of the "look". I think the white footplate would go some way to making it look more "Thomas-like", in terms of shape, size and proportion.

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

Man… remember when a Bachman Thomas once cost $50?… those were the days… nowadays your lucky to find one under $100.

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Yeah, the range is price-gouged to hell now.

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

@@ZeldaTheSwordsmanoh absolutely… to be fair though, at least the Bachman engines have gotten a few tuneups that make them a bit more reliable. I have 2 brand new 2020 built Bachman Edward’s and they both preform wonderfully. James, Gordon, and Henry do as well. Ironically my 4 Thomas models have the most issues as it seems the pickups on the Bachman Thomas are kind of… horrible. My grandfathers layout is able to run all of the other engines but my Thomas’s stutter and barley run unless at full speed. They only run fine of EZ track which is rather annoying.

[@speedracer456v]

I'm still going Gordon for the next review. I noticed that Henry's last coach was from the USA tour Flying Scotsman, so will we be seeing a review of it one wonders?

[@dcgitz]

@Lightninging63 Heck yeah! I espescially want to see the Pre-Kipper version of Bachmann Henry! Isn't everyone excited?! ISN'T EVERYONE EXCITED?!?! Reply to me after you read this!

[@brandonbaggaley2317]

Don't forget the shipping costs if you live in the U.S.A. Bachmann Thomas can be no shipping cost at all because it's sold in stores. The Hornby Thomas shipping cost is $84.70 in the United States, making it its original retail price. If, Loinel and Bachman team up against Hornby, Lionel would make bigger O scale version of Bachmann's standard gauge engines and Bachmann would do the Narough gauge engines. As well, they would make a Blue Mountain Quary piece as well as the steamworks.

[@SkarloeyRailway01]

Well done. :) I think that in general Bachmann is much better value for the price you pay. I vote Emily vs. Emily!

[@FullArcher05]

Do a reload of this video with the 2016 models

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@dcgitz - difficult to say at this point, but it's a two horse race between Gordon and Henry I would have thought.

[@brandonbaggaley2317]

There is a special edition Bachmann Thomas that has his snowplow. The set that he comes with also includes the snowplow and a Santa hat.

[@thommobris]

Very surprised & intrigued by what differences there are now with hornby thomas. My vote goes for Salty, given I'd voted Henry in the previous review.

[@ChrisTomson]

@trainboy7 It'd be a stalemate pretty much, since the two models haven't changed much

[@BramGroatFilms]

Great Review! btw, who is that dark blue tank engine that resembles Thomas which keeps appearing in the review?

[@Damocles178]

You're right about the Hornby Thomas being too expensive but I suppose it's worth paying for him if people want something more akin to the RWS as well as a surprisingly good motor but it is ridiculous for him to have such a high price tag for such an old model :) I've noticed Hornby has withdrawn several of their characters I wonder if this means they plan to release new and improved versions.

[@bertiethebusfan14]

something esle on the bachmann thomas needs updating and percy and james need this as well the front tension lock coupling

[@thegreencaterpillar]

I saw ertl gold Thomas at 5:05!!!!

[@thegreencaterpillar]

+Jonah Snyder It was made in 1995 for Thomas's 50th anniversary!

[@SkyMelon-wc1fx]

Never knew they made this

[@PepsiTrain26]

Both models are good but the 2015 Hornby Thomas is the best Thomas model in the OO/HO range for me

[@DangerAngelous]

Something I'm thinking about is with either Hornby or Bachmann T&F which one fits best scale-wise with their respective brands(and opposing ones) representations of real engines, just a thought for the future

[@Berryboi63]

I really liked the Bachman one better but I love the Hornby face

[@ToastTheThe]

Yeah the faces on the Hornby engines look really good but the Bachmann model itself looks more TV series accurate while the Hornby model looks like a weird mix between Railway Series and TV

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

That's because when Hornby made their Thomas Britt Alcroft was running Thomas' show and kicked Hornby up the rear until they got the face right, whereas by the time of the Bachmann model various pressures had pushed her out of that position and Bachmann were left to have inexperienced hands try to sculpt a 3D version of the already-off-model early 2000s promo art face.

[@dcgitz]

When is the next review coming out? I can't wait another day!

[@GWShunter]

Great review! I was wondering, as I have only been collecting Hornby (When I can anyways) for 2 years, and I still am not sure when my models were made. Does the white text on the bottom tell you when the model was made? Sorry for a stupid question, I haven't really been fully exposed by Hornby, as I live in the states and collect more bachmann. I was just wondering when my Thomas was made.

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@SONBoomer - not a warship - work in progress class 29 ;) Similar shape mind! Both NBL.

[@NewController01]

Have you got any of the pre 90's Hornby Thomas models? like the in my video of Prototype Hornby Thomas

[@Bunbiichuffn]

@simierski Dates for what? And I think I'll vote for Henry again, or (if you're taking votes for this one) for the Day of the Diesels Bachmann vs Hornby review you've talked about doing a while ago. : )

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@JH55000 - it was that exact price I bought my 2008 thomas for, from a box shifter. Guess those days are gone...

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@TrainMasterDec1227 - I do explain it quite clearly in this very video.

[@railmodler8572]

Try ehattons last time i checked they stock the Hornby Thomas range. I have seen a user from the U.S' video where they said they got a loco from ehattons. So I'm guessing they ship to the U.S.

[@christopherbellamy639]

Hi I live in the UK and I would like to know if I should replace the hornby one I own with the Bachmann ones or stick to the hornby ones

[@JintySteam1]

it is amazing what traction tires do but they make a mess of your track

[@SnowflakeTH]

At 2:07 do both chassis' have traction tyres? Looks like it's a mark, or lighting. Anyway, a curious review. Suprised it was delivered so quickly too, good job on that!

[@Damocles178]

@leokimvideo Yes Traction is very important; there must be a problem with the model itself but it could also be down to the age of the stock you have too it might need a bit of oiling or something; I was just thinking that when Simierski mentioned oiling wheels on stock :) I actually have a Class 08 Hornby Diesel shunter in Battlezone livery; it's a military styled train set but as time wore on the chassis became very jumpy but initially it was a smooth runner; I'd actually like to fix that 08

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@Lightninging63 - don't forget to vote chaps, I jumped the gun slightly as I realized I had my dates mixed up!

[@mattmcfarland9544]

a very big pity because the Hornby Thomas models are discontinued within of 2014. my Bachmann pulled the same load as I told you a thousand times. my Bachmann model is dying and I wanted to replace it with the Hornby model but I looked it up and its been discontinued. the only Hornby models avatable are Percy, duck, Oliver , Gordon, henry James and Edward.

[@railfanskecil3144]

Ti

[@Britishrailwaystories]

@Bachmannmodeler - don't forget to vote chaps, I jumped the gun slightly as I realized I had my dates mixed up!

[@TheRealGalaxyExpress999]

If you chop off the bachmann thomas face and replace with a CGI face from the wooden range, it looks fantastic, So bachmann for Thomas

[@train4292]

Wait a minute the ending was A bit confusing did Hornby Thomas win again?

[@HARRYMALLARD]

I love that word "sheer" do you?

[@mariobest93]

Why would we need a Thomas that can pull 11 mk1 coaches, when he wasnt designed for that purpose? Thomas wasn't built to pull 11 mk1 coaches. He was not built to pull heavy loads. He's not an express engine. He's just a little shunting engine.

[@MrComedy01]

I have the 1985 Hornby Thomas with his RWS Face, still in perfect condition

[@Britishrailwaystories]

Absolutely on the money there Beanmeister, the Bachmann models are significantly underpowered, with the exceptions of the latest additions to the range (Donald/Douglas/Duck, which are more powerful and heavier than the rest of the range). The longevity of the motors is an interesting one, my Bachmann Gordon lasted less than six months but none of the others show signs of slowing down.

[@modernphotographer]

Gordon, Henry, Duck and Oliver :D

[@capmodesty]

That Hornby Thomas is far too expensive, I remember when James was that price and with mould degradation beginning to set in a second hand version would be the ideal choice so long as it is a good runner that's been maintained. My vote for next time is for Gordon.

[@Stuingtion]

Do you have to redo all the team tug of wars with the newer Thomas trains then?

[@theclaybird2002]

Aside from the face and the lighter wheels, the two Hornby Thomas's are the same, right?