Incredible New Oxford Rail WW1 Boche Buster Train Pack Unboxing & Review

[@williambabcoke248]

I love how this costs less than the 1361, and this includes a bigger locomotive and a massive railgun.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - it's crazy isn't it?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@chaz4512]

@@SamsTrains this railgun and Dean goods is amazing,I want to buy one of these 😃

[@Embitteredoldcurmudgeon1468]

The shell track that you swapped round will block any elevation of the gun if it runs right up to the breech, so I think the original position was correct. Newsreel footage and photos appear to bear this out.

[@scaone27]

Remember to load the gun the breech would have to be opened so the original way round would be correct .

[@rvlougdon9500]

Usually you would have a dolly between the rack and breech. It moves to allow for load operation and recoil

[@davids82605]

Also, notice how the camo pattern blends in the original position, and absolutely NOT the other way around

[@davidgapp1457]

I don't even own a railway set and I'm drawn to this channel like a moth to a flame. Absolutely brilliant, thank you!

[@Billy_The_Dog]

Interesting history. This gun, was built buy EOC (Armstrong) as one of a pair for the Japanese Battleship Yamashiro, but they were rejected in favour of similar guns from Vickers. Due to being designed to fit inside a battleship turret, whilst the breech on Boche Buster opened to the right, the gun on Scene Shifter opened to the left which was a rarity for British Artillery. And yes, the carriage that the gun was placed on, was reused in WWII for an 18 inch artillery piece left over from the cancelled N3 battleships, also carried the name Boche Buster.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for this Billy - interesting stuff! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@victorwesley2725]

🇬🇧 Launches a 14-inch, 2,500-pound TEA BAG☕. And the target is: BERLIN

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! All of it! ;D

[@vectorbrony3473]

Any excuse for the Generals to move their drinks cabinets a few feet closer to Berlin

[@heiderichvladimir7341]

*sits in Berlin with a cup of hot water* the ride should start any moment now...any moment

[@nwrailfan2465]

@@SamsTrains do you have any duplex locos you could run,I have that exact radius curve but ho scale about a month ago I picked up a rivarossi mallet it's from like,1983 and runs beautifully the date the model was built on is actually on the box

[@martinpattison5110]

Now the target should be Brussels.

[@KMACKTIME]

I’d like to see a Gustav cannon model from WWII

[@SamsTrains]

Me too, that’d be crazy! :D

[@irishtrains1396]

Yeah, but they would have to scale down a model of it because if they made it like to scale based on the locos size it wouldn't be able to pull it.

[@LogHAHAHAHA]

@@irishtrains1396 ?

[@oliknow]

@@irishtrains1396 why? The Nodel "Schwerer Gustav" was a Railway Cannon BUT it could not be transported on Track in one piece. The Cannon was constructed at the site of use, transported deconstructed by Train. The fully build Cannon used double Tracks for it's firing Curve and was dragged by two large V188 Locomotives. Fully constructed it would just be scenery.

[@BMMEC6000]

@@irishtrains1396 you don’t understand anything about models don’t you. If you were to scale down the cannon then you would have to scale down the locomotives that pull it. Also it was pulled by more than one locomotive.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

Some really impressive models! I saw the Dean Goods not too long ago, and it amazed me how good the model's cab is, it felt like being at Swindon again! The livery and the howitzer's camouflage is very well applied and I could see these fitting in well on a WWI railhead layout. Edit: I believe the ammunition sled was actually mounted the right way around; The sled stops short of the gun breach so the cranes can be used to feed in the shells at different heights - Otherwise the gun would need to be perfectly aligned every time it fired and it might damage the tray with the weapon's hydraulic recoiling. Still, though, excellent review, and I applaud doing loading gauge tests like that on rolling stock!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Rocky, ooh cool, so the cab looks accurate then? Yes you’re right about the sled, I looked it up too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

@@SamsTrains Oh yes - The preserved one has a little platform between loco and tender, so you can get a look at the footplate without having to clamber up the steps yourself, strangely, the driver's side of the roof had steam heating pipes. Weird considering how open the rest of the cab was, especially if you went tender first. And like a lot of 19th century GWR locos, the folding seat for the driver is out from underneath the little bit of roof and you can't reach the controls from there. Victorian engine designers made some interesting ergonomic choices, didn't they? And I wonder if the ammunition sled being detachable is a possible plug for a 'Munitions Wagon Train Pack' sometime in the future :P

[@davidbugler4597]

17.45 I believe the metal frames, as well as the 'handrails' along the top, were to support camouflage netting. 17.55 The big handwheel was, as you say, part of the fine aiming mechanism -- the gun could be adjusted two degrees left/right by using that handwheel to slew the top carriage across the muzzle-end span bolster. It would of course have to be re-centred for proper balance before the gun was attached to a train for movement, given that the barrel alone weighed 86 tonnes. And yes, it was a gun, not a howitzer. In a naval mount -- with full power-assisted loading and pointing -- it could fire 2 rounds a minute, but with manual loading and aiming that would be more like 1 round every two or more minutes. But it could upset people calmly eating lunch more than 20 miles away, which is a pretty mean thing to do. Excellent review of a fascinating model, as usual.

[@e-mananimates2274]

I like how the code contains the word "BOOM." Also, imagine if an engine like that was on Sodor and told stories of the railgun.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - I can imagine it too!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Kanjilearner]

As long as that engine isn't Benson from Victor Tanzig's _The Stories of Sodor._

[@traingamer2037]

ATTENTION ATTENTION.- Benson

[@trainfan998]

Ok, if you have this train set, you need to have a bachmann diesel carry the gun around their layout. Come on, someone has to have done that already.

[@yourfriendlyneighbourhoodb2688]

@@Kanjilearner might be a good idea to keep Peter away from it too. Might stop him shooting hospitals 🤷🏼

[@solar_9878]

do you know what I see? James joined the military, cut off his front bogey cuz he thinks its useless, gets repainted (basically goes through a giant character arc) and just hauls this big chongus gun and blasts the naughty boys and girls away

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

Thinking about it, I think the reason they manage to make their models so cheap is their priorities. They don't remove the seams, they put the metal where it's the most useful but need the least detail, so the castings can be cheap, they add all the extra details that they can do cheaply, and they commit to decent quality mechanisms. I bet sanding off those seams before painting would be several man hours by a minimum wage intern, which would hike up the prices, so they decide to just leave it and make up for it by adding other features. What do you think? Does this seem like a decent explanation as to why they can afford to sell them cheap?

[@Planestrains-d5e]

I bought one of these a few years ago in anticipation of finally setting up a new layout and in the last few weeks have finally gotten around to it - and oh dear! The initial layout is just a 6x4 on a hardwood table with cork track bed. I set the loco to run in and it was fine - quiet and pretty quick. A good smooth runner- until I hooked up the rail gun. It performed another couple of circuits and then stopped dead. Investigation time - the engine is humming and vibrating but to all intents and purposes as dead as a dodo. As it’s out of warranty I decided to be a bit less than gentle and got it running again, back to the same standard as before. However, it has derailed a couple of time and, each time it does, the loco jams up again. The only conclusion I can have is that there’s something a bit off on the tolerances of the gears that causes a jam if the loco gets into a situation it doesn’t like. So I’m really not that impressed, even with this ‘new and improved’ Dean Goods.

[@H_chapman17]

Great video sam why not run it with a Q1 or a WD 2-8-0 Many thanks Harry

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Harry - you absolutely could do!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelgarofalo6231]

Harry Chapman mainly due to when those two loco’s were built in comparison to this one?

[@Penguig]

@@michaelgarofalo6231 but going by sam's running sessions I don't think he really minds if they are from different time periods

[@michaelgarofalo6231]

MOTHER RUSSIA fair enough.

[@ashleywilson14282]

I love your videos!!!!!

[@tryffan-ddu009-layout9]

Hi Sam, I bought the plain painted WWII Gladiator as mine is a WWII layout. Your review is spot-on. The field gun is the most fantastic bit of kit. Everyone comments on the field gun and wants to see it running. It has its own siding alongside the Ambulance Train. A great section of my layout. Thanks Sam, brilliant review. J.T.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much -yeah it's amazing isn't it? Still so impressed by these! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@JamesSmithStudios]

This is the best thing to ever come out of Oxford Rail! The Karki Dean Goods was beautiful, and that Rail Gun was flawless in every way! Great review Sam! Can’t wait for more!

[@SamsTrains]

I think so too James - it's incredible - even the loco yeah!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jmream2618]

Sam'sTrains @5:23 looks like the locomotive that James The Red Engine is based off of

[@cjperkinsboy1293]

Hmm shiny dome Hmm James

[@raymonddavidson1237]

10/10 wonderful what else can one say....well done Oxford.......

[@francora4763]

That railgun is gigantic! Let's hope Oxford rail does a garratt with this level of quality. It would be a dream for me.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that’d be awesome, I’d love if they did that!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@233kosta]

You mentioned the cannon recoils in its mounts, so I would assume there has to be some clearance between the breech and the loading rail to allow it to move freely.

[@MilkDrinker218]

“It’s a long way to Tipperary, it’s a long way, to go~”

[@SamsTrains]

Love it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Scrambledggman]

R u Irish like me 🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮

[@MilkDrinker218]

No, I’m afraid.

[@Scrambledggman]

@@MilkDrinker218 ok

[@CindyDijkema]

"to the sweetest girl i know!"

[@peterforden5917]

They were built (it and its Sister Gun', 'Scene shifter' ) during ww1 and were found by 'accident' refubished and put to use, two land based guns Winnie and Pooh were also found somwhere, they were all Naval guns.

[@TracksideStudios06]

The amount of detail on it is just incredible! (And a little overwhelming). Quite a short running board the loco has, it looks a bit unusual that way. The livery is really cool though. Great job!

[@SamsTrains]

I agree - I'm blown away by this! You're right, the Deans are odd looking things! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TheRealEasyA]

Railway guns are very interesting part of railway history and war history as well. Germany was very fond of railway artillery. During WWII they had the Krupp K5 railway gun which was one of the most effective of railway guns not too dissimilar to this one. The guns were huge and the Germans would often build special tunnel bunkers that were hidden to push the gun, an engine and some ammo trucks in. The allies had difficulty finding them because the gun and crew would pop out of the bunkers, shoot about 8 shells, and then quickly scoot back in out of the view of allied air and recon. They also would put out dummy guns in the nearby rail yards for display and simulate muzzle flash in order to trick and decoy allied fighters and recon. There's actually allied footage of an attack on a decoy gun. Just an incredible set you have there, and yeah. Do get a dedicated siding for it. You can use it as a museum piece as there is one of the K5 guns here in the U.S. on display.

[@SamsTrains]

Wow that’s fantastic Alex, I wonder whether any modellers have ever depicted that before?! Thanks a lot for the info! Cheers, Sam :)

[@Kris-qy7hh]

A 14-inch railgun?! Wow! The King George V class battleships for the Royal Navy of WW2 used 10 14-inch guns as their main armament! Now that’s firepower! The shells literally weigh 1 ton!

[@SamsTrains]

Haha wow, yeah it’s bonkers isn’t it?! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@billylauwda9178]

Well, the one on HMS King George and her sister ships haves a calibre of 50. While that raulway gun probably 25-30 not sure. I just use ny finger and a screenshot to measure it.

[@johngoody7220]

Nope They use 13.5 Inch Guns The BL 14 Inch Guns Were Use By The Chlliean Navy On The Battleship Almarante Latorrie Which Was In Royal Navy service In WW1 As HMS Canada

[@kompstdog2509]

To me, it doesn't matter what flaws it has. This loco is beautiful and looks like it's worth more than it costs! There is so much intricate detail on these models for the price, it's what I call, a steal. :)

[@SamsTrains]

That's fair enough - it certainly is superb in my opinion! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Auri713Real]

You shuold rewiew Lego trains just for fun and compare them with hornby trains😂

[@SamsTrains]

haha great idea!! :D

[@dddf27]

Yes i aggree

[@Bittern19]

Yes

[@sonicrail5253]

that's a great idea!

[@gunner678]

Each to their own I think. It's nice to have a little demarcation.

[@LawrenceTimme]

Top class piece of kit. Oxford rail have knocked it out the park with this and it's going to be extremely hard to beat. I think Oxford rail are the best £/quality and performance manufacturer by a long way ATM. The big companies seriously need to up there game in both quality and price.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree Lawrence, how will they top this?! They certainly are - can’t wait to see what else they come up with! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@LawrenceTimme]

@@SamsTrains you review was also top class on this. I'm glad you went into so my depth to show clearance issues and how it went through points and curves as well as the excellent b roll showing the detail against the white screen.

[@gh0sttz797]

This is so astonishing and satisfying seeing that gun go across the tight points

[@SamsTrains]

I know!! Can you believe that?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hiya Sam, very nice to see, I really want a WW2 one, but don't know, they were moved around by a Maunsell diesel shunter looking very like an 08. But I agree, its stunning. Oxford Rail are indeed leading the way and I am yet to have a bad experience with them. Very glad to see you using a Gauagemaster controller, you can now enjoy the 'real life' feel of driving locos up and down hill and adding or reducing speed just like the real thing and have nice smooth safe operation, good call. Great video.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Mike, me too - love them! That’s very true actually - it is more realistic - though I’m used to them ‘driving themselves’ during filming ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@leilacentral1883]

What a train pack! Big fan with how Oxford Rail are producing models especially the price for the quality. That recoil is phenomenal in real life. The overhang and clearance of that gun is hilarious but awesome at the same time. Great review as always am. Clint at Leila Central.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Clint, I’m a big fan too -superb! Really glad you liked this! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@VenTheRen5757]

There's a show called the great model railway challenge. One team had a rail gun that succesfully fired smoke!!! i was blown away! :0

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I remember seeing that - it's very impressive! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jackclarke1220]

How about as a animation project with the railgun firing on some pesky Heljan engines? (O4 Tango I'm looking at you!)

[@SamsTrains]

haha I'd certainly enjoy that! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@flynnbolam]

Please can you do a review and unboxing video of the Hornby 43209 tank engine (0-4-0 version of the E2 tank engine)

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds pretty epic Flynn - I'll look for one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@flynnbolam]

@@SamsTrains I have one, I have a couple of videos on it if you want to check them out. :D

[@SpottingWithSam]

you know how you have made a Blitz video? Make a WW1 Video! because these are WW1 Stock! just a Idea! Sam :D

[@SamsTrains]

That would be epic, great idea Sam! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@monsoonidiot]

From the tiny bit of research I decided to do and the very slight bit of Naval knowledge I have, The BL 14 inch (356mm) naval gun was a decently popular (I think) naval gun for some Dreadnoughts. (New York class and New Mexico class are the only dreadnoughts I know with them.) They were also used post WW1 on the King George the V class in a 2x4 and 2x2 configuration. The 14inch guns were the BL 14 inch Mk VII. The 13.5 (Other gun from the same website) were also pretty common. They were mounted on the Orion class and Iron Duke class of Dreadnoughts. That's about all I know. There are some surviving examples of the BL 14 inch guns (Not the railway guns) today. For me, most notably is the 14 inch guns mounted on the USS Texas.

[@monsoonidiot]

1x2 instead of 2x2*

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks for sharing my friend, appreciate that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rydermike33]

A wonderful train-pack and great review Sam. Many thanks. Oxford certainly seem to be setting the standard don't they!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Mike - that's very true - seems they can do no wrong with their OO railway stuff! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rockhopperpenguin7141]

Upon seeing this I immediately bought a model of the 'Gladiator' railway gun for myself. Also the thing you swapped round was in the right position as ammo would be placed on that from a munitions carriage behind the gun.

[@michaelking2568]

well u never fail to make me smile

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Michael! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sgkingly8392]

The part that you flipped round was correct the way oxford put it on. I had a look at reference photos and plans of the real thing and there is a distinct gap between that and the gun breech and it overlaps over the edge of the mounting.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I looked it up afterwards too - I'm not sure why that would be! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jackamus_prime5062]

One little GWR 0-6-0 tender engine can't pulled one biggest heaver railgun to get the top Gordon hill that is impossible said James the red engine!😂

[@SamsTrains]

haha - it was pretty close to not making it! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ellisdiggle1523]

Just a quick note Sam, the ammunition rail on top of the railway gun was the right way round originally. The crane would be used to hoist the shells from the ammo wagons onto the small truck and the other crane would hoist the shell into the gun breech. If the small truck fed the shells into the gun directly, the gun would be unable to elevate. Other than that it's all good.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're absolutely right - I checked against some images after the review - it's definitely a non-issue! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GothicSteamEngine96]

I love me some WW1 rolling stock! Its such a tempting train pack to buy!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh I know - I can highly recommend it anyway!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ItAbel-xy3xk]

Hi Sam I went on the 621 Duke of Edinburgh yesterday. I was at my grandparents house because they live near the station and we heard a horn. They said they heard a whistle before I came. Then we left and as we arrived at the station we heard the diesel horn again. We went onto a good viewing and saw the SAR 500 class diesel roll into the station (it shunts for the steam engine) We waited at the station and soon saw and heard the 621 storm round the corner. It coupled and I got on the first coach closest to the steam engine. It departed and after a lovely coastal track ride we arrived at Victor Harbour. The engine uncoupled and it reversed back to the turntable. I got to the turntable as quickly as possible to see it go down the track, go on the switch and turn around. I got some photos of it on the turntable. I then went back to the station and got on the train, and we had chips as the train departed. We got back to the station (Goolwa) and I greeted the driver. It was a lovely (very cold) day and I can't wait for the next ride I have on it! Great video by you, the rail gun looks amazing!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh wow that sounds like a superb day, with some great trainspotting too! Can't beat chips can you?! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@matthawkins1771]

Sam this is such an amazing set, thanks for sharing it!

[@SamsTrains]

My pleasure Matt, I loved doing this one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rexremedy1733]

The weird bogie construction helps to negotiate very tight curves. As they had tight curves behind the battle lines to adjust the howitzer direction without having to move the car too long distances. The handwheel was used to lift the mouth of the gun. Yes, the sled helps to move the ammunition.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely Rex - and it works remarkably well too! :O Thanks a lot for confirming all of the queries! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rexremedy1733]

Sam'sTrains you are welcome! In germany, very similar railguns were used and I have seen films from the time showing how it works... Although very big weapons, they failed to have any substantial impact in both wars, as the support logistics were tremendous and very easily disrupted by enemy forces. One occasion a much bigger rail gun was used was in Stalingrad.

[@evalpenguin8797]

dam you youtube recommendations, i already throw all my money at 40k, i can't afford a new hobby... ... maybe just the boche buster... yes just *one*

[@SamsTrains]

haha go for it - they're awesome!!! :D Merry Christmas, Sam :)

[@lavawolf666]

if we take in consideration how the shell rail is painted it goes in the other way, the camo need to match the camo on the main body, also i think will obstruct the movement of the canon, by hithing the bridge

[@ross5361]

Wow I Thought the engine wont work cause of the Original dean goods But Wow! :D

[@SamsTrains]

It crossed my mind too - but it was miles better! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrBnsftrain]

I went into my local model train store which sold hornby for a couple of years now, and it also had some Oxford Rail warwell wagons with steamroller loads for $64 each (which is more expensive than the price on Hatton's, and is more than this railgun's RRP) In America, there was a large railgun produced by various manufactuers from the 70s or so until about 2014, and it resembles this Oxford railgun a lot (but not as detailed, has only 8 axles. and is shorter than my IHC passenger cars)

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey that is pretty expensive - I’ve noticed those aren’t as cheap as the rest of Oxfords stuff too! That sounds cool, I’ll have to check that out! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@andrewchapman2039]

They had a license to print money with this model set and decided to hand it out at bargain prices. Hats off to them!

[@dodgem9012]

Hi Sam, Just watched your video and according to Oxford rail the footplates although a tight fit are actually removable. When I went to purchase this gun I noticed part of the description on the UK retailers website read 'removable footplates', so I emailed Oxford and they comfirmed it and explained the footplates are designed for removal when running the gun and fitted when displayed static.

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting - I hadn't realised that! That's very handy then! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam Wow nearly 50k wow I miss my Oxford rail Dean goods It had too many issues for me at time Swapped it for a 72xx The gun could feature in a story for Nov 11 or ttte stories you use to do. Only an idea Keep safe arp

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Adi, I'm amazed by that! Yes the motors in the old ones were not good - this ROD one has a brand new type of motor used, and they're miles better, as you can see! I agree - it'd be great for that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Bahamas-rd8le]

On the rail where you thought they stored the ammo, it isn’t used to put the shells in. It is in fact used to take them out. As a bullet leaves a gun, there is a cartridge thing that gets left behind and that will have to be taken out.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh duly noted! Thanks very much for the extra info, appreciate it! Cheers, Sam :)

[@Bittern19]

3:07 wow 😯👍👍👍👍😁😁

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! :D

[@John73John]

That is an amazing rail gun! Watching it bend itself through those points forward and backward just made my day!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh me too John, I was utterly amazed it managed that - I have 4-wheel wagons that derail on those points! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rstowers7899]

Him: Classic ww1 train pack Me: hell yeah war on the rails

[@SamsTrains]

haha for sure!! ;D

[@mariebcfhs9491]

Get a Krupp K5(E) Leopold so the Boche buster has an opponent, the Baguette buster!

[@TheCarDemotic]

Marie BCFHS I’ve seen the Krupp K5 irl

[@garywheeler7039]

I am impressed that you were able to make a usable attic space out of a house with a truss roof. Its rather unique looking. In the US the spacing is 24 inches on center and the space barely usable.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Gary! Ahh yeah 24 inches wouldn't be great - but I bet these aren't far off that!! Happy New Year, Sam :)

[@Layton_Nando]

Sam i cant ser your videos and lives between september and june

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey! How come mate?! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@colinlangford6258]

Hi Sam great videos. Gun carriage was correct at the rear as received. Shells were loaded onto carriage by cranes, then moved forward to the breach. Cheers, Col.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Col - yes you're right about that, I checked after filming! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SpottingWithSam]

Ohh Golly Goodness! look out where you aim that Sam! :0 Dont wanna Hit New Zealand!! :0 XD What a Superb Model! :D Loved the Video! Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Haha I know - it’s crazy stuff! ;D

[@abnavyguy46]

Rail guns are just in general fascinating. The size of the guns mounded on the large rail frames was no easy task. It's nice to see that the makers of this rail gun took the time and figured out the articulation on the sets of wheels to handle curves on a layout.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree, they’re very interesting indeed! Yes it’s clear that a lot of careful consideration went into the model - and that really pays! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@williamhawkes7437]

hiya Sam, great reveiw as always and I am ordering one of these as we speak as a result of this review, from Oxford Rail. The sled was, in fact, reversible on the original gun and this was to allow for ammo to be loaded on AND off the gun as there were concerns about the ammo exploding while the train was in motion. secondly the seam you mention on the barrell, is, in fact, an accurate feature. This occurred because the two sides of the barrel were cast separately and then welded together after the casting and skimming. I hope this helps. Please excuse my absence of recent times ....I have got married!!!!

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear William - really hope you enjoy it mate! That's very interesting - nice that you can reverse it on the model too then!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pencilpauli9442]

The double bogie on a primary bogie would help the railgun negotiate bends and points really well. Great stuff thanks I didn't know about this rail gun at all so will have to research it further. Can imagine it would have some munition wagons and another engine at the rear

[@gunner678]

I do like that. Many years ago I built a 1/72 scale kit of the K5 Leopold railway gun and I converted it to run on 00 track. Then 20 years ago I built a Marklin gauge 1 set in my garden. Remembering the gun from years ago, I built one from scratch using plywood for the body and a snooker cue for the barrel, mounted on adapted Marklin flatbeds, all finished and sprayed up in German western front camouflage. Bought some Britain's Germans as crew and we were away. My young son and I had had many a happy hour playing with that beast. It presently sits in a display case waiting for someone to play with it. Any offers, 040 Luzie tank Locomotive included? Breech not door old chap, and they are ammunition hoists (or crane or union purchase)! Nice review and a lovely model. By the way, what I did with my railway gun (rail gun is something quite different ) is make a tunnel and kept it in there, guarded by some WW1 soldiers, ready to pop out and fire. It appeared from nowhere and disappeared as quickly, very impressive.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Matthew - that sounds fantastic, probably much more impressive to say you built it by hand! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@martinsims1273]

I believe I'm right in saying that "Boch buster" "lived" on the Elham Valley railway line, down towards the south of England (can't remember the exact location of this line 'though), but I do know that it was intended for coastal defence (in case we were invaded). It wouldn't reach France, it's range was 19 miles, but apparently it was only fired (for practice) 5 times, as the blast broke windows in the nearby villages up to a mile away. The line was double track, but the military took over one track to house the gun, which was kept inside a tunnel when not in use, to hide/protect it from the enemy. And you're right about the curved track: these "super heavy" guns, as they were known, were so powerful that the traverse on the barrel had to be restricted to 2 degrees either side of centre, to prevent the recoil from knocking the gun carriage sideways off the track. In order to aim this type of gun, they were placed on a specially laid, steadily curved spur of track, and always had a loco in attendance. To aim, the whole gun carriage was shunted along the curve until the barrel was pointing in the right direction (using compas bearings & map). Then the 2° traverse either way was used for fine tuning the aim.

[@martinsims1273]

P.s: if you wanted to accurately house this gun on your layout, either build a tunnel to hide it in (bit of a shame to do that though, hiding it where nobody will see it), or build a steadily curved firing spur for it. I believe the real world ones were about 1/4 mile long, but like most other things on a model layout, that would highly likely have to be a compromise because of available space. :-)

[@martinsims1273]

Oh, and the line is near Folkestone.

[@edbridges1164]

Boche Buster was Housed in Bourne Park Tunnel on the Elham Valley Railway in East Kent! It was Fired a few times! I believe it was also used during WWII and fired at German Occupied France

[@SamsTrains]

Oh I didn't know that - I thought they were scrapped after WW1! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@edbridges1164]

@@SamsTrains if its the same one there is a short Video of it on here called "Boche Buster (1941)" The Name on the Guns Side says H.M.C. Boche Buster! The Royal Engineers took over the Elham Valley from Canterbury as far down as Lyminge also a short distance from the Tunnel were Laid curved Firing Sidings so the Guns Barrel could be aimed at France! There was a story of a second rail gun on the Cliffs at St Margarets Bay Dover but am currently unsure if this was Boche Buster or anothef one

[@drunkbear889]

Märklin made a Schnabel car (Uai 839) back in 2004-2005 program. Märklin 48295 / Trix 23994. I do not know if that exists from any manufacturer in 1:76 gage. In 1:87 it's one heck of a model with a length of around 72 cm buffer-to-buffer. (0,72m * 87 = 62,64m). And a weight to boot. Around 1-point-6 kilograms.

[@patrickadams1430]

That's pretty cool. That gun car's extra long. Gotta clear the adjacent tracks before that one comes through. It's not quite a "schnabble" car though

[@peters1127]

Great video, you made a comment (32.56) looking for a reason to run the Boche Buster. Well I noticed you have Tardis on you layout, well just get inside and go back in time to 1918 and enjoy. I to have a Tardis on my layout era 1950-1969 so if I want to run modern locomotives I go inside and transport into the future, works for me.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Peter - haha that sounds fantastic, great idea! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@charlieflockhart2203]

Sam as far as excuses go a war series would be a good one plus you can get more use of the ambulance train.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree Charlie - it's high time I did a proper video on all of that stuff! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stephenrose8188]

Hi Sam, another good video, thank you! Have you ever reviewed any old Rivarossi locos? Are they even made any more? I worked as a Saturday boy in Bakers Model Shop, Canterbury St, Gillingham Kent many years ago and the excitement that the Rivarossi locos generated amongst customers and staff (and me) alike was fantastic, but boy they were a lot of money, can't remember exactly how much the big Union Pacific locos were but my paper round and Saturday job money wouldn't buy one for sure.

[@SamsTrains]

I've reviewed one or two, not many of them though! Thanks for sharing - I'd really like to try more! :D Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@LarsPW]

Are there any additional wagons available for ammunition or other equipment not to talk of the operating crew? I'm pretty shure that this had been needed in reality. Germany developed rail-based artillery even in the second world war. They designed special diesel-electric locomotives which provided electricity to operate the canon. The locos had been in service after the war, too.

[@BritishRail60062]

I am so getting this pack and I might also get another Boche Buster as well that I could use with my GWR 2-8-0 that I have because I am going to do a special model train running session for the next Armed Forces Day as I think its a great way of doing a military train themed model train running session as a way of showing respect to those in the forces :). Thanks for the video Sam and if you can get hold of one. Could you do a review of the Revolution Trains TEA bogie tank wagon in OO gauge please? I would be delighted to hear your views on modern freight wagons as well as the Steam era :). All the best Ash.

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome Ash, hope you enjoy them!! That is a great idea, hope that goes well for you. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll look into that for sure! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robbyboy03]

What a stunning model. I was in the Australian Defence force and my father was in the RAF so 8 do have an interest in this Thanks Sam. Good job.

[@SamsTrains]

Sounds great Robert, well worth picking one up then, hehe! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bryantan863]

That Boche Buster railgun with the GWR Dean Goods locomotive from Oxford Rail looks pretty badass Sam. Plus, it is also money well spent.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, I agree - very badass! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sgkingly8392]

I am so glad that new motors are in these. I am tempted to get one now!

[@SamsTrains]

Me too - such a great move to change them! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

I completely agree, the Boche Buster is an absolutely amazing model for its price. To me it's not even the detail that makes its price so amazing, but the fact that it's a niche product even among model railway enthusiasts - which normally fetch an even higher price.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Damian - I'm just amazed by it - and you're right, it's so specialist, and yet still so well done! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ellisdiggle1523]

Ive stood next to the barrel(only the barrel) of an 18 inch railway gun. It was big enough to crawl through but imagine what you would need to pull its original carriage and all the associated wagons. You'd need a 9F i think. Anyway great vid Sam keep up the good work.

[@SamsTrains]

Wow, pretty unbelievable stuff! I know - quite crazy that a relatively small engine can manage all that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Onthemainline]

Fun Fact: My Great - Grandad used to lay the rail for these guns to fire, recoil and travel on. My Dad told when I showed him this on the Hattons website :) Great Video and review :)

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow really?! It must be awesome to see something like this in model form then! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Onthemainline]

@@SamsTrains It is, it's nice to know that something my family was a part of is now in a very nice and well made train set. If only he was still alive to see. (I never met him)

[@johnwatson9303]

Hi Sam great video I received mine today from Rails my sled was fitted the wrong way round also but the worst was that it was broken along with the 2 couplings and 2 of the steps and lastly the rear crane was off with the hook and cord missing alright it has traveled to New Zealand but the packaging looked good enough with no damage so I wonder if it has been roughly handled in storage all except couplings have been fixed but checked your video to see how many should be fitted (2) and I hope you are right about being nems regards John Watson Orewa New Zealand

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh so sorry to hear that John - I would suspect rough handling too, possibly in transit too - I hope you're able to get it returned!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johnwatson9303]

@@SamsTrains its not worth returning but any advise on fixing the couplings as they are fixed and not nems thanks for replying and keep up the good work John

[@davecooper5951]

How about a small WW1 airfield scenic extension ? Couple of nice 1/72 biplanes perhaps....

[@SamsTrains]

That'd be awesome Dave!! :D

[@oskarpayne9547]

Another great video Sam, jus a random story about the rail guns. Theres an abandoned tunnel near where I live In Kent where one of these cannons was stored during and after the war. It was briefly shunted out to fire towards the coast and France (the range was great). But they never used any breaking power at all, due to the blow back of the gun it would burn out and break that tried to stop it. So instead the crews and rail workers had to run after it and stop it bare handed, theres som footage of it somewhere. All the best- oskar

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for that Oscar - that sounds absolutely fascinating - is the tunnel still there?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TheLpbrennan]

On this side of the Atlantic, the object connecting the two bogies (or trucks, as we call 'em) is a span bolster.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted Larry, thanks for letting me know what those are called! Cheers, Sam :)

[@ryancampbell4119]

The rail gun would be put on a circle track to rotate to hit its targets and it could take tight curves.

[@G777GUN]

Some railguns would have 2 or more carriages. One carriage for the ammo and another for the crew. As for the tight corners I wonder if it could do even tighter curves.

[@SamsTrains]

It'd be brilliant to create a whole train for them then - hope Oxford does that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@codydombrowski3347]

Astonishing, Now I'm A American Train Person But Its Wonderful To See What Other Kinds Of Trians There Are In The World, What A Wonderful Model !

[@SamsTrains]

Glad you liked it mate - I'm amazed by this one too!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rossstone2610]

Great review 👍 I just picked up a lightly used Gladiator rail gun from Rails for £49.50 and I love it to death. Can’t wait to run it at my local club layout

[@theretrocrowe9389]

I have one of these and it is brilliant but my railgun derails if I have the canon facing forward. I think it is something to do with the bogie with only 3 axles. Oddly enough, it is fine on 2nd radius while the canon is forward, but can't manage any straights at all. Perfectly fine with the canon backwards, so not a problem 😞

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's very interesting - what kind of track/section does it derail on? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@theretrocrowe9389]

@@SamsTrains It usually derails on a straight just after a 3rd radius.

[@KCDash4400cw]

Can you please do a video on the scaletrains CSX SD40-3 because I'm from the us and it's one of my favorite CSX locomotives.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for the suspggestion! I’ll look into that! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@Panzer-535]

a fan of the Spongebobs? well, there are F40 fans. my favorite engines on CSX was the AC60CW, but since they're gone, i'm a fan of the ES44AH

[@davekirk100]

I'm not sure the shell sled was mounted wrongly - what did you say the barrel recoil was? With the sled right against it, sure it wouldn't last long!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you’re right - I’ve looked it up and it was right as it was! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulwollenzein2324]

The American rail guns were organized into a single cannon per unit. And were organized and controlled by the US Navy! I kid you not. Each barrel was one unit, I believe. And when transporting it was accompanied by1 box car for powder. 1 boxcar for ammunition.. Crew cars. And a end of train car, a caboose, in the US. And to top it off each unit was organized and run as if it was an actual ship.

[@paulwollenzein2324]

Plus they also included a flat car/wagon as a idler and for increased braking. Crew cars were usually regular passenger cars with sleeping cabins. But this is probably up for interpretation based on what type of cars were available.

[@wheresthegovernance4350]

Earmarked this a first buy from Hattons. Even with exchange rate and postage it is still 3 times cheaper than what I can buy one off the shelf in Australia! Great reviews Sam. Champion!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow that's great to hear Jeff, hope you enjoy if if you decide to get one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@georgewarren2841]

Hi sam great video as alway and such and amazing value for money pack. Tbh i believe the ammunition sled is the correct way when you unboxed it as the first crane would lift the shell from the ground to the sled where it overhangs it would be rolled to the other end and the second crane would lift it into the cannons breach. Also the way you have it means the breach wouldn't be able to open fully

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot George really glad you liked it! Yes I think you’re right actually - I’ve looked it up and it does look that way! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@carolinereeves3188]

Thanks Sam, The only thing I need to know for my model railway is how to set up the controls & the trains, how to place track, ballast the track and how to detail my lay out. Many Thanks, ~Tyler

[@SamsTrains]

Hey Tyler, that sounds great! There should be videos online to show you all of that stuff!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@carolinereeves3188]

Thanks Sam, Any recommendations for railway modellers and scenery?

[@brianartillery]

The tight radius points were negotiated because of the asymetric bogie set up. In use, the gun only has traverse by being moved on the track. German guns had special turntables they were mounted on - sometimes rail guns had sidings constructed to fire from or were hidden in tunnels. Whatever, they were built to be able to take fairly sharp bends easily. An expensive and vital weapon that derails easily is a liability. These guns saw more life in the last war - new guns - ex Royal Navy warship, I believe - there was no ammunition for the old guns - were fitted to the old carriages, and used on the south coast.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for the info that Brian, very interesting stuff! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@simonmardon9644]

I’m a new subscriber and after watching this I ordered it and it came today. It looks even better in person, the detail is amazing and can’t believe the price.

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that Simon - really glad you're happy with yours! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@EN2YT]

As soon as I saw “incredible” as the first word in the title, I knew you were gonna be excited. Spectacular train set, your reviews are ALWAYS top notch! 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh yes, very thrilled with this one! Thanks so much for that mate! Cheers, Sam :)

[@E350tb]

To give you an idea of the size of the gun, 14-inch guns were normally used on battleships. This looks amazing. I might have to pick one up myself!

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey! That’s pretty crazy stuff!! :O Thanks for watching -Sam :)

[@GWR-fd1up]

Ooh very nice, these look good. I managed to get a hornby bulleid pacific for 80 quid! They were selling unrebuilt Square ones for £57! Great value. She runs great and looks superb.

[@SamsTrains]

Wow that's pretty good mate - what a deal!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@18robsmith]

During transit moves all those platforms would either be removed or folded out of the way. Stunning model!

[@beckyjohnson6798]

1:10 The cart is a rail gun and steam engine is a 0-6-0 tendered steam engine.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for the info Becky! :D