Is Hornby's New TT Scale HST Worth The Hype?

[@hollybushrailway]

I started watching your channel a few years ago when I was getting a hankering for a model railway, but I just didn't have the space for a 00 layout. I've started out in TT:120 and I'm having a great time building my railway. Nice to see you taking a look at the models even though it's not your scale, thanks! 😀

[@DeanPark]

Hi. Thanks.these are good models and TT looks promising. I’m glad you’re enjoying using it. Cheers.

[@ausfoodgarden]

Well done for taking the plunge! I faffed around for years planning and not building until I ended up doing a shelf style OO layout. My "real" layout was far too complex and I don't have the space anyway. I am doing a cut down version very slowly. I thought about N but it's too small for my failing eyes. The TT range is a great compromise and the detail level seems very good. I'm sure you'll have great fun and hopefully Hornby and others will widen the TT range to give you many choices. Cheers!

[@garystraiton6738]

Excellent video! I’m back into the hobby after a 30 year absence and, yup, it was TT120 that finally enticed me. I just don’t understand the ill mannered comments ( bordering on hatred ) on other posters. It’s toy trains ffs! It’s a great scale and I’m very pleased with it. It will only grow.

[@DeanPark]

I really rate TT120! The models are very well detailed and when more accessories etc come on stream it will establish itself. A brave move Hornby mad here, but I think it will pay off for them. Sadly there are just a lot of Hornby haters. If Hornby produced the best model the world had ever seen and gave it away for free, some people would still moan about Hornby! Sure they can be their own worst enemy, but TT is promising.

[@davidparry1968]

That opener of “Don’t adjust your screens or go to Specsavers” was an absolute peach, Dave. An excellent review as always.👏👏

[@StevenTT120Layout]

I like the outtakes at the end. Has also got a KZbin channel on TT 120, you just give me an idea well done.😂😂😅

[@Keeganpassmore2011]

Love the video. Quite interesting, hope you had an amazing Easter holiday

[@andydavidson9440]

Love the outtakes and review Dave! 😂

[@DeanPark]

Haha. Thanks.

[@Keeganpassmore2011]

The outtakes are amazing. I can’t stop laughing at it

[@Michaelgoestofrance]

I love my blue/grey and Swallow liveried power cars. I went for a full 8 car set of Mk3s. However, the power cars don't perform well at all with this load. Just for scientific purposes, I tested with an equally long set of Mk1s and the power car had no trouble at all. Upon further examination, I noticed the Mk3s are not free-rolling like the Mk1s. I decided to file a little off the needle points on the axles of one of the Mk3s. It instantly became free rolling. As I'm in the middle of a house move, I didn't get to experiment with the full, modified, rake of Mk3s but my guess is that the power cars will no longer have issues. As you say, the powered car (and dummy) are weighty. I did toy with applying home made traction tyres to the power car but I'm glad I seem to have found a workaround.

[@DeanPark]

It will be interesting to know if you experienced any wobble with the mk3 coaches? They have significantly smaller flanges than the power cars.

[@157RANDOM]

We know you went mad ages ago, and that's the whole charm! Excellent review

[@DeanPark]

I’ll pass comment that on to my doctors lol.

[@georgethomas7814]

it good to hear suh a positive review. I am not sure about this myself. I tried N scale briefly before giving up on modelling completely. Bought some G scale when the kids were young. Going back to HO scale is not appealing. Trying OO scale has similar issues for me as I will always want bigger than what I have space for. So thanks for looking at this alternative and showing off what you have achieved with your own Dean Park layout.

[@DeanPark]

Thanks. I can see TT really developing into a larger part of the hobby. I do rate these models and maybe one day I’ll get into it more.

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Thanks for straying into TT. Hornby seem to have done well with these HSTs. I'm pretty sure my next layout will be TT, but probably in some fantasy Brigadoon-like setting where Hornby, Arnold and other TT models can run together.

[@davidstrains4910]

A good video here Dave, I have to say that even though I am a OO gauge modeller these HSTs in TT do look quite good, it is great to se them based on the more premium tooling which currently in OO gauge I only have one pack of the premium HST power cars from hornby compared to many of the older hornby and Lima ones that I also have, I’m currently hoping that that will change though as I do intend to pick up the new GNER ones announced in hornbys OO gauge 2024 range, going back to these TT ones I have to say I am tempted especially with the train set one that was announced the other day or what I might do is wait and see if the swallow one will be done as a train set, might just pick one up as a small novelty item to have but I won’t be making a complete change to TT, good video overall Dave.

[@russellbenton2987]

The HST is really good looking . I really fancy one and TT would allow a full size train . I’d like a bit more by way of models though to run a proper layout . I know the 37 is coming but I’d like a 47 too before I might consider a secondary layout . Thanks for reviewing

[@DeanPark]

Hi. The range will only get bigger. A 47 is on the way. So that should really be popular!

[@lapiswake6583]

I wasn't convinced on TT:120 when they announced it in Oct 22. But when I was at my local club's open day in 2023 (supposed to be operating the 0 gauge Addison Road, but got stuck on the Drive-A-Train layout most of the day), I decided I would build a TT:120 layout for the 2024 open day. I settled on 1978-1983 ECML between York and Thirsk, so pre-InterCity and pre-electrification, but as a What-If. What if the smaller stations on the route survived post-Beeching, and what if the small village of Birdforth had a station instead of the nearby Pilmoor and Sessay. The layout is operational, but there's a lot of scenic work to do before its first exhibition in June. So far, I have 3 blue class 08s (2 renumbered and modified, the 3rd simply weathered), 5 TTA tanks (for a future Speedlink rake), and a Toad E repainted into departmental olive green (as per one that survived until at least 1975, seen on Paul Bartlett's site). I'm really looking forward to getting 254004 as a full 2+8 set (should this one have 2 buffets, or just one?), but my financial situation isn't brilliant atm, so I may need to suffice with a shorter-than-accurate rake for the first exhibition. I'm also split between going for sound or not, because a Valenta running for several hours may be overwhelming.

[@anthonymizen9095]

One advantage appears to be that the quality of the models themselves appears to be consistent across the range unlike their OO, where there are some excellent models and others with mistakes/issues. Will be interesting to see how it develops

[@rodneybates2135]

I’d love to see your review of the class 66 now it’s in the wild Dave.

[@DeanPark]

So would I. But I don’t have a tt layout to test them on :(

[@grahamknight8994]

I was intrigued by the 37 feature on the April announcements, newly scanned from one next door in the 1;1 collection as they don't have any 00 scans they can refer to. If they had announced new tooled 37's and 66's there would have been cries of duplication, so if they can ramp up the roll out of theses classic loco's, then this scale and Hornby have a chance. The new IFA container wagons were already scheduled as Arnold branded models, so at last the cross pollination is working for Hornby, makes you wonder what if the UK and Hornby had gone down the Ho route when Lima entered the market instead of Lima doing a U-turn which gave us undernourished Deltic’s, 40’s and even the undersized class 50 bogies.

[@andrewdonaldson6225]

If they put out an Inter7City set, I'm up for one though that's about as far as I would 'probably' go. I dumped OO 35 years ago because of the scale/gauge issue. If TT120 UK models were available then I would have stayed with British outline but instead went HO for much more accurate and better performing European models.

[@mikeryan959]

Lovely that you take the care to get things right, but don't take yourself too seriously by showing the blooper track. TT120 was a brave move by Hornby but, judging by the product quality, they're giving it a good go. Thanks for the review, but I'll be sticking to OO.

[@DeanPark]

Hi thanks. Oh I gave up taking myself seriously a long time ago 😝 yeah It will be interesting to see how Tt develops. Thanks for watching. Dave

[@Kevin-mm5ix4dc7y]

I hope TT scale doesn’t impact your speech 😂 thanks for the outtakes

[@hadleymoorrailway]

Once you get the giggles,that's it, you have to walk away 😂

[@michaelwhite8031]

I wish the 08 shunter had more features like lights. Good video, l enjoyed the outtakes.

[@DeanPark]

It’s a tiny loco. I’m not sure lights would be possible. What it does need is a stay alive fitted as standard! Which Hornby don’t fit.

[@frananmar1]

Jings , the "Customers " on the platform are awfy big 😊

[@DeanPark]

They are OO I believe. Until TT figures comes out these are the only real option. They just have to duck when getting in the coaches lol

[@robd2184]

Interesting Dave. I’d love an HST as that’s the memories of my 70s- 80s childhood…expecting accurascale or someone to do an HST…in OO. Quite excited by the TT version due 10’ space in my model room but too many cock ups by Hornby again….seam lines very visible both on the classic and the GWR ( over the cab )

[@DeanPark]

If we keep waiting for accurascale to do everything we will all be old and our eye sights so bad we won’t be able to appreciate the detail! I’m showing these models under direct light, close up and it hides nothing. All models have seam lines, but Hornby could have done a one piece cab (like on the real locos) and had the seam line behind the cab door!!! Or would that be too simple?!!

[@robd2184]

@@DeanPark .True.maybe they’ll do it in O gauge when I’m a geriatric 😃

[@ClydebridgeStation]

I'll stick with OO gauge, but it'll be interesting to see if the likes of Accurascale go into it big time! Also, thanks at the end, for reminding me I'll be getting my first reading glasses on Thursday next week! The errors I made typing this, I badly need them!

[@hollybushrailway]

Accurascale have just today brought out their first figures in TT:120, so hopefully a sign that they're considering going in. It would be great to get more manufacturers on board

[@DeanPark]

You’re buggered as they don’t do a 47 in TT anyway.

[@2010ditta]

Its a pity the GWR ones haven't got the Castle nameplates. 43187 would be Cardiff Castle and then I would buy one. Very good.

[@DeanPark]

I’m sure they will come soon! As GWR always sells! The models runs extremely well. I’m actually pleasantly impressed.

[@Simon-Davis]

Its a shame that even on the box artwork for the set that the power cars don't match the ride height of the coaches.

[@DeanPark]

I did notice that too. I hope Hornby do as well!!!

[@dougalmcdougal8682]

Like yourself, first saw TT up close and real at MRS. It does actually look pretty good quality. However … not for me, I do wish Hornby well …

[@cyborgbadger1015]

I like the idea of TT but I don't like the idea of being stuck with one manufactuer. For all we know Hornby could the scale, it was after all another one of Kohler's mad ideas in my opinion. (I'm not a fan of Kohler tbh).

[@DeanPark]

Thankfully Peco have a whole track system under development with loads already released. And they are doing buildings and rolling stock too. We need other companies to get involved as Hornby…well sometimes they promise much but can’t deliver it all.

[@mattp1337]

I think Hornby was a bit mad introducing a new scale when the entire hobby has a far-from-certain future, but maybe that is exactly why they thought the gamble was necessary. The models do look great though, no question about that.

[@DeanPark]

I think (if Hornby do it right!) that this could be a master stroke! With peco selling flexi track, unifrog points and detailing accessories that compliment the Hornby range I think it will establish itself in the next 18-24 months. When more locos and rolling stock arrives…it will increase in popularity.

[@dilwich]

I don't want to be negative but i do believe in ten years TT will just be a memory.

[@hollybushrailway]

I would disagree

[@Jonnyuk365]

Interested to know why you think this?

[@DeanPark]

Only time will tell. I think if Hornby dont balls it up it will develop and become established. It’s never going to compete for sales with n or OO, but I think it will find its place in the market.

[@stormbowman7148]

@@DeanParkIt might actually overtake N gauge. N gauge is not that big when compared to OO. I will say that there is a chance in the long run.

[@HighFell]

Pro review. 👍 The actual sales volumes of TT:120 are equally as impressive as the models and ultimately that’s the name of the game, because that’s what keeps companies in business. Hornby certainly have big plans for this scale and that will make a lot of people happy. Slightly unsubtle hints from Accurascale could be an indication another major band is going to be joining the TT:120 party soon. I would predict that if new model railways are still being made in 10 years time, TT:120 will probably be the dominant scale in new product sales. OO will become a premium high detail/accuracy product range, more expensive and lower new sales volumes, British N will shrink in terms of new products sold. The important part is we all keep the hobby welcoming and fun 😁

[@davidkavanagh189]

Sound is horrendous. Instant mute of the video.

[@DeanPark]

They aren’t that bad in reality. Like any sound loco…they get on your nerves after a while!

[@davidkavanagh189]

@@DeanPark Indeed!