Is This Hornby's BEST TT:120 Loco Yet??? - Class 43 HST Model Railway Review

[@HzYDuB]

Being able to run longer trains is the biggest benefit for these smaller scales imo. It's why i personally went with N gauage, but I do see the appeal of TT120 given they'll be easier to handle and can pack more detail. Great review.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it's definitely a trade off between having more space to run trains and the amount of detail that we come to expect with out models - not to say N Gauge isn't well detailed of course! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@danprice7973]

I also tried N gauge but I find it’s so fiddly and it was unreliable with the current. I ended up going back to OO

[@frostedbutts4340]

Yeah for less than the price of these you can get the very high quality Kato HST with FIVE cars included.. These do have more detail but man a full train is expensive!

[@genixia]

Running realistic looking HSTs in 00 gauge has always been difficult simply because of the space needed. Few people have enough space to run a prototypical set without the train re-entering the station just seconds after leaving, especially if prototypical scale speeds are observed, and even the largest radii curves typically used in layouts look tight with such trains. TT will allow for so much better realism.

[@johnbird8697]

Great review. I wasn’t going to purchase the HST as I didn’t think it goes with my layout but after seeing your video I’m very tempted ! Looks like you’ve just cost me a small fortune 😂😂 keep up the good work, cheers John

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I have to admit I was originally in the same boat but I've definitely been won over by how good these models are. Really glad I got one. There's a handy link in the description if you do decide to pick one up yourself 😉 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@madmerlinsart]

Oh wow, I love that horn set up. It sounds almost like a novelty car horn. I've never had a love for these, being a steam lover, but they are growing on me. If I ever have the space for them to run, I may get a set in the future. But I want to get my first layout built and finished first.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes definitely some fun horn sounds there - it's nice that there's a few variations too so you never quite know what you're going to get... unlike some more expensive sound decoders where you get the same horn/whistle over and over again 😅 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@robertmarsh3588]

This is such a great looking model. I already have the blue version (no sound) plus 4 coaches but tempted to buy this too. However I still don't have my TT layout built yet and I'm unlikely to use DCC so probably best I wait for my class 50 and mark 2 coaches. I'm really forward to some GWR/WR models though, and would love a Western and Hymek.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The Swallow livery is eye-catching, I'm really glad I went for this version. Yes lots more on the way for TT:120 and hopefully we'll get some GWR stuff in the future too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@HighFell]

A friend has 2 full length HST sets running on his layout and they look and sound incredible! I am excited to see the next releases too as the standard just seems to get better and better!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, that must be really quite something! Yes not long to go now for the Class 50 and Duchesses, now is a very good time to be a TT modeller in my opinion. Thanks for watching 😃

[@timallen_uk]

Not got full length but I have the era 8 with 6 coaches and era 7 with 5 coaches. They look great going round the track.

[@RobA500]

It does seem Hornby are committed to TT120 and so far doing a pretty good job accept from the initial track issues. Just hope their manufacturer doesn't start to let them down in the same way it has for OO maybe they are using a different contractor. Although I don't see myself starting up on the scale I do hope it continues and that other brands start to add to it. Just out of interest with the sound coming from both ends have they correctly made the auxiliary sounds directional so things like the horns don't sound from the rear of the train.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Even the track issues I'd say wern't a big thing and was blown way out of proportion... Those wanting to put together a more train set style layout with the Hornby track probably wouldn't care, more discerning modellers who would find it a problem would more likely prefer to use the PECO track anyway. Hornby have previously stated that they use a separate factory for the TT:120 models so as not to hold up the 00 gauge range. For what it's worth they use multiple factories across the 00 gauge range anyway. The HM7000 app currently doesn't have a consist function available just yet so I'm running these together using a different system currently but as far as I can tell, yes it only sounds the Horn from the end car going in the forwards direction. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

Just some slight corrections on the functions: Function 17 is an AWS "Clear" indication , function 20 is the DSD (Driver Safety Device). Your formation is not quite right as the TGS should go directly behind/ in front of one of the 2 power cars. The other main concern I had about these, otherwise stunning models, is that Hornby has designed them for sound fitting with their own HM7000. Something it seems no reviewer has brought up. The speaker can only be plugged in by using one of their own sugarcubes with the nano plug on it. But you can only buy the speaker with a HM7000 decoder! This means if, like me you want to use another brand of sound decoder, I personally use either Zimo or ESU, that you cannot get a speaker in to the model, unless you buy the Hornby decoder, or can source the plugs. A very good & informative review.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm reporting the functions as they were listed by Hornby in line with what is displayed in the app. If you want to use a different decoder/speaker combo, either solder the speaker's wires directly to the solder tabs on the decoder or use the wires leading to the connector if you don't mind cutting those. Alternatively, I think the Hornby connectors are just 2 pin JSTs so fairly common. Thanks for watching 👍

[@timallen_uk]

I'm hoping that the LMS Princess Coronation will set the bar that is used to judge all future models. I do like the HST though, always wanted the swallow livery as a kid. I looks great going round the track. I only have a 6 x 4 layout but can fit so much on to it and have (almost) full length trains.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

From what I've seen so far it does look like that will be a stunning model, along with the Class 50 too... it's definitely a good time to be a TT modeller! Thanks for watching 😃

[@railwayjade]

I'm with you on intercity Livery! As a young boy, I used to stare for hours over my 'train books' (magazines)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's such a good livery! For me it's like the perfect combo of both modern and heritage at the same time 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@nigelcole1936]

I do like a 43 in Swallow livery, and this is a very nice addition to the TT range; nicely details and sounds good too. Thanks for a great review.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They do look good in this livery... I remember I always wanted one (in 00 gauge) as a kid because the Swallow livery one had lights in it. 25 years later I finally own one, albeit in a different gauge 😅 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@RodericCeorlred]

I was having coupling issues with my HST set and intermediate coaches as well. Having exchanged the originally provided couplings with Tillig TT couplings, the issues had vanished completely. But I'm going for Peter Horn (Peho) magnetic couplers with pre-wired electric transmission, allowing the coaches to be fitted with interior lighting (to be controlled by the decoder in thr dummy).

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It does seem that the Hornby couplings on the HST and Mk3s are off in some way. The other locos and rolling stock didn't have any issues but like I said, as this will be a fixed set I agree that magnets are the way to go. Thanks for watching 😃

[@RodericCeorlred]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy The fact that both the power car and the dummy have very reliable pickups made my decision to fit interior lights into the Mk3s and power them from the dummy quite easy. I just need to figure out if the (otherwise rather useless) motor power outlet on the decoder socket could be connected to the magnet coupling wires. That would make good use of the otherwise obsolete motor power outlet on the dummy unit PCB, and it should deliver sufficient power to light up a full consist (and I hate soldering directly onto the decoder)

[@lonelysignalbox]

Waiting for Hornby to release this livery in OO gauge. The swallow livery is beautiful. (Already got LNER,Scotrail,Cross Country, and East Coast) can never get enough of the HST

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They definitely did it years ago on their older tooling as I remember seeing one... but I agree it would be great to see on the current tooling! Thanks for watching 😃

[@davidwatts1871]

Great addition to the scale, but as an Era 3, 4 and 5 collector I shalln't be getting one. That is unless they do the Blue Pullman🤔😆. I'm also hoping to have my locos HM7000 sound where possible, but I think that continuous whistling of the HST will soon get on my nerves. Great video.👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The Blue Pullman would be a very welcome addition to the range indeed! Thanks for watching 😃

[@adam_Fordham1988]

I think the hst looks and sounds brilliant, and yeah, I agree with you about the livery, I really like the livery to 😀

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It does tick all the boxes doesn't it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@Rick70567]

Great positive review. I have all three versions, well worth it !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I do tend to be fairly positive when it comes to reviews - no model is perfect of course but often the good outweighs the not-so-good 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@petertate8366]

Sounds amazing 😮 better than many 00 scale dcc models. Looks very good indeed.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it's pretty incredible what can be achieved with the HM7000 decoders, especially considering they're generally a more budget sound option. They haven't skimped on the about of functions either, I was really surprised at how many there were! Thanks for watching 😃

[@fredtedstedman]

beautiful performer -thanks for sharing with us

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@loispadgett6306]

I am steam fan but I really like the looks of that set. The swallow on the side the colors and everything look great. To bad the wiper sound didn't have wipers on the engine that work how awesome would that be. Thanks for sharing this new set with us. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely a good looking livery... although I think working wipers would be a challenge even in 00 gauge, never mind a smaller scale like TT. Thanks for watching 😃

[@davidharle952]

Love these 43's, think I'll be buying one but with only 2 carriages as my layout isn't that big.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome! Hornby actually have a set coming out with 2 carriages in the near future that works out a lot cheaper than buying all their pieces separately so it might be worth looking into that. Thanks for watching 😃

[@andrewwest3610]

Iv got 2 swallow 2 GWR and 3 blue and yellow BR HST sets there brilliant

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Wow, that's a hefty commitment! Are you renumbering the duplicates? Thanks for watching 😃

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi. I went for the original livery and bought seven of the matching coaches. Something you failed to mention about the power car: when you look through any/all of the rear windows, you see a nest of wiring; any reason for not mentioning this?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes two reasons: 1. It's hard to see them through the windows from a normal viewing position, which is why I didn't notice them. It's only on camera they look obvious. 2. That's just how I installed the decoder so it's not an issue with the model at all. I'll probably go back in and tidy the wires up at some point when I have time. And let's be realistic here, the "nest of wiring" is only the two wires that lead to the speaker. Thanks for watching 😃

[@6axe1man5]

How did you get two HM7000 decoders to work together?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm running in DCC mode rather than using the bluetooth side of things so it's setup just as a normal consist. on my controller. Thanks for watching 😃

[@6axe1man5]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy ahhh ok…that’s what I had suspected. I think the HM7000 has a lot of potential, but Hornby really do need to pull their fingers out on a lot of issues.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Last I heard there was only one or two people working on HM7000. I believe they're currently working their way through adding some more sound profiles at the moment and then development will shift to adding in a consist feature later in the Summer - but obviously these things don't just happen at the push of a button.

[@ngcoles]

I have the blue/grey version and I love it to bits but your Exec liveried version seems to have a bit of a height difference between the power cars and the carriages. I haven't noticed it on mine so I guess it is exaggerated by the camera's viewing angle. I've seen your comments on RMweb saying that it isn't a problem at normal viewing distances (and anyway cameras can be cruel!) but I'll have another look at mine.although I'm sure it is easily fixable by putting thin plastic washers between the bogies and the coach body. Loving the videos - keep up the great work!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's interesting... it's pretty marginal anyway, maybe 1mm or do difference, and yes it's really only noticeable when you look at it close up from an absolute side profile. Like I said in the video, once the train is moving you can't tell. Thanks for watching 😃

[@richardverghese1353]

is the max speed, like a 125 ?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm sure if someone wanted to they could do various scale speed measurements to figure it out but I haven't done that personally. It seems plenty fast enough to me while still maintaining good slow performance. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ar4498]

I so need to get one of tbese.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'd say their definitely worth a look for anyone doing TT! Thanks for watching 😃

[@samarlondon]

Love TT120, but there seems to be an awful mess of wires showing themselves through the windows at the back of those locos. That is a big no from me.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's just how I installed the decoder, so not the models fault at all. I'm sure anyone could do a much neater job but as with most things, you can't actually see them from a normal viewing distance (hence why I didn't tidy them up myself). Thanks for watching 👍

[@samarlondon]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks for the answer. Thought that was Hornby, didn't mean to have a go at you😅