The Revamped Hornby Class 56 Co-Co in BR Blue - Unboxing and Review

Today Jenny is taking a look at the new Hornby Class 56 Co-Co locomotive, which surprisingly arrived without a fanfare. Has it been worth the wait? Let's take a look and find out!
Currently this model is on offer and we believe the best price is here: tmc-direct.co....
Our sponsor today is Train-O-Matic, makers of DCC chips and accessories that just work right out of the box. Visit their site at www.train-o-mat... to see their full range of products! Also available through UK stockist: www.tramfabriek...
Our sponsor today is Rails of Sheffield, home of the best prices to buy or sell your models. Visit their store at www.railsofshef... and get the best prices when you sell your model railway, no matter the size of the collection, at railsofsheffie...
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @jenniferekirk
If you like the video and want to help me make more, take a look at my Patreon page: / jenniferkirk
Want to buy the mugs? Go here: teespring.com/...
Want to buy my books? Go here: www.allmousemed...
My website: www.jennifer-ki...

[@Flymochairman1]

That's a model I've hankered after for a long time. Maybe I'll get one this time around. A great in-depth review and straight forward guidance. Thanks again Jenny. Keep safe. Cheers!

[@petergrossett6763]

A nicely balanced review, for all modellers. A joy to watch, and useful as a review or research. Thank you.

[@onnomulder9775]

Awesome review and loco Jenny!!! Thanks for this video. Cheers Onno.

[@1Z50railtourinfo]

The orange jumper cables on the front are for multiple working with other class 56s or 58s which had red diamond m/w compatibility.

[@hidcoteeast9478]

I ordered my 8 pin decoder last week based on info on the Hornby website. Thanks Hornby! 21 pin decoder is doing nothing - not even cab lights! Been waiting for a large logo versing for years. Running it in at the moment and I can see what you mean about being tight.

[@class66]

it has cab lights?

[@reded23]

I have the same issue. I bought 8 pin decodes for these and then they turn up 21 pin. Their web site still lists 8 pin! The lights don't work properly.

[@grah84mck]

Very nice review mines arrived today, but I went for the large logo one. First looks at mines wow. Can't wait to get it on the layout. Great review as always jen.

[@hollyruston2444]

The Hornby 56 is a decent loco (I own 4). Perhaps, Hornby are ahead of the curve for the 1st time in a long time, and pre-empted Cavalex

[@oswestryroadtmd4850]

Very nice model would like to see more era 6-7 models being released

[@hollyruston2444]

Hi Jen, they're multiple working jumpers. The Cl 56 had no train heating facility.

[@MarchWestJunctionTMD]

Hi Jenny 👍 really good review Jenny really enjoyed watching with some excellent knowledge. Keep safe and well Andy

[@stretchedits]

Hi Jenny, Not a bad review that. Shame about the paintwork around the cab, and like you said, the horn grill was really finely printed, but a shame you didn't comment on the fact it wasn't printed centrally in the depression, that's a shame. All the best Dave.

[@derickgoubert7286]

I have both new class 56's an the paintwork is perfect on both, the problem I have is that with 128 steps by 20 it's going flat out, I have Gaugemaster Ruby decoders.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I've got a factory sound fitted Castle Donington Power Station from the previous generation. It took me a while to obtain one. I was born in Castle Donington. I would like one in blue. I need to come out of retirement again to afford the hobby though.

[@rudigrest4013]

excellent review

[@mels1811]

Awesome Jenny

[@lloydscentralstation1245]

On the Hornby website it says its an 8 pin decoder but clearly its a 21 pin decoder

[@josefbuckland]

Agreed and it’s a true beauty in BR BLUE

[@grahamallen1970]

Nice to see a loco just arrive at model shop without announcement.....Hornby have kindly sent me a sample! Mmmmm think you have been had!....coz you tube wouldn't advertise a release 🤔

[@StormmyStormmy]

Hi Jenny, great review, do the fans work?

[@markcousins9337]

"Squeel like a hog, boy". Some of your fan-boys would like that.

[@hollyruston2444]

Sorry to bang on again on this loco. I'm a Donny lass and remember most of the locos coming into service. Handrails changed with build batch, as did the grille style. Off the shelf, a lovely loco. If you're thinking of renumbering your loco, do a bit of homework first.

[@JSWMR]

Please can you let us know what CV change your make to this model, I’m having the same issues with the running?

[@claireflorencecampbell9515]

Nice review Jenni Hope they bring out a fsstline freight 56 !

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Good review, Jen. Have to say I think the bogies look very plasticy and some of the yellow painting on the edge of the cab looked a little rough in places. I think Hornby do good kettles but their diesels look a bit toy like to me. This looks like it should be a Rail Road Plus model rather than a full fat £200+ version to me.

[@melchestermodelrailway]

Enjoyed your review jenny, but it seems to me Hornby have done little to update this model, other than fit a 21 pin which they don't take advantage of. It does look good in BR blue though, although I worry Hornby are being left behind by other manufacturers.

[@aureol40012]

What do you mean by “update”? A retool is basically a whole new model (eg new Bachmann 37), so you clearly don’t mean that, but what do you mean?

[@melchestermodelrailway]

@@aureol40012 I'm referring to some of the missed opportunities Jenny mentioned in her review. i.e lack of cab lights, or other lighting features, chunky wheels, finish of the bogies etc. Obviously I'm not expecting a completely retooled model, but now that hornby have smaller manufacturers producing high spec models often at lower prices - the eagerly awaited Cavalex class 56 is going to come in at well under £200 - Hornby seem to be missing opportunities to "update" models where they have the opportunity. I will certainly be buying the Cavalex model, where in the past I would have had little option but to splash out for a hornby model. The same thing has happened with their Lion; normally I would have bought it, but I have the Rapido one on pre order as I know it's going to better quality, and more bang for your buck!

[@garyrobinsonpcgamingmodelr7942]

I agree with you Jenny regarding the opening doors. Hornby should do away with the mechanism which opens the doors and the money saved could go towards providing cab lighting. Best regards Gary.

[@hollyruston2444]

The change from 8 pin to 21 pin might not only be the difference in decoder. The original Hornby Class 56 was wired non-standard for end lighting. Check before you power up* * I blew the LEDs on an earlier 56.

[@reded23]

I bought two...one the red lights don't work, the other the white ones don't. Hornby are useless in helping so they'll have to go back.

[@hollyruston2444]

@@reded23 The common problem with lights not working is the crappy contact arrangement.

[@reded23]

@@hollyruston2444 I asked Hornby for the pin out but they refused to tell me. Does anyone know?

[@rswindsor-bell5589]

Now on discount,

[@andrewharrison5983]

The 56's never had eth, the cables on each end are for multiple working only!

[@johnpapworth433]

Isnt that horn grill the one fitted to the ROmanian ones?

[@Wayne56089]

Early Doncaster ones from 56031 upto 56055 all had small horn grilles

[@johnpapworth433]

@@Simon-Davis I wanted a Doncaster one - being from the place. Thank you

[@IronHorseRailways]

A fair scoring for this one, plenty of annoying little issues all add up to a big picture that for £200 is rather a let down 👎

[@stevie156478]

Long story short, apart from reinstating the 21 pin socket chassis, @hornby have done absolutely nothing to this model. Putting in a 21 pin decoder and not using it to its potential. They haven't changed the lights to have a "train mode" so your always going to have tail lights on as default and the circular fans are still incorrectly sunk into the roof.

[@RaysRailVideos]

The yellow around the cab door and window looks shocking