💡 Loco Upgrade 🎧 | Lights & Sound for the Hornby Class 66

[@paulkandi]

I just fitted all my TTS 37,47 and 66s with these kits, I love fiddly jobs and was not disappointed with the outcome, all super detailed and extra weights added; now they match all my Bachmann locos ...

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Fiddly job for sure, but, as you say, worth it. I've got a 47 to do at some point.

[@Evan.harrison]

I like that pinky parleu vue loco and station hoho

[@melkitson]

What a major fiddly performance. My compliments on your patience.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Melville. I think it's worth it and I'd be quicker/better if I did it again.

[@LocoLeighton]

Great video, now considering adding this kit to my Hornby Class 66 👍🏻

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Other people have had problems keeping the hole centred with power tools and they recommended a hand tool. I bought several kits but haven't used them yet. All my 66s have sound in.

[@petertate8366]

Hellfire Rob that was fiddly !! I've no patience for that,but we'll done you.😮 Got to admit it does improve the looks though.

[@robertstrainset6556]

Hi, I watched this as about 2 years ago did a video on doing just this all be it without the 21 to 8 pin bother you had but did take 40 mins to show how I used a power drill to do the holes and yes not easy is it so well done for showing everyone a more up todate of what its like and with the same sort of conclusion only do it if you have some experience of working on these trains not for the faint hearted. Cheers Robert.

[@ciaranburke3243]

Turned really well rob do like the livery on the 66 👍

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Ciaran. I'm happy with it, but could definitely do better 2nd time around. Got a class 47 kit to do next.

[@robertstrainset6556]

@@LittleWicketRailway I did a class 47 & 37 light install after the 66 was not as easy as I thought but still all going strong and makes you want to use these cheap models alongside the Hattons and Bachmann ones just not to close. Cheers Robert.

[@elricbell4662]

Great video, Rob. My son has one of these class 66’s and was only talking about putting in lights the other day. It’s great that you have shown it wasn’t a straightforward process as it gives hope to those of us that are still developing our modelling skills! Wish there was something like these kits for n gauge: converting a non-dcc Graham Farish turbostar to an illuminated dcc model is ‘challenging’ to say the least! 😂

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I couldn't imagine doing this on an n gauge model.

[@donaldkormos5529]

Always enjoy watching your videos. BTW ... DCC-EX Ver. 5.0 should be released very soon ... love to see your review w/r to new features. Cheers ...

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Donald. Will definitely check that out. I still need to take a proper look at the more advanced features.

[@OOElectronics]

Getting the initial drill centred is the challenge as you noted. An old soldering iron bit filed to a pinpoint can be used to make a "centre punch". Then drill. I'm not clear why the lighthouse LED is used on the top light but others are SMD. (I know it's not your design for the kit.) I'd have thought lighthouse for all would be better unless the LED body is too deep behind the beams. I find the lighthouse LEDs can be filed down in advance of fitting to avoid the issues of using cutters to trim. Anyway, great video as always, best regards, Tom.

[@MistaMatthews]

I did one of these about a month ago. Whilst the result was good, it wasn’t a fun job. I’ll be sticking to bachmann from now on.

[@paulsharpe3794]

Hi there l have a few models that would look better with light on, I think that I will give it a go on an older model first though

[@jasonlee3247]

Why is this not in the Railroad range?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

It should be. Railroad Plus at best.

[@smallrails6831]

Very informative. I would not buy a railroad Hornby loco....I bought a 47 ran terribly

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I've got 2 railroad 47s to look at in the next couple of weeks, but again they're in special liveries that I don't think are available in any other range. Hope they run OK.

[@thomasmcilroy510]

There is something also Hornby don't have in there is and that is an driver

[@_RandomPea]

Wow...What I don't understand is how for £90 a manufacturer in 2023 would be happy with themselves producing something 'without' lighting, surely by now this should be standard, and on steam locos glowing fireboxes. I mean it's not like it is hard to accomplish on a production line, let's be frank how much cost is really saved by not adding them.

[@Whiskey2shots]

It always irritates me slightly that this 66 doesn't come with lights as srandard as it has a ridiculous livery variety which would tempt Mevif it wasn't forbthe lights

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

After reasonable consideration I decided a while ago that these Hornby Railroad level models are a complete false economy and not worth buying at all, period, no exceptions whatsoever. They retail for around £90, have no lights, relatively poor detailing and finishes, a light all plastic chassis, a poor motor and mechanism without flywheels, those crappy traction tyres and just 4 driving wheels, all set in really cheap and shoddy bogies. Even if you buy and fit a lighting kit that still cannot make up for the other major flaws listed; which cannot be remedied and really are deal breakers! Lets analyse the price and quality comparison elements: The Hornby Railroad class 66 is £90, lighting kit for both end, say £20, so a total of £110 for an inadequate, poor, cheaply made and extremely nasty model (in comparison). Now lets look at an easily available alternative, a new or "new other" or super condition second hand Bachmann class 66 selling on eBay. They commonly sell for between £90 to £125. They are totally superior in every conceivable way; full lighting, excellent detailing and finishes, solid metal chassis, a super 5 pole motor with dual flywheels, all 12 wheel drive and all wheel pick up through quality geared bogies, weighty and strong enough to haul long rakes, comprehensive spares available direct from Bachmann's website. Having objectively digested this you'd have to conclude that the Hornby Railroad class 66 is an utter waste of time and money in comparison with the Bachmann; chalk and cheese. I would urge anyone and everyone not to buy any Hornby Railroad models for the reasons stated as they absolutely are a false economy and completely inferior. The TTS is an economical and reasonably priced DCC sound chip to fit but it does require a better speaker.... But fit it in a Bachmann and not the Hornby with a 21 pin adapter! Regards, Julian