Rapido’s Tiny New NER Class H Tank Engine | Unboxing & Review

[@pemboart]

The reason I’ve been a loyal watcher of yours for years is because of how detailed you go in the reviews and the value comparisons. Keep up the work. You make purchases that much safer. Thank you

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - that's lovely to hear! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Calilasseia]

I'll chip in here (was that a DCC dad joke?) and state that Sam's providing a valuable public service with these reviews. The moment I'm able to fire up a decent layout, I'll be wading through these to ensure I'm getting value for money once serious spending begins!

[@RobinMarch-l3g]

I got mine for 123. I cannot fault it. It is absolutely brilliant fantastic runner. I’ve got no complaints whatsoever.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear you're happy - it's certainly a great looking loco! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ianjeffery6744]

@@SamsTrains Yes, I've received mine now, and it is indeed a first-class model.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thank you Sam for being the voice of the consumer

[@SamsTrains]

That's my pleasure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@vijeolook]

British modellers, especially those who collect pre-grouping models, are really lucky as far as colourful and varied liveries are concerned. In Europe and the USA the loco's tended to be all black or (dark) green.

[@PHsRailwayVideos]

Great video, 1310 was the first loco I ever worked a shift on at Middleton so when I saw this model I had to get it. It's the first new loco I've ever bought, so I can''t say a lot compared to other models, but I can say that mine has the same issue that yours displayed when coupling up, not moving when you turn the controller up until it suddenly jumps into life. It could be because when I first tested it, I didn't realise it has a coreless motor and so used a feedback controller, but that was only for a couple of minutes and so surely it shouldn't have affected it that badly. I've also noticed that the shade of green isn't the same as on the real example, it seems a tad darker unless in really good lighting. Either way, it's still a good model on the whole, and the detail is stunning!

[@SamsTrains]

That's very strange - I could never get mine to do that again, still don't know what that was about. Mine did that on a non-feedback controller so it shouldn't be that. A few minutes on a feedback controller shouldn't do any damage.Thanks a lot for sharing - what's the real thing like to work with? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@GrahamMuz]

Re the couplings NEM is a range of standards and the couplings on this model are to NRM 363 standard. The coupling standard that includes a pocket is NEM 362. Therefore it is actually fitted with an NEM coupling just a different version / standard so you cannot simply say it doesn't have an NEM coupling. This also applies to their SECR brake van and Lomac.

[@lukejackson8741]

Problem is they’re marketed as NEM pockets?

[@trainfan5]

Shows Sam's inexperience and lack of knowledge about a subject he's apparently passionate about! Absolutely tons of NEM standards so its not false advertising. I'd recommend doing your research and publically saying you're wrong Sam!

[@GrahamMuz]

@lukejackson8741 I don't disagree with that where marketed as such. Not all retailers have incorrectly stated 'pockets'

[@andrewemery4272]

He doesn't really know much. Comments like "I think this is where the coal goes" (Garratt review) say it all.

[@nickrails]

Indeed. However, I would note that as I run Kadees, I was put off purchasing both the aforementioned pieces of rolling stock, and I was literally about to pull the trigger on the NER black Y7 until I saw this review. I don't fancy hacking together a kadee solution on the diecast chassis of a loco (unless someone on RMWeb can come up with a non-damaging solution). I do understand thier design logic/reasoning for NEM 363 on all models , but they did lose 3 sales with one person just due to this design - (I'm sure they'll survive! The Clarks Railworks is my go-to for the Lomac as they made a design compromise for the standard pocket). Gonna to have to clarify with Rapido whether their excellent looking Manning Wardle will have the non-standard 363 - if so, I may have have to reconsider the pre-order.

[@blinard1]

Brilliant. Loved the video. I wish all your video titles were like this.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!

[@heaptoncollierymodelrailwa6011]

I only have space for Microlayouts so 0-4-0s are a saviour! Hopefully we see more pregrouping designs with some light railway potential to complement the industrial designs we have been treated to recently!

[@ianjeffery6744]

This one is a light railway possibility - 68089 worked the independent North Sunderland for some time...

[@duszty]

Surprised yours didn't have the instructions - a shame. I received mine today (with DCC + sound) and it's a mighty fine runner with a lovely sound font. A shame about the warped running plate on yours, mine seems to have avoided that issue. A very fair review, though, Sam. Thank you as always.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too - I'd like to have those ideally! Glad to hear the sound was good - bet that's a real treat! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidstaves6669]

Mine has an instruction booklet.

[@duszty]

@@SamsTrains Another nitpick I just figured out - the instructions on mine reference Function 0 on DCC being the firebox flicker effect, when as you noted, there is no firebox flicker on this loco. A shame, given how spectacularly smooth of a runner it is.

[@davidford85]

While they're not cheap, I'm very happy with the ones I've bought. Certainly they're not as good value for money as the Dapol Hawthorn Leslies, but then Dapol really hit it out of the park with those. I'd say they're still better value for money than many Hornby & Heljan products, and they're only £30 more expensive than the 'newly' announced Bachmann LNWR Coaches. All things considered, I'm really glad we've got the choice now of so many good 0-4-0 tank engines. With Dapol, Rapid & Hattons/Accurascale we now have several RTR prototypical locos, whereas before we were limited to Hornby's generic/junior locos, Bachmann's junior locos, or really old Tri-ang models. We now have the Hawthorn Leslies, the LSWR B4s and the LNER Y1 Sentinels from Dapol; the 14" & 16" Andrew Barclays from Hattons/Accurascale; these NER H Class/LNER Y7s, as well as the Andrew Barclay Fireless and Port of Par Twins from Rapido. And that's just the steam locos, talk about spoiled for choice, and none of them have the Beatles faces plastered across the sides.... yet 🤣 Still wish Hornby had actually brought back the old Tri-ang Nellie/Connie moulding though 😥 Edit: Totally forgot about Hornby's W4 Pecketts, which credit where credit is due, were brilliant models too, and may even have been the start of all these lovely 0-4-0 steam tank engines.

[@KenSeguin-ur9zb]

Impressed by the cab levers and detail🎇

[@joshslater2426]

It looks super nice. Since I’ve got a Bachmann E1 and G5 in NER condition, a Y7 is something I wouldn’t mind picking up. Only problem is that it’s quite small compared to other models I can get cheaper.

[@SamsTrains]

It's wonderfully painted isn't it - decoration very similar to the quality of Bachmann's too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kclassproductions]

I can't wait for the fireless locos, I'll definitely be watching your review Sam!

[@lindaoffenbach]

What a cute loco Sam. Best guess is that even Rapido can't escape economic reality, which was a completely different matter when they started out. In 2014 I have been recommending businesses to think towards retreating from China and relocate production in countries such as Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam etc. Reason is that economic growth and standard of living in China goes like the clappers (6-9% up annually). Another reason is that they were/are in the process of building an alternate Eastern financial and economic block (BRICs), which would end up in an economic financial warfare...,which has indeed unfolded that way. All adding costs, import duties, tariffs, etc. On top we had Covid of course with all consequences in terms of extra tolls. Rapido's production have moved further inland but all comes to limits concerning pricing. They should have been investing in high automation, super lean practices (like PIKO) but they don't have the capital backing perhaps. Their production methods are really very traditional old school..., hence expensive. Anyway, the loco is charming though but Rapido are clearly struggling to keep their initial promises up. Cheerio.

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Now that's what you call a domeless engine Sam, lol ;) Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely!!

[@SilverDragonTV]

They may not be respectable, but at least their performance is superb.

[@Soemtreinverhalen]

I have nothing special to say about this video but I like trains and thats the reason I watch so many of your vids(:

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear - thank you!

[@Stepneybluebell55]

Oi Sam

[@martinpattison1567]

I have been looking forward to this review as I would like to buy 2 of these H Class and the Y7. One is in NER green without red, and the other is in LNER Black with the letters LNER in a sharp semicircular. I may have to wait until next year when Dealers will be lowing the prices. Thank you, Sam. Martin. (Thailand)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Good afternoon Sam!! Mine will be the NER blue. They’re lovely little locomotives!! Please note that Jenny Kirk has reviewed this model yesterday and has seen my comments amongst others!!

[@KenSeguin-ur9zb]

Wonderful music and production qualities.🌠

[@jackstrains4468]

To be fair, that is a nem pocket of sorts - you could fit a socket to put a normal nem coupler in, but at this price, thats unacceptable, and i agree with you it should be better!

[@SamsTrains]

It's not a nem pocket - you could put a NEM pocket into it, but it'd stick out wildly from the model, to the point where it'd be unusable! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jackstrains4468]

@SamsTrains that's a fair point actually sam, it would stick further out from the body, I didn't think about that!

[@GrahamMuz]

@@SamsTrains see my comment above, it is actually still an NEM standard coupling but an NEM 363 not NEM 362 (with a pocket) not all retailers have incorrectly used the term pocket ;)

[@KibuFox]

Fun fact that you missed: The H Class was also used in push-pull trains, where a non-powered passenger or baggage car was attached to one end of the train, and the locomotive pulled the train in one direction. They were some of, if not the first true push/pull locomotives built. The GWR autocoach system starting in 1904, while these began operating in push/pull operations shortly after arriving in 1888.

[@roberthopper1872]

The H class wasnt used for push pull work, the only passenger services they saw was on the North Sunderland Light Railway where they ran around at each end of the line.🙂

[@kariikonen8695]

Sam could you make a video on budget models, starter sets and starting again? I feel like the topic needs a refresher. Also when are you reviewing that tomix starter set you got? I feel like you've been postponing it

[@MatthewChenault]

The amount of packaging for this tiny locomotive reminds me a lot of one of the Shining Time Station skits where the cast get these lollipops that appear to be gargantuan, but are wrapped up in about a dozen layers of foil and wax wrapping. I’m fairly certain someone in the comments will understand _that_ reference.

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha it is a bit like that - though I wouldn't say the packaging was excessive for this - it's worth it to protect the model! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MatthewChenault]

@@SamsTrains, not going to disagree with you on that. Especially now, when the Christmas season is coming up, it’s definitely worth protecting these locos from damage during the shipping process.

[@kkobayashi1]

You should see the Accurascale/Hattons Andrew Barclay - the box is twice as big as this.

[@stevedoggart2805]

I am getting serious Ivor the Engine vibes from this

[@robertfeeley8269]

I was thinking exactly the same thing

[@Blur4strike-2]

Well, Rapido is preparing to release a model of Ivor the Engine. Might see it in the near future.

[@Taggart00]

I have crewed the real 1310

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome! How does the real thing compare to the model? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Taggart00]

@@SamsTrains Well the model doesn't include all the NCB bodges to the loco

[@davidstaves6669]

Mine arrived 2 days after my original Y7 died (M&L whitemetal kit, built 40 years ago). Always my favourite little loco. Re couplings. Removed fitted tension lock and replaced with NEM pocket plus my shortest magnetic coupling. Problem solved.

[@richardlee653]

Regarding couplings, you should find that you can put a coupling for a NEM pocket in. Recently I replaced the tension locks of a Rapido brake van by Kadees. I used number 17s, which are the shortest Kadee designed for NEM pockets.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you can, but the pocket would protrude from the ends of the loco... so no good! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@blinard1]

This got the same grade as the Royal Mint Gold Royal Train. Now, please tell me the rating system works well.

[@SamsTrains]

Sure it works well - the grade boundaries change every year, so reviews from different years shouldn't be compared. In 2023 grades were distributed evenly from grades A through E. In 2024, the grade F was added, so now I'm distributing through 6 different grades rather than 5. By 2024 standards the Royal Mint garbage would have been an F, and in 2023 the Class H would've been a D. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

This model has all of the following: Next 18 DCC socket, built in speaker for sound installation, flickering firebox for DCC users and good coupling.

[@joetreleaven5462]

Excellent detail actually ..despite the weight of the model. Yes it should be a little heavier.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. I think Zoe took a sneak preview and forgot to replace the instructions (sorry, Zoe - still luv ya)! There were some paintwork issues, but the camera doesn't lie and you would probably not notice them when running on the layout. I might have deducted half a star on the performance given the couple of times you turned up the controller, the model didn't move and then raced off.

[@aberfordwest4003]

Hi Sam! Great video as always, I wondered what you think of the price of the new bachmann LNWR coaches? £110 RRP!!! Absolutely insane

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah... good luck to them... I'll get them when they're £40 in the sale haha!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@nickrails]

@aberfordwest4003 The counterpoint to that is that if you paid a professional to build and paint the same LNWR liveried coaches (so you could simply open a box and put them on your layout) you will probably pay £200-350.

[@Alpha-oo8]

@@SamsTrains what is this legendary “the sale”? Not just a sale, but “THE” sale

[@Alpha-oo8]

@@nickrails I mean, if we can’t afford the 100 quid coaches we ain’t gonna touch the 200-350 pound ones

[@mattlander9119]

​@@Alpha-oo8 The point is that if you wanted LNWR coaches up until bachmann announced theirs you had very limited options the cheaper ratio kits or brass kits. To get them made and painted to a high standard comparable to bachmann you would have to pay that. Therefore it's good value compared to previous LNWR coach offerings. They have a limited market so a smaller production run to recoup all their development and tooling costs.

[@davidmolin8944]

Sadly had to watch this video hours later cause a fire decided to rage through my area so no power, but honestly I really like the design of it and how small it is, would’ve been epic to see the valvegear function on such a tiny locomotive lol

[@seanbrady6731]

Mine arrived 2minutes after your video dropped!

[@MikayelBousseksou-w3p]

When I checked the website, Rapido said ‘die-cast and plastic construction’ so my brain jumped to ‘It has a die-cast footplate’. I checked all the reviews I could find for the engine and they were all saying it was great, well according to your review that isn’t quite the case.

[@SamsTrains]

Nope, definitely not a die cast running plate - the only major die cast part is the chassis!

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

YOU HAVE DONE RAPIDO A GRAVE INJUSTICE!!! 😂😂😂 Sorry Sam, I was just reading some of the comments. It’s funny how people launch into an argument without a second thought. I saw some people justifying the handrails using the information from Jenny’s review. But no offence, I find her WAY too positive and agree with your reviews. Obviously you may get a faulty model, which is why before ordering one of my own, I watch some others just to look out for what you said 😊

[@KeithDeley]

Super excited, you've been watching too much American TV mate.

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Brian!

[@briandesens144]

@SamsTrains you're welcome Sam

[@tpickup11]

I think Rapido should've included optional NEM couplings with pockets. I prefer to use the realistic screw and 3 link couplings. You can still pop the tension locks out and slide in a NEM pocket and coupling, but at the same time if you don't have any spares and have to buy some then I get that. I personally remove the NEM pockets by sliding them out of the chassis so that the underside looks cleaner.

[@danprice7973]

I think a stay alive is always pretty important for an 0-4-0 and I dont know why they dont fit them as standard. I also think it should work on analogue but it seems to me most stay alives only work on DCC which I do not use

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's right - I've heard of stayalives for analogue, but never seen one as of yet! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chompette_]

Motors consume a massive amount of current compared to lights, speakers, decoders, so stay alive units are not aimed towards the mechanical aspects of the locomotive, that is what the flywheel is for.

[@eisenbau]

Stay alive capacitors cannot be fitted effectively on DC for 3 fundamental reasons. 1. They would need to be bipolar and no such high capacitance 'super capacitors' are available'. 2. 'DC' controllers don't output pure DC. A large capacitor across the motor would integrate the voltage to whatever the peak voltage is, so there's a good chance the loco would run too fast and at very non linear speeds across the controller speed range. 3. Unlike DCC, when you stop a loco on DC the loco will only come to a stop when the capacitor is fully discharged, making stopping very erratic..

[@alantoms3263]

Reminds me a bit of OLD Polly / Nellie.

[@chriswade7470]

They were used in passenger service on the Seahouses Branch in Northumberland ( 4 wheel coaches)

[@ianjeffery6744]

68089 was indeed used on the line to Seahouses, which was, in fact, the North Sunderland Light Railway - independent, and not nationalised.

[@chriswade7470]

Earlier today one of my Facebook groups had a photo of one in service on that line

[@ianjeffery6744]

@@chriswade7470 One of them (LNER 559) was loaned to the isolated military line to Spurn Head, probably during WW2. An idea for a minimum space layout?

[@raysadler2082]

I bought a BR black version - she has metal handrails

[@SamsTrains]

Not across the boiler she doesn’t - is the front smokebox one metal maybe?

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam such a beautiful modle

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks James!

[@GelatoTaco]

ok, I agree it should have NEMs n a better safety valve bonnet, but how the hell is a 7.17 score an E grade?

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

When you first held it up, I seen the gap in the boiler and said to myself I don't like it and nether will he. You were spot on with your review giving it a well-deserved "E". I am wondering if you seen the rerelease of an old Model-Power 0-4-0 by Evemodel out of Hong Kong that uses the original mold but adds a red LED in the back set in heat glue. This could be your first "Z" rated locomotive you ever reviewed, lol. Great video, Jersey Bill

[@MoleculeMind7]

It’s not that bad. Factoring value into the equation. A brand new model train that works for the price of two Burger King meals is remarkable in this time

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

@@MoleculeMind7 For $30 to $40 (23.50 to 31 pounds) you are not wrong, and I totally agree with you, but you would have to agree it would be fun to watch Sam review it. Come on, admit it, doesn't that sound like a good time, lol.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it would be fun - I think I was looking at that very model the other day... sorely tempted.....

[@SomeGuynamedOtto]

Funny i got a notification for this video while i was building a tiny train!

[@SamsTrains]

haha awesome!! What train are you building? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SomeGuynamedOtto]

@@SamsTrains It was mostly freelancy but was inspired by orenstein & koppel engines

[@davidhinks8384]

Pretty little loco, shame about the lack of metal at the price. I'm looking forward to my 44xx with some trepidation. Cheers Sam.

[@joek5882]

It's locos like this that makes me jealous of OO scale. I would love one of these in N scale even if it would be the size of a 2 Pound piece! ;)

[@JustinFrazier_360]

So amazing review sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Justin!

[@a2020vision_official]

What a lovely little engine. (and the review a welcome change from waiting on election results)

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

Ugh don't remind me

[@rogergoldfinchelectrical4159]

I like watching the second coupling rod move up & down through the frames. Mine came with instructions and with that pulling power who cares about a model body? (If you think this loco is expensive, try a Hornby M7!)

[@Alpha-oo8]

I’ve got a narrow guage 0-4-0 with a firebox glow, you can definitely fit them in small spaces

[@kkobayashi1]

Like the Bachmann Mainline Hunslet? It's £189.95 RRP for the DCC-ready version. Imagine what Sam would say about that. Also it doesn't have a gap below the boiler with valve gear details.

[@Alpha-oo8]

@@kkobayashi1 I have the one without the tender that ones not as dear. Still cost me 161 quid though. Not saying it’s cheap, just saying it is definitely possible to fit them in small spaces like this

[@kkobayashi1]

@@Alpha-oo8 The RRP I quoted is for the one without the tender. I think we understand it's possible, but there is a tradeoff between features and price.

[@Alpha-oo8]

@@kkobayashi1 then why does dapols hawthorn Leslie have one, plus mostly metal construction for less money? I’m not saying these features don’t cost money, of course they do. I just get confused when the more expensive ones have less features. Sure this engine is smaller than the dapol h/l, so maybe shoving such a feature in there would make it cost more. But they haven’t, and it’s still more expensive. I understand features cost money, so paying for engines that don’t have them, and are priced like they do, well, I dunno. Seems a tad unreasonable to me

[@kkobayashi1]

@@Alpha-oo8 The Dapol does cost more for the DCC sound version. And the Hawthorn Leslie has a lot more internal volume due to the fat saddle tank and no gap under the boiler. I own a couple each (Y7, Hawthorne Leslie and Mainline Hunslet) and I feel they are all appropriately priced.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

I’ve been looking forward to this one

[@SamsTrains]

Hope you like the video! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chompette_]

Plastic body aside, I feel the provision of/for a large speaker and easy fitting of a decoder in the tanks more than makes up for the weight deficit from that space not being diecast, considering how the haulage and current collection are both well within what is acceptable even with 95 grams. Fran from Accurascale recently revealed that of their locomotives, DCC Sound significantly outsold DCC ready models, so those provisions should weigh highly for the average modeller.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's fair - but they could have had both if the tanks or boiler were diecast, so not really an excuse! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

It's a very interesting and small loco Sam, I might have to go for the NER Simplified verson. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yeah that's lovely too isn't it - bit more traditional looking! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@michaelball68]

Just watching another major KZbin review of this loco, in black, number 1302 - and it has solid metal handrails! How odd Rapido didnt put them on every one for some reason.

[@SamsTrains]

It doesn’t - if you’re talking about Jenny, she got it wrong unfortunately, they’re all plastic. Stick with team Sam for the facts 😉😂

[@michaelball68]

@ Well it’s not the first time I’ve noticed Sam ;-)

[@LeslieSmart-e4p]

Did you work out what those plastic columns were in the accessories bag?

[@Taggart00]

they are shunting poles

[@lesliesmart6691]

A bit overscale for shunting poles and why are there four ?

[@Taggart00]

@@lesliesmart6691 they are poles for the loco to use for shunting wagons on adjacent lines and not for a shunter to use to uncouple

[@IAN62C]

7:11 ​@@Taggart00

[@IAN62C]

​@Taggart00 00😊please}

[@DoubleX8620]

I'm kinda here and there with this one. Excited at first, but kinda plastic. Looks great, is lightweight. Lacks features, but looks good. After seeing a sound fitted example, I may do it. When the price comes down a bit, to about 120£ to 130£, I think it's okay. Either the NER green as preserved, the LNER Darlington Works Black or the exclusive Rails Edition in that absolutely amazing NER blue. They knew this version is the most interesting and or beautiful looking so it's exclusive sold at RRP, so I may settle for the NER green. It's still kinda a basic loco and yes, the Hawthorn Leslie is objectively better I think. In construction, mechanism (firebox light) and value. Still, I may decide for this loco after all. I want an 0-4-0 shunter and at least when it's running both are very close, so excellent. As someone who likes to look at the loco at a certain distance, the lack of features don't bother me too much. Kinda disappointing I'd say, but maybe when Rapido reaches out to you again for a replacement like the Metropolitan and the Pannier, at least we know they care for their customers in the service department. great review, Sam 👍👍

[@bryantan863]

Rapido's new H class or Y7 is a very nice model which I really like this model. It is a shame that the body shell and running board are not made out of metal. Plus, it does not have nem pockets to switch the couplings and it really sucks that your example does not come with a set of instructions which makes it very difficult to understand how to disassemble the model. Still, its performance is outstanding and it is a pretty good model to own Sam.

[@Taggart00]

When you had the body off you didn't comment on the cab details on the floor such as the dampers and waterfeeds

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true - it's an outstanding cab! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@clemdye2996]

Well Sam, seems like you were lucky with your sample. Mine, a LNER Y7 with BR livery, arrived in perfect condition recently and runs well. Sadly, the motor makes a horrible noise when the loco is run at 50% speed on my GM controller in either direction, and at 30% or lower shunting speed the noise is so loud and annoying that it's not usable and I'm in the process of returning it to Rails for a refund. It looks like I'm out of luck for a replacement as Rails is now out of stock. However, the loco, as well made as it is, is so small it's more a toy than a serious model, in my opinion. My first and last Rapido loco, it seems.

[@TheLoftLayout]

Lovely model this

[@TC_5670]

Hi Sam, I only go by your reviews as Railway Magazines gloss over faults when they do reviews as they have to keep in with the manufacturers so it's a variation of one of these adjectives - amazing, wonderful etc instead of shoddy, could do better or fairly good but bear in mind that.. or even - very good.. I was considering buying a DCC version of the Y7 but considering it's a 0-4-0 had reservations that travel over points could be problematic as Rapido haven't installed any stay alive capacitors. Possibly restricted by space but perhaps a chip with onboard ones or connectivity to allow you to fit them after might have alleviated running issues? Thank you for the interesting review. Thank you Rapido for an interesting loco. Looking forward (please?) to your review of the Accurascale 0-6-0 J67

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I saw that mischief maker of an animal. Time he was put out to pasture. I love it when you run a ghost train. I've written a story about my own ghost train visiting your loft. Aside from suffering a power cut, was there ever a time when you played with trains and then realised you'd forgotten to turn the lights on?

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha thanks Kelly - that sounds very spooky!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@speleokeir]

Another excellent and helpful review Sam. A bit over priced compared to the Dapol's Hawthorne Leslies, Hornby's Pecketts and Accurascale's re-release of the Andrew Barclays, but at £123 at the retailers still affordable. I agree Id expect a diecast body for that. The basic design of the loco is rather toy like IMO and they remind me a lot of Ivor the Engine. Perhaps that's what inspired Rapido to make that model model too. Looks like a decent enough model, but with all the others they've brought out and a limited budget I think I'll give it a miss. I definitely prefer Dapol and Hornby's 0-4-0s and put this one on a par with the Andrew Barclay, but as it costs more it's 4th choice of the 0-4-0s for me. It's certainly not bad, just not as good as it's rivals IMO which are of a very high standard. Really looking forward to Rapido's O1s though - I've got two on preorder. The SECR green livery and the Bluebell livery both of which look stunning. I'm also tempted by some of Rapido's other models in the pipeline more than this one.

[@star86703]

Brilliant video

[@darknut9696]

Why does this engine and paint scheme look like a realistic version of Ivor the engine or is that me?

[@speleokeir]

No, I was thinking the same and was making Ivor noises as it pootled around Sam's layout!😁

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

I must have your instructions as 2 lots came with mine. Lovely little loco very impressed with mine :)

[@SamsTrains]

Hahaha that’s funny - where did you buy yours from out of interest?

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

@@SamsTrains Rails of Sheffield it's the NER blue one.

[@SamsTrains]

Haha you probably really do have my instructions then… I’ll be round in the morning 😂

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

@SamsTrains don't make it too early 😂

[@owenhardy4592]

Sam I have a different video suggestion. is it possibly to restore an old chassis and make a new body with your 3d printer pls

[@modelrailfan37]

I really want this loco, but I live in Canada and my supplier accidentally cancelled my order 😢 great review!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's so annoying - can you order from a UK retailer and get it shipped maybe?? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailfan37]

@ I could but international shipping is very expensive so that doesn’t make much logical sense unfortunatly…

[@PaulNicoll-b8c]

It looks like ivor

[@mikeparkin903]

A really fair, in depth and helpful review - thanks

[@owenhardy4592]

can you restore more really old non working locos pls

[@ianjeffery6744]

Hmm. Not quite as good as I'd hoped - but I eagerly await the arrival of my BR version, which will look fine hauling a Wisbech & Upwell coach in BR maroon. I think it may be true to say that Rapido need to slow down a bit as regards new releases, and perhaps improve the specifications of those in the pipeline. I wonder what the magnificent Jones Goods will be like? ETA: My black BR 68089 has just arrived with instructions), and, despite the sombre livery, is a little gem - it does indeed look good with an Upwell tramcar...Onwards and Upwards, Rapido!!

[@JonatanGronoset]

The Y7 is a giant compared to the Y8, and I hope to see the Y8 being made soon.

[@CallicoJackracham]

Can someone tell me what brand those ''Hawkins''', ''Parsons'' and ''Wallis'' freight cars are? I love the look of those.

[@pennysteam]

Seen one at North Norfolk a few years ago

[@CalebsRailFilms]

Never trust domeless engines, they're not respectable hehe ;) I have to say I don't mind it, Sam. Would look good on my little canal shunting layout one suspects. Interesting little design for sure. Great video and thanks for sharing. Regards, Caleb

[@DC4260Productions]

Good timing, since I've just ordered my own Y7 (specifically 986 in LNER black), but I'm disappointed in the lack of die-cast and that unsightly parting line behind the smokebox. Considering that the similarly-priced 15xx Pannier Tank has an awful lot of die-cast, I don't understand why the Y7 is mostly plastic by comparison.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah - one or two things not quite right - and agreed, the pannier sounds incredible for a similar price! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@That1Redhead28]

My Heljan 35 didn’t come with instructions so I had to research where the details go, myself

[@charlieray2751]

Just seeing how tiny it is, it's like the hobbit of tank engines in the best way. Absolutely adorable.

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely - it's an incredible size isn't it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joelwatkins]

this reminded me, there's an Ivor The Engine OO guage set from Rapido, any chance of a review?

[@kkobayashi1]

It's not coming out for at least another year.

[@adamwilliams192]

The section on the express point dead zone made me wonder if you could do an explainer on plastic frog (insulfrog) points vs metal (electrofrog) points and the wiring associated? Maybe not an entire videos worth, but in an electrics video? Best

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that could make for an interesting video - thanks for the tip! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@caw25sha]

Maybe 0-4-0s run well because there's less friction.

[@alistairmoss1549]

Just got the ncb no. 6 are the instructions trapped in the lid of the box. Watch jenny kirk fitting decoder as instructions are not complete

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing - no the instructions definitely weren't inside the box! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@attuslebeard5133]

I still haven't broken my Rapido 'duck' - they are bringing out lots of models I want to buy but seem unable to produce anything that's really worth the money . In their defence though this loco isn't bad compared with the much vaunted Hornby Peckett given how expensive they have become.

[@kennethmaney914]

Noticed you never opened it up. Watch out for the third screw under the coupling..

[@SamsTrains]

I did open it up!

[@KianWesternRailway]

Where is the Barclay in this ??

[@KianWesternRailway]

Oops it was mentioned once and on the layout

[@Caledonianpug]

Great video as always Sam! I was wondering can I make an out of context compilation of your videos? With credit of course

[@SamsTrains]

Of course! That sounds fun!!!

[@Madonsteamrailways]

As I said to Jenny Kirk, it’s a typical Rapido model. It’s a damned good model that looks great, feels good and runs well!!

[@11000038]

Sam. You forgot to mention the omitted instructions and the lack of metal.

[@timstrainvideos142]

i have some european ho trains with nem 363 coupling sockets. they arent that uncommon. you can buy a conversion piece for kadees.

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Great review Sam. I REALLY love that NER livery. It's a far richer colour than the GNR/LNER green. My question concerns how the hell the poor fireman was supposed to get coal into the firebox. What did he use? A sand wedge? And I thought Stroudley's Terriers were horrid to fire!!

[@SamsTrains]

It's a truly wonderful livery isn't it? haha that's a good question - maybe there was a hatch inside? Will try and find a photo! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I have a question Sam, is this a split chassis model? Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Yes this looks like it's technically a split chassis loco! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RyanN-uq4hy]

Sam what engine that have opening smokebox door do you have and what are they?

[@SamsTrains]

Quite a few Bachmann locos have it - the C1 and City class are a couple that spring to mind! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RyanN-uq4hy]

Thank you

[@RyanN-uq4hy]

Your videos are great

[@ReeceWilliams-vu8sn]

How do NER Class H classes run in real life if they've got no coal bunkers? Is that another way they fill up on coal?

[@kkobayashi1]

Look closely, there's a coal bunker at the back of the left side water tank.

[@tiddles4x4]

I find that "hinge" on the NEM couplings very fragile. It is also unnecessary when using Kadees as they have a metal hinge and return spring. I was tempted by this model but have been put off by this review. Will probaly get another Dapol Hawthorn Leslie.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah - that hinge should really have a stop either side of it to stop the coupling bending too far… nothing to guard against that there!

[@Vanrides.]

Missing instructions, bent running plate. I wonder if this is a unrun item returned to the retailer.

[@SamsTrains]

It can't have been - I ordered this as soon as I saw them in stock! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dcb_trains]

Good looking loco but I think I would rather save my money and wait to see if they come on offer with the lacking features and weight.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's right - if you're not desperate for one, I'd recommend just waiting... no big deal if they do sell out! Thanks for watching, Sam :)