Review: Hornby R3762 LNER Azuma Hitachi IEP Bi-Mode Class 800/1 Five Car Train Pack

[@stephenchambers5900]

As ever a really balanced review. Shocking that another expensive model has quality issues with light bleed, short cuts such as the pantograph. But the price, it’s not shipping it’s profiteering.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Stephen. I'll get into the detail of your last comment in my next video....

[@97SEMTEX]

these are selling for around £350 from Rainbow railways and Kernow. I think thats a much more reasonable pricing for these.

[@sapphirejunction8993]

Another excellent review. I know I bang on about Hornby rubbish (8Pin DCC interface, lighting, constant light bleeds, awful panto's and dodgy livery applications) at piss taking prices and I still stand by my opinions and it still stands with this product which to me is a glass half full but you're paying for the full bottle. Having said that, I do have the Hornby TPE 802 on pre-order with my model shop and after this video review I'll probably re-consider nearer the time and cancel because £452 (retailer discount price) for the 5 Car TPE 802 is again ridiculous but yes I have bitten for now which is mainly due to the fact I have 2 TPE Class 68's and 2 matching TPE MK5 Packs from Accurascale which are extraordinary value @£450 for both packs delivered, that is 10 coaches with lights! This product you just reviewed, I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. Yeah, glass half full is a good way of describing it. The sad thing is it wouldn't have cost a whole lot more to get it right which is such a shame. I'd jump at the TPE 800 if they fixed the issues and dropped the price a little. Really looking forward to the Accurascale MK5s. They look exceptional. Will review as soon as I get them.

[@sapphirejunction8993]

@@EuviRail Yes I'm the same in regards to the TPE 800 but even if the price holds @£452 at the retailer but the issues you pointed out aren't fixed then it will be a no-go. Will look forward to your review of the AS TPE MK5's!

[@EuviRail]

@@sapphirejunction8993 If more people take this line we might hopefully see some movement on these issues and get the model we were hoping for....

[@sapphirejunction8993]

@@EuviRail I don't think that will happen with Hornby, they are caught between being a toy company and a detailed model manufacturer and looks like they'd rather be the former especially when it comes to D&E. Practically all my money has gone to and now goes to Accurascale, Dapol, Hattons (Class 66's x17) Revolution & Cavalex in that order followed by Bachmann, Hornby and in last place Heljan.

[@Lotty19]

Belated thanks for a great review. Just picked up an Azuma for a great price. In its defence, once the light bleed is dealt with in the power cars (a 10 minute job with some black paint) it is a superb model. Granted, we should not have to do this on a new model. Only the wet lettuce pantograph lets it down. Lucky its a biModal! Cheers, John

[@EuviRail]

Thanks John. Yeah, this is a fine model despite the minor shortcomings. Good description for the pantograph!

[@pemboart]

Great review! I find myself conflicted with the 800's. I see them every day when I go to work and I dont take notice of them... but I know when the years roll by and I'll look back and wish I did! Looks like a decent model to enjoy

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. These are good runners and overall they look the part - just don't run them in the dark! Kernow had them on offer recently for £299 which was a very tempting price.

[@newingtonrock4562]

I'm new to this channel - great review. I was considering buying either the LNER or GWR, but not sure now, especially as the lowest price I can find is £450. On a more positive note: I rode the GWR from St. Austell to Truro Wednesday - lovely train!

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. These are pricey alright though we have seen them reduced from time to time. Saw the Azuma on offer for £299 about 6 months ago. I like both liveries but it's the glossy finish on the GWR livery that I really like. A running session on the expanded 9-car version is coming as well as a follow up on the custom lighting video I did. These have coach lighting but it's the wrong colour temperature.

[@black.diablo.m2]

Very balanced, honest review, and based upon what I've seen in your video, I do agree with your comments. The lighting bleed is disappointing and, arguably, should have been expected with a white-bodied model (c.f. the GWR version which I have). I also agree, a gloss finish is overdue, especially at this price point. Thanks for sharing. I've got the 'Celebrating Scotland' version on preorder and, dare I say it, the TransPennine Express liveried version.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. Here's hoping some of these issues will be addressed on the TPE version before it hands.

[@charlesrussell8137]

I have one further comment on the Hornby Azuma 800, as a user of PECO code 75 track. I have noticed that the wheel rims on the Azuma are quite big - no doubt that is one reason why it is such a good runner - but when the wheels meet code 75 plastic rail joiners there is a bump. This is enough to make a noise and be seen if you care to look, but has not yet resulted in a derailment. It has no issue whatsoever with the metal joiners. You may just need to be careful where you locate any plastic joiners, especially if, like me, you have some relatively inaccessible areas of your layout. I have to say that it is still a good runner even on this track and is an excellent train. I am very pleased with it.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing Charles. The Code 75 track can be problematic for some models as you have highlighted. Good to hear the model is working out well for you overall.

[@petertate5741]

Good honest review mate ,but hellfire these ridiculous prices.👍

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Peter. Yeah, it's got out of hand but not every seller is doing it....

[@TATICMOOR]

A great review and video of the Hornby 800. I agree with all your pro's and especially the cons of this set. I am thinking of getting the Scottish version, but now I think I will wait a bit longer to see if I can get it at a cheaper price. I am glad I got to see both this review and the accompanying running view you made. It is a beautiful set but let down by the issues raised in this review. I am a newbie to your channel, and I will be back to go over other items you have filmed. Thank you for your in-depth account with this model of the Hornby Bi-Mode 800, it was well done.

[@tenterdentown2452]

Thanks for a well-balanced and carefully considered review. This train seems to be of a similar ilk to the Javelin with flimsy pantographs and the build quality is not vastly superior to that! There are a number of methods that could be used to make the body work look shiny - lacquer, French polish, T-cut, furniture polish. Using lacquer or French polish is the most risky. T-cut runs the risk of removing detail. Furniture polish is the least risky, but I think you would have to buy an expensive brand used for antique furniture! T-cut will produce a shine on bare plastic, but will quickly take the paint off if you make a mistake. I think I would experiment on a second hand coach which doesn't matter! Thanks for uploading.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. The roof elements from the Javelin incl. the flimsy pantographs do appear to have been carried over here.

[@kennethbrunt9682]

A very balanced review which I agree with. I find the coaches are the biggest problem especially on S type cures. The change of direction causes the coaches to derail.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Kenneth. I do have an S type interchange on the layout but I never run anything over it at speed and while I didn't experience such issues in the course of the review activity I can see the potential for such failures. I'll watch for this again.

[@callumradford3680]

Nice video as always. Just an observation regarding your comments in regards to the GWR examples: their Class 800/0 5 car units are a matt finish in real life as the livery is an applied vinyl to a white body, as opposed to the rest of their fleet which is a painted glossy finish. In that respect, Hornby are correct in their application of the matt finish.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that Callum - I haven't had the benefit of seeing these in real life so am reliant on photographs. The vinyl finish still appears to reflect more light than the rather dull finish on the Hornby GWR models. Looking at the Azuma close-ups the underlying plastic appears to be textured so this wouldn't help. Replicating the vinyl finish on a model without making it look toy-like has definitely been a challenge for all the manufacturers.

[@grah84mck]

For me it hits the mark! The light bleed isn’t a issue as I find running trains in the complete dark in my loft a no go. The light bleed was a issue on the class 800 limited addition pack of 500. For me running in the dark is pointless. But that’s just me. Mines didn’t have the paint problems. Again another good review.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Graham. This model is definitely a conundrum. It's an attractive smooth running model on the one hand that I do enjoy having on the layout. For the sake of a bit more design oversight and better quality control it has the credentials to be one of the best models of the year. And for many like yourself, the issues may not be relevant and you can enjoy all the positives, Glad to hear it's running well for you.

[@grah84mck]

@@EuviRail on another note, I swapped my Avanti 390 shell onto the virgin motor from about 10 year ago, pulls all 10 coaches with ease. Nothing to my eye can see any difference in the motor or the weights but I suspect it the build of the motors in the newer ones that’s the problem. I had problems with the Avanti one pulling anything more than 7 coaches. It would jump and wheel slip all over the layout. However the virgin one works well. Not had to change the tyres either on that one.

[@Happyghost54]

I saw one of these the other day in real life! They are so fast!

[@scooter0012]

Great review and totally agree with the content. I have a large layout laid on Guagemaster foam ballasted underlay, which is pinned, with a minimum of radius 3 curves and express points. I found that the middle carriage has a tendency to derail. I have had to ease the the carriage couplings two to three turns and added extra weight to this carriage to minimise derailments. The model is very quick but is let down by derailment issues and I fear people with smaller tighter layouts may struggle with this model. I’d say this model is over-priced by about £100.00GBP and a fairer price would be £349.99. As a general rule Hornby are becoming overpriced and Heljan, Dapol and Bachmann could take market share as a result.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing. Thankfully I haven't experienced any derailments on either of my two Class 800s so this is very disappointing to see and a big black mark for any model. I had derailment issues with the Pendolino and one of the issues I found was differences in the flange size between the wheels on good and bad cars. Might be worth looking at. You've already hit the other main improvement areas. I think we're on the same page in terms of Hornby's pricing!

[@simeonenglish4324]

Another helpful review, thanks

[@paulgrimshaw2130]

I for one will not be buying this,the light bleed alone would be a reason to return this back to hornby the price hornby charge are unacceptable for this set with all the flaws it has, im so glad I read your reviews keep up the good work and I hope hornby see your reviews and take note

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Paul, glad the review was of use. I only wish it could have been a bit more positive.

[@Dennis20000]

Solid review, I bought this model a couple of weeks ago and completely agree with all the points you raised. The fgw hst also doesn't have a gloss finish.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Dennis. My next model review is actually for the FGW HST followed by the FGW Mk3 coaches. Some aspects of those reviews won't be pretty I'm afraid.

[@timothymorris814]

As always an excellent well balanced review and its a shame that those little improvements and attention to quality and details are as always missed by Hornby (Wish Bachmann had done it) ,,,,think I will hold my purchase for a bit as for that price I would have expected a much better scoring. Thanks as always and still looking forward to your layout Vid stay safe. Tim

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Tim

[@MrMattMWH]

Good review. Agree with the need for a gloss finish. Looks great on the gwr class 43s as you say.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Matthew, I know some folks have concerns with the gloss finish looking toy-like or cheap but if it's well executed like the GWR 43s it can be a real standout.

[@colcester]

Loved the review! i actually have just purchased one and im still waiting for its arrival, so other peoples experiences with this model are always helpful. As disappointing as the faults are that you noted, and given its price tag these are things that shouldnt really have cropped up, its still nice to see Hornby getting such newer locos and EMUs in particular into the RTR market - so any chance to make sure they continue this needs some support i feel. Pantographs are a problem, we do not really have a catenary system which provides power to a train anymore and it would be completely useless if your running DCC anyway, so most pans are purely cosmetic. This trend has been going a while with only the fantastic Bachmann Class 90 bucking things up a bit. The best that can be hoped here will be to set the pan height to just below the contact wire and leave it there. Oh, and just a little thing about the packing - everyone misses this on Hornby packaging so its not just you, but if you look at the back of the polystyrene tray there are normally two holes, these are there to allow you to "push" the model from behind to release it from the tray... you shouldnt have to try prizing it out directly from the front as you can risk damage to the item. There you go, a little future tip lol!

[@Curlypawz]

An excellent review - very fair and balanced. I'm not sure about a glossy finish - I worry that it might look a little toy-like. But I appreciate that the prototype finish is actually glossy. I did buy one, since it is the period I model and nobody else seems likely to produce it, but got it at a good discounted price. I guess I went in with my eyes open that it would be a poorer quality model coming from Hornby. And indeed as you pointed out the pantograph is shockingly bad for a model at this price. The finish on mine seems OK, I don't care about night running (fortunately). Once coach seemed prone to derail due to a kinematic coupler but that should be easy to remedy. The extra overhang is certainly an issue on a smaller layout. And the cramped underbody space for a decoder and speaker is annoying. Given that I intend to run it in diesel mode the sound is quite important (and luckily the flimsy pantograph will stay down). I'm planning to get a TPE Nova 1 - again because it fits with my era and location. I fully expect it to have the same flaws as the Azuma and preceding GWR 800. If Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, Accurascale or Rapido did the 800 I wouldn't look at the Hornby model. But sadly if you want an 800 they are the only option. But it is likely to be my last Hornby model.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I think a lot of folks would share your thoughts on this. The sad thing is that Hornby have done 95% of the spadework on this model but that last 5% is so important. It would be a travesty if the TPE version inherited all the same faults but I fear you may be correct.

[@russellbenton2987]

Fair review again . Agree with your points . Hornby seem to think sticking a nice livery on something absolves them of the need to improve models . The pantograph is simply nog hood enough for a model at £400 let alone the new ones at £500 . I fancy one but not at that price

[@sgkingly8392]

I absolutely agree with the gloss finish. I have one of the HSTs in the gloss finish and it just looks fantastic. I was going to be getting one of these but ultimately decided against it. I don't particularly model any era or region, I just like trains. So for the money that I would be spending I was looking at one of two models. This or the Rapido Trains APT-e DCC sound fitted. I run a DCC only layout so I would also have to purchase decoders for the Azuma so that would raise the price to above that of the APT-e. Ultimately I decided that to me personally I found the APT-e sound fitted to be better value than the Azuma. And knowing about the shortcuts in this video (light bleed, dim lights, pantograph areas and pickups being the main ones) cemented that decision. I also like to run in the dark sometimes so the light bleed being this bad is a issue for me

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. The APT-e is an interesting model. Rapido Trains appear to have done a good job there.

[@BritishRail60062]

In my upmost honest opinion. I no longer buy Hornby models on direct trust but I tend to check KZbin videos for feedback on the models that do interest me. I have bought a non sound GBRF Class 92 from Accurascale and I am getting the CAF Mk5 packs because ACS seems to have better quality and none of the ACS/IRM models have problems with light bleed. Hornby are churning out some right overpriced trash just lately and they were even removing comments mentioning the quality issues on their channels. So why does this tell us customers? Are they really the caring customer focused company that they once was? I have my doubts and the prices have gone stupidly high from last year. I only want a model of 60001 Steadfast which will use the new 21 pin DCC but I will check reviews first. Hornby in my upmost opinion are outpricing most of us out of the hobby and they just don't seem to care either. I look forward to when karma hits back. Also if you are interested. Cavalex Models are doing a new Class 56 model this year in all liveries. Should be promising and I get a couple of those myself. Keep up the great videos buddy. I respect your videos and Sam'sTrains because you both tell it the way it is and there is no biased and we can comment without the risk of being deleted. I will have my review of 60028 coming up tomorrow if you wanted to see what that model is like. All the best Ash.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Ash. Yeah, Hornby pulled my feedback on the Azuma as well - I gave it 3 stars. They are seriously compromising their integrity by doing this I'm afraid which should make anyone thing twice about dealing with them in the future. At least they can't censor KZbin! I've been following the Class 56 from Cavalex alright. Just need to decide on a livery now. I'll check out your 60028 review alright to see how that model shapes up. Take care, Eugene

[@hovermotion]

Great channel...Its a shame how most model makes do the same with a semi matt finish...

[@DeanPark]

Have you passed this light bleed issue on to hornby? This is infuriating. Looks nice in the daylight though!

[@EuviRail]

Hi Dave, I posted feedback on the Hornby website last night which covered the main issues incl. this but I don't see it this morning! There is already a comment up there on the light bleed and another viewer to the channel has shared that Hornby support told him to return the item when he raised the light bleed issue. I haven't gone any further with it yet. Eugene

[@stalaxjunction4245]

Hi nice video are there extra coaches for this Azusa model Thanks

[@EuviRail]

Thanks. Yes, on their way ... uk.hornby.com/products/lner-class-8012-coach-pack-era-11-r40350

[@andrewross3293]

Great video. Thank you. The light bleed is a killer for me. I would try to rectify the issue and probably end up in an expensive failure.

[@charlesrussell8137]

A very good and fair review. I have one of these and I think its a good model. I do have difficulty getting the Loksound 5 decoder and a double iPhone speaker into the space provided. If the speakers occupy the speaker space then there isn't sufficient height available in the remainder of the under floor cavity to properly tighten the cover. How did you deal with it?

[@EuviRail]

Hi Charles, same problem as yourself so I had to settle for a single iPhone speaker. It's still a good model as you say, but for a modest investment they could have addressed some annoying issues.

[@TomScrut]

The motor speed curve, did you have back EMF activated on the decoder, and if so if you adjust the CV for back EMF voltage then you'd get a better speed curve. I have Lokpilot 5s in mine and with the settings adjusted and using the speed curve instead of the 3 point curve I have it perfectly linear and measures so. Mine also has the light bleed. End lighting the bleed is visible in a lit room. I asked Hornby if there was any intention to do anything about this (i.e. new bodies etc.) and they just said send it back.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Tom, I'll check that. Given the decoder was specifically programmed for the Hornby C800 I would have expected this to be set correctly but you never know. Did Hornby indicate what they were going to do if you returned the model?

[@TomScrut]

@@EuviRail yeah I have found that a lot of the time the back EMF reference voltage isn't correct and can be motor specific. Hornby didn't say what they would do which is my issue as if I am sending it back to be told "refund or sort it out yourself" then I'll have had the hassle for nothing as I want to keep it regardless. I just don't want to spend s load of time reworking to end up where they are doing some new bodies.

[@raishallen4345]

Wow, the light bleed looks horrendous. I would buy the GWR version though. And what's with the polystyrene packaging? I thought Hornby had gone over to the 'egg box' style? I have the 7 car APT and all four coach packs in 'egg box' packaging. I did think it was a bit weird and cheap at first but it helps the environment a bit I guess.

[@revenya9542]

i am stuck on a decision in between a 9 car class 91 or a 9 car class 800 so i was wondering if you would review either of them. for the class 800 I mean the one that will be 502 pounds.

[@EuviRail]

Hi, I did have the Class 91 on pre-order but following my recent experiences from Hornby I decided I wasn't willing to invest in both the Class 91 and an MK4 rake and chose to go with Bachmann Class 90 with my existing MK3 rake instead. A review of the Class 90 is in the works.

[@revenya9542]

@@EuviRail ok i think i will get the class 91 the pictures look good but idk what the price difrence will include

[@2adbty444]

Great review, the quality is just not there anymore, which is a shame,and let's not talk about the prices..

[@geordielad9636]

I ordered mine when first announced 2019 from Hattons only to be told 2021 Hattons could not supply as sold out on pre-order? so ordered direct from Hornby. One plus point for Hornby they did honour the pre-order price of £395 so I did not pay the new price. I am over the moon with my model a real classy model. You mentioned the new APT and I look forward to your review if you get one? I received mine this week (the 7 car set) this model is not in the same league as the Azuma, the power car packed up after 3 days, I will reveal more if you review it, a not cheap and chatty model. Bill.

[@EuviRail]

Hi William, thanks for your comments and input on the APT. I won;t be reviewing the APT I'm afraid as I need to manage my own budget and it didn't make the cut. I've looked at other reviews of it online and unfortunately you're not alone in your experience. The Azuma is definitely a superior model.

[@TanVasinTrains]

When I saw this, I am thinking of modifying the class 800 to have a gloss finish by painting gloss clear coat

[@roglaker9353]

Obviously you can only review the model which you have, I'll simply say that the one which I have fortunately lacks two of the issues which you highlighted as I don't have paint bleed near the cabs or wires showing beneath. For price, there's a good supplier based in Ormskirk! Currently offering both Azumas at a little over £380 on their website.

[@EuviRail]

Hi Rog, thanks for that pricing tip and your experiences with the model which is good to hear.

[@mattg5467]

Thank you for the review. May I ask what radius curve the loco was running on?

[@EuviRail]

Hi Matt, it was mainly Radius 3 with some Radius 4.

[@mattg5467]

Good track work, Thanks for letting me know.

[@davidcoleman3773]

The only issue I have with the class 800 is the power car and the bogies, the underneath of the power bogies sit low, so if you have AWS ramps in the middle of the fore foot the power bogies scrap the bottom of the power bogies as the non power car and coaches don’t

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing David. I hadn't heard of that particular issue before.

[@wapphigh5250]

I got one of these real cheap but didn't realise the light bleed was a problem (hadn't seen yr review). I'm ok with a crappy pantograph. Is the light bleed just on the coaches? Also Can you recommend a paint to sort this? Maybe do a video of how to do it ie remove the shell etc...? Cheers.

[@EuviRail]

Hi, the light bleed affects the power cars as well unfortunately and these could be a bit trickier to remediate. In terms of the paint, I'd go for an acrylic paint that matches the interior of the real coaches (check the LNER website for interior photos). As it's internal, I would look for a sampler bottle from my local paint shop rather than going for more expensive modelling paint. Brush application is fine and preferred unless you want to dismantling the glazing. I have been hoping to do a video on adding lighting to an existing coach such as the Hornby MK2E/F Intercity. These required painting also due to their light livery. I have about 6 models reviews pending so it will be a while before I get to it unfortunately.

[@wapphigh5250]

@@EuviRail Sure. Thanks for that. I think light bleed is totally unacceptable. What the?!!! I mean don't they test the models before shipping? Should I return it? Do you get light bleed in the GWR? Also have you considered glazing the paint finish to get it looking more prototypical?

[@BritishRailwaySpotter]

I was thinking about buying one but Its the price that let's me down😂

[@EuviRail]

Even if it was a perfect model, the new price would still be off-putting. When you consider the issues with it then it's a hard sell. If you can get it at the £392 price I mentioned then it's a bit easier to swallow - www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/66941/R3827-Hornby-LNER-Hitachi-Class-800-1-Azuma-Set-800-104

[@TanVasinTrains]

Will someone else make these units or just hornby?

[@IainDavies-z2l]

I think you'll find the outer cars are not power cars like an HST, the 800s have traction motors throughout the train on various axles.

[@EuviRail]

I would think a lot of modern EMUs would be of this design which should give a smoother ride. Model versions of course will based on the "power car" type approach.

[@joelang6126]

Has to be better than traveling in one!

[@EuviRail]

LOL

[@Oorail]

Great review. I don't think the problem with the light bleed is due to the plastic, but more to do with the intensity of the lights. This doesn't happen on DC, I have this model and there is no light bleed at all. The lights seem 30-40% dimmer on DC, even if I remove the motorized unit and max out the controller. Everyone I've seen with the light bleed issue have been running DCC. It would be interesting to see if the light bleed happens with Hornby DCC decoders. It looks like a 12V circuit getting a higher voltage. Maybe some issue with the electronics board? Which is making me wonder if Hornby even test these DCC ready models with DCC decoders? On a different note, I had a dodgy coach, but living in the USA it made more sense to just go fix it myself and get the lights working on it.

[@EuviRail]

Hi, I've just put one of the coaches on DC and put it up to 30% power - and the light bleed is there alright, as bad as ever and it really is bad when you go close to the coach, Same for the dummy car. It's no surprise, if you don't paint the interior of light coloured plastic you're going to have this problem and anyone working for Hornby should know this.. One of my other issues is that the lighting is too dim and the wrong temperature, both of which would only make it even worse! The point you make in terms of thoroughly testing in both DC and DCC environment is very valid though I hope you were able to get your dodgy coach sorted.

[@Oorail]

@@EuviRail Thats interesting. What kind of DC controller are you using? I removed the power car and cranked the duette up to max, no light bleed. I also tested it on the other track that has a bachmann DC controller (bog standard one). I will have to try it with just one car. The only other difference is I'm in the USA, so the AC is 110V vs 220V but that should have no impact on the DC output at 12VDC. I sorted the dodgy coach out myself :)

[@EuviRail]

@@Oorail I'm using Hornby's R7229 analog controller which I know isn't the best in the world. The lights come on to the same dim level they do under DCC and the bleed is there. They seem to be coming on at a 3V-4V level which would make sense and even when you turn the controller up they don't really get brighter as the current limiting resistor is kicking in. I'm suspecting you have a unit that was already modified to address the issue so it could be a case that certain batches have this issue and others don't. If that's the case, Hornby should be able to start issuing replacements to people...

[@Oorail]

​@@EuviRail Interesting so you are saying at 3V-4V level yours is bleeding like your video at 26:02 and they don't get any brighter as you turn it up? The H&M Duette I am using is a different type of DC controller from the R7229, so that probably what is going on. I've got a ton of DC controllers, including a few R7229 ones, if I get time I'll go mess with it as I'm curious what Hornby are up to now :)

[@David-ci1vn]

Is it my eysight, at 15:39 (model versus prototype) the nose looks completely different, the real thing has a shap transition from roof to nose leading down to just above the side window apex and then running forward, the whole nose is more convex which can be seen in the upper edge of the windscreen, the red side stripe bisects the corner of the door on the real thing, higher to just below the line and with a steeper curve to a point set back on the headlight, the effect is much more purposefull", how much do these cost!!!

[@EuviRail]

Hi David, RRP is £477. I didn't want to get into this given the prototype was photographed with a wide angle lens versus a macro lens for the model so it can be hard to do exact shape comparisons. Even allowing for that there are some definite differences alright so thanks for highlighting.

[@David-ci1vn]

@@EuviRail I would think it likely that differences in the physical shape are "production compromises", I remembered your comments about the plastic pantos, I wonder if Sommerfeldt might be enticed to make something suitable if they don't already.

[@miniroll32]

Does it have a fly wheel?

[@EuviRail]

Dual fly wheels and a decent motor.

[@PlatformONE]

I wonder if the pantographs stay up, or they don't?

[@EuviRail]

Hi , they do stay up but they're not the strongest in the world.

[@TanVasinTrains]

Basiclly I want the class 800 in azuma liverybut in Thai Baht The cheapest is 17,400 baht. When you are in ireland things are i gues cheaper?

[@EuviRail]

Hi, I actually purchased this from the Hornby website on pre-order which is why I got it at a reasonable price. 17,400 baht isn't too bad actually given the January price increase to £477 RRP.

[@TanVasinTrains]

@@EuviRail man I have to pay” VAT “as well, so that plus about £15

[@TanVasinTrains]

@@EuviRail also, when I saw it at first it was £395 then it rose up on the horn by website, I’m probably going to buy it form either kernow model railway or eBay or maybe Hornby.

[@TanVasinTrains]

@@EuviRail How much is the shipping VAT from hornby

[@EuviRail]

@@TanVasinTrains EU shipping was free due to the value of the item. VAT will depend on the destination and whether Hornby are able to collect VAT for your country or not. If not, they will deduct the 20% UK VAT from what you pay and then you will need to cover the VAT when it is being delivered to you.

[@WayneBridgman]

I have the Test Train and now the Azuma and they both have all the same issues no further development was done just recently on the LNER I had an issue with the couplings being too ridged to run the train on an incline the coupler was lifting the following coaches up and had to loosen them 1 turn to give flexibility also the coaches and dummy end needed some weight to stop them jumping the tracks on bends . Lighting same issue bad light bleed and very tight to fit anything other than a Cub speaker or small iPhone speaker . Basically Hornby are pricing themselves out of the market for most loco users, so far i am disappointed with the Class 800 and the Hush Hush i have ...now looking at moving to Bachmann as you seen to get more value for the money .

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for your comments Wayne. For the sake a of a modest investment, Hornby could have probably have addressed 80%+ of the issues with this model and made us customers a lot happier.

[@johncreech4631]

Interesting Review, I was tempted to buy this, unfortunately the price increase has put me off. That said I may have found somewhere where it is under £400 and debating whether to justify spending that money. Its unfortunate Hornby feels the need to put prices up - essentially people will stop buying which is sad as its been going for over 100 Years.

[@EuviRail]

I'll be covering the price/value equation for the Class 800 and the Class 43 in my next video which could help you with whether to take the plunge here,

[@SimonWitt]

Great review. Such a shame there's such glaring faults in the model, even at a 'discounted' price of 400 quid I'd expect a model of the highest quality, that's a heck of a lot of money to throw at a model train. Unfortunately with Hornby, QA has been severely lacking recently but they know that there's no alternatives for punters when it comes to models like the 800 so they'll keep cutting corners. Like I said, such a shame as I'd love either this LNER version or the TPE livery, but I'm not forking out that much (and it'll be even more over here in Australia) if it's not the perfect model, even a minor flaw here or there would be ok, but not horrendous light bleed and fuzzy livery application. Hornby have lost me as a customer, Bachmann have surpassed them in terms of quality and Accurascale are showing everyone up for producing the highest quality of models at reasonable prices

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Simon, you've said it all.

[@thebritfarmer]

I am not a fan of gloss finishes. I don't think it scales down well and cheapens the look of them. The light bleed id ridiculous currently from Hornby. So much disappointment coming from them. I don't do night time running so wouldn't be an issue for me but it could easily resolved in the factory if they painted the inside and stopped using white for the model instead of painting them white !

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Model seemed promising on one hand - detailed and good mechanism - other hand unforgivable is a) flimsy pantograph b) light bleed c) unforgivable and unaffordable price = not worth the outlay.

[@EuviRail]

Good summary, The other thing I didn;t like was deleting any negative review feedback posted on the Hornby website. Very Putin like behaviour.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

@@EuviRail Good point - Hornby did this to me as well

[@tomslade3365]

The quolity is just not thier Hornby for the serus moddler you have to put it on the work bench to up graid the lights,n DCC inter coach conection and pantograth the price puts it well beyond reach of many looking for that xmas precent toy .......! I when to Ho european moddles 20+years ago and never looked back at 00/uk stuff and this is not a temppting offer

[@randytaylor1258]

It's disappointing that Hornby isn't listening to modellers about the train's deficiencies. It's clear that they've set the budget and they're not going to Invest a cent in corrections while they have no problem increasing the price. The pantographs and crude lighting are a huge and obvious disappointment. Glossy finishes are a different issue. These are scale models and so the finish has to be in scale, too, and just like ridiculously high speeds on some locos, there are lots of cars with toylike shine. But there's a difference between an in-scale satin sheen and a matte finish. Frankly, for the subject and the price, I would have thought Hornby would have spent more time on the external finish which is what is going to sell these units -- or not.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for you comments Randy. 100% agree on the finish. I'm approaching a point where I won't purchase another new loco until this is addressed. It's same old, same old at the moment.

[@ShockwaveTheLogical]

I cannot describe how much I want one but I can't afford to throw away 430 quid for it. I'll have to suffice with KZbin and Train Simulator.

[@EuviRail]

Can always revert to the N gauge version for ~£220: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqfFiXakgc-heNU. It's been a real shame that the pricing on the Hornby Class 43 HSTs and Class 800s shot up just before this model landed on our shores. A full HST train is closer to £700 when you add the coaches.

[@johnpirie4804]

Pantograph is a disappointment, if you have overhead catenary on your layout

[@malcolmmyatt9092]

A non runner on quality and Price. That’s not worth more than £270 in my view. Harsh. I don’t think so.

[@EuviRail]

Hi Malcolm, my next video is on the value ratings scale I'm using now for the Class 800 and Class 43 and why. You're not too far off the mark!

[@michaelmckinnon7314]

Other than it looking like an angry rat, it's fine with me if light bleeds through and if there are minor, easily fixed problems, but I couldn't be fine with it if it didn't work.

[@EuviRail]

I was disappointed that it didn't improve on a few niggles I had with the GWR Class 800 but overall it's still a fine running model.

[@dduck1585]

Build quality 3 out of 10, far too generous with a 7....

[@EuviRail]

Interesting that all the ratings on Hornby's website are 5 stars.