Rapido's New Hunslet 16" Saddle Tank Engine | Unboxing & Review

[@David_Mattox]

The standout is the SECR P class. Awesome review, Sam. Can’t really say that I’ll be getting one of these, but it seems like a really beautiful loco to have.

[@ltgengeorgewalls1268]

>Awesome review >Published 1 minutes ago >Commented 31 seconds ago Well can't blame you, it's a good channel

[@SamsTrains]

Well spotted David - it sure is very beautiful! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SamsTrains]

David is a member - members get 24 hours early access to all my videos, and they often save their comments to post on the public video :D

[@potatosspilled6621]

@@SamsTrains wait, how to people become members? Do I need to go to some website, or is it a private thing?

[@Taggart00]

@@potatosspilled6621 You need to become a paid member via youtube, there should be a join button next to the subscribe one.

[@jeffreysmith156]

I am tempted by the blue NCB livery. It is amazing that they managed to squeeze in firebox glow. I am wary of the plastic axle insulators. On your model the running plate appeared to dip down a bit towards the rear, under the cab on the nearside. Overall, Rapido seem to be doing well.

[@SamsTrains]

It is amazing about the firebox glow - and it's such a pleasing one too, the way it lights up the back wall of the cab! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheHSTguy]

Hattons p class

[@SamsTrains]

Well spotted!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheHSTguy]

@@SamsTrains thanks

[@drevo50]

Nice model. The split chassis appears to have been competently implemented. Bad experience from old Mainline locos with truly horrible split chassis arrangements, this is obviously much better. Looking forward to getting one now!

[@stephenrussell-clark8329]

Just a suggestion. Why not have different categories of locos such as Industrials, Main Line, Uniques, Historical etc. You review so many and to compare a J70 tram with an A3 Pacific is rather odd. Please, please, please replace crawling with smooth slow running!

[@dwaynejohnson4892]

Never replace crawling as it demonstrates the quality f the mechanism. All locos should be able to crawl and if they can’t I don’t bother with them.

[@OlivierGabin]

@@dwaynejohnson4892 Agreed. For exploitation-oriented modellers like me, good running qualities are paramount. The crawl test and the torque test are excellent ways to check this.

[@quopquop1506]

@@dwaynejohnson4892 agreed. Loved you in black Adam btw

[@modelrailfan37]

Some express locos would have also been able to crawl really slow too for use in the loco yards, (etc.)

[@NTSCuser]

I'm so pleased you mentioned the lack of etched nameplates and maker's plates as it stuck out like a sore thumb to me yet was completely ignored by some reviewers.👍

[@mattlander9119]

Some people may not be fussed by etched nameplates or prefer to source their own which may be a reason for them not mentioning them.

[@lapiswake6583]

I've actually got one of these exact ones on order with my local model shop, and will be paying on friday. I have the rapido APT-E and is fantastic (slight issues with lights, but easily sorted by retouching soldering on one of the shared bogies), and I particularly enjoyed reading the booklet. Don't yet have any of their wagons or coaches yet though. I think 3 stars on quality is a bit harsh, would've put it at 4 by only taking away half a star for each because they are minor.

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome - hope you enjoy! Thanks for sharing on the APT-E - I'd be interested in what that one's like! Duly noted on the quality, thanks for the feedback! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jasonc9194]

Great review Sam, thank you. Very tempted by this one as my wife's grandfather used to drive one at Linby Colliery.

[@mqtcreations]

At 12:13 you can see the cab isn't properly fitted to the running board, surprised you didn't mention that.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah good spot! You literally can't tell unless your face is level with the running plate, don't forget this is a tiny loco shot in extreme close-up in 4K... I never noticed in person, and I inspected it very closely! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@neemperiod]

The Hunslet are some of my favorite tank engines to ever. Looking forward to this review.

[@LleshGordon2122]

Hello, Sam's train I just suggesting that much it's very good inside steam locomotive in a box little tank engine that's awesome reviews sam buddy wonderful done of you so I can't wait to seen having a look inside rapido railway trains UK you getting one of these are really amazing great job mate.

[@WhatAboutTheBee]

Lubricate the bearings with graphite (dry lock lubricant). Graphite is conductive. Oil is non-conductive. If you lubricate with oil, you may have electrical interruption. Cheers

[@cirseltoo]

Hunslet's works livery had black tank tops so the big majority of Hunslet saddletanks had the tanks as per the model. Remembering the prototype of the model you bought it didn't have couplings fitted to its hook, so the model is correct in that respect.

[@martyndavison5259]

No CREW very obvious with an open cab. but this seems normal for most models. Cheers from Oz

[@davidballoid2118]

Sam you can use small amounts of Dielectric grease in the barrings. Dielectric is used on spark plug wire connections in the Automotive world. I know this because I use it on my 1/29 scale garden trains I hope that helps you extend your knowledge on finding some solutions for your OO and O Scale trains. Don't be afraid to do a little R&D homework.👍

[@europacifictradersltd3717]

hi sam. a nice little model. great livery. decent and well depicted cab gear. i cant understand why they opted for a split chassis design. although it has bearings in my opinion would cause issues down the line both because of them being pickups and the fact that you cant lubricate then.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yeah the cab is amazing. I agree, not a fan of the split chassis design, and it doesn't run as well as with pickups as a result, and the lubrication issue is a bummer.... otherwise it's great though :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FunAngelo2005]

Did this engine Go "cab over wheels" by any chance???

[@whitespider8523]

Hello Sam, I purchased the same model as in your review from Rails at the same price. I was really pleased with this model and have to say that after running it in for an hour or so the slow crawl was very good, I didn't have the same issue you had with it stalling. I suppose it's luck of the draw sometimes with models. Like you I was surprised to see the glowing firebox which was impressive on this model. Thanks for the review.

[@paulisnotonfire]

I kinda argee with you on that it hasn't blown me away like the J70 did. Mine in the NCB Blue, is pretty good. There's a few small, but minor QC issues on the cab/boiler and it's been running fine. Personally, I have some of the Peco power lube already, so that the bearings require a special lubricant isn't an issue for me. I'm not too fussed on the split chassis design so long as it works fine, though I do prefer wiper pick ups. Overall though, it's still a pretty good model and for todays prices good value. Cheers

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's what I couldn't help feeling - it's absolutely great, but not outstanding like the J70 was... that one was very special. Glad to hear you've got some power-lube, that'll effo do the job! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@iansmith7929]

It looks as Rapido have looked at the split axle setup, and made it stronger. Wiping the axles with a cotton bud, and then complaining about a squeak:- Really? You've sort of invalidated your own review! I've had thousands of hours on 16" Hunslets, and Rapido seem to have it 'bang on'. Nice!

[@SamsTrains]

What? The part I wiped isn’t in contact with anything... how can that possibly be responsible for the squeaking?

[@iansmith7929]

@@SamsTrains Hello Sam. If you follow through your video, you've taken the model apart, and then put it back together. As an 'out of the box' review, people might construe that in a negative light. Once you dabble with the innards, you run the risk of situations like this. A good review; but you've sort of let yourself down on this one.

[@fawnathefox9600]

In the US, Rapido has many more locomotives than in the UK, being a company based in Canada, that’s to be expected.. it’s like Hornby releasing a locomotive in the US, there’s less of a market because their brand isn’t as big as it is in the UK.

[@kleedhamhobby]

After due consideration, based on their extreme pickiness as to which controllers are safe to use with their models, I would never buy a Rapido model loco.

[@StarWarsJay]

Guys. I’m new to the hobby. Where can I buy ready made, realistic model buildings etc? Thank you.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Sam does his reviews on the carpet, well Sam is a young man. Somehow I dont think in 40 years time oe even 20 years time he will. 8 get down on the floor now and realise what an old fart I am.

[@michaelschultz5127]

Let's face it Sam you would give high score to slug with sprung buffers. LOL I just love that firebox glow though, but your right it might need a tiny amount of oil on those bears .keep up those reviews mate I just love em.

[@andrewdking]

Many of the manufacturers are now on the cute steam shunter loco bandwagon. But nothing out-cutes Hornby's Peckett W4. Maybe its something with the saddle tank completely covering the boiler and smokebox

[@SuperJ333]

Someone suggested replacing the crawl test with a slow running test, but for me, crawl is important. Running a loco like this on DCC and programming in a gradual slowdown, it would be spoiled by ending in a sudden and unrealistic stop - especially if it tends to stall even at low speed. Yes, otherwise it's OK, but this is a big issue to me, and it needs a stay-alive before I would buy it.

[@jimsbox1]

Hello Sam, quick queztio...I see on several of your vlog thumbnails a yellow banner that says"NEW TOOL". I have not been able to find anything about a new tool on any of the 4 or 5 i tried. What am I missing? Is it a link or somerhing? I watch it usually on a Roku tv. Thankd

[@nameless5413]

NEW but split chassis? now that is an odd concept i can not quite phantom why would it have that particular solution. Regarding firebox LED, it is not that difficult to fit LED anywhere they can come in very very small formats, you can use indirect illumination methods (various dispersion guides are common in other places), should be cheap too. Frankly i wonder why not all model makers do them.

[@johnbrown9092]

Hi, When these locos were working they would have had three link chains on them for basically shunting wagons around collieries etc and that is maybe why they are not supplied with screw couplings by Rapido.

[@RS-xo7rd]

Can I just comment on the pickup on this loco? I've been an ardent user of split=-axle pickup for 35 years, and wouldn't change unless I had to. You can lubricate the bearings with very light oil with no ill effect. Heavy car oil is no good as it eventually turns to varnish. Apart from an occasional wipe with lighter fluid, no other cleaning should be necessary. I'm wondering whether the centre axle is a tad higher than the outer ones, , although I have no proof ,of course. A dodge may be not to tighten the centre keeper plate screws as much as the others so that the centre axle has a small amount of vertical movement, something that should be built into every 6 wheel vehicle in model form.

[@eisenbau]

Running plate is bent under the cab ;) You didn't place your ruler far enough back. You can even see light under the cab. The coupling is also clearly NOT at the right height. That and the stalling makes it a little disappointing, especially for Rapido. Really not sure the performance and a split chassis mechanism that you can't lubricate deserve 4 stars. Interesting positioning of the counterweights on the centre wheels. Had to look at pictures of the prototype to check that was correct.

[@roy-wg7dz]

Another lovely looking loco, I don't like spilt chassis design and I disagree about the coupling at the right height it appears low and only just coupled, see 28min. It should have etched plates, not concerned about the missing chain couplings as they can interfere with the main couplings. Shame but it does not quite achieve the required standard.

[@JohnStodden1]

Sam, I was waiting for you to say UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL and of course you did not disappoint!

[@matthewpeter]

Top tip if you experience pickup issues. Lubricate the bearings with Peco powerlube conductive oil, that usually sorts it.

[@Steven_20031]

We have a smaller cousin of these down at the Middleton railway (I believe a 14") and I would say the amount of lamp brackets is accurate, Brookes No. 1 at Middleton does have 3 on the front, 1 at the top then 2 at the bottom either side, if there was a central one the smoke box door wouldn't open lol! But I believe the bottom 2 were fitted in preservation. Beatrice herself is preserved at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway which is classed as one of our heritage railway neighbours at Middleton

[@dad1ipms]

All I'll say at this time is that I've had DCC problems with my 'Alex'. Now in the hands of Rapido.

[@railwayjade]

Hi Sam, thanks for the video, think I need to watch less of your videos! had a dream I visited the UK and was helping you operate trains on a livestream - HAHA!

[@davidballoid2118]

It Appears too me that (All Loco's) need to have some sort of reduction gears to not only crawl smooth, but to go no faster than maximum scale speeds in the highest controller settings. That will allow for more torque so it can pull loaded scaled weight rolling stock.

[@gs425]

I think you've been quite generous with the performance tbh. Slow speed is terrible. Cheers for the review Sam

[@DangerAngelous]

Actually I don't think you looked at the J70 completely because that's also a split chassis, hopefully that isn't a problem down the line

[@SJO-e5n]

Do you ever intend on reviewing the efe rail j94? (I mean, it is efe rail, but it still gets me wondering)

[@williamsquires3070]

Hmm. “wasp striping”, huh? Well, I suppose that’s as good as “zebra striping”.

[@catinarage5538]

Just recieved my Beatrice, via Kernow RMC. A beautiful little engine, and so cute!

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Split Chassis!? Who the heck is still making those these days? That's absurd... The Split Chassis has been obsolete for decades!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah it is - but we think about the failures and unreliability of split chassis because of the old Bachmann ones... this is a better design to be fair, and I doubt it'll fail like those old Bachmann ones did! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mikeyratcliff3400]

Mainline 4mt oh spare me!

[@davidjohnson4802]

i have just got mine an excellent purchase also i would recommend you read the instruction booklet its well worth the giggle .

[@sloppyfadge9565]

Does yours have a pre fitted speaker. Another reviewer has what appears based on price the same spec model as you and they have said it has a pre fitted speaker.

[@bradandfudge]

The one in blue at Chasewater was, I believe, called Darfield No.1 in its colliery days and was green with a green top to the tank. It then went to the Embsay railway near Skipton and elsewhere in succeeding years. I lived in Darfield and used to go to watch No.1 running to and fro with its coal trucks and I've got some black and white photos which I took at the time. The nearest Rapido model is the "Arthur" version which I ordered and received so I will try to get a new etched name plate to replace Arthur with Darfield No.1. I'm so chuffed to finally get a model of the engine I used to watch 50 years ago. I think there was also a Darfield No.2 of the same type but I'll have to check this out further.

[@wingood94]

You are correct, lovely little loco, we overhauled the boiler on it, I was always taken by its clean elegant lines.

[@alanthornton3654]

In Wilbert the forest engine. A Thomas the tank engine book there a hunslet called 16

[@davidbowman6378]

I think the quality score is a bit harsh! this is a B for me at least. Great review Sam - thank you!

[@darreno9874]

Love the loco but won't buy one until they have replaced the pickups with stand ones.

[@matthewpearsall9249]

Hey Sam have you seen projectair latest video I think it's right up your street

[@MayoHosko]

I’m hearing other reviewers don’t complain about the lack of etched plates. Good on Sam for complaining about that

[@zepheris_]

I have the Rapido J70, it came with all the etchings. I like having the option for extra details, no biggie as there are 3rd parties were you can get the needed etchings.

[@technoandrew]

“The weight’s not bad at 169 grams, that’s fairly NICE.”

[@stratman9449]

nice model....split chassis....hhmmmm....maybe not...but hey..if it works.....

[@darkfrag83]

The real loco's were only supplied from Hunslet with one lamp bracket front and back...

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah yeah - hopefully that didn't sound like a criticism, just an observation! I trust Rapido wouldn't have skimped on lamp irons ;) Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@darkfrag83]

@@SamsTrains didn't see it as a criticism....just pointing it out as a point of interest is all. Customers could no doubt order extra lamp irons if they wished.

[@macreed6639]

I just bought one are these generally very slow or is it just mine?

[@grahamlane1313]

The green loco is a tank engine not a saddle tank enjoyed the review sam

[@tpickup11]

The P Class is the odd one out! Coincidentally, it's my favorite loco too!

[@SamsTrains]

Well spotted! haha yeah got to love that one :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@soheiltrains]

Hello Sam, Great video, I have got this version too and it runs very nicely. I've worked on Brookes No. 1 on the Middleton Railway, which is the 14 inch variation of this loco. The accuracy certainly looks pretty good. Have a nice day, SoheilTrains.

[@CustomiZe_]

Hmm not a bad loco, but I'll wait a few years until I get one one probably 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah - maybe they'll do more liveries? That'd be cool! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@roberttapken1139]

rear coupler was low. did not couple well. very pretty

[@SudderyStationMaster]

Hey Sam, I’ve had a thought recently, is it possible to swap around the tenders used on the new dapol tender engines? Like with the new detaching mechanism is it possible for say the mogul to run with the tender from the d class?

[@welshlyn9097]

A big thanks for helping me out.

[@kylemaccauley6065]

Do you have the same taste as that model railway guy

[@colinbeasley3718]

I've said before, when you talk about the cost don't forget it includes VAT. Deduct that and we are surely getting a bargain when you see the exploded diagram and realise it's a kit that has been ready built for you.

[@SamsTrains]

Very true Colin, but VAT applies to all of the models I review, so we can compare them fairly from that point of view, Cheers, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

VAT is indicated with the price on all European product sales, EU and outside EU, like the UK. No tax prices are indicated only in North America due to different fiscal principle (local sales taxes in the US and Canada all over the country). For me, I buy UK models in the UK, have them sold to me without taxes, and I pay the french VAT on import, except for Hattons who does the job for me, and charges me the VAT included price (they pay the VAT to the french Trésor Public directly for their sales to France).

[@darrenrees3284]

Pity they not doing the black one none DCC.

[@Lilbro28]

was the odd one out the ruston shunter?

[@terryflynn8830]

Hello Sam. I have a fleet of brass steam engines around 30 years old that use bearing pickups. My experience is they are actually better compared to wipers on the back of wheels as they do not get dirt and dust jamed between the wheel and pickup, causing loss of eletrical conductivity. The instructions not to use oil on the bearing is plain wrong. Oil on the bearings stops the axle and bearing developing an insulating oxide layer to form, and actually improves the conductivity and stops arking. It also decreases the wear and friction. A small amount of graphite grease between the bearings and frame will also improve pickup. The model has a slight bind, and is a result of driving the end axle with one piece side rods. In this case a 2 piece side rod would make a smoother drive. Alternatively driving the centre axle gives the best results with single sidrods. Side rod issues aside, this is the best split frame design model I have seen as it solves the split axle insulation problem. Thanks for your review.

[@patricksmodels]

A very nice locomotive, thanks for reviewing it! I use technical petroleum jelly grease to lubricate axle pickups on Jouef and Lima locomotives, it's conductive and doesn't gunk up in time. Those bearings could be lubricated with a tiny smear of said grease.

[@potatosspilled6621]

This feels wired, I’m normally in school when your videos come out, but school was canceled today!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh damn, hope you had a good day out of school! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@potatosspilled6621]

@@SamsTrains thanks again!

[@potatosspilled6621]

@@SamsTrains on reply after another, thanks. You really made my day. No one as popular as you has replied to me. Let alone twice! THANK YOU OH THANK YOU! Sam, your the best.

[@ianlang6058]

When I was a boy, I loved it if school got cancelled.

[@potatosspilled6621]

@@ianlang6058 I KNOW RIGHT! School feels like a prison, and your just a prisoner forced to do the same old thing everyday until YOU DIE!

[@alan_mythicalgnome]

Last weekend I bought 'Thorne No1' in green. It was a bit noisy as I was running it in. It was from the motor and the same squeek that yours had,but it became silent once it was run in. I don't notice any jerkiness. The one thing that caused initial panic was when I thought the engine was on fire, as there is no mention in the instructions about the glowing firebox. Well I thought the loco was on fire 🔥😲🔥 so it is very realistic! I have no problems with my model and really love it. It is a great companion for my Pecketts ✨👍✨

[@OlivierGabin]

I have not run mine yet, received yesterday, and no time to do it before the weekend. So, did I made a great purchase ? I was pleased by the J70, so, lets see... Looks nice first ! Details and finish spot on. I'm not an unconditional fan of extra details, so not an issue for me to have no chain couplings and etched plates. For the overall look, you get your money back. Good point : the firebox LED. So, what about the drivetrain ? Uuuhhhh split chassis... If well conceived and manufactured, that gives good models, I have nearly all my own N models with split chassis. The center of the axles is kinky, and the provision for an all-wheel drive is curious. DCC decoder socket easy to reach, and a good coreless motor with a flywheel, promising. And the most important :dynamic characteristics : mmmm... crawl questionable, let's say, but low, medium and high speed correct, shunting duties possible without problem, and point to point running OK. So, small drawbacks, but do the job, and the price is reasonable when you factorize the overall quality. I'll be happy with mine, no regrets for me to have bought one ! I'll take care of the performances of mine, hoping to have not the same problems.

[@Nick-vr2pf]

I can appreciate the lack of etched plates for the price point this model manages to reach. Now that the market seems to be behaving in equilibrium and prices are floating around predictable margins, etched plates are a gimmick the model doesn't need to be a great value at its price. If etched plates were a standard in the market, that would be different. Then, so also would be the firebox LED, but it's already there- no do-overs! The split (?) chassis is definitely strange, pickup design seems to be hit-or-miss but I think they're negligible since they function in the end. Overall, a gorgeous little loco for pulling long rakes of wagons or just shunting in a yard. My wallet is still deciding on whether or not I need it though!

[@fladder1]

A pity that you ordered the silent version, seeing the silly sound entry in the dcc functions paragraph! And about the bearings, I’d assume they’re made of phosphor bronze, which has a very low drag coefficient (self lubricating you might say). So I would advice to stick with what they state in the manual.

[@samuellaird5184]

08:18 Nice adding a TARDIS!

[@alvaroleon3524]

Have u reviewed a Sterling single

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I bought the NCB Blue as I lived close to Chasewater. My loco ran pefectly straight out of the box and is a super crawler. I have just filmed it with some lovely Bachman NCB blue wagons and Hornby's blue NCB brake van. I am tempted to buy another!

[@Alextrains502]

can you redo your review of your hornby railroad a1 flying scotsman good vid

[@martinpattison1567]

A very nice-looking locomotive. I do not like the fact that it has a split chassis (I thought those days were gone.) as I am still unable to find parts to rebuild my Bachmann B1. I want it to run again as the body is very well finished in LNER Green. I also have a Black one which is fine. (For how long?) I think the odd one out was a Terrier. Martin. (Thailand)

[@stuartpegler7410]

The axleboxes are a nice feature, but I agree about your reservations on axle pickups - as would anyone who has experienced the Mainline version. I fitted all mine with tiny springs above each journal, fitted into drilled holes in the frames. They are still ultra-reliable (but hardly refined of course). Tricky on the Hunslet as the centre axle is restrained by the single-piece coupling rods. You really should investigate the gearing, which is possibly helical. Worm drives are at the most 21% efficient, but helical drives would be a major advance on this.

[@mkaustralia7136]

A nice model and good to see another manufacturer around who will keep the big boys a little more restrained in pricing with their competition. Sorry to add a few negative observations, possibly specific to only the review model: The coupling hooks droop, so only one hook engaged on the coupling up; The cut out on the points on both directions was with the RHS wheels on the dead spot - indicates poor collection from the other two; The rear axle has flashing near the coupling rod; The NCB decoration has a gap in the paint of one letter. Actually these are visible only on the close up (thanks 4K), and not in the more usual observation distances.

[@SammoKarm]

I still have some Bachmann split frame lovomotives that I have converted to DCC, They use the same design of pickup, although they do not have bearings they have always been reliable when it comes to pickup. As this loco can be used on tighter than normal curves, this design prevents the chance of the pickups coming away from the wheel flanges. This is the only reason I can see that they decided to go down this route, (Just a consideration I felt needed mentioning). Maybe it would have benefited by having both pickup methods used. Considering the size of loco I thought it unfair of you to give it such a load, If it was in real life colliery I don't think it would have been expected to pull this many wagons, however it was good to see it passed the test.

[@thomasfrancis5747]

One thing about Rapido is that they seem to have a sense of humour, judging by the leaflet and their website. As an aside, I always think that tension lock/Rapido/Dublo couplings, etc, stand out when looking at a model - would it be possible to 3D print them in clear plastic to hide them?

[@Who_darted]

Hi Sam if you don’t remember me I am the person who told you about my James suffering mazac rot Don’t worry it has recovers and runs great I now have over 30 models

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's great to hear - well done for fixing the problem! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FormallyknownasE100]

Would agree that the plates should be etched. Everything above railroad quality should have then really IMO. The mechanism is a very odd choice. Would love to see you review the APT-E. Even the sound version can easily be had for less than Hornby HST’s now. The sound is superb with dual speakers and sounds like a jet engine! It includes the record breaking audio which is amazing. The quality is hugely above TTS and even Bachman’s 24.

[@andrewdking]

I concur that brass metal sleeve in the middle of the split axle is there to probably reinforce a weak press-on plastic insulator

[@phil36310]

Hi Sam, As usual your review reveals strong and weak points. I agree on your comment on the wheel axles and power pick up engineering. It's worrying on the long run even with the re-enforced rings put round the plastic axles. These axles are under stress. Bad and way to complicated as you point out. A lovely model though and the price is a fair one - even for the DCC-sound version. I might consider this on my wish list for I've just ordered the new Piko NoHAB Diesel locomotive series 52 of the Belgian State Railway. Success & kind regards, Filip

[@tankmicr00man]

I noticed that the rear coupling was actually slightly lower than the front one, and it didn't fully engage. Obviously though this didn't cause any issues. Lovely model though! Thanks Sam.

[@williamtown4058]

I am sure a Nene Valley Railway volunteer found a real one of these in a shed somewhere in the UK if I recall correctly.

[@rikmorley6469]

Needs some powerlube Sam

[@Alpha-oo8]

I say Sam, I couldn’t help but notice that the cab has a little gap where it fits to the running plate, it’s small, but it is noticeable under the close ups

[@dkiely03]

One area where the split chassis design should help is in reducing friction - which probably contributes to the effectiveness of the flywheel. I imagine that if you were operating with DCC + stay-alive or some kind of battery-powered system (so consistent pickup is less important) then it would be hard to find a better runner.

[@adammac.1342]

22 trucks & a brakevan!

[@potatosspilled6621]

I just saw a reply from Sam, and was wondering. How do people become members to this channel. Is it a private thing, or do I just join using a link.

[@oesypum]

There have been reports of some struggling to haul sizeable consists, also tere have been reports of a few having jerky motion., this latter may just be down to a few escaping quality control.

[@thhseeking]

I was just thinking about the lack of screw couplings. As an industrial loco, it should be able to couple from either end during shunting, and the additional couplings would foul the tension locks.

[@Rusty-G.-Ruston]

Hello Sam! Just questioning how would one go about connecting a NCE power cab to Hornby track?

[@Jimyjames73]

A very nice 0-6-0 Loco - i Like the Red colour it has 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@jasoncoles7584]

Sam you’re by far the best model railway reviewer out there, but one thing I never get is why you insist trying the crawl before running the model in. It’s not a fair test until it’s run in, so why do it?