Rapido's Outstanding New Lion | Unboxing & Review

[@doctorgiovanni853]

Mister Sam, I have been watching your channel for over 6 years (circa 2017), and I am just now leaving my comment. Your videos are bloody brilliant; [they are] thorough, entertaining, humourous (when needed), witty, insightful, informative and instructive. It is always a joy whenever I see a new video of yours show up in my feed. You are a delightful chap. Further, this old doctor has learned so much about locos, as well as this extraordinarily (expensive) hobby we in this esoteric community love so much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Grazie! Arrivederci, Giovanni Marino, M.D.🇬🇧

[@ladela7348]

I got one on pre-order and it arrived today. Simply magnificent. Probably the best locomotive I own.

[@chrismoon6978]

Great video Sam. I love the era 1 reviews. Your 3d Old Coppernob in the background fits in brilliantly.

[@BrecknockValley]

Looks brilliant, good to see that we can get era 1 locos that do perform well! Now just to see if a manufacturer does Furness No20 for 00 with NEM sockets (because that’s preferable to no NEMs)… Either way good review, seems Rapido are on a roll with this loco.

[@bryantan863]

This Rapido Lion locomotive is really a top notch model. It is the 1st smallest tender engine in model form to have 100% die cast metal all over its body and tender chassis except for the body of the tender but it can be forgiven because it has quiet a big weight bolted inside its body. Plus, 152 pounds and 96 pence is quiet reasonable for a new model Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

It sure is - very impressive isn't it? The weight is just unbelievable well worth the money I think! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JB-ud6vm]

Fanstastic model loco and nice review! I will probably watch the comparison video even though I don't really care about which is better, I do think the differences between a prototype model done by 2 different manufacturers gives the models a bit of character and I am happy to have both versions in the collection if it's a prototype I am interested in. Thanks for the great vid!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - haha that's it, it should be interesting either way! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stuarttiddy5155]

38:28 38:28 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅​@@SamsTrains

[@DoubleX8620]

100% convinced now. I'm going to buy it immediately. I was overly excited about it when I saw that Hattons got them in stock now. I asked them if they knew about how the mechanism is, but they didn't know. I was silently hoping you would review it, but didn't expect you to do it this quickly, basically the same week it came out. No-one ever had a good lock at the mechanism before, only saying it was good. I didn't know it had a flywheel and pre-fitted speaker. Also, good to know it's so easy to service. DCC fitting and tender connection as well. What truly blows me away is the performance. That crawl, power and general performance is about the best I could have hoped for. Then, there's the metal construction and daaamn, it's amazing. For 152 pounds, a no-brainer for me as I love era 1 locos. But the best feature is that I can buy Lion separately, unlike Hornby's offering. I will get some era 1 coaches, however. So, I will go for the 1930 condition as I love the red and green. The only slight knock is the gaps on the front running plate and especially the boiler. But, hats off to Rapido, it was well worth the wait. Glad I've waited for this model. Great review, Sam. You're a lifesaver when deciding what models to buy 👍👍

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's great news - yeah I can give it my seal of approval! Ahh yeah always a thorough review from Sam'strains ;) It's marvellous - one of the best running locos of the year so far! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I really love this model Sam, I actually bought one of these and I can't wait to get it in. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@martinblunden4689]

Wow!impressive, fine work from rapido.....and Sam's comments about the Hornby 9F,as an SDJR fan,I do hope rapido bring out a 9F with a comparable power output 😊

[@alness1289]

Sam , you always said price was IMPORTANT!!! £179 really when TMC had Hornby Doncaster at £129 yet NOT A WORD

[@davidhinks8384]

What a classy gutsy little loco! I don't want or need one, but Rapido really shining again. Looking forward to the face off Cheers Sam a always.

[@robertsparks3685]

Great video. And it's great to see all of the early era locos running and in the background.

[@davidmolin8944]

What a fantastic looking little engine, rapido really knows how to make a quality loco

[@TonyBullUK]

Great review! I’m seriously considering buying one of these for my era 1 layout (coming soon). Great meeting you today at Butterley. Keep up the great work!

[@robertlucido3686]

Hey Sam, when I break in a new engine fresh out of the box, I give it a few rounds forwards and backwards running with no cars coupled to it, then I run it with a light load about the amount of rolling stock that they would give in a regular train set and then I increase their loads gradually, about one or two cars at a time, everyone has their own method of breaking in a locomotive, that's just my way of doing it

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds good and thorough Robert - thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@platformten5958]

Hi Sam. Fantastic review of a fantastic little loco. We've now got a 'Lion', a 'Tiger', 'Stephenson's Rocket' and a 'Bellerophon'. I wonder what's next. I didn't include 'Davy Crocket' as that's not from these Isles (or the same timescale?) so, I hope I haven't missed any loco out but, with your knowledge of OO Gauge, I'm sure you'll put me straight if I have. I'm really looking forward to your comparison of the 'Lions' next week so that should be very interesting indeed Sam. In the meantime, take care! Paul. 👍❤

[@stuarttiddy5155]

😊

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

12:43 lol, that was good Sam

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!

[@Sigil_Firebrand]

Quite lovely, makes me wonder what Rapido would come up with if they made a bigger locomotive, like a Duke of Gloucester. Either way it definitely bumps the Rapido Lion up my wish list. Great video and review!

[@Skaranweb]

I would like to see them doing a decent GWR 3031 Achilles class to replace the ancient one still made by Hornby, or perhaps an Armstrong class 4-4-0.

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

Great video Sam! Idk about era one locos, but I do know I want to see some more Caledonian Railway locomotives, and some North British Railway locomotives. Specifically the NBR H Class Atlantic, my favorite type of Atlantic. And the Caledonian Railway 191 Class, my favorite Caledonian engine

[@Guitar6ty]

The connecting rods have been sprayed silver and looks a bit bright but would probably look better when weathered. Its a lovely looking model and looks very like the original. Would be awesome to see an O gauge version with carriages.

[@zepheris_]

I love Rapido, their quality and value for money is fantastic. I can't wait for their Wisbech and Upwell passenger tramcars.

[@davidbugler4597]

Excellent review as ever, outstanding and inspirational model too. Once people have got over the initial 'Titfield' excitement, this may hopefully be the start of a wider interest in Era 1 modelling generally. Imagine Rapido bringing their expertise to producing a Crampton, such as the LCDR 'Coquette' class with its spectacular livery... Given plenty of weight, a single-driver should still be a reasonable puller. Some 1850s/60s coaches would be good too. The buffers on 'Lion' were I believe leather casings stuffed with horsehair, which is quite 'springy' stuff in bulk. Kind of hard to replicate in model form -- though maybe some enthusiastic type could reproduce them in a carefully-selected rubber compound or similar.

[@johnrigby7373]

Not run mine in yet. But out of the box the crawl was impressive. I got mine moving below 20% off a gaugemaster controller.

[@piers995]

Beautiful. Can't wait for mine to be delivered. My favoured choice for Rapido's next loco, would be, I think an era 2 loco in the shape of a DX Goods tender engine from the 1860s. If I like my Lion, I'm going to be sorely tempted to splash out and order Rapido's Jones Goods. Great video Sam.

[@euanhood]

I'm told people have issues some reviews I don't know but you still give full over view and work hard I like 😊

[@lindaoffenbach]

Charming model Sam, wow! If there were some remarks to be made it would be that we're not sure about both products from R and H concerning the tint and intensity of the green colour. Looking at the museum photo something in between seems more appropriate, but we'd have to compare in real of course. We would have expected actual brass fittings as well for that price. The wood colour is a different matter as well, and not sure about the plastic axles of the tender. We are nitpicking here however. She's a delightful model 💓 Cheerio.

[@TheVaenol]

Nice close ups of this livery My only suggestion would be for the type of glue when securing the crank covers to hide the screw. Super glue fumes alone can damage some plastics or finishes so personally I wouldnt use super glue. I would suggest a tiny dab of PVA glue, its strong enough to secure the cap but if you ever need to remove it, your more likely to remove the cap undamaged with PVA than with super glue. 🙂 I also think to help hide the boiler join a subtle dirt wash would darken the other slat grooves to match and would help hide/merge the join into the rest of the boiler.

[@richardmendham5278]

To quote your own words this model IS "INSANE!" BEAUTIFUL.

[@andrewcutts3197]

I ‘unofficially’ cabbed it many years ago when it was a guest loco at Rugby Shed while filming in the area.

[@dancooper982]

Also Sam you channel is great and please never stop this gem of a channel

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@levidarling5107]

I can not agree anymore, he is one of the best!

[@steamsearcher]

WOW. Yes and we did get to meet the team at A P earlier in the year. Yes we have a train pack on order and with the 1501 and small prairie also on the WISH LIST an expensive year. But the wait has been well worth it. What a Beauty. David and Lily Reading.

[@acethejester]

been watching your channel for 2 years (18 when i found your channel) recently starting my own collection of locomotives, though I am more into steam than deiseal so my collection will be kind of small. currently own the LBSC 70 Thomas, red James and some rolling stocks which is fruit & Vegetables van and Raspberry syrup tanker. It's a start but it'll slowly grow.

[@gwheregwhizz]

Oh Sam, what a little beauty.

[@davidmcgillveray146]

It's a shame that I can't have one for my birthday.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I see what you did there! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@garethparkin9498]

She won't couple tho

[@modelrailfan37]

Lol

[@U9_way]

nice one sam! keep up the great videos that you have been producing flawlessly for years!

[@peterwebster3076]

Hi sam I’m glad to see this review have the rocket set from Hornby on pre order for September and was getting the lion looking forward to the comparison between the 2 brands before deciding which to buy

[@thomasfrancis5747]

As others have said, inclusion of a properly posed crew would really help the realism given the lack of a cab, etc. I know your channel is Sam's TRAINS but could you also cover important releases in buildings, signals, track, controllers, etc?

[@baloalpar4149]

I'm adding this to my purchase list. Thx for the review and recommendation Sam.

[@alanhaynes4576]

Sam, Brilliant Loco and really looking forward to the Comparison video. Keep up the great reviews.

[@paulsngaugechannel]

What a beautiful locomotive. Truly a masterpiece. I would love to have one of these even though I am into N gauge. Display it in a super scene. Most attractive. I didn’t think that it was possible to be enthusiastic enough about a model. But your review certainly shows how much attention Rapido has put into the model. The under frame detail is not required. What a super model. 🎉🎉🎉

[@OlivierGabin]

Really an astonishing model ! All is right : great puller, looks nice (besides some minor drawbacks), good drivetrain, superb dynamic qualities, and a price, high but not so when you see what you get for it. Well done Rapido !

[@Antluvstrains]

Man does Rapido Trains make some great models. I loved this as much as the J70. They’re probably my favorite along with Accurascale.

[@ianjeffery6744]

What a masterpiece! The odd missing details are less important than the wonderful performance - well done, Rapido! A couple of crew members (in 19thC garb) would add the final touch...I guess the Titfield version will have the Rev Weech and Bishop Olly? Now then, Rapido, come on - come up with a Sharp Stewart 222 of the same period, please.

[@privatebribert]

Got the sound version through your link,cheers Sam 😊

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@infinity6450]

I always like those wholesome jokes. Another one I saw was a line of Lanz Bulldog tractors with a sign at the front saying, "These dogs won't bite, but the owner might!"

[@TomPrickVixen]

I wonder if a very small pice of blu-tack could hold those caps? Also I hope they have "Tiger" in their upcoming releases/plans; that copper boiler is just so alien for my eyes.

[@carltontweedle5724]

What a great little loco it looks superb. Bonus runs well.

[@ianjeffery6744]

Having just heard your comment about what other Era 1 lococmotives Rapido could consider, I've already suggested a generic Sharp Stewart (or Stephenson) 2-2-2 passenger engine - lots of railways had them - and would add a Bury 0-4-0 goods engine (like Coppernob) or a Planet 2-2-0 (as found on the Liverpool and Manchester). Someone then needs to add some generic 1840s coaches, which might be Hattons' next project...

[@joshslater2426]

Gorgeous. I would quote the Titfield Thunderbolt, but I’m sure everyone has beat me to it. Can’t wait for you to review the whole pack. Will you be evaluating the figures based on model quality or film accuracy?

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha me neither! I'm not sure yet - I've not seen the film for a long time so might have to rewatch before it comes out! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ianjeffery6744]

I've just received one of these (in the 1980s condition), and what a little beauty it really is! Now that Hattons have gone, maybe Rapido might think of some 1840s coaches and/or wagons to go with it?

[@grahamsharpley4889]

I bought the 1980’s version as I had a ride behind it at the Swindon science museums aviation collection. I have not run it yet and does not have a screw loose, it looks quite sane, i lost count how many times you described it as insane. When I took it out of its box my thoughts were folly this is heavy and it was worth its money. It came into the market in a fair and appropriate manner in an original thought by a company unlike the copy cat. The Russians tried to copy cat the wests aircraft and also brought them out before the west did. I like what I saw in your review and the quality content. It is an excellent provenance for my next Rapido Purchase, the Metropolitan E class loco to which I may well acquire Met no1 and L48. I am excitedly looking forward to that. As an old git I do not get excited about much these days except dithering drivers and people jumping in my braking space. I drive a Morris Minor from era 6. Thanks for the review, encouraging for Rapido.

[@MrNas42]

Having seen and HEARD a pre-production sound fitted Thunderbolt, I can confirm that it is awesome. I am sure Lion will be too!

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

It's out Lady's and gentlemen IT'S FINALLY OUT!!! Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

haha it's finally out!! :D

[@steve1315]

Looks nice Sam looking forward to the comparison video next week😎😎👍👍.

[@ciaranburke3243]

That little thing is amazing sam 😮👍

[@MrMprints]

Just received my Rapido Lion. A gem that runs very smoothly from the start unlike my Hornby Tiger that is jerky starting and stopping. Ive returned it to Hirnby for the secind time as they are insistent that it shoukd be perfectly smooth starting and stopping. Ive also fitted a DCC chip and tried it on the NCE Powercab with no improvement! Digitrains have a video of their Hornby Lion fitted with their sound card and it runs fine, so there's hope yet thst Ill get a good runner from Hornby. I hope so as I like Tiger.

[@Shadowtiger2564]

A pin wash on that would to make artificial shadows between the slats would really make that model pop As well as some figures for the cab too

[@Hugh-nr5sx]

Sam.. my "Lion" proved faulty.. buckin' bronco.. so sent it back to Rapido and they have replaced with a new one. Hats off to Rapido for their service.

[@datguymiller]

32:14 that engine in the siding isn't era 1, I found it haha

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

Wow. Love the load test. Crazy. I did notice some stray brass paint on the banding you didn’t mention. To be honest I thought you over played the crawl a bit. It wasn’t that smooth. Still a great all rounder considering the size and metal!

[@OragamiTobichi-bi6lh]

Very nice my friend. Ur the best my friend. Keep up the good work. Keep being awesome. Trains all the way. Also I'm getting a new train to so be sure to watch the vid when I get it

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@terrier_productions]

Got mine yesterday.. absolutely love it

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome!! So good isn't it?? :D

[@terrier_productions]

@@SamsTrains yep..

[@rottenroads1982]

This is a nice locomotive. I am still waiting for BR class 28 & OO9 Scale Layout, Locomotives & Rolling Stock.

[@leelishman7137]

Although Sam is a little obsessed with era 1 ,a good review,I did like it's weight and pulling power,incredible, sets a bench mark for future models. Rapido is certainly showing some teeth with the Lion!

[@bradandfudge]

Not wanting to put people off, I received mine from Rails last week and with no blame to them I've had a couple of small problems with mine. On opening the pack the chimney was loose and fell off. I carefully superglued it back on and it has been fine since. The second thing was the tender footplate which was loose and came off. I re-attached it to the tiny wire rail, or whatever you call it but at that point this little rail thing came off and no matter how I tried I couldn't refit it into the two holes it had come out of. In the end I gave up and superglued the footplate on to the tender floor, so now it doesn't hinge. I'm not over concerned about this but I suppose it spoils the effect that was intended. Otherwise it's fine. Sometimes overdoing the detail can be fraught with danger even when you're careful. Do be careful when opening and handling yours.

[@Abbojnr]

Well, I'm gonna see if my local has this in stock or is able to get it in for me, Lovely looking loco

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

For the loose crank screw, didn't it say in the booklet they were meant to be adjusted anyways? So really rapido told you they'd possibly be loose. Can't ding it for that imo

[@diedertspijkerboer]

I would worry about having to disassemble the linkage at some point and would therefore not fit the screw covers Do you think that attaching the screw covers with tacky wax could have been a semi-permanent solution to allow later disassembly?

[@Mike__B]

Can't wait to see a comparison between the Rapido and the Hornby should be an interesting side by side that I think I'm going to be surprised with

[@SamsTrains]

I'm really looking forward to it too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@David-ci1vn]

I've been taken by Era I since the days of the Pocher "der Adler" of the 1960/70s, that of course was scale to gauge HO, these very small vehicles would I think look completely different as S4 or even EM with finescale wheels (AND on track to match), do you think a conversion. would be viable with those outside frames? Keep up the good work, always entertaining.

[@levidarling5107]

Calculating awesomeness of Rapido Lion… 100% Awesomeness!

[@soerenwizard]

Model locos from Mäklin/Trix have a good history of being made of metal. Not all locos, but a high ratio are made of metal.

[@David_Mattox]

Absolutely astounding how powerful this loco is! Ordered mine a few weeks ago and I eagerly wait for it. Love the NEM couplings on it, so much more versatile than Hornby’s, and you don’t have to get it in a pack. You can see why I think Rapido’s is the superior version, but I await the comparison video! ❤ Maybe Rapido will make Stephenson’s Rocket one day…😉

[@SamsTrains]

It is isn't it?? Fantastic! Such a smart design all the way through though - do prefer that aspect to Hornby's! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@SamsTrainsIt’s my birthday, Sam!

[@nigelericogden3200]

I’d love to see “Locomotion”.

[@CoalChrome]

the best pickup set up i think i've ever seen is on a Bachmann G gauge Davenport I have. its like the plunger style but it has small rollers on the ends that actually touch the wheel, quite brilliant right?

[@MrBnsftrain]

I'm surprised such a small and primitive locomotive has a mechanism that can pull so many large coaches! I never thought a model of an engine from the 1830s would be able to pull models of coaches from the 2030s (even though we're not there yet, but the Mark 4s and 5s will hopefully still be in service by then) I'd like to see Rapido make early Canadian British-built locomotives like the Dorchester, Samson, Albion, and John Bridge as they would fit in on north American and British model railways.

[@pokemontrainermichael5551]

What a beautiful locomotive, and i do want one, plus you should race the two lions

[@thenorgalofthehills5688]

I have the Titfield Thunderbolt pack on preorder. Sucks that it was a delayed a bit though. Either way after watching this review, I couldn’t be more excited for it to come in!! I may have already said this in a previous comment, I can’t remember, but I think my only complaint is the lack of complex colors and detail on the boiler cladding like on Hornby’s model. However I also realize that it wasn’t really possible to incorporate on this one given the die-cast boiler. Great review as always Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Hopefully it'll be worth the wait!! Yeah the wood texture is missing here, though I think the colour of this is closer to the real thing... always thought the Hornby one looked a tad too colourful! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jeffreysmith156]

Following the confusion in April / May last year over the status of what Hornby were doing, I ended up ordering a 1980 Rapido model last July. Hopefully mine will arrive soon. I suspect Sam will go for the Rapido version in the comparison but Hornby have done well by offering Tiger as well.

[@michaeltaylor1869]

Nice video Sam very good camera work as usual I am really enjoying your lovely videos and camera work keep your lovely camera work up I am really looking forward to seeing your next video I hope you get a nice video next time bye for now Philip

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you Michael, really appreciate you kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@BristolSpotterHD]

Has there been a model that’s been 5* all round?

[@axelrajr]

impressive machine. on the boiler detail, i think where it failed there is that they didn't paint it around the edge and into that gap. if they had, it could have been pretty reasonably hidden as a 'gap' in the boiler cladding. why isn't the mechanism on this machine the standard? its perfect. and as compact as it is, ought to be perfect for all sorts of small and medium sized locomotives. and i really like that the coupling rods are functional (1 driven and 1 driven by the connecting rods).

[@DangerAngelous]

12:39 I don’t know Sam, what if someone creates a model train made out of the real one 😂

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

This model can only be summarized in one word. Impressive

[@thomaspickles9058]

its not just me right? sam said 'im not gunna compare them this video im gunna leave that to a seperate video' but then i do be seeing hornby offering pass the camera when hes talking about the good aspects of the rapido version as if to say 'which this one lacks' lmao, absolutely love it

[@SamsTrains]

Hahahaha I did try…. couldn’t help myself!!

[@Alextrains502]

Hi Sam love your videos

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much Alex! :D

[@Alextrains502]

@@SamsTrains hi

[@richardprew9954]

Although a good review I don't think there's any real need to bash Hornby. It just comes across as very spiteful.

[@petemac2126]

18:55 pretty sure Rapido staff watching are also very nervous about that coupling rod! Beautiful model though

[@exarkun42]

Wow. Wish I could afford one right now XD Just a tip: I have some experience with that style of tender coupling, so I recommend keeping loco and tender coupled at all times unless you really need to separate them.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's what I'd recommend too really - I can't see them lasting through too many cycles! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stevekovoc3939]

This just goes to show that you don't need that much space in a model to make a quality mechanism. I think all manufacturers should take notes from this. They have no excuses not to make a solid model, especially with the kinds of prices a lot of them charge.

[@LuxannSritharan]

Kind of surprised they didn't do any underbody detail since that is almost their trademark.

[@davidbarnes3075]

The price should include a period driver & fireman (with their stove pipe hats) to make it look realistic when running.

[@TheLoachman]

A Happy Sam is a Good Thing. I have little interest in that era, but that is a very, VERY tempting model. Jason has been working to bankrupt me with his Canadian offerings for many years now, so I must resist.

[@S.C.RuffeyGuy]

Great video!

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Hadn't thought of you as a cruel man, until I saw what you put behind that little loco .... mind you, hadn't thought to be gobsmacked that it took that lot with no trouble either!! 🙂

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam what a beautiful locomotive I would love to see Rapido do rocket

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot James - oooh that would be a great model I'm sure!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@AtheistOrphan]

Makes me want to dig out my Titfield Thunderbolt DVD!

[@davidhall5868]

I found the odd one out it’s the great western Dean goods in the siding next to the pub

[@SamsTrains]

haha well spotted!! :D

[@davidhall5868]

@@SamsTrains thank you and can i have a pin for finding it or not

[@airknight]

I'd love if they did the coffeepot locomotive