New EFE Rail Beattie Well Tank | Unboxing & Review | (Plastic Tat)

My review of the new EFE Rail Beattie Well Tank from Bachmann... and I was not impressed!
Here's where I got mine (great service, highly recommended): www.derails.co.uk/index.php?r...
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0:00 Introduction
2:42 Unboxing
6:11 History
7:21 Detail/Moaning
13:29 Beattie Well Tank
16:38 Performance
25:58 Ratings
30:11 Conclusion

[@methylatedspirit6810]

“He he hello. Do you like my new silky voice? It is trying to hide the fact that I AM ACTUALLY QUITE TRIGGERED!” that was really funny

[@SamsTrains]

haha! xD

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@SamsTrains Yeah...we noticed, (says he through gritted teeth).

[@ALLCAPS2317]

Sam has achieved *illusion 100*

[@skuula]

World's hottest model train: build a loop line tunneling through a pizza oven, and let this one run on it.

[@traintimeboy]

Mmmmm pizza

[@joshuaparson6233]

That sounds quite good to watch.

[@joshuaparson6233]

That sounds quite good to watch.

[@traintimeboy]

Pineapple on mine pls and ham 2

[@SamsTrains]

haha, the word pizza caught my eye too... but yes, I like the idea.... very much so! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Mewtwo557]

Sam: *begins to stop sounding calm* Literally everyone: Oh dear! What will he say?

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep, you know what's coming! ;D

[@Tuggster]

This is one of my favourite engines in real life, THEY LOOK ADORABLE!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jake - they really do! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@theeveningstar9235]

Definitely! I love Beattie well tanks

[@DiegoLiger]

You can tell they were built for suburban passenger service, with those big five foot wheels they just want to gallop along. Really comfortable to drive. They've got a sizeable firebox for such a small machine.

[@lukeslocomotives]

Notice that the leading wheels stopped turning sometimes

[@JamDread99]

At 18:13

[@Decrepit_Productions]

Yeah, I noticed it too.

[@dinowhizz444]

Nice to know I wasnt the only one who noticed it

[@sirrliv]

Same here. It's those pilot wheels that have no bearings. Bet you anything some part of the axle is meeting a resistance point against that spring.

[@dinowhizz444]

@@sirrliv it probably is and it's most likely what was causing the whole engine to judder a bit.

[@guitar4ever-478]

The effort you go through to reply to almost every comment really shows how much you care for your fanbase. Not to mention how much time and money it takes to do these reviews. I may be a simple American, but I enjoy learning about British engines here. Thanks for the amazing videos. Merry Christmas.

[@SamsTrains]

Bless you, it's a pleasure - I really enjoy reading and replying to comments! Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Was considering getting one of these when they were first announced until I saw the price... very glad I didn't get one now! Looks like I dodged a plastic bullet! Crazy when you think that earlier this year Bachmann released the J72, a brand new tooling but a lower RRP and includes firebox glow, speaker, better detail, etc. Presumably they just pick the prices out of a hat now? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah, a plastic bullet is right! The j72 was miles ahead of this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailfan37]

@That Model Railway Guy lol 😂, I agree that Bachmann’s pricing is crazy, but speaking in 2023 they are usually not as bad as Hornby’s. Regarding this coming out the same year as the J72, this was actually a DJM model before Bachmann bought the tooling and now sell them under their EFE Rail Range.

[@DeepdigProductions]

I've recently gotten this locomotive from Hattons and have personally loved it! Mine looks to be of a much higher quality... maybe some sort of retool. I personally can excuse the lack of power to it being an extremely old locomotive, but a bit more strength would be nice. Runs beautifully and can pull a realistic sized train well.

[@PrimevalParadise]

Modellers: "Can we please have a good Beattie Well Tank?" Any manufacturer making a Beattie Well Tank: "No, I don't think you will"

[@SamsTrains]

Yep - a total slap in the face! :(

[@the_autism_express]

@@SamsTrains and I thought Mattel was lazy with Thomas models, but this EFE beatie well tank shows TRUE laziness!

[@bentullett6068]

@@the_autism_express its Bachmanns laziness I think all they contributed to these recycled Dave Jones and the Kernow Models locomotives are the corless motor and DCC chip.

[@jamestalbot4900]

@@bentullett6068 I think the original DJ version had the coreless motor in any case, I can’t see what Bachmann have contributed except the finish.

[@bentullett6068]

@@jamestalbot4900 they have contributed the Bachmann pricing I guess.

[@LeStrangeW]

Sad that a lot of people are probably going to have negative associations with a lot of perfectly good locos thanks to pants-quality models like this one.😞

[@bentullett6068]

Matt Slade reviewed the new EFE range recycled ex Dave Jones J94 Austerity in his channel and even though it was nice to look at I hinted he wasn't overly excited about it.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Bennett, yes it is sad! I can't see the J94 being worth the asking price either!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jenaplinsky3977]

Gorgeous model Sam; I am an Italian railway modeler, but thanks to your reviews I have also learned to appreciate English models very much, which are very rare to find here. Greetings from Italy !!

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear that Jena, thanks for sharing! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@GeoffArnold1]

Your final score is remarkably generous.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Geoff, yes maybe so - but 5.63 is a very poor score from me - that puts it at 57/62 on the rankings! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@xaviers2ndaccount354]

Surprised it wasn't in the "top 5 worst model trains" video.

[@MegaTrainlover]

Such a shame that Bachmann/EFE Rail have represented such a beautiful little loco in such a poor way. I'm seriously flabbergasted as to how they justified £140 for something that looks more akin to a toy. Was actually thinking of buying one but after this review I now have second thoughts. Really good review though as always! Keep it up!

[@SamsTrains]

I agree with you - such a pity! They must be mad mustn't they?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam What an iconic design. My architect friend is always banging on about 'design on the human scale' This loco is definately person friendly. How good was Victorian design; ascetic, public friendly, practical, artisticaly pleasing and built to last!

[@SamsTrains]

I agree Leroy, it's a fantastic demonstration of all of this - one good thing about this model! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thepikminbeater5142]

hey sam's trains, great video. i've been watching your videos for only 1 year but i've managed to watch every single video you've made!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much John - wow every single one?! That must have been torture! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Alpha-oo8]

I’ve been busy doing a project on my computer, and I’ve had your videos on in the background, because you’re quiet enough that I can hear what I’m working on, but interesting enough to be engaged. It’s nice. So thank you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - glad I'm relaxing to you, haha! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@iliketrainsilikeplanes6047]

Great video! 11:23 that splasher is actually part of the real loco

[@harryrobinson2901]

The splashers on the actual loco are only at the edges of the footplate. Here they cross the footplate entirely, and the real things aren’t like that.

[@SamsTrains]

Harry, you're absolutely right - seen some video footage that proves this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@loganwirth4146]

Because it would cost actual money to mold accurate splashers that represent the real thing they decided to just take the plastic covers off the "in cab wheels " of a battery powered locomotive from a Christmas train set makes perfect sense big jk lol

[@terryhadler4565]

Really appreciate your comments and reviews. 60 odd years ago, I took up railway modelling which has given me endless pleasure over the years. What disappoints me is the continual level of indifferent quality of rolling stock. Surely it is not much to expect faultless running after all manufacturers have had enough time to fine tune mechanisms and to still encounter goods wagons and coaches of different manufacture failing to couple because of differing heightis is inexcusable. It seems that not all manufacturers of British outline models adopt the recommended standards for the hobby which defeats the whole object of the exercise. I can't help thinking that the NMRA has a more stringent approach and the main manufacturers make some of the sweetest running loco I know. Nevertheless, keep up the good work Sam. Best wishes

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear Terry, thanks so much! I do agree with you - it's baffling that so many shortcomings should still be around today, given what models cost! It does annoy me too when models don't comply with reasonable standards - I come across this once in a while too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jonathanb2622]

Fantastic review as always Sam. Genuinely gutted to see what is such a lovely loco' not given the manufacturing effort it deserves, certainly at this price point anyway. From a distance I think this is one of the most charismatic engines I've ever seen you review and if it had as much diecast, fine detailing and performance as a Hornby Peckett I would certainly have bought one; it was great you ran a Peckett alongside it as they are a great yardstick of what can be achieved with a small loco' for around, but often much less than, £100. With over 90k subscribers I'm sure manufacturers must be taking note of your videos too so thanks again for your balanced/thorough reviews.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Jon - I was really gutted too - awful really! I hope they are - I thought we'd seen the end of tat like this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@weeblewobble1776]

I returned to your channel after recently getting back into trains and I just feel happy

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear - thanks so much!! :D

[@DJMixFlow93]

Sam, thank you! You have saved me a lot of money. After watching the whole review I decided to remove this loco from my wishlist. I don't appreciate a locomotive that moonwalks around the layout lol.

[@jameshardy4354]

This locomotive struggles to move its self let a lone pull a train 🤣🤣🤣

[@SamsTrains]

No problem Kevin, really glad this helped you out mate! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrDavil43]

@@jameshardy4354 Sorry, but my one works fine.

[@lukeslocomotives]

16:52 is the cab leaning backwards or is it just me?

[@stufindlow6664]

Looks like the running plate is bent

[@SamsTrains]

Yes others said that too - I admit I didn't notice, but I'll check! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adrianmorrow9882]

It looks like it leans backwards to me...

[@Poliss95]

Are you leaning backwards too? :-)

[@spookyf1]

@@stufindlow6664 S shaped!

[@100allnaturalrock4]

Never seen an engine this beautiful! great review!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Matthew - yes the livery is stunning! :D

[@ironcityrailfan8467]

I’d love to get one of those but they’re too bloody expensive here in the US of A

[@SamsTrains]

Don't get me wrong, they're too bl***y expensive here in the UK too! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Even for a railways continental european addict like me, accustomed to "Deutschland über alles" prices, it is too expensive for the total lack of quality of the engine. Event at GBP 18, I won't buy one.

[@vicfreak2529]

If bachmanns price's get any higher you'll be able to buy the real thing and ship it to the US 🇺🇸 😄

[@ironcityrailfan8467]

@Adi Odjidja true

[@garrymartin6474]

Was the running plate curved too ? It looked like it at times. Thank you Sam for putting us in the picture.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah others have said that - I think you're right! No problem my friend! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Nobel200]

From watching this it looks like the running plate is sagging at the rear. The cab and bunker appear not to be perpendicular to the rail. It may be picture distortion from the close ups from the camera. if you have a small set square this will verify this or at least put a straight metal ruler alongside the running plate. My Triang Polly from the 1960s has a separately fitted brass whistle!

[@dangerdave0000000001]

I thought that too that the rear sags down abit and the cab looks off too

[@treinenliefde]

Yeh the running board is definitely sagging.

[@jamestalbot4900]

It’s not a distortion, they all lean slightly. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I've had a few comments about that - not something I noticed, but I will investigate. It's such cheap thin plastic that I wouldn't be surprised at all! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@PsiPancake]

The livery of the loco is just breath taking! Lovely review and fantastic loco!

[@SamsTrains]

Agreed, they did a great job on the livery! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@eforster9480]

sam would you recommend this im thinking about getting it and is it good for the £118 would you recommend the version you reviewed or the other one. :)

[@SamsTrains]

No overall I can't recommend this for £118 mate! Though I hope you enjoy it if you decide to get one! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@eforster9480]

@@SamsTrains thanks sam i probably wont get it but what would you reccomend instead

[@kariikonen8695]

*Hears Sam moaning* "SAM THIS IS A CHRISTIAN SERVER!"

[@SamsTrains]

haha say what?!? ;D

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

Onii-chan Sam what are you doing

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

@Samuel Olesek 😳

[@someaustralianguy4807]

You brung pain to me

[@MrSparkies]

Can't you send this back? Not fit for purpose? Also, Bachmann customer service / PR department for comment?

[@SamsTrains]

I could, but I decided to keep it - I'd rather use it for videos! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ciaranburke3243]

Hi sam just watched this review again and not sure wether you noticed the front wheels were dragging along, also quick question does the 14.4 mm gauge apply to rolling stock aswell as I want to pick a gauge tester 🙂

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they did drag along - I've seen lots of videos of them doing that too - they're just not well balanced! Yeah, the gauging applies to rolling stock too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@CplBurdenR]

Could weight be put in the well tanks? or replace them with some weights from say a Lima diesel? Or is it a sunken cost fallacy at that point with the coreless motor and the badly painted details etc?

[@trr94001]

It was definitely spinning its wheels with no coaches. Clearly in need of every bit of lead that can be crammed inside.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - crazy isn't it?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@someaustralianguy4807]

@@SamsTrains Found a 25 something think gram lead lump you can have it could fashion a new boiler out of it.

[@class158productions5]

But then remember, the actual model, is about 9 years old. It was built to be about £70 when first released with kernow, it’s these silly efe prices causing older locos to suddenly be put up against brand new models.

[@bentullett6068]

Its Bachmann pricing as they own the EFE branding. The EFE range is supposed to be a rival to the model stores like Hattons and Hornby with the Railroad range but I don't think Bachmann get that they should charge less for old models.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I heard it's as old as that... it's existence in 2020 for that price is all the more baffling as a result! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@PebProductions46]

As someone who is new to the hobby, I had this relatively close to the top of my wish list since I figured it would be neat to have such a pretty, new model. After your review, it is clear to me that I should spend my money on something else. Thanks, Sam! I would have fell for their trap if it wasn't for you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Peb - yeah I wouldn't recommend this, nice as it looks! You can spend £118 elsewhere and get a MUCH better quality model! Welcome to the hobby - don't be disheartened by stuff like this! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@p674mle2]

Great Vid Sam i was looking forward to this review since u mentioned it in ur stream yesterday shame its so poor in some aspects cause the real train is beautiful especially in that livery

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - yeah it's no good is it? At least now we all know! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

"Plastic tat" I laughed hard

[@SamsTrains]

haha! I'd laugh too if I wasn't furious! ;D

[@PayasYouListen]

Sam turning into the Ashens of model railways.

[@vicfreak2529]

Thanks Sam, you've just saved me from wasting alot of cash on something that isn't worth the postage, well done again Bachmann I'm just glad I'm not a shareholder in their company, send it back Sam, I bet after seeing your review quite a few orders will be cancelled, however I would buy one for £60 as I would have to cut alot of detail off ,ie the Drummond safety valves and dome that look like 2 cigarettes pushed into a boob, and the smoke box door dart is just laughable, thanks for a good laugh Sam 😆

[@marks.6480]

Bachmann is wholly owned and operated by Kader, a Chinese company that's the biggest railway model manufacturer in the world.

[@vicfreak2529]

@@marks.6480 it doesn't matter how big the company is, if they produce a product that no one will buy they won't make any profit , if they don't make profits, they will sell or liquidate that part of the company, its sad really, I have a number of bachmann locos and they are brilliant especially the lms 10000, but the last couple of years they've lost their way, I think they have too many money men on board in the UK and not people who know the hobby inside out , look at hornby they nearly went under, that beattie well tank is shocking compare that to the dapol 43xx which is £15 more and tell me its worth £118 its a £75 loco and thats being kind ,

[@marks.6480]

@@vicfreak2529 you missed my point. Bachmann is no longer Bachmann, it's just a label. Kader produces many brands.

[@vicfreak2529]

@@marks.6480 yes I know its been part of kader since the 1980s,

[@SamsTrains]

No problem Vic - and I'm glad I don't own shares too, lol! You're right too - the company can be as huge as they like - if they don't produce good stuff, they don't get a good review. Simple! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukeslocomotives]

Finally! Sam with a beattie

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes! :D

[@andcrafter4790]

Is there an easy way to determine how heavy a loco should be? I have seen a few charts that suggest certain weights per length of different cars and coaches, but none for locos.

[@davldcooksey4137]

Don't cry Sam, you have warned all your subscribers to keep well away, well at that price anyway or maybe any price, has ever great review of a not so great loco, 👍👍👍👍👍.

[@davldcooksey4137]

Hello Sam, have you ever done a review on a Bachmann class 57xx ? .

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks David, yes that's the only good thing about it!! No I don't think I have! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@scot913]

This reminds me of one of my big concerns about the new locomotion precedent. It has a coreless motor

[@SamsTrains]

Yes indeed - not a fan of coreless motors! Combined with the traction tyres, their propensity to overheat could be a problem! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Vyn_Solina_0213]

Almost to 100k subs keep up the great work!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Vyn! :D

[@therwsmodeller6498]

Yeey sam back with great review

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jayden! :D

[@TrainmanDan]

A project loco. As has been said, looking for any space to add lead shot and you have to love the wave in the frame. This would be another reason to stick with old-school Hornby Dub-lo!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Dan, there may be some room for extra weight, but certainly not much! Good old Dublo! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@turokforever007]

I don't know why but ivor the engine popped into my head during the intro.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah, others said that too! xD

[@russellbenton2987]

Thanks for explaining the Well tank thing, never realised that . EFE Rail ,reheated models from commissioners such as Kernow and Heljan at Bachmann prices . Trouble is people will buy them, thus making them think they can continue to increase prices. Coreless motors cheaper , simple as that , although no doubt people will say it’s to give you space to include sound .

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Russell, yes it puzzled me for a long time too! Agreed, silly stuff isn't it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewiscartwright3609]

Hi Sam if you don't mind me asking but does any of your rolling stock make a squeaking sound because I have a Triang hornby full brake coach which seems to make a very annoying and very obvious squeaking noise i gave the wheels and axles a clean but it still squeaks and I only had it about almost a month and this is the only one that seems to make a squeaking

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah sometimes they do - a tiny drop of oil on the bearings should fix the problem! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewiscartwright3609]

@@SamsTrains Thanks for the advice and I love the videos also I was planning on getting a Beatie well tank but after watching the video that you did on the beatie well tank i think i will that it a miss if Bachmann would have used More die cast on the model Then i would have thought about maybe getting one

[@josecordoba5621]

Thanks Sam, I was considering to buy it as it's such a beautiful looking loco . But I even picked up on a few problems that you didn't mention, although reading through the comments many others did as well. Even if it reaches an incredible low price, its a no from me. Great review, thanks for the heads up on this lump of shite.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jose - you're right - others have spotted things that even I didn't see, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joshryan5890]

That triang valve gear burn had me hurting from laughter so much, spot on video sam

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks mate - I was pleased with that one! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Daniel-bj4kd]

All style, no substance... looks great at first glance, but looks can be deceiving! Your videos are so helpful. Thanks again, Sam 🙌🏻👍🏻

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Danny, appreciate it mate!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dbrhall]

Dear @sam, as always, thank you for helping the hobby. On another note, I completely and utterly agree with your comments. We (as modelers) cannot keep buying trains (since it's our hobby) and keep jumping from one brand to the next trying to find a decent locomotive (or rolling stock to that matter). It's hard enough to fund the purchase and harder still to find split chassis (to name a few of the failures...) in 2020. I have not had in my collection a split chassis since my Bachmann Consolidation gave up on me, which my father bought when I was a baby back in the 80's. I do not think that the EFE initiative might be bad by itself, but if the do not consider improving the quality they will lose clients 1 by 1. Keep well! D.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much David for the kind words - I agree - times are hard, and when we spend £120 on a model, it needs to be decent... no excuses! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@foraminuteforaminute4056]

9:14 The highest quality aspect of the buffer beam seems to be the dead spider. This is the United Airlines of model trains, I must say.

[@Surfliner450]

United Airlines isn’t actually that bad

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - what's with that?!?

[@Rowan66109]

When will you add the Xmas intro?🎅

[@SamsTrains]

December ;)

[@Rowan66109]

That's next week :-)

[@the4tierbridge]

Hey Sam, do you know where I could get some Tri-and or Dublo parts, like Buffers, Handrails, Coupling, etc?

[@SamsTrains]

Hmm, Ebay is probably your best bet! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewknights1304]

I must admit, it is the first loco I have seen that slip light engine. Come to think of it, the model brings a whole new meaning to that phrase. Thanks Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - I've never seen it before - it shouldn't be possible! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@theeveningstar9235]

Such a shame about this model. The real ones are so lovely. Honestly, it pains me to see such a gorgeous class of engine be so badly represented in model form.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - and this means other manufacturers won't touch it too :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrDavil43]

Got to say that I'm perfectly happy with mine....it doesn't exhibit the faults you found and it hauls 3 Maunsell coaches on the level without slipping. And that's a load that would max out the real ones.

[@kingarthur4532]

I'm surprised by this review, Sam. I have two of these locos, pre-oredered from the original batch, and they are both excellent performers. They run smoothly and faultlessly despite their tiny wheelbase on my electrofrog points and they respond perfectly to my ProCab controller. I have also seen several running perfectly at exhibitions (Remeber when we had those?). Unless Kernow or Bachmann have changed the specs from the original, I suspect you have a duff one that should have gone straight back where it came from. You still have time - see below. My models cost £99.99 new, which was fairly expensive even then but the Beatties were Kernow's first venture and they would not have expected massive sales. In line with general Chinese loco inflation, the current price is probably what one would expect although I'm sure that whatever deal Kernow have struck with Bachmann, the latter will have asked for a healthy premium for their services. I think this might have been the smallest model of a prototype steam engine that had been attempted at the time of it's release so some mistakes were probably inevitable. It is particularly lightweight, I suspect, because space that could have been used for extra weight was kept available for speakers. Surely a stay alive capacitor would help here, although th engine was roundly praised in all the hobby mags, especially for it's pickups. Mine will pull six or seven wagons and a brake or a Hornby Maunsell 2-set, which is all I want them to do. Remember how old the protoype was and what duties they undertook in real life, especially during their 60 years at Wadebridge, and they really are out of place doing anything more. Even in their previous life as London subarban power, they were only hauling rakes of lightweight wooden four wheelers (Imagine spending a 12-hour or more shift in that tiny cab.). There is room for a tiny bit of flattened lead under the cab roof - every little helps. Standards and expectations, of course, have been raised in the last 10 and more years but I agree that the loco is not as good as it might have been. However, there were a number of locos from the first decade of 2021 that were less than perfect, not the least of which were Hornby's dreadful T9 where the motors were glued in place and the Mazak parts cracked, rendering them useless. The 0 298 body could have been better, especially the rather gross safety valves and I don't think DJM quite got the shape of the Drummond dome right. However, modellers have always tried to improve on what they have and once the only option for many, many classes was to buy an expensive, limited release whitemetal kit and spend ages buying extras (Often this included wheels and chassis!!) and modifying or replacing less than perfect parts as you went along. Proportionately I suspect these whitemetal locos, especially big ones, cost much more in real terms than today's RTR offerings. Surely it's an easy enough job on the 0298to remove the plastic originals and replace them in brass. Re the continuation of the splasher curve across the inside of the cab, was this something to do with mechanism clearance issues, or perhaps production problems. Anyway, it can be disguised with a couple of crew members. Whilst it has it's imperfections, I'm not sure it's entirely fair to downgrade the whole product when your review model was obviously a faulty one. Personally I don't think modellers make enough use of the Sale of Goods Act or it's successor, the exact name of which escapes me. This states that any goods offered for sale, online or otherwise, should be of merchandiseable quality and fit for purpose and that it is the retailers responsibilty to ensure this is so. A model railway engine that does not run properly (and that includes Bachmann's speciality, wobbly wheels.), or fails after a few months with broken wires or faulty brushes, should be returned to the seller under these provisions. If the retailer refuses to co-operate, get Trading Standards involved. As a footnote I would also add that I have two of the DJM /Kernow mainland 02 0-4-4Ts and lessons were obviously learned. These are absolutely beautiful model engines in every respect.

[@SuperJacob2006]

Great Video Sam And That Engine Looks Awesome And I'm Turning 15 When My Birthday Comes Up

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jacob, hope you have an amazing birthday! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@amiga1200T]

My question is not related to this video, but your knowledge on model railways is greater than mine. I have bought the 14th edition of the Hornby track plans book and on page 50, layout 3/14 compact corner, what looks like to me a short circuit problem with the Y return loop going in and out of the station. Do you think this is the case?

[@SamsTrains]

Hmm, I don't have a copy so I'm not sure - is there no description with it, to explain how to get around the shorting issue? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@amiga1200T]

@@SamsTrains No mention in the description about the potential for a short. going to contact Hornby. Thanks for your reply.

[@OlivierGabin]

Only default this engine have not : square wheels. Everything else is a Chernobyl-like disaster, to remain polite. The GBP 18 Smokey Joe is better to this one in every point of view. Hornby manufactures Railroad locomotives that looks far more better than this one. Bachmann/EFE had put the bar of the standard for naff models ten notches higher, they only have Heljan as a competitor on the marketplace for this kind of pieces of kraft blatantly overpriced. If you PAY me GBP 118/132 €, I would accept to run one, I'm short of Southern small tender engines. And at last what is the motivation to put a spare part for a traditional chinese sailing boat like a coreless motor in this one ? On N scale models, you have a motor that heats less and have a better yield, you can easily imagine the up side of such a choice, like putting a more powerfull motor in a smaller space. But for OO ? And, especially if you kill it with a laughable drivetrain : split chassis, the return, hurrah... One explanation I can put forward to the attitude of Bachmann might be the policy they have to select their managers. I had seen a video on the differences between japanese and american automobile industry before coming here, and I have learn something interesting. CEO of Honda and Toyota, the main japanese car manufacturers, are always former engineers and they apply the concept of kaizen, which can be translated by "continuous improvement". Those people looks for the best quality at the best price for their products, and carefully looks at the customer's demand to do so. In the USA, CEO of Ford, Chrysler and GM are financial experts who are just looking for best profit possible and reducing cost anyhow. That is why american cars are now daft products. I think the CEO of Bachmann might be a financial expert, and not an engineer, that might explain why the prices skyrockets and the quality goes down.

[@SamsTrains]

haha correct! I'm just gobsmacked by this quite honestly! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tinkiwinks]

If this wasn’t so expensive, or if it was made properly: this would’ve actually been quite good.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree! For the right price, this could have been a nice beginner/budget model. But no, greed ruined it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thefountainpendesk]

Congratulations on 90k Subs, 10k left to the big 100k

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - I know - that's a scary number of people! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@fawzig1648]

Woah this loco is really cool the detail and color are so good! I am loving those wheels too!

[@SamsTrains]

Glad you liked it mate! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gkjsooley]

You were too generous on quality, mechanism, and value.

[@drpeterpunch765]

I completely agree. I thought Sam was very generous in his ratings. Send it back Sam - why would you waste shelf space for this toy!

[@SamsTrains]

haha maybe you're right Kenneth, though remember 5.63 is a very bad score from me - that puts it 57/62 on the rankings! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Wingedarc]

I really hope you are sending that model back, it is just not fit for purpose and is totally unacceptable! I honestly feel your rating was just way too high honestly but that is just me.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, it's unacceptable, but I will be keeping it, as I always do! You may be right, but don't forget 5.63 is a very bad score from me - that puts it 57/62 on the rankings! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Wingedarc]

@@SamsTrains I guess it will serve as a momento to how bad their locos can be and a good thing to look back in a years time and have a chuckle at, But still I can't help but feel bad for you with that insane price tag on it, What is worse is when you look at locos you have been reviewing currently they have been great and then this thing comes along and ruins everyones day, haha Have a good one though man and great work on another great video.

[@rynodynomyte2755]

Beautiful and cute model Sam! We’re lucky to have two preserved examples!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ryno - we are indeed! :D

[@MorrisHillmanProductions]

What I noticed when you performed the crawl test was the front bogie kept sticking. Perhaps this might have caused the aforementioned wheel slip?

[@RideCamVids]

As a suggestion, what will a shaped piece of lead do mounted in the open section in front of the motor

[@lucaknight_]

Ok new question would it be plausible to run a dcc loco on dc and would there be any negative effects or such

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you can run DCC locos on DC, provided the feature is enabled on the decoder! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tarbogamer5867]

I have the LNER A1 pacific 1470 "Great Northern" it's a beautiful locomotive from what I remember, I've not had by model trains running for years. You should do a video on it!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow, that sounds amazing! I'd love to! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheMidlandTerrier]

I bought one of these yesterday at Ally Pally and found it to be rather decent regardless of the weight, it had a good 4 laps running on the TMCs test track.

[@iancooper3983]

Hi Sam I bought a pre-owned and I bought a battery for my kitchen scales to weigh it and some of my other locos. This loco weighs 103 gms. The footplate has that same rather large splasher going right across it. I am very puzzled by it's performance. When applying the juice in either direction it slowly gains speed requiring nearly a lap of my quite large test track on my kitchen floor

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Ian - I've seen your other comment too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ZeeTheNerdyVampire]

Something else I've noticed wrong with it too. Is it me, or does the running board have a slight bow downwards towards the rear of the loco? The cab doesn't look level back there

[@SamsTrains]

Yes! I think it does - so many others have mentioned that too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Pirate-Scorcher-1998]

Brilliant review I’m looking forward to see the royal Scot review video soon

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, hope you enjoy that one! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@benhanson3601]

Look at the safety valves I’m sorry I didn’t realise I stumbled into Thomas the tank engine! Laughed there haha thanks for reviewing was debating on getting this, I certainly won’t be now!

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! No problem Ben, definitely not worth your money at the moment! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jasperherridge3168]

What is EFE Rail? Is it Bachmann (like a division of it or a certain factory), or just selling with the Bachmann name?

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's right - a Bachmann brand which serves to distribute models made by other brands! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@traintimeboy]

Awesome dude, can you do a double header video next? Love your vids!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate - that could be fun - good idea! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewknights1304]

It would be better if the front wheels went round consistently. resistance from the pick ups? This must reduce its hauling power?

[@SamsTrains]

haha possibly - others have spotted this too - though there are no pickups, it's done through the bearings! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@barrysergeant2438]

Bought a couple from Kernow a few years ago,lovely models and runners,don’t think they had that motor?

[@SamsTrains]

Great to hear yours were good! No, they have seen a motor change over the years I believe! Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@acethejester]

coaches, no. goods train, maybe cause the trucks are a tad lighter than coaches right?

[@davidstrains4910]

Great review Sam it looks very nice

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks David! :D

[@alicetrainz6853]

Very beautiful engine always wanted to see one myself hope you have fun with it

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, yeah it is fun to run! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@darrianwilcox]

Glad you did this review, I was planning on treating myself to one.. It was wheel slipping due to the front wheels locking up due to the lack of weight I would guess! I have recently sold the few split chassis Bachmann loco’s I had as the others had for a better word exploded. How can they charge this? Daylight robbery. Taking the wee wee (you know what I mean) springs to mind

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Darrian, no I wouldn't recommend it at all! It is robbery really isn't it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TC_5670]

I'm with you Sam on the review, yet other reviewers seem to be happy with them. Easily pleased I guess? I believe this is the Kernow / DJM model from a few years back, hence the coreless motor. Thanks for the review.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Trevor - others may well be happy with them, that's completely allowed! I've always got to be honest though, I think that's why my videos are quite popular. Appreciate it mate! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@matthewpeter]

Sam do you know what Bullfrog Snot is? Beattie would be a good test review case.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I have heard of it, never tried it though! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adammac.1342]

Stupid question but are different liveries different prices, if they’re the same engine?

[@SamsTrains]

I think they're the same price, yeah! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jamestalbot4900]

I bought the lined black, which looks ok but it really doesn’t blow me away like the Pecketts did. They also lean very slightly to the left, apparently (according to Kernow) they all do! Surely that indicates a design flaw?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jim, yeah I'm with you there - not quite Peckett quality! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Sckuttle]

Question sam:do you now what liveries this model comes in?

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Do you notice that the cab seems to droop from just behind the rear splasher I do not remember that design feature on the prototype!

[@paulisnotonfire]

I don't know if I'm imagining this or not, but it looks like the running plate under the cab (especially from the right side) is curved slightly towards the buffer beam. Doesn't look entirely flat all the way along.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Paul, yes lots of others said that too - I will investigate! Wouldn't be surprised - such thin light plastic! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@craziej2k1]

Was the front axle sticking on the crawl? It looks like it stops moving

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're right - I didn't notice that until the edit - but it absolutely does! Removed the base plate to check it's seated properly... still sticks! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@craziej2k1]

@@SamsTrains It's gotta be a faulty engine, send it back and see if the replacment's any better

[@britanniaolivercromwell5006]

What is the most surprising model you had and was it better than expected or worse

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that's tricky - probably that Mehano Cargo Train? :D Merry Christmas - Sam :)

[@halfofacouch2397]

When Sam said, “ I didn’t know that I had stumbled upon Thomas the Tank Engine”, regarding to the safety valves, I felt that

[@halfofacouch2397]

Lol but seriously, even with those safety valves, the locomotive looks really nice in my opinion. Just make it cheaper, Bachmann!

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! They just looked like Thomas ones! xD

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

@@SamsTrains "xD"

[@jimross623]

Hi Sam, I have an idea how you could get two coaches PLUS Bullman round your circuit... just buy another of these lovely locos and double-head them! Great review. Thanks for the heads up. Regards, Jim

[@SamsTrains]

haha great idea Jim, I think I'll pass though thank you! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailfan37]

Your videos are so entertaining, lol!

[@traintimeboy]

I have an idea on how to make it better, but it’s a bit of a stretch.... If you take out the motor and make it a dummy loco, and then put the Bachman dandy gancer into a plank wagon it will seem as if it is pulling it along, plus, if the motor is removed it gives you more room for making it a lot better.

[@SamsTrains]

haha very good idea!! ;D

[@davidrichie9570]

I suspect the price is driven by the uniqueness or rarity of the model prototype. Is there any other OO scale model of this loco available?

[@SamsTrains]

Possibly, although I've seen far more obscure locomotives than this available for a far more reasonable price - the Adams radial tank is a good example! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thiruraj3866]

It’s so detailed and good looking

[@SamsTrains]

Sarcasm intended? ;D

[@siraff4461]

I like the bit where you said it made it with two coaches while it was spinning the drive wheels and the front leading wheels stopped a few times. At least now you know why the box was plain.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah!! I guess you're right! Thanks for watching, Sam :)