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

[@pemboart]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@KibuFox]

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

[@RobinMarch-l3g]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@davidford85]

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

[@PHsRailwayVideos]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@duszty]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thank you Sam for being the voice of the consumer

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@blinard1]

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

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

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

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely!!

[@SilverDragonTV]

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

[@MatthewChenault]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@MatthewChenault]

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

[@joshslater2426]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@aberfordwest4003]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@nickrails]

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

[@GrahamMuz]

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

[@lukejackson8741]

Problem is they’re marketed as NEM pockets?

[@trainfan5]

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

[@GrahamMuz]

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

[@andrewemery4272]

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

[@nickrails]

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

[@Taggart00]

I have crewed the real 1310

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@Taggart00]

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

[@jackstrains4468]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@jackstrains4468]

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

[@GrahamMuz]

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

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

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

[@richardlee653]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@vijeolook]

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

[@blinard1]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

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

[@MoleculeMind7]

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

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@kclassproductions]

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

[@MikayelBousseksou-w3p]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@martinpattison1567]

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

[@danprice7973]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@chompette_]

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

[@davidmolin8944]

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

[@Alpha-oo8]

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

[@CalebsRailFilms]

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

[@bryantan863]

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

[@charlieray2751]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@kariikonen8695]

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

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@Soemtreinverhalen]

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

[@SamsTrains]

That's lovely to hear - thank you!

[@Stepneybluebell55]

Oi Sam

[@GelatoTaco]

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

[@seanbrady6731]

Mine arrived 2minutes after your video dropped!

[@SomeGuynamedOtto]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@SomeGuynamedOtto]

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

[@TheHoveHeretic]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@owenhardy4592]

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

[@chompette_]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Brian!

[@briandesens144]

@SamsTrains you're welcome Sam

[@modelrailfan37]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@modelrailfan37]

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

[@DC4260Productions]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@JonatanGronoset]

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

[@alantoms3263]

Reminds me a bit of OLD Polly / Nellie.

[@harizon88moo]

I have changed all my British models to nuckle couplers. So no NEM is very bad for me. :(

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

I’ve been looking forward to this one

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam such a beautiful modle

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks James!

[@robertlucido3686]

Do you plan on getting some N scale Christmas rolling stock to review and run in your Christmas running sessions and live-streams

[@SamsTrains]

I may do yeah - that could be fun! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ianjeffery6744]

Hmm. Not quite as good as I'd hoped - but I eagerly await the arrival of my BR version, which will look fine hauling a Wisbech & Upwell coach in BR maroon!

[@a2020vision_official]

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

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

Ugh don't remind me

[@CallicoJackracham]

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

[@adamwilliams192]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@W4lmartbag]

When i first heard about the existence about this lil loconotive i just said "its too curious to even be real" X"D Anyways the model looks quite nice ngl

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - it looks like a little toy doesn't it... in the best possible way!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@rawstonemodelrailway]

@SamsTrains don't make it too early 😂

[@darkfrag83]

Bit unfair comparing the weight with a pair of Saddle tanks....more space for weight in the Peckett and Hawthorne Leslie. There isn't a lot of space in the H for extra weight...unless you delete the speaker or dcc socket perhaps...

[@SamsTrains]

I don't think it's unfair - yes there's more space in the tanks, but the saddle tanks were metal and this was plastic... that could have been improved! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RamblingModelRailroader]

Good grief! It's the size of one of those little wooden Thomas the Tank Engines!

[@SamsTrains]

haha it is!!

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@JustinFrazier_360]

So amazing review sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Justin!

[@attuslebeard5133]

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

[@tiddles4x4]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@Honeydwarf85]

Kind of shocked that so much is missing from this loco. It doesn't feel very "Rapido" in a way. Definitely a head scratcher.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too - model trains are a devil to afford these days, really disheartening when all the stops aren't pulled out! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@caw25sha]

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

[@MatthewsBranchLine]

If you know this locomotive as Robin, you’re a real one.

[@pennysteam]

Seen one at North Norfolk a few years ago

[@lukejackson8741]

I’m sort of glad I dodged the bullet on this one, I came very close to getting one but decided to wait due to the price, I use Kadees so the couplings would be a big issue for me I often wonder with your reviews if you should have a features category oppose to including them into the details section, this models is very well detailed, the between the frames detail is fantastic. However, the missing firebox glow, crew etc, are more features than details and would affect my thoughts on it

[@SamsTrains]

That could have been smart Luke - there's a chance these will end up in the sale, depending on how many were produced of course! That's an interesting idea, I'll consider this - thanks! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukejackson8741]

@ it’s one of the tricks I’ve picked up from you over the years, Darlington is close and I do t expect a plain black one with Darlington works will be the most popular so if I can pick one up for around £100 in future I’d happily take one

[@kennethmaney914]

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

[@SamsTrains]

I did open it up!

[@davidstrains4910]

Decent review Sam, when it comes to this loco it does look nice, not sure whether I would buy one though as it’s again a small loco and like I have been saying on some of your other videos on small industrial locos they just don’t interest me as much as the bigger engines do

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - yeah that's fair enough, thanks for checking out out anyway! Cheers - Sam :)

[@dcb_trains]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@alistairmoss1549]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@That1Redhead28]

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

[@OlivierGabin]

For once, I have not waited for your review to buy this one in LNER guise. Unfortunately, there is some drawbacks in the finish, but the assembly quality is here. Not the die-cast... and far too plasticky for the price ! They clearly have fired their previous quality control department, you can see it. Nice drivetrain by the way, which gives a good result, what I expect first on an engine. Overall, I think I would be happy with my own, less than my Hawthorn Leslie, when she will be there (TMC had just ship her today). Rapido has done a good job on the quality control, now, they must add die cast or remove GBP. The quality/price ratio is the only bad thing here (plus NEM couplings on the wrong standard for me).

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Oliver, yes that's what I found too - assembly quality definitely much better this time. Big props to quality control for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Vanrides.]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@Taggart00]

The instructions would have been at the top when you opened the box

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's what I saw too when I looked up another review - definitely didn't have them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Taggart00]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@stuartaaron613]

Could the dealer have lost the instructions when they tested the loco?

[@SamsTrains]

It's possible - I hope it wasn't unboxed by anyone at the retailer, but I don't know for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

I don't get it with Rapido. I have almost nothing bad to say about their rolling stock. Are the wagons and locos made at a different factory or something?

[@SamsTrains]

I don't know! But then again it's not so much the factory to blame with this one - factory did a great job of assembly - it's more the design and specification I take issue with... and the price of course! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@toyotaprius79]

Hornby better act up

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep - this is certainly something! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SamuelDupuis-v6l]

Is Rapido one of the Model Railway companies that actually invested in money

[@timstrainvideos142]

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

[@robrice7246]

Now didn't Thomas fan Richard Jordan (Skarloey123) create an OC character in Trainz based on this engine?

[@Alpha-oo8]

Gotta say, little disappointed in rapido here. I would have expected them to have at least some metal in the construction, especially given their prices. I was under the impression their pricing structure was because they are more premium… and they can be. So why some of there models taking shortcuts?

[@RG-Models86]

Really surprised that there's no metal work on the body 😮

[@SamsTrains]

Me too... it's 2024 and this was £125... come on! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RG-Models86]

@SamsTrains Indeed, at the very least, the boiler and smoke box should have been cast in metal.

[@star86703]

Brilliant video

[@paulpilkington1797]

£75 max...and I still wouldn't bother

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah... quite cheaply produced unfortunately! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Antluvstrains]

I still can’t get over the size of this thing. I think it rivals the Pecketts as the smallest tank engine in the UK.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it's so tiny isn't it??! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@harryjsedgwick]

So I’ve got one of as preserved is this the No.1310

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh lovely - how do you like it? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kkobayashi1]

I don't get your preference for metal bodies. Plastic allows for much finer detail, which you yourself pointed out in the Lowmac comparison.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, perhaps on more detailed surfaces… but the boiler and tanks here aren’t complex mouldings… they could’ve been metal. That said, the Peckett’s tanks are metal and the rivets on there look incredibly good!

[@kkobayashi1]

@@SamsTrains My issue is that it's a trade-off with pros and cons, but you presented it as "metal is better and they chose plastic".

[@SamsTrains]

Well that’s because I think it is better - and it’s my review 😉

[@kkobayashi1]

@@SamsTrains So you don't try to be objective in your reviews. I suspected as much, but thanks for the confirmation.

[@SamsTrains]

My reviews feature my opinions - there’s always an element of subjectivity. But yes, I think a diecsst running plate, tanks and boiler would quite objectively have been better; there’s no complex moulding that would’ve been compromised, the weight would’ve been better, and the running plate might’ve been straight. I’d love to see an objective review that features no opinions whatsoever - it’d be extremely short, boring, and useless.

[@joelightrailway2362]

Unbelievable, I can’t believe this model of yours has a warp running plate and not to mention the horrible mess underneath the model. It’s appalling. On the plus side, I was relieved that the model ran fine and you got a fantastic version with apple green with reddish brown which does look beautiful for this model.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - never seen such foul tar-like lubricant before... totally unnecessary! Yes the livery is absolutely stunning! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ItsTrainFun]

I want to electrify the points and make them dcc controlled, but it will kost €190 extra per 4 points :(

[@darknut9696]

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

[@PaulNicoll-b8c]

It looks like ivor

[@jackstrains4468]

Gorgeous little loco, just a shame it was let down by the quality and value - E is quite a bad rating! Great video as always sam, hope your well :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jack - yeah one or two things should have been better for the price I think - very enjoyable loco though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Jimyjames73]

May be they have gone 'Paper-Free' & the instructions are on-Line perhaps??? 🤔🚂🚂🚂

[@scrailwaylines8535]

I found out the model you got fouled by is made by evemodel with ex model power/marx tooling,

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I think that's right!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TrentFalkenrath]

The livery reminds me of fruit punch drink for some reason. I feel it would taste like kiwi and dragonfruit if I licked it. Not really a complaint tho, they were clearly very careful with the paint job.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I see what you mean - very fruity!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robinkey4499]

YES THEY ARE INSTRUCTIONS IT IS A BOOKLET

[@SamsTrains]

BUT IT WASNT INCLUDED

[@DavidReichard-t9n]

14:40 is that the rapido O1?

[@Taggart00]

Isn't it the Hornby SECR H class?

[@SamsTrains]

haha I wish! No it was indeed the H! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

Maybe try an fgw hornby class 153 😊

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds great!!

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

What exactly are express points?

[@aberfordwest4003]

Long points, they have a very large dead zone around the frog, which can lead to small wheelbase loco’s stalling

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks, yes that's right - they're better for high speed express trains, hence the name! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

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

[@SamsTrains]

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

[@cmdrflake]

It should be easy to access the missing information by going on line. The inconsistent quality and lack of metal parts is on them. Apparently their Chinese manufacturer is not very consistent with their quality. Metal parts from the People’s Republic are going to be very expensive.