The Worst Model Trains of 2021

[@Damien.D]

You're unfair. The wrapped class 66 had an hidden quality feature : it burns very well....

[@SamsTrains]

But what about the toxic fumes? I should’ve deducted marks for those! I got bronchitis

[@Damien.D]

@@SamsTrains ultra realistic diesel. Do not set it on fire indoor!

[@williamsquires3070]

That’s handy on a frozen, windy Winter’s day. Don’t want the passengers at the station freezing to death, do we?

[@Airbus_45722]

​@@SamsTrains yes

[@ProAx32]

Bachman is so bad and it gets the worst of sam

[@jeffreymcneal1507]

Sam is a brilliant comic. This episode had me howling. The "Boobie Tat" getting a snow day? Burning the Malcom? Kicking the bucket? Not only do we get stone cold analysis, but superb humor.

[@Bartokassualtdude94]

Are you sure he's not the Angry Model Railroad Nerd?

[@the_autism_express]

11:53 I did some research, turns out that's not an FEF class locomotive. The locomotive is actually a new york central Niagara locomotive with it's smoke deflectors removed, its NYC black paint replaced with the UP greyhound livery, and a Vanderbuilt tender replacing its NYC centipede tender. I guess you could also nickname this engine "the northeast imposter"

[@SodorStudiosAndCoProductions]

When the *FEF* is *S U S*

[@samorowell535]

Maybe the UP bought some disused Niagaras and converted them to oil firing… Idk but that would make sense as a fictional backstory

[@Michipicoten]

SUS

[@nathantaylor4217]

That explains ALOT about it. I bet they're the old ones with split chassis, also plastic axles(Because of the Split chassis design) which means the wheels like to fall off. My old Niagara also have issues with the valve gear easily bending/getting jammed. (typically a result of a wheel coming off it's axle

[@dracoarton94]

I have one myself and added new smoke deflectors, as well as weathered it and added crew figures

[@ouchieduck2459]

Sam, would you ever consider putting the scores up anywhere as a permanent list that we can find each rating rather quickly?

[@SamsTrains]

Last video of the year will have them in the video! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dennisneo1608]

Why?

[@jeffreysmith156]

I was half-expecting the Hush Hush to be in the Top 5 owing to your particular example being such a rotten example. Fortunately, it seems that they are not all as bad but Hornby do need to put your one right or give you a full refund, despite your significant attempt to repair it.

[@ianallen8305]

I doubt Sam will send it back now they sell for more than £500 highest £895 for a damaged one…… you didn’t send it back did you Sam?

[@stratman9449]

@@ianallen8305 oh...so i made a good purchase then after all for mine at 149.99 Gbp.....and it's asmooth runner too.....:-D

[@SamsTrains]

The Hush Hush arrived after I filmed this unfortunately, though it's amazing level of detail and quality finish just about saved it from the bottom 5 anyway! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Hornby and Seiko share one thing, poor qc

[@kimberlycooksley]

How can you not love this guy. He was one that git me back into it. Saw him on the Hornby yesterday series. Enthusiasm is infectious

[@benthecarspotter439]

I love how funny you are in this video really shows that behind the serious model train reviewer there is a comedic side and i'm all for it. Can't wait to see the best locos of 2021, shame the Hush Hush won't be there will never forgive Hornby for that.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks very much Ben - glad you like the daft moments! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@blueskyboys9855]

@@SamsTrains Ha ha... Sam the daft bits made the video for me... especially the Adams 02 getting pegged into the snow.... brilliant.. Seasons Greetings Scott

[@stanojevicnatasa2514]

Although I don't collect model trains (I am into classic cars more), I love your videos and presentation... I love the aesthetics of old trains. Since I am an artist, I find it inspiring. I now feel like I must draw a realistic old locomotive and I will let you choose which one.

[@SamsTrains]

That's awesome to hear - really glad you like seeing these! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stanojevicnatasa2514]

@@SamsTrains if you ever want me to draw a specific locomotive, I would enjoy to do so in my spare time, your content is really inspirational for me as a lover of retro and vintage aesthetics.

[@phaenius]

I don't understand why anyone would make a light plastic locomotive. By definition, locos are heavy, to firmly press against the rails and to have good traction.

[@therailfanman2078]

The American steam locomotive you can get actually came in a pretty big and good train set and from what I've seen is a good price for what's included

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's right - I think that has turned up in a fair few train sets!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@therailfanman2078]

@@SamsTrains I want to get one but I've never had the money to get one and usually there pretty expensive for the price range I usually have

[@henrybigGreen]

Sam please get yourself a big boy or at the very least a Dreyfuss Hudson or even a New York central niagra they won't disappoint you I promise you that

[@therailfanman2078]

@@SamsTrainsI agree with him the athearn big boy is a great locomotive and I own one so yea if you want a big boy that is detailed and not a few decades old get the athearn one also the scale trains big blow turbine is a locomotive that is very detailed or the athearn Challenger steam locomotive it looks good from what I've seen

[@BeauMinnick]

Sam that Bachmann 4-8-4 was tooled in the 70s. It is junk. Now for a good EFE3 Broadway Limited is the game, and yes I just dropped $ 560.00 on one. But that's the price you pay for good big American steam.

[@simonamandamiddleton1587]

Sam, your videos are always fun to watch and your reviews are always honest… never be ashamed of speaking the truth my friend… keep up the good work, because you have many people who have bought or refrained from buying based on your reviews…. Cheers Simon

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Simon - I'll never be afraid to do that!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@para2440]

I have to say that these "turkeys" all appear to have been made in the PRC, I cant help but notice a drop in build quality when ever the manufacturers move their operation there, as my older models all run with a lot less problems, or could it be that the makers feel they have a captive market with which they can take liberties?

[@EdwardsDayOut]

Seems the class 17 has around the same reputation as the real life counterpart!

[@SamsTrains]

haha very much so!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pilotbug6100]

So it it should be the best. It is the most accurate.

[@DigitalDavis16]

I actually had a great laugh (cause it was funny) over your rating/punishment of the 66 given I’ve got a DB Schenker one, without the wrap! I had it running on a club model railway layout last month, and there are 2 sections it has to get up a decent gradient. Had a mixture of 12 wagons behind her, from hoppers to loaded container wagons, and she did it with ease. Weirdly enough, some commented it was “smooth!” Which I know goes against the experience you had for it. But overall I agree, it’s a cheap loco, isn’t the greatest, needs to be overhauled but is still relatively okay.

[@jamestalbot4900]

I’ll say this though Sam, your packing for the 66 was about as good as Hornby’s current ‘standard’

[@SamsTrains]

haha it was almost identical... except I used more tape ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@glynlewis1664]

I was going to say the same! It looks like the packing for my hush hush....only better!

[@grah84mck]

Some of the Twitter police was calling you carpet boy. I did point out that Green wasn’t a nice colour on them. Keep up the good work Sam!

[@thestandardfour0699]

I was thinking, "oh, hornby isn't on this list, well done the-" then the 66 came on screen! Your punishments are to cruel, harassing a train with christmas, and in December to! Outrageous! I'm calling the BTSFHPAFT (British transport society for helping poor and forgotten trains.)

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep - no escape for the 66 sadly! Oh please no.... not the BTSFHPAFT!! D: Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Mariazellerbahn]

All the original Heljan Class 17's were recalled due to motor issues. If I recall, I had to send mine back via the dealer and it returned with a new chassis.

[@markgrehan3726]

Damn, I know this is a niche hobby to some extent but the markup on some of these trains is mindblowing.

[@jacoblathrop1835]

That 1# spot reminded me of early 90sBachmann diesel locomotives with plastic chassis and pancake motors. I don’t see how anybody anywhere could think that is an OK product to give in this modern era, there’s a reason why even Bachmann stopped making them.

[@mrbluesky2050]

you mean Lima.....

[@josephhosty-locke9223]

11:43 might be the most ridiculous face I’ve ever seen Sam pull. Great video though Sam! 😂

[@Shinyspddmn]

I totally missed that the first time, that's hilarious

[@Colz_]

It took me 30 minutes just to pause it on him it's so hard to pause on him from not joking it actually took me like 30 minutes

[@Deuce_and_a_half]

A shame about the ROD, I wanted it for a long time before your review, I actually got it for my birthday soon after. I do still like it. Maybe one day I can find a way of cutting notches into the chassis to fit bearings for the axles, so that the lifetime of them can be extended. Maybe replace the motor as well. I guess you can count this as "defending it" but I think the lack of detail (around the outside) is prototypical, it's an army engine, they weren't built to be pretty. But for the price you are right, a less detailed loco should be cheaper, especially with the horrible mechanism. Thankfully mine didn't come with the glue marks in the cab, and so I can just admire the great looks of it's interior, they did do a great job with that part.

[@SamsTrains]

The RODs aren't absolutely terrible - I think the mechanisms are, but they can run well, for a time at least! The lack of detail/basic decoration wasn't a criticism by any means - I just think the price was unreasonably high given how simple the model was! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mknobber2010]

Now, here's a late response! I'm a newcomer to Sam's Trains and have watched masses of your vids in the last few weeks, despite not having a model railway these days. You make insightful, professional and provoking videos that I enjoy on a number of levels. But this one takes the biscuit! It's just refreshing to watch someone actually express, and justify, their opinions whilst obviously being a bit provocative. Keep up the great work!👍🏻

[@paulgriffiths8488]

Sam, Would you ever consider N gauge? I have a N gauge layout but miss the reviews for N gauge stuff

[@davidmolin8944]

The punishments were just absolutely hilarious I was laughing so much at some of them great video can't wait to see the best models of 2021

[@REDARROW_A_Personal]

I think them going back on e-bay for the prices Sam thought would have been worth it. Instead of acting like a child. I wouldn't dare set fire to a model train or out right throw one around or sit on it. Especially the cost they came at. Hec I wouldn't mind having that Class 17, Class 66 and that American Locomotive if he doesn't want it for cheep.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks David - really glad you enjoyed it! Seems Redarrow missed the point that this was done for entertainment... no locos were damaged in the making of this video! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@REDARROW_A_Personal]

@@SamsTrains It's all good! I was shocked at first, but you clearing that up made it ok.

[@tobiasbiteofficial]

4:41 felt like I’m watching a horror movie about people who judges the bad actors which is the model trains. I’m more than creeped out by the disturbance and the monotone of the clapping and the grayscale. Sam, you know how to make things feel unsettling when you want a certain part to feel off.

[@CHrisG-ol3ei]

Thank you Sam for the insight into these badly made trains , saves me a lot of disappointment in buying some of them , unfortunately most models are made in China and true to form I have never seen anything of quality come out of China yet .

[@JulianTrainKidProductions]

I will never forgive Bachmann for painting a Niagara in Union Pacific colors.

[@JK-ln8zv]

Great work Sam, my son loves watching your videos and as a train collector myself I can say you are entertaining and accurate, happy new year and cheers for making lockdowns more bearable!

[@robblair3703]

Genuinely surprised not to see the Hush Hush on this list.

[@reconphil]

I'm surprised the Hornby Hush Hush wasn't on the list.

[@jonny_vdv]

That American Bachmann loco is typical of the standard of Bachmann's North American range as a whole. I'm always surprised to see how much nicer their OO offerings are.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too - their UK models (or rather their recent ones) are of a way higher quality! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@awesomealbertt1150]

I love Sir Nigel Gresly’s little cameo!

[@mikeupton5406]

Sir Rowan Atkinson doing model train reviews. "Bachmann, have you been eating dung again."

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Great video sam, all those 5 are shocking by a) level of detail for price b) price itself C) poor performance - especially last 2 and feel that scores for these models - especially last 3 should be re-adjusted down < 4.0. No excuse for manufactures to produce such tact for the high prices they charge and pricing more hobbyists and new owners, e.g., young children, grandparents, out of the market

[@richardserridge2767]

Sitting on that class 14 with the brief fart was a good punishment 😂 You should keep the 66 in it's scorched state for live show requests.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you! Maybe the 66 would look better with some scorch marks?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jonathanmccomb4187]

Dat ass too! :D

[@lukeslocomotives]

I hate the way people go and cry about you unfair you are on the forums. They are fine with people posting reviews which are incorrect, but you - rather than just pointing out the good, you also point out the bad. That's why you are my go-to reviewer, and I think I speak for many thousands of people when I say don't stop producing or change your ways because a couple of people who claim they know better. Keep up the good content Sam!

[@samspade5962]

Couple of people,hmm 🤔 I wonder who they could be,😂

[@OlivierGabin]

Well, as I said so here, Sam tests his locomotives in real-life conditions. And he is not into shelf queens : if it don't run good, it's a no-buy, period.

[@chriswilson2431]

Happy Christmas to you Sam! Another fab year of content from you. Have a nice break over the festive period and play with trains as much as you can!

[@CullenRick]

Listen as sarcastic applause becomes a better steam exhaust sound effect than many fitted to locos! Not sure how the Hush Hush didn't end up as the worst of the year based on your review of that. A loco that didn't run, had massive detail issues (including that cab) and wobbly plastic ... bleurgh! Marry Christmas, Sam.

[@johnoneill5661]

I totally agree with the Hornby class 66 as it really was pants but I would have thought that the hush hush would have been THE WORST locomotive of the year as it was just so bad that it didn’t really work out of the box and required a huge amount of work just to get it to run and especially after the extended wait and extortionate price 👎

[@jdenm8]

I wonder if the 66 would run any better if it was retrofitted with the Lima G-Motor (their Ringfield) it was designed to have in it.

[@robbykoopman5559]

Was not expecting an American loco in this video however the fake FEF has some of the classic bachmann issues making me not surprised by the issues

[@heritagejunction2184]

Your absolutely right with the number one choice, I had two class 66 the DB Schenker and the Yeoman liveries extremely bad models and like you said they weren't in the cheap railroad range. Regards David

[@andyrobbins8379]

02’s were quite powerful. On the Isle of Wight they pulled 6 coaches full of holidaymakers over fairly steep gradients like Apse Bank.

[@janky2802]

a week after you posted this my grandfather passed away... Its been over a year and I'm still hurting from it. Your videos keep me goinh. Thank you Sam

[@DJ4000VOLT]

19:37 the echoing wheeze!!! 🤣

[@cirseltoo]

Once again- prototype steam locos had their boiler cladding made in two halves. These joined along the top of the boiler. In some cases they had a rivetted band over the join, in many more there was no band and the plates just overlapped. On a model these should be shown as a straight join line.

[@TexasCat99]

I don't know much about trains. I used to do them a long long time ago. WHen I talked about my old train having metal parts - it was a Bachmann. So they're still the brand to go with - as long as its the higher in models. LOL - you crush trains you don't like. BRAVO!

[@lewisgabbitas2849]

To be honest I was expecting Bachman to be on this list

[@lewisgabbitas2849]

Also your clapping was hilarious (as in an good way/ entertaining way no offence Sam

[@pettra1]

Inevitable really. Doesn't say much for them at all.

[@SamsTrains]

haha, and you weren't wrong! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewisgabbitas2849]

@@SamsTrains and I was not expecting hornby to be on here

[@evandavies5906]

It is very unfair to criticize the Heljan class 17 for being a bad model. It was an awful locomotive in reality, so making a good model of it would be inauthentic!

[@tykedopwnz]

Probably Heljan's most accurate model in their lineup. Really outdid themselves with that one

[@steveclarke5796]

Love this video and was thoroughly entertained by it. I was particular taken by the "sarcastic applause" bit - actually a bit scary! Thanks for posting!

[@Swmechanics]

I think missed the hush-hush off the list. The packaging for a start and dam thing just not working 😕

[@grahamclayton675]

Special mention to the ‘Hornby Hush Hush’ !!

[@ravingsFNF]

As soon as I saw the title, i knew it was going to be good! Sam's face when he does the Sarcastic Clapping, couldn't stop laughing!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you! Hope you enjoy it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@fyfieldjunction]

I think you definitely got unlucky with the Hornby 66. Almost every other livery available is not done like that and is properly painted. Yes the packaging displays it as being a main range model but at the end of the day that’s irrelevant as the price shows the model is not top of the range. It’s sad you’ve ended up with a bad example but I’m sure if you ever get another one in a different livery the decoration will be much better. I’d certainly be disappointed if the decoration was like that on all variations of the 66.

[@RedShedNick]

Your absolutely right, the only badden of all is the Malcolm 434 version typical, the Db Key workers 66113 is a joy to behold in terms of printing and decoration and the gb pride liveried GBRf is excellent too, i could go on!

[@petersimpson6760]

Another great video Sam, and very entertaining....humour to soften the blows inflicted by "model makers"....works for me. Hope you are feeling better, be safe and well. Have a great Christmas.

[@gomro]

I'm sorry for your luck with the locos, but at least they inspired some comedy gold. That OSCAR parody does Stephen Boyd proud!

[@TamworthTheOfficial]

Surprising to see a Hornby train in 1st place... that 66 does deserve it's place tho haha, nice video :)

[@schuylerschultz804]

Here's an idea for later this year: Maybe in addition to doing the Top 5 Best/Worst Trains of 2022, maybe you could do an additional pair of videos regarding the Top 5 Best/Worst Trains you've ever reviewed, since your channel is, as of I believe May of this year, in its 10th year, and your first video will be 10 years old on May 13 of next year!

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

The funny thing about the Heljan class 17 is that in real life, the class 17 was a terrible diesel. I guess Heljan wanted to be realistic for once.

[@eastpavilion-er6081]

I bought a similar loco to the 5th worst one: Bachmann LNER O4, which has the same design as the ROD 2-8-0. The difference is that I got it for £90, which I think it's quite a good price for it.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes it has the same chassis you're right... but far less painful at £90! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesdarby5462]

Hello Sam. I came across your videos quite by chance, but you have brought MANY smiles to this miserable old bugger!! I just LOVE your honesty and very self-effacing style. You are the most interesting and amusing "anorak" I have ever seen!! I have NO IDEA why people bother to argue with you; It is patently clear that you really know your stuff! The first video I watched was your review of the "Hush Hush" and I was so impressed with the lengths you went to, to give it a fair "crack of the whip"! (I think I would have thrown it out of the window!) Mind you; I would have ensured the window was open first, as after paying £120.00 for the thing, I wouldn't have wanted to add a glaziers bill to my costs! Shame; beautiful looking model, but Hornby have dropped the ball on this!! (a ball of coal? a ball of diesel? a ball of steam?!!!) Im afraid no analogy comes to mind! Either way, thanks for your videos! I will be watching MANY more! Take care, regards, James.

[@bambostarla6259]

I got flashbacks about the wires blocking the tender wheels on one of my expensive bachmann locos... not fun to fiddle with

[@a2020vision_official]

Just get used, old split chassis ones - no tender wires to worry about!

[@David_Mattox]

Sorry about this, Sam... but it's time to cheat! 5th: Bachmann ROD 2-8-0 4th: EFE Rail Adams 02 3rd: Heljan Class 17 2nd: Bachmann UP 4-8-4 1st: Hornby Class 66 Honestly, I may get a Class 17, I like Derek and felt he had more potential as a character. My personal honorable mention is the Hornby W1 Hush Hush. And I honestly must say that 18:32 is the most bizarre funeral I've ever seen. 😓 Can't wait for top 5. I have a feeling the Dapol Large Prairie is in there... We'll see. Cheers Sam.

[@dhdove]

I was so pleased to see the Hornby 66 as the “winner” following your earlier review, truly awful! I think there’s an interesting comparison/contradiction between their TV propaganda “it’s all about the detail” (not to mention their prices) and what they actually sell us. I DO hope that it was inside the burning box? Subscribed and Happy Christmas. TonyS

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - I don't feel bad about that one at all! But no, sadly it wasn't inside the burning box! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@markcousins9337]

It looks like re-hashed Lima model. The National Power 59 I had years ago certainly was Lima. Funnily enough, Rails of Sheffield were asking not far off what you paid for that 66 for a used 59 "Vale of York" at Heaton Lodge at the weekend.

[@gamingwithlukeJToH]

@@SamsTrains I Thought It Wasn't Because When You Kicked The Burning Box I Didn't See Anything But Burning Cardboard. I Also Think You Would Have Refunded Or Sold It Instead Of Burning It.

[@lukeslocomotives]

Suprised not to see the Bachmann 9F here

[@Tristanstuff6988]

The up 4-8-4 is just a New York central freight locomotive but no smoke defleter

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah that's it - people have been saying it was just dressed up like an FEF! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Tristanstuff6988]

It also exsplases the oval under the number board

[@KiiXii]

The union Pacific’s should’ve had a separate carriage, it would’ve only costed an extra £10, just to separate it.

[@MhWow66]

If we actually consider what goes into the production of a OO loco its amazing that they retail for what they do! Most of them should be mo where near the £100 mark. I imagine the mark up from factory to shop is quite a bit. Its possible the likes of Hornby and Bachman test the market with their prices and they know how much they can push the price up and people will still pay. And lets not forget wagons and coaches that do not even have motors! Overall a bit of a rip off to be a model train enthusiast.

[@johnbeck3270]

The sad thing is, this isn’t even a UP design. It’s actually a NYC Niagara. Bachman didn’t even bother changing the smoke box number plate. The Santa Fe version is a whole lot closer. Even the tender isn’t correct. It should be a centipede design.

[@alexwilson9682]

The Hornby class 66 is a worthy winner as the worst loco. I have five of Bachmann class 66 with one of them in the Malcolm rail livery. The difference between the Hornby and Bachmann is unbelievable

[@redversb2347]

Regarding that terrible Bachmann loco to tender connection - I've just returned the second A1 which arrived with the peg broken.

[@sjaakmcd1804]

Hi Sam, great video. I paid £165 for The Isle of Wight Steam Railway's EFE Adams 02 and it is perfect! I bought it to help them out during COVID. It has the best detail, paint and finish of the 50 or so OO locos I own. It is the quietest runner I own too. My Bachmann 1P looks great but slows to a crawl and stall or takes off at Mach 2 without touching the controller. I have 3 Hornby Schools that are perfect unlike yours. Quality Control seems to be a massive problem and I also think that locos bought from discount outlets are not as good as the ones I buy from my local shop or by mail order small retailers. I will just add that I only own 50 or so as I have sent over 20 back to online discounters and zero back to my local store or small shop online retailers. Keep up the good work young man

[@andrewdking]

Interesting; I wonder if the discounters are selling seconds, but not advertising them as such. Selling seconds is common in the pottery industry, but you know what you are buying

[@thecanadianrailfan9321]

Bachmann actually made two FEF models the one you got(807) and the one I have (806) 806 is a train set model and doesn’t have the annoying tender connection.

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

The Bachmann 4-8-4 is not an FEF, just like you’ve been told. Essentially, Bachmann reused the tooling for their New York Central S-1b Niagara locomotive, and swapped the tender (which is also not accurate to the actual engine. The UP FEF’s used centipede tenders) I do apologize if you’ve been told this a number of times. Have a good day Sam 😁

[@scottwendt9575]

I don’t understand why so many models on the market have such terrible draw bars and wire management. Even steam engine models I have in the $700 to $800 range have wire harnesses that often interfere with the trailing trucks. All seem to want the wires to be intentionally visible.😒

[@potatohead5910]

The note with the Comic Sans MS is the icing on the cake for me! Amazing video, happy new year :)

[@elliottsaucedo442]

I was semi-surprised about the FEF problem. I have one of the same type, paint scheme and all, except it’s engine driven. No wires to the tender at all. Of course, this was from a train set that came with freight cars, track, and it had a smoke unit. But that handled curves very well. Interesting how one change can ruin performance

[@josephanthonycruz8269]

It's sad that no one takes pride on any thing anymore. Those days are long gone. If they just take a step back and notice the older stuff that out last the newer on anything !!

[@AQuietNight]

A Citizen Kane reference. Next try James Whale screaming It's Alive the next time you get one that barely runs.

[@melchestermodelrailway]

I'm getting Beattie Well Tank level of tat from that O2! EFE really are turning out to be Ever Failing Engines!

[@whaaaaatthesk]

I like how the Heljan class 17 nickname is “Look Daddy”

[@vincentberkan605]

The Union Pacific 4-8-4 is really a New York Central Niagra 4-8-4 with a different paint job and a different tender.

[@RealElonMusket]

There is a brand called Piko trains. I believe they are releasing a new HO model called the USATC Whitcomb 65t. Unfortunately it is rather pricey. If you want a two rail loco with no sound it is $280 USD or if you do want sound, it is $380 USD. Rather expensive, but it does look pretty interesting. Also if possible I'd like to send you an email of my new HO scale model train layout my Grandpa and I built. I have to finish wiring the buildings up before I can send photos. Greetings from the USA, Noah :) Btw this was a very great video. I might go ahead and binge watch all your reviews!

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds fascinating - I'd love to take a look at one of those! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulmcmahon1129]

That's great Sam! Thanks for the best laugh I have had this Xmas!

[@mobythevillan]

Might have been mentioned already but I like the rather neat classic film reference at 4:50....

[@robertlucido3686]

I can't wait to see you Christmas train video, I made my theme this Christmas an all freight train Christmas

[@bigmonkey999888]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all from Steve, Beeston, Leeds

[@jimross623]

Hi Sam, I had a bad cold this year. When I blew my nose it was quite disgusting when I looked in my handkerchief. You wouldn’t have liked it as none of the bogies had any bearings on them. Jim 8-)

[@Mr_Smidge]

a very creative way to send off the engine in shame, great video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you - I was very pleased! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SaltyVan]

Well that gives up my hopes of making a modern Derek model of the class 17

[@SamsTrains]

I mean... you can do whatever you want... I just wouldn't recommend it, particularly if you're looking for a high quality/reliable loco! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SaltyVan]

@@SamsTrains I don’t have money for the model anyway 🤣

[@captaincool3329]

Personally I think the W1 is much more fitting to be on this list than the ROD, because- unlike the W1- the ROD sits flat on the rails, actually works properly, and doesn't need a full strip-down to rectify running issues. After finding out online how so many people have had dodgy W1s with running issues, or damaged bodyshells (due to Hornby's attempt at packaging) it's a good thing I probably won't get one.

[@danielannett1019]

just came up with a brainwave. A few years ago Jeremy Clarkson did a DVD called heaven and hell were he compared the best and worst cars that have ever existed you should do a series like that were you compare model train heaven and model train hell P.S bachmann please please please please get rid of those 3 pole motors this is the 2020's

[@Alpha-oo8]

I appreciate you not counting the peco my train and Thomas on the list. It would have been unfair

[@RichsRidesandRestorations]

Season’s Greetings to you too, Sam, and everyone else - except those responsible for that Class 66! 😉

[@colinrimmer789]

Sam surprised to see how bad the Hornby 66 was, funeral fire made me giggle

[@a11oge]

it is shocking to see that these models are no better than those I had as a child in the 1960s.

[@paulboger7377]

Here in Australia, where we are paying 200 pounds+ per loco, we are very fussy too!!! Also wagons, they aren't cheap anymore! I'm particularly upset at my new purchase, banana vans from On Track models. They are usually spot on with their models, but these ones, used to transport banana's from the Nth Coast of NSW to Sydney markets at Flemington, were the wrong shape and colours were incorrect! The gun metal/black paint should have been on the ends with the body mainly yellow. The vans are not bent enough for it to be accurate, the things are damn near straight!! If I'm paying top dollar for items, I expect quality, not toy stuff!

[@mileschalker2226]

If I haven’t missed it, but hopefully this means that a Best locos of 2021 (I know you did a bargains one) is coming, as normal, an excellent video.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes indeed - it's coming soon! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Ellectrica]

I’d imagine with some modification the Union Pacific loco could be vastly improved. Just a bit of paint touch up and fixing that drawbar issue, and you’d have a half decent looking locomotive!

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Great video it is a video anybody in this hobby should see. It shows you what to watch out for just because you pay more for an engine it does not mean it is better. Sam I hope you are feeling better. I will keep you in my prayers hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.