Old vs. New | 1976 vs. 2020 | Bachmann J72 Tank Engine

A side-by-side comparison of the latest Bachmann J72/E1 and the original Mainline J72 from 1976!
Become a Sam'sTrains engineer here: / @samstrains
Get your Sam'sTrains merch: teespring.com/...
Thanks for watching!
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: samstrainsofficial
Facebook: samstrains
Twitter: samstrains

[@iaingardener9268]

Another great one Sam, I was a teenager when the Mainline J72 came out and everyone was amazed because it had separate handrails!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Iain - blimey yeah, that must have been a wonderful feature to see for the first time! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PhilPage227]

Most of my locos and rolling stock is from the 70s, price for price I would choose the old one. Great review Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're not wrong there - they're definitely better value!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@craigthelej]

The old stuff is better not gonna lie. The Triang Flying Scotsman and The B12 are really goo dmodels

[@EdwardsDayOut]

Time to get one on hattons!

[@StaxRail]

Great video Sam! Perhaps you could turn this into a series, eg the Hornby 14xx and the Hattons 14xx, or the evolution of model HSTs, from the original Hornby R069 all the way up to a super detailed one

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate - yes I could certainly do that - good suggestion! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Great video Sam, what a fascinating comparison! Sometimes we can take for granted all the little improvements that have become standard over the years... but also interesting to note that, if funds are tight, the old version still isn’t a bad option. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, really glad you enjoyed it - I thoughtfully enjoyed doing this, seeing how things have changed! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DalekBuilder]

Great video Sam. Really good to see the old and the new. I am surprised at how similar they are in size & just shows how right they got the old one. The prices of the new models really shocks me. I remember saving furiously for weeks/months to get a new loco, coach or wagon. It would take me that long or longer these days to save to get the same that's for sure. Nice to see they have released a new tool version of the model & I can see a advantage to the newer models. As you say they are no longer marketed at children anymore & are far from the toys some of the models used to be.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Paul - I was surprised by that too, they really did get it right! Agreed - the prices are getting silly these days, which is a real shame! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robmasterman]

What a wonderful review Sam, which once again with your honestly being applied to both locos, clearly shows that the older model is wonderful value for money, but the newer version has better detail, with some reservations such as the oversized connecting rods. I feel that too often the desire for detail and accuracy is wasted when you see the layout from a distance where such detail cannot be seen and the running is equally important if not more so. In conclusion therefore, the older Split chassis version for me, is the better option...Bob

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Bob, really appreciate that - you're not wrong about that - I often wonder whether it's all worth it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@FeatherWing162]

These vids are really enjoyable Sam :3

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate! :D

[@tfukyfguygiughiughiughiugh6275]

Love watching your vids, Sam! Very calming, haha!

[@SamsTrains]

That's very kind of you, thank you! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@deel399]

These types of reviews definitely deserve their own series! Great vid (as always) -Dj

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot DJ - I may do more soon! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JayseHeiney2000]

i like the Dark Green on the Older Version, but i like the Mechanism on the Newer one a little more

[@SamsTrains]

Me too Jayse - it's a lovely livery isn't it?! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@journeythroughtherails5294]

Man, I can’t stop Re-winding the intro! That whistle is just the best

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks so much!! :D

[@johnrobson4230]

Interesting to see how the models have changed for the better, and now I know what a split chassis is! I’ve heard of the term before but never knew what it actually was. Thanks Sam, yet another enjoyable video.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks John - yes indeed! Now you can steer clear of them, haha! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@donsharpe5786]

The split chassis suffered from wheels becoming separate so the coupling rods dropped down and were not in a straight line causing the engine to stop. Once it failed I could never get them back in line.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - and of course quartering was a big issue too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@clivebennettHornbyDublo]

Hi Sam I did a feedback controller review and the old J72 was the slowest loco tested partly I think as the split chassis allowed for electrical pick up from each chassis side using this chassis design, for the time a great little loco with an attractive livery. Thanks for posting your review very enjoyable to see.

[@SamsTrains]

Sounds good Clive - yes I've never been able to fault the performance of that older J72 - many thanks for your kind comments, Sam :)

[@TurnFullCircle]

Nice to see the comparison.....I am a kid of the late 60’s / early 70’s so my heart is with the old school models.....and my favourite loco...the sir Nigel Gresley.....if I remember correctly my dad got it from a shop in Heanor. In Derbyshire (a long time ago now...)....anyway happy days....Cheers

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Chris - I can't blame you for that, they are lovely things! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@saltspringrailway3683]

When I bought one in '78 it cost £8. I was a student and saved a quid a week to raise the funds. The split chassis caused problems within a year or two. The original Palitoy J72 had the motor blocking the view across the cab. What you're holding is the later Bachmann version.

[@SamsTrains]

Crikey that's really good! Not surprised to hear that - I don't think I've ever seen one with axles 100% in tact, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johnpeters1441]

i like the way you made the comparison . nicely thought out... easy to follow. agian ,well done.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks John, much appreciated! Cheers, Sam :)

[@davidstrains4910]

Great video Sam in my opinion they both look nice but it would be better if the old one had a different chassis

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - yes I agree! :d

[@andrewjditton]

Over the past year I have bought seven locos Sam, and FIVE have been returned as faulty. Bachmann, Dapol (x2), Heljan, and Oxford. My favourite and most consistent loco is still my 1980s Hornby Class 29 I bought on eBay for £22!

[@SamsTrains]

Crikey, that's a pretty unfortunate rate of failure mate - sorry to hear that :/ Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

I have a mixture of old and new locomotives ranging from the 1940's to present day. The oldest ones I have are actually my dads Hornby Dublo three rail locomotives which I will at some point try to restore and get running depending on spares.

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds fantastic Ben - all the best of luck with restoring those! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jonathanratcliffe5714]

Great video Sam, fascinating comparison and discussion about the changes in the hobby over the years.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Jonathan, really glad you enjoyed it! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@giovannirodriguez7346]

What a video, I really loved it, is really amazing how much the technology has been improving over years, turn this into an unique show!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, glad you enjoyed it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mikehaufe6635]

Hi Sam, I have two Mainline models from the 1970s, 581 and JOEM and these were more refreshingly sophisticated than the Hornby offers of the time. I even manage to run on DCC under the original Hornby Zero One system although the decoder was placed in a permanently attached box van. They are still nice little models and modern items should be even better as technology has marched on since the 70s. Keep up the good work!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - they were way ahead of Hornby, at least in some areas! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@steveprice9462]

Fascinating comparison. Thanks.

[@trainman07011]

Another great format. Very informative. It's nice to see how things have developed over the years. Not to be obvious, but perhaps you could do a presentation on the old Hornby Terrier v. the new!

[@SamsTrains]

Cheers Andrew, really glad you enjoyed this one - yes that would be a great suggestion! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JustinFrazier_360]

Amazing video sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate! :D

[@rydermike33]

Really fascinating Sam. Agree with 'Clanline', a comparison series would be most interesting. Thanks again.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Mike, I will do more of these in the future! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Emma-tv9nm]

Nice video Sam. They both look lovely.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Emma, I think so too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@samuraifool912]

I know this was filmed 2 yrs ago. So this comment will probably pass un noticed. But I bought the 1st model in around 1978/9. And that after all these years is Still working and Crawls wonderfully. It has lived in its box for years, and even though the Box is Tatty and falling apart. The Model it's self is a Reliable runner..! In fact it was my First Non Hornby Purchase. It was my First Purchase of Loco, once I had just Finished my Apprenticeship. ( 'Earning the Big money' or so it seemed.) And it Survived Transportation to Oz in 1980. At one point even being Lost at Sea, turning up 3 months later than all our Other stuff..! And I still Treasure it..! Even if it's a little 'Out Dated' to modern stuff. It Does what it neededs to do, RUNS..!! Love the Look of the New One mind..! Crisp lines, Cab Detail ect, ect..! Great review Sam, as Always. Cheers to All, kim in Oz...! 😎

[@modelsoup925]

HI Sam I love ur channel and this train

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Toby! :D

[@geraldcomber2593]

Sam, a most enjoyable and informative comparison. I’m of the vintage that remembers when the Mainline & Airfix models put it up to Hornby in terms of detailing and finesse. Up to then you had to be simply happy with the fact that a ready to run model had the right number of wheels. Also, you looked in awe at what continental manufacturers like Fleischmann, Trix, Lilliput and Marklin Hamo were producing. At all events, I never owned a Mainline J72 at the time, but was thinking of buying one on eBay. Can axle replacement parts, etc be obtained for them? I think you mentioned they ware out and cause these locos to fail. Thanks, Gerald

[@jerry2357]

My brother had one of the original Mainline J72s when they first came out, and I had the Hornby J83 (and also later the Lima J50). The J72 was very high quality compared with other models at that time, with a lot more detail. Looking at the chassis of your version of the older model, it isn't the same as the original chassis. The chassis originally had a split chassis with equal split between the two halves, and a large 3-pole motor mounted with the axis horizontally across the chassis, molded into a high section of the chassis that fitted into the cab.

[@SamsTrains]

Very nice Jerry - those must have been the days! It isn't the same you're right - Bachmann modified it to take a can motor, as opposed to the pancake! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaeldavies9600]

Great video as always Sam,i think they both look great,but my money would be spent on the older version.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Michael, yes that ones certainly better value! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Really enjoyed the video today Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot James! :D

[@ciaranburke3243]

Great idea sam really enjoyed that hope to see more old verses new down the line, love the old one 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Ciaran - really glad you liked it, more on the way! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@clangerbasher]

I have the Mainline J72. It was my second LNER tank. My first was a Hornby J89. The latter though lovely to me subjectively is was very crude. And that can be said when you look at the entire Hornby range of the time.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're right - the J89 was very crude, but always good runners! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Louisianacentral8]

Great video It’s very interesting seeing how similar the two models are even though they’re different toolings Love you vids Have a jolly good day Sam:)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Grant - glad you enjoyed seeing that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@32Benjy32]

Great Video Sam! You should do this with the old Dapol/Hornby Terrier and the new tooling Terrier 😊😊

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate - I may well do! :D

[@trainlover.1253]

The same happened with the n gauge 66 and 47

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh really??

[@KameronCousin]

Awesome work Sam! I think both the 1976 and 2020 models look lovely. :D

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, I agree with you! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@FlyingScott]

Interesting to note my LNER black version of the 2019 model does have painted axles.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's very interesting - how did they cock it up then?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@FlyingScott]

@@SamsTrains Having had a look at pictures of the E1 and BR variants, it really is just the LNER version which has the painted axles. Inexcusable, really.

[@matthissey5589]

Ive just picked up a mainline J72, and its fantastic, great performance and looks superb

[@thewrays491]

I need more content because you’re channel is the best

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!! :D

[@JRS06]

Out of buyer's bias I prefer the 2020 version. It's got a superb level of detail and I imagine it's a good runner (I haven't tested it yet). Little things like cab detail and spring buffers go a long way. Despite this, the 1976 model is pretty decent value and holds up relatively well in a modern market.

[@AllensTrains]

A very old loco usually runs a lot worse than the modern example, but in this case, the split chassis gives it pick-up on all wheels, allowing the slow speed. The reason the modern loco keeps stopping at a crawl is it is not picking up the current. With the split chassis, the weight of the loco on the axles ensures the current is transmitted to the motor.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - it's very strange that, quite interesting!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mitchellhogg4627]

Honestly that's damn impressive for 1976

[@SamsTrains]

haha it really is!! :D

[@srgntsylveon2919]

Should have seen this coming really, but was still shocked to see, overall great comparison

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - glad you liked it mate! :D

[@welshfurrygaming69]

17:07 I see the clarks wagon you got, I have same one but in PW spencer witht those wierd Ho scale buffers and I saw a clarks version, maybe at hereford train fair in march I might buy one of the clark ones if I find any, plus some good old ocean wagons I can find!

[@SamsTrains]

Very cool - I didn't know they did one like that! haha sounds good mate! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@davepoul8483]

Great review Sam.. I am new to the hobby and enjoy buying spares n repairs.. got bit though with a mainline not working.. stripped it to find one half of chassis had rotted, i remember a vid you did about crumbly alloys on old units... i think the one i have is defo from the 70's its a 581.. also picked up a later one needing new plastic axles... swapped and running great.. great reviews keep up the good work... ps do u know if there is a history time line of when models were produced ? D...

[@martinpattison1567]

My J72 "Joem" is a split chassis loco and runs very well on the rolling road. I can not say that about my B1 split chassis with round axles. I have a new set of axle joiners on their way hear. I think the squared axle joiners are a much better idea and helps with the quartering .Martin. (Thailand)

[@Joeben2016]

Who else clicked on the video as soon as they saw!? ⬇️

[@SamsTrains]

You're very kind Joe! :D

[@lukeslocomotives]

Me

[@Joeben2016]

Thanks Sam 😁

[@therealvbw]

It's amazing, very few youtubers can have that effect!

[@adrianchesterton7121]

Hi Sam, I have a Beatties 1979 catalogue and the old LNER Mainline J72 was £10.28. Interestingly the British Railways black version was £9.75 (my first loco bought for me as a child!)

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey, even less then - impressive stuff! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@matthewbannister5951]

Awesome video! I love my original mainline, it's a fantastic runner, and a bargain to boot.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Matthew, they are fantastic runners indeed! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

If I was into model railways, I would go for the old Bachmann J72 because it might be easy to handle for me. It almost looks like a Railroad locomotive from the Hornby Railroad range. I would mostly go for the more cheaper trains since it’s easier for me to handle. I’ll also not worry about little things breaking off.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's a very valid point mate! Cheers, Sam :)

[@woodenrailway123]

Great video buddy, I actual did the same as soon as mine came, mine has sat on my dad's layout for years and thought they would never get it better but bachman proved me wrong hahah...... Tom

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - haha yeah, they did do a great job! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

There will be a bit of a rare occasion that the old version will do better than the new version. Like for example, the Hornby Railroad P2 has metal buffers while the Hornby Railways P2 has plastic buffers. That’s where the Railroad version has an improvement over the Railways version. Same thing applies to the axels on the wheels on both of these J72 models.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - though the Railroad P2 and Railways P2 are exactly the same age, released at the same time! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@iangoodman7395]

My son had one in his Mainline train set in the 1980s

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - those must have been the days! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@terrycharleslewis7565]

Unusual and very good review Sam. Sadly my 1970s version stopped working, wheels/axle rounded off, just as you mention. Take care now, regards, Terry.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for that Terry - sorry to hear about yours, it's a very frustrating fault :/ Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robertknight4672]

I think plastic wheels on rolling stock is more a cost saving measure than enforcing weather it's toy or model. The Thomas & Friends rolling stock is equipped with metal wheels.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's a factor too - but I'm pretty sure you can't put metal axles with sharp spikes into a toy, under toy safety regulations ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@adamrushton1740]

Cool video Sam Next time please can you do a comparison with the Super detailed Hornby GWR toad brake van (the product code is R6921) and your Oxford Rail toad GWR toad brake van.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Adam - great suggestion, I could definitely try that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelsafol]

I got the Mainline J72 in 1981 as a young teenager and it was my first steam locomotive. At the time Mainline was a game changer with much more affordable and much more detailed models compared to Hornby. In Australia at the time Hornby was insanely unaffordable but I could buy a Mainline wagon with just one week's pocket money.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow, those must have been the days! You're right about them being greatly affordable! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@momo-ym5cz]

I must say, the 76 loco is looking good for it's age, I was expecting a bit of the paint to be missing but no! It's looks as good as new, certainly better that my bachmann thomas and James after 2 months😂

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I agree - though as I say, mine was made slightly later! They definitely did look great! :D

[@iceeblueburst03]

Most serious modelers would choose the newly tooled version of the Bachmann J72 while casual collectors may also get the old Bachmann J72 that was used from the 1970s.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I'd agree with that mate! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@joelightrailway2362]

Excellent video of both old & new J72 tanks Sam 👍👍 I prefer the new Bachmann E1/J72 over the old one as I find it much more beautiful in it brighter apple green which I can’t keep my eyes off the model. And also the old one which I dislike the most because of it darker apple green livery which make me think that the loco has gone to the dark side. Besides the beautiful livery on the new J72, the details on the model are much better including the metal safety valves than the awful plastic ones on the old J72.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Joe - that's a good choice, it is certainly more beautiful! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@josephtucker7181]

I like the green on the old one

[@chriswarburton-brown7858]

I have that exact ancient J72 model. My most reliable engine, outperforming much newer ones. So I now only buy 2nd hand locos. The only improvement is detailing that you can't spot when running. And new engines are so expensive I get nervous running them in case they crash or scratch.

[@SamsTrains]

haha fantastic - yes the performance is very impressive despite the age. I agree about the nervousness - I often don't enjoy them as much for that reason! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@chriswarburton-brown7858]

Sam, you did a great video 'Worst Trains of 2019', but would you do something on WHY so many modern locos are unreliable, and have such a short working life? Or have I just been unlucky?

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. Another brilliant comparative review! Old version; love the LNER livery; the axle ends properly painted; and great slow running. New version: much greater and better detail as you said. (I clicked on the video as soon as it arrived in my inbox.) Just out of interest, what camera do you use for your videos - also 1080p or 4k? Keep up the good work.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Paul, really glad you liked it - yes the LNER was done well wasn't it? I use the Nikon D750 - I opted for frame rate over resolution! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@karlpaul8724]

i have two of the original locos which i brought 2nd hand as it reminded me of my childhood when i got given the engine for Christmas back in the 80s i find i have to crank the moden power pack up to get it going but i think it be nice to get the newer version.i ran this only on the Santa trainset set up not sure if this makes a difference

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh very nice Karl - yeah see if you can get them going! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@shadowmaster8684]

Man European steam locos have such cool looking designs!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah some of them were lovely! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@lewishughes8541]

Hi Sam hope your ok I love the new one I might try and get the mainline one the detail it up

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Lewis - that would make for a fantastic project! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cremilar]

Cracking video as usual, I dare say you could make any subject/item interesting with your style of reviewing. In fact you could compare 2 different house bricks and make it interesting! Quite the talent.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - that's very kind of you! There's an idea - I might take you up on that one! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cremilar]

@@SamsTrains Old vs. New | 1976 House brick vs. 2020 House brick

[@theowenw06]

Great Video nice to see the differences about the 2 models. Have you ever thought of doing a couple of N gauge reviews. I have been looking for a decent person to do N guage loco reviews and I have only found 2 so yeah?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, I would love to try N gauge some day - I will look into it! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@bee3360]

wow what a difrenc

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah! :D

[@adamdelarozza1985]

I started my collection with old 70's Marklin steam locos made in Germany as I was there as a boy but could not afford the models at that time. Anyway I was wondering if you have or have done a video on the best locos as to hold their value or to maybe even get some appreciation in some of these beautiful models as the years roll by. lol. Thanks for that interesting comparison old vs new!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic Adam, thanks a lot for sharing! That's a great idea for a video - I could certainly look at doing something like that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@timspooner59]

(From NZ). Regarding prices, I think UK did not have any sales tax (VAT) in 1976. VAT type taxes inflate all the prices.......

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're probably right - that'll be a factor too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@garyjones6438]

Great video Sam, I am hoping to get the new version ,the detail in the cab is fantastic and you could put 2 figures in ,which you cant in the old one, personally I think all new locos should come with 2 crew in them , as a loco couldnt run without people in them, also carriages should come with people already fitted in them, again railways wouldnt run without people in them,just add more realism, Take care Sam, Gary

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Gary - hope you enjoy it if you decide to go with one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@georgetimperley8906]

Great video love the comparison. Very interesting, I did like that well done 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot George, really glad you liked it! Cheers, Sam :)

[@RobA500]

Nice comparison, you should do some more like this. Have you looked at the 2020 Bachmann range, very disappointing to me just old models re released but at extortionate price’s.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Rob - yeah I've seen it - disappointing, but not surprising ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Poliss95]

Very interesting. Would love to see more like this. Last time I checked, shipping rates were falling. Too many ships chasing too little cargo. I wouldn't rely too much on the price comparisons. A chap I worked with was getting £18.00 a week in 1972, which according to the governments official historical price comparison website would be £256.10 now, but the minimum wage for a 40 hour week today works out at £308.00. I suppose taking that great lump of metal out of the cab and putting detail inside instead will affect the weight a lot. I have some coaches from the 1960s that have metal wheels. They had to of course as the coaches could be fitted with lights. Don't think them being dangerous had anything to do with it. I think it's because they would be cheaper to produce. With DCC of course you can alter the start voltage to overcome 'stiction' to give a slower crawl speed. Except with very basic decoders like the Hornby R8249 which doesn't support CV2.

[@SamsTrains]

Cheers mate, I will look into doing more of these soon! Blimey that's interesting - throws it all off a bit then, haha! You're right - but I've had it on good authority that Mainline locos had plastic wheels because they were toys - that may be wrong though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam: I have only just caught up with this video. Great observations here, I believe that all of this taken into account, these models are now getting over priced and you latest reviews and observations, complete with quality reservations are confirming this. This hobby is now heading for the ‘asset appreciation investment’ class.

[@davidrichie9570]

The young man obviously thinks to 70’s were the dark ages...

[@SamsTrains]

haha no offence meant David - they are to me, born in the late 90s ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CW56]

The J72 is a nice little loco.

[@SamsTrains]

I agree Reny! :D

[@danielannett1019]

i know you dont like split chassis sam but from my experience i have a few models with them and so far they are the models i have had no problems with so there good enougth for me in my book

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I've had no problems with many of the later ones - but overall I can't say I like the concept! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@johnylitalo4163]

They kind of look like the model that the Rev. W. Awdry used for his gauge OO Thomas model he made.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh really?? That's very cool! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@redversb2347]

Very interesting video Sam. Thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate, appreciate it! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@jimross623]

Hi Sam, Great video as usual, but you missed one thing.... the new version should be called your Christmas loco. The old version was a model of an LNER locomotive, the London and North Eastern Railway. The new version is from the NER, the North Eastern Railway. Hence the new one is your Christmas loco. Confused? Noel, No ‘L’... 8-)

[@SamsTrains]

haha brilliant Jim!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@therealvbw]

Interesting comparison! Speaking of old vs new, yesterday was my birthday and I was given a streamlined coronation! From 2014, but running hugely better than my brand new 0-6-0s which are now basically unusable until I replace their motors.. Lasting 6 years vs 2 months?

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh that sounds fantastic - are you happy with it?? Happy Birthday for yesterday! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@therealvbw]

@@SamsTrains Thanks, and happy would be one hell of an understatement!

[@TRAMJUNCTION7147HG]

Personally, I wouldn't spend that kind off money for the latest version. There is nothing wrong with the older version and you can get these as cheap as £30 on ebay

[@SamsTrains]

That's fair enough - they are incredibly expensive for what they are! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@trainman665]

I paid £7.50 for mine!

[@kyle.sterritt]

We should see more of these videos

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Kale, I'll do more soon! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I take it you liked the song. I had this (it's actually a Wiggles Song) in my head, as I was watching the video. I decided to rub out the word Wiggles, and replace it with your channel name instead. I think it fits quite nicely. You certainly know how to put on a Great Railway Show, make no mistake.

[@SamsTrains]

I didn't know it was a song Kelly, assumed it was a poem - very nice! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thenormalplatypus3514]

My dad as a train set from the mid 50s when he was a kid

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow - that must have been a good quality one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@terryblackman6217]

Love this comparison theme please keep it going. How about doing a comparison between the airfix Fowler 4f and the Hornby version.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Terry - that would be great to try - though of course they're the same model with a different chassis! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@sharkymcsharknose2979]

I never knew split-frame locomotives were produced in OO/HO gauge. I thought that was an N scale-only thing since split frames are still extremely common in N. I'm also a little surprised that there are no proper bearings - even my 70's vintage N scale steam locos have them.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh yes they certainly were - and not very nice either! They make much more sense in N gauge, but not really anything larger! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kingorry7223]

The old j72 without the body, could pass for a loco!!!!😂

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - some kind of Bullied design?! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@nealbosher9293]

There is a big difference between the 1970s Mainline and your 2000s Bachmann j72. The chassis is completely different in the older model the motor protrudes into the cabin so no daylight at all is visible. The paint is also a lot less well defined on the 1970s model. It looks like there are three incarnations of the Bachmann/Mainline J72.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - I was careful to mention that! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jacobhampshire1181]

My mainline collet and Dean goods may need cheaking for bad motors. I can also look back the dates.

[@SamsTrains]

I wouldn't be surprised Jacob- though they can be quite easily serviced! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Zebrails]

The older model did/does have better smoke box detail with the two levers... I have found the same to be true to my own "New versus Old" locomotives. Many new locomotives omit distinct details older ones have/had. Freight and passenger car/wagons hold true to this as well... and some older ones really roll better than some new ones. John Kamloops, BC Canada

[@SamsTrains]

That's quite interesting John - I've not seen many old locos better than new ones, but I bet it does happen! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tubs1725]

tbh, if you want a semi detailed loco, that's cheap and a step up from Hornby RailRoad, mainline locos are good

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I agree - the detail was always fab on Mainline! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@napsbrickrailways2290]

Sam, have you ever thought of getting a Hornby d261 from the Thomas range? The aren't the most expensive locomotives, and in my opinion is the best looking Thomas range locomotive. Well, apart from Murdoch.

[@SamsTrains]

I haven't thought of that - they're quite rare though aren't they?! :O Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RMStinson]

Interesting that the old crawl is better than the new. Do you suppose the latter might be optimized for DCC, in other words higher voltage regulated by the pc board? How about a comparison video of a DC and DCC version of the same model?

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Robert - that's very possible, I'd need to try the new version on DCC to answer that - interesting idea that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)