Have Accurascale Fixed The Hattons Class 66? | Unboxing & Review

[@LetsGo_41]

I have the DCC version of that livery. I guess the crawl issue is down to it being in DC it can't use the power properly. However, the DCC version crawls really well and the sound is crazy good.

[@jensenleblanc]

I suspect that comes down to the power needing to go into the circuit board and there is a minimum voltage that will start the lights. Since you have DCC the motor start voltage can be set precisely with the decoder rather than it waiting for power from the pcb board.

[@NextEevolution]

Bought this model in DRS Blue on your review and recommendation. Normally, diesels really don't get much interest from me. I like seeing small machines work so model scale steam locomotives absolutely give me joy to watch pulling coaches or hauling freight. As soon as I received the model, I was speechless at how heavy this thing was. And now after I've run it in, it's made me disappointed. Not with the Class 66 itself but with prior purchases I've made from other manufacturers that made lighter, cruder detailed, less feature packed and more expensive models. I already had three models of Accurascale's up and coming models on preorder, two GWR 57XX and one P Class. But I didn't expect the Class 66 toabsolutely blow me away. It made me much more excited for those up and coming releases from Accurascale and how they continue to set the bar even higher. Thanks Sam for your hard work!

[@paulrowland2941]

I got mine a couple of weeks back and can say, on DCC with the stay-alive, crawls like a dream. With sound, it’s an amazing loco and even has Hall effect sensors to detect flange squeal on corners.

[@peterstanley7465]

Now THIS is how a model should be. Absolutely superb in model form and i love the real things to. Amazing machines.

[@formidable38]

I thinks its incredible that Heljan demand £249 (retail) for their recently released and flawed 00 Class 47. Blows my mind.

[@RHaenJarr]

Think the "you must read" cards are inspired by "danger overhead live wires" boards. Fun idea!

[@ianjeffery6744]

My thought exactly! I remember those Danger! notices appearing on steam locos in the 60s...

[@paulsngaugechannel]

The class 66 is now the most superb model. Being from the southern region, I used to see the 66’s every day, and they are awesome in real life. Yes there are a few iffy models around, but this one is not a lemon, but a high quality one. And the price is very reasonable. Great review, and the score is a good example of how the others should improve their quality. Well done. 🎉

[@GaryNumeroUno]

Hi mukka, hope you are well. I recently received 66001 from Accurascale. It is in EWS livery and is a wonderful memory of my time working for them in the early 2000s. Now I live in Oz it is bringing me some melancholy moments of my days in the UK. I'm not a fan of 66s actually but could not resist buying this beast seeing as I shunted enough of them around Bescot thence later in my career, Wembley. Regards to you and Chloe. Gaz 😁

[@jackstrains4468]

Now sam, you have no IDEA how long I've been waiting for you to review this - what a cracking piece of model machinery- really clatures the essence of the sheds - 9.43, what a blooming amazing score!!! Well sam, once my pocket has replenished after getting a nrm gloss mallard, then I mist get one of these! I think this loco was amazing to begin with, but with a reasonable amount of issues, however accurascale has absolutely smashed this loco! Awesome video sam, and I look forward to your next review- also great to see a review of a new 00 gauge loco! At last! As always sam, an awesome loco and review sam as always!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Jack, hope you like the video! Absolutely cracking indeed - and well deserving of the score! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andressanchez4517]

The Deltic was actually 25% lighter than the class 66... Interesting inflation

[@tonyrobinson362]

​@@andressanchez4517Deltic was heavier.

[@tonyrobinson362]

Good luck Accurascale all sold out.

[@jackstrains4468]

@@tonyrobinson362 thought they probably would 😂😂

[@Hooterton_Model_Railway]

Not my era for modelling however, it’s amazing that Accurascale can produce another fine model AND at a sensible price. Other manufacturers need to take a page (or more) out of Accurascale’s book.

[@Matt19matt19]

Absolutely stunning loco. I'm usually someone who bashes the current prices of railway modeling and the prices of locos, but with this I think it's very good value for money. It's beautiful.

[@David_Mattox]

39:41 so, in regards to the title, YES! AccuraScale is really coming along as a manufacturer, and I wish nothing but the best for them. Hornby, Bachmann, make sure you are taking notes. Great review, Sam, and take care. 🎉

[@richardfolkson2745]

I have a DCC sound fitted Accurascale Class 66 plus Hattons and Hornby DCC versions. The Accurascale model is head and shoulders above the others in terms of quality and particularly the DCC sound which comes from a different planet compared to the Hornby TTS version. Definitely one of my best locos and Accurascale seem to be taking the hobby to new heights but at relatively affordable prices compared to Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan. Great video Sam.

[@11000038]

Sam. You are single-handedly driving up quality and making pricing realistic.

[@tbrooke3016]

I love the idea of using a sticker in the cab. Mono-colour interiors are one of my biggest gripes with locos and this lets them achieve a lot with very little cost. Id love more locos to come with stickers in the detail bag

[@benneal3897]

I think even the most hardcore classic diesel enthusiasts will appreciate this model of a modern locomotive. How fantastic.

[@bryantan863]

The class 66 from Hatton's has become better thanks to Accurascale for fixing the problems and making the class 66 a fantastic model. For 169 British Pounds, it is a reasonable price for this model Sam. Accurascale has become an absolute force of nature.

[@robertsparks3685]

A Truely amazing model. I also like how you have other models from similar eras to be on the tracks with the featured model. Cheers.

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Great vid Sam - a cracking loco anyway but AS really have taken it to the next level - I had a Hattons one which had countless problems, I replaced it with a couple of Bachmann ones which are robust and powerful enough for me, that said I'll still keep an eye out for these AS ones. Also, Rails have some Hornby 153s for £89 - it's a fantastic price and a good modern loco too. Well worth checking out.

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

I just recently purchased a New Hornby class 66 from Hattons for £67, also a 21pin chip for £22 and I am delighted with it. Regards from Ron

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

Sorry I ment to say Rails of Sheffield ! Not Hattons. From Ron

[@jonathanmillar1975]

I have received 4 of the 5 class 66's that I ordered, and my 5th one will be here tomorrow. I did not get a chance to purchase a Hattons 66 at the time, so I was worried that the issues would still be there, but what a model. I'm very impressed. The Bachmann 66's was my favourite diesel model, but this is on another level. Love the rotating axle boxes. These are a nice touch and should be on every diesel model.

[@peterwilliamson4663]

Good review, If you had reviewed it with DCC fitted I think you may have had a score of 10. Keep up the good work and please start including DCC to complete the review.

[@roberthuron9160]

The EMD SD-40-2,in Continental disguise! Gorgeous,and as said,well executed! Equivalent to an Athearn,or Broadway Limited! Thank you 😇 😊!

[@Louie-WanKenobi-og4rk]

Hi Sam! I just want to say God bless you for your work! Thanks to you, I am becoming a bigger enthusiast despite not seeing many trains up close. I have subscribed to you, and wish you all the best on your channel!

[@TheWoodlandhoBo]

I got one of the original hattons 66 and have had no issues. A great loco and brought from your original review. Cheers Sam

[@CymruJedi]

Thanks for a lovely review, Sam. Really enjoyed this one. I have purchased the Class 66 now. I was just wondering, you mentioned on DC you have the ability to turn the cab lights on, but you did now explain how as far as I’m aware. Could you tell me how you did this?

[@SamsTrains]

I didn’t do this in my testing - but I believe it’s possible using the switches on the DCC blanking plate!

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I bought the Climate Hero with sound. I had seen the real class 66 in Castle Donnington where my lockup was. I have now ordered the Bachmann Collectors Club rolling stock to go with it. It's a good model.

[@class77sncb]

Thank you for your work and video. ACCURASALE is superb,I have got the "hoover" Class 92 from GBRf with sound .PERFECT !

[@Barbarapape]

For once i am realy tempted to buy one, the price and quality are far superior to the Class 66's from other brands. If Accurascale can continue this standard across all ther models, then Hornby and Bachmann need to up their game. Every layout should have one or more !

[@timwilks666]

Looks fantastic. I'm not the target customer though, I'm perfectly happy with my secondhand Lima Freightliner 66 for £40.

[@PeterEdin]

It would have been good if you tried placing various loads/weights in the wagons. I luv this channel and the way it's presented. 😊

[@LincolnshireTrainSpotter225]

Now this is what I've been waiting for! Can't wait to see how this 66 goes by accurascale, I've heard it's fantastic

[@Jamesking_250]

Hello! The class 66 has a very similar design to the RENFE class 319, which date back to the 70s with having a major refurbishment in 1992 making them look super similar to the class 66. I believe they both originate from the same companies so maybe thats the reason for the similarly. Amazing review!

[@benzinapaul7416]

Can't believe you've never done 'Sam's Trains' branded slippers! Would be a great merch opportunity.

[@tobygrisdale7385]

Hey Sam, Great review once again, seeing how Accurascale models are, without a doubt the most popular & amazing model locomotives I really aspire to purchase one! Also I am really looking forward to how Accurascale will do with the Andrew Barclay Tank engines & the SECR P Class tank engines in the future 🚂

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Normally I don't pay much heed to British diesel power, but I'll admit that this thing is a work of art.

[@holy_Moley317]

I really should’ve preordered one of these. They’re attractive looking diesels nonetheless… and hauling an absolute rake of evemodel gondolas really shows its strength. The wagons are super free rolling but it’s amazing. Looks right at home

[@TheRip72]

Order one from a future batch. There will be more.

[@ianjeffery6744]

Well done, Accurascale! A fair price, too, given the sheer quality of the model.

[@OlivierGabin]

Another brand that hits hard : Accurascale. I have their class 37 and it's a jewel. You have a great bang for your money with them.

[@WayneBridgman]

Sam Great Review I've bought 3 of these they are fantastic models , if you DCC fit them with the ESU sound an even more realistic model , the slow crawl is also smoothed out with DCC .

[@Zebrails]

Nice information book on the Class 66...built in London, Ontario (well, that's cool.) Very impressive model and well represented by you, Sam. I hope this model brings you many years of satisfaction. Perhaps, when it comes time to "service" this unit, there will be information regarding the axle caps. Nice DCC access hatch, and in the instructions and other books, I noticed "March 2024" as the print date. Wow, way to go Accurascale! Again, Sam, good show in presentation of this very well built locomotive. John British Columbia, Canada

[@Planestrains-d5e]

Great review and what a fantastic loco. Sadly not my era so I won’t be getting one - but it makes me hope and pray for a 58 from Accurascale. Maybe one day!

[@andrewray8433]

Another good video Sam mate. The new Accurascale 66 is an outstanding model. The model Hattons wished it was. Been waiting for you to do this one since it was released. You should try the Cavalex class 56 if you can. Another truly outstanding model.

[@shanghai264359]

Enjoyed the review Sam. Accurascale just keep on giving! And with those prices too! This should be a message to all the other manufacturers.

[@DennisLora2001]

Pretty good rating Sam and fantastic review and fix and repair video 37:12

[@stephendavies6949]

Hi Sam. I reprised your review of this model (you are my "go to" reviewer), as I missed out on the Accurascale "Evening Star" example on release. They're now being offered on the pre-owned market for silly money, so was debating whether to acquire the cheaper Bachmann version. However, I'm glad I did, as Accurascale's is just superior in all respects. So, I've decided to be patient and wait for either Accurascale to re-issue it, or until I find a sensibly-priced pre-owned model. I do like the livery of the one you reviewed, but 66s are a little new for me, so I will hold out for a retro-livered "Evening Star."

[@apples5503]

Awaiting two of these to arrive, I have quite a few Hattons ones and happy with them overall

[@robinbrowne5419]

Nice. I really like locos that look the same forwards and backwards. It makes a lot of sense.

[@thephoenixking1086]

My personal favourite Loco. I used to live opposite a freightliner train-yard that had loads of the Class-66's.

[@cmdrflake]

Electro Motive Diesel is now part of Caterpillar. The next order will be equivalent to EPA tier 4 emissions standards which will end in 2025. Tier 5 will require Carbon Dioxide emissions being reduced to near zero.

[@phil36310]

This piece of model train design, engineering, value for money blows the likes as Hornby and Bachmann out of the water not to mention the expensive poor rubbish Heljan dare to put on the 00-rails. It can be done to perfection and Accurascale just proved it once again ! Bravo Accurascale !!! This is a reference 00 Diesel. I hope they have distributors in the EU for a saw the real beast on the rails in France, Belgium and Germany. Thanks for reviewing Sam.

[@jeremyhyman5056]

Sam - with Accurascale locos the DCC sound is unbelievable, especially in their models with hall sensors for squeal.. time for you to consider reviewing these instead of their DC cousins? Keep up the good work.

[@GarthDavies-cd5oh]

Fantastic Model.A pity its just the wrong era for me but looking forward to their class 60.A very impressive review from Sam..

[@r.a.monigold9789]

Another good review, Sam, reporting the facts on functions and features. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sebdamememan]

completely unrelated some how, I live in south america, and ive found its way cheaper to buy from uk retailers that ship worldwide than it is for me to take my car and drive to the local model shop, when it should be the other way round

[@BrewPub]

Not only are their models fanastic but their boxes are outstanding.

[@Antluvstrains]

I’m excited because Rails just announced Dapol’s new class 66, but for O GAUGE. Given the quality of the other ones, I think this will be a great model for Dapol.

[@Damocles178]

What a beast! The detail is just overwhelming. It's not often a model gets an improved version that still retains what made the predecessor great. Lol no lie it actually hurts looking at the Hornby Class 66 (Malcolm) alongside it. Granted I know The Hornby one is based on the older Lima tooling and is essentially a budget model but the difference is night and day. Though to be fair I know the Hornby 66 you had didn't have a particularly good livery with how it was applied; the detail was literally buried under it if I remember right when you reviewed that one. Other liveries do tend to do the Hornby 66 bodywork more justice. Who made your Red Class 66 @35:00?

[@Brayden4472]

Awesome video Sam!!!! This is an amazing loco!!!!

[@Coling92]

On dcc it will crawl insanely well

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

As an American, I love the 66 engines. Especially since it's an EMD. and EMD makes the best-looking engines with monstereus sounds

[@2010ditta]

Thats it..if you given it an A its gotta be good. Even though its not the era I model, I'm getting one. Thanks Sam.

[@farmerdave7965]

The box is huge. Always pick up diesels by the fuel tanks because the plastic body might not be attached.

[@odenviking]

fun fact one or more of class 66 found its way to scandinavia. in sweden it has the swedish class t 66 and it has the livery of rush rail. i like accurascale locos they are so nice and has a as you pointed out insane quality details and build quality. 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@glennwoods2462]

Great model, glad you enjoyed it... Your video output is commended....

[@lapiswake6583]

This looks fantastic. I have the same Hattons one as you reviewed, 66789 in Large Logo blue. I had 2 axleboxes fall out, I think, but I haven't run it for a while. I'm considering getting one of these Accurascale ones, sound fitted ideally, but I have no idea which to go for, and one isn't top priority, so I probably won't get one from this first batch.

[@johnstirland3937]

I got this model and your spot on with your review I love this model.

[@SkyeSoarer04]

This Might Win Best Loco Of The Year Maybe we still have 6 months left speaking of accurascale do you think you will get there new class 31 great video sam keep it up

[@davidmolin8944]

Glad to see accurascale improving hattons stuff, can’t wait to see what else they do

[@dakshanbalaramesh]

If this is any indicator of what the P Class may look like, I am excited for its re-release! Definitely will buy Bluebell

[@SamsTrains]

Yes absolutely! Although I don't think they're changing the P in any way! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

I think I would have given it a half of a star more under mechanism because I don't know how the axel boxes are attached or removed. Either way it does not change the rating and being new I wouldn't remove them or disassemble the trucks. Great locomotive and video, Jersey Bill

[@gladams56]

Is it possible for you to give weights in imperial measurements also. It’ll help us in the US.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Great review Sam, I look forward to your reviews.

[@Teesbrough]

Darn you, Sam! I was hoping to avoid buying an Accurascale 66 but your season high scores and adulation - which you never give away lightly - makes that impossible now. What’s worse is, my layout has a Teesside theme; I now see every one of the prototypes modelled has been filmed around Middlesbrough, leaving me zero excuse not to buy one. Thanks!

[@WarmBreezeStudios]

Oh yes, Sam, I mostly see those diesels pass by on my local railway bridges

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

I really want to get one! Also, thank you for watching my videos, you made my day!

[@oliverg98]

I have the DCC Sound with stay alive decoder, its an incredible crawler

[@davidstrains4910]

I have one of the original hattons models in the GBRF and while I did have a couple of issues to begin with like the odd axlebox popping off it hasn’t exhibited any issues for quite some time now, the accurascale version while i have no doubt that it’s good it’s not one I am going to be getting anytime soon because as I say my hattons one has been fine, I am now looking to fit sound to my hattons one, I mainly use my hattons one on my rake of 8 Accurascale GBRf IIA biomass wagons

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing - glad your original one is all good too! If the Hatton's one is fine for you, there's absolutely no reason to upgrade! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Scotrail-qz7gw]

My one arrived on Monday it is a brilliant loco and well worth the price

[@thestocktonflyer4059]

Great review sam of an equally great loco 😊

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam sorry for the late comment I have been on holiday and what a lovely class 66

[@HeyItsAJOmega]

With more models from 'mainstream' manufacturers pushing £200 and over for DCC ready models like this, Accurascale offering such consistently impressive and high quality models at such comparitively lower prices is just staggering. My only downside is that they're proving so popular - understandably so! - that many Accurascale models are selling out well in advance on pre-orders alone! But I suppose thats a decent problem for a manufacturer to have 😅

[@paulantoine1696]

On digital it will be superb... though I wouldn't use an ESU myself.

[@trevorbax9379]

Another delightful review thankyou.

[@corjansen1958]

Sam, Great video as usual. Can you run this model with all the coaches from the other 2 class 66 as well, like to see really the pull power.

[@haphappy266]

i love my accurascale ews class 66

[@stephendavies6949]

Hi Sam. I was resisting the temptation to buy one. But having seen your review...... 🤩

[@migueldidathing1808]

Love the reviews Sam

[@billmmckelvie5188]

For me, it has to be Frizinghall Model Railways of Baildon, West Yorkshire.

[@marrrtin]

Would love to see you compare this head to head with Marklin's Class 66.

[@rogerking7258]

Hi Sam, I am _so_ conflicted about Accurascale. I bought their Deltic and had problems with tiny components arriving loose in the box, including the bogie chains. I then bought a Class 37 and had similar problems with tiny components and the bogie chains; but unfortunately, the biggest problem was that while the Class 37 ran perfectly, if I turned on the sound it all went to pot and it simply wouldn't run properly (no such problem with the Deltic though), refusing to start until level 8 was entered on the controller (DCC) and then getting going with a jerk. Without sound it started on level 1 very smoothly. Now, I have to say that Accurascale were extremely quick in responding and sorting out the Deltic, but despite returning first the locomotive and then the decoder on its own, the Class 37 running problems were never fixed. I ended up getting a complete refund and also cancelling my Class 31 order. Now despite this, Accurascale were unfailingly quick and polite in responding and I actually felt a little guilty cancelling my orders. In my opinion, as a company they are teetering on the very edge of greatness; after all, it's not often that the best models are also the cheapest. Your review has actually boosted my confidence in them and I suspect that I will re-instate my Class 37 and Class 31 orders as and when new batches are produced. Going back to DCC, I recently built up a Tri-ang/Hornby Jinty from an early 1960s chassis with a 1958 motor and a late 1960s body. It ran well, but noisily, during running in on DC, but when I fitted a DCC decoder and Stay Alive it not only now ran superbly, crawling round for hours on the absolute minimum setting, but it also quietened down enormously. What I had assumed was mechanical noise from a decades old mechanism appears to have been electrical noise that was cured by the power delivery from the decoder. My money is on your Class 66 crawling perfectly if you fit a decoder; it would be an interesting video to see the comparison.

[@maringarvanovic8011]

I have to agree that it is not all rosy. The 66 is an amazing runner and looks great. However and it is a big one. The colours on some is very, very wrong. The orange Freightliner is very pale and looks washed out. But the bigger issue is their pot paint of EWS Maroon. Their wagons, the 92 and now the 66 are not maroon. The colour is more red and looks very weird against rolling stock that is maroon. Also the EWS stripe is yellow. It is supposed to be gold. You cannot miss it and after my 92 I have not ordered any 66s in their colour.

[@mccarronfamily]

@@maringarvanovic8011Perhaps we are just used to previous incorrect models rather than models painted accurate at as the real things were when new ?

[@maringarvanovic8011]

I have looked into this a lot and Hornby get the maroon spot on as does Bachmann. But Accurascale matches nothing. I am talking EWS only. I have a huge amount of stock. About 120 EWS wagons and I have 7 rakes of Accurascale. I love their products. But I got their 92 and noticed it. Against the rolling stock it looks so odd and wrong.

[@mccarronfamily]

@@maringarvanovic8011 The joys of accurascale getting it right for the first time :)

[@zacsteamlocomotive1800]

bachmann recently announce a all new tooled class 08 / class 09 found this on rails sam

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I'm not really into diesels Sam, but great review :) Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@adamwilliams192]

If I was being HYPER critical, and mainly because I have been looking at these a lot recently (class 59 and 66 very similar), some of the steps under the cabs are a tiny bit wonky. Some of the moulding around the high level headlights looks a bit tatty as well… But If that’s the worst I can do, then yeah, very good model indeed!

[@MayoHosko]

This is easily one of the 10 best items you’ve ever reviewed

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains 😊

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! :D

[@briandesens144]

@@SamsTrains you're welcome Sam's trains 🚆 😊

[@RocktCityTim]

That color scheme almost makes me want to hybridize a few of these into North American service 🤩

[@lukejackson8741]

Never thought I’d ever see a Sam’s train A…. But must say I have no reason to get one of these, had no reason to get the last one but always debate one after watching your first video and this one is making it even harder… it’s a good job the ‘evening star’ version is out of stock

[@tonyrobinson362]

They are all out of stock sound fitted, If you don't preorder you don't get one!

[@corinheathcote9868]

Bloody hell, how big is that box's😲. You sure you haven't got an 'O' gauge one.

[@nigelcole1936]

Best looking shed I have seen

[@timothyS_taproductions]

That paint scheme is insane.