The Best GWR Prairie? | Bachmann 4575 Class | Unboxing & Review

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Hey Sam Is the 57xx the odd one out. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Well spotted, yes it was! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@exarkun42]

@@SamsTrains both the dapol large prairie and your bachmsnn prairie technially count, as both are in BR liveries.

[@kelvinkerr9077]

I u u i u u u>ii u ii u uiiii u u u>

[@luke_mcfly132]

Hello Sam, this is a lovely coincidence. Founding a video about this lovely little engine. This is definitely a personal favourite. It’s always cool to see a little branch line engine rushing around a layout. Especially, while pulling some nice coaches.

[@kevthefisher]

Totally agree - the Small prairies are just so elegant. .. My 2006 version still runs fine - and then it was only £37...

[@TheZeldafan57]

Hey Sam, great watch as always. This class was actually the one to get me back into model railways! It's one of my personal favourite loco classes and I'm waiting for a nice updated version from dapol or hornby

[@jordandack3706]

I've just bought one of these today (27/10/2024) at the Whitwell & Reepham model railway fair, for only £65. And I'm very happy with it, thanks for the review Sam, its taken me a while to get one, but this review has heavily influenced my decision. Thanks again.

[@christopherstokes9393]

Interesting how it has the late crest with the lion facing forwards on both sides of the locomotive... I believe that was only used for a short period, as it was discovered that BR was only authorised to use the left-facing version!

[@andrewfayers9147]

The College of Heralds (whatever that is) took BR to task over it.

[@Chris9017]

I tend to favor the Small Prairie too!!! For a number of reasons but the biggest one is, I rode behind the oldest survivor, which I believe is GWR 45XX Class Number 4555 on the Dartmouth Steam Railway back in 2006, and she was a stunning locomotive, especially with the copper chimney. She's now back in service and on temporary loan to the Dartmouth Steam Railway's neighbor, the South Devon Railway, and is still a beautiful engine. The Bachmann model replicates the prototype very well, and from what I see, runs better than both the Hornby and Dapol Large Prairies despite not having as good of drive train. LOL!!!!

[@MatthewDawkinsUK]

I'm a big fan of the 45xx (both in real life and model form), I just love the balanced posture and small driving wheels! I've actually just put a DCC decoder in mine, which is a slightly older version than yours as it wasn't DCC-ready, but still runs nicely. Nice to see your review of such a gorgeous loco!

[@fyfieldjunction]

What a coincidence. Saw the great western green example on the Dartmouth steam railway today. Beautiful loco

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh yes I've seen her there before - amazing loco for sure! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@derf9465]

I picked up a 45xx bachmann off ebay a month ago for £35. A bit dusty in the older box, missing one drain tap off the Cylinders. I've only cleaned the wheels, runs like a dream. My first bachmann, if they all run like this I'm hooked.

[@SamsTrains]

Blimey, that's an awful lot more like it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thepoltroon992]

i think the bachmann small praries are probably one of my favorite models, i actually have one 5532. i think i mine cost about 59£, well done sam keep it up😀

[@lukeslocomotives]

Watching with my Small Prairies, Bachmann 5532 (This loco), and Lima 5574

[@andrewchapman2039]

Recent Bachmann releases had my guard down about the mechanism. It's nice to see how far we've come even if they are about to send it out again.

[@duncanwatson9054]

Hi Sam. Good review. Sorry about your hay-fever. I am the same, I have the same affliction, specially in the last few years.

[@thatguynathan5816]

In getting one of the new 5526 locos soon. Reson being more for personal reasons. My Grandfather did a drivers experience at Swanage railway on that exact loco Bachmann have chosen to model number and all. I. Going to be modelling my grandfather on the footplate with a fireman (hopefully i can access the footplate). With a swanage railway headboard to the loco to remember the moment

[@stevenperry7493]

Thanks for that Sam ,just took delivery of same loco from Kernow models for 99,99 So looking at your review it is a good buy ,cant wait to run it now .Cheers Sam

[@SamsTrains]

It's a pleasure Steven - I think at £99 it's definitely a good buy! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lindaoffenbach]

Beautiful Loco Sam and fair review we thought. New today would tick close to the 200 Euro mark…, without directional lights…, with a 3-pole unreliable motor…, hard wired base plate…, no pickups on the pilot and training wheels…, very rudimentary-poor overall mechanics… Quite steep there indeed. It does seem to be well assembled though at least. Prices today are going mad everywhere unfortunately. We would rate this model new at 120 GBP really, really max considering 2022 and lacking fresh upgrades. The model was technically already quite rudimentary for 2018 perhaps but at least the price was accordingly. Overall yours is striking for the looks, and she runs extremely well at all speeds with a wonderful crawl as well. Fair review.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Linda - yes you're right, a bit sub-par at the new price given the specs, but a nice enough model for sure. Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@peterwalker6535]

Always watch the channel with interest. Would you please do a half-year reveal of your full ratings list for the various items you’ve looked at. When we get a this far into the year we can’t see the whole list, just where the current reviewed item fits. Thank you.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Peter - I've never done that, but thanks for the suggestion! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@peterwalker6535]

@@SamsTrains Always time for a first - like Hornby producing a good yet reasonably priced loco. I despair of the costs of buying new these days. Am grateful for Oxford Rail and Dapol. Keep up the good work, you are championing this hobby like no other. 123k of us say so!

[@jasonjohnson892]

@14:38, it seems that the powered center driving axle has the brass bearings while the other two just fit into the chasis. Maybe have just center drive wheels with breaings is sufficient. The price is way too expensive but in a time when prices will go up no matter what, I say "Don't fix what isn't broken". All I would change is having more seperate details, a little more metal parts, copper chimney if prototypical and if physically possible, a more modern dcc chip and that's it. IMO, quality is in how it runs and how long it lasts, not what kind of motor it is. Bachmann's three pole motors can at least beat out some modern Hornby five-poles, and some coreless motors. Great review, Sam! Keep hounding model manufacturers about their prices. They can't keep raising the prices for long, cause their stepping into O gauge prices.

[@nathanswales828]

Nice video Sam! I asked my dad if he could take any train from your range, he didn't know what he'd take but i'd take the 812.

[@tykedopwnz]

I've got basically this one but factory weathered, it's my newest and most quality model, I own. Got mine new for 80 pounds on Hattons. Such a good and smooth runner, even after dropping and shattering some detailing, it looks as good as new

[@SamsTrains]

Oh very nice - I bet these look even better with the weathering... what a good price too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SteamintheNorthWest]

I picked up the Kernow exclusive recently for £99. I agree for that price it is worth it, despite being an older model the tooling still holds up in 2022. If it was £140 like the new ones I'd being looking on eBay

[@davidhope4027]

I have a new 45xx on order with my local model shop (10% discount). This follows me asking a Bachmann rep at a show in April (Britain's Biggest Model Railway in Shepton Mallet) whether it will be a re-release or new. I was told its a completely new model...I wait with interest.

[@lapiswake6583]

I prefer the 4575 to the 4500 class, the larger tanks give it a better look. I have one of each, 4575 (5531 in GWR green) is from 2004 and 4500 (4557 in BR lined black) is from 2007, apparently before they fitted DCC sockets to them (my notes say I've fitted 6-pin chips to both), and they cost me less than £50 each. I don't have a large prairie atm because I had an old-style hornby 61xx which was dodgy so I sold it. Debating whether to get the 4575 in 7mm though...

[@ItzSonnyyy]

why did I dream about this? It’s like You predicted I would watch this

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow really?! That's very spooky :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@COBO2]

I have that loco. I can’t wait until the new one is released.

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome! The new one isn't new though mind you - it's the same model as far as I can tell! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@BradMundo1996]

I think it would be a good idea to add the original release year in the video title I.e. "Bachmann 4575 Class (2018 release)" or something similar.

[@SamsTrains]

I struggle to keep titles short enough anyway so that's not going to happen. Not important enough for a title. All the info I can find will be in the video! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@YourAverageRailwayFan]

I do really like the small prairies, they are very quaint and charming little tank engines I hope to pick one up someday, nice review!

[@SamsTrains]

I do too John - definitely prefer them to the large ones! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gabrielcalangi1316]

I like the hornby one better because it kinda more accurate to the real thing...but this i just want to say that bachmann made this model a cute baby version of the hornby one...but overall very nice for a cute looking locomotive. Cheers mate and have a good one!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Gabriel - the Hornby Prairie is a different class though, it's only Bachmann that makes these! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@logstudios8372]

Hey Sam, I’m having a bit of a problem, I have a old Dapol 14xx and I unscrewed it to lubricate it via the funnel screw. Then when I went to put the screw back on, the loco wouldn’t run, and whether I tried to untighten the screw, the body comes off, any help?

[@bolesawmayzel6476]

Maybe there is some oil on the electrical parts like pickups or comutator?

[@SamsTrains]

Sorry to hear that! Does the loco work again with the body off? The body needs to locate via a lug at the back of the chassis, and then apply the screw in the funnel. There's also some pesky pipework that needs to be put in place too after body removal - make sure everything is seated properly! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

Rapido UK had revealed their EP on the GWR Hawksworth 15xx class.

[@davidhinks8384]

Hi Sam, I long for a small prairie in 1937-42 livery, but might be tempted by the earlier 'Great Western' one Bachmann are advertising. I love the prairies and think they have an elegance about them and err to the large ones myself. Be interesting to see if it's just an overpriced re-run...! As always, love your reviews. Cheers,

[@SamsTrains]

Hi David - they certainly do have more elegance to them, I'd agree with that! Overall these are decent models - very expensive at the new price - but you could do worse! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrisdavies3913]

5532 is one of the preserved examples based at Llangollen railway.

[@kylemaccauley6065]

For me I like the small prairie because it sounds more appropriate than a large prairie

[@petermudie4847]

Having worked on both 4566 and 5164 on the SVR in the 1970’s I must admit to preferring the large prairie.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very nice - and lucky you to have worked on them! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@owendinostudios1200]

Good review as always Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Owen! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@111greatbear3]

Bachmann Small prairie tanks are my favourite and regardless of its mechanism I'd still buy more

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's the thing - they can win you over even despite the specs! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@peterstinson1066]

I notice your Bachmann has a water tank which slopes down at the front. My bachmann bought around 2018 has a straight water tank. cant find any original photos with a sloping tank. Good review as always

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting - so that's a variation in Bachmann's tooling? Cool! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dj_efk]

Just picked up the GWR liveried version of this for £40 brand new in the box from a deceased estate auction! It'll be getting a sound chip and speaker - but which one to go for?

[@Jay-hg2ec]

The mechanism may be old but it works! The price is unfortunate compared to what others are doing

[@davidstrains4910]

Decent review there Sam looks like a decent locomotive, I managed to pick up a great locomotive the other day for only £120, the loco was the new tooled princess Elizabeth which is quite a difficult model to get these days.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - ahh that is a good price indeed, nice spot! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andycromwell8229]

If it has a 5 star performance, but then you say has a 2 star mechanism, what would be the point of the manufacture spending capital to upgrade to tooling to put a better mechanism?

[@Divine.Prince]

It’s the GWR 57xx or something. It was in the special edition livery you covered in a previous vid

[@Themodelrailer]

What a cracking little loco at a good price would definitely look out for this one agree with the cab unless you can really get to it like on the new Dapol large prairie there wont be that much to see going round the track so no need for the finicky detail great review as always😊

[@angus987]

Odd one out is the Great Northern and Southern Pannier tank from the railway children

[@SamsTrains]

Very well spotted Angus!

[@deoncerff4180]

Hey Sam. You mentioned you had fixed some of the problems with your Dapol Large Prairie. I have one and it is so frustrating, I have put DCC in it and it is awful. Does not get over points and randomly dies is curves. I have checked the wheel contacts but that did not help. The back guide wheels and it hooking up to rolling stock is also so problematic. I really like this locomotive but boxed it and put it away, I am so frustrated with it. Have you got any advice?

[@SamsTrains]

I don't blame you Deon - have you looked at the rear pony truck issue? Basically it takes too much of the locos weight, and lifts some of the drivers off the track. If you remove the rear pony, there's a little nub on it which needs to be filed away - this massively improves performance! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Brian! :D

[@briandesens144]

@@SamsTrains you're welcome

[@blocked4239]

Very nice model might see if I can find one even though I run eastern region but guess I can make an exception also I like your haircut Cheers Guy

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - I don't think you'll regret it! And haha thanks... I did it myself xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stratman9449]

i got one of those over 10 years ago...nice little runner, but nothing special, but i only paid something like 6ß.- gbp for it.....have to check if it's got a diecast running plate...🙂 shame the "large"prairies are no good....i've always liked the look of those.....it should be so easy to make them run well and powerfull, as they were....

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle might have to get one

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot James- they sure are decent! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dcb_trains]

Nice video. Was going to buy the new one but will try find a second hand one if no updates. Will you be doing the same with new pannier tank?

[@SamsTrains]

I expect so yes! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dcb_trains]

@@SamsTrains looking forward to it 😀

[@MrNoUsername]

Hi Sam, what oil do you use for lubricating your locomotives? Could you also do a comparison video for lubricants? In the same format as the cleaning fluid comparison video

[@kylemaccauley6065]

What’s the difference between a small prairie and a big prairie tank engine

[@Jimyjames73]

Hey Sam - I have 2 Prairie (Large I think) which I got from a Antique Shop in Buxton quite a few months ago now (Can't remember how much I paid for them) & they are both made by Airfix - so that is how old they are & with no sprung buffers!!! 😐🚂🚂🚂

[@SamsTrains]

Very nice Jimy - I've heard good things about the Airfix ones! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tomtative]

Would you recommend the 32-135B over the 32-132?

[@richardlennards7823]

I’ve ordered the new release as my 45 & 55 class are dated I am hoping for a revamped version. Can you review the new one when it’s released.

[@Somerset-Trains]

I own one of these, she's a rather nice model and I only got her for £55

[@iceeblueburst03]

Solid review on the Small Prairie locomotive from Bachmann!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much my friend! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joshwilliams0391]

These worked on my home village’s branch line in South Wales along with the 94xx towards the end of the line’s existence. They would have had a hard life being worked up the valley’s gradients.

[@paulsngaugechannel]

Wow, yes they are still the best looking Tanks, when I modelled in OO , I had a couple of small prairies which ran faultlessly, and one was pre 2000, they always had pride on the layout. Now in N gauge, I am looking for a good example, even if its a non runner, will be great to have. Superb review, and yes it’s a wonderful locomotive. Think you are spot on. Well worth the score. Let’s hope that the new one doesn’t destroy what is like the pecketts, a damn good model.

[@derf9465]

What collet coaches are they? They look far nicer than my old triang suburbans.

[@kylemaccauley6065]

What’s the difference between large and small prairie

[@HyperCat72]

I was wondering... could you 3D print some cowcatchers and headlamps and put them on some of your british engines for the 4th of July. I know you aren't American, but I loved the look of the flying scotsman's usa tour, and I was very sad to see you didn't review the 50 year anniversary set. Also, if you don't want to make the files, I could (try) to make them. Thanks for reading, regardless of your answer

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah of course! That could be a lot of fun, though I already have all my videos for July! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains I also wanted to ask you for the 14th of July, the Bastille day in France, if you can put some blue-white-red on your locomotives too... Well, if you have a French-looking idea, That would be fine too !

[@azuma892]

Sam have you received your Accurascale Deltic? :)

[@SamsTrains]

I haven't! It's bought and paid for, but not even dispatched yet as far as I know! They did say it would take them a few days to get everything out though, hopefully it'll be worth the wait! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

So, worth the buy ? Looking nice, splendid finish (a great point in general by Bachmann), but poor mechanism with zero bearings, three poles motor, zero flywheel, and the 8 pins socket put in the most painfull place to install a decoder. Performances : more than correct. For me, it's a no-go due to the combination of a poor mechanism and a turbocharged price. At GBP 120 RRP, why not, but at GBP170, no. I just have to put her out from my shopping list. By the way, can you do a test for their 4MT standard Mogul and their 64xx ? They are back in their range this summer, and if the mechanism of those both are also a piece of kraft, I would phase them out of my shopping list. Thanks for the video, you makes me save GBP 160.

[@SamsTrains]

That's fair Oliver - it's all in the price for me - I can overlook the issues provided it's a good bargain... otherwise, I'm with you! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@datguymiller]

577xx, it's in the brown railway children's livery

[@Layton_Nando]

Hey Sam! Could you recommend me a steam locomotive to pull Pullman coaches? I don't think 0-4-0 is a good idea, because its small, compared to the coaches.

[@richardlennards7823]

And to answer your question the 45 is my favourite

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

I love my small prairie. Mine runs well and looks good. Great review. Thanks for showing one of my favourites. Regards Paul.

[@SamsTrains]

I do too Paul - glad you liked seeing this one again! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@johnoneill5661]

Nice looking little locomotive, good value at what you paid but not at the current rrp

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's the thing - used to be a much much better price! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Therailwayenthusiast4real]

The only way your going to pay a higher price on a hornby model is if they where actually made in the UK, otherwise I mostly buy pre owned

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Sam, good stuff. I love my Prairie, she's one of my best runners. Great little thing

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Sweet loco, sweet review 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Michael!

[@nameless5413]

Prarie has plenty preserved, good, i reckon about 5 of each is sustainable just in case of accident or disaster. i kinda wonder if there is large and small why noone ever made medium or normal sized one? (mayhaps an osterity times product a slightly smaller than large - metal's expensive, but with more modern technologies) Most expensive models? i'd say that all items should be serviceable (the right to repair is important). Making something unfriendly to servicing is inexcusable weather you are having a fruity logo or making model train loco. Inspite of questionable component it runs well, good at least the most important part works.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right, plenty of them! And I agree, why not have all kinds of prairie sizes?! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@nathanchan4653]

Fun fact: The GWR Small prairies had a habit of swaying from side to side at 10 mph (16 km/h) as the pistons moving side by side made the locomotive lurch in a "waddling" motion

[@marklittlejohn1457]

Thankyou for the video

[@gelwaregeorge2685]

a friend of mine managed to pick two of these up for just 25 pounds each! absolute bargain

[@SamsTrains]

Wow!! The Bachmann ones?! Amazing! :O Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I have one of these engines as my own character Cheers Laura & Felix

[@SamsTrains]

Oh that's such a good idea - so full of character already! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jimward8095]

Would not pay more than £75 s/h and have several,all run perfectly?

[@davidmolin8944]

This sounds alot like Bachman, high price on a older model, still nice looking

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah very much so David! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@malcolmloud9389]

I'm excited to watch watch your live stream tomorrow

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - I hope you enjoy it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ForvoQuizlet]

I think your Bachmann and our (U.S.) Bachmann are two different Bachmanns.

[@azuma892]

Wait the Dapol Large Prairie is in a BR livery, not GWR. Is that the odd one out? Or it could be the Railway Children Pannier. :)

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - It was meant to just include the sidings! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kalebscherlie1503]

Just had to order me a new controller/transformer after my old one finally came to its demise.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh dear sorry to hear that - hopefully the new one is better for you! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@marcod1600]

I have also one only other running number.

[@martinpattison1567]

Sam, are you reviewing these Locmotives because you have changed the way that you used to do it? It is still a shame that you are entering the results into the Rating book when they are clearly older models being compared with the later editions. Not model for model, but for the details at the time when they were made compared to the modern price. So come the end of the year the Top 5 and the worst 5 models for 2022 will include these models. I think you should take a look at your Rating Books and make separate books for new old stock, new locomotives and rolling stock and any accessories. Just a suggestion/opinion. Martin. (Thailand)

[@azuma892]

Sam looks like you have a Hornby Class 87?

[@SamsTrains]

Maybe I do! :D

[@specialfunnelstudios5523]

My favorite is the large prairie as you can probably tell from my name

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes I can - and they're certainly great locos too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@specialfunnelstudios5523]

Of course

[@GreatWestern5199]

2:10 DEFINITELY the Large Prairies. I mean, look at my username and profile picture! 😂

[@hussarzwei6223]

Something’s wrong when the Bachmann version is the best.

[@SamsTrains]

haha! xD

[@sableveil]

There is way to many different classes of Prairies. Whats next?

[@flatfurt1245]

Hey Sam! 👋 I wanna get into making my own model railway eventually, and I was wondering what the best, relatively cheap and available steam engine I could get is. Preferably a 4-4-0 or a 4-6-2, maybe even a large tank engine, you're the expert though so I'm looking for your reccomendation 👍

[@peternorris6438]

Going back to your life feed and your. Six coaches build a coach station for your layout

[@BristolSpotterHD]

Lovely model although mine seems to have stopped working, at full power it’s hardly crawling and smoke emits from the motor, any ideas? I know it’s a steam loco but smoke coming out shouldn’t be there 😂

[@MayoHosko]

Nowadays I expect Bachmann to charge exorbitant prices for old models without upgrades. Really disappointing

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Nice model by bachmann

[@SamsTrains]

It sure is Chase! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

It's also nice that Bachman finally teased the Bachman Ryan

[@pokemontrainermichael5551]

Great loco sam

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

Sam, where's the other video?

[@SamsTrains]

Gone now Kenji - I am working to replace some of my older reviews! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@SamsTrains Will you give the other video back to me right now?

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

@@SamsTrains 😠You’re not **bleep** **bleep** listening to me.

[@formidable38]

I like how they try to sugar coat the crap motor by preceeding it with the word 'powerful' 😂

[@JustinFrazier_360]

So amazing video

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Justin! :D