The Best N Scale Steamer So Far? | Sonic Models J50 | Unboxing & Review

[@ct250775]

Thank you for reviewing an other N gauge model!

[@TrentFalkenrath]

Yes! More N-scale please. I've decided on n-scale for my layout. I have nearly a whole room to dedicate to the layout, but I want to prioritize a "realistic" terrain. I'm hoping to build a coastal city with station, a country town with a freight yard, mountains, farm land, etc. Smaller track will give me that variety, I think.

[@dustymodels]

Looking at the crawl test to my eye there definitely seems to be a mild quartering issue, just minimal enough not to cause a complete lockup but could be what is causing those sudden stops in the crawl - a mild bind challenging the rotation and killing the motor at low power. (Disconnecting the motor and rolling it by hand slowly you should be able to see if the quartering makes it lock up at all) Anyway great video, cheers.

[@azuma892]

Today is the 40th anniversary of the Thomas TV series. The original wooden toy of Thomas Awdry made for his son was based on the J50s, is this intentional? 🥲

[@SamsTrains]

It is indeed - no it wasn't but that worked out very nicely!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Q4-mixed]

Well, the original thomas is kinda freelanced, big bunker, slopes that go all the way, the J50 ain’t the best basis for the OG tommy, so yeah

[@Q4-mixed]

But imagine a company like rapido making a thomas that looks like the original for the 80th anniversary of the railway series, hope that comes

[@JohnSaavedraLikesTrains]

Honestly doubt it, as Bachmann is the one who produces n scale Thomas stuff.

[@Q4-mixed]

@@azuma892 welp, maybe rapido or any other brand may get thomas license and make one for the 80 year old tank engine (109 years old in canon)

[@phillipmackay1536]

Again I would encourage you to try a Japanese N scale from Kato or Tomix, in my opinion some of the best detailed and smoothest running N scale models out there! (Kato especially). And very reasonably priced. I get mine direct from Japan for the equivalent of about £55 for a large (2-6-4) tank engine up to £65 for a large 2-8-2 or 4-6-4 tender engine. Also there is a Japanese company that produces moveable and useable N scale 3-Link and screw link couplings. they're 3D printed and very delicate, but if handled carefully look great and are surprisingly easy to use.

[@bryantan863]

Sonic Models has done a fantastic job of making the LNER J50 a quality model. It is reasonably priced and it is very easy to maintain it properly. Overall, it is a superb model Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

I think so too - great model, great price - just the job really! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rsceptre8187]

Hi Sam, If you’re just getting into N-Scale models, then there are also some great models by some European manufacturers, namely Arnold, Fleischmann and Minitrix. They’re expensive, but well worth it, especially the newer ones!

[@DSuer-mf2vy]

They have the wrong scale 1:160.

[@rsceptre8187]

@@DSuer-mf2vy True, but if Sam wants to branch out in N scale, most others are 1:160 as well. Plus, the difference is barely noticeable even up close.

[@MarkInLA]

see mine

[@stuartaaron613]

It was nice to see that the issue with the coupling rods was just a case of slop which didn't negatively affect the running of the locomotive. Also, I think that the reason it ran well over the points is that it has a rather long wheelbase which helps keep at least one set of drivers on live rails.

[@RG-Models86]

If you like this model Sam, then try their N scale GWR 56XX tank. A mate of mine has one, and it looks and runs fantastic.

[@grumbeast]

I have one and it looks great and is a sweet runner. The J50 looks to be just as good

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sounds great - I'll have to do that thanks! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joelightrailway2362]

40 years of Thomas the Tank Engine with the review of J50 tank that Thomas supposed to be. Excellent review Sam 👍

[@SamsTrains]

haha it worked out great didn't it! Thank you :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@conspiratordrew]

I came here to leave the same comment

[@edwardkenworthy7013]

Interesting, I'd always assumed they were all based on LMS engines as Henry and Gordon always looked more Stannier than Gresley to my eye.

[@ianjeffery6744]

Thomas - in the books, at any rate, and on Awdry's model layout - was based on the LBSCR E2 class 060T.

[@Bigbigpoopi]

​@ianjeffery6744 his sketch WAS a J50, and Henry was just a 4-4-2 C1 Atlantic

[@redversb2347]

Amused me when you mentioned about the couplings 'engaging' in N gauge. 😂

[@SamsTrains]

hahahaha!! I didn't notice that!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ERIO_gaming]

Can you review an n gauge class 66? Would be great for the diesel enthusiasts. Anyways, great review Sam, I really enjoyed watching it! I hope you will review more n gauge products in the future because I am one myself.

[@David_Mattox]

Ever since you started N scale, you have no idea how long I’ve waited for this review. J50 is a personal favorite, so it’s nice to see it run well in N gauge. Cheers, Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh thanks David - really glad you liked this one - it's a fab loco isn't it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@The_Flying_kipper]

Honestly Sam, you need to try out the Bachman Thomas n gauge- it’s a phenomenal runner !

[@PaulNicoll-b8c]

I think because it's N gauge most enthusiasts especially at exhibitions would be looking at it from above, but all in all it looks good

[@dutchbeef8920]

I’ve not seen any OO or HO layouts at eye level buy maybe I’ve been going to the wrong shows 😂🎉😛

[@Calilasseia]

First thoughts ... [1] Wait ... did the real J50 have unequal axle spacing? Quick spot of checking later, and yes, apparently it did. That's an odd design feature. [2] How did they cram that much detail into such a small model? [3] I can imagine that persuading a model that small to run well is an engineering challenge to put it mildly. (I dread to think what's needed at Z scale!) [4] The coupling hilarity again makes me ask how much of a challenge it is, to make couplings of such small size that work perfectly. Apparently multiple attempts have been made to do this, but the Arnold Rapido couplings still persist because they became a _de facto_ standard pretty early on. [5] That N scale J50 model really is a little peach, isn't it?

[@finlayfraser9952]

Sam, are you keeping abreast of Hornby's financial woes?

[@derekm.6130]

Sam, you really should try Bachmann’s N Scale Thomas. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much better it is than the HO version!

[@Marcstrainsandfunko]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THOMAS fitting model for the occasion Sam 😂😂

[@agreenwelltank21]

This is one model I have nothing but positive things to say, it ran well and could pull the few rolling stock I had. Unfortunately while trying to add the cab details I broke the circuit board, but now it has use as a tender engine with a powered tender. I need to buy another in the future.

[@kclassproductions]

I genuinely thought the model on the thumbnail was OO scale! Great review Sam

[@miketiller6046]

Great review. Just building up my fleet of N scale and working on a British themed layout. Have purchased Graham Farish, Dapol, and EFE and wanted to try out one of the Sonic models. I will purchase this one. Though the brands I mention run OK, I am perplexed at why none of these companies can come anywhere close to the performance of Kato N scale steam engines. The (inexpensive) Kato engines I purchased show A+ performance at all speeds.....especially at crawling. Shame the Kato mechanism designs can not be replicated by these British companies.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. Is it my imagination, or did the "quartering" issue resolve itself during the running in sequence (I believe it was the left-hand side that looked a little off)? I think the coupling issue was due to the coupling on the coach bogie being at an inclined angle, so not the loco's fault.

[@ecdrailroad885]

Have you considered looking at any of the Bachmann Thomas and Friends N scale range?

[@billybobbassman]

Hi Sam, thank you for the great review. Sonic is one brand in N gauge I don't own, so your detailed review has convinced me I need to buy one for my layout 👍🚂

[@MariaMartíneztriiviño]

Lima also did it in 00, am a proud owner of one!

[@dutchbeef8920]

Love mine in the green, so nice

[@adamwilliams192]

The issues you experienced with couplings are symptomatic of NEM pockets and there no springs (as per older stock in N). Nothing against the J50 in this case. The locos itself is impressive for a relative newcomer, but I believe the founder / owner of Sonic has previous experience in the model railway industry. Thanks for keeping up the N gauge reviews.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Adam, that makes sense! Yes I wouldn't be surprised if they had prior experience - this is a damn good job! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tubularap]

I think it was the coupling of the coach that was a bit too high. The locomotive deserved more coupling attempts with the other coach or wagons.

[@robertsparks3685]

Absolutely lovely to see these early engines made is such good detail.

[@SamsTrains]

I think so too - such a treat isn't it?! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukejackson8741]

Love this prototype would love an updated OO version… you do need to put some work into the n-gauge ‘layout’ just not enough space or interest on there to do your proper range of testing

[@TankEngineMedia]

I’m trying to not make a sonic the hedgehog joke from the name sonic models. It is also fitting considering that it’s the anniversary of the Thomas the tank engine tv series Thomas originally was conceived as a J50

[@MarkInLA]

22:38 Still looks like some quartering may be needed (just like when you first set it down). In fact whenever you stop it the side rod is slanted..So there likely is a bit of binding..

[@mkaustralia7136]

The coupling rod on the LHS seems to be pretty close to parallel with the footplate and the rail head when the loco is in motion. So the very visible angle on it out of the box must be a bit of slop in the attachments. Could not get a good enough view of the RHS (when in motion) to see if that was so there too. It was fine in the static close ups in the detail segment.

[@shteviemac8310]

Love to see n gauge getting a shout over here at Fintona Junction, nice one Sam 👍

[@OldSonyMan]

xmas '79 I got a Lima train set with a BR class 31, it was great but on new years eve I left it running whilst visiting the loo and when I returned it had got stuck, burnt out the motor and melted the body. That was the last N gauge that I ever got !

[@Talesfromtherails8277]

Hey Sam, are you thinking about any other American n scale locomotives? Like Kato or Broadway limited imports stuff? A pacific or mikado would be really cool to see you do.

[@martinpattison1567]

I have looked at a few of the comments below this one and it seems like I am the only one that noticed the coupling on the rear of the loco is too high, it engages, but looking at the coaches and wagons, their couplings line up perfectly. It does look like the quartering is slightly out of alignment. Martin. (Thailand)

[@forrestrobin2712]

A great loco! When I think of Graham Farish locos of the 1970’s- 80’s 😮… I have some N gauge, but prefer 00 simply because of the size. If I had the money and space I’d go for 0… But for the price, this looks really good. Well done Sonic Models. I wish they’d do some 00…

[@Vectorspace000]

You mentioned Sonic's A5 in 00. Sonic have announced an N scale A5 coming next year

[@shinyhntr1912]

Great video. Sonic really are a good upcoming manufacturer . Have you considered a small mini series detailing the N/tt layout . Ballast,grass. Buildings ect. I think itd becreally cool to watch

[@SamsTrains]

I think they are too - yeah that would be fun actually, good idea! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robfrith103]

Excellent review again Sam. My one question would be if the body was made out of metal, would the details be less fine and have less fidelity? So maybe it was a detail choice?

[@LincolnshireRose]

A DCC equipped loco would run slightly better due to the PWM signal it uses to turn the motor. And of course you can adjust the running speed on the speed curve. Have you adjusted your controller to N gauge voltage standards? Just a few thoughts Sam......

[@donsharpe5786]

A good review. However those disproportionately large couplings in N gauge puts me off, just like the Hornby big D couplings.

[@ralphnoyes4366]

Oh gosh yes !!

[@supstersmodelrailways3202]

Hi. Maybe you should try coupling the loco to the peco wagons? We all know what dapol 00 gauge couplings are like with their issues. Having said that, can’t say I’ve seen many or any shunting layouts with lots of couplings and uncoupling etc. if I was an N gauge modeller I’d have one though. Nice model.

[@sparkshot]

Really impressed, possibly the best looking N tankie I've seen. Coupling rods don't look overly chunky either. At around ~£100 in 2024 it's an absolute steal.

[@tnxrail]

If you want to look at something different you should try Tomix or Kato Japanese trains in this scale.

[@andystocks3252]

Could you do an unboxing and review on the Sonics Class 61XX Large Prairie please. I think this is a lovely engine and it would be ace to see how you think it compares with the J50

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

Seeing where the top of the cab is separated from the main body is really bugging me, but if you saw it in person rather than on an HD zoomed in image you probably wouldn't notice. Very cool model

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah - the OO version is like that too - not something that was obvious in person though as you say! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@falconeye577]

always get your Engines and Rolling Stock with Magnetic Couplings

[@TheWoodlandhoBo]

Nice one Sam. Are you going to the great electric show in MK this weekend?

[@stefanegger]

I think there is a line or gap below the roof, kinda like seperated parts. I dont think on the original it had seperateable roof top.

[@mysilentwake]

Good review. I have the same loco. Some N gauge locos have stunning cab detail. Check out the Farish C class.

[@thomasfrancis5747]

Nice model. Shame about the sink marks in the roof hatch. Be interesting to compare it with Hornby's forthcoming TT120 J50.

[@misterbizznizz]

any idea when that one will be released? I am still deciding between N scale or TT for my British layout...

[@davidballoid2118]

If you say so Sam! Aside from the color, they look the same to me! 🤣

[@robertlucido3686]

Are you going to review N gauge locomotives with DCC and N gauge steam locomotives from the USA soon

[@SamsTrains]

Maybe yes! I'd like that :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joek5882]

Just got home from an awful morning of oral surgery...and here is Sam waiting for me to talk trains. Feeling a bit better now! 🚂🚃🚃

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that sounds awful - hope you're doing okay my friend - all the best to you! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NOSHER]

At least you can choo choo even if you can't chew.

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

10:27 anyone else notice the small gap in the cab? Might need to press down on that a little. Also, are the side rods a bit skewed or is it just me? They don't look level

[@Decrepit_biker]

San, do know N gauge couplings were designed to be able to push rolling stock without coupling when going slowly to aid shunting?

[@SomeGuynamedOtto]

pretty excited for this the model looks very very nice looking from the thumbnail

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome - hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lilyzzworld]

You should consider looking at some of the bachmann n scale stuff for thomas

[@Lucien86]

N scale are fighting a far harder battle against physics than O scale simply because of the small size and weight. This is also why most don't seem to have flywheels - the tiny amount of inertia they can store means its just not worth it. I actually have a model train set that's even smaller than N scale (half the size) but it barely works at all and is basically only a toy. (it came from Japan) 😀

[@Jimyjames73]

What a Lovely little Loco - I've got a similar Loco in 00 scale!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@ricktownend9144]

The problem with coupling is that the coaches are not braked, as they would be in real life. Perhaps an imaginative manufacturer could come up with a DCC fitted coach with a 'handbrake' - you'd only need one in a train, so perhaps a brake-coach would be appropriate, where there would be room without messing up the interior detail. For DC, perhaps an inconspicuous lever - maybe something you could design to be 3D printed?

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh thanks for this info - much appreciated! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Antluvstrains]

Happy 40th anniversary of Thomas and Friends everyone.

[@SamsTrains]

Happy 40th to Thomas and Friends! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@DaveC1964]

Sprung buffers? 😊

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

Hello Sam … do you recon if it’s possible to do a KZbin short to test if the Bachman NG7 Wuarry hunslet can have acctual hook and loop Nem couplers fitted to it to pull some 00 hornby models like perhaps blood and custard coaches . I mean a O scale narrow gauge engine pulling some express bogie coaches on a mainline set a whole half scale to small for it 😂 If this is doable I would love it . Please respond if you are curios on if it would work ? Thanks for reading sam . Bye 👋🏽

[@edwardkenworthy7013]

In 2024 all N gauge models should be available with DCC sound fitted. I used to fit DCC sound myself but in 2024 I just ignore models that aren't available with it already fitted. The difference is just night and day.

[@topgearisgreat]

Truly a beautiful train. It is a bit pricey though. I'll stick to my Katos until i'm rich enough to pay off my student debt 😭

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. Comment Part 2. I have exactly the same model. Your model seems to have a slightly bowed running plate and some excess glue marks; also, minor paint issues. My model has a straight running plate. Given the model's size, I cannot see with the naked eye whether mine has the same glue marks or paint issues. I'm sure you can't see the minor defects while the model is running around your track. Cameras see everything!

[@thomastrainzfan4444]

I can’t believe it. 40 years of TTTE. And no Thomas content… Joke ofc, excellent video as always!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's crazy isn't it? Glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thomastrainzfan4444]

@@SamsTrains no worries!

[@ianjeffery6744]

Excellent value, but why are manufacturers seemingly obsessed with the J50s? They weren't anywhere near as ubiquitous as, for example, the LMS Fowler Jinty 060T...

[@stefanegger]

28:14 - is that not the absolute minimum requirement for a train product?

[@xursoo6464]

I was wondering, will you ever looks at z scale model trains ? I recently got a set from marklin and for the size i feel like it's pretty good, i feel like z scale is pretty underrated

[@randytaylor1258]

Good N-scale steam locos have this lovely jewel-like quality about them, and this one genuinely sparkles. I would have liked to see some lights but I'm picking nits. For the price this is an excellent model. I'm not sure I would have taken off points for its plastic body as this passes the "not toylike" test as it is. The decoration is first-rate.

[@SamsTrains]

You're right they do - it certainly does sparkle! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Eric_Hunt194]

I know this is a bit pedantic and nitpicky, but "N" and "OO" are gauges, not scales. Hence the box of this model having "N Gauge, 1:148 scale" on the front.

[@SamsTrains]

They're gauges and scales - this is N gauge and N scale! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@user-eb8ld6kn8t]

Gauge is the distance between tracks and scale is the ratio between size of model and the real thing. Heard that technically it is N gauge (not scale) and 1:148 scale (or 1:160 scale outside of UK). Bachmann have confused things by referencing 'n scale' or 'oo scale' 9n their models. Although what is apparently technically correct does not make complete sense as a concept as it does not explain why OO gauge and HO gauge are differentiated (gauge the same but scale different)

[@randytaylor1258]

Just a question: Why did you stop using photos and videos of prototype equipment to accompany your description of the real equipment? Was it copyright issues?

[@SamsTrains]

I haven't done that for years! Yeah I just prefer to use all my own material wherever possible! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

0:12 - Low pitch. I want regular pitch.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry for that Kenji! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kevinblakeman8858]

Hi sam you could do a review of the sonic model's n gauge GWR 61xx Loco

[@terrycharleslewis7565]

Hey Sam great review 👍 could you review their GWR Prairie Tank please mate? Regards Terry 😊

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

Hi Sam. Hope the hornby tt version is just as good. caroline.

[@mandowarrior123]

This video seemed targeted at me, just had to get one with your link. Thank you so much. Can't wait to get it.

[@schuylerschultz804]

I gotta say they could've done better with the quality in a few spots. The white lining on the front buffer beam shows a LOT of streaking up close, and the glue marks at the base of the handrails and the light flashing of one of the tank caps are also a knock against the model. But It's otherwise a nice little model. I also find it REALLY interesting that the majority of the locos you've reviewed in N scale are Dapol, and ALL FOUR OF THEM take up the bottom four spots in the rankings! HMMMMMMM........

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

Nice little locomotive so hats off to Sonic. Great review, Jersey Bill

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Bill - very much so! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MayoHosko]

We need more affordable reliable models full stop

[@massmike11]

You need to try a loco from Kato

[@RichardKuivila1947]

WOW ! Runs great with bad quartering on rear left driver ! (Auto fix in photos ?) ---------------------------------

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah not sure if it's just slop rather than a quartering issue - no problem running! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@sbee9373]

It looked as though it had more or less sorted itself out between the unboxing and getting it running(?). Looked like the lh front steps (as viewed from the front) were wonky...?

[@scotthamp384]

Is there a difference between N scale and OO9 scale? If so, do you know what it is?

[@stuartaaron613]

OO9 are OO scale trains running on N gauge track to replicate trains running on narrow gauge (other than 4 ft 8.5 in) track.

[@mysilentwake]

N Gauge is 2mm scale and OO9 is 4mm scale. The gauge is the same for both at 9mm but OO9 is narrow gauge and N Gauge is standard gauge. To put it even more simply; you can use OO9 on OO railways as narrow gauge railways running next to standard gauge as the scale is the same.

[@scotthamp384]

@@mysilentwake but N scale and OO9 cannot go on the other size?

[@mysilentwake]

@@scotthamp384 They are different scales so are not right to use together on one layout.

[@dutchbeef8920]

@@scotthamp384you can do whatever you want on your layout. There is no right or wrong.

[@stealthninja5]

When it comes to n gauge, unlike their oo gauge and o gauge counterparts, the couple-up mechanism is just so terrible, ain't it (only way to coupling up is by manual or fast speed)?

[@cmc9775]

Hey, since it wobbles you could call it Duck... Then you could say it waddles.

[@MarkInLA]

PS. Sam, or anybody, I'm confused. I know we're in N gauge here (1:160). So why is box stating 1:148 ? I'm a Yank in HO (1:87), so maybe I'm not savvying a British modeling situation...

[@MichaelWhite-i3b]

Nice little engin !

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Michael!

[@chargoesboom6990]

hey Sam will you be doing something for the 40th anniversary of Thomas

[@SamsTrains]

Not directly, but I have more Thomas content on the way soon! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@2DIttyBitty]

009 Skarloey review when?

[@SamsTrains]

Got something along those lines coming soon! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jackstrains4468]

Do you think you'll review an accurascale class 31 at some point sam? Maybe compare it tk a hornby railways and a bachmann one too? That'd sure be an interesting video! The accurascale one even has a working fan!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes I'd definitely like to! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Keaness]

“People say I waddle”

[@Trainsaregreat365]

I think you should review the kato 2021 c11 Spoiler alert it's good

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

Hey Sam, finally got the chance to catch the video on release! That little gem looks amazing, almost as good as the 2mm finescale (EM for n scale) scratch builds! It's coupling rods are also better than anything rtr in 00 funny enough! My favourite N gauge steam loco is my Tomix Thomas the Tank, because its crawl is amazing and it runs superbly (with its flywheel I might add), but the body is TT3 scale!

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I think they did a good job on making this model Sam. I'm probably get one for my N scale layout soon, although I'll probably wait until the price comes down just a little bit. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam

[@Jessecolliton3992]

hello Sams trains