The Perfect Christmas Gift? Hornby Hogwarts Express Electric Train Set - Unboxing and Review

[@thegreypenguin5097]

I really, genuinely believe that you deserve far more views than you receive. These reviews are always incredibly detailed and in-depth. They always cover what I need to know, and they are extremely helpful. I import all my trains from across the pond, as I think American model trains are cheap and nasty unless you buy the real expensive stuff. I have always been able to count on Hornby for affordable, reliable trains and you for unbiased, honest reviews. I think that you deserve far more views, and let's hope you get much more in the new decade. Cheers from the States!

[@gbjanuary]

Some OO Harry Potter figures would be good to go along with the train set.

[@miked6335]

I couldn't agree with you more! Hornby is really missing the boat by not doing so. They could put out three sets of student wizards, one for each house, a set of professors and a set of non-wizards. And charge an arm and a leg for a set of the main characters. What good are all the buildings without characters running amok though the layout?

[@gbjanuary]

@@miked6335 buildings are lifeless without some figures 👍🏻😀

[@miked6335]

@@gbjanuary I'm one of those granddads Jenny mentioned. I bought the loco and four coaches (and 9 3/4) from Hattons when they came out in 2020. I would definitely buy Potter figures if they would only issue them. I'm too old to scratch-build OO Potter figures.

[@gbjanuary]

@@miked6335 it’s a shame seeing how they released some steam punk figures. Obviously maybe it’s a licensing thing. I’m new to hobby so not into scratch builds just yet still learning.

[@User-3O3]

I love this. I still have the original version of Hornby's Hogwarts Express which my dear, sweet mummy-moo bought for me when I was a boy nearly 20 years ago. Hornby have clearly done well at updating this model. The original version doesn't have the lamp on the front or even any tender pickups. If I remember correctly, the wheels on the tender are plastic. I still love her though.

[@brucewoods9377]

I recently bought the Hogwarts Castle (Hall) and one each of the coaches. They are stunning. Your complaint about the boiler back head not being picked out is of no concern. Put a crew in there and watch it run around the track and you will never notice the omission. Similarly for me, non sprung buffers is not a problem since these models almost never strike buffer to buffer as the tension lock couplers do all of the buffering work. I did install TTS, but as the “Hall” TTS was not available I installed an A4 TTS. Just to let you know, that speaker cut out in the tender does not accept the Hornby standard speaker so it had to be omitted leaving one with a rather light weight tender. All in all, this is still a great model and well worth every cent I spent.. btw, the original Hogwarts train set (about 10 yrs ago) the loco supplied was incorrectly a “Castle” class. Hornby have corrected that issue with this newer release. Jenny you still did an excellent review

[@metadude1234]

Just scored the last of these from my local Mr Toys, childhood dream accomplished

[@alexfogg381]

Funny thing I live in the United States and I have this locomotive, and coaches made by lionel in o gauge , not into the movies at all, but I do like the train from said movies, and it has gone around the Christmas tree for the last two years. I definitely would consider buying this locomotive and coaches to add to my locomotive fleet. My model railway is in oo gauge.

[@ianhaynes5898]

And the engine has a bell.

[@alexfogg381]

@@ianhaynes5898 , indeed it does on the remote control.

[@KimperialMarch]

I'm not a Harry Potter fan and I still feel compelled to add this to my collection.

[@austinyingst5902]

My eBay copy is out for a decoder. It's a hit with two lads that come to my house to play trains. They want it on the big layout and I couldn't resist.

[@gregdone8586]

Brilliant review, really liking this new release of the set. Was quite tempted by this but I've actually got the Hornby railroad 5972 Olton Hall locomotive already and I absolutely love it, such a wonderful loco. Great to see another version of it.

[@andreasavinelli2846]

can you tell me what components you bought to make the steam for the locomotive. Thanks

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Although a not a huge fan of Harry Potter, yesterday I bought one of these sets. A lady had bought it for very young son and realized he was too young for such an intricate model train. She paid £217 for it and sold it to me for £123... I might grow to like Harry Potter yet! If the initial purchase price seems a tad high, it was purchased here in Australia. Model trains are more expensive here. I just converted the price from Aussie dollars to English pounds. Cheers

[@brucewoods9377]

Yeah, our local hobby shop has it for over $400, although Games World are selling it for $399.00

[@GracesGarden80]

Hey Jenny, that’s an excellent review. It does look like a great set. I know climate change is now a much bigger issue and appreciate the need to recycle, but the inside box looks cheap. I don’t know why they’ve chosen to go with their older DC controlled either. I know some places are selling it for £160, but with the common asking price of £200 I do feel an extra coach would’ve been appreciated. It’s seems Hornby have followed Bachmanns lead with only two carriages in a new train set. I saw the Harry Potter layout at Hornby in Margate and it looked magical with the train, station and Hogworts up on the hill!

[@michaelteasdill6410]

Hello Jennifer, So is the current Hogwarts Castle an actual Hall Class Loco(GWR4900) and not a Castle Class Loco(GWR4073). Think the confusion is down to the engine name Castle used on a Hall Class loco) Some are saying in a confusing to those who don't know what they are on about other than to be dramatic.

[@chrismoore7569]

Thank you for the review, I have just brought this for a friends son. Can someone advise if there is a good video on how to fit the track to a board so that it is easier for him to use a grow over time? Thank you

[@gbjanuary]

Hornby website has video or you can find it on KZbin.

[@evanholder9785]

Hello. Love the video. I just received this wonderful set! The detail is amazing. Your video is the only one I’ve seen that shows the decoder fitting. I’m a newbie to the hobby, if I want sound on this model do I need a decoder and a sound chip? Or do the sound decoders “do it all?” Also, once fitted with a decoder can the train no longer run on an analogue setup? Thank you for your help!

[@brucewoods9377]

You just need a TTS (sound) decoder. I don’t know what the Hornby “Hall” decoder sounds like as they weren’t currently available, I installed the A4 TTS decoder as I love the whistle sound

[@mandbhomestead]

Excellent video and review. The Harry Potter movies are one of my favorites. I am hoping to have a Hogwarts Express some day, just need to get building my layout this winter. Thanks for sharing. Ken

[@jamescarryl9690]

Jenny. Yes little Jimmy ( me ) wants one set. I will e mail you my particulars

[@suegould7214]

Great video Jenifer

[@kingrevet1st]

it's a great set but what i would love to see from the range is the coach seen in half blood prince i believe it's a TSO

[@CJTAS]

What material is the main body of the train and carriage made from (metal or plastic)?

[@ralphwest8156]

It's a beautiful model indeed, saw the real Olton Hall in Hogwarts livery in 2014 going through Saltaire. Great review, if you're keeping this set, get out the tiny brushes, copper and brass paint for the cab detail' thanks for sharing.

[@johnb.1149]

Hi Jenny, the light at the front of the locomotive seems more blue than the golden/white seen in the films and on the product packaging. Do you know if we can replace the bulb with an aftermarket one to change the light's hue?

[@brucewoods9377]

Yes just get a super bright whit LED of the same size from your local electronics supplier. And if you don’t know how to fit it I suggest you get someone with some technical expertise to do it

[@donnytello]

@@brucewoods9377 Thanks Bruce!

[@malcolmmedlicott967]

Hi, just watched the review, very good and very informative, please could you tell me if Hornby also make The Flying Scotsman and Polar Express models in super detail, do you have any info on them, also could you tell me if you have reviewed them, MANY THANKS

[@CM-ARM]

I may be modeling N scale but I'm going to try and get one

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

I have on order the TTS version of the loco to run with some LMS maroon coaches with the justification that I have an excursion train to Harry Potter World !!! Nice review Cheers Kev

[@DearestMina]

Is the locomotive metal or plastic?

[@lordmalachi6]

My question is, which is a better set to start with assuming a somewhat limited budget, and limited running space (So may spend more time on a shelf than on track); this one, or the Flying Scotsman? Is the quality of the Harry Potter set significantly higher to justify the loss of a third coach? I understand there's a price difference due to the licensing involved, but the higher price and less in the box makes me hesitate.

[@michaelandrew4488]

Subscribed Jennifer - forgot to do it last time. Liked as well .

[@jamest1503]

What is its loco id number

[@northlanderdude]

maybe it's just me... but the red on the model coaches seems to be a tad darker than the movie coaches.

[@shanequigley6745]

Hi Jenny! Have you had any trouble with this locomotive? I bought one, but it has a short circuit any time I try to run it in reverse.

[@MyChaz2]

Great video. Thanks again for great review.

[@pauljohnson8341]

How much is the set

[@johanswanepoelswanies7483]

Did Hornby listen to you Jen.

[@whitewallwheels1hardcore.m_o_h]

you forgot the front lamp thats new on the latest model

[@SBCBears]

Well, I'm motivated. 👍

[@nesr8786]

Great review as usual Jenny, personally im not into themed railway stock such as Thomas or HP ,i like the mini world idea where you are representing lifelike viewing. sorry Thomas and HP supporters , but thats just me personally,it is a great detailed set though. for now take care and thanks .Mac

[@leifvejby8023]

Good looking set, but does anyone else think they should have used a Castle class locomotive in the film?

[@illusikari]

Great video!

[@rmlectronicsuk2410]

Is it worth the RRP?

[@MrAJH1969]

Great review, but is there a lamp iron broken off from the offside rear of the tender?

[@nigelcarter9503]

Nice review but, how is your channel and others going to cope with COPRA? Are the Americans going to penalise us for their mistakes? I love Harry Potter and Hornby is marketing correctly. The set is great and Hornby has thought about it. Well done. The coaches are and Loco really great. I like the 'Hall' as a GWR nut. It is 'Oulton Hall'. Very well detailed.I would not give it to my 'Nephew' I want it! Well done Hornby. Easy fit DCC great.

[@doctorouroboros]

I think they missed the front lamp, they could’ve put the light there if they made it.

[@BradWoodburn]

The only thing that bothers me is the coaches being a different color than the locomotive. Messes with my OCD hardcore.

[@StripeyNick]

Hi Jenny, you mentioned the numbering not looking quite right. Don't forget that West Coast Railways provided the stock for the film and their numbering is a little on the large side in comparison to standard coach numbering. Hornby represented this on the previous HP range. As for the headlight, I'm guessing that it represents the film quite well in that it's never switched off. The set looks great but can I justify having both an original and a new set??? Hmmm.........

[@metalassault4783]

That's from the Harry Potter trilogy

[@Taran_J]

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[@jackhstproductions649]

I am Little Jimmy