Unboxing the Wrenn 2-6-4 Tank Engines

[@robinforrest7680]

Wrenn also did a Caledonian blue liveried version and a GWR green one which are in a catalogue I have from the early ´80’s. I sold a couple when I had a Saturday job in my local model shop. I’d imagine they’re very rare and probably worth a few bob now. They did these liveries just to provide a bit of variety. I’ve got a Dublo 2-rail version 80033 in correct BR lined black. Great locos. I get decent slow speed running with these with my H&M Duette on half wave rectified current or using the high resistance setting.

[@donsharpe5786]

The southern region did build 40 2-6-4 tanks to the LMS Fairburn design. Prior to this the southern had converted their 2-6-4 tanks to 2-6-0 tender engines due to a dreadful accident and were nervous about building passenger tanks of this type. The accident was probably caused by poor track and track was improved using better quality ballast from Meldon quarry in Devon.

[@SamsTrains]

That's quite interesting Don - so the SR will have had tanks quite similar looking to these then! Blimey - I'll have to read up on the incident! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam, the model 1927 is a Southern Maunsell W Class 2-6-4T designed from an N1 class 2-6-0 introduced in 1931, sadly by the early 1950's only 15 were left, they were dispersed between 73A Stewarts Lane. 73C Hither Green and 75C Norwood Junction Depots. Unfortunately and judging by the photo I have in front of me your model is of a BR Standard tank painted to look like the W Class. Great Review as always keep up the excellent work!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Leroy - I'm pretty sure this is a Standard tank model, made to look like what you describe! I like it anyway! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

We are diametrically opposed (geographicaly) I am now resident in Bristol. I really enjoy your reviews of LNER GNR & GC locomotives and have learnt a lot, my knowledge of these was limited to shed bashes in the 1960's. I am a supporter of Amnesty International Books Bristol and it is taking a real hammering from lockdown. They are cash strapped and are selling off books 3 for £5, needless to say I am stocking up on the railway items. Stay safe Regards LH

[@johncunningham6928]

I've only just seen this video... Which is excellent, by the way. As a number of people have said, the Wrenn 2-6-4s, like the Hornby Dublo ones before them, are the BR Standard 4MT locos. But they are on a direct line of development from the original Fowler 2-6-4, through Stanier and Fairburn versions, the Riddles' Standard design. And quite a few of the BR Standard 4MTs were built at Brighton for the Southern Region. On the subject of the liveries, Hornby Dublo did that quite a bit, a practice inherited, I think, from the old O gauge tinplate locos, which were quite generic and produced in a variety of liveries. Hornby Dublo also made an N2 which came out in a variety of liveries. Not sure about Wrenn's choice of number for the 'Southern' tank. 1927 was the year of the Sevenoaks Railway Disaster, which involved on of Southern's River tanks, and led to them being rebuilt as the first 20 of the U class moguls. And finally, one of the original Hornby Dublo Standard 4's was used at an atomic research station, and clocked up a fair old mileage...

[@vincentberkan605]

LMS #2679 was built on May 23rd, 1945 by Derby Works. She was a Fairburn 2-6-4. She became BR #42679 in 1948 and was withdrawn from service on June 23rd, 1962. It was cut up for scrap at Doncaster Works on April 20th, 1963. I couldn't find any info on the southern engine though. Also the LMS one is also a BR standard 4.

[@SamsTrains]

Very interesting - thanks Vincent! It's possible that the Wrenn ones were fictional - who knows? Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@williamcarrington3474]

Fairburn 2-6-4 s were operating in Belfast ,1969 .

[@williamcarrington3474]

Vincent Berkan Good info. In 1969 Fairburns were in Belfast.

[@iancooper3763]

Hi Sam. I can't quite figure out why Wrenn would paint Hornby Dublo 2-6-4T engines in era 3 liveries. I have some but I don't know if they will still run. I did have a ride on the footplate of one on the last Friday of operation on The Cuckoo line from Polegate to Eridge. I also had a footplate ride on the tender version the Standard 4MT 4-6-0 from Towyn to Machynlleth. Aren't I the jammy one. From Ian Cooper.

[@oscarpaisley]

Great look locomotives. Irrespective of colour schemes! Manufacturers of all types of goods are usually guilty of colouring things differently to make better sales. In this case these are just fantastic things to have so who cares. Toy trains are great. Love the video. Oscar

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Oscar - I agree, I love these engines, and really glad I managed to get them! All the best mate, Sam :)

[@metal_wheels]

I'd love to see these vintage locos gets revisited video one day

[@vincentberkan605]

LMS #2311 was built on February 22nd, 1928 at Derby Works. It later became BR #42311 in 1948 and was retired from active service on April 13th, 1964. It was Cut up at C.W. Butler Scrapyard on July 31st, 1964.

[@SamsTrains]

Very nice! Thanks again mate, very interesting :) All the best, Sam :)

[@iancooper3763]

I found a way of getting the fly wheel effect on the Hornby Dublo 2 rail Standard 4T 2-6-4T but I won't divulge what I did until I find the loco and see if it still works. From Ian Cooper.

[@Wilso-cy2io]

Sam 20 out 0f 10, I might be a bit biasist, keep up the good work, both great. Regards John from Oz.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks very much, really appreciate that - I'm really fond of these too - lots more Wrenn to come though! Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@NorthernSoulExpress]

yes the locos are based on the BR standard 4MT, and the one that was of similar design by the LMS was the Stanier 2-6-4 not the fowler, I think they painted the green one because a lot f standard 4MTs were built in Brighton, on the southern region, and the red one so they could make a Stanier 4MT without having to make a completely different body. Wrenn are notorious for inauthentic painting, the made the SR R1 0-6-0T in southern green, LMS red, Esso grey and many more. hope this helps, great review as always, and I hope Gresley makes it into your great engineers running days. keep the faith - callum

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for the comment and the useful info as always Caullum, very kind of you to take the time to let me know! Yeah, Wrenn do a lot of that, but they make for nice collectors items! Yes, Gresley will be in the series hehe! Cheers, Sam :)

[@keithw6026]

Hi Sam, great stuff this is. Both locos are exactly the same and they are basically the Hornby-Dublo BR Standard 2-6-4 tank. Neither of the liveries is correct as they were only ever painted in BR Mixed Traffic Lined Black. The model was originally released in 1954 as a three rail loco with the running number 80054. However, I think Wrenn did a pretty fair job of maintaining several Hornby-Dublo locos with the cast bodies together with a fair range of their own items. Please keep the videos coming as they are very interesting and you give the models a refreshing opinion.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Keith - yes you're right they certainly are! Agreed, Wrenn were very good for the time! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@janiceandcliff]

Yes, these are reliveried standard four tanks, Wrenn must have wanted to extend sales. Very good looking locos, the real ones probably much sought after for our preserved lines. : ) Regards, Cliff.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Cliff, yeah I thought was much - quite an interesting thing to have done - I imagine Hornby would be slaughtered if they did something like that nowadays! Yeah, I love them too, very nice - and it'd be great to see one in real life! Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@robbiesmodeltrainsinoo6459]

More interesting and informative reviews Sam great to watch.One of the best model oo locos ever made beginning with Dublo 3 rail in 1954 i think.I have a couple of Wrenn 2-6-4 tanks in BR black livery and the attractive Caledonian Railway in blue.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Robbie, really pleased you liked it! Yeah, the Dublo 3 rail stuff does look fantastic, though I've never had any! Wow, that CR blue one especially must look amazing, and the black ones look great too! Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@donsharpe5786]

Wrenn produced the 2-6-4 T in different company colours although they were not correct because this was the BR engine and should only have been in BR black. It was based on the Hornby Dublo 2-6-4 Tank, which was available in both 2 and 3 rail version. The original casting had a terrible chimney and this was replaced in the early 1960s. I had one as a birthday present in the early 1960s and it was the most powerful engine we had. It even beat the Hornby Dublo ringfield 2-8-0 (I managed to burn out the motor of a ringfield 2-8-0). It was able to pull every coach and wagon we had at that time. The BR 2-6-4 tank was the ultimate development, which started with the Fowler 2-6-4 T through the Stanier versions through the Fairburn versions till the Riddles BR Standard 2-6-4 tank.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes absolutely right - I didn't know they updated parts such as the chimney though, that's quite interesting. This must have been very very impressive in 1960 - truly the creme of the crop! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@W0wzersNumber1337]

Actually, arthur is a 2-6-2; but the close similarity between the 2-6-2 and 2-6-4 and the LMS paint make it look so much like him; also the body style.

[@SamsTrains]

Ah yeah you're right - I must have been thinking of Belle, I always get those mixed up! Thanks a lot for watching, Sam :)

[@iceeblueburst03]

Nice strong and big looking Tank Engine you got there! IDK why people usually say that this locomotive is based on Arthur from Thomas and Friends since Arthur is a 2-6-2 LMS tank engine. This locomotive is more like Belle who is the Blue fire engine from Thomas and Friends even though in real life this locomotives wouldn't have water guns or cannons to spray out water for putting out fires.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate! haha yeah that's true - I do get a lot of Arthur comments on this one! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@JaeV2000]

another fantastic wrenn review, and 2 beautiful locos, they are br std 4s but just in big 4 liveries, the std 4 was based off the old Fowler 2-6-4s, or though the southern livery is very odd but still very nice !

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate - yeah, it's weird that they put them in Big 4 liveries - theres a GWR one too! Glad you like them though, Sam :)

[@JaeV2000]

very cool, probably based of the large preries

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Very nice locos Sam, I do like your changing camera angles, looks very professional...Simon

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much as always Simon, really glad you enjoyed it, All the best mate, Sam :)

[@paulroberts9704]

Looks great but sorry if it was never in those colours i would have to repaint to BR black

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's very true - Wrenn were infamous for their wide range of liveries, realistic or not! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@glentonkin8688]

another nice video sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Glen, glad you liked it! Cheers, Sam :)

[@glentonkin8688]

no worries mate :)

[@kupferbergbahn7952]

it is a BR standard 4 by the way so i don't know why it's in southern an LMS but think she looks great in red. :3

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I thought so - very odd! I suppose it was a way of making more money, to do some variations! Glad you liked them though - I love these too! All the best, Sam :)

[@strosiemead4242]

Excellent as always, another 2 cracking locos. Slightly prefer the Southern but only just. I would like to see a loco fleet update soon because there must be quite a few additions since the last one. All the best.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks again Keith, much appreciated! I'm with you on that one - can't beat that fabulous southern livery! And definitely - I'm hoping to do one roughly in September time... that makes it 1 year on from the last one, so makes for good comparison! It's going to be a long one though... there's about 70+ more than there was lol ;) Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@Catacfr1]

Big LMS fan here, from Eastern Europe (odd isn t it) and I would say that it would've been better to review the LMS one. Because...LMS is the best. I will write here what I wanted to say to you for a long time: I am a collector of European model trains, mostly german, eastern and western (but not UK) trains, I have only stock in HO but I absolutely love the way you review locomotives and how you test their pulling power and so on. I actually never knew that engines stuggle or not with wagons and so on. I don't know if I didn't think about it before even thought I ''drive'' model trains since I know myself. Maybe in UK it's different from the European manufacturers but still, we have lot of weight on coaches and wagons as well and engines that are heavy to being a ton very heavy :)) Maybe in the future I will get an UK model train set. I always have the thought of having to model railways, one in OO UK and one HO EU. In the end i want to say that is very interesting that you have 60's-70's models. LMS is the best, LMS, LMS. =))

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's fair enough, the LMS one is lovely - I just showed this one, because its so much more rare than the LMS version! That sounds great - yeah sometimes you get ones that struggle, but mostly because they're too light... not these though! Go for it - the UK sets are definitely great fun! Thanks a lot for your kind words, Sam :)

[@haydenteheuheu6327]

There are three train set at my local hobby shop Gloucester city Pullman, master of the glens and the flight of the mallard witch one the you recommend

[@SamsTrains]

I personally would prefer the Gloucester City pullman, or flight of the Mallard - they're both amazing by the looks of it! Best of luck, Sam :)

[@haydenteheuheu6327]

+Sam'sTrains thanks mate

[@alfiewenn9440]

Think sdjr used the earlier version so could have one in prussian blue

[@ChapelEndJunctionUK]

Changed the coaches colour in the intro again Sam , two great loco's but they are for collectors I think . If I was buying a loco now it would have to have cab detailing to modern standards I'm afraid . Great video as usual . Cheers.......Peter .

[@SamsTrains]

Yes! I decided I'd always change them every few months... but I kept forgetting! Yeah you're right, they're no good for realism, but I love them because they're vintage + super over-engineered! All the best mate and thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrisharvey9580]

another great video Sam. I'm 14 and already waiting to get so many locos for my collection. I also believe that this train is 'Arthur' from "Thomas the tank engine" (TV series 6)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! It's great that you want to get a collection... and tell every one you know, because we need as many youngsters as we can doing this! Yeah, I think you're right about Arthur too - someone else said the same! All the best, Sam :)

[@russellbenton2987]

It's a BR Standard 4MT tank, Sam. In real life they only appeared in BR black. These versions are a figment of Wrenns imagination. They did them in inaccurate "big 4" liveries probably to increase sales . I think there was also a Caledonian blue one. It was from a time in the 70s where manufacturers thought they could get away with painting things inaccurate colours. For years Hornby made Mk1 coaches in LMS , Southern and GWR liveries, even though they were only BR coaches.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Russell - I thought as much! You're right yeah, there was a CR blue one! I suppose realism was less important in those days... still fun locos though! All the best mate, and thanks for watching! Sam :)

[@stashyjon]

The Cally 2-6-4T really did exist. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway had at one time two ex-LMS Fairburn 4P 2-6-4Ts The were 42073 and 42085. For some obscure reason the L&HR painted 42073 in LNWR lined black complete with LNWR crest, and 42085 in Caledonian blue. These odd liveries lasted until at least the very late 1980's before they were repainted into more authentic liveries. (I visited the L&HR in 1988 and 42085 was still blue then) Interestingly as the Standard 4 tanks were nearly identical to the LMS Fairburn 4s the model Wrenn did in the Cally colours was in a way prototypical. Photo of the Cally 4 here.. c2.staticflickr.com/8/7024/6722528719_80a631726c_b.jpg

[@SamsTrains]

Oh that's really interesting - I never knew that , thanks for that Jon. It really looks beautiful in that livery! Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@russellbenton2987]

+Sam'sTrains yes only thing was the Lakeside and Haverthwaite loco was a Fairbairn tank, not quite the same as a Standard. The Wrenn loco looked good though. Bachmann had a limited edition Fairbairn tank in Caley blue a few years back in their collectors club. It was a sell out, so possibly look out for that one too.

[@TroublesomeJunction]

I like the lms one alot more only because it reminds me of a thomas and friends character called Arthur!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah, I love that one too - and yeah, I'm told Arthur was based on that! Cheers, Sam :)

[@des10july1946]

Great review Sam. ....3 fantastic looking Locomotives in correct livery or not ...Des

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Des - fully agree with you there, cant beat them! All the best, Sam :)

[@louisianahighballproductio6954]

They might be stanier tank engines. that lms liveriy is beautiful

[@SamsTrains]

Oh is that right? Who knows, it's very strange lol! Thanks very much for watching and commenting, Cheers, Sam :)

[@AdiPullen]

Lima did it with j50 in lms livery

[@SamsTrains]

Oh is that right? It might be correct, i'm no expert... it just seemed wrong to me haha! All the best mate, Sam :)

[@sarahwood8182]

It could be a fairburn tank loco

[@miscellaneous.7127]

15:04 is the overall supposed to be an average of the above or an independent score because the mean for it is 8.4. :)

[@SamsTrains]

No it's not an average - because for me, performance is worth more than value, for example - and the detail weighs higher than the character etc!

[@lukeslocomotives]

2679 Built: N/A Withdrawn: N/A Numbers: 2679 Names: N/A Working Life: N/A Builder: N/A Scrapper: N/A 1927 Built: N/A Withdrawn: N/A Numbers: 1927 Names: N/A Working Life: N/A Builder: N/A Scrapper: N/A

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Luke, that's awesome! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@miscellaneous.7127]

lovely video with lovely locos! :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, glad you liked them! :) All the best, Sam :)

[@benjaminrickard1991]

I'm wondering if I should get a SR tank engine like that.

[@SamsTrains]

I would! They're not realistic in that livery, but they do look lovely! Cheers, Sam :)

[@oliverthegreatwesternengin8029]

hey look its arthur! very nice engine Sam. really like the Video

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah - everyone's saying he's Arthur - I had no idea though! Glad you enjoyed it, I love these too! All the best, and thanks for commenting, Sam :)

[@Frobard]

Nice review as always. You should try a Gaugemaster feedback controller. (I have the handheld one) It would probably give your Wrenn and most other locos very good slow speed running qualities. I can do very smooth start and stops with my old Mainline and Hornby locos using a feedback controller. Anders

[@SamsTrains]

Hi - thanks very much for the comment and the suggestion! I have had a go with the Gauge master controllers, but I found that of all the ones I tried, the Hornby HM2000 did the best slow speed performance, so that's what I use! I'm not sure wheter they're feedback controllers or not, but they may be! Cheers, Sam :)

[@haydenteheuheu6327]

Great vid Sam love the loco keep up the great work 😜😜😜😜😜😜

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot - really glad you liked them, I've fallen in love with them slightly lol! ;) Cheers, Sam :)

[@AdiPullen]

it a standard loco sam

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's right - very odd though!

[@AdiPullen]

believe standard 4

[@ryanjohnball23]

you should do a double header with the wrenn one 2-6-4 and the hornby fowler 4P and make a huge LMS maroon passenger train

[@SamsTrains]

Hi mate! Very good suggestion - that would look fantastic, though the Hornby one may as well not be there - the Wrenn can manage anything on it's own hehe! All the best, Sam :)

[@nigelgresley87546]

Sam'sTrains take a look at it it has valve gear!!!!

[@Sasuri]

Awww yeah! It's Arthur!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah it is Arthur!! :D Glad you like him, Sam :)

[@Drewioawesome]

This Loco's Name Is: Aaron The Wrenn 264 Tank, When He First arrived At Sam"s Railway, He Had The Same Paint As Lenny, Mid Green, And Then, Sam Sent Him To The PaintWorks, Painting Him Brown And Yellow, Same Coat As Arthur, And He Enjoys His New Railway, And New Paintjob, -Victor

[@SamsTrains]

haha fantastic Victor - I love it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jmtrainz2582]

lms one was the bases for author from Thomas and friends

[@jmtrainz2582]

also why did they chose a standerd out of all lms locos

[@SamsTrains]

Oh right! I didn't know that... and yeah, it was a very strange choice, though I guess nobody had modeled one before, at the time! All the best, Sam :)

[@oliverthegreatwesternengin8029]

ups Arthur is a 2-6-2

[@SamsTrains]

Oh really? Ah well - still looks very similar! :D

[@Skyehye3113]

I don't like the middle driving wheels on the wren locos

[@SamsTrains]

haha no, me neither, but it was harder to get things so precise so as they all touch the rails in those days I guess! You can only tell when the camera is low though - not at all noticable when she runs in person! All the best, Sam :)

[@miscellaneous.7127]

17:25 cow

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I spotted two tank engines and two tender engines in the background. They were a mystery Southern Engine, the LMS Black 5, Jimmy the Jinty and, with his beloved Annie and Clarabel,.... He's always up to mischief, that cheeky little train; He chuff, chuff, chuff-chuffs everywhere, he's always playing games. Sir Topham Hatt will scold him, but loves him just the same; Our favourite little engine, Thomas is his name.

[@SamsTrains]

Great work as always with the trainspotting - hawha Sir Topham hat certainly will!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SamsTrains]

Great work as always with the trainspotting - hawha Sir Topham hat certainly will!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@NBAdagio]

Consider Southern River Class Tank, perhaps?

[@SamsTrains]

That'd be great - who makes those?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@miscellaneous.7127]

6:25 it's stuck in reverse gear. ;)

[@SamsTrains]

haha is it? That's typical I guess ;)

[@custard_timelord2896]

luv them

[@SamsTrains]

Me too mate, glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Sam :)

[@sliverjack0283]

that first engine looks like Arther

[@SamsTrains]

Oh really? That's quite interesting! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AdiPullen]

arther is lms in thomas

[@bruhprod3365]

Oh no not the baked beans!

[@SamsTrains]

Haha, don't like baked beans lol?

[@bruhprod3365]

i love baked beans :)

[@SamsTrains]

Haha sorry! I don't know why, I've just never liked them :(

[@bruhprod3365]

lol

[@miscellaneous.7127]

16:00 tractor. ;)

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah - lovely thing it is too! :D

[@lewiscartwright3609]

Is it just me or does anyone else notice that To buy a wrenn locomotive in mint condition will burn a hole in your pocket or when you go to open your wallet to see how much money you have a moth flies out and I would love to get a wrenn Barnstaple and a wrenn Dorchester but they are up to £200 or almost £300 on ebay who would want to pay that much for a wrenn Locomotive I don't have kind of money.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh very much so - in mint condition, they fetch a really pretty penny!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewiscartwright3609]

@@SamsTrains Love the videos thank you for taking your time to read this comment I love the videos you make keep up the informative and inspiring videos cheers. Lewis : )

[@Drewioawesome]

Faceless Arthur :)

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes!! :D

[@Drewioawesome]

@@SamsTrains Im sorry i dont think its arthur :( Arthur Is A ivatt)

[@gheorghefiliuta1532]

i have them

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome - they're very good locos! Cheer, Sam :)

[@gheorghefiliuta1532]

How many wrenn trains do You have

[@NBAdagio]

How 7/10? Your scores aggregate to 8.4/10 surely?

[@SamsTrains]

I've never used just a basic mean average - the various categories are weighted differently! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@NBAdagio]

@@SamsTrains I am a (retired) professional engineer, very fond of mathematics, so blame that. You are entitled to mark the reviewed models as you wish, it's just that I had become accustomed to apparent rigour in your eventual results! Sorry!

[@xiyyea5205]

ARTHUR!!!!!!!!!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah!! It looks like him at least! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@novus291]

Look everyone! Its thomas and friends Arthur!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah it is - well spotted! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)