Great review, first time i saw the APT set was at Howes in oxford back in the mid 80's, then again Cheltenham model Centre in the early 90's, it was amazing all connected on some track in a display case, i have got a new one without the black surround on the front cars, its very good, i got hold of a spare power car and the development coach, plus 4 extra coach packs, hopefully i will get some front end black surrounds so it will resemble the 7 car set up.
The Apt has to be one of my all time favourites. Now having two early examples and a full new example makes for a wonderful site when running them. Cheers 👍🏼
I also picked up two different City of derby sets complete with pantograph over the last number of years for a very reasonable price. They need a little TLC but run great. Yours look terrific on your layout. Regards Charlie
Hi Aidan, enjoyed the video. Last year I bought the APT train set R543 from 1980. It was brand new sealed in the box. The wheels are shiny and new. OK it has the yellow nose cones based on the prototype. 1981 onwards it had the black mask. The set had large oval of track, mains controller, cardboard tunnel, instructions and service dealer sheet. A little oil service and she runs very fast and smooth with my H&M Duette. Not bad for a then a 42yr old brand new train set for £190 ! It joins my Hornby & Lima collection I've had since 1978 - 1982 and they still work after over 30 years in a cupboard. Alright I was 10 in 1978 !!
Hi Karl. The set you have is just like the set I saw when I was younger in the model shop and hooked me. The old set still stands today as does the Lima locos. I was just having that same conversation with a work colleague recently.
Of the four Hornby dealers listed in South Cumbria none exist today but fortunately a new one has opened. I bought my APT set from the Ulverston dealer in 1981. It is now converted to DCC and gets the occasional outing. Thanks for the memories.
Hi Robert. I imagine many many of the dealers in the dealer network sheet have since closed their doors sadly. It is nice to read through them and reminisce. I couldn't quite believe it when I found the Zero1 module fitted to one of the sets. That really was a blast from the past. Thank you for getting touch Robert. Cheers
Yes this set has been going up in price , i did used to have it years ago but during a move i did have to downsize my collection and this was one of the sets to go to the selling box . great review
I like the line up of APTs and HSTs they look very impressive. A very good explanation of the older APTs😊, I've always wanted one but never got the chance to get one, so I bought a 5 car set from AJM Railways and the other cars and NDM from Hattons so now I have a full 14 car set when they came out, it took a year but I finally completed the set. Are your HSTs the older version, I have 2 sets and they are the older version. When I started back into model Railways I bought 2 sets and decided to work them even though there are new ones out there.
Hi, 👋🏼. The HST sets in the episode are the older 70’s 80’s examples and still run very well to this day. I too have a full 14 car new set. I am so glad Hornby retooled it.
Great bargain ! Personally I would keep the good condition as it is and modify the damaged one. The good one is in such great original condition it would be shame to mess with it. Most of these models have been cut and shut and messed with over the years it’s nice to see an original one. I have got the old one and the new model, APT is such an iconic piece of British Engineering which although at the time was ridiculed as a white elephant, was and is a world beater - shame successive governments are so short sighted when it comes to investing in British engineering! TSR2 as well!
I own the new and old APT models. The main difference in the two for me is the roof details. The new one has etched parts, ridges running the length of the roofs and the pantographs looks far better on the new one (although admittedly they are difficult to get to stay up). One thing to remember is that the APT was very flush, so there isn't much detail to add to the new one on the front and sides so the old version stands up well there. The colour of the old one is off as mentioned. I have thought of doing a repaint on the old version and you can get extra coaches from Leadley kits, so no need to hack other sets too pieces. Fox transfers do decals too. Although it would be a big project. Proper directional lights would be needed as well.
Great find! I also have two sets in two different bixes, one like yours and the other i. An oblong box. I sm thinking of selling one but live in Toronto so postage would impact the sale
Hi Charlie, it was definitely a great find. At the moment I have so many ideas going round in my head as to what I will be doing with both these sets. At present I definitely won't be parting with them but most likely upping the speck in various ways. Thanks Charlie
Great overview of the older APTs there Aidan they are brilliant sets and you got very lucky there being able to find two, I think mine cost me £160 a few years ago but the set was in perfect condition when I bought it, my set is from 1981, the only disadvantage I would say with the older sets is the lack of being able to expand them and Hornby were originally from what I have heard and seen on websites we’re going to make a coach that would allow the sets to be expanded but that unfortunately didn’t happen, while the sets may be very old it’s good to upgrade them which is what I have done, some things that I have done are fitting LEDs to both ends but they are only forward lights and that did include drilling a small hole so the bright headlight could be represented, I would like to try and fit a red LED one day but need to figure out how to do that because my original method didn’t work very well, other things I have done are adding extra overhead warning flashes on each vehicle based on real photos of the APT itself and the destination boards and I think it makes the sets look really good.
Hi David. Thank you. I totally believe that these older models still stand in their own right. Since making the video I have been thinking over what I may do with at least one set. Like you said the application of transfers like warning flashes etc, modernising the directional lighting. Also I have been thinking about interiors, wheel sets and even possibly the grey colour applied to the roof and lower portions of the set. It is such a shame that additional coaches were not produced and quite possibly a shame that the tooling no longer exists for a railroad version. The prices on the internet continue to rise for these older sets even with the introduction of the new tooling but I believe this is most likely due to the cost of the new sets. Thank You David.
Yes I’m happy with my 1985 APT train pack to me the new one isn’t much of a leap forward like the APT-E model is I did but the development coach but that’s it ,great video
Hi Di HI. I don't think there really is a huge amount of difference between the old and new. There are quite a few but as I said in the video these older sets still stand well all these years on. The development coach certainly had a bit more effort applied to it but not in the same league as the Rapido Apt-E. Thank you
Nice review! I got a tatty example for about £55 off eBay. It didn't have the power car wires, but did have its pantograph. I preferred the tatty example, as I could modify it with a clear conscience. Someone produced LED upgrades for the power cars- it had both white and yellow lights, so it looks really convincing. I painted in the areas under the bogies black, and darkened down the wheel rims. The motor could do with a looking at, as the wheels are sparky- probably new brushes and maybe commutator - apart from that, the old model is a nice job. There are also pics of the APT running as a five coach unit, so it is prototypical. I was going to paint on the black window surrounds, but the pics I found online of it running as a five car were with the all yellow front. I was a kid when this model came out and at the time, it was the model train you dreamed of owning!!
Hi Daniel, I agree that when I was younger it was definitely a set I dreamed of having however I have had to wait quite some time Ha Ha. I like yourself do like it when I acquire a model that is not quite perfect so modifying it can be done with a very clear conscience. To be fair I think that £55 for a tatty example is really not that bad as when you look especially at the moment on the internet they are fetching really quite steep price tags. Thank for getting in touch Daniel. Cheers
An excellent review , well done, for a minute I thought you were the bloke that bought both my two old APTs! They had to go as IMHO the front was just too boxy compared to the real thing. I've shot some 4k footage of the old and new versions side by side here: th-cam.com/video/An48xPAcV34/w-d-xo.html But you're right, often buying the old version can be so much more cost effective, I think I said 6 car Eurostar for £85 once but I got away with it...
Great review, first time i saw the APT set was at Howes in oxford back in the mid 80's, then again Cheltenham model Centre in the early 90's, it was amazing all connected on some track in a display case, i have got a new one without the black surround on the front cars, its very good, i got hold of a spare power car and the development coach, plus 4 extra coach packs, hopefully i will get some front end black surrounds so it will resemble the 7 car set up.
The Apt has to be one of my all time favourites. Now having two early examples and a full new example makes for a wonderful site when running them. Cheers 👍🏼
I also picked up two different City of derby sets complete with pantograph over the last number of years for a very reasonable price.
They need a little TLC but run great. Yours look terrific on your layout.
Regards
Charlie
Hi Aidan, enjoyed the video. Last year I bought the APT train set R543 from 1980. It was brand new sealed in the box. The wheels are shiny and new. OK it has the yellow nose cones based on the prototype. 1981 onwards it had the black mask. The set had large oval of track, mains controller, cardboard tunnel, instructions and service dealer sheet. A little oil service and she runs very fast and smooth with my H&M Duette. Not bad for a then a 42yr old brand new train set for £190 ! It joins my Hornby & Lima collection I've had since 1978 - 1982 and they still work after over 30 years in a cupboard. Alright I was 10 in 1978 !!
Hi Karl. The set you have is just like the set I saw when I was younger in the model shop and hooked me. The old set still stands today as does the Lima locos. I was just having that same conversation with a work colleague recently.
@@AidansRailways Is it me or you can't beat a Lima Deltic 55 💪
Of the four Hornby dealers listed in South Cumbria none exist today but fortunately a new one has opened. I bought my APT set from the Ulverston dealer in 1981. It is now converted to DCC and gets the occasional outing. Thanks for the memories.
Hi Robert. I imagine many many of the dealers in the dealer network sheet have since closed their doors sadly. It is nice to read through them and reminisce. I couldn't quite believe it when I found the Zero1 module fitted to one of the sets. That really was a blast from the past. Thank you for getting touch Robert. Cheers
Yes this set has been going up in price , i did used to have it years ago but during a move i did have to downsize my collection and this was one of the sets to go to the selling box . great review
Even with the release of the new Apt these great sets are still going up in price. We’re so glad to have picked these up. Cheers 👍
@@AidansRailways 🤔
I like the line up of APTs and HSTs they look very impressive. A very good explanation of the older APTs😊, I've always wanted one but never got the chance to get one, so I bought a 5 car set from AJM Railways and the other cars and NDM from Hattons so now I have a full 14 car set when they came out, it took a year but I finally completed the set. Are your HSTs the older version, I have 2 sets and they are the older version. When I started back into model Railways I bought 2 sets and decided to work them even though there are new ones out there.
Hi, 👋🏼. The HST sets in the episode are the older 70’s 80’s examples and still run very well to this day. I too have a full 14 car new set. I am so glad Hornby retooled it.
Great bargain ! Personally I would keep the good condition as it is and modify the damaged one.
The good one is in such great original condition it would be shame to mess with it.
Most of these models have been cut and shut and messed with over the years it’s nice to see an original one.
I have got the old one and the new model, APT is such an iconic piece of British Engineering which although at the time was ridiculed as a white elephant, was and is a world beater - shame successive governments are so short sighted when it comes to investing in British engineering! TSR2 as well!
I own the new and old APT models. The main difference in the two for me is the roof details. The new one has etched parts, ridges running the length of the roofs and the pantographs looks far better on the new one (although admittedly they are difficult to get to stay up). One thing to remember is that the APT was very flush, so there isn't much detail to add to the new one on the front and sides so the old version stands up well there.
The colour of the old one is off as mentioned. I have thought of doing a repaint on the old version and you can get extra coaches from Leadley kits, so no need to hack other sets too pieces. Fox transfers do decals too. Although it would be a big project. Proper directional lights would be needed as well.
Thank you for pointing me in the direction of Leadley Kits. Much appreciated
Great find! I also have two sets in two different bixes, one like yours and the other i. An oblong box. I sm thinking of selling one but live in Toronto so postage would impact the sale
Hi Charlie, it was definitely a great find. At the moment I have so many ideas going round in my head as to what I will be doing with both these sets. At present I definitely won't be parting with them but most likely upping the speck in various ways. Thanks Charlie
I don’t have room to run a long train, having two sets is very special but think I will sell one👍
Great overview of the older APTs there Aidan they are brilliant sets and you got very lucky there being able to find two, I think mine cost me £160 a few years ago but the set was in perfect condition when I bought it, my set is from 1981, the only disadvantage I would say with the older sets is the lack of being able to expand them and Hornby were originally from what I have heard and seen on websites we’re going to make a coach that would allow the sets to be expanded but that unfortunately didn’t happen, while the sets may be very old it’s good to upgrade them which is what I have done, some things that I have done are fitting LEDs to both ends but they are only forward lights and that did include drilling a small hole so the bright headlight could be represented, I would like to try and fit a red LED one day but need to figure out how to do that because my original method didn’t work very well, other things I have done are adding extra overhead warning flashes on each vehicle based on real photos of the APT itself and the destination boards and I think it makes the sets look really good.
Hi David. Thank you. I totally believe that these older models still stand in their own right. Since making the video I have been thinking over what I may do with at least one set. Like you said the application of transfers like warning flashes etc, modernising the directional lighting. Also I have been thinking about interiors, wheel sets and even possibly the grey colour applied to the roof and lower portions of the set. It is such a shame that additional coaches were not produced and quite possibly a shame that the tooling no longer exists for a railroad version. The prices on the internet continue to rise for these older sets even with the introduction of the new tooling but I believe this is most likely due to the cost of the new sets. Thank You David.
It is a long time ago but i see one in real but my heart say the HST is stil beter. Again a nice video!
Yes I’m happy with my 1985 APT train pack to me the new one isn’t much of a leap forward like the APT-E model is I did but the development coach but that’s it ,great video
Hi Di HI. I don't think there really is a huge amount of difference between the old and new. There are quite a few but as I said in the video these older sets still stand well all these years on. The development coach certainly had a bit more effort applied to it but not in the same league as the Rapido Apt-E. Thank you
Nice Aidan🎉
You can buy the new tooled 5-car APT for £299 now.
Yes some of the retailers are selling at reduced prices now for the new tooled versions
Great find 🙂👍🏻
Thanks 👍. I certainly think so. Cheers
Hello sir. Not trying to be a pain but where can I find that introduction and service leaflet..
Available on the Hornby support page online
Hola buen dia muy buena la coleccion de trenes excelente video abrazo grande
Muchas gracias Miguel, muchas gracias
125 quid!!! That's a steal!
Thank you Mr P. I most definitely agree. A real steal. Cheers
Nice review! I got a tatty example for about £55 off eBay. It didn't have the power car wires, but did have its pantograph. I preferred the tatty example, as I could modify it with a clear conscience. Someone produced LED upgrades for the power cars- it had both white and yellow lights, so it looks really convincing. I painted in the areas under the bogies black, and darkened down the wheel rims. The motor could do with a looking at, as the wheels are sparky- probably new brushes and maybe commutator - apart from that, the old model is a nice job. There are also pics of the APT running as a five coach unit, so it is prototypical. I was going to paint on the black window surrounds, but the pics I found online of it running as a five car were with the all yellow front. I was a kid when this model came out and at the time, it was the model train you dreamed of owning!!
Hi Daniel, I agree that when I was younger it was definitely a set I dreamed of having however I have had to wait quite some time Ha Ha. I like yourself do like it when I acquire a model that is not quite perfect so modifying it can be done with a very clear conscience. To be fair I think that £55 for a tatty example is really not that bad as when you look especially at the moment on the internet they are fetching really quite steep price tags. Thank for getting in touch Daniel. Cheers
An excellent review , well done, for a minute I thought you were the bloke that bought both my two old APTs! They had to go as IMHO the front was just too boxy compared to the real thing. I've shot some 4k footage of the old and new versions side by side here:
th-cam.com/video/An48xPAcV34/w-d-xo.html
But you're right, often buying the old version can be so much more cost effective, I think I said 6 car Eurostar for £85 once but I got away with it...
Hi Steve, Thank you so much