Yeah it's great to see Hornby trying something like this. I think they're seen as a gimmick now but could become more common in the future - much how like the firebox LEDs started out too. Thanks for watching 😃
It's a great shame that the lamps are incorrectly placed. The upper lamp is in the post 1965/66 location when it was lowered to be further away from 25kV wires, but the lower lamp is in the pre 1965/66 central position. When BR moved the upper lamp position, they also moved the lower central position so that it remained vertically below the revised upper lamp position, i.e. off centre (to the right if you're looking at the front of the loco). Great shame that with all the emphasis on the lamps that they didn't get this right
I have both this model and the previous lit lamp versions, Hornby have refined the scale of the working lamps on this model. Hornby have gone to town on this Black 5, superb 👌
Good to have it confirmed. Definitely shows that Hornby are more willing to go back and refine things which I think is a good sign for the hobby overall. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy it's ironic it was the cheapest steam generator model on launch 2022. I paid £212 which is a bargain. I notice you also ordered early when they were offering an additional 15% off
I just got my steam fitted LNER P2 Earl Marischal for £224 because I preordered it all the way back in March 2024. I should have indulged and pre-ordered an all singing and dancing Black 5 too. They look specacular and the vapor effect is stunning too!
Mines literally just come !!! Very exciting. First steamer/kettle I've bought since returning to this great hobby. Couldn't resist, despite purchasing to many diesels. Especially class 37's. For my Scottish 80's based layout. But they did run black 5's for the tourism specials. ( so I didn't need rule 1 of model railway modelling or the need of a heritage line layout as nearly did.) Cheers Mike.
I'm not a model train enthusiast. I do have an interest in plastic scale modelling, however, so I suppose there is a tenuous connection between the hobbies, but it's been fascinating to see how model trains like these have evolved over the decades. The detail and features that's now being incorporated are really quite astounding and most impressive. This, together with your comprehensive overview of this product, has made this video most enjoyable to watch. Keep up the excellent work.
Thanks Mark, really glad you enjoyed the video. It's definitely impressive to see what has become possible in the last few years alone. The manufacturers are always in competition with each other, striving to add more detail and functionality to the models which ultimately benefits us as consumers and it's really interesting to see some of the new innovations that are starting to come from the hobby. Thanks for watching 😃
Happy new year. It's a stunning looking model from Hornby. Waiting for GWR or Southern loco to have this treatment. From watching Modeloco you can adjust, I think it's CV211, to get the steam function to run more reliably.
Happy New Year to you too! Yes a Bullied Pacific of some sort would be a real treat! Good to know - obviously I don't tend to watch other reviews before doing my own so I don't get influenced by them. Thanks for watching 😃
Yes I guess a spam can would have loads of space. Personally i'd wait for a castle, king or duchess so it'll be interesting to see what they come up with... for me the lights still dont look right on this 1. They have their detractors but full marks to Hornby for innovating. Remrmber no one else has taken on real steam, bluetooth control, a new guage, and Locomotion No1 in ths past few years
Well, I'll agree with you on the "Ultimate" adjective, perhaps the ultimate for the moment! Still a beautiful model with a high level of sophistication and detail. I used to stuff a small square of black foam rubber between the loco and tender to disguise the gap a bit. Worked fairly well. Watching her chug around the layout, though, is a most satisfying experience. Even at 300 or so quid, I'll bet they'll go quickly! Many thanks for posting.
I guess it's the ultimate version for those who approve of the working lamps and steam add-ons. Interesting tip with the black foam - I might have to give it a go sometime. I think a lot of places have already sold out to be honest - definitely shows there's a market for this sort of thing. Thanks for watching 😃
You can also adjust CV values to improve the Steam generator output which is a bit more reliable than having to resort to tissue paper down the chimney. It’s a beautiful loco (for a black 5) and if I were a LMS man would be on my list. Now if only they could invent a nontoxic black dye that evaporated to nothing and injected into the steam when the loco was working hard…. 😊
This is my 3rd Hornby ss model and I really like the black 5 runs well and looks great.My first ever loco was a black 5 set in those fancy red box sets they did for a while which even now runs well hopefully this will still run great in 15 years time.
Amazing! If anything I think Hornby's quality has improved in the last few decades so there's no reason to think it won't run as well in a few years time, with regular maintenance and care. Thanks for watching 😃
Happy New Year T.M.R.G I finally got around to talking my example out the box and fitting the details. I really like this model and definitely Hornby’s best. After comparing the model to the version released a while back I can definitely say the drawbar is closer on the new version.
Happy New Year to you too! Glad to hear you like the model too and yes it does seem to be the consensus that the tender connection has been shortened slightly. Thanks for watching 😃
I really like smoke effect, more than sound. I think it can be great immersion, especially if you’ve a layout & a few engines in the sheds steaming up & buildings with steam.
I love this model, received mine a couple days ago first time trying a model with all the bells and whistles and it’s probably the first one in a long time where every part of it has lived up to my expectations of it, glad it/mine doesn’t have any of the issues the earlier release has, and will definitely consider waiting for the steam versions of future models if the choice is available
Fantastic! Really glad to hear you're happy with yours. It's always amazing when a well anticipated model lives up to expectations. Thanks for watching 😃
I hope they fixed the tender connection issues a fair number of the first run of these had… I get nervous when I see one of those connections now… which is a shame, because they’re great when they work!
Seems fine to me, nice and solid but like I said in the video it's not something you want to be regularly connecting and disconnecting. Personally I feel the connectors with the PCB tabs are miles better than the ones with loads of little pins to get bent. Thanks for watching 😃
I've 8 locos with this connection and have never had a real problem. I had one which when first out of the box slowed a bit around corners, but a quick clean of the connection sorted that out. Personally I really like it and prefer it to any previous Hornby connections. It's better than the Rapido's which is more fiddley and I much prefer it to anything Bachmann have come up with. From what I've heard Dapol have a nice loco to tender connection, but I don't have any of their tender locos so don't know how it compares to Hornby's.
I just picked up a smoke fitted P2 for about $434 Australian, which is about 217 quid, so I’m pretty happy with that! Haven’t had a chance to run it yet, here’s hoping I don’t suffer the Hornby quailty control issues. (I’ve only really had it happen once so far… bought a hm7000 Dcc decoder where they forgot to put the speaker in the box, whoops!)
That passing shot at 17:30 is chef's kiss. I believe I read somewhere that applying a very liberal amount of vaseline around the inside of the chimney helps prevent the accumulation of water.
Having this exact model, I have to agree with everything you say. I also got this for £225 and at that price I'm pretty happy. If I had paid more than £250 I would have expected those niggles to be fixed. I think the drawbar could do with being slightly kinematic to help it close up. The lamp at the back isn't such an issue from the perspective that a lot of these didn't get turned religiously unlike express locomotives. Though with the single lamp this denotes light engine so there is some compromise without an easier fix. The lamps are definitively better but that front smokebox one really does need a bit of paint. It baffles me a bit that Hornby would go to the effort of retooling these improvements and then not do the easy part of painting it! Likewise they do the hard part of putting in the firebox flicker but then not making it switchable. I think that's when the niggles become a little frustrating as it's 95% of the way there to being perfect and that last 5% was actually the easy part! I've not yet had a chance to do a haulage test beyond a couple of coaches but I'd really hope there's some way to add some extra weight or I may even go down the path of using DCC concepts powerbase. I know the powerbase seems to get mixed reviews - I'd be interested to see you do a more objective video on this perhaps on a new layout build. Charlie @Chadwick did one and I seem to remember the conclusion was it helped a little to get an extra coach or two.
Glad to hear you think pretty much the same. I think my frustration with the rear tender lamp is more that, most people will have a train behind the loco so you would never have a lamp there. If it had been removable like the front ones that would have been great. Like you said with the firebox LED they've done 95% of the work already 😅 If you haven't seen it already, I did use the DCC Concepts Powerbase on my TT:120 layout for the incline. It made a huge difference there with the lighter TT locos from Hornby, allowing them to get up the sharp incline with a healthy length of coaches behind them. Thanks for watching 👍
as an american modeler, this makes me question why we use a dedicated smoke fluid instead of just water. seems both safe and cheaper while still looking fantastic!
I think steam effects have been a thing for longer in the US and Europe. While we've had them in some form in the UK it's never really caught on properly. I'm guessing that's why oil based smoke fluid is used elsewhere but in the UK there's opportunity to try something new. Thanks for watching 😃
Agree about the firebox glow being on permanently. Is it possible to reassign it to the 'coal shovelling' function key, or is it just a generic part of the 'lights' function?
I believe it's wired straight from the track power so there's nothing to reassign... unless you physically went in and rewired it somehow. I'm assuming they have a good reason but it's frustrating when it appears so simple to do and is standard for every other manufacturer. Thanks for watching 😃
Does anyone know if I can get 1 of the steam generators as a spare part cos I'd like to buy one and put it in the engine sheds and make it look like the loco is letting off steam
It one of the Hornby steam generators but I’m sure a standard water atomiser could be used in some capacity or just a normal Suethe oil based smoke generator. Thanks for watching 😃
It's a Dapol van! They've done a few vans with different logos on lately - the Riley van next to it is one of theirs too. They should be available from anywhere that stocks Dapol products. Thanks for watching 😃
@ Thank you! I’ll have to keep my eye out for one. And no problem! You did a great job and showing all the great features that I wanted to see, heck I didn’t even know about some of the others. Makes me jealous you’ve got one! Keep up the good work!
I have had this preordered since the day it was released almost. I had almost given up hope it would be released with how many delays it had. I also know that SamsTrains review of the non steam generator version was... Less than favourable, he had heaps of issues with it that Im hoping they have fixed with this version of it, so fingers crossed!
Personally I'd rather they take the time to get it right than get it out quickly, especially as we're fairly used to models taking a few years to arrive from most manufacturers. I'd hesitate to rely purely on a single review to form an opinion of a model though. (This goes for my reviews too!) While individual issues are still valid they're not always representative of the entire range unless you start to see common themes from several sources. Thanks for watching 😃
Thanks for the video. This is the best view of steam generation I have seen. The gap between loco and tender does not seem to have been reduced. As the connection is kinematic on both sides, it could be reduced. At least get the fall plate to cover the gap. The firebox flicker permanantly on from track feed is possibly to accomodate DC operation in their design? I have modified the wiring on the Caprotti version to be on during coal shovelling. How to described on a railway modellers web site. Pity that if you want to have steam then there is a tie in to the HM7000 instead of being able to get a different sound decoder and then get the steam generator as an add on. Perhaps that will be available as a spare in the future?
I think if you reduced it any further it would make 2nd radius running more tricky though. We do have to remember these are models. That might possibly be the case with the firebox LED but like I said, other manufacturers are able to wire it up so that it functions on DC and is still switchable on DCC too. I suspect another decoder maker could do a version that works with the steam generators. It’s whether there’s enough of a market for it considering you can only buy these locos with a decoder pre-installed. I doubt we’ll ever see the steam generator sold separately considering they seem to be a bespoke design for each loco. Thanks for watching 😃
Having researched the Black Fives & 8Fs for many years, Hornby’s new model is a big improvement on previous versions. The first of the new models Hornby released around 6 months ago worried me because they had some very basic detail errors, such as incorrect brake shoes, hopper ash-pan actuator, wash out plug detail on the boiler etc etc. But 44726 has these details correct but as one of the comments made says why not compare to the real thing or use the drawings? This would create more questions than answers as the Black Fives have a large amount of differences both in detail and fittings right through to the dimensional differences of boiler types and the engines fitted with roller bearings throughout. Some engines had main frame design adjustments so they could accept the later boilers with sloping throat plates. When looking into the lives of the Black Fives they had numerous boiler and tender changes some AWS fitted some with speedometers some with tablet catchers, tubular or solid axels several different tender types etc etc. Has anyone spotted on 44726 that it has the additional control mechanism to operate the front ash-pan damper on the running plate/footplate on the fireman’s side? This is a detail that is nearly engine specific as this was only fitted with curtain boilers and sometimes you need to have a photograph of the actual engine as some of these modifications did not happen to all of the engines in all of the individual batches built, or indeed where they were built. As you say in the review it’s very difficult to produce the ultimate model, the new Hornby Black Fives are a great step forward and Hornby should be congratulated on this model. The gap between engine and tender will always be to big unless we have adjustable drawbars on every model the lamp on the tender is annoying, one comment mentions the lamp arrangement on the front of the engine is incorrect but just because BR says it’s amended lamp bracket locations doesn’t mean it was carried out across the board there where many Black Fives that went to the scrap yard with the lamp irons in the original locations. Also we must be very careful comparing the locomotives between being in service with BR and the engines that are preserved today as their are many more differences etc to allow running on the national network such as TPWS/OTMR etc etc. we also must remember when the drawings for these engines were first produced there were a vast amount of updates and adjustments made and in many cases new drawings produced or additional drawings issued so to accurately identify changes to an individual engine or batch of engines you may need to reference many drawings. Many thanks for a really good review I ordered mine on the day they were announced and paid the pre order price of £224.00 my first Hornby Black Five was a Silver Seal 44932 approximately 50 years ago tender driven would pull anything then came the DJH kit K75 Black Five brass and white metal and then the Brassmasters kits both were excellent for modifying to create a preferred member of the class.
Lots of information there. I believe Hornby said that this is their most extensive tooling suite to date so they've got the option of being able to make plenty of variations over the coming years. Thanks for watching 😃
I do think live steam just adds something to a model. I'm not sure how in scale realistic it is (genuinely no idea) but it just makes a loco seem more alive
Really nice looking engine like the colors. The live stream looks great as it runs around your layout, it sounds good too. Thanks for sharing. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕
The Midland region started moving the lamp brackets to that position from about 1965 onwards. There's plenty of pictures around that show this. Thanks for watching 👍
Another great review, thank you for doing this. Mine arrived yesterday and I think it’s an amazing bit of kit. Do you have any ideas of what locos might get the Steam Generator Treatment next?
Hard to say really. I thought the A4s might be the next ones but with Dapol doing their Black Label A4 I can’t see much point now. I suspect whatever large engine they announce on the 14th will also get a steam version too. Thanks for watching 😃
@ Well I haven’t seen a single proper review for the Steam Generator version of the Hush Hush yet. I don’t think it’s good value compared to the Black 5 personally, with no working lamps or flickering firebox.
I was able to run it constituently while filming the end section for around 40mins before it needed topping up again. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
Great video, I would say the light LED’s are more natural looking than my black 5 they released 6 months ago and the coupling does look closer. It seems they listened to feedback and tweaked this version. What live steam locos do you have? I have gauge 1 in the loft 😊
That's good to know! Meanwhile I've got people further down the page swearing blind that nothing has changed 😅 It's great to hear Hornby listening to feedback - would be even better if they released the new lamps as a spare for customers like you with the earlier versions. I've got both a Hornby Live Steam Mallard and an Mamod steam engine for the garden railway (both of which have featured in videos). Gauge 1 in the loft sounds amazing though - I'm very jealous! Thanks for watching 👍
You can run these with any DCC controller. I sometimes use a z21 for my steam generator P2’s. I forgot which CV you have to change for that, but you can also do it with the app. Just choose DCC running, and take over with your chosen system.
Nope all features are available on both DCC and the HM7000. To be honest I haven't even linked mine to the app yet. HM7000 is basically just a normal decoder with extra bluetooth connectivity. Thanks for watching 😃
Very nice! I think I’d much rather buy one of these as opposed to the Locomotion any day. Literally all the bells and whistles without faffing about trying to fit a decoder into a really tiny tender!
They're definitely a great model to have in the collection if you ask me! Although with a loksound decoder you won't have control over the steam generator. Thanks for watching 😃
@ this will depend how the steam generator is wired, I think the separate circuit board that is in the loco (looking at Caprotti 5) I can’t imagine it be too difficult.
Good luck with that one. If it were possible I suspect you'd be adding drops of water to the generator rather than a full pipette 😅 But we can dream right! Thanks for watching 👍
If they added more weight though they'd have to loose the steam generator. It probably will pull three times more wagons than this (I was just at the limit of what I can fit on my layout) as long as they're free running like the Accurascale wagons shown. It's heavy diecast or kit built rolling stock that might be an issue - especially if like my layout there's a slight incline. Thanks for watching 😃
Good video. How long does the steam last? Surely the generator would get hot if you keep sound on when it's empty. Ought to be able to turn the steam off.
Around 20mins usually when completely full although I have had it running for over 30mins a couple of times. No there's no heat with this water atomiser, which is why it's a big benefit over the old oil steam generator. You can, I believe F23 turns the steam off and keeps the sound on - that was the case with the P2 at least. Thanks for watching 👍
As far as I know it was only the gap that people were concerned with but I’ve not heard any substantial reports of there being an issue with it. Like I said in the video, mine seems nice and robust. Thanks for watching 😃
Generally yes that's how it works as the puff of steam is tied to the sound profile. Maybe there's a way of turning the volume right down in the CV setting (or via the HM7000 app) but I've not experimented with it myself so that's purely speculation on my part. Thanks for watching 😃
I am happy with my earlier versions of the Black 5 but I commend Hornby for trying to innovate with the various features this model has. The less than ideal haulage capacity is a minor negative point.
It's great to see Hornby continue to upgrade and improve this model and it's fantastic to see the steam generator included on a more regular loco rather than a celebrity model of some sort. Thanks for watching 😃
Very good review, I agree it's a good model but does have its flaws, I've got the flying scotsman version, and it has similar issues, but overall, it's a good model 😀
Cab crew.. yes!.. but such as sound, steam, lights & weathering don't seem necessary (to me), as I still have the imagination of a 10yo. Enjoyed the review.
That's fine, like I said in the video it's not for everyone. The older Black 5 models are still very good for those who don't want to pay extra for unwanted features. Thanks for watching 😃
as a model railroader. The one concern i would have is because most of the models are not yet completely diecast, you loose weight over the number 1 driver and it can have the potential to derail because it does not have enough downward force.
Die cast is an interesting conundrum because you gain weight but loose detail. It makes sense for some models but not others. Personally I've not experienced any derailments with this model and we have lots of much smaller models that are mostly plastic construction. Thanks for watching 😃
Also alot of the plastic models from the British and German manufacturers still seem fine. I have a Hornby A3 in full plastic, hybrid with the diecast running plate, and full diecast from the dublo range. I’ll say while the later ones have the extra weight and more pulling power, the plastic one is by no means sluggish and is very planted on the rails. I have a Roco 18 201 ( tender drive keep in mind ) and it is very planted and made of plastic. I’d say it runs just as well if not better than my full die-cast trix model of 18 201. Majority Modern plastic engines will be very planted on the track. There’s not much need to worry about
not my region, however it does look good. the steam is something I'd not pay money for, more faff than its worth and if they got realistic steam & smoke you wouldn't want it anyway, not for long. that said if people like it go for it agree the firebox LED needs some sort of control though, even just on/off randomly stuff, also find myself wondering on that push fit connection and specifically how long that will last in practice nice though and while expensive its not a huge jump from anything else, only real let down is the HM7000 not having RailCom which is a pity as they way they have done the decoders generally is very good
I completely agree that the steam isn't for everyone - especially as it's not going to be the sort of thing you can have on all your models currently. But like you said it is generally a good model regardless. It is a bit of a shame that the HM7000 decoders don't have Railcom. I know Hornby have said that it doesn't need it because of the Bluetooth capability but it would be nice to have. Thanks for watching 😃
I'm not sure I understand. This model is not DC, it is a DCC only locomotive which runs on AC track power, so I would assume it is already compatible. To my knowledge Germany is no different from the rest of the world in how its DCC trains work. Even if it were, the HM7000 decoder in this loco would allow you to run loco using bluetooth control while still using power from the track. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 👍
Okay thanks that you took the time. And I understood that it has a DCC decoder which are used often in germany aswell. But my qustion is answered since you say it runs with Alternating current it should cause no problem.
Nope not even close. The Henry model had its origins in the Hornby Black 5 from the 80s. Hornby then did an all new Black 5 in 2002 and now a second all new tooling in 2024. Thanks for watching 👍
Unfortunately, I hate the running lamp arrangements, especially the lower central lamp, above the buffer beam. I also think Hornby need to look at the loco/tender coupling. The gap produced is far too large. The drawbar that features on other locos, such as the BR Standard 2MT, features a 'close coupling' position for those with shallower curves.
That's fine, there have been plenty of Black 5's produced in the past without lamps. How would you suggest doing a closer coupling that is still suitable for the majority of users who have less realistic curves? Let's not forget that when drawbars were the standard connection people complained about the mass of wires running between loco and tender, so it just shows you can't make everyone happy. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy If you look at the 'traditional' drawbar, there are 2 holes drilled through it at one end. If something similar could be fitted to the back of the tender side connector, thus pulling it back, under the tender a fraction, this could enable a shorter coupling if desired.
@@adrianarnold8554 I’m not sure this would work though as the new couplings are kinematic and don’t have a fixed point that can be lengthened or shortened. Not saying it’s impossible though, perhaps something for all the manufacturers who are using these couplings to look at 🤔
I must have a moan about this fascination for working lights on diesels, DMUs and now steam locos. I am old enough to remember the real thing. Lights on steam locos were NEVER lit during daylight hours. Other than southern, the lights were purely to show what the train was, express, stopper, goods. Similarly the lights on diesels and DMUs did not operate during the day. Please look at the numerous videos available. As 99.9% of models are run in daylight, what is the point? I do wish if manufacturers insist on doing this they include a switch to turn them all off including cab lights!.
"I do wish if manufacturers insist on doing this they include a switch to turn them all off including cab lights!" Err...THEY DO. You can even adjust the brightness to suit you personal taste. Thanks for watching 👍
Great review… serious attention to detail and great photography. One thing to improve - terminology - the ‘Footboard’ is called a footplate. The linkage around the wheels and cylinders is called outside motion. Or more specifically coupling rods and valve gear. Maybe study some steam locomotive anatomy? It’s kind of nice to use appropriate terminology, and keep it alive for younger generations who otherwise have no knowledge of steam traction.
Glad you enjoyed it. I work on a heritage railway so I know most of the terminology - footboard was just a slip up of amalgamating footplate and running board in my head. In a lot of other instances though it’s a case of using terms other modellers are familiar with. Not everyone understands the terminology and I try to make the videos as easy to follow as possible. Thanks for watching 😃
I think it'll be a while before anyone adds working steam to an N Gauge loco 😅 Honestly I think the price isn't that bad considering the standard version is around £217. So only an extra £71 for both pre-fitted sound AND steam and while £288 is obviously expensive, it's not as expensive as it could have been. For example, look at Dapol's upcoming A4 with steam at just shy of £400. Thanks for watching 👍
Yes I heard yesterday morning through the grapevine. Very sad indeed and she probably single handedly has brought a whole new generation to railways and railway preservation in the 80s/90s. Thanks for watching 👍
I really like the look of the base model, it seems to be well proportioned. I can't label this the ultimate black 5 due to the toy town features that ruin the model. The lamps are too bulky and based on the other reviews I've seen the light leakage around the lamp sockets is not good. For any serious modeller the lamp on the tender needs to be removable as there should never be a lamp between the loco and the train (other than shunting). I think sounds and water vapour generator add nothing to the model experience for me. I drive steam locos on a heritage railway and the sounds just annoy me. Similarly the steam generator produces an unrealistic plume like the old Thomas models used in the 80s TV shows. It's a model, we know its a model so adding these features just makes it look toy town rather than realistic. Hornby need to concentrate on making realistic looking models for less cost notcadding annoying features that ruin the model.
"It's a model, we know its a model so adding these features just makes it look toy town rather than realistic." - perhaps others would counter that saying by being a model it's not intended to be a perfect replica. The lamps don't seem to be particularly chunky on this version and there's no light bleed on them either. Fair enough if the new features aren't for you but the fact is that this is the way the hobby is starting to lean. It's not just Hornby that are introducing more features with every model but they do need to keep up with the competition. Thanks for watching 👍
Calling this the "ultimate" Black 5 was a bit of a stretch despite how beautiful the model looks. There's still some aspects of the model that could have been executed better.
I respect their ambition and I can see where they were going - thinking of things like Dapol's "Black Label" range - but yes just a few small things that could be improved. Thanks for watching 😃
Hardly, even if it's not your thing that's not a bad price for a sound fitted loco of any kind. Look at the Accuarscale J94 - £250 for sound fitted model for a much smaller engine without the extra functions. I'm not promoting Hornby more than any manufacturer that features on this channel but I do think it's time we stop this silly bias against them just because they're popular.
I love the idea of the lamps, I’d like to see it on more locomotives
Yeah it's great to see Hornby trying something like this. I think they're seen as a gimmick now but could become more common in the future - much how like the firebox LEDs started out too. Thanks for watching 😃
It's a great shame that the lamps are incorrectly placed. The upper lamp is in the post 1965/66 location when it was lowered to be further away from 25kV wires, but the lower lamp is in the pre 1965/66 central position.
When BR moved the upper lamp position, they also moved the lower central position so that it remained vertically below the revised upper lamp position, i.e. off centre (to the right if you're looking at the front of the loco).
Great shame that with all the emphasis on the lamps that they didn't get this right
I have both this model and the previous lit lamp versions, Hornby have refined the scale of the working lamps on this model. Hornby have gone to town on this Black 5, superb 👌
Good to have it confirmed. Definitely shows that Hornby are more willing to go back and refine things which I think is a good sign for the hobby overall. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy it's ironic it was the cheapest steam generator model on launch 2022. I paid £212 which is a bargain. I notice you also ordered early when they were offering an additional 15% off
I just got my steam fitted LNER P2 Earl Marischal for £224 because I preordered it all the way back in March 2024.
I should have indulged and pre-ordered an all singing and dancing Black 5 too. They look specacular and the vapor effect is stunning too!
Mines literally just come !!!
Very exciting. First steamer/kettle I've bought since returning to this great hobby.
Couldn't resist, despite purchasing to many diesels. Especially class 37's. For my Scottish 80's based layout. But they did run black 5's for the tourism specials. ( so I didn't need rule 1 of model railway modelling or the need of a heritage line layout as nearly did.)
Cheers Mike.
Absolutely! A Railtour sounds like a fantastic excuse for the Black 5 to make an appearance. Hope you enjoy running it and thanks for watching 😃
I'm not a model train enthusiast. I do have an interest in plastic scale modelling, however, so I suppose there is a tenuous connection between the hobbies, but it's been fascinating to see how model trains like these have evolved over the decades. The detail and features that's now being incorporated are really quite astounding and most impressive. This, together with your comprehensive overview of this product, has made this video most enjoyable to watch.
Keep up the excellent work.
Thanks Mark, really glad you enjoyed the video. It's definitely impressive to see what has become possible in the last few years alone. The manufacturers are always in competition with each other, striving to add more detail and functionality to the models which ultimately benefits us as consumers and it's really interesting to see some of the new innovations that are starting to come from the hobby. Thanks for watching 😃
Even the wheel slip caused more smoke. That’s brilliant.
I know, there's loads of little attention to detail like that. Thanks for watching 😃
Lovely review. Is definitely on the shopping list!
Glad you enjoyed it! I can see these making their way to a lot of layouts to be honest. Thanks for watching 😃
Very helpful review; my order arrives on Tuesday. Can't wait.
Glad you found it useful and fingers crossed yours arrives soon! Thanks for watching 😃
Happy new year.
It's a stunning looking model from Hornby. Waiting for GWR or Southern loco to have this treatment.
From watching Modeloco you can adjust, I think it's CV211, to get the steam function to run more reliably.
Happy New Year to you too! Yes a Bullied Pacific of some sort would be a real treat! Good to know - obviously I don't tend to watch other reviews before doing my own so I don't get influenced by them. Thanks for watching 😃
Yes I guess a spam can would have loads of space. Personally i'd wait for a castle, king or duchess so it'll be interesting to see what they come up with... for me the lights still dont look right on this 1. They have their detractors but full marks to Hornby for innovating. Remrmber no one else has taken on real steam, bluetooth control, a new guage, and Locomotion No1 in ths past few years
Well, I'll agree with you on the "Ultimate" adjective, perhaps the ultimate for the moment! Still a beautiful model with a high level of sophistication and detail. I used to stuff a small square of black foam rubber between the loco and tender to disguise the gap a bit. Worked fairly well. Watching her chug around the layout, though, is a most satisfying experience. Even at 300 or so quid, I'll bet they'll go quickly! Many thanks for posting.
I guess it's the ultimate version for those who approve of the working lamps and steam add-ons. Interesting tip with the black foam - I might have to give it a go sometime. I think a lot of places have already sold out to be honest - definitely shows there's a market for this sort of thing. Thanks for watching 😃
You can also adjust CV values to improve the Steam generator output which is a bit more reliable than having to resort to tissue paper down the chimney. It’s a beautiful loco (for a black 5) and if I were a LMS man would be on my list. Now if only they could invent a nontoxic black dye that evaporated to nothing and injected into the steam when the loco was working hard…. 😊
Yes I'd seen someone else mention that in a comment too so I'll have to experiment with that at some point. Thanks for watching 😃
i believe its cv211..set to 140 on the decoder ,,play with this as i did ...
This is my 3rd Hornby ss model and I really like the black 5 runs well and looks great.My first ever loco was a black 5 set in those fancy red box sets they did for a while which even now runs well hopefully this will still run great in 15 years time.
Amazing! If anything I think Hornby's quality has improved in the last few decades so there's no reason to think it won't run as well in a few years time, with regular maintenance and care. Thanks for watching 😃
Happy New Year T.M.R.G
I finally got around to talking my example out the box and fitting the details. I really like this model and definitely Hornby’s best.
After comparing the model to the version released a while back I can definitely say the drawbar is closer on the new version.
Happy New Year to you too! Glad to hear you like the model too and yes it does seem to be the consensus that the tender connection has been shortened slightly. Thanks for watching 😃
I really like smoke effect, more than sound.
I think it can be great immersion, especially if you’ve a layout & a few engines in the sheds steaming up & buildings with steam.
While I think they both work well together I definitely love the visual aspect of having the steam coming from the model. Thanks for watching 😃
Excellent review, like this loco very much and my hand is wavering over my credit card!😊
Glad you found it useful. It's certainly a stunning model... I can see why you're tempted. Thanks for watching 😃
I love this model, received mine a couple days ago first time trying a model with all the bells and whistles and it’s probably the first one in a long time where every part of it has lived up to my expectations of it, glad it/mine doesn’t have any of the issues the earlier release has, and will definitely consider waiting for the steam versions of future models if the choice is available
Fantastic! Really glad to hear you're happy with yours. It's always amazing when a well anticipated model lives up to expectations. Thanks for watching 😃
I hope they fixed the tender connection issues a fair number of the first run of these had… I get nervous when I see one of those connections now… which is a shame, because they’re great when they work!
Seems fine to me, nice and solid but like I said in the video it's not something you want to be regularly connecting and disconnecting. Personally I feel the connectors with the PCB tabs are miles better than the ones with loads of little pins to get bent. Thanks for watching 😃
I've 8 locos with this connection and have never had a real problem. I had one which when first out of the box slowed a bit around corners, but a quick clean of the connection sorted that out. Personally I really like it and prefer it to any previous Hornby connections.
It's better than the Rapido's which is more fiddley and I much prefer it to anything Bachmann have come up with. From what I've heard Dapol have a nice loco to tender connection, but I don't have any of their tender locos so don't know how it compares to Hornby's.
I just picked up a smoke fitted P2 for about $434 Australian, which is about 217 quid, so I’m pretty happy with that!
Haven’t had a chance to run it yet, here’s hoping I don’t suffer the Hornby quailty control issues. (I’ve only really had it happen once so far… bought a hm7000 Dcc decoder where they forgot to put the speaker in the box, whoops!)
Awesome! Hoping it's all good as they really are spectacular. Thanks for watching 😃
Where abouts in Aus did you pick it up from?
@@markcoleman441 a hobby shop in Melbourne called Hearns Hobbies. It was a sale, I don’t think they have them at that price atm.
That passing shot at 17:30 is chef's kiss. I believe I read somewhere that applying a very liberal amount of vaseline around the inside of the chimney helps prevent the accumulation of water.
Glad you enjoyed it, it's my favourite part of the layout too! Interesting, I might have to try that at some point. Thanks for watching 😃
Looks like a fine model to me, the smoke looks great!
Yeah it's a great Black 5 and the smoke is the cherry on top! Thanks for watching 😃
Having this exact model, I have to agree with everything you say. I also got this for £225 and at that price I'm pretty happy. If I had paid more than £250 I would have expected those niggles to be fixed. I think the drawbar could do with being slightly kinematic to help it close up. The lamp at the back isn't such an issue from the perspective that a lot of these didn't get turned religiously unlike express locomotives. Though with the single lamp this denotes light engine so there is some compromise without an easier fix.
The lamps are definitively better but that front smokebox one really does need a bit of paint. It baffles me a bit that Hornby would go to the effort of retooling these improvements and then not do the easy part of painting it! Likewise they do the hard part of putting in the firebox flicker but then not making it switchable. I think that's when the niggles become a little frustrating as it's 95% of the way there to being perfect and that last 5% was actually the easy part!
I've not yet had a chance to do a haulage test beyond a couple of coaches but I'd really hope there's some way to add some extra weight or I may even go down the path of using DCC concepts powerbase. I know the powerbase seems to get mixed reviews - I'd be interested to see you do a more objective video on this perhaps on a new layout build. Charlie @Chadwick did one and I seem to remember the conclusion was it helped a little to get an extra coach or two.
Glad to hear you think pretty much the same. I think my frustration with the rear tender lamp is more that, most people will have a train behind the loco so you would never have a lamp there. If it had been removable like the front ones that would have been great. Like you said with the firebox LED they've done 95% of the work already 😅
If you haven't seen it already, I did use the DCC Concepts Powerbase on my TT:120 layout for the incline. It made a huge difference there with the lighter TT locos from Hornby, allowing them to get up the sharp incline with a healthy length of coaches behind them. Thanks for watching 👍
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Of course you are quite right. I'll rewatch the episode again.
as an american modeler, this makes me question why we use a dedicated smoke fluid instead of just water. seems both safe and cheaper while still looking fantastic!
I agree, the steam actually looks more natural too 👍🏻
I think steam effects have been a thing for longer in the US and Europe. While we've had them in some form in the UK it's never really caught on properly. I'm guessing that's why oil based smoke fluid is used elsewhere but in the UK there's opportunity to try something new. Thanks for watching 😃
I think because that’s just how it was done for so long. The technology is final at the point they can use water
Agree about the firebox glow being on permanently. Is it possible to reassign it to the 'coal shovelling' function key, or is it just a generic part of the 'lights' function?
I believe it's wired straight from the track power so there's nothing to reassign... unless you physically went in and rewired it somehow. I'm assuming they have a good reason but it's frustrating when it appears so simple to do and is standard for every other manufacturer. Thanks for watching 😃
@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks for the reply - and love your videos.
Does anyone know if I can get 1 of the steam generators as a spare part cos I'd like to buy one and put it in the engine sheds and make it look like the loco is letting off steam
It one of the Hornby steam generators but I’m sure a standard water atomiser could be used in some capacity or just a normal Suethe oil based smoke generator. Thanks for watching 😃
Fantastic video! Couldn’t help but notice that Cadbury Bournville van. Where did you get it? Or did you make it yourself?
It's a Dapol van! They've done a few vans with different logos on lately - the Riley van next to it is one of theirs too. They should be available from anywhere that stocks Dapol products. Thanks for watching 😃
@ Thank you! I’ll have to keep my eye out for one. And no problem! You did a great job and showing all the great features that I wanted to see, heck I didn’t even know about some of the others. Makes me jealous you’ve got one! Keep up the good work!
I love the steam generators, a lovely little enhancement for sure
It does add something in my opinion. I know it’s not for everyone but I love it. Thanks for watching 🤩
I have had this preordered since the day it was released almost. I had almost given up hope it would be released with how many delays it had.
I also know that SamsTrains review of the non steam generator version was... Less than favourable, he had heaps of issues with it that Im hoping they have fixed with this version of it, so fingers crossed!
Personally I'd rather they take the time to get it right than get it out quickly, especially as we're fairly used to models taking a few years to arrive from most manufacturers.
I'd hesitate to rely purely on a single review to form an opinion of a model though. (This goes for my reviews too!) While individual issues are still valid they're not always representative of the entire range unless you start to see common themes from several sources. Thanks for watching 😃
Thanks for the video. This is the best view of steam generation I have seen. The gap between loco and tender does not seem to have been reduced. As the connection is kinematic on both sides, it could be reduced. At least get the fall plate to cover the gap.
The firebox flicker permanantly on from track feed is possibly to accomodate DC operation in their design?
I have modified the wiring on the Caprotti version to be on during coal shovelling. How to described on a railway modellers web site. Pity that if you want to have steam then there is a tie in to the HM7000 instead of being able to get a different sound decoder and then get the steam generator as an add on. Perhaps that will be available as a spare in the future?
I think if you reduced it any further it would make 2nd radius running more tricky though. We do have to remember these are models.
That might possibly be the case with the firebox LED but like I said, other manufacturers are able to wire it up so that it functions on DC and is still switchable on DCC too.
I suspect another decoder maker could do a version that works with the steam generators. It’s whether there’s enough of a market for it considering you can only buy these locos with a decoder pre-installed.
I doubt we’ll ever see the steam generator sold separately considering they seem to be a bespoke design for each loco. Thanks for watching 😃
Having researched the Black Fives & 8Fs for many years, Hornby’s new model is a big improvement on previous versions.
The first of the new models Hornby released around 6 months ago worried me because they had some very basic detail errors, such as incorrect brake shoes, hopper ash-pan actuator, wash out plug detail on the boiler etc etc.
But 44726 has these details correct but as one of the comments made says why not compare to the real thing or use the drawings? This would create more questions than answers as the Black Fives have a large amount of differences both in detail and fittings right through to the dimensional differences of boiler types and the engines fitted with roller bearings throughout.
Some engines had main frame design adjustments so they could accept the later boilers with sloping throat plates.
When looking into the lives of the Black Fives they had numerous boiler and tender changes some AWS fitted some with speedometers some with tablet catchers, tubular or solid axels several different tender types etc etc.
Has anyone spotted on 44726 that it has the additional control mechanism to operate the front ash-pan damper on the running plate/footplate on the fireman’s side? This is a detail that is nearly engine specific as this was only fitted with curtain boilers and sometimes you need to have a photograph of the actual engine as some of these modifications did not happen to all of the engines in all of the individual batches built, or indeed where they were built.
As you say in the review it’s very difficult to produce the ultimate model, the new Hornby Black Fives are a great step forward and Hornby should be congratulated on this model.
The gap between engine and tender will always be to big unless we have adjustable drawbars on every model the lamp on the tender is annoying, one comment mentions the lamp arrangement on the front of the engine is incorrect but just because BR says it’s amended lamp bracket locations doesn’t mean it was carried out across the board there where many Black Fives that went to the scrap yard with the lamp irons in the original locations.
Also we must be very careful comparing the locomotives between being in service with BR and the engines that are preserved today as their are many more differences etc to allow running on the national network such as TPWS/OTMR etc etc.
we also must remember when the drawings for these engines were first produced there were a vast amount of updates and adjustments made and in many cases new drawings produced or additional drawings issued so to accurately identify changes to an individual engine or batch of engines you may need to reference many drawings.
Many thanks for a really good review I ordered mine on the day they were announced and paid the pre order price of £224.00 my first Hornby Black Five was a Silver Seal 44932 approximately 50 years ago tender driven would pull anything then came the DJH kit K75 Black Five brass and white metal and then the Brassmasters kits both were excellent for modifying to create a preferred member of the class.
Lots of information there. I believe Hornby said that this is their most extensive tooling suite to date so they've got the option of being able to make plenty of variations over the coming years. Thanks for watching 😃
I do think live steam just adds something to a model. I'm not sure how in scale realistic it is (genuinely no idea) but it just makes a loco seem more alive
Steam doesn't really scale, similar to water effects, but I agree it does add something to the models. Thanks for watching 😃
Really nice looking engine like the colors. The live stream looks great as it runs around your layout, it sounds good too. Thanks for sharing.
GOD BLESS from America
🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕🚂💕
It’s definitely a good looking engine and the steam is such a nice feature to have! Thanks for watching😃
What on earth is that lamp doing attached to the side of the smoke box door?
When was that ever the case?
The Midland region started moving the lamp brackets to that position from about 1965 onwards. There's plenty of pictures around that show this. Thanks for watching 👍
Another great review, thank you for doing this. Mine arrived yesterday and I think it’s an amazing bit of kit.
Do you have any ideas of what locos might get the Steam Generator Treatment next?
Hard to say really. I thought the A4s might be the next ones but with Dapol doing their Black Label A4 I can’t see much point now.
I suspect whatever large engine they announce on the 14th will also get a steam version too. Thanks for watching 😃
@ I wonder if it will be Turbomotive. Although I am not massively keen on that loco
@ Would make sense to allow them to reuse the tooling. I suppose it depends how well the Hush Hush goes down.
@ Well I haven’t seen a single proper review for the Steam Generator version of the Hush Hush yet. I don’t think it’s good value compared to the Black 5 personally, with no working lamps or flickering firebox.
Great review. Thanks.
How much running do you get out
Of one fill of water.. Approx
For a normal Mid speed session.
I was able to run it constituently while filming the end section for around 40mins before it needed topping up again. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃
I don’t mind a bit of wheel slip, makes it more realistic and more interesting to operate.
I can definitely see that - means you have to drive the loco properly rather than just letting it run too. Thanks for watching 😃
Lovely model.
It certainly is - Hornby have done a really good job with this one. Thanks for watching 😃
Good morning - Smokin!
It certainly is smoking! Thanks for watching 😃
Great video, I would say the light LED’s are more natural looking than my black 5 they released 6 months ago and the coupling does look closer. It seems they listened to feedback and tweaked this version.
What live steam locos do you have? I have gauge 1 in the loft 😊
That's good to know! Meanwhile I've got people further down the page swearing blind that nothing has changed 😅 It's great to hear Hornby listening to feedback - would be even better if they released the new lamps as a spare for customers like you with the earlier versions.
I've got both a Hornby Live Steam Mallard and an Mamod steam engine for the garden railway (both of which have featured in videos). Gauge 1 in the loft sounds amazing though - I'm very jealous! Thanks for watching 👍
@ Well, if you’re anywhere near Kent and fancy a gauge 1 session let me know! 👍🏻
Newbie DCC question here but I presume this as reviewed can only run with these features via the Hornby app rather than normal DCC?
You can run these with any DCC controller. I sometimes use a z21 for my steam generator P2’s. I forgot which CV you have to change for that, but you can also do it with the app. Just choose DCC running, and take over with your chosen system.
@MrLoewietje Many thanks 👍
Nope all features are available on both DCC and the HM7000. To be honest I haven't even linked mine to the app yet. HM7000 is basically just a normal decoder with extra bluetooth connectivity. Thanks for watching 😃
Very nice! I think I’d much rather buy one of these as opposed to the Locomotion any day. Literally all the bells and whistles without faffing about trying to fit a decoder into a really tiny tender!
I actually have a Locomotion model to do a review on at some point soon too so it'll be interesting to see how they compare. Thanks for watching 😃
@ I hope it runs smoothly. I look forward to seeing your review of it.
I’m going to have purchases one of these! But I’ll probably fit a loksound decoder!
They're definitely a great model to have in the collection if you ask me! Although with a loksound decoder you won't have control over the steam generator. Thanks for watching 😃
@ this will depend how the steam generator is wired, I think the separate circuit board that is in the loco (looking at Caprotti 5) I can’t imagine it be too difficult.
Nice to see Hornby getting it right.
It really is and I think proves they're not deserving of a lot of the criticism thrown at them. Thanks for watching 😃
Now, if they could just fit that into a TT120 model😊
Good luck with that one. If it were possible I suspect you'd be adding drops of water to the generator rather than a full pipette 😅 But we can dream right! Thanks for watching 👍
Looks lovely and I love the smoke! It should be able to pull three times more trucks than this. They should have added more weight.
If they added more weight though they'd have to loose the steam generator. It probably will pull three times more wagons than this (I was just at the limit of what I can fit on my layout) as long as they're free running like the Accurascale wagons shown. It's heavy diecast or kit built rolling stock that might be an issue - especially if like my layout there's a slight incline. Thanks for watching 😃
Good video. How long does the steam last? Surely the generator would get hot if you keep sound on when it's empty.
Ought to be able to turn the steam off.
Around 20mins usually when completely full although I have had it running for over 30mins a couple of times.
No there's no heat with this water atomiser, which is why it's a big benefit over the old oil steam generator.
You can, I believe F23 turns the steam off and keeps the sound on - that was the case with the P2 at least. Thanks for watching 👍
@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks for answering that. Might hit the checkout button before weekend is over!
doesn't the new Hornby Black 5s have a loco-tender connection problem or did they fix it?
As far as I know it was only the gap that people were concerned with but I’ve not heard any substantial reports of there being an issue with it. Like I said in the video, mine seems nice and robust. Thanks for watching 😃
Does the sound HAVE to be on for the steam to kick in?
Generally yes that's how it works as the puff of steam is tied to the sound profile. Maybe there's a way of turning the volume right down in the CV setting (or via the HM7000 app) but I've not experimented with it myself so that's purely speculation on my part. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy thank you, and no worries
I am happy with my earlier versions of the Black 5 but I commend Hornby for trying to innovate with the various features this model has. The less than ideal haulage capacity is a minor negative point.
It's great to see Hornby continue to upgrade and improve this model and it's fantastic to see the steam generator included on a more regular loco rather than a celebrity model of some sort. Thanks for watching 😃
Very good review, I agree it's a good model but does have its flaws, I've got the flying scotsman version, and it has similar issues, but overall, it's a good model 😀
Absolutely, but I think a perfect model is hard to come by when the nature of model railways is the art of compromise. Thanks for watching 😃
I've noticed mine won't pull seven coaches?
I’ve heard some people have found it struggled more with Bachmann coaches than Hornby ones. Thanks for watching 😃
Cab crew.. yes!.. but such as sound, steam, lights & weathering don't seem necessary (to me), as I still have the imagination of a 10yo.
Enjoyed the review.
That's fine, like I said in the video it's not for everyone. The older Black 5 models are still very good for those who don't want to pay extra for unwanted features. Thanks for watching 😃
A fabulouse Black 5
Definitely up there with Hornby’s other premium models! Thanks for watching 😃
as a model railroader. The one concern i would have is because most of the models are not yet completely diecast, you loose weight over the number 1 driver and it can have the potential to derail because it does not have enough downward force.
Die cast is an interesting conundrum because you gain weight but loose detail. It makes sense for some models but not others. Personally I've not experienced any derailments with this model and we have lots of much smaller models that are mostly plastic construction. Thanks for watching 😃
Also alot of the plastic models from the British and German manufacturers still seem fine. I have a Hornby A3 in full plastic, hybrid with the diecast running plate, and full diecast from the dublo range. I’ll say while the later ones have the extra weight and more pulling power, the plastic one is by no means sluggish and is very planted on the rails. I have a Roco 18 201 ( tender drive keep in mind ) and it is very planted and made of plastic. I’d say it runs just as well if not better than my full die-cast trix model of 18 201. Majority Modern plastic engines will be very planted on the track. There’s not much need to worry about
@ A lot of models in the UK do tend to use finer plastic parts for the outer shell then fill the interior with as much metal as possible.
Sounds good may i ask what controller you use ? cheers
Hiya, I predominantly use a Roco Z21 although I also use a DCC-EX system occasionally too. Thanks for watching 😃
When I saw the lamp in the thumbnail I thought the engine was crying
Yeah it's odd to have a lamp bracket off to the side of the smokebox rather than in the traditional position. Thanks for watching 😃
not my region, however it does look good. the steam is something I'd not pay money for, more faff than its worth and if they got realistic steam & smoke you wouldn't want it anyway, not for long. that said if people like it go for it
agree the firebox LED needs some sort of control though, even just on/off randomly stuff, also find myself wondering on that push fit connection and specifically how long that will last in practice
nice though and while expensive its not a huge jump from anything else, only real let down is the HM7000 not having RailCom which is a pity as they way they have done the decoders generally is very good
I completely agree that the steam isn't for everyone - especially as it's not going to be the sort of thing you can have on all your models currently. But like you said it is generally a good model regardless.
It is a bit of a shame that the HM7000 decoders don't have Railcom. I know Hornby have said that it doesn't need it because of the Bluetooth capability but it would be nice to have. Thanks for watching 😃
Looks and runs well glad dont have to buy steam fluid as people wouls stop after a few times
Not to mention the residue going all over the track too. Thanks for watching 😃
A great model and presentation. But it's DC. Since I am german we use here rather AC. Do you think they release it in AC or is it convertible ?
I'm not sure I understand. This model is not DC, it is a DCC only locomotive which runs on AC track power, so I would assume it is already compatible.
To my knowledge Germany is no different from the rest of the world in how its DCC trains work. Even if it were, the HM7000 decoder in this loco would allow you to run loco using bluetooth control while still using power from the track. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 👍
Okay thanks that you took the time. And I understood that it has a DCC decoder which are used often in germany aswell. But my qustion is answered since you say it runs with Alternating current it should cause no problem.
I think they might have reused the old hornby henry model for this
Nope not even close. The Henry model had its origins in the Hornby Black 5 from the 80s. Hornby then did an all new Black 5 in 2002 and now a second all new tooling in 2024. Thanks for watching 👍
@ThatModelRailwayGuy ok thank you for that
Unfortunately, I hate the running lamp arrangements, especially the lower central lamp, above the buffer beam. I also think Hornby need to look at the loco/tender coupling. The gap produced is far too large. The drawbar that features on other locos, such as the BR Standard 2MT, features a 'close coupling' position for those with shallower curves.
That's fine, there have been plenty of Black 5's produced in the past without lamps.
How would you suggest doing a closer coupling that is still suitable for the majority of users who have less realistic curves? Let's not forget that when drawbars were the standard connection people complained about the mass of wires running between loco and tender, so it just shows you can't make everyone happy. Thanks for watching 😃
@ThatModelRailwayGuy If you look at the 'traditional' drawbar, there are 2 holes drilled through it at one end. If something similar could be fitted to the back of the tender side connector, thus pulling it back, under the tender a fraction, this could enable a shorter coupling if desired.
@@adrianarnold8554 I’m not sure this would work though as the new couplings are kinematic and don’t have a fixed point that can be lengthened or shortened. Not saying it’s impossible though, perhaps something for all the manufacturers who are using these couplings to look at 🤔
steam looks damn good !
It's so impressive isn't it and the way it's timed to the chuff and wheel rotation is fantastic. Thanks for watching 😃
I must have a moan about this fascination for working lights on diesels, DMUs and now steam locos. I am old enough to remember the real thing. Lights on steam locos were NEVER lit during daylight hours. Other than southern, the lights were purely to show what the train was, express, stopper, goods. Similarly the lights on diesels and DMUs did not operate during the day. Please look at the numerous videos available. As 99.9% of models are run in daylight, what is the point? I do wish if manufacturers insist on doing this they include a switch to turn them all off including cab lights!.
"I do wish if manufacturers insist on doing this they include a switch to turn them all off including cab lights!" Err...THEY DO. You can even adjust the brightness to suit you personal taste. Thanks for watching 👍
Great review… serious attention to detail and great photography. One thing to improve - terminology - the ‘Footboard’ is called a footplate. The linkage around the wheels and cylinders is called outside motion. Or more specifically coupling rods and valve gear. Maybe study some steam locomotive anatomy? It’s kind of nice to use appropriate terminology, and keep it alive for younger generations who otherwise have no knowledge of steam traction.
Glad you enjoyed it. I work on a heritage railway so I know most of the terminology - footboard was just a slip up of amalgamating footplate and running board in my head. In a lot of other instances though it’s a case of using terms other modellers are familiar with. Not everyone understands the terminology and I try to make the videos as easy to follow as possible. Thanks for watching 😃
Lovely model but I won't be getting one I do n gauge and at 288 pounds ?
I think it'll be a while before anyone adds working steam to an N Gauge loco 😅 Honestly I think the price isn't that bad considering the standard version is around £217. So only an extra £71 for both pre-fitted sound AND steam and while £288 is obviously expensive, it's not as expensive as it could have been. For example, look at Dapol's upcoming A4 with steam at just shy of £400. Thanks for watching 👍
I bet you’ve heard the news about Britt Allcroft’s death. Really is a sad day for Thomas fans.
Yes I heard yesterday morning through the grapevine. Very sad indeed and she probably single handedly has brought a whole new generation to railways and railway preservation in the 80s/90s. Thanks for watching 👍
I really like the look of the base model, it seems to be well proportioned.
I can't label this the ultimate black 5 due to the toy town features that ruin the model.
The lamps are too bulky and based on the other reviews I've seen the light leakage around the lamp sockets is not good. For any serious modeller the lamp on the tender needs to be removable as there should never be a lamp between the loco and the train (other than shunting).
I think sounds and water vapour generator add nothing to the model experience for me. I drive steam locos on a heritage railway and the sounds just annoy me. Similarly the steam generator produces an unrealistic plume like the old Thomas models used in the 80s TV shows. It's a model, we know its a model so adding these features just makes it look toy town rather than realistic.
Hornby need to concentrate on making realistic looking models for less cost notcadding annoying features that ruin the model.
"It's a model, we know its a model so adding these features just makes it look toy town rather than realistic." - perhaps others would counter that saying by being a model it's not intended to be a perfect replica.
The lamps don't seem to be particularly chunky on this version and there's no light bleed on them either. Fair enough if the new features aren't for you but the fact is that this is the way the hobby is starting to lean. It's not just Hornby that are introducing more features with every model but they do need to keep up with the competition. Thanks for watching 👍
Calling this the "ultimate" Black 5 was a bit of a stretch despite how beautiful the model looks.
There's still some aspects of the model that could have been executed better.
I respect their ambition and I can see where they were going - thinking of things like Dapol's "Black Label" range - but yes just a few small things that could be improved. Thanks for watching 😃
Why not compare the models with the real thing or drawings?
They do when they're designing the models. Thanks for watching 👍
You must be out of your mind if you think £215 is ok to pay for this second rate model…
Be honest you’re just promoting Hornby…
Hardly, even if it's not your thing that's not a bad price for a sound fitted loco of any kind. Look at the Accuarscale J94 - £250 for sound fitted model for a much smaller engine without the extra functions.
I'm not promoting Hornby more than any manufacturer that features on this channel but I do think it's time we stop this silly bias against them just because they're popular.