Received mine on Monday and I love it. The detail is crazy considering it's so small and I was almost shocked at the weight. I get the argument that scale doesn't equate to price, but for the price, I think it's a heck of a model. Really impressed!
Yours seems particularly jerky at slow speeds where mine in comparison has a really smooth crawl - probably the best of all the TT locos so far in my opinion. Interesting to see the difference between the two though.
@@NewModelRailway1 Not a issue on DC either. My two were both run in on DC before DCC fitting and they were both perfect. Its ironically DCC I've had some issues but nothing a quick track clean couldn't fix in the affected areas.
@@NewModelRailway1 Possibly but then we're always being told that adding a DCC decoder doesn't fix a bad/faulty model... I can't say I've had mine at top speed very much (the curves are pretty tight on my layout 😅) but from what I remember it didn't seem as fast as Sam's - still plenty fast for what I need though.
@@NewModelRailway1 tend to run at all speeds. Slow, medium and fast. My logic being if it’s a good runner on DC, then DCC should be easy. The crawl on my two is better than Sam’s easily. And yes, I agree. On DCC especially with Hm7000, they’re a bit flighty. My Dapol Imperium equipped one is better but on HM7000 it doesn’t half shift.
Interesting bit of trivia about the class 50: it was the first class of locomotive where the whole class was delivered from the start in the Rail Blue livery.
I'm less pessimistic today about Hornby TT than I was six month before. Hornby shows us they are able to produce quality models, like this one. The unknown is if UK TT will gain traction or not on the middle to long term. Hornby have good points for their TT scale which starts from scratch : modern couplings and DCC sockets, and total new toolings. Hope for them they'll get enough customers to keep this range on sale, and develop it broadly.
Always love seeing a TT review. I've recently got back into the hobby for the first time since I was a kid, and if I didn't feel so sentimental about my old models I'd have definitely gone for TT. One thing I'd love to see in these reviews is a section about how easy it is to fit a DCC decoder, and how well it runs on DCC compared to DC. I appreciate that would add a fair chunk to the already-huge amount of work you put in these reviews of course!
WOW, this class Class 50 in this scale is just so WOW. I seriously need to buy this one complete with MK1s carriages to my train set. Interesting fact of the Class 50 in this livery, there one coming to one of the neatest heritage railway to me and that is the Spa Valley Railway.
Absolutely. Hornby themselves have said as much - the challenges of making things smaller AND to a more correct scale are, apparently, significant. It is easy to forget OO is not correctly to scale because, back in the day, making British outline in HO was too challenging and expensive. So we get HO track and over-sized stock / locos etc as a result.
Hornby TT yet again blowing us all away with these superb models, il definately be picking one up, but weve got to keep an eye on these prices, we dont want them running away, success can lead to greed. overall, very impressed.
Sam, why do you think that tt should be cheaper than 00? You really aren't paying for the material costs when you buy a model in any scale. If anything I would expect the results of miniaturisation and less common scale to make the locos more expensive , not less. 00 gauge has a clear advantage when it comes to "economies of scale", scale of course meaning qtys sold. Cheers for an otherwise professional review as always my friend 👍. But I'm not sure that one of those 50 040 prints doesn't look level. The side where its towards the left.
@eurovnik actually that is also true. Consider what you paid for that phone in your hand compared to its real cost as a perfect example! In fact, any business that doesn't price to market will struggle.
I agree with that. You also have to remember that production here is still in smaller quantities than at OO. As a result, development costs and tool production have to be written off over a smaller customer base.
So many times we hear you say"expensive and not worth it" so good to see Hornby creating high quality models. Judging by your words and not scores, world have have expected a better grade than C tho. Great review Sam.
Doesn't deserve a C. Its easily the best TT model to date and should be a B easily. Its better than my OO version also from Hornby. Yes, its not the cheapest but you get what you pay for in this model. Easily better value than the Pacifics these days.
Hi Sam, Since Hornby is producing TT versions of things they have done in OO, it means you will be able to create that OO gauge layout you always wanted but didn't have the space! I have not got a class 50 in OO because I am not as mad as you in the amount of stuff I have collected. So this review was of interest to me. Having no OO version is the perfect excuse to get the TT offering! I think you should build a small scenic TT layout to review new locos as that will offer more visual appeal to your viewers than having the thing trundle around a bare board! Good review. Thanks for uploading.
I made somehow an embarrassing purchase this week in the way of the Hornby Coca Cola Christmas train set which I didn’t realise was in the basket however I’m going to keep it and store it away.
Sam, This model represents 50040 pre-July 1987. After that date 50040 was renamed Centurion. So with another set of etched plates you could pick and choose which era you could run it.
The new Hornby TT Class 50 diesel locomotive is a quality model because of its top notch mechanism and it is similar to the OO scale model Sam. Overall, it is a quality model.
Mine arrived on Monday though I'm going to wait until the end of the week before running it as I have the green version coming as well. Makes sense to run them in at the same time. A good comprehensive review as always, Sam. I would like to ask out of curiosity, how big is that test track board of yours? Thinking of building one myself separate from my modular main TT layout.
Got mine yesterday, runs silky smooth at all speeds, and crawls so smooth you wouldn't know it was moving. Sadly, Sam, you seem to have the totally worst luck when it comes to Hornby models.
Even the paintjob looks on mine a little more brilliant. Maybe they think, oh Sam, he doesn't give good reviews anyway, so save your money and give him the production runaway instead.
I have yet to understand why you expect TT scale tp be cheaper than OO. That makes zero sense to me. Engineering a smaller model is harder in many ways.
The steamers were way cheaper than their OO counterparts, and Hornby managed to sell me this for £124 because I pre-ordered it less than 2 years ago… it’s now closer to £170
@@SamsTrains They were obviously introductory prices. Also, engineering and manufacturing costs have increased by a lot, and since TT stuff is all brand new, obviously nothing previously cheaply created can be used in the process. New OO arrivals one or two years from now will break the 200-250 ceiling easily.
Interesting you had issues with performance. My 2 are both perfect runners and it seems the bulk of them are on both DC and DCC. For the money, you get one hell of a model in my opinion well worth the full price.
Really like that you’re becoming better at critiquing detail! Shame that it can’t crawl, as it just seems to be a motor torque issue. Thanks as always Sam.
I bought the sound-fitted versions and I'm delighted with them. Both of mine will creep along quite happily under HM7000. Maybe you got a dud? I've had quite a few issues with TT:120 but I'm sticking with it because I love the scale and, it has to be said, Hornby seem to be quite good at providing repair/replacements when there's an issue. Bit of a pain but worth it once you get everything sorted. I don't have any Hornby OO. I wonder if anyone could tell me if the QC issues are similar in that scale?
Very interesting review, Hornby still pushing ahead with TT which I suppose is no bad thing. I would encourage you to try a Dapol N gauge class 50, one of their better mechanisms and I would love to see the comparison.
You'll likely find the "brass inserts" are not actually glued in to the model, but are what are called heat inserts, which are heated and inserted into the model, which is stronger than just glue
Mine arrived today after ordering it from Rails on Monday (along with a pack of Accurascale MHA Coalfish and a Sonic Models VIX Ferry Van). I haven't tested or run it yet, because its TXS fitted so I need to get my DCC controller out to power it, but it looks rather good. I hope the speaker doesn't rattle, like it does in my HST dummy power car. I do wish they'd done a more widespread class as their first large independent diesel loco, like the 37 or 47. But, they're coming, apparently. I was disappointed that both TMC and Rails said the blue and grey mk2Fs were on order with the supplier, as I thought they'd be in stock as well. But obviously not. The detail bag looks great, with its ploughs and etched nameplates, but the one thing I have noticed is the fan grille, with round holes that aren't very fine. And the underside of the bogies seemed to be covered in oil, so it was overlubricated too.
Perhaps comparing apples to apples on price might help. A Piko TT120 0-4-0 shunter is £155. The Hornby OO class 50 is in a limited sale and normally about £200 even at the retailers. The initial prices and club discount were well publicized as a way to launch the scale. Probably nearly lost leaders when you factor in tooling. They are irrelevant now. Nothing to do with inflation. Other than that nice in depth review as always. Thanks
One of my favourite BR locos. Your review was spot on and totally fair. One observation, seeing the 50 sitting on the track, it looks to me that the rails of the TT track look out of scale to the loco and its wheels. A bit like EM and OO I suppose. I don't have a model railway, not since the late 70s anyway, and this is the first time I've seen TT track close up. Does quality / accuracy vary between Hornby and Peco ? I know this is a bit off at a tangent but the immaculate class 50 made it look quite obvious.
Got one, really nice detail and nice weight, just a shame during running in started to slow down after 15 minutes started to slow down then came to a complete stop and that was that, sending back to be sorted 😢
With regard to price, I saw an interview with Richard Lines of Triang who said when they launched TT back in the day it wasn't popular because the price was almost the same as 00 and they had to reduce the margins to a point where it wasn't feasible. Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself. I'd love to get into N gauge and TT but when you see the prices I can't bring myself to spend the equivalent for 'less' model.
With the launch of 00 items cost roughly double what 0 did. Continental 00 cost around the same as 0. Z as H0. There's nearly no precedent that smaller scales equate to lesser prices, it's supply/demand/market. Tillig realised this and adjusted their customer philosophy
OK, if a bit lacking in some areas - maybe the slower speed will improve as the model is used more? At least there are some nice Mk2 coaches in the range to go with it!
When it comes to the Power rating are you still using the OO calculation or how you made a new one? 52 does not sound right to me if it is well done, Hornby. The tooling costs should be lower than OO because of less material, but the same labour time.
Sam, speaking of O scale, got any? if so 2 rail or 3 rail? I have yet to see O scale on the channel. 3 rail O scale is what i mostly collect but I do have plenty of HO(american)
Can I suggest you purchase a range of different pin decoders so as to enable you to fit a decoder and carry out your reviews with and without decoders, you can then remove the decoder prior to putting the loco into your stock.
I think it fair to maybe point out that Hornby's OO 50 has to be 20 years old, or very nearly, so is arguably more expensive than it needs to be due to that: Hornby must have recouped its tooling costs by now. As to the TT, well, it's a brand-new tooling and with the level of detail I wonder if it's fair to try and compare the OO price which is arguably too much compared to a smaller yet brand-new tooling TT scale? Where I might find a minor criticism is the 'headlight'. They tended to be more high-intensity and would have produced a whiter light than perhaps a more 'orange' incandescent lamp. Whatever though I think Hornby have made a good choice for a loco here, even if you put aside my bias with the 50 vying with the 52 Western as my favourite loco. It offers a good range of liveries for the decades too - original BR blue, large logo as here, then the versions of the awful Network South East monstrosity, and the green Edward Elgar livery (50 007 of the 1980s).
Hey @samstrains I was just wondering if you had thought about doing a review on the cavalax OO class 56 I’ve just seen a review on another channel and thought it would be right up your street looks awesome but I think it needs a Sam’s trains review
Awesome video sam! I really love the look of the class 50s, I must have a look at the 00 gauge hornby version.... it does make it shameful to the manufacturers (*cough* EFE rail *cough * )who add absolutely no detail onto their locos in 00 gauge, yet hornby can make a much smaller loco more detailed?! Having said that it's quite a stark difference from some of Hornby's models, as some can be truly awful, but this loco is definately not that! Like I say, lovely loco and great video!
Thanks a lot Jack - yeah this is very impressive! I hear their OO one is very detailed - but I wouldn't recommend it now that Accurascale have one on the way! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi. Love the review. Great looking loco. Wish I could start on TT but not for me…… so far! Anyways, could you check the height please. Watching the class 50 and the Mk1 coaches, the 50 looked a scale foot higher. But also noticed the Pullman looked higher than the Mk1”s too. Which height is correct? Or is it all correct and I’ve just noticed something that’s not in 00. lol. Cheers. Dave.
Your videos are so incredible. Can you review more British oo gauge locomotives because a lot of other scales and countrie's locomotives have been reviewed by you recently! I still love your videos 😊
12.50 Interesting that 50 014 in the photo has the usual orange OHLE warning stripe at cantrail level, whereas photos of the real 50 040 suggest that it never had this feature, even though the 'lighning flash' warning signs beside the cab doors are there -- so the model is correct, but nevertheless looks a bit strange without it.
Could it be that an O gauge diesel costs more than a OO gauge one because of far lower demand and worse economies of scale? And little to nothing to do with the size of the product?
There are many factors - this may be one of them. But an O gauge diesel simply is far more expensive to produce and ship than a OO or TT scale one - they're more complex in their detail, contain larger and more expensive motors, heaver so much more material, larger so far higher shipping costs... the point was that models in different scales *are* vastly different in what they cost to produce. Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Those input cost differences are trivial. Please educate yourself about modern manufacturing, distribution, marketing and pricing rather than constantly sounding off from a position of ignorance.
They are not trivial - and if they are, support your claim with evidence. When Hornby hiked up their prices recently, they cited increases in material and shipping costs as the reason - if these factors are trivial, why did customers see such a dramatic price increase as a result? I assure you that I do not speak from a position of ignorance.
hi sam. wait for it! i would expect hornby to release a new train set with the class 50 for near the same price you brought this model, like what they did with the hst.
We're always chuffed seeing TT Scale. Be reminded Sam that manufacturing and material costs are just a fraction of the price (made in China). Logistics, Overhead and Marketing are the major factors. Hence, Scale N, TT, H0/OO, O hardly differ on price point. We most certainly agree on ratings and score. Cheerio.
The original plan for the 50s if it had gone ahead would have had the locomotives looking similar in appearance to the deltics, DP2 was produced at the same time as the deltics and they took a deltic bodyshell and modified it, after DP2 had shown the excellent capabilities of the 16CSVT prime mover and the order for the locomotives placed English Electric intended to make them as similar as DP2 as possible but the BRB (British Railways Board) had produced a standard front end and had specific requirements for how the engine room and other equipment was to be set out.
Nicely done review, as always. Seems to me that Hornby have done a quality job with this, however I have to wonder what Hornby have against HO? I have nothing against those who model in OO or TT, but it seems surprising that after producing models in the "mongrel" scale of OO for so long they decide to go into the niche market of TT when HO has such an enormous following around the world! Okay, maybe British outline would not have the same appeal as, say, Swiss outline, but I am sure that there are some international modellers out there who might take it up in the same way that many British modellers do international outlines. I know of many British modellers (Me included) that would absolutely lap it up!
Good review, though this loco doesn't fall within my current interests. One question: Are yo sure that those nameplates are etched. From the back of the other plate, it looks rather plasticy and I would suspect a laser-cut plate, though they do still look reasonably good...
TT120 scale is 2.5mm to the foot. OO is 4mm to the foot. HO is 3.5mm to the foot. Triang TT was 3mm to the foot. OO runs on HO gauge track, so the wheel gauge is not to scale. TT120 is correct scale and gauge. Woof!
While I am not an N gauge modeller, my impression is that N gauge models are not that much cheaper than 00. Similarly, considering their size, some O gauge models are not that more expensive than 00. Perhaps my impression is wrong? Anyway, I put my perceived similarity in price due to there being a similar number of parts that go into each model, regardless of the size of the model. Discuss? A topic for a future video or have you done one on it already?
2 years i had to downsize from OO due to less space. i chose 009 as my eyesight isnt great rather than n. I now very much regret this decision having read your reviews and wish I'd opted for tt120. I must say i think your 50 review is a bit mean. i agree with some others who say that there is no reason why tt120 should be cheaper than oo. the main costs are manufacturing and design and not materials. still a good review though.
Sam, as a long time subscriber I think you need to revaluate your "value for money" matrix. When my son and I see a new video we laugh and joke "lets see what model Sam hates today even if he loves it". See, I've been in N scale for over 30 years and the reality is the price is always the same or more than HO. It comes down to labor basically...it's a much more fiddly process assembling smaller models. Be it my model trains, planes or ships, the smaller the model the more expensive it is. You either accept that or you go for the larger scale...so this argument is indeed VALID! While I don't have much interest in British diesels this model is phenomenal in very aspect that one could expect of a smaller than OO scale model train. But your rating was "meh" mostly because of that "value for money" thing. Price is a subjective thing really...how much is the individual willing to pay? I would have paid the money for this model and not look back...spending time enjoying it rather than wondering if I really got my money's worth because usually when it comes to Sam....you never will! 🤷♂
Crazy to think a TT model could be this well made, be so heavy, and have two flywheels, yet the new 5MT on OO gauge has no flywheel, no diecast boiler, and has quality control issues. I don’t get it…
So question for the TT crowd how are 150 quid locos going to get “new people in to the hobby”? Affordable train sets get people in to the hobby. And why no train sets with these in, why only train sets with big passenger locos?
You say tt crowd so you've obviously got your preconceived answer in your head. Affordable trainsets get rubbished by reviewers. Modellers rubbish them for lack of detail. Your 150 quid is only partially relevant, as is your question. There's considerably more than just price to get new people into the hobby, it's a blinkered question. Maybe further sets are coming? You seem determined to be completely negative, you're obviously not interested in the product so why are you even bothering to comment or even to watch this review?
Most of your comments seem fair Sam. The one area I disagree with you on, is I price. I have a TT layout, and I honestly don't expect to get my models to be cheaper than 00. Yes they are smaller, but to get the same high standard must be harder in the smaller scale.
TT is not my thing, but I still like to see your review videos, I like the class 50s' in this large logo livery, I have the 00 gauge one, but sadly one of the sets of side grills is in a bad shape. But trying to find a replacement body is like rocking horse poo. they are not mant about, !
Off topic for this model, but Sam is obviously making progress with his constant criticism of droopy running boards on engines from different manufacturers. Rapido’s new S160 release has many features, but straight running board is expressly stated. 😂😂😂😂 (It is a USA type and those may have had a version with stepped running boards - I assume)
Received mine on Monday and I love it. The detail is crazy considering it's so small and I was almost shocked at the weight. I get the argument that scale doesn't equate to price, but for the price, I think it's a heck of a model. Really impressed!
You don’t love it.
Yours seems particularly jerky at slow speeds where mine in comparison has a really smooth crawl - probably the best of all the TT locos so far in my opinion. Interesting to see the difference between the two though.
@@NewModelRailway1 Not a issue on DC either. My two were both run in on DC before DCC fitting and they were both perfect. Its ironically DCC I've had some issues but nothing a quick track clean couldn't fix in the affected areas.
@@NewModelRailway1 Possibly but then we're always being told that adding a DCC decoder doesn't fix a bad/faulty model...
I can't say I've had mine at top speed very much (the curves are pretty tight on my layout 😅) but from what I remember it didn't seem as fast as Sam's - still plenty fast for what I need though.
@@trainfan5 That's interesting to know 👍
@@NewModelRailway1 tend to run at all speeds. Slow, medium and fast. My logic being if it’s a good runner on DC, then DCC should be easy. The crawl on my two is better than Sam’s easily. And yes, I agree. On DCC especially with Hm7000, they’re a bit flighty. My Dapol Imperium equipped one is better but on HM7000 it doesn’t half shift.
@@trainfan5 needs a video for comparison?
if they release a class 37 i might just have to go for one, the mainline freight diesels look absolutely stunning so far!
Interesting bit of trivia about the class 50: it was the first class of locomotive where the whole class was delivered from the start in the Rail Blue livery.
I received my TT-120 class 50 sir edward elgar yesterday. Absolutely stunning model and like you say very weighty too 👍
I'm less pessimistic today about Hornby TT than I was six month before. Hornby shows us they are able to produce quality models, like this one. The unknown is if UK TT will gain traction or not on the middle to long term.
Hornby have good points for their TT scale which starts from scratch : modern couplings and DCC sockets, and total new toolings. Hope for them they'll get enough customers to keep this range on sale, and develop it broadly.
Jump right in Olivier - the TT bandwagon is going beautifully!!
I do love how the 50s have a slightly shocked/worried expression at the front
Anything TT gets my vote 100%
Always love seeing a TT review. I've recently got back into the hobby for the first time since I was a kid, and if I didn't feel so sentimental about my old models I'd have definitely gone for TT.
One thing I'd love to see in these reviews is a section about how easy it is to fit a DCC decoder, and how well it runs on DCC compared to DC. I appreciate that would add a fair chunk to the already-huge amount of work you put in these reviews of course!
WOW, this class Class 50 in this scale is just so WOW. I seriously need to buy this one complete with MK1s carriages to my train set. Interesting fact of the Class 50 in this livery, there one coming to one of the neatest heritage railway to me and that is the Spa Valley Railway.
Yay, more tt120 stuff!
On the other hand, making things smaller and more compact usually ends up with them costing more due to the technical difficulties in miniaturisation.
Absolutely. Hornby themselves have said as much - the challenges of making things smaller AND to a more correct scale are, apparently, significant. It is easy to forget OO is not correctly to scale because, back in the day, making British outline in HO was too challenging and expensive. So we get HO track and over-sized stock / locos etc as a result.
Its nice to see thatHornby fixed the angles of the windscreens that the 00 version suffers from being too flat.
Hornby TT yet again blowing us all away with these superb models, il definately be picking one up, but weve got to keep an eye on these prices, we dont want them running away, success can lead to greed. overall, very impressed.
It’s a super model. If you get one then then dcc sound version is totally worth the extra. It also crawls beautifully!!
Sam, why do you think that tt should be cheaper than 00?
You really aren't paying for the material costs when you buy a model in any scale. If anything I would expect the results of miniaturisation and less common scale to make the locos more expensive , not less. 00 gauge has a clear advantage when it comes to "economies of scale", scale of course meaning qtys sold.
Cheers for an otherwise professional review as always my friend 👍. But I'm not sure that one of those 50 040 prints doesn't look level. The side where its towards the left.
Agreed. Plus the fact that pricing is generally determined by what the market can bear rather than costs+markup these days.
@eurovnik actually that is also true. Consider what you paid for that phone in your hand compared to its real cost as a perfect example!
In fact, any business that doesn't price to market will struggle.
I agree with that.
You also have to remember that production here is still in smaller quantities than at OO.
As a result, development costs and tool production have to be written off over a smaller customer base.
I've been waiting for this. Thanks for reviewing !
Thanks Michael, hope you like the video!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review thanks ! :)
So many times we hear you say"expensive and not worth it" so good to see Hornby creating high quality models. Judging by your words and not scores, world have have expected a better grade than C tho. Great review Sam.
Doesn't deserve a C. Its easily the best TT model to date and should be a B easily. Its better than my OO version also from Hornby. Yes, its not the cheapest but you get what you pay for in this model. Easily better value than the Pacifics these days.
I received mine last week and I love it
Hi Sam, Since Hornby is producing TT versions of things they have done in OO, it means you will be able to create that OO gauge layout you always wanted but didn't have the space! I have not got a class 50 in OO because I am not as mad as you in the amount of stuff I have collected. So this review was of interest to me. Having no OO version is the perfect excuse to get the TT offering! I think you should build a small scenic TT layout to review new locos as that will offer more visual appeal to your viewers than having the thing trundle around a bare board! Good review. Thanks for uploading.
I made somehow an embarrassing purchase this week in the way of the Hornby Coca Cola Christmas train set which I didn’t realise was in the basket however I’m going to keep it and store it away.
Pretty cool that hornby is finally working on improving their tt scale compared to how it was at release, hope to see them improve even more
Sam, This model represents 50040 pre-July 1987. After that date 50040 was renamed Centurion. So with another set of etched plates you could pick and choose which era you could run it.
The new Hornby TT Class 50 diesel locomotive is a quality model because of its top notch mechanism and it is similar to the OO scale model Sam. Overall, it is a quality model.
Also, unlike the OO model, it isn't narrow gauge ;)
I’d agree with the missing speaker, but as it’s HM7000 compatible, where a sound decoder comes with a speaker, I don’t see why it should have one tbh
A passing grade! Will say I’m impressed with this tbh, for scale and price it doesn’t really leave anything to be desired and the scores show it
Mine arrived on Monday though I'm going to wait until the end of the week before running it as I have the green version coming as well. Makes sense to run them in at the same time. A good comprehensive review as always, Sam. I would like to ask out of curiosity, how big is that test track board of yours? Thinking of building one myself separate from my modular main TT layout.
Got mine yesterday, runs silky smooth at all speeds, and crawls so smooth you wouldn't know it was moving. Sadly, Sam, you seem to have the totally worst luck when it comes to Hornby models.
It really is a mystery 🤔
Even the paintjob looks on mine a little more brilliant.
Maybe they think, oh Sam, he doesn't give good reviews anyway, so save your money and give him the production runaway instead.
I have yet to understand why you expect TT scale tp be cheaper than OO. That makes zero sense to me. Engineering a smaller model is harder in many ways.
The steamers were way cheaper than their OO counterparts, and Hornby managed to sell me this for £124 because I pre-ordered it less than 2 years ago… it’s now closer to £170
@@SamsTrains They were obviously introductory prices. Also, engineering and manufacturing costs have increased by a lot, and since TT stuff is all brand new, obviously nothing previously cheaply created can be used in the process. New OO arrivals one or two years from now will break the 200-250 ceiling easily.
Interesting you had issues with performance. My 2 are both perfect runners and it seems the bulk of them are on both DC and DCC. For the money, you get one hell of a model in my opinion well worth the full price.
Really like that you’re becoming better at critiquing detail! Shame that it can’t crawl, as it just seems to be a motor torque issue. Thanks as always Sam.
I loved bashing Hoovers as a kid; this looks like a beautiful model of my favourite loco.
Wonder if it will appear in a train set. Is the LMS Coronation loco now available - on the Hornby website and no mention of pre-ordering?
I bought the sound-fitted versions and I'm delighted with them. Both of mine will creep along quite happily under HM7000. Maybe you got a dud? I've had quite a few issues with TT:120 but I'm sticking with it because I love the scale and, it has to be said, Hornby seem to be quite good at providing repair/replacements when there's an issue. Bit of a pain but worth it once you get everything sorted.
I don't have any Hornby OO. I wonder if anyone could tell me if the QC issues are similar in that scale?
Hi Sam. Excellent review as usual. Just one question, how do you convert your 'star' rating into a 'score' and then 'grade'?
I’m not sure, do you have a comment on the price? I’m not sure you mentioned it?
Very interesting review, Hornby still pushing ahead with TT which I suppose is no bad thing.
I would encourage you to try a Dapol N gauge class 50, one of their better mechanisms and I would love to see the comparison.
You'll likely find the "brass inserts" are not actually glued in to the model, but are what are called heat inserts, which are heated and inserted into the model, which is stronger than just glue
I wonder how they come up with the class numbers for these engines?
Like, the class 55 was before the 50? I wonder how they decide?
Mine arrived today after ordering it from Rails on Monday (along with a pack of Accurascale MHA Coalfish and a Sonic Models VIX Ferry Van). I haven't tested or run it yet, because its TXS fitted so I need to get my DCC controller out to power it, but it looks rather good. I hope the speaker doesn't rattle, like it does in my HST dummy power car.
I do wish they'd done a more widespread class as their first large independent diesel loco, like the 37 or 47. But, they're coming, apparently.
I was disappointed that both TMC and Rails said the blue and grey mk2Fs were on order with the supplier, as I thought they'd be in stock as well. But obviously not.
The detail bag looks great, with its ploughs and etched nameplates, but the one thing I have noticed is the fan grille, with round holes that aren't very fine. And the underside of the bogies seemed to be covered in oil, so it was overlubricated too.
Perhaps comparing apples to apples on price might help. A Piko TT120 0-4-0 shunter is £155. The Hornby OO class 50 is in a limited sale and normally about £200 even at the retailers. The initial prices and club discount were well publicized as a way to launch the scale. Probably nearly lost leaders when you factor in tooling. They are irrelevant now. Nothing to do with inflation. Other than that nice in depth review as always. Thanks
One of my favourite BR locos.
Your review was spot on and totally fair.
One observation, seeing the 50 sitting on the track, it looks to me that the rails of the TT track look out of scale to the loco and its wheels. A bit like EM and OO I suppose.
I don't have a model railway, not since the late 70s anyway, and this is the first time I've seen TT track close up. Does quality / accuracy vary between Hornby and Peco ?
I know this is a bit off at a tangent but the immaculate class 50 made it look quite obvious.
It seems to me that the handrails appear larger due to them being painted white maybe weathering would make it all appear more proportional?
I think the price may be reasonable if one considers that Hornby had to have new tooling made and this is a niche scale.
Awesome! You should try their 00 version... I think you'd be pleasantly surprised...
Got one, really nice detail and nice weight, just a shame during running in started to slow down after 15 minutes started to slow down then came to a complete stop and that was that, sending back to be sorted 😢
please compare it to a dapol n gauge class 50 sam. see which is better for detail and slow speed running.
With regard to price, I saw an interview with Richard Lines of Triang who said when they launched TT back in the day it wasn't popular because the price was almost the same as 00 and they had to reduce the margins to a point where it wasn't feasible.
Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself.
I'd love to get into N gauge and TT but when you see the prices I can't bring myself to spend the equivalent for 'less' model.
I find N is incredibly cheap in the form of Kato bought direct from Amazon Japan.
With the launch of 00 items cost roughly double what 0 did. Continental 00 cost around the same as 0. Z as H0.
There's nearly no precedent that smaller scales equate to lesser prices, it's supply/demand/market.
Tillig realised this and adjusted their customer philosophy
I wonder whats causing the cogging problem, is it gear mesh, the lack of lubrication or motor magnets ?
OK, if a bit lacking in some areas - maybe the slower speed will improve as the model is used more? At least there are some nice Mk2 coaches in the range to go with it!
When it comes to the Power rating are you still using the OO calculation or how you made a new one? 52 does not sound right to me if it is well done, Hornby. The tooling costs should be lower than OO because of less material, but the same labour time.
Sam, speaking of O scale, got any? if so 2 rail or 3 rail? I have yet to see O scale on the channel. 3 rail O scale is what i mostly collect but I do have plenty of HO(american)
Excellent !! MORE TT 😁
Can I suggest you purchase a range of different pin decoders so as to enable you to fit a decoder and carry out your reviews with and without decoders, you can then remove the decoder prior to putting the loco into your stock.
Looking forward to review of new p2 steam generator and 8f in 00
I think it fair to maybe point out that Hornby's OO 50 has to be 20 years old, or very nearly, so is arguably more expensive than it needs to be due to that: Hornby must have recouped its tooling costs by now. As to the TT, well, it's a brand-new tooling and with the level of detail I wonder if it's fair to try and compare the OO price which is arguably too much compared to a smaller yet brand-new tooling TT scale?
Where I might find a minor criticism is the 'headlight'. They tended to be more high-intensity and would have produced a whiter light than perhaps a more 'orange' incandescent lamp.
Whatever though I think Hornby have made a good choice for a loco here, even if you put aside my bias with the 50 vying with the 52 Western as my favourite loco. It offers a good range of liveries for the decades too - original BR blue, large logo as here, then the versions of the awful Network South East monstrosity, and the green Edward Elgar livery (50 007 of the 1980s).
Do you think you could review the heljan class 33 bo-bo?
Impressive. On slow speed seems to be cogging. Try pulse throttle or DCC?
Thanks Sam (and Mrs Sam)
Hey @samstrains I was just wondering if you had thought about doing a review on the cavalax OO class 56 I’ve just seen a review on another channel and thought it would be right up your street looks awesome but I think it needs a Sam’s trains review
the bachmann beau is just release now please do review it sam
Looking forward to this. Love a Hoover
When’s the June model railway news?
Awesome video sam! I really love the look of the class 50s, I must have a look at the 00 gauge hornby version.... it does make it shameful to the manufacturers (*cough* EFE rail *cough * )who add absolutely no detail onto their locos in 00 gauge, yet hornby can make a much smaller loco more detailed?! Having said that it's quite a stark difference from some of Hornby's models, as some can be truly awful, but this loco is definately not that! Like I say, lovely loco and great video!
Thanks a lot Jack - yeah this is very impressive! I hear their OO one is very detailed - but I wouldn't recommend it now that Accurascale have one on the way!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi. Love the review. Great looking loco. Wish I could start on TT but not for me…… so far! Anyways, could you check the height please. Watching the class 50 and the Mk1 coaches, the 50 looked a scale foot higher. But also noticed the Pullman looked higher than the Mk1”s too. Which height is correct? Or is it all correct and I’ve just noticed something that’s not in 00. lol. Cheers. Dave.
Your videos are so incredible. Can you review more British oo gauge locomotives because a lot of other scales and countrie's locomotives have been reviewed by you recently! I still love your videos 😊
Thank you so much! I sure will review more British OO!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
12.50 Interesting that 50 014 in the photo has the usual orange OHLE warning stripe at cantrail level, whereas photos of the real 50 040 suggest that it never had this feature, even though the 'lighning flash' warning signs beside the cab doors are there -- so the model is correct, but nevertheless looks a bit strange without it.
Could it be that an O gauge diesel costs more than a OO gauge one because of far lower demand and worse economies of scale?
And little to nothing to do with the size of the product?
There are many factors - this may be one of them. But an O gauge diesel simply is far more expensive to produce and ship than a OO or TT scale one - they're more complex in their detail, contain larger and more expensive motors, heaver so much more material, larger so far higher shipping costs... the point was that models in different scales *are* vastly different in what they cost to produce.
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Those input cost differences are trivial.
Please educate yourself about modern manufacturing, distribution, marketing and pricing rather than constantly sounding off from a position of ignorance.
They are not trivial - and if they are, support your claim with evidence. When Hornby hiked up their prices recently, they cited increases in material and shipping costs as the reason - if these factors are trivial, why did customers see such a dramatic price increase as a result? I assure you that I do not speak from a position of ignorance.
I’d like to see your N and TT:120 reviews include running across points.
hi sam. wait for it! i would expect hornby to release a new train set with the class 50 for near the same price you brought this model, like what they did with the hst.
I love the class 50 nice big industrial engines great video sam
Yeah absolutely - quite the impressive beasts aren't they!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam have a good look at the price for new g f engine in n gage 😢
Excellent review video Sam but can you tell me what you think of the model cuz I have no thoughts or opinions about it but as always well done 20:10
That's okay Dennis! Sure skip to the conclusion and you can hear what I think!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains My pleasure Sam and thanks for the tip
We're always chuffed seeing TT Scale. Be reminded Sam that manufacturing and material costs are just a fraction of the price (made in China). Logistics, Overhead and Marketing are the major factors. Hence, Scale N, TT, H0/OO, O hardly differ on price point. We most certainly agree on ratings and score. Cheerio.
The class 50s were initially owned EE and leased to BR for their first10 years. It is said reliability fell with the change of ownership.
[citation required]
@@TheHoveHeretic [ Try Google ]
I'm loving TT! But those constant price rises suck 😢
Yet another great BR locomotive.
Absolutely! :D
DP2 was the prototype for the class 50s, they are not like a Deltic in any way.
The original plan for the 50s if it had gone ahead would have had the locomotives looking similar in appearance to the deltics, DP2 was produced at the same time as the deltics and they took a deltic bodyshell and modified it, after DP2 had shown the excellent capabilities of the 16CSVT prime mover and the order for the locomotives placed English Electric intended to make them as similar as DP2 as possible but the BRB (British Railways Board) had produced a standard front end and had specific requirements for how the engine room and other equipment was to be set out.
poor DP2 - it got splatted... Woof!
Yes, the Deltic design was well out dated. By then the class 47 was the standard design for locos.
No Hornby locos I have ever bought, have performed flawlessly at slow speeds.
Hi Sam . I will wait for the gbrf one to come out but thanks for the review. caroline
Nicely done review, as always. Seems to me that Hornby have done a quality job with this, however I have to wonder what Hornby have against HO? I have nothing against those who model in OO or TT, but it seems surprising that after producing models in the "mongrel" scale of OO for so long they decide to go into the niche market of TT when HO has such an enormous following around the world! Okay, maybe British outline would not have the same appeal as, say, Swiss outline, but I am sure that there are some international modellers out there who might take it up in the same way that many British modellers do international outlines. I know of many British modellers (Me included) that would absolutely lap it up!
Good review, though this loco doesn't fall within my current interests. One question: Are yo sure that those nameplates are etched. From the back of the other plate, it looks rather plasticy and I would suspect a laser-cut plate, though they do still look reasonably good...
They come with printed plates. But you get etched ones in the box.
It looks great. If the U.S would produce a decent amount of TT I would trade out all my OO and HO stuff and switch to TT.
TT scale or gauge ?. I was always told oo gauge the scale is 4mm. So TT gauge is 120 scale .
TT120 scale is 2.5mm to the foot. OO is 4mm to the foot. HO is 3.5mm to the foot. Triang TT was 3mm to the foot. OO runs on HO gauge track, so the wheel gauge is not to scale. TT120 is correct scale and gauge. Woof!
While I am not an N gauge modeller, my impression is that N gauge models are not that much cheaper than 00. Similarly, considering their size, some O gauge models are not that more expensive than 00. Perhaps my impression is wrong?
Anyway, I put my perceived similarity in price due to there being a similar number of parts that go into each model, regardless of the size of the model. Discuss? A topic for a future video or have you done one on it already?
I do agree that larger 0 gauge models are VERY expensive though. 00 ones are heading the same way!
2 years i had to downsize from OO due to less space. i chose 009 as my eyesight isnt great rather than n. I now very much regret this decision having read your reviews and wish I'd opted for tt120. I must say i think your 50 review is a bit mean. i agree with some others who say that there is no reason why tt120 should be cheaper than oo. the main costs are manufacturing and design and not materials. still a good review though.
Idea: HO/OO scale track used to model standard gauge, TT scale track used for large Narrow Gauge, and N scale track used for Small Narrow Gauge.
That'd be awesome!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
But what about when a narrow gauge is geographically a standard gauge? Is it still standard? (Sn3 1/2 springs to mind)
Class 50s DID do express passenger work - it's what they were built for.
Sam, as a long time subscriber I think you need to revaluate your "value for money" matrix. When my son and I see a new video we laugh and joke "lets see what model Sam hates today even if he loves it".
See, I've been in N scale for over 30 years and the reality is the price is always the same or more than HO. It comes down to labor basically...it's a much more fiddly process assembling smaller models. Be it my model trains, planes or ships, the smaller the model the more expensive it is. You either accept that or you go for the larger scale...so this argument is indeed VALID!
While I don't have much interest in British diesels this model is phenomenal in very aspect that one could expect of a smaller than OO scale model train. But your rating was "meh" mostly because of that "value for money" thing. Price is a subjective thing really...how much is the individual willing to pay? I would have paid the money for this model and not look back...spending time enjoying it rather than wondering if I really got my money's worth because usually when it comes to Sam....you never will! 🤷♂
Crazy to think a TT model could be this well made, be so heavy, and have two flywheels, yet the new 5MT on OO gauge has no flywheel, no diecast boiler, and has quality control issues. I don’t get it…
So question for the TT crowd how are 150 quid locos going to get “new people in to the hobby”? Affordable train sets get people in to the hobby. And why no train sets with these in, why only train sets with big passenger locos?
You say tt crowd so you've obviously got your preconceived answer in your head.
Affordable trainsets get rubbished by reviewers. Modellers rubbish them for lack of detail.
Your 150 quid is only partially relevant, as is your question.
There's considerably more than just price to get new people into the hobby, it's a blinkered question.
Maybe further sets are coming? You seem determined to be completely negative, you're obviously not interested in the product so why are you even bothering to comment or even to watch this review?
Most of your comments seem fair Sam. The one area I disagree with you on, is I price. I have a TT layout, and I honestly don't expect to get my models to be cheaper than 00. Yes they are smaller, but to get the same high standard must be harder in the smaller scale.
The plows would be good for clearing lego bricks and other debris off the tracks.
How random! 🎉
Diesels or TT Scales are not really my thing but a nice review anyway 😊🚂🚂🚂
You would of thought looking at this with its details it would be from heljan or bachmann
Again, random and unsubstantiated comment which is neither negative nor positive.
The packaging 'outer' is much cheaper looking than the 00 gauge version.
If you could find a diesel locomotive class that best represents the devious nature, they were portrayed as in the railway series.
The TT club isn't dead.
Yet
No, it's still a thing - but you now get no discount or any other perk of value!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It is to me..! At those prices, I will just stick with my OO set up, Thank you..! 🤗
LIES!!!!1111!!111!!!!1!
TT is not my thing, but I still like to see your review videos, I like the class 50s' in this large logo livery, I have the 00 gauge one, but sadly one of the sets of side grills is in a bad shape. But trying to find a replacement body is like rocking horse poo. they are not mant about, !
Awesome video Sam's trains
Thanks a lot Brian! :D
@@SamsTrains you're welcome Sam's trains
Hoover boi
Off topic for this model, but Sam is obviously making progress with his constant criticism of droopy running boards on engines from different manufacturers.
Rapido’s new S160 release has many features, but straight running board is expressly stated.
😂😂😂😂
(It is a USA type and those may have had a version with stepped running boards - I assume)