Jouef is not the most detailed with their TGV's but their drive is pretty solid. They use a Walther's Mainline motor. I never had experience with Trix, but I know their older die-cast models suffered from Zinc-pest. Granted, Jouef TGV's have traction tires so, that helps with their speed and traction. This means they do not need a die-cast body. The weight on them is usually very good out of the box. Which by the way, they are great, because you really do not need to modify them to meet NMRA compliance, or standards for club layouts. That I applaud Jouef for, even though they are not necessarily selling their TGV sets to the American market. On the contrary, Jouef's TGV's can be confusing for buyers looking for a modern set on the used market. Always ask the seller what is the year of release. "Hornby Jouef" is the modern era stuff. Anything from the 2010's till now is good stuff, but be cautious. Over time people shall see the differences. Another thing that may be of concern is that the gears are exposed at the bottom of the gear box. Great for maintenance, but not so great from preventing junk from getting in there. It is easy to modify a cover for them if the owner wishes to do so. Finally, the biggest downside is how tedious it can be to get the shell off of the motor car and dummy motor car. You have to be very careful when you spread the shell open and the rear tab to lift it off. It is a process. Jouef complete TGV sets with sound (10 car set) is usually between 700-800$ brand new. Depending on the person, it is a fair value. I think they are fine at that value.
Hello, thanks for the additional info. I have both the Jouef AC digital version 8-car TGV as well as the Märklin 5-car SNCF TGV EuroDuplex V 150 World Record HO AC mfx digital. To me, there is no comparison, as I believe the Märklin quality / technology is far superior (metal versus plastic), which makes it a much smoother running train (I've had some derailing issues with the Jouef train). In addition, Jouef cut some corners (no interior lighting, no 3rd directional light, blacked out cab interior), but is is a nice product overall. And today's TRIX track & rolling stock are the DC versions of Marklin's AC products. I guess the old rule "You get what you pay for" is still valid... Being a relative newbie to HO scale model trains and with Marklin AC an odd duck to most US model railroaders, I've learned the hard way, and rather spend a few more bucks for a superior product I don't have to worry about performing properly on my layout. However, there are exceptions to the above rule: Here is a rather expensive French REE locomotive (about $700): th-cam.com/video/woOFkpHlepE/w-d-xo.html and a silmilarly priced Marklin loco: th-cam.com/video/gvz7wonXhvc/w-d-xo.html. Both had issues out of the box, but the difference is how the vendors / manufacturers reacted: - The vendor for the Marklin loco (ajckids.com/) sent me a return shipping label, resolved the issue as a warranty repair, and it's running fine now: th-cam.com/video/vHWgRcOytMI/w-d-xo.html. That's how you take care of your customers !!! - The vendor (and manufacturer) of the REE loco kept telling me that it's my layout, and the loco isn't designed to run through tight curves/switches. Admittedly, its is so highly detailed that you may have to take some parts off, but not standing behind their product really upset me, and this is the first and last REE product I will buy from this company & exclusive US importer (who shall remain nameless). I did find a track oval the loco runs on perfectly, and it is a marvel of today's technology: th-cam.com/video/Cus6LNVTLac/w-d-xo.html
From how i look at it, the Jouef TGV has certain elements that are more realistic than the Trix (for example the pantograph) but has a lesser advantage in Quality. Another thing is that you can separate the Jouef Power Car and Transition Carriage unlike on the Trix which can lead to less issues (for example if something breaks on the power car or carriage maintenance would be more of a hassle). But im not an expert in model railroading so someone could correct me.
Great comparison video !!! I have both the Jouef AC digital version 8-car TGV as well as the Märklin 5-car SNCF TGV EuroDuplex V 150 World Record HO AC mfx digital. To me, there is no comparison, as I believe the Märklin quality / technology is far superior (metal versus plastic), which makes it a much smoother running train (I've had some derailing issues with the Jouef train). In addition, Jouef cut some corners (no interior lighting, no 3rd directional light, blacked out cab interior), but is is a nice product overall. And today's TRIX track & rolling stock are the DC versions of Marklin's AC products. I guess the old rule "You get what you pay for" is still valid... Being a relative newbie to HO scale model trains and with Marklin AC an odd duck to most US model railroaders, I've learned the hard way, and rather spend a few more bucks for a superior product I don't have to worry about performing properly on my layout. However, there are exceptions to the above rule: Here is a rather expensive French REE locomotive (about $700): th-cam.com/video/woOFkpHlepE/w-d-xo.html and a silmilarly priced Marklin loco: th-cam.com/video/gvz7wonXhvc/w-d-xo.html. Both had issues out of the box, but the difference is how the vendors / manufacturers reacted: - The vendor for the Marklin loco (ajckids.com/) sent me a return shipping label, resolved the issue as a warranty repair, and it's running fine now: th-cam.com/video/vHWgRcOytMI/w-d-xo.html. That's how you take car of your customers !!! - The vendor (and manufacturer) of the REE loco kept telling me that it's my layout, and the loco isn't designed to run through tight curves/switches. Admittedly, its is so highly detailed that you may have to take some parts off, but not standing behind their product really upset me, and this is the first and last REE product I will buy from this company & exclusive US importer (who shall remain nameless). I did find a track oval the loco runs on perfectly, and it is a marvel of today's technology: th-cam.com/video/Cus6LNVTLac/w-d-xo.html
I understand your view but you can not blame ree models for the locomotive not being able to operate on your layout. Unless it was a complete motor or decoder issue. Them saying it can’t run on tighter curves is justified. It’s the samething here in the US. You can’t even run certain passenger cars or freight cars on anything tighter than 24” radius. That’s like 610mm. Can’t do it
@@DSnMRailways Thanks for your reply. My point is that the loco actually runs fine through R1 curves, but hangs up on switches. My observation is that this happens as a brake line assembly under the loco is getting caught by the center point contacts, and I haven’t been able to take it off in fear of breaking it. If a manufacturer offers a AC version of their locos, I expect that it has been tested on a Maerklin layout and that there are recommendations in the manual to run it w/o the break line assembly (like the did for some other parts). But if you don’t get a manual with the loco in the first place, and both the dealer in the US as well as the manufacturer in France basically tell you “you idiot, our product is not made to run on you toy layout”, I take offense and will not buy anything from the dealer and manufacturer any more.
@@tomsmaerklintrainlayout6742 understandable. i havent dealt with Ree yet. but i am going to get their TGV when it comes out. Sorry, about ur experience
Nice comparison!! I just got the Jouef version for AC service, and initially had problems to keep it on the tracks with 8 cars, but somehow it now seems to work: th-cam.com/video/9Ze-rnLG9x4/w-d-xo.html
AWEsome, Stay Safe, Be Safe!!!
Jouef is not the most detailed with their TGV's but their drive is pretty solid. They use a Walther's Mainline motor.
I never had experience with Trix, but I know their older die-cast models suffered from Zinc-pest. Granted, Jouef TGV's have traction tires so, that helps with their speed and traction. This means they do not need a die-cast body. The weight on them is usually very good out of the box. Which by the way, they are great, because you really do not need to modify them to meet NMRA compliance, or standards for club layouts. That I applaud Jouef for, even though they are not necessarily selling their TGV sets to the American market.
On the contrary, Jouef's TGV's can be confusing for buyers looking for a modern set on the used market. Always ask the seller what is the year of release. "Hornby Jouef" is the modern era stuff. Anything from the 2010's till now is good stuff, but be cautious. Over time people shall see the differences. Another thing that may be of concern is that the gears are exposed at the bottom of the gear box. Great for maintenance, but not so great from preventing junk from getting in there. It is easy to modify a cover for them if the owner wishes to do so. Finally, the biggest downside is how tedious it can be to get the shell off of the motor car and dummy motor car. You have to be very careful when you spread the shell open and the rear tab to lift it off. It is a process.
Jouef complete TGV sets with sound (10 car set) is usually between 700-800$ brand new. Depending on the person, it is a fair value. I think they are fine at that value.
Hello, thanks for the additional info. I have both the Jouef AC digital version 8-car TGV as well as the Märklin 5-car SNCF TGV EuroDuplex V 150 World Record HO AC mfx digital. To me, there is no comparison, as I believe the Märklin quality / technology is far superior (metal versus plastic), which makes it a much smoother running train (I've had some derailing issues with the Jouef train). In addition, Jouef cut some corners (no interior lighting, no 3rd directional light, blacked out cab interior), but is is a nice product overall. And today's TRIX track & rolling stock are the DC versions of Marklin's AC products. I guess the old rule "You get what you pay for" is still valid...
Being a relative newbie to HO scale model trains and with Marklin AC an odd duck to most US model railroaders, I've learned the hard way, and rather spend a few more bucks for a superior product I don't have to worry about performing properly on my layout. However, there are exceptions to the above rule:
Here is a rather expensive French REE locomotive (about $700): th-cam.com/video/woOFkpHlepE/w-d-xo.html and a silmilarly priced Marklin loco: th-cam.com/video/gvz7wonXhvc/w-d-xo.html. Both had issues out of the box, but the difference is how the vendors / manufacturers reacted:
- The vendor for the Marklin loco (ajckids.com/) sent me a return shipping label, resolved the issue as a warranty repair, and it's running fine now: th-cam.com/video/vHWgRcOytMI/w-d-xo.html. That's how you take care of your customers !!!
- The vendor (and manufacturer) of the REE loco kept telling me that it's my layout, and the loco isn't designed to run through tight curves/switches. Admittedly, its is so highly detailed that you may have to take some parts off, but not standing behind their product really upset me, and this is the first and last REE product I will buy from this company & exclusive US importer (who shall remain nameless). I did find a track oval the loco runs on perfectly, and it is a marvel of today's technology: th-cam.com/video/Cus6LNVTLac/w-d-xo.html
From how i look at it, the Jouef TGV has certain elements that are more realistic than the Trix (for example the pantograph) but has a lesser advantage in Quality. Another thing is that you can separate the Jouef Power Car and Transition Carriage unlike on the Trix which can lead to less issues (for example if something breaks on the power car or carriage maintenance would be more of a hassle). But im not an expert in model railroading so someone could correct me.
It’s the TGV of my Country
Great comparison video !!! I have both the Jouef AC digital version 8-car TGV as well as the Märklin 5-car SNCF TGV EuroDuplex V 150 World Record HO AC mfx digital. To me, there is no comparison, as I believe the Märklin quality / technology is far superior (metal versus plastic), which makes it a much smoother running train (I've had some derailing issues with the Jouef train). In addition, Jouef cut some corners (no interior lighting, no 3rd directional light, blacked out cab interior), but is is a nice product overall. And today's TRIX track & rolling stock are the DC versions of Marklin's AC products. I guess the old rule "You get what you pay for" is still valid...
Being a relative newbie to HO scale model trains and with Marklin AC an odd duck to most US model railroaders, I've learned the hard way, and rather spend a few more bucks for a superior product I don't have to worry about performing properly on my layout. However, there are exceptions to the above rule:
Here is a rather expensive French REE locomotive (about $700): th-cam.com/video/woOFkpHlepE/w-d-xo.html and a silmilarly priced Marklin loco: th-cam.com/video/gvz7wonXhvc/w-d-xo.html. Both had issues out of the box, but the difference is how the vendors / manufacturers reacted:
- The vendor for the Marklin loco (ajckids.com/) sent me a return shipping label, resolved the issue as a warranty repair, and it's running fine now: th-cam.com/video/vHWgRcOytMI/w-d-xo.html. That's how you take car of your customers !!!
- The vendor (and manufacturer) of the REE loco kept telling me that it's my layout, and the loco isn't designed to run through tight curves/switches. Admittedly, its is so highly detailed that you may have to take some parts off, but not standing behind their product really upset me, and this is the first and last REE product I will buy from this company & exclusive US importer (who shall remain nameless). I did find a track oval the loco runs on perfectly, and it is a marvel of today's technology: th-cam.com/video/Cus6LNVTLac/w-d-xo.html
I understand your view but you can not blame ree models for the locomotive not being able to operate on your layout. Unless it was a complete motor or decoder issue. Them saying it can’t run on tighter curves is justified. It’s the samething here in the US. You can’t even run certain passenger cars or freight cars on anything tighter than 24” radius. That’s like 610mm. Can’t do it
@@DSnMRailways Thanks for your reply. My point is that the loco actually runs fine through R1 curves, but hangs up on switches. My observation is that this happens as a brake line assembly under the loco is getting caught by the center point contacts, and I haven’t been able to take it off in fear of breaking it. If a manufacturer offers a AC version of their locos, I expect that it has been tested on a Maerklin layout and that there are recommendations in the manual to run it w/o the break line assembly (like the did for some other parts). But if you don’t get a manual with the loco in the first place, and both the dealer in the US as well as the manufacturer in France basically tell you “you idiot, our product is not made to run on you toy layout”, I take offense and will not buy anything from the dealer and manufacturer any more.
@@tomsmaerklintrainlayout6742 understandable. i havent dealt with Ree yet. but i am going to get their TGV when it comes out. Sorry, about ur experience
@@DSnMRailways I'll probably get another REE locomotive or cars, but will make sure it has been tested to run on Marklin tracks as well...
Nice review, thank you! Just noticed that you didn't talk about the gap between the coaches, which I find an interesting point of comparison too.
Yea. The gap is noticeable but when in operation. It’s not as big of a deal
@@DSnMRailways and would you say that the gap between the Trix coaches is more significant than the one between the Jouef ones? This was my impression
Nice comparison!! I just got the Jouef version for AC service, and initially had problems to keep it on the tracks with 8 cars, but somehow it now seems to work: th-cam.com/video/9Ze-rnLG9x4/w-d-xo.html
Trix mejor que jouef