i was thinking of getting this, as I am getting back into model trains after 25 years and you made my mind up for me!!! its a stunning set, but I think I will get something else...
A few people have said that they don't have nearly as many problems as I have, so I think I need to check my pickups again. Got all the stuff to add them to the tender, but don't want to do all that work if there's a simple fix somewhere.
Very nice! I bought tornado as a standalone loco at a toy fair earlier today and I wish I saw this video earlier. I was really disappointed when I opened it and had a look at it and now thinking back I wish I spent a bit more money and get a second hand bachmann one. Overall I spent £40 on it so not too much however I still feel it was a waste as I can’t get it to run a lap on my layout without either stalling or derailing.
Great review. I would check the pickups are all making good contact. I have 0-6-0 and 0-4-0 locomotives that can cope on my layout without stalling. I think Tornado looks great and I am tempted to get one. Regards Paul.
when i saw the stall i saw it stop then start from the beginning with an acceleration. i think that the decoder lost power momenteraly then reboot then ramp up the speed slowly. i therfore think that a large value capacitor (the bigger the better) across the pickups in the loco would hold enough voltage whilst your locomotive cleared the dead spot. please let me know if this helps
Yeah, it's a good idea, a nice big stay alive would help, but soldering them onto sound decoders can be a bit tricky and I'm not great at soldering 🙄 Other people have said they don't have any problems with their models so I think I just need to go back and take look at the pickups and make sure they're all doing their job.
Hi Rusty. I'll start by saying that I don't have this set, but I've just had a Google and here are a few things to think about: - this set is now 7 years old (that doesn't mean it's bad) and is probably only available second hand now, so condition and price need to be considered. This was one of Hornbys more expensive sets at the time, over £300 when it came out. - it looks to contain 2 DCC fitted locomotives which is good if you want a digital layout, but if you don't want a digital layout then it's probably not worth it - the locomotives are from different eras, they would not have run at the same time, will that bother you? (you don't have to stick to one time period, I like to run everything) - it looks like it comes with the ELINK controller, do you definitely want this type of controller? I have no experience of using it, but I think you'll need a computer. - you get quite a few models (4 wagons, 3 coaches, 2 locos), so lots to play with but they're not the super detailed versions. - looks like you get quite a bit of track which is good, especially if you don't currently have a layout - are you able to have a look at the set in person before you buy it? - do you definitely want a train set to start with or could you buy the track, models and controller separately? It might be slightly more expensive this way, but you'll get exactly what you want/need, plus you can spread the cost. There seem to be a few reviews on TH-cam for this set, so maybe take a look at those. There's also a review on here (not my site): locoyard.com/2013/12/11/train-set-buying-guide-2013/ Hopefully, someone on here who has one will be able to give more info 👍
@@LittleWicketRailway I very much appreciate your feedback. I purchased this set a year ago from a hobbyshop that was closing down. Australia lags far behind in up to date Trains and layouts, as they generally go out of production by the time they go on sale here. I have long been a HORNBY fan but its been 55 years since I had a train set, and wanted to start again so bought this set, and now realise the latest sets are DCC, which is new to me. Australia has a very poor range of TRAINS as they are mostly sold out and unavailable within a few weeks of stocking in usually small numbers, so many of the HORNBY trains I would like are unavailable. I see sets on the UK sites which are much harder to get here or unavailable. So choice here is not good. I was not aware of the RAILWAY and RAILROAD versions of HORNBY models and trying to get information and availability of the premier models is difficult. I personally would prefer the UPGRADED MODELS, but, again, dont know what is available and if they come in sets. Thankyou again, and any more advice would be appreciated..
Hi Eric! The controller is cutting out because the derailed train has caused a short circuit. It's a safety feature and on this controller it's very quick and effective which is a good thing. However, I agree it can take a frustratingly long time to reset. This is the guidance on resetting I could find: "If a metal object such as a pin or a derailed locomotive lies across the two running rails a ‘short circuit’ may occur. This will activate the safety cut-out in the Train Controller or Transformer and stop the current supply to the track. If this happens, switch off the mains power socket and trace and remedy the fault. Allow approximately 60 seconds for the cut-out device to reset itself before switching the power socket on again." I tried it earlier and got a reset within a minute. 5 minutes is too long. Hornby customer services are very good, so if you still have problems then drop them an email. Hope that helps and your son is enjoying the set.
Thanks for letting me know 👍 I think I need to take a closer look at mine, especially around the pickups. I'm still tempted to add extra pickups to the tender.
hornby R116, THE FLYING SCOTSMAN SET.... Have yo reviewed this set (digital ready) as I have read many mixed reviews, from it being downright rubbish, to very good. Would appreciate any feed back.
Hi Rusty! I've not reviewed the Flying Scotsman set, I imagine it would be very similar to the Tornado set in terms of track, controller and model quality. Hornby are releasing a Flying Scotsman with new tooling in 2021 and I've got one on pre-order.
Hi Andrew! If you've seen the video then you already know my thoughts on the set. It was my first set getting back into the hobby and I don't think it was a bad place to start. My main grumble was that my model seemed to stall a lot, but other people say they don't have any issues. I managed to get this with 20% off during a big sale event so that made it more appealling, but it doesn't look like Argos are doing those kinds of deals at the moment. Although the current price is reduced by £10. Do you know if you might want to go digital in the future? Do you have an era that you'd like to model in mind? I'm sure other people who have the set will have an opinion. Maybe reply directly to one of their posts if they say they have it. If you want a steam set then the Flying Scotsman set is another option at the moment, you get an extra coach, but it's £20-£30 more expensive. I don't have it so can't vouch for quality.
@@LittleWicketRailway thanks so much for your detailed reply, yes iv heard good and bad things about this set, sams trains also had the same issue, but yes for the price and everything you get with it, im gonna treat myself to this set. My era growing up was class 108 dmu's and class 37 deisels, but hey you cant beat a good old steam engine. Thanks again, your videos are superb and like myself, i can see a lot of casual fans getting back into the hobby 👍
Does Hornby offer a tender pickup kit for these models? I have the Flying Scotsman kit and it’s loco/tender mechanism is quite similar to your Tornado.
It's not an official kit, but you can buy the pick ups as spare parts and fit them yourself with appropriate wiring. I have the parts, but I'm still not sure if I want to try fitting them yet as it's not a simple job. I feel like I shouldn't have to modify a brand new loco. When I have a chance I'll have another look at all the pick-ups that are already on there and if it's there's anything that can be easily adjusted.
@@brucewoods9377 sorry Bruce I don't have the part number. If you can find the service sheet for your Flying Scotsman then it should say on there. However, I gave up on fitting tender pick ups and instead I put in a stay alive. It works perfectly and it's a lot less hassle, so might be worth considering instead.
@@LittleWicketRailway Just curious - did you follow Strathpeffer Junction's tutorial for fitting a stay alive, and where did you put it? I recently acquired a Tornado and a TTS decoder with the same issues.
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [2/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qJbQs_nhjD4/mqdefault.jpg)
I've heard that for locos that don't have tender pickups cleaning them pretty often can help boost their performance.
i was thinking of getting this, as I am getting back into model trains after 25 years and you made my mind up for me!!! its a stunning set, but I think I will get something else...
Let me know what you go for and welcome back to the hobby 👍
I have the same loco, I find keeping the track wheels and pickups cleaned regularly helps it run smoothly, but I does need tender pickups👍
A few people have said that they don't have nearly as many problems as I have, so I think I need to check my pickups again. Got all the stuff to add them to the tender, but don't want to do all that work if there's a simple fix somewhere.
I have this set purchased last yr from Argos, have to say I’ve had no problems with the loco stalling.
I'm thinking it's probably something specific to my set. I'll look at the pickups again when I have a chance. Thanks for letting me know. 👍
@@LittleWicketRailway No worries.
Very nice! I bought tornado as a standalone loco at a toy fair earlier today and I wish I saw this video earlier. I was really disappointed when I opened it and had a look at it and now thinking back I wish I spent a bit more money and get a second hand bachmann one. Overall I spent £40 on it so not too much however I still feel it was a waste as I can’t get it to run a lap on my layout without either stalling or derailing.
Great review. I would check the pickups are all making good contact. I have 0-6-0 and 0-4-0 locomotives that can cope on my layout without stalling. I think Tornado looks great and I am tempted to get one. Regards Paul.
Nice looking loco bit sad only get 2 coaches though Gr8 review cheers
My tornado gives me hell I’ve had it one year, I’ve ran it 4 times and it’s been at Durham trains of Stanley 6 times now😢
Good luck with yours
Oh no, what was wrong with it?
@@LittleWicketRailway everything except for the tender
@@trainsandbussesgalore5835 that sounds bad :-( hope it gets fixed
I bought a set from Argos at a seriously reduced price,it came with 3 coaches, 2 named 1st class Pulmans and a brake second Pulman car.
Sounds like a win.
when i saw the stall i saw it stop then start from the beginning with an acceleration. i think that the decoder lost power momenteraly then reboot then ramp up the speed slowly. i therfore think that a large value capacitor (the bigger the better) across the pickups in the loco would hold enough voltage whilst your locomotive cleared the dead spot. please let me know if this helps
Yeah, it's a good idea, a nice big stay alive would help, but soldering them onto sound decoders can be a bit tricky and I'm not great at soldering 🙄 Other people have said they don't have any problems with their models so I think I just need to go back and take look at the pickups and make sure they're all doing their job.
hi i have this and aas a first set i t is good i had the problem of stalling but i connected the tracks via a power connect clip
Can you advise on the MAJESTIC Set as it is my first set on starting into Model Rail. Would appreciate any comments and advice.
Hi Rusty. I'll start by saying that I don't have this set, but I've just had a Google and here are a few things to think about:
- this set is now 7 years old (that doesn't mean it's bad) and is probably only available second hand now, so condition and price need to be considered. This was one of Hornbys more expensive sets at the time, over £300 when it came out.
- it looks to contain 2 DCC fitted locomotives which is good if you want a digital layout, but if you don't want a digital layout then it's probably not worth it
- the locomotives are from different eras, they would not have run at the same time, will that bother you? (you don't have to stick to one time period, I like to run everything)
- it looks like it comes with the ELINK controller, do you definitely want this type of controller? I have no experience of using it, but I think you'll need a computer.
- you get quite a few models (4 wagons, 3 coaches, 2 locos), so lots to play with but they're not the super detailed versions.
- looks like you get quite a bit of track which is good, especially if you don't currently have a layout
- are you able to have a look at the set in person before you buy it?
- do you definitely want a train set to start with or could you buy the track, models and controller separately? It might be slightly more expensive this way, but you'll get exactly what you want/need, plus you can spread the cost.
There seem to be a few reviews on TH-cam for this set, so maybe take a look at those. There's also a review on here (not my site): locoyard.com/2013/12/11/train-set-buying-guide-2013/
Hopefully, someone on here who has one will be able to give more info 👍
@@LittleWicketRailway I very much appreciate your feedback. I purchased this set a year ago from a hobbyshop that was closing down. Australia lags far behind in up to date Trains and layouts, as they generally go out of production by the time they go on sale here. I have long been a HORNBY fan but its been 55 years since I had a train set, and wanted to start again so bought this set, and now realise the latest sets are DCC, which is new to me. Australia has a very poor range of TRAINS as they are mostly sold out and unavailable within a few weeks of stocking in usually small numbers, so many of the HORNBY trains I would like are unavailable. I see sets on the UK sites which are much harder to get here or unavailable. So choice here is not good. I was not aware of the RAILWAY and RAILROAD versions of HORNBY models and trying to get information and availability of the premier models is difficult. I personally would prefer the UPGRADED MODELS, but, again, dont know what is available and if they come in sets.
Thankyou again, and any more advice would be appreciated..
I boughy the old Tornado Express from Argos brand new three years ago which had three coaches for £100. Now this version with two coaches is £120?
What motor does the tornado Pullman express have is it the same
I believe it's a 3 pole with a small flywheel.
Hi I got this for my son but any time it derails the power controller cuts out and doesn't come back on for about 5 minutes is that normal
Hi Eric! The controller is cutting out because the derailed train has caused a short circuit. It's a safety feature and on this controller it's very quick and effective which is a good thing. However, I agree it can take a frustratingly long time to reset. This is the guidance on resetting I could find:
"If a metal object such as a pin or a derailed locomotive lies across the two running rails a ‘short circuit’ may occur. This will activate the safety cut-out in the Train Controller or Transformer and stop the current supply to the track. If this happens, switch off the mains power socket and trace and remedy the fault. Allow approximately 60 seconds for the cut-out device to reset itself before switching the power socket on again."
I tried it earlier and got a reset within a minute. 5 minutes is too long. Hornby customer services are very good, so if you still have problems then drop them an email.
Hope that helps and your son is enjoying the set.
@@LittleWicketRailway thanks for that much appreciated
I have the tornado but haven't had any issues with it
Thanks for letting me know 👍 I think I need to take a closer look at mine, especially around the pickups. I'm still tempted to add extra pickups to the tender.
Stall is caused by the track not being spirit level flat straight and true . . .
hornby R116, THE FLYING SCOTSMAN SET.... Have yo reviewed this set (digital ready) as I have read many mixed reviews, from it being downright rubbish, to very good. Would appreciate any feed back.
Hi Rusty! I've not reviewed the Flying Scotsman set, I imagine it would be very similar to the Tornado set in terms of track, controller and model quality. Hornby are releasing a Flying Scotsman with new tooling in 2021 and I've got one on pre-order.
Wait a minute, it was made in 2008, that was only 13 years ago!
Yep, Tornado looks old, but is only just a teenager.
Good review
Thanks! 👍
Im after getting back into Model Ralways and i keep coming back to this set, can anyone recommend it, is it worth the money for my first set?
Hi Andrew!
If you've seen the video then you already know my thoughts on the set. It was my first set getting back into the hobby and I don't think it was a bad place to start. My main grumble was that my model seemed to stall a lot, but other people say they don't have any issues. I managed to get this with 20% off during a big sale event so that made it more appealling, but it doesn't look like Argos are doing those kinds of deals at the moment. Although the current price is reduced by £10.
Do you know if you might want to go digital in the future?
Do you have an era that you'd like to model in mind?
I'm sure other people who have the set will have an opinion. Maybe reply directly to one of their posts if they say they have it.
If you want a steam set then the Flying Scotsman set is another option at the moment, you get an extra coach, but it's £20-£30 more expensive. I don't have it so can't vouch for quality.
@@LittleWicketRailway thanks so much for your detailed reply, yes iv heard good and bad things about this set, sams trains also had the same issue, but yes for the price and everything you get with it, im gonna treat myself to this set. My era growing up was class 108 dmu's and class 37 deisels, but hey you cant beat a good old steam engine. Thanks again, your videos are superb and like myself, i can see a lot of casual fans getting back into the hobby 👍
Does Hornby offer a tender pickup kit for these models? I have the Flying Scotsman kit and it’s loco/tender mechanism is quite similar to your Tornado.
It's not an official kit, but you can buy the pick ups as spare parts and fit them yourself with appropriate wiring. I have the parts, but I'm still not sure if I want to try fitting them yet as it's not a simple job. I feel like I shouldn't have to modify a brand new loco. When I have a chance I'll have another look at all the pick-ups that are already on there and if it's there's anything that can be easily adjusted.
@@LittleWicketRailway do you have the Hornby part # for the tender pick-up kit please?
@@brucewoods9377 sorry Bruce I don't have the part number. If you can find the service sheet for your Flying Scotsman then it should say on there. However, I gave up on fitting tender pick ups and instead I put in a stay alive. It works perfectly and it's a lot less hassle, so might be worth considering instead.
I had tornado, it fell to pieces and the only thing I have left is the right sideplate
Oh dear 😯 That's not ideal.
How did it happen? Did you drop it beforehand?
@@stevedodds1826 I didn’t drop it, the motor exploded and blew the train’s pieces off
@@Flyingscotsman19_23 how could that have happened? The “exploding motor” that is
@@brucewoods9377 overheated, too much power for too long
The other solution would be a stay-alive capacitor.
Yeah, Tornado did end up getting a stay alive 👍 Still disappointing that a loco this size needs one though.
@@LittleWicketRailway Just curious - did you follow Strathpeffer Junction's tutorial for fitting a stay alive, and where did you put it? I recently acquired a Tornado and a TTS decoder with the same issues.
Omg u only get 2 coaches, in mine from argos I got 3
Cost savings guess to keep the price down
I feel cheated! 😮
That's what i thought something was different
PS SHOULD BE R1167