I recently bought myself 2 Bachman A4’s (both second hand), 2512 Silver Fox and 60009 Union of South Africa. Nice locos. My Silver Fox came with etched builders plates in a little packet. Great video Sam :)
you will be pleased to know that the model is now up and running and has had a very good run in indeed! Mallard now pulls the Evening Star very well. Just some adjustment to the track clips and she's good to go! she literally tore the tracks apart at high speed!
Very nice Sam, the A4's are one of my all time favorites. I have never seen a detail pack that included painted figures, goes to show what was supplied with the older loco...Simon
Thanks Ed, yeah they really are lovely, especially the Hornby ones actually! haha well spotted on the Coronation - you didn't miss her then! ;D Cheers mate, Sam :)
Hi Sam a great run down on the A4s, Bachmann need to do a re-run of the A4s without the split chassis. so they can be adapted for DCC running. but at the time of production the ones you have shown in this video were the better detailed. but Hornby now have caught up and are on the same level are maybe even better detailed. I think its about time I added another A4 to my collection. thanks for the re-minder................regards Tony
Thanks very much Tony, but you're right - they absolutely do! I think the Hornby ones are miles better in comparison - especially with their painted cabs! Thanks again for watching, Sam :)
Sam, I just got to the tender part of the video and that "odd device" behind the coal box? I believe the center "tube" is a traditional water fill lid on a stanchion. It's recessed to keep rapid fill "burbs" of water from splashing the track - or worse, wasting water. I believe it also acted as the receiver area for the water scoop system that was used when the train was traveling and dropped a scoop from under the train that splashed/scooped several thousand gallons of water into the tender. again - Thanks for sharing...
Nice review Sam, the real Silver Link must have "wowed" the public when it first appeared. : ) I don't recall seeing accurate model coaches for her yet, the Hornby versions look like repainted Stanier jobs...now that would upset Gresley, surely... : ) I saw "Porky" waiting on the shelf...he he.. :D Regards, Cliff.
Thanks very much Cliff - I bet it really did! Someone else said that about the coaches - some proper ones would surely go down very well! haha! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, you can fit etched nameplates with either pva or Roket card glue - sparingly. Cleaning up any excess glue can be removed using a moistened earbud.
great vid on the 2 A4s very nice looking models. would be good if Bachmann would do a retool of the A4 but dont think they will what with Hornby and Dapol doing the A4s
Thanks Matt, yeah they're lovely aren't they? A retool would be fab from Bachmann, but I think you're right - not much point with the Hornby and Dapol ones being so good! All the best, Sam :)
I spotted 5 A4 engines, one of them green and the other four in blue. The odd one out is the Duchess engine, although that model too is streamlined. Naughty Bullman had something to do with Mallard's little incident, as you correctly stated. As for a favourite A4 engine livery, I like Garter Blue best of all. I have a model of one of the six preserved A4 engines. She is in Garter Blue, although she was first preserved in BR Brunswick Green. Her name is Union of South Africa, and she spent most of her preserved life on the Severn Valley Railway. This model was spotted by me in a cabinet in Chester Model Centre Shop on the upper floor. She was £65.00 to buy and the last model in stock. The shopkeeper took her out of the cabinet, and invited me into a repair and test track room situated at the back of the store. The engine was placed on the test track, and I watched her run round perfectly. My Mum was in on the act, and she bought the model for me as a Christmas present. So, although Union of South Africa is the only A4 model I've got in my collection, she's not the only LNER engine I own. The LNER A3 model, Flying Scotsman, is keeping good company with her and together they've top and tailed my pair of matching LNER Teak coaches that came from Portmadoc.
Well actually two A4s have records the 1st being mallard being the fastest steam locomotive in the world and 2nd Silver link which was the first a4 to go 100 mph.
Grey is such a lovely color on locomotives. Well, unless you're a cleaner, then it's quite awful! Apple green is also very underrated on the A4s, it gives them more of a family look when alongside the A3s and such.
Great Video Sam, war time black, also looks good ,Peregrine and Gannet from Wrenn. Have 8 A4,S 1Bachmann 6 Wrenn and 1Hornby, I could be a little biased, keep up the good work, love all your videos, John from Oz.
Thanks very much John, lovely to hear from you - oh yeah the Wartime Black looks gorgeous, I'd love to get one like that! Much appreciated mate, Sam :)
Brilliant review!! I think the Hornby ones are far superior than the Bachmann versions - there's something about the shape that isn't quite right in my opinion, especially around the smokebox door…also I really don't like trailing axle - there seems to be quite a gap between the body and the wheel!! Perhaps I'm a bit biased lol but a really enjoyable watch anyway!
Thanks Lukas, I agree with you there - they definitely run better, and the Hornby ones are probably slightly better detailed too! Glad you liked the video anyway mate, Cheers, Sam :)
haha, yeah I've got a fair few now - I seem to be addicted to them! haha well spotted... I think she managed to slip past a few people! Thanks again mate, Sam :)
My Thomas series will also take place on British railways and also on the London Northern and Eastern railway my model of the A4 silverlink was taken apart and used for spares for the other A4 locomotives
haha yeah, you know what I mean? They just sound like they're more complicated than they should be... and I cringe when they're at high speeds ;) All the best, Sam :)
Green - perhaps, but as taste is up to the observer, I'll pick "Silver Link". Like a fancy formal dressing, Silver Link. Again, to each their own. But I'm most grateful to have the opportunity to view them both. Thanks for sharing...
The only A4 model I have is the Dominion of Canada. Not sure if anyone's heard of her, as she's not the most famous A4, and I'm still doing research on why the LNER named her in that way. Good review, though. Makes me want to track down a Golden Eagle and have two A4s running passenger duties on the layout.
Oh yeah! I've heard of that one... I'm sure I used to know why she was called that, but I've completely forgotten! Sounds good though... I'd go for it ;D Cheers, Sam :)
Nice locos. The locos were made by Trix in the 1960s . Bachmann took over Trix and re released the A4s with a revised chassis. Not bad when you consider the design of the bodywork dates from 60s .
Hi Russell - I've just searched that, and you're absolutely right - I had no idea about that! Blimey yeah, they are very good for that age! Cheers, Sam :)
+Sam'sTrains One of the benefits of being ancient , Sam! I can remember seeing them in Argyle Models in Glasgow in the early 70s . They were very exotic as all I knew about was Triang Hornby at the time. I think there were also A2s (Blue Peter) and A3 Flying Scotsman. Although Bachmann have introduced the A2 it is completely new, however they obviously thought the A4 body was good enough. Trix also did a lovely Transpennine DMU , a Class 123 , I think . 6 car. Unfortunately it was to 3.8mm scale not 4mm which was rather off. Still well sought after though.
Thanks a lot David, really glad you liked that one, it's gorgeous isn't it? Well spotted on the Coronation too... she obviously wasn't as well hidden as I thought! haha yeah... I'm sure he's responsible for that ;D Cheers, Sam :)
Entertaining video! I'm guessing the odd one out is the Princess Coronation because, unlike the others, it had a cylinder diameter of 16.5" instead of 18.5"? ;)
very nice video mate I think I might have to add one of the silver a4s to the list of stuff to get (of which has mased over 200 items now, I think may wallet is not very happy.)
4:01 - Bachmann have used their usual corridor tender body moulding. The original four (2509-12) had streamlined tenders which were rounded off at the rear. Silver Link carried her original tender (Works No5590) from building to the end. An unusual error from such a fine model maker! Also - 2509 herself was unique in having the boiler handrail dead straight at the firebox end. The other 34 members of the class had this sloped down (as in the model). Bachmann DID attempt the faired water-filler in the tender, however (as mentioned by you at 4:05). Overall, however, it seemed that Bachmann had just repainted a standard A4. Sad really - it could have been an unique model. A little more research by the maker would have been good - 2509 was the first of the class, and as such had noticeable detail differences from the rest of the A4s. The silver boiler bands were applied only to 2512 'Silver Fox', by the way. Final rant - at 11:06 you mention the 'nice touch' of the articulated rear truck. Hornby model this much, much better, as the frames of the rear truck were actually rigid with the mainframes side movement being achieved using a Cartazzi arrangement. Indeed, I won't buy a Bachmann A4 because of this error...
Duly noted Paul, many thanks for the info - yes I've heard there are a lot of inadequacies with these A4s - they date back many years, so I'm told! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
These are the old split chassis locos. They run well when they run but even NOS ones can have broken drive gears and axle "muffs". Some fail on their first run out of the box. Luckily people are 3D printing these parts now.
Another amazing video, Just to ask, do you know any good places to get cheap coaches in the Cheshire area? Pretty hard to find local places around here.
Very interesting review, looked it up as I've just ordered the Bachmann job of 60013 'Dominion of New Zealand' for a sharp £62. I was looking at ordering etched plates but it sounds like it might already have them, it this is anything to go by?
Both of those locos are missing the coupling rod on the right side which leads to the third piston. A4s do have a third piston. I read it in a book. That bothers me a lot!. Look on the Hornby A4s on the right side, at the back of the coupling rods and you'll get what i mean.
Ahh is that so? I didn't notice that! I know the Hornby ones did have that, but I'm not sure if these were supposed to or not? Yeah I do know what you mean mate - it does make body removal a nightmare though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam, how do you run the Bachmann locos on your layout? I thought that in the UK they used 230 volts instead of 150 like in the US of A. Can you please tell me how you do it so I can also play with the Bachmann locos? Nice video :)
Hi mate, yes that's true, we have higher voltage, but the transformers we use to power our controllers take care of that - we can still step down to 12v by using different transformers! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam - Seasick Green? Spectral Silver? Well everyone to their own taste of course, but IMHO Mallard should only be seen in it's Gobsmackingly Gorgeous livery of Garter Blue! I have the Hornby DCC with TTS Mallard, and although it looks the part, it's the worst slow runner ever - jumps about forwards or backwards at slow speed, which, for something costing into 3 figures, is very disappointing. Do Hornby perhaps offset the cost of TTS by cutting quality in other areas, because I have none TTS Railroad models that run brilliantly?
haha I might have to use those names, lol! Yes, I've known Hornby to use utter garbage motors in their TTS models in the past - it is a great shame :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Why is there a door to the coaches in the tender? Spencer from Thomas and friends is a Mallard, isn't he? 15:02 but yesterday you killed a passenger? ;-P 16:56 have you filmed that one too? 18:22 I thought the cow had a day off today. :-D My favorite is the blue one ofcourse ;-) See you next video! :-D -Brian
Hi mate! The door is so that the locomotive crew could be changed over, during long journeys - one crew would rest inside the coaches, while the other worked the engine! Spence is Silver Link I suppose, just because of the colour! Yes... one died yesterday, it was horrible ;) No I didn't film that one - it wasa just the same really! haha no- he never has a day off! Glad you liked the blue one matey - and see you soon! Cheers, Sam :)
ooh that it smart!!! haha, that is smart too! hahaha, I wish people will make a thing that make people little for H0 and N-scale, and the onther way, so I can walk as a real man on my layout. Ooh, I understant :) Never on vacantion, I would not like it ;) -Brian
I prefer the Hornby ones Sam because they captured the design better but IT'S silver link so I can make an exception but anyway love the video quick question when will you do the inglenook challenge
Thanks Liam! Yeah I agree with you actually, I much prefer the Hornby ones - but I was extremely happy with these! I'm not too sure about the inglenook challenge - I might need to figure out what it actually is first, lol ;D Cheers, Sam :)
Sam Trains my will haft to be , Sir Nigel Gresley, Mallard , and Union of South Africa, I really loved all the A4s one of my favorite class of steam 😁😁
Sam'sTrains you are more than welcome , I love watching your running session videos, I’m gone tell you my top 5 favorite steam locomotives, A4 Pacifics, A1 Pacifics, Princess Cornation, princess Royal, and the C1 Atlantic, what’s yours ??
Jacob Forbes personally I think if they beat the record we should try get it back...with the record holder herself,her driver always thought she could have done 130!!
I agree that LNER green looks great but the LNER did not - they soon repainted the whole class into Garter Blue and green is a real rarity. It only lasted 13 months on 'Golden Eagle.' The builder's plate is missing from the cab below the number on 'Silver Link'. The lining is correct on both engines, which actually look really nice.
i got the A4 pack for train sim it adds mallard (duh) domain of canada (has a bell you cant use (sad music)) union of south Africa, Dwight d Eisenhower (what type of name is that) bittern (strange name) and others i forget but the 2 reskin packs i found adds more A4 locos to your game i cant name them all but if you want them i could give you the link to were i found it. but golden eagle's livery in this vid reminds me of looking up an apple green reskin for train sim
Hi Jeff, thanks so much mate! I have got the tri-ang Golden Arrow, which I've shown - but I don't have the Hornby one sadly, that's the rebuilt one isn't it?? Cheers, Sam :)
Interesting question! Detail about the same, build quality slightly better with Bachmann, mechanism much better with Hornby! Overall I prefer the Hornby ones I think! Cheers mate, Sam :)
Actually Sam when I was watching a story of steam DVD when they where showing rocket at the national railway museum in the back I was a silver gresley a4 and I thought it was silver link
If you could go back in time to save Silver link Would you do it? There's a catch you have to give up an A4 to get Silver link, Which A4 would you give up?
haha I don't know - I guess so.... just for that livery... I'd probably get rid of one of the less loved ones... dominion of Canada maybe?? :3 Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I recently bought myself 2 Bachman A4’s (both second hand), 2512 Silver Fox and 60009 Union of South Africa. Nice locos. My Silver Fox came with etched builders plates in a little packet. Great video Sam :)
Wow! What a great feature - I can't remember whether mine did!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
you will be pleased to know that the model is now up and running and has had a very good run in indeed! Mallard now pulls the Evening Star very well. Just some adjustment to the track clips and she's good to go! she literally tore the tracks apart at high speed!
Hi mate, that's fantastic to hear - really glad you got everything up and running okay!
Cheers,
Sam :)
the a4s are one off my favourite locomotives and to see one in the LNER apple green it's just stunning
Thanks so much Kieran, me too mate! Yeah the LNER green is fantastic... though I know some people aren't fans!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Very nice Sam, the A4's are one of my all time favorites. I have never seen a detail pack that included painted figures, goes to show what was supplied with the older loco...Simon
Thanks very much Simon, me too definitely! Yeah I was very surprised by that too - I wish they did that these days!!
All the best,
Sam :)
I could watch every single one of your videos from start to finish without getting bored!!!!!!! Keep up the fantastic work!!!!!!!!!!
Ooh don't speak too soon - there's over 600 of them! ;D
Thanks so much though - that's really kind of you!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains :D
Awesome review of the A4 Silver Link! :) He's my 2nd favorite of the A4 class besides the Golden Eagle in the BR Blue and Mallard in the LNER Blue.
Thanks a lot mate! Yeah I love the Silver Link too - just a fantastic livery on this one! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
19:46 I think that was Bullman, he was at the End of Mallards Train earlier.
Oooh yeah! I'm going to have a word with him about that then.......
I hope to get an A4 at some point, as they are simply gorgeous! I caught the Coronation lumped in the yard with the A4s! Great video!
Thanks Ed, yeah they really are lovely, especially the Hornby ones actually! haha well spotted on the Coronation - you didn't miss her then! ;D
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Hi Sam, those A4's look stunning next to each other in the sidings. Enjoyed the video.Cheers John.
Thanks so much John, yeah I really enjoyed doing that - I got a bit excited, I won't deny it!
All the best,
Sam :)
I'm really glad to see The A4s and hope to see them more in future videos. Also saw the coronation.
Thanks a lot - yeah definitely, I'll run them again soon! Well spotted on the coronation too... I thought I'd hidden her quite well!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Hi Sam a great run down on the A4s, Bachmann need to do a re-run of the A4s without the split chassis. so they can be adapted for DCC running. but at the time of production the ones you have shown in this video were the better detailed. but Hornby now have caught up and are on the same level are maybe even better detailed. I think its about time I added another A4 to my collection. thanks for the re-minder................regards Tony
Thanks very much Tony, but you're right - they absolutely do! I think the Hornby ones are miles better in comparison - especially with their painted cabs!
Thanks again for watching,
Sam :)
Sam, I just got to the tender part of the video and that "odd device" behind the coal box? I believe the center "tube" is a traditional water fill lid on a stanchion. It's recessed to keep rapid fill "burbs" of water from splashing the track - or worse, wasting water. I believe it also acted as the receiver area for the water scoop system that was used when the train was traveling and dropped a scoop from under the train that splashed/scooped several thousand gallons of water into the tender.
again -
Thanks for sharing...
Ahh very interesting - thanks a lot for letting me know about that!
Cheers,
Sam :)
00:53 spot on bachmann
haha! ;D
Nice review Sam, the real Silver Link must have "wowed" the public when it first appeared. : )
I don't recall seeing accurate model coaches for her yet, the Hornby versions look like repainted Stanier jobs...now that would upset Gresley, surely... : )
I saw "Porky" waiting on the shelf...he he.. :D
Regards, Cliff.
Thanks very much Cliff - I bet it really did! Someone else said that about the coaches - some proper ones would surely go down very well!
haha!
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
Hi Sam, you can fit etched nameplates with either pva or Roket card glue - sparingly. Cleaning up any excess glue can be removed using a moistened earbud.
Hi Gary - okay mate, I might dare to give that a try then, I've never really trusted myself to do it before!
Cheers,
Sam :)
great vid on the 2 A4s very nice looking models. would be good if Bachmann would do a retool of the A4 but dont think they will what with Hornby and Dapol doing the A4s
Thanks Matt, yeah they're lovely aren't they? A retool would be fab from Bachmann, but I think you're right - not much point with the Hornby and Dapol ones being so good!
All the best,
Sam :)
I spotted 5 A4 engines, one of them green and the other four in blue. The odd one out is the Duchess engine, although that model too is streamlined. Naughty Bullman had something to do with Mallard's little incident, as you correctly stated. As for a favourite A4 engine livery, I like Garter Blue best of all. I have a model of one of the six preserved A4 engines. She is in Garter Blue, although she was first preserved in BR Brunswick Green. Her name is Union of South Africa, and she spent most of her preserved life on the Severn Valley Railway. This model was spotted by me in a cabinet in Chester Model Centre Shop on the upper floor. She was £65.00 to buy and the last model in stock. The shopkeeper took her out of the cabinet, and invited me into a repair and test track room situated at the back of the store. The engine was placed on the test track, and I watched her run round perfectly. My Mum was in on the act, and she bought the model for me as a Christmas present. So, although Union of South Africa is the only A4 model I've got in my collection, she's not the only LNER engine I own. The LNER A3 model, Flying Scotsman, is keeping good company with her and together they've top and tailed my pair of matching LNER Teak coaches that came from Portmadoc.
Well done again Kelly - thanks for playing along!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Well actually two A4s have records the 1st being mallard being the fastest steam locomotive in the world and 2nd Silver link which was the first a4 to go 100 mph.
Ahh absolutely! So a very successful class in the end then! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
The LNER P2 was at one point were dressed up as A4s with the same streamlining.
Oh yeah!! I've seen a custom model like that - it looked very very odd, but very attractive too!
Cheers,
Sam :)
He looks splendid!
Britain's Railway's well someone knows their history
How do you think that the LNER A1/1 could havd look if he was Streamlined
LuisBear Gamer basically an A4 with Smoke Deflectors that's a failure (Poor Great Northern)
A DOUBLE REVIEW???!?! HOW INCREDIBLE ONLY THE BEST TH-camRS WOULD DO THAT (like you)
haha I know right - it was a crazy day! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
love the A4 the streamlined body is so iconic though i have to say i preffer the LNER blue to the silver or green great vid sam
Me too mate - they're fantastic aren't they?! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Grey is such a lovely color on locomotives. Well, unless you're a cleaner, then it's quite awful!
Apple green is also very underrated on the A4s, it gives them more of a family look when alongside the A3s and such.
haha, that's very true - I'd hate to have to clean one!!
Yeah absolutely - it makes them look more like LNER locos anyway!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Another great review Sam!
Thanks so much - really glad you enjoyed it!
Cheers,
Sam :)
I wake up
I see a sam's trains A4 video
made my morning
haha! That's very kind of you - thanks very much!
Cheers,
Sam :)
I've been waiting for this ever since I saw the silver link in the fast trains running session
haha yeah! A few people were asking for them - hehe! :3
Cheers,
Sam :)
Great Video Sam, war time black, also looks good ,Peregrine and Gannet from Wrenn. Have 8 A4,S 1Bachmann 6 Wrenn and 1Hornby, I could be a little biased, keep up the good work, love all your videos, John from Oz.
Thanks very much John, lovely to hear from you - oh yeah the Wartime Black looks gorgeous, I'd love to get one like that!
Much appreciated mate,
Sam :)
Nice video, thanks. I like the Bachman 00 scale figures too, nicely detailed. All the very best.🙂👍
Thanks so much - yeah those were a great bonus, I loved them! :D
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Bought some Bachman figures, they are great. We have a local model train shop, they stock a very lot of stuff, and are very helpful.
Such stunning locomotives! I need to get one of these in the future!
Thanks mate! Yeah they really are superb! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
awesome video those engines are some of sir Nigel gresleys finest designs - elegant, looks great and just all-round nice 😁
Thanks so much for the kind words - I think you're right, definitely his finest!
Really glad you liked seeing them,
Sam :)
Brilliant review!! I think the Hornby ones are far superior than the Bachmann versions - there's something about the shape that isn't quite right in my opinion, especially around the smokebox door…also I really don't like trailing axle - there seems to be quite a gap between the body and the wheel!! Perhaps I'm a bit biased lol but a really enjoyable watch anyway!
Thanks Lukas, I agree with you there - they definitely run better, and the Hornby ones are probably slightly better detailed too!
Glad you liked the video anyway mate,
Cheers,
Sam :)
Sam'sTrains it's spencer
17:26 I like that lineup! The Coronation engine does rather fit with that blue paint!
haha thanks very much - you spotted that then?? :3
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Wow you have a lot of A4s don't you? Great review mate, it was the blue coronation, almost didn't see it amongst blue A4s. Keep the faith - callum
haha, yeah I've got a fair few now - I seem to be addicted to them! haha well spotted... I think she managed to slip past a few people!
Thanks again mate,
Sam :)
My Thomas series will also take place on British railways and also on the London Northern and Eastern railway my model of the A4 silverlink was taken apart and used for spares for the other A4 locomotives
I have a bachmann A4, mine is a mallard model and I can definitely say they do sound very mechanical
haha yeah, you know what I mean? They just sound like they're more complicated than they should be... and I cringe when they're at high speeds ;)
All the best,
Sam :)
Green - perhaps, but as taste is up to the observer, I'll pick "Silver Link". Like a fancy formal dressing, Silver Link. Again, to each their own. But I'm most grateful to have the opportunity to view them both.
Thanks for sharing...
Absolutely! But yeah I very much like the silver too - very attractive!
Cheers,
Sam :)
I have never seen an A4 in the LNER apple green. Looks awesome
I know!! You don't tend to see them that often - it's great though isn't it? :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Great Video Sam And That Engine Looks Like Spencer From Thomas And Friends
Thanks Jacob, yeah it does!! :D
The covers(ore vallances) where removed during the war, to ease maintenance and bearing cooling
Ah yeah that's right - many thanks for the info as always, very useful to know!
All the best,
Sam :)
17:17 I think that patch of scenery is greatly enhanced by the presence of the tractor! ;)
haha! It certainly was! Now which splendid person sent me that then?? ;D
The only A4 model I have is the Dominion of Canada. Not sure if anyone's heard of her, as she's not the most famous A4, and I'm still doing research on why the LNER named her in that way. Good review, though. Makes me want to track down a Golden Eagle and have two A4s running passenger duties on the layout.
Oh yeah! I've heard of that one... I'm sure I used to know why she was called that, but I've completely forgotten!
Sounds good though... I'd go for it ;D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Sam , do you have Bittern? She's my favourite A4 along with Silver Link. A review some time would be good if you did have her.
Hi Phil, no I don't have bittern yet sadly, but yeah I'd love that - I'll keep my eye out! :D
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Nice locos. The locos were made by Trix in the 1960s . Bachmann took over Trix and re released the A4s with a revised chassis. Not bad when you consider the design of the bodywork dates from 60s .
Hi Russell - I've just searched that, and you're absolutely right - I had no idea about that! Blimey yeah, they are very good for that age!
Cheers,
Sam :)
+Sam'sTrains One of the benefits of being ancient , Sam! I can remember seeing them in Argyle Models in Glasgow in the early 70s . They were very exotic as all I knew about was Triang Hornby at the time. I think there were also A2s (Blue Peter) and A3 Flying Scotsman. Although Bachmann have introduced the A2 it is completely new, however they obviously thought the A4 body was good enough. Trix also did a lovely Transpennine DMU , a Class 123 , I think . 6 car. Unfortunately it was to 3.8mm scale not 4mm which was rather off. Still well sought after though.
great video Sam and nice locos
Many thanks Oskar, I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Cheers,
Sam :)
ordered one of the Hornby silver A4's a few days ago its quicksilver though.can't for it to arrive
Ooh amazing - hope you really enjoy that!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey Sam great video I love the A4 my favorite a4 is golden eagle in br blue color
I also like the mallard BR blue as well
Good un Sam. My favourite of the two was Golden Eagle and all A4's except a blue Coronation Scot. Shame on Bullman for the rear end collision! David.
Thanks a lot David, really glad you liked that one, it's gorgeous isn't it? Well spotted on the Coronation too... she obviously wasn't as well hidden as I thought! haha yeah... I'm sure he's responsible for that ;D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Entertaining video! I'm guessing the odd one out is the Princess Coronation because, unlike the others, it had a cylinder diameter of 16.5" instead of 18.5"? ;)
haha! Thanks a lot mate... well you're not wrong... so yeah sure.... that was the reason ;D
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
I knew it! :D
very nice video mate I think I might have to add one of the silver a4s to the list of stuff to get (of which has mased over 200 items now, I think may wallet is not very happy.)
Thanks so much mate - yeah they're definitely lovely thing aren't they? haha - don't worry, my wallet is just the same ;D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Cool the A4 is one of my favorite tender engines
Thanks!! Yeah me too probably - you've got to love them haven't you? :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
So do I
great video I love golden year off steam A4 locomotive . I like sliver link & golden eagle
Thanks very much Graham, yeah they're both lovely aren't they?
All the best,
Sam :)
I love the A4s and in augest I am going to York at the national railway museum then before I go to York I am going to London what a day from... Freya
Awesome Freya - hope you have a really great time!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Wow awesome loco it looks like spencer but combined with the flying sccot man love you your the best youtuber
haha thanks a lot mate - yeah for sure, Spencer will have been based on this! Thanks for all your kind words,
Sam :)
The first 4 A4's where painted in Silver, those where: Silver link, Silver fox, QuickSilver and Silver King
Thanks for clearing that up Rob, much appreciated mate,
Cheers,
Sam :)
Hey sam! happy early youtuberiversary! lovely video as always! Cheers Mate,
Bailey D. :D
haha, thanks very much Bailey, I'd forgotten that was coming up, thanks for reminding me, lol! :D
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Sam'sTrains Your welcome Sam! Cheers Mate,
Bailey:D
Any LNER green loco looks amazing with a big rake of teaks.
I agree Lucas - totally! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
4:01 - Bachmann have used their usual corridor tender body moulding. The original four (2509-12) had streamlined tenders which were rounded off at the rear. Silver Link carried her original tender (Works No5590) from building to the end. An unusual error from such a fine model maker! Also - 2509 herself was unique in having the boiler handrail dead straight at the firebox end. The other 34 members of the class had this sloped down (as in the model). Bachmann DID attempt the faired water-filler in the tender, however (as mentioned by you at 4:05). Overall, however, it seemed that Bachmann had just repainted a standard A4. Sad really - it could have been an unique model. A little more research by the maker would have been good - 2509 was the first of the class, and as such had noticeable detail differences from the rest of the A4s. The silver boiler bands were applied only to 2512 'Silver Fox', by the way. Final rant - at 11:06 you mention the 'nice touch' of the articulated rear truck. Hornby model this much, much better, as the frames of the rear truck were actually rigid with the mainframes side movement being achieved using a Cartazzi arrangement. Indeed, I won't buy a Bachmann A4 because of this error...
Duly noted Paul, many thanks for the info - yes I've heard there are a lot of inadequacies with these A4s - they date back many years, so I'm told!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hope you don't mind my rants!
More locos to add to the A4 collection.
And yes, Bachmann does have 'Detail that counts'.
Thanks Simon, yeah I'm really happy with these! Absolutely - their locos are always great for detail!
Cheers,
Sam :)
These are the old split chassis locos. They run well when they run but even NOS ones can have broken drive gears and axle "muffs". Some fail on their first run out of the box. Luckily people are 3D printing these parts now.
Also the only liver you forgot was British Railways Experimental blue/purple it depends what lighting you put it in but most people call it purple
Ooh yeah! Someone sent me a picture of that - but well done, that's one I'd never heard of before this video!!! :D
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
it's spencer
It's called Ultramarine Blue
Brilliant video Sam on A4 locomotive
Many thanks Graham, glad you enjoyed it mate,
Cheers,
Sam :)
Another amazing video,
Just to ask, do you know any good places to get cheap coaches in the Cheshire area? Pretty hard to find local places around here.
Hi mate, thanks a lot! Hmm I don't know - your best bet is to find out when and where train fairs are happening near you!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Well Sam the first ever A4s built by the LNER that the pulled LNER high speed train the silver jubilee train where painted silver
That's very true Dylan! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
hornby j94 tank is good also are you doing a vid on the railway with john and eddie stobart theme
Cool! Thanks for that, I'll look into those! I don't have any eddie stobart stuff, but I should try to get some! :D
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
john has a 37
Very interesting review, looked it up as I've just ordered the Bachmann job of 60013 'Dominion of New Zealand' for a sharp £62. I was looking at ordering etched plates but it sounds like it might already have them, it this is anything to go by?
Both of those locos are missing the coupling rod on the right side which leads to the third piston. A4s do have a third piston. I read it in a book. That bothers me a lot!. Look on the Hornby A4s on the right side, at the back of the coupling rods and you'll get what i mean.
Ahh is that so? I didn't notice that! I know the Hornby ones did have that, but I'm not sure if these were supposed to or not? Yeah I do know what you mean mate - it does make body removal a nightmare though!
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
Just a non-train related question: What's your favorite Shakespeare play?
Ooh, well I'm not a massive Shakespeare fan, but I guess it'd be Macbeth or a Midsummer night's dream! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
great locos, the A4 look good in any colour, even wartime black
Thanks Kevin! Yeah I really liked the look of the LNER black ones actually!
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
Sam'sTrains same I'm lucky enough to travel behind Bitton on the main line a couple of years ago
I really like the silver livery it makes the loco unique in my opinion
Thanks a lot Daniel, yeah I think so too - really lovely isn’t it?
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey Sam, how do you run the Bachmann locos on your layout? I thought that in the UK they used 230 volts instead of 150 like in the US of A. Can you please tell me how you do it so I can also play with the Bachmann locos? Nice video :)
Hi mate, yes that's true, we have higher voltage, but the transformers we use to power our controllers take care of that - we can still step down to 12v by using different transformers! :D
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
Sam'sTrains Thanks =]
Perhaps you could use a thin strip of double sided tape to affix the nameplates?
I'm sure you could Lucas - good idea! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Those "steps" are actually are seats for inside the cab.
Ahh yes I think I figured that out in the end - thanks a lot for that mate!
Cheers,
Sam :)
They are beautiful engines! I had no clue they were that old. Where did you get them?
Oh I watched until ten seconds later... eBay. 😑😑😑
haha, thanks mate! Yeah these were good ebay finds, very pleased with them! I saw one at a model fair too once though!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Can you review the 60103 Flying Scotsman please Sam?
Sure! I'll try to do her some time - thanks for the idea!!
Cheers,
Sam :)
great video mate :),love the a4s, they look good but they could be a bit better I guess!!-all the best mate :)
Thanks very much! Yeah they could, but they're not bad for the price!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Hi Sam - Seasick Green? Spectral Silver? Well everyone to their own taste of course, but IMHO Mallard should only be seen in it's Gobsmackingly Gorgeous livery of Garter Blue!
I have the Hornby DCC with TTS Mallard, and although it looks the part, it's the worst slow runner ever - jumps about forwards or backwards at slow speed, which, for something costing into 3 figures, is very disappointing.
Do Hornby perhaps offset the cost of TTS by cutting quality in other areas, because I have none TTS Railroad models that run brilliantly?
haha I might have to use those names, lol! Yes, I've known Hornby to use utter garbage motors in their TTS models in the past - it is a great shame :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Why is there a door to the coaches in the tender?
Spencer from Thomas and friends is a Mallard, isn't he?
15:02 but yesterday you killed a passenger? ;-P
16:56 have you filmed that one too?
18:22 I thought the cow had a day off today. :-D
My favorite is the blue one ofcourse ;-)
See you next video! :-D
-Brian
Hi mate!
The door is so that the locomotive crew could be changed over, during long journeys - one crew would rest inside the coaches, while the other worked the engine!
Spence is Silver Link I suppose, just because of the colour!
Yes... one died yesterday, it was horrible ;)
No I didn't film that one - it wasa just the same really!
haha no- he never has a day off!
Glad you liked the blue one matey - and see you soon!
Cheers,
Sam :)
ooh that it smart!!!
haha, that is smart too!
hahaha, I wish people will make a thing that make people little for H0 and N-scale, and the onther way, so I can walk as a real man on my layout.
Ooh, I understant :)
Never on vacantion, I would not like it ;)
-Brian
I prefer the Hornby ones Sam because they captured the design better but IT'S silver link so I can make an exception but anyway love the video quick question when will you do the inglenook challenge
Thanks Liam! Yeah I agree with you actually, I much prefer the Hornby ones - but I was extremely happy with these!
I'm not too sure about the inglenook challenge - I might need to figure out what it actually is first, lol ;D
Cheers,
Sam :)
17:30 second engine going from left to right. Has no A4 sloped front end.
Very well spotted mate! :D
Um, Sam, regarding the poll, Garter Blue and BR Blue are 2 different colors.
I know this, but I can only have up to 5poll answers!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Did you race silverlink vs Spencer once
Yeah I think I did do that! :D
Sam, fit the name plates with PVA. It's water soluble so it's very easy to clean up if you go wrong. :)
That's a very good idea - thank you! :D
Sam Trains my will haft to be , Sir Nigel Gresley, Mallard , and Union of South Africa, I really loved all the A4s one of my favorite class of steam 😁😁
Great pick Javion - I love those too! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam'sTrains you are more than welcome , I love watching your running session videos, I’m gone tell you my top 5 favorite steam locomotives, A4 Pacifics, A1 Pacifics, Princess Cornation, princess Royal, and the C1 Atlantic, what’s yours ??
wait a minute. what is that coronation doing along the lineup of a4s. cheeky.
haha!! Very well spotted - I'd hoped to get away with that ;D
Cheers,
Sam :)
hey sam, happy early channel anniversary
haha! Thanks so much - I'd forgotten about that!! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Fun fact: Several Thomas & Friends fans have theorized that Spencer is actually Silver Link.
Theres a group of people here in the US trying to build a steam Loco from the rails up for the soul reason of beating mallards record any thoughts
haha, well good luck to them... but I doubt any new steam loco will ever be loved like Mallard is! :3
All the best,
Sam :)
Jacob Forbes personally I think if they beat the record we should try get it back...with the record holder herself,her driver always thought she could have done 130!!
here's a A4 livery BR experimental purple and nice to see you on eBay.
many thanks Harry
haha purple?! I've got to see that!
Thanks! I'm really enjoying it so far! :3
Cheers,
Sam :)
I'll send you a picture on twitter message.
thanks harry
I agree that LNER green looks great but the LNER did not - they soon repainted the whole class into Garter Blue and green is a real rarity. It only lasted 13 months on 'Golden Eagle.' The builder's plate is missing from the cab below the number on 'Silver Link'. The lining is correct on both engines, which actually look really nice.
Thanks a lot John - appreciate the info - sad to hear they were so short lived! :O
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
i got the A4 pack for train sim it adds mallard (duh) domain of canada (has a bell you cant use (sad music)) union of south Africa, Dwight d Eisenhower (what type of name is that) bittern (strange name) and others i forget but the 2 reskin packs i found adds more A4 locos to your game i cant name them all but if you want them i could give you the link to were i found it. but golden eagle's livery in this vid reminds me of looking up an apple green reskin for train sim
Oh wow! That sounds super fun - I might look into that, thanks for letting me know! :D
Cheers,
Sam :)
Nice video as always 2 Lovely Locomotives ....Des ..
Many thanks des, really glad you enjoyed seeing them!
Cheers,
Sam :)
Beautiful models! I wish I could have them
Thanks mate, glad you thought so!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Spencer is also one of my favorite steamy engine
Awesome! I love Spencer too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
14:59 are you saying you've hurt or killed some passengers before Sam?
haha! I must have done... have you seen how badly I couple locos up?? ;D
17:30 that 3rd train in the sitting ones looks a bit strange for an a4 lol
haha yes it does a bit, lol! ;D
Happy New Year!
Sam :)
I love your videos and I was just wondering if you could review Hornbys Golden Arrow
Hi Jeff, thanks so much mate! I have got the tri-ang Golden Arrow, which I've shown - but I don't have the Hornby one sadly, that's the rebuilt one isn't it??
Cheers,
Sam :)
some very nice engines indeed,
Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed them!
Cheers,
Sam :)
So what u think witch is better Bachmann/Hornby A4 (detail, build, mechanism...)?
Interesting question! Detail about the same, build quality slightly better with Bachmann, mechanism much better with Hornby!
Overall I prefer the Hornby ones I think!
Cheers mate,
Sam :)
Silver link was apparently the closest A4 real life counterpart to Spencer. Not just in appearance but history as well.
Ahh really?! I didn't know their history was similar too!
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
Actually Sam when I was watching a story of steam DVD when they where showing rocket at the national railway museum in the back I was a silver gresley a4 and I thought it was silver link
haha yeah!! It does look a lot like SIlver Link in that livery - it was very cool!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
If you could go back in time to save Silver link Would you do it? There's a catch you have to give up an A4 to get Silver link, Which A4 would you give up?
haha I don't know - I guess so.... just for that livery... I'd probably get rid of one of the less loved ones... dominion of Canada maybe?? :3
Thanks for watching,
Sam :)
I'd Trade Bittern or Union of South Africa for Silver Link.