if the n gauge society can make a tiny hunslet 0-6-0 shunter with lights and a stay alive factory fitted for 85 pounds then hornby should be able to match that standard! plastic railings are poor. it is 2022 - should always have metal handrails.
Absolutely right - really bad of Hornby to have produced such a low-spec model for that amount of money. This should have been *much* cheaper given how basic/cheap many aspects of it are! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I agree with both of you there I also was going to mention the lights on the N gauge model. The radiator grille lights shouldn't have been a problem for hornby to illuminate.
@@oscarosullivan4513 Most of my money is tied up with the new custodians of my bank account, Accurascale. Got a couple of 37's and a couple of 31's on pre order with them. The 31 blows hornby's effort out of the water.
Just an average loco Sam. A 5 pole motor and flywheel would surely have improved the performance, as well as correctly positioned pickups. The fact that, for a shunter, it cannot crawl is inexcusable. Looks like Heljan is the way to go! Best, Pete.
Hi Sam. I just wanted to give Kernow Model Rail Centre a shout out for great customer service. My MSC version arrived with a broken NEM pocket. I emailed Kernow to ask what I should do and received an immediate reply from Wayne at Kernow. He posted a replacement which arrived in the mail today. And I'm 'across the pond' to boot! I'm happy with my sentinel as it seems to run fine. I've worked for another MSC for over 20 years so couldn't pass it by.
Hi Sam, I saw an email from Hornby saying they were introducing “Sam the designer” whose first Hornby locomotive this was. I thought “has Sam been turned?”… “will Sam never say another bad word about Hornby?” and “what will we do without Sam’s Trains to look forward to?…. will I need to get a life?”, but luckily it was a different Sam! Phew! Regards, Jim
First thing wrond, the position of the DCC plug : you can't put a standard length DCC decoder in her. Hornby and DCC, a nice love story... That's why I pay an extra to the retailer to have my decoder put inside my Hornby locomotives. I did this for my Bachmann V2 after having seen Sam's review, especially the part where the opening of the engine was a drag. No lights for GBP100, Hornby... I can accept the non-srpung buffers, but no lights, it's a cheap trick. The finish is not as bad as the Prairie, but it's still Hornby at its worst. Sam, I can tell you that the pickups assembly is completely ducked up on your sample ! Drivetrain : Hornby cannot do for GBP 100 what Roco does for GBP 90 on their BR 80 (a 0-6-0 but steam) : five poles motor with flywheel. And the DCC socket is nothing but a joke. For the dynamic qualities, runs at a good speed, but the reliability is naff, and the slow speed too. A no-go for me, especially at this price. With a five poles motor with a flywheel, and an inside with a correctly fit DCC socket, this would have been acceptable for the price. When you see Heljan having better performance in the same category, you cannot think that Hornby had botched the job.
Thanks for the review and sorry to hear of the QC issues with your Sentinel. Mine - also Stanton no. 57 - has none of those problems and is a very good slow crawler. However, when running short bonnet forward there is a tendency to derail long-wheelbase trailing wagons on R2 curves. This seems to be down to the engine (long bonnet) end having a long overhang that swings out on curves. Otherwise I am very happy with the model - although it is overpriced by about £20. Keep up the good work Sam!
As an "Ilson lad" who had relatives who worked at Stanton iron works and down Shipley Pit. I was actually quite interested in this model. Thanks for the review.
That's a class 07, not an 05. If you do get chance to try the Heljan class 05, go for it as they are sublime, but a word of warning, they are incredibly delicate. Just touching them can break off the many door handles.
This review makes me glad I bought (at a reasonable price under b£100) a Bachmann Class 003 0-6-0 DS reliable, quiet, and amazingly powerful, cab lights and a driver!
Agreed for pricing level and lack of some features this model is a good £20 - 25 over priced for what you're getting. Somewhat sloppy and forgetful in some areas, Hornby should be improving, not giving bare bones on the inside. Other than that a fabulous model, looks really good in motion, an ideal addition to a private works or siding layout.
Sam, ever since I've been watching your "Improvement/investigation" videos, I have said to myself: "I know Sam can make them run even better..." Re-motoring, retrofitting, adding lights and weights... especially when you removed the body from the chassis, I said: "Easy fix with a coreless motor and flywheel, Sam... add a couple LED bulbs, weights, quick fix to those pick-ups..." Yeah, a great, top running locomotive. But, for the price you paid already, it should have come out of the box exactly like that (insert digression, here). Awesome review. John
haha you noticed the stuttering then? Yes very unreliable out of the box - needed work before it could make it around the layout without stopping, lol ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam: As an industrial railway enthusiast few comments on your review: * I bought one from a retailer @ £99; I agree with you and other commentators about the value for money of this model compared with some comparable models on the market. However, some kudos to Hornby for bringing out another industrial model and for not perpetuating the unfortunate un-prototypical join around the edges of the side valences of the 0-4-0/4wheel versions. * Mine is probably a better quality build than yours; e.g. pickups line-up with rear of the wheel tyres and the performance 'out of the box' was ok on my plain test track (no points), the slow crawl speed being especially good as well as the pulling power, e.g covering 780mm with a 645g load in 58 seconds on a slight up-hill gradient. * STANTON No 57 was NEVER an NCB loco - Hornby made an error in the catalogue and online description as well as the box end description. I have had correspondence with Hornby about this mis-description just after the model was announced but, by then, it was too late for them to correct it. The NCB did have some 0-6-0 locos in a similar green livery. * For 'rivet counters' there are a couple of discrepancies in at least two of the models (e.g. the MSC version probably should not have the circular vents on the cab roof; as originally supplied the Stanton version should have had red buffer beams); these minor discrepancies were discussed on the Industrial Railway Society online forum by people who are more familiar with these loco than I am. These issues are probably not of concern for the average modeller or collector. I notice for some reason the crank pin heads have been left unpainted. * I hope someone at Margate HQ reads these comments and takes them as constructive criticism - to sum up - as another commentator rightly said "..somewhat sloppy in some areas..."
At 19:30 someone thought: let's forget about lights but keep the remains on the decoder plug (white and yellow wires). And having a 6 pin plug limits the options of getting any extra features without major rework
I would definitely like to see a review after you've adjusted the pick-ups. When I get a new or new to me loco, the first thing I do is adjust the pick-ups to give a good contact to the wheels. Good work, Sam. Clive.
It’s not very often that I go and promote a recommendation I have, but ScaleTrains makes probably the best model locomotives I have ever owned. Even throughout the internet I struggle to find locomotives that meet such high standards that do not go near the outrageous prices nearing $800 USD (~580 British Pounds). Particularly, the ho scale DCC sound Dash-9 unit I have is beyond any previous understanding of what a model train company can achieve, absolutely hitting the nail on the head in terms of getting what you paid for. Not only is every needle point lettering crystal clear and razor sharp, the mechanism, performance and overall build is refreshing. With such a high quality motor, I can watch this locomotive travel at snail speeds up and down gradients and over points without hesitation, also thanks to the built in battery system to help keep the engine running when power is temporarily disconnected. At a relatively respectable price of $300 USD (~220 British Pounds), this Dash-9 diesel locomotive is an absolute staple in any modelers collection.
Good to see a small loco getting such a comprehensive review. thanks Sam. It reminds us that quality in the industry remains variable, despite today's prices. Speaking of which, can I comment on the Bachmann LNER V2 (green livery) which reached me very recently? Excellent in terms of dimensions, detail, decoration and overall finish. But that horrible plastic running plate which bends at the touch of a finger just isn't acceptable. Running (straight out of the box): couldn't crawl at all; slow running jerky; reasonably smooth at medium speeds. Crosses points without stalling when running in a forward direction but stalls when in reverse (as if no power was being received from the tender's 4 pickups). To be hoped running improves after running in. Worth the price? Afraid not. At today's fancy prices, EVERY model has to tick ALL the right boxes, not just some of them.
Very cool locomotive. I've got mine today. It is a very beautiful locomotive. Thanks for the review, you just convince me to buy one of my favorite locomotive. Have a great day ! Stefan
Sam can I just say to everyone, that quality control at Hornby's Chinese factories is sometimes an issue, there are occasions when the wheel axle brass bearings of some models have not been placed in their chassis properly, in which case the wheels will wobble excessively backwards and forwards, hence affecting overall smooth running, you can check this if buying from a shop, but not until its been delivered when bought online, it is quite easy to rectify. Though nobody should have to when paying £100+ for a model.
I have a very small HO Walthers Plymouth ML-8 (two axle diesel mechanical) that runs on DCC. It has a flywheel, LED headlights and cab light, and a basic ESU decoder with very good motor control, especially for crawling (which is all the prototype could do). Most of the body is diecast. I got it on sale for $49, 2/3rds of the MSRP. It has become my favorite "critter," and your review reminds me of how lucky I am to have such a loco. Given this example of what is possible, it's sad to see a company not even trying, eh? (You can see it on my FB pages.)
It's just a toy sam, it belongs in the railroad range at a much reduced price, if It can't negotiate points or run at low speeds ,it defeats the purpose, great review 👍
It's the same thing with the Hornby class 66 loco's which are old Lima models just refreshed and claimed to be super detailed main range locomotives. They are cheaper than a Bachmann or the Hattons 66 models but they look really toy like with the now awful vinyl wrap paint scheme, no lights and no separate fitted details.
Hi Sam, on the 0-6-0 Sentinal's box it says that it is a diesel hydraulic loco but the instructions call it a diesel electric loco. A fitted driver would be nice to have in that high visibility cab. Regards, Alan
Haha yeah I spotted the discrepancy too! Never forget that Hornby don’t really know what they’re doing... nor do they proof read... as evidenced by all the errors on their website too 😂
I have just bought a brand new one of these models (R30083 - Port Of Bristol Authority) on Ebay and so far, it runs fine: not hesitating on my standard points. I do wonder if you keep being unlucky with some of the ones you are sent. Not that anybody should be unlucky though. Quality control needs to be maintained or even to increase with rising prices and not do the opposite! We shall see how my one "matures". Hopefully it does not become more tempremental with time like your one. By the way, I found it being offered for £80 "buy it now" or near offer plus £5 postage so I managed to get it for £80 including postage. That it is a bit better price wise but it is the exception at the moment.
As an indication of the level of brain-power available to Hornby -- the box calls it a DH, i.e. diesel-hydraulic, type, whereas the instruction sheet calls it a diesel-electric loco which is simply wrong. Duh... Obviously the lack of working LED headlights and cab interior light is a big disappointment on a DCC-ready loco. However I suspect Hornby simply bottled it when they realised they would find it challenging to also fit working marker lights below the end handrails -- not impossible at all, but they simply weren't up to the challenge. As a minor point, Hornby also proved incapable of figuring out a way to put the hook holes in the buffer-beam lifting eyes. Again, not impossible -- but again, duh. At a significantly lower price, this could have been a really neat locomotive for younger hobbyists. For a hundred quid, though... No.
Decent review there Sam the sentinel was another small loco that people kind of went mad for when the 0-4-0 version was released, I will say that the 0-6-0 looks nice visually but obviously if it doesn’t run very well then it isn’t very good.
Thanks a lot David - yeah totally - the 0-4-0 did seem pretty popular! This has a far inferior motor though unfortunately, so it doesn't run as good :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yeah they did - I saw that yesterday! They also said a lot about motoring and gearing, and how great these are at slow speed... which was a load of tosh xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A very nice locomotive. I work many years with the sentinels in CP national train company in Portugal. Actually Sentinel serie 1150 are no longer in service. Only a few in field yards to do TMD shunting.
For the price, an LED light for the headlamp with a light bar to the cab should have been easy. My 1970's N-scale locomotive had a light inside it. Geez. Collector prices with Kiddie quality.
I'm sure this gets annoying, but thanks for a great video! Also ever thought on reviewing a Big Boy? I know it would be rough on your layout, but your thorough reviews would be great since they are quite a purchase.
I have the 0-4-0 Wabtec sentinel, cost me about £55 from Frizinghall Models and Railways in Bradford in 2016 I think. Technically, Hornby did 2 0-4-0 versions, one with inside drive gear and one with outside rods (as per our models). It's DCC fitted, with a small stay alive which doesn't help much but does give a small improvement. My local shop, Sunderland Station Models, has all 3 versions of the 0-6-0s in stock, as well as several other 0-4-0 versions. I'm tempted by the PBA one. I wish Hornby'd do H021 with inside gear as well as H013 with outside gear, and also some matching 08s. For the price, I'd really expect lights and sprung buffers, and metal handrails that aren't bent out of position by the way they're moulded. But I'm glad they've sorted the cab interior. I still don't get why companies don't supply etched nameplates for named locos (or locos with cast nameplates) all the time. They're a small cost that greatly improves models' appearance. And another bugbear is that hornby are mounting the DCC socket in a position that means you can't use a standard direct 6-pin chip and have to go for their own chip with 6-pin harness. Hornby should be using next18 for their smaller locos now, as the industry has moved on from 6-pin. Performance over the express point looks like one of the pickups isn't making proper connection with one of the wheels. The 0-4-0 can't do the points because the plastic frog of the express points are longer than the wheelbase, but the 0-6-0 doesn't have that excuse. It's amazing that Hornby have already released this from their 2022 range, yet we're still waiting on the 2020 range 91, and the 2021 range P2s, 9Fs, Standard class 2s, new A3s, and Ruston 88DSs...
The Sentinels are quite cool. We have an 0-4-0 Sentinel in the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr railway in South Wales. Albeit an 0-4-0 without coupling rods, but does have a chain.
Some manufacturers equip their smaller loco's with a battery pack to overcome the dead zone of points. One drawback: The loco continues to run after derailment
Great video Sam. Wish I could say the same about the Sentinel it seems Hornby is forgetting about customer satisfaction. They want to get premium prices but not premium craftsmanship. I only hope that Hornby realizes soon what they are doing before it hurts their company.
Not familiar with these locos here in Canada but if I may….I have to point out the colour and look of the coupling rods are one of my sore points in some of these models. They always look like red plastic pieces and seem to be to heavy looking…..just not realistic in my mind. Maybe some dirt and weathering to get rid of the shine might do the trick but personally I like the coupling rods on the Hattons P class much better….they just look finer and less toy like. But, that’s just one of my little quirks when it comes to coupling rods….I’m sure most would find them just fine. The build quality is disappointing and performance leaves something to be desired. I’ll save my money on this one as the only way to send a message to the manufacturers in my opinion is with our pocket book. Still a great and honest review and looking forward to more.
It's incredible that it got its best rating for value when the 4 wheels version's price was half. All this because with the post covid prices now £100 seem cheap.
I've just got a MSC version of this model. I am impressed with this dark blue livery and the wasp stripes at the sides, with the red coupling rods makes it very eye catching. Looking at the Manchester Ship Canal liveried sentinels in the book ' Industrial locomotives & railways of the Northwest of England' by Gordon Edgar, there isn't a great deal of detail on these locos.They are quite contemporary in looks. My model runs well and I have no problems with it. Maybe Hornby have improved on them since your review. The dark blue is a great match for my Hunslet 'Holly Bank No 3' and LMR blue 2:8:0 which I recent seem to have a leaning towards these days.
It's funny on the topic of small locos and stuttering I used to own a roco glaskasten or glass box in ho scale was a tiny little thing beautiful model and a perfect crawl I regret selling it but the thing never used to stutter on points or even my bad track work. It had a good 5 pole open frame motor and a tiny flywheel it was an older model which amazes me how still new locos still have running issues even after being run in.
Hi Sam. I am very surprised with the performance. I seen this loco and thought it would be good because it been a three axle. It's a pity because it is a lovely loco. Not a good new year's start for Hornby. Thanks for sharing. Basil.
Thanks for this review Sam. I was seriously thinking of buying one of these, but after the intro scene I had doubts, and following your review I will definitely be giving it a miss. Hornby are having a laugh…well I’m not!!
Nice video. I know it's almost impossible to fit lights on this loco, but could you do anything to improve its running performance? I am not lucky enough to have much new stock and expect to service/ tweak things where and when I can. Not running over points is a big put off for me personally. Do you have any tricks to improve this? Again love your videos, find them very interesting and always perk up when I see a new one appear...
Sure! The fix is to remove the base keeper plate and gently bend the pickups outwards slightly. This improves their contact with the wheels and reduces the cutting out. It won’t fix the crawl, but should improve reliability.
This loco would benefit from a smart power pack (with DCC decoder) but that wouldn't be necessary if its mechanism was in line with price they're charging for it.
hi sam. truly a money maker for hornhy . a bit affordable for the public to buy it. but thats about all i see in this model.. shoddy electrics. cheapskate and corner cutting in regards in finding a decent placing for the dcc connector especially when there is a completely bare chassis. a bit too much plastic use on the body.
I do like this model and will buy the Manchester Ship Canal version as i remember them running while almost new and its a very good representation of the real thing🙂 . Great video as always Sam.
I wouldn't mind this version as it would fit in my Army railway (I know it is NCB) but think it will work. I think I may wait for a bit though and get one 2nd hand or see if they get reduced in price.
Another Great review. Thanks Sam. At 11:42, there seems to be a fingerprint on the right side cab window. I think it is on the inside? So I would assume that it arrived like this. Hmmm.
Thanks a lot Robert - yeah I noticed that too, but only when watching the clips back... could've been mine, but not if it's on the inside! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review as always Sam. Personally I'm a little disappointed by the running of the sentinel. However each model brand has their own strengths and weaknesses But I agree Heljan is the best way to go for this model. All the best
A good honest review Sam. When I first saw it I had to stop the video and go and research. Back in the seventies I was apprenticed at Ebbw Vale Steel works and they had similar shutters. However refreshing my memory they were Hunslets and not Sentinels. Does anyone make Hunslet shunters?
Have (had?) 0-6-0 Sentinel diesel-hydraulic shunters at the Blue Circle Cement Works at Oxwellmains on the ECML just south of Dunbar in East Lothian 🏴. Have both Up and Down Yards necessitating the Sentinel 0-6-0 diesel shunters to cross over the ECML. The Blue Circle Sentinels were painted in overall Blue Circle yellow livery with small Blue Circle roundels on the cab sides. Hopefully Hornby will produce the Blue Circle version in a later production cycle. Would make a fascinating location to model with HST’s and Class 55 Deltics with 11 on racing by. No local trains from Edinburgh Waverley, as they left the ECML at Drem for North Berwick. Ps Sam: Your Heljan Harry Needle 0-6-0 “05” shunter is in fact an ex-Southampton Docks Class 07 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunter :) Keep up the good work, Adrian.
Great video Sam! Since we're talking diesels, You should get a Bachmann Grumpy Diesel or some Bachmann Thomas rolling stock like Annie and Clarabel or the troublesome trucks. I think it would make a very interesting video. Cheers
I'm thinking of ordering this or the 0-4-0 variant from Hornby, to shunt my 4468 Mallard 80th Anniversary edition around my layout when my friends and family come to visit, as my gold plated Mallard's gear are not meshing, and this would look smashing behind the Mallard.
I am just wondering. On the continent since decades the model locomotives have flywheels, to compensate those critical power dropouts what a common on model tracks.
No lights, flimsy plastic, buffer falling off, hanging pick ups, and then you took the casing off...what a disappointing motor, seen more powerful in a £1 handheld battery fan from the pound shop. Sam you have been rather generous in your ratings of this model indeed. More over priced loco's from Hornby. Exactly what we have come to expect from them in recent years. As always though Sam enjoyable review. Keep up the good work.
I think I can forgive no sprung buffers on this model as you'd be able to see the hole for the end to poke out from the other side and it would look like some sort of obstacle that would poke out in an Indiana Jones movie, for any who dare try and entire the Sentinel.
I have the Manchester ship canal version of this (running on dcc) and the performance out of the box was even worse than this. Even on speed step 50 it was stuttering and just generally a unhappy runner. After running in it made no difference and only got worse so I took it apart to have a look and the wheels were absolutely filthy so I cleaned them, adjusted the pickups and lubricated it and that made so much difference. Doesnt cut out even over points now. Still doesnt run too reliably on speed steps less than 5 but once you get over speed step 10 its decently smooth and at typical shunting speeds its fine now
I think your 3.5 stars for value is very generous. I would say 1 star. For £100 you can buy so much better things than a model train that struggles new out of the box. Wonder if the connectors had non conductive oil on where it shouldn't have.
@@SamsTrains Yeah I can agree with that tbh. I have a Jinty from Bachmann weathered, DCC fitted and runs like a dream and it only cost me £70 with the chip!
This company does nothing but confuse me these days. The sloppy build quality, unrealistic prices and often poor value for money just doesn't make any sense (especially since this is Hornby we're talking about, not Heljan). I don't know when this madness all started, but I think it's about time Hornby pulled their heads out of their ......... and actually bothered to clean up their act. I'm always impressed by your honesty, Sam. You're one of the few model railway TH-camrs I've seen who isn't afraid to speak their mind. As for the Sentinel herself, personally I think the 0-6-0 version doesn't look too bad, but at the same time it's not really my cup of tea (especially since I've seen things like Earl Grey or Darjeeling but never Sentinel tea). Just looks like yet another model that doesn't live up to the expections set by the price. I'll stick with my 0-4-0 version of the Sentinel which, from memory, was around 75 or 79 pounds from Hattons.
I'd much rather have the BR Blue Class 08 from Hornby with Legomanbiffo sound. Best electric loco is the BR Blue Class 87 also with Legoman sound and the best steamloco is the Lord Rodney (Nelson) with Zimo sound. I replaced all NEM couplings for more modest nicer looking Bachmann couplings. All three loco's are really fine without imperfections. And that's where I leave it with Hornby. Cheers, Jan
I have the 0-4-0 Sentinel, and I took a rather quick disliking to it because it constantly cut out while I was running it in. I had to put it up all the way to 100% power just to get it to keep moving. It still cut out, but the momentum pushed it enough to get it going again. Sad to see that this new 0-6-0 variant still gets it wrong on that front. I wasn't particularly sold on it in the first place due to my prior experience, but now I know for certain that I will be giving this one a miss. On another note, I also have the Heljan 07 and that is an absolute treat to run (couplings aside but that's another story.).
Mine has been trundling happily around poor quality track and insulfrog points with no running issues so I wonder if the pickups are to blame for yours (mine also arrived with one bent). Personally though I think the plastic handrails are horrible (not Janus levels of bad though) and you've been very fair with your review. I give mine a solid "yeah, pretty alright" out of 10
10 minutes after typing this and it starts rattling and falls off... The coupling rod has snapped behind the centre wheels after less than an hour's running....
@@VFCproductions I’m glad it’s better now. I was actually thinking of buying one of these a few weeks ago, and I thought I remembered that in Sam’s review it looked like a decent model, as I got this one and the 0-4-0 mixed up. After revisiting this though, I’m glad I didn’t buy it.
Just received a video from Hornby, where the designer (a chap called Sam lol) talks about the Sentinel ! Also included in the email is a pre order offer for the BR class 08 0-6-0 shunter at the price of £200.99 !!!! Free postage over £50 - They have to be joking. By the way Designer Sam states in the video the model was designed to get over point problems, according to him they spent a lot of time putting this right. Perhaps you have funny points Sam lol.
Haha yeah... must be my points... every single one of them 😂 I don’t understand why it took a lot of work... you just need a correctly adjusted pickup on each wheel... boom, that’s it. To have put in “a lot of work” and produce this sort of performance is pretty embarrassing!
Curious that Hornby's designer is also called Sam! Note the latest Hornby Signal Box broadcast promoted the Sentinel as a fine runner?? Hope you have better luck when the Class "08" is released. Tried ordering it from my local Model Railway Store and it is already sold out! When will they ever include lights as standard whether directional or in coaches. Cab detail wow, but why not put a driver in there?
Hornby recently seem to have started to go back in time with how basic their locos are starting to get, I know prices have gone up but it’s no excuse to sell such basic locos for higher end prices.
Hornby: "Here, have this NEW Diesel locomotive! It's half as functional as one with half the wheels as the old version, and is double the price. But look, it's got a nice looking cab!" Sorry, Hornby, it's going to have to take a lot more to get me investing 100+ quid on a loco. I find this kind of business practice as insulting TBH.
Hi Sam, regarding your comment about the lack of sprung buffers, normally, on hornby locos, when you look under the loco, the buffer pins pass through the buffer beam and poke out the other side. On the sentinel that can't happen or the buffer pin would pass through the buffer beam and poke out over the steps either side of the engine. Is there a manufacturer that has managed to create sprung buffers in OO gauge where the pin does not pass through the buffer beam?
That is a good point! But yes I think it would be possible to fit the springing mechanism inside the buffer housing... I might design one some time if I can find a suitable spring!
@@SamsTrains I would love to see it Sam, the 3D printed videos you're been making area really great to watch! If you have trouble finding a suitable spring, why not try a different method, such as some kind of compressible material, like sponge which can be cut to any shape?
Hi Sam, I hope Hornby or at least one of it’s investors watches your reviews, as well as others, except maybe Hornby magazine. There is sadly a lot of issues that we are seeing in this fantastic hobby in the last few years. Poor quality, poor build, inadequate features. They couldn’t be bothered to put lights on a 00 model, as another comment said, N gauge can manage to get lights into a mini diesel. Hornby is on the slippery slope to the bottom of the pit. Maybe they and others should look at getting their production nearer to home, India and Pakistan are better equipped to make as good models as the Chinese, transport might be cheaper and the craftsmanship is equal to or better than the Chinese. I recently have seen similar comments on other reviews which slam the manufacturers. It’s unfortunate but they are also (not all) getting the manufacturing from China. In the 70’s Chinese manufacturers got better quality. But now it’s not quality that’s the problem, it’s costs. Maybe it’s time for a change, bring manufacturing home.
I bought a transistor radio recently. I discovered it was made in India. It's a piece of junk. Stopped working after a couple of months. India and Pakistan also have severe human rights problems, so I wouldn't recommend shifting production there. They don't have experience in making model railways either. No. If you're going to move production closer to home then Romania is the place. They have experience making models to the highest standards. Roco has a factory there. They have low labour costs too. It is still far too expensive to produce models in the UK. If the cost of Chinese models rose to the same as it would cost to make in the UK then they would be far to expensive for even Sam to buy.
if the n gauge society can make a tiny hunslet 0-6-0 shunter with lights and a stay alive factory fitted for 85 pounds then hornby should be able to match that standard! plastic railings are poor. it is 2022 - should always have metal handrails.
Absolutely right - really bad of Hornby to have produced such a low-spec model for that amount of money. This should have been *much* cheaper given how basic/cheap many aspects of it are!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I agree with both of you there
I also was going to mention the lights on the N gauge model. The radiator grille lights shouldn't have been a problem for hornby to illuminate.
When you think hornby couldn’t get worse
On the version Jenny Kirk reviewed, it even had 2 spare wires coming off the pcb, probably for lighting.
@@oscarosullivan4513 Most of my money is tied up with the new custodians of my bank account, Accurascale. Got a couple of 37's and a couple of 31's on pre order with them. The 31 blows hornby's effort out of the water.
Just an average loco Sam. A 5 pole motor and flywheel would surely have improved the performance, as well as correctly positioned pickups. The fact that, for a shunter, it cannot crawl is inexcusable. Looks like Heljan is the way to go! Best, Pete.
Very much so Pete - pity about the mechanism, as this is usually where Hornby shines... such a shame :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
hi agree with you, its cheap and nasty, Heljan is the way forward.why cant they get the gear ratio right ?
Hi Sam. I just wanted to give Kernow Model Rail Centre a shout out for great customer service. My MSC version arrived with a broken NEM pocket. I emailed Kernow to ask what I should do and received an immediate reply from Wayne at Kernow. He posted a replacement which arrived in the mail today. And I'm 'across the pond' to boot!
I'm happy with my sentinel as it seems to run fine. I've worked for another MSC for over 20 years so couldn't pass it by.
I still like my Triang dock shunter with it's working headlight!
Hi Sam,
I saw an email from Hornby saying they were introducing “Sam the designer” whose first Hornby locomotive this was. I thought “has Sam been turned?”… “will Sam never say another bad word about Hornby?” and “what will we do without Sam’s Trains to look forward to?…. will I need to get a life?”, but luckily it was a different Sam! Phew!
Regards,
Jim
Haha phew! Hopefully nobody would mistake me as the designer, given the way this runs 😂
First thing wrond, the position of the DCC plug : you can't put a standard length DCC decoder in her. Hornby and DCC, a nice love story... That's why I pay an extra to the retailer to have my decoder put inside my Hornby locomotives. I did this for my Bachmann V2 after having seen Sam's review, especially the part where the opening of the engine was a drag.
No lights for GBP100, Hornby... I can accept the non-srpung buffers, but no lights, it's a cheap trick. The finish is not as bad as the Prairie, but it's still Hornby at its worst. Sam, I can tell you that the pickups assembly is completely ducked up on your sample !
Drivetrain : Hornby cannot do for GBP 100 what Roco does for GBP 90 on their BR 80 (a 0-6-0 but steam) : five poles motor with flywheel. And the DCC socket is nothing but a joke.
For the dynamic qualities, runs at a good speed, but the reliability is naff, and the slow speed too. A no-go for me, especially at this price.
With a five poles motor with a flywheel, and an inside with a correctly fit DCC socket, this would have been acceptable for the price. When you see Heljan having better performance in the same category, you cannot think that Hornby had botched the job.
14:52 I didn‘t know Rolls Royce did diesel engines, that‘s amazing. Truly British across the board, this one is.
where have you been all these years? Dorman also made diesel engines and so it goes on,
I work on them daily, they where taken over by perkins back in the day, most the shunters at steel works run a pair of cv12's.
Even the price is British! Can't forget to be ripped off!
Thanks for the review and sorry to hear of the QC issues with your Sentinel. Mine - also Stanton no. 57 - has none of those problems and is a very good slow crawler. However, when running short bonnet forward there is a tendency to derail long-wheelbase trailing wagons on R2 curves. This seems to be down to the engine (long bonnet) end having a long overhang that swings out on curves. Otherwise I am very happy with the model - although it is overpriced by about £20. Keep up the good work Sam!
As an "Ilson lad" who had relatives who worked at Stanton iron works and down Shipley Pit. I was actually quite interested in this model. Thanks for the review.
That's a class 07, not an 05. If you do get chance to try the Heljan class 05, go for it as they are sublime, but a word of warning, they are incredibly delicate. Just touching them can break off the many door handles.
This review makes me glad I bought (at a reasonable price under b£100) a Bachmann Class 003 0-6-0 DS reliable, quiet, and amazingly powerful, cab lights and a driver!
Agreed for pricing level and lack of some features this model is a good £20 - 25 over priced for what you're getting.
Somewhat sloppy and forgetful in some areas, Hornby should be improving, not giving bare bones on the inside.
Other than that a fabulous model, looks really good in motion, an ideal addition to a private works or siding layout.
Sam, ever since I've been watching your "Improvement/investigation" videos, I have said to myself: "I know Sam can make them run even better..." Re-motoring, retrofitting, adding lights and weights... especially when you removed the body from the chassis, I said: "Easy fix with a coreless motor and flywheel, Sam... add a couple LED bulbs, weights, quick fix to those pick-ups..." Yeah, a great, top running locomotive. But, for the price you paid already, it should have come out of the box exactly like that (insert digression, here).
Awesome review. John
I have this feeling that after seeing the shunter running in the 1st minute we're not talking about one of Hornby's finest locos here are we?
haha you noticed the stuttering then? Yes very unreliable out of the box - needed work before it could make it around the layout without stopping, lol ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains They are getting worse
The performance of mine was surprisingly bad..
@@awesomealbertt1150 what happened? Was it worse than Sam’s example??
@@modelrailfan37 never mind, now. I was just using the wrong controller.
Sam: As an industrial railway enthusiast few comments on your review:
* I bought one from a retailer @ £99; I agree with you and other commentators about the value for money of this model compared with some comparable models on the market. However, some kudos to Hornby for bringing out another industrial model and for not perpetuating the unfortunate un-prototypical join around the edges of the side valences of the 0-4-0/4wheel versions.
* Mine is probably a better quality build than yours; e.g. pickups line-up with rear of the wheel tyres and the performance 'out of the box' was ok on my plain test track (no points), the slow crawl speed being especially good as well as the pulling power, e.g covering 780mm with a 645g load in 58 seconds on a slight up-hill gradient.
* STANTON No 57 was NEVER an NCB loco - Hornby made an error in the catalogue and online description as well as the box end description. I have had correspondence with Hornby about this mis-description just after the model was announced but, by then, it was too late for them to correct it. The NCB did have some 0-6-0 locos in a similar green livery.
* For 'rivet counters' there are a couple of discrepancies in at least two of the models (e.g. the MSC version probably should not have the circular vents on the cab roof; as originally supplied the Stanton version should have had red buffer beams); these minor discrepancies were discussed on the Industrial Railway Society online forum by people who are more familiar with these loco than I am. These issues are probably not of concern for the average modeller or collector. I notice for some reason the crank pin heads have been left unpainted.
* I hope someone at Margate HQ reads these comments and takes them as constructive criticism - to sum up - as another commentator rightly said "..somewhat sloppy in some areas..."
At 19:30 someone thought: let's forget about lights but keep the remains on the decoder plug (white and yellow wires).
And having a 6 pin plug limits the options of getting any extra features without major rework
I’m lost for words Sam is hornby for real, cheers mate
wish Hornby would start improving on their newer models especially given their prices
I would definitely like to see a review after you've adjusted the pick-ups. When I get a new or new to me loco, the first thing I do is adjust the pick-ups to give a good contact to the wheels. Good work, Sam.
Clive.
With all the gaps in the fitting and bendy parts i was expecting this to be around £50! Defo not as much as it is!
It’s not very often that I go and promote a recommendation I have, but ScaleTrains makes probably the best model locomotives I have ever owned. Even throughout the internet I struggle to find locomotives that meet such high standards that do not go near the outrageous prices nearing $800 USD (~580 British Pounds). Particularly, the ho scale DCC sound Dash-9 unit I have is beyond any previous understanding of what a model train company can achieve, absolutely hitting the nail on the head in terms of getting what you paid for. Not only is every needle point lettering crystal clear and razor sharp, the mechanism, performance and overall build is refreshing. With such a high quality motor, I can watch this locomotive travel at snail speeds up and down gradients and over points without hesitation, also thanks to the built in battery system to help keep the engine running when power is temporarily disconnected. At a relatively respectable price of $300 USD (~220 British Pounds), this Dash-9 diesel locomotive is an absolute staple in any modelers collection.
Good to see a small loco getting such a comprehensive review. thanks Sam. It reminds us that quality in the industry remains variable, despite today's prices. Speaking of which, can I comment on the Bachmann LNER V2 (green livery) which reached me very recently? Excellent in terms of dimensions, detail, decoration and overall finish. But that horrible plastic running plate which bends at the touch of a finger just isn't acceptable. Running (straight out of the box): couldn't crawl at all; slow running jerky; reasonably smooth at medium speeds. Crosses points without stalling when running in a forward direction but stalls when in reverse (as if no power was being received from the tender's 4 pickups). To be hoped running improves after running in. Worth the price? Afraid not. At today's fancy prices, EVERY model has to tick ALL the right boxes, not just some of them.
Very cool locomotive. I've got mine today. It is a very beautiful locomotive. Thanks for the review, you just convince me to buy one of my favorite locomotive. Have a great day !
Stefan
Sam can I just say to everyone, that quality control at Hornby's Chinese factories is sometimes an issue, there are occasions when the wheel axle brass bearings of some models have not been placed in their chassis properly, in which case the wheels will wobble excessively backwards and forwards, hence affecting overall smooth running, you can check this if buying from a shop, but not until its been delivered when bought online, it is quite easy to rectify.
Though nobody should have to when paying £100+ for a model.
I have a very small HO Walthers Plymouth ML-8 (two axle diesel mechanical) that runs on DCC. It has a flywheel, LED headlights and cab light, and a basic ESU decoder with very good motor control, especially for crawling (which is all the prototype could do). Most of the body is diecast. I got it on sale for $49, 2/3rds of the MSRP. It has become my favorite "critter," and your review reminds me of how lucky I am to have such a loco. Given this example of what is possible, it's sad to see a company not even trying, eh? (You can see it on my FB pages.)
Absolutely amazing Andrew... you might have just made a sale there - would love to try that! :D
Was really excited for this, but already halfway through the review, and I now know that I don't need to worry about trying to save up to buy it.
It's just a toy sam, it belongs in the railroad range at a much reduced price, if It can't negotiate points or run at low speeds ,it defeats the purpose, great review 👍
It's the same thing with the Hornby class 66 loco's which are old Lima models just refreshed and claimed to be super detailed main range locomotives. They are cheaper than a Bachmann or the Hattons 66 models but they look really toy like with the now awful vinyl wrap paint scheme, no lights and no separate fitted details.
Ciaran they don’t even belong in the rail road range
Hi Sam, on the 0-6-0 Sentinal's box it says that it is a diesel hydraulic loco but the instructions call it a diesel electric loco. A fitted driver would be nice to have in that high visibility cab. Regards, Alan
It's a diesel hydraulic
Haha yeah I spotted the discrepancy too! Never forget that Hornby don’t really know what they’re doing... nor do they proof read... as evidenced by all the errors on their website too 😂
Hornby: we’re gonna put our prices up!
Everyone: that means your stuff gonna be even better!
Hornby: …
Everyone: it’s gonna be better, right?
Hornby: "WRITE THAT DOWN! WRITE THAT DOWN!"
I have just bought a brand new one of these models (R30083 - Port Of Bristol Authority) on Ebay and so far, it runs fine: not hesitating on my standard points. I do wonder if you keep being unlucky with some of the ones you are sent. Not that anybody should be unlucky though. Quality control needs to be maintained or even to increase with rising prices and not do the opposite!
We shall see how my one "matures". Hopefully it does not become more tempremental with time like your one.
By the way, I found it being offered for £80 "buy it now" or near offer plus £5 postage so I managed to get it for £80 including postage. That it is a bit better price wise but it is the exception at the moment.
As an indication of the level of brain-power available to Hornby -- the box calls it a DH, i.e. diesel-hydraulic, type, whereas the instruction sheet calls it a diesel-electric loco which is simply wrong. Duh...
Obviously the lack of working LED headlights and cab interior light is a big disappointment on a DCC-ready loco. However I suspect Hornby simply bottled it when they realised they would find it challenging to also fit working marker lights below the end handrails -- not impossible at all, but they simply weren't up to the challenge.
As a minor point, Hornby also proved incapable of figuring out a way to put the hook holes in the buffer-beam lifting eyes. Again, not impossible -- but again, duh.
At a significantly lower price, this could have been a really neat locomotive for younger hobbyists. For a hundred quid, though... No.
Decent review there Sam the sentinel was another small loco that people kind of went mad for when the 0-4-0 version was released, I will say that the 0-6-0 looks nice visually but obviously if it doesn’t run very well then it isn’t very good.
Thanks a lot David - yeah totally - the 0-4-0 did seem pretty popular! This has a far inferior motor though unfortunately, so it doesn't run as good :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hornby said on their TH-cam earlier this is a complete retool. They also said it was changed how the rods, outside frames, and wheels are fitted.
Yeah they did - I saw that yesterday! They also said a lot about motoring and gearing, and how great these are at slow speed... which was a load of tosh xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains lol
A very nice locomotive. I work many years with the sentinels in CP national train company in Portugal. Actually Sentinel serie 1150 are no longer in service. Only a few in field yards to do TMD shunting.
For the price, an LED light for the headlamp with a light bar to the cab should have been easy. My 1970's N-scale locomotive had a light inside it.
Geez. Collector prices with Kiddie quality.
I'm sure this gets annoying, but thanks for a great video! Also ever thought on reviewing a Big Boy? I know it would be rough on your layout, but your thorough reviews would be great since they are quite a purchase.
Loving your channel and being new to this hobby and seeing your layout was wondering if you had done a talk on how to keep /cleaning your track .
Thank you so much! Sure - there's a video on track cleaning- you should be able to do a search with it :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have the 0-4-0 Wabtec sentinel, cost me about £55 from Frizinghall Models and Railways in Bradford in 2016 I think. Technically, Hornby did 2 0-4-0 versions, one with inside drive gear and one with outside rods (as per our models). It's DCC fitted, with a small stay alive which doesn't help much but does give a small improvement.
My local shop, Sunderland Station Models, has all 3 versions of the 0-6-0s in stock, as well as several other 0-4-0 versions. I'm tempted by the PBA one.
I wish Hornby'd do H021 with inside gear as well as H013 with outside gear, and also some matching 08s.
For the price, I'd really expect lights and sprung buffers, and metal handrails that aren't bent out of position by the way they're moulded. But I'm glad they've sorted the cab interior.
I still don't get why companies don't supply etched nameplates for named locos (or locos with cast nameplates) all the time. They're a small cost that greatly improves models' appearance. And another bugbear is that hornby are mounting the DCC socket in a position that means you can't use a standard direct 6-pin chip and have to go for their own chip with 6-pin harness. Hornby should be using next18 for their smaller locos now, as the industry has moved on from 6-pin.
Performance over the express point looks like one of the pickups isn't making proper connection with one of the wheels. The 0-4-0 can't do the points because the plastic frog of the express points are longer than the wheelbase, but the 0-6-0 doesn't have that excuse.
It's amazing that Hornby have already released this from their 2022 range, yet we're still waiting on the 2020 range 91, and the 2021 range P2s, 9Fs, Standard class 2s, new A3s, and Ruston 88DSs...
The Sentinels are quite cool. We have an 0-4-0 Sentinel in the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr railway in South Wales. Albeit an 0-4-0 without coupling rods, but does have a chain.
They sure are Tomas - that sounds pretty cool! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Funny how this arrived before most of the 2021 and 2020 ranges lol. Nice looking looc
haha I know... still better than nothing! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Some manufacturers equip their smaller loco's with a battery pack to overcome the dead zone of points. One drawback: The loco continues to run after derailment
Thanks for review Sam ,will bear in mind as I collect shunting locos ,steam or diesel keep up the good work .
Great video Sam. Wish I could say the same about the Sentinel it seems Hornby is forgetting about customer satisfaction. They want to get premium prices but not premium craftsmanship. I only hope that Hornby realizes soon what they are doing before it hurts their company.
They'll probably keep doing these dodgy practices until enough decide to stop buying their products.
Not familiar with these locos here in Canada but if I may….I have to point out the colour and look of the coupling rods are one of my sore points in some of these models. They always look like red plastic pieces and seem to be to heavy looking…..just not realistic in my mind. Maybe some dirt and weathering to get rid of the shine might do the trick but personally I like the coupling rods on the Hattons P class much better….they just look finer and less toy like. But, that’s just one of my little quirks when it comes to coupling rods….I’m sure most would find them just fine. The build quality is disappointing and performance leaves something to be desired. I’ll save my money on this one as the only way to send a message to the manufacturers in my opinion is with our pocket book. Still a great and honest review and looking forward to more.
I picked up an 040 sentinel today, runs amazing on DCC, crawl at 1/128 speedstep is great
It's incredible that it got its best rating for value when the 4 wheels version's price was half. All this because with the post covid prices now £100 seem cheap.
I've just got a MSC version of this model. I am impressed with this dark blue livery and the wasp stripes at the sides, with the red coupling rods makes it very eye catching. Looking at the Manchester Ship Canal liveried sentinels in the book ' Industrial locomotives & railways of the Northwest of England' by Gordon Edgar, there isn't a great deal of detail on these locos.They are quite contemporary in looks. My model runs well and I have no problems with it. Maybe Hornby have improved on them since your review. The dark blue is a great match for my Hunslet 'Holly Bank No 3' and LMR blue 2:8:0 which I recent seem to have a leaning towards these days.
It's funny on the topic of small locos and stuttering I used to own a roco glaskasten or glass box in ho scale was a tiny little thing beautiful model and a perfect crawl I regret selling it but the thing never used to stutter on points or even my bad track work. It had a good 5 pole open frame motor and a tiny flywheel it was an older model which amazes me how still new locos still have running issues even after being run in.
Excellent review, thanks Sam
.
I think someone left the train outside during the storm lol
haha yeah... maybe a branch struck it or something?!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam.
I am very surprised with the performance.
I seen this loco and thought it would be good because it been a three axle.
It's a pity because it is a lovely loco.
Not a good new year's start for Hornby.
Thanks for sharing.
Basil.
Fun Fact: Elizabeth and Isabella (visually related only), steam lorries from Thomas and Friends, is based on the Sentinel DG4 Steam Lorry.
Hi Sam, if you met the Hornby development team to discuss this Loco what an interesting TV programme that would be
Steve
Thanks for this review Sam. I was seriously thinking of buying one of these, but after the intro scene I had doubts, and following your review I will definitely be giving it a miss. Hornby are having a laugh…well I’m not!!
Honestly, I'm looking at the reissue of the Heljan class 07 in BR green now... Thanks Hornby to do such a botched job...
Nice video. I know it's almost impossible to fit lights on this loco, but could you do anything to improve its running performance? I am not lucky enough to have much new stock and expect to service/ tweak things where and when I can. Not running over points is a big put off for me personally. Do you have any tricks to improve this? Again love your videos, find them very interesting and always perk up when I see a new one appear...
Sure! The fix is to remove the base keeper plate and gently bend the pickups outwards slightly. This improves their contact with the wheels and reduces the cutting out. It won’t fix the crawl, but should improve reliability.
This loco would benefit from a smart power pack (with DCC decoder) but that wouldn't be necessary if its mechanism was in line with price they're charging for it.
hi sam. truly a money maker for hornhy . a bit affordable for the public to buy it. but thats about all i see in this model.. shoddy electrics. cheapskate and corner cutting in regards in finding a decent placing for the dcc connector especially when there is a completely bare chassis. a bit too much plastic use on the body.
Another good review Sam. Do Hornby or any of the other manufacturers ever respond to your reviews?
Even little "plastic gem" style lights use in Britains Farms toys back in the 70s would be preferable to silver painted lights.
I do like this model and will buy the Manchester Ship Canal version as i remember them running while almost new and its a very good representation of the real thing🙂 . Great video as always Sam.
I wouldn't mind this version as it would fit in my Army railway (I know it is NCB) but think it will work. I think I may wait for a bit though and get one 2nd hand or see if they get reduced in price.
Only buying it for its name and where it worked... when it goes down in price. Thanks for the honest review Sam 👍
Is the overscale fingerprint on the cab window on the inside or outside?
Hiiiii Sam keep up with the good work I’ve been subscribed to you for 6-7 years
Thanks so much Matt - really glad to have your support! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Another Great review. Thanks Sam. At 11:42, there seems to be a fingerprint on the right side cab window. I think it is on the inside? So I would assume that it arrived like this. Hmmm.
Thanks a lot Robert - yeah I noticed that too, but only when watching the clips back... could've been mine, but not if it's on the inside!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review as always Sam. Personally I'm a little disappointed by the running of the sentinel. However each model brand has their own strengths and weaknesses
But I agree Heljan is the best way to go for this model. All the best
A good honest review Sam. When I first saw it I had to stop the video and go and research. Back in the seventies I was apprenticed at Ebbw Vale Steel works and they had similar shutters. However refreshing my memory they were Hunslets and not Sentinels. Does anyone make Hunslet shunters?
No industrial version as yet except kits
Have (had?) 0-6-0 Sentinel diesel-hydraulic shunters at the Blue Circle Cement Works at Oxwellmains on the ECML just south of Dunbar in East Lothian 🏴. Have both Up and Down Yards necessitating the Sentinel 0-6-0 diesel shunters to cross over the ECML. The Blue Circle Sentinels were painted in overall Blue Circle yellow livery with small Blue Circle roundels on the cab sides. Hopefully Hornby will produce the Blue Circle version in a later production cycle.
Would make a fascinating location to model with HST’s and Class 55 Deltics with 11 on racing by. No local trains from Edinburgh Waverley, as they left the ECML at Drem for North Berwick.
Ps Sam: Your Heljan Harry Needle 0-6-0 “05” shunter is in fact an ex-Southampton Docks Class 07 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunter :) Keep up the good work, Adrian.
Great video Sam! Since we're talking diesels, You should get a Bachmann Grumpy Diesel or some Bachmann Thomas rolling stock like Annie and Clarabel or the troublesome trucks. I think it would make a very interesting video. Cheers
I'm thinking of ordering this or the 0-4-0 variant from Hornby, to shunt my 4468 Mallard 80th Anniversary edition around my layout when my friends and family come to visit, as my gold plated Mallard's gear are not meshing, and this would look smashing behind the Mallard.
I am just wondering. On the continent since decades the model locomotives have flywheels, to compensate those critical power dropouts what a common on model tracks.
No lights, flimsy plastic, buffer falling off, hanging pick ups, and then you took the casing off...what a disappointing motor, seen more powerful in a £1 handheld battery fan from the pound shop. Sam you have been rather generous in your ratings of this model indeed. More over priced loco's from Hornby. Exactly what we have come to expect from them in recent years. As always though Sam enjoyable review. Keep up the good work.
I think I can forgive no sprung buffers on this model as you'd be able to see the hole for the end to poke out from the other side and it would look like some sort of obstacle that would poke out in an Indiana Jones movie, for any who dare try and entire the Sentinel.
Would have liked to hear about the outcome of the realignment of the pickups. I know it's not part of the review but think of it as an epilogue.
I have the Manchester ship canal version of this (running on dcc) and the performance out of the box was even worse than this. Even on speed step 50 it was stuttering and just generally a unhappy runner. After running in it made no difference and only got worse so I took it apart to have a look and the wheels were absolutely filthy so I cleaned them, adjusted the pickups and lubricated it and that made so much difference. Doesnt cut out even over points now. Still doesnt run too reliably on speed steps less than 5 but once you get over speed step 10 its decently smooth and at typical shunting speeds its fine now
I think your 3.5 stars for value is very generous. I would say 1 star. For £100 you can buy so much better things than a model train that struggles new out of the box.
Wonder if the connectors had non conductive oil on where it shouldn't have.
Personally I find over £80 for small locomotive is unreasonable but I'm quite tight haha. Great vid as always Sam!
Yeah - not a bargain really - this should've had lights for that money really, at the very least!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yeah I can agree with that tbh. I have a Jinty from Bachmann weathered, DCC fitted and runs like a dream and it only cost me £70 with the chip!
Bigger isn't always better they say,great video Sam!
Great timing
I had this in my shopping basket
Think I dodged the bullet
Thank you Sam
This company does nothing but confuse me these days. The sloppy build quality, unrealistic prices and often poor value for money just doesn't make any sense (especially since this is Hornby we're talking about, not Heljan). I don't know when this madness all started, but I think it's about time Hornby pulled their heads out of their ......... and actually bothered to clean up their act.
I'm always impressed by your honesty, Sam. You're one of the few model railway TH-camrs I've seen who isn't afraid to speak their mind.
As for the Sentinel herself, personally I think the 0-6-0 version doesn't look too bad, but at the same time it's not really my cup of tea (especially since I've seen things like Earl Grey or Darjeeling but never Sentinel tea). Just looks like yet another model that doesn't live up to the expections set by the price. I'll stick with my 0-4-0 version of the Sentinel which, from memory, was around 75 or 79 pounds from Hattons.
I'd much rather have the BR Blue Class 08 from Hornby with Legomanbiffo sound. Best electric loco is the BR Blue Class 87 also with Legoman sound and the best steamloco is the Lord Rodney (Nelson) with Zimo sound. I replaced all NEM couplings for more modest nicer looking Bachmann couplings. All three loco's are really fine without imperfections.
And that's where I leave it with Hornby. Cheers, Jan
I have the 0-4-0 Sentinel, and I took a rather quick disliking to it because it constantly cut out while I was running it in. I had to put it up all the way to 100% power just to get it to keep moving. It still cut out, but the momentum pushed it enough to get it going again. Sad to see that this new 0-6-0 variant still gets it wrong on that front. I wasn't particularly sold on it in the first place due to my prior experience, but now I know for certain that I will be giving this one a miss.
On another note, I also have the Heljan 07 and that is an absolute treat to run (couplings aside but that's another story.).
Thanks for the review, I was tempted to buy one of these , but now I’m not so sure. Do you have plans to review any Australian models e.g. Auscision
i have the Hitachi 0-4-0 'Chiaki Ueda' and i had to modifiy her dummy couplers in order to make them fully clip into the nem socket
SPOOKY !! The designer at Hornby is also called SAM.....
I wonder if honrby or some other company will make the 0-8-0 version and yes there is a 0-8-0 sentinel shunter configuration
I've been thinking about that... if Hornby do, based on the current trajectory it'll be clockwork or wind-powered ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Mine has been trundling happily around poor quality track and insulfrog points with no running issues so I wonder if the pickups are to blame for yours (mine also arrived with one bent).
Personally though I think the plastic handrails are horrible (not Janus levels of bad though) and you've been very fair with your review. I give mine a solid "yeah, pretty alright" out of 10
10 minutes after typing this and it starts rattling and falls off... The coupling rod has snapped behind the centre wheels after less than an hour's running....
@@VFCproductions That’s not good, were you able to fix it?!
@@modelrailfan37 I took it back to the shop and got a replacement. It doesn't run that much and is still very fragile, but it is certainly better.
@@VFCproductions I’m glad it’s better now. I was actually thinking of buying one of these a few weeks ago, and I thought I remembered that in Sam’s review it looked like a decent model, as I got this one and the 0-4-0 mixed up. After revisiting this though, I’m glad I didn’t buy it.
Just received a video from Hornby, where the designer (a chap called Sam lol) talks about the Sentinel ! Also included in the email is a pre order offer for the BR class 08 0-6-0 shunter at the price of £200.99 !!!! Free postage over £50 - They have to be joking. By the way Designer Sam states in the video the model was designed to get over point problems, according to him they spent a lot of time putting this right. Perhaps you have funny points Sam lol.
Haha yeah... must be my points... every single one of them 😂
I don’t understand why it took a lot of work... you just need a correctly adjusted pickup on each wheel... boom, that’s it. To have put in “a lot of work” and produce this sort of performance is pretty embarrassing!
Curious that Hornby's designer is also called Sam! Note the latest Hornby Signal Box broadcast promoted the Sentinel as a fine runner?? Hope you have better luck when the Class "08" is released. Tried ordering it from my local Model Railway Store and it is already sold out! When will they ever include lights as standard whether directional or in coaches. Cab detail wow, but why not put a driver in there?
Hornby are the “British leyland” of the model train industry, one day soon people will wake up and smell the coffee,
Hornby recently seem to have started to go back in time with how basic their locos are starting to get, I know prices have gone up but it’s no excuse to sell such basic locos for higher end prices.
Hornby: "Here, have this NEW Diesel locomotive! It's half as functional as one with half the wheels as the old version, and is double the price. But look, it's got a nice looking cab!"
Sorry, Hornby, it's going to have to take a lot more to get me investing 100+ quid on a loco. I find this kind of business practice as insulting TBH.
That loco should be £65-£70 in the railroad range. It would then have a glowing review and sell like hot cakes!
Hi Sam, regarding your comment about the lack of sprung buffers, normally, on hornby locos, when you look under the loco, the buffer pins pass through the buffer beam and poke out the other side. On the sentinel that can't happen or the buffer pin would pass through the buffer beam and poke out over the steps either side of the engine. Is there a manufacturer that has managed to create sprung buffers in OO gauge where the pin does not pass through the buffer beam?
That is a good point! But yes I think it would be possible to fit the springing mechanism inside the buffer housing... I might design one some time if I can find a suitable spring!
@@SamsTrains I would love to see it Sam, the 3D printed videos you're been making area really great to watch! If you have trouble finding a suitable spring, why not try a different method, such as some kind of compressible material, like sponge which can be cut to any shape?
Hi Sam,
See latest Hornby "Signal Box". It seems that it is a full redesign!!
Keep up the good work.
never mind sprung buffers i would expect them to be mounted straight, one is clearly wonky
Hi Sam, I hope Hornby or at least one of it’s investors watches your reviews, as well as others, except maybe Hornby magazine.
There is sadly a lot of issues that we are seeing in this fantastic hobby in the last few years.
Poor quality, poor build, inadequate features.
They couldn’t be bothered to put lights on a 00 model, as another comment said, N gauge can manage to get lights into a mini diesel. Hornby is on the slippery slope to the bottom of the pit. Maybe they and others should look at getting their production nearer to home, India and Pakistan are better equipped to make as good models as the Chinese, transport might be cheaper and the craftsmanship is equal to or better than the Chinese. I recently have seen similar comments on other reviews which slam the manufacturers.
It’s unfortunate but they are also (not all) getting the manufacturing from China. In the 70’s Chinese manufacturers got better quality. But now it’s not quality that’s the problem, it’s costs.
Maybe it’s time for a change, bring manufacturing home.
I bought a transistor radio recently. I discovered it was made in India. It's a piece of junk. Stopped working after a couple of months.
India and Pakistan also have severe human rights problems, so I wouldn't recommend shifting production there. They don't have experience in making model railways either.
No. If you're going to move production closer to home then Romania is the place. They have experience making models to the highest standards. Roco has a factory there. They have low labour costs too.
It is still far too expensive to produce models in the UK. If the cost of Chinese models rose to the same as it would cost to make in the UK then they would be far to expensive for even Sam to buy.
Hi I’m from the future to tell you that you can get this from rails of Sheffield for less than £60!
It's a shame it's such a let down. Hornby seem to be devolving. Great review, though!
Awesome review. I think a character on Thomas and Friends is based on a Sentinel 0-6-0 shunter.