this may sound extreme, but i just watched the video response to this video and I really want to see the Marklin Thomas & Friends engines hard up against Bachmann and Hornby Don't worry about the cost, just do it! This is becoming addictive viewing
i love that line 'the bachmann packaging is going straight in the bin',... well from the looks of it the model should be with it does bachmann have any plans on improving their motor set ups, this video really opens your eyes to the performance of hornby here.
@Qrmodeller not so, there is still a huge difference between a model and a toy, usually defined by the detail, motor and price. the bachmann seem to be aligning themselves with the toy market while hornby are keen to release models
@mrmofojo5 this is the sort of comment which tells me this video is going to be a biggie, yes I agree this review ticks most of the important boxes which informs the audience which item to consider purchasing
@PokelordEX good point you have here, I tend to agree the verbal is very similar to the Thomas V Thomas. But some may feel comfortable seeing these videos done is a repeated format, you know they do that on TV all the time. It is a proven thing to do, sort of takes the guess work out of trying to figure out whats going on. Seen one Top Gear, seen them all i say, they are expert at repeated formats
I'm pretty sure it's license markup, too, given the price hikes on all Thomas merch. Inflation and production costs don't explain it when comparable-quality products are substantially cheaper.
i vote TOBY again it looks like Bachnamm has yet another epic fail on it's hands, and I bet there will be plenty who will defend it, can't believe how poor it is at pulling rolling stock and that number 6 looks like a number 9 upside down...FAIL sorry clown faces are for the circus, not train Thomas train sets the Thomas V Percy bit was stunning, Percy kisses the ballast
@simierski well it would be nice if Hornby came to the party here, pretty obvious lots of people will decide Hornby after seeing this video, I just wonder if the larger Bachmann models will start to show some guts, all I have seen now is weak motors and clown faces Sort of like a Stephen King read but the trains are the characters in the story Pretty sure many tubers would not even consider this is costing you so much money to do, I'm just glad it's not me buying all these models.
@SecretTubeTips - there's more good in the overall shape of the Bachmann Thomas, that if the face hadn't been so bad, I would have happily forgiven the problems in speed and power as its also a very smooth runner. Percy on the other hand, was one step away from plunging into the bin. That chassis it has is incredibly smooth, but everyone else is so flawed and sub-par.
@simierski on youtube i always say you make your own luck, and that basically starts with the video well before it is uploaded to the tube network once it's uploaded your video is in the laps of the gods, literally anything could happen!
@PokelordEX - a fair point, but I feel I covered that in that I stated clearly "the Hornby model is surprisingly close to the TV series model" - or something of that description. That can also be applied to Bill/Ben/Toby too I would have thought.
@SodorProductions - it's a very easy set of mods, and I'll explain it carefully in the James review. It's been done by other modellers elsewhere, it's just a case of careful application of paint, and choosing the correct paint in the first place.
@trainboy62 - yes you can. On DCC you can actually control both trains separately on the same track. On DC (the basic setup with a controller and power supply) the one controller puts power to the track, and the engines on the track respond at the same time, accordingly.
@TimeVortex97 - thats why I put the RRP on the videos every time. Of course, you can get discounts in the shops and retailers sometimes, but for the most part you won't get much of a discount.
@DealAjani - it is a bit of a fail, but the license agreements for the states and UK are designed to prevent either market selling their wares in the other territory.
@bignos29 - thing is, the "back to backs" (the distance between the wheels, i.e. axle length) should be identical as OO used HO wheel spacing and rail type. It's not likely that your models have some difference, because as far as I'm aware, the same gauge is agreed upon for both scales.
LOLs are in order here, chap. I love how this review feels more "energised" than the Thomas video, especially in terms of voiceover. Fantastic work yet again - now I'm very tempted to see how an Edward review would go down here... XD Still, it's a shame no one has thought of combining both the Hornby and Bachmann Percy models; namely piecing together the better features from each and scratch-build the "ultimate" Percy loco. Just a thought.
Very interesting to watch again Simon. Glad you lowered on the narration during the Speed Test segments. Considering the strange quality of the Bachmann HO Percy, have you ever taken a look at the Large Scale model of him? It's quite neat, as most of the criticism you had is fixed in said Large model. Once again Simon, one of the fairest comparisons I've seen in the Bachmann/Hornby discussion. I'd personally like to see you tackle Henry or Gordon next; both being models I own.
@BurlingtonNorthernRy - it is a good little engine. Under the hood its a standard hornby loco, but the bodyshell and overall look is very pleasing. It's the difference between a toy and model, the Hornby Percy is somewhere inbetween, and the quality is surprisingly good for what is a very basic machine.
@buttercupline - don't forget to pop by the BRWS episodes and have a look - these review videos will help to fund the next episode in the series to some degree! :)
@MikeD57s - I know that, but you asked for all of the votes so I complied...! James is more than likely next, but I have had trouble with one of the James models. At present, the Bill & Ben video is coming along nicely and may pip James to the post. My aim is to get James out before Bill & Ben, mind!
This goes to Simon or anyone else, which of these models are better for their price and/or are good runners Bachmann: Percy - Seen for around £40 Jinty - £53 Hall Class - £82
My bachmann packing is fine to re-use- just trim the sealed blister edging off the bottom and sides up to the line of the "box" and you can "fold" it open and closed. I have to say, I had no idea you were into the Thomas models. I'd like to see how James comes out next- review the first threee bachmann models would be nice I think...
@Gameking53 - I am sure Bachmann knows this already. But you don't normally retool a model like this extensively. The Hornby Thomas, for example, uses pretty much the same mechanism it has always used, same for the Hornby Percy actually.
@MikeD57s - counting them up, on comments here, and via PM; James - 53 Bill & Ben - 47 Gordon - 43 Edward - 21 Henry - 14 Emily - 11 Toby - 4 Donald & Douglas - 2 Duck - 1 Oliver - 1 Pikachu (wtf) - 1 Salty - 1 Spencer - 1 And I got one PM telling me to very firmly NOT review the Mavis model. WHY?!
@Lightninging63 - thats interesting, another vote for a truck or freight car. Thanks for spotting the references, I am going to try and throw a few references into the next one too :)
@leokimvideo - its funny because all the videos I've now seen suddenly pop up in response to this video (including one set where the video description is simply "Take that simierski!" - hilarious), make no mention of the manufacturing or design defects of the Bachmann Percy, at all. The model has some serious issues in terms of quality control, and people are straight up ignoring it. The Hornby Percy is a design which is now reaching its fourth decade on sale, and has stood the test of time!
@SignoreBoy - thanks chris! It's a step up, definitely. If you took the face off the Hornby percy, and rebuilt the rear bunker on the Bachmann Percy, you could have a pretty good model, but I'd also want to erase the mould lines, add in 3-link couplings and generally just detail it to death...!
I vote for Gordon to be next, I'm curious if he can break the speed record, lets see if he is just as fast as his television counterpart claims ;) My only nitpick is that you've repeated a few lines from the Thomas review (such as the look of the packaging), but then I understand why as they are the same and must be addressed. Another great review, I enjoyed it, and look forward to more, well done to you =)
I myself am also a fan of Edward.May I ask a few questions? 1. In the show, it's remarked that Edward and James are the same size. I disagree. Although Edward is a mix traffic medium sized engine such as James, I've noticed that Edwards cab stops where James has an arch? Know what I mean? Are they the same size?
@Gameking53 - given its a model which had been sold for 15 years longer than the Bachmann model, its bizarre that Bachmann could make so many mistakes with the Bachmann Percy. Rushed to market perhaps?
@leokimvideo - sorry, missed off the end of the last post! ... a letter explaining the RRPs and why to some extent they're too expensive for what they are. I am going to cover this in a future episode, real expose!
Hi there Hornby Percy did very well, but can understand you going for the Bachmann one due to it being a smooth runner. If I had to choose which engine to be compared to, it would have to be... James Euan
@SodorProductions - the "Greg" model (in maroon) and the GWR liveried one, both had tensions locks at front and back - so we know it was possible for Percy/Thomas to have them! The eye mech was indeed kept but the eyeballs not put in. Personally, only the smooth running chassis of the bachmann Percy avoided it a fate on my scrap heap!
@tidmouthmilk12 - the moving eye mechanism doesn't account for that much loss in power though, the actual mechanism has a very strange gearing and a tiny motor.
Interesting review. The bit at the end was hilarious: no matter how many times people put him down for hogging the camera, Thomas was, and still is, number 1. At some things anyway :P
@Damocles178 - thanks chap. It's breathed a new lease of life into this channel in many ways. If you all want to see more videos, share this video with everyone, comment, generally watch them and ask for more! And I will respond in kind by making more.
For a great model Thomas HO/OO set you should get Hornby: Thomas Gordon Henry and James. Bachman: Edward Toby Duck Oliver Spencer Salty Emily Donald Douglas Bill Ben Rosie Skarloey Rheneas and Diesel. For the rest you should try to make custom models or leave it be. Percy is kinda hard to choose. For rolling stock it's your choice.
Someone diagnosed that Bachmann's first three locos suffer from having been based off of the promotional art commonly distributed to merchandisers in the early 2000s instead of directly referencing show images. This can be seen in Thomas and Percy's cursed faces (they're off-model (due to inexperience) renditions of the promo art's _already_ off-model faces), all three having headlamps when in the show only Thomas carries one by default, Percy's gray bunker, and James' abomination gray wheels. A couple years back I learned about a trick of upcycling weaker motors by using neodymium magnets to supplement the existing magnets. I wonder if that would improve Bachmann Percy's power. As for Hornby Percy... I wonder if anybody makes replacement valve gear for the Hornby 0-4-0T chassis. Because you're right that Bachmann Percy's _actual_ Allan straight-link gear wins him back a lot of points in the comparison.
That's some motor that Hornby Percy has. Were it not for the chassis itself being reused it would be nearly perfect :) Even before you stated the times in the race I could see the Hornby percy's incredible take off in the video and thought this one's bound to win :) Once again an outstanding view; my only regret is you weren't on the scene sooner as these reviews have everything you could ask for :)
@trainchugger53 - Stirling Single no.1 and 60114 W.P. Allen actually ;) In the case of the single - it was Emily - and in the case of Allen, it's not a Tornado model, but a model of the first Peppercorn A1. I do have a Tornado model, I will get it out for the next video as a background character. :)
This isn't a complaint but something I've noticed, in both reviews you mention Hornby's aim is to produce the models close to the engines they are based on, Hornby Thomas is based on the London E2 but Hornby use a mould close to the Jinty, and as documented Percy is supposed to be an Avonside, and yet both models go for the TV look. Maybe in future reviews, perhaps you could mention the prototypes to see how Hornby compare, just a thought, still loving this series very much =)
@TheRyanCarMan - they don't actually use decals, it's interesting as they use the standard process for high detailed modes - "printed" paint. If the Hornby one had a white running plate, and a few other painted details, it would score higher. The bachmann model had excellent overall colour, but the detailing was poorly done.
@TimeVortex97 - yes indeed, now you see the true cost of a review video in some ways! Videos cost money to make money, it's something very few people seem to grasp sadly. Think on it this way - the Bachmann Gordon, even with import fees, was cheaper by £30.
@legofan605 - yep, we will definitely be coming to those models when they arrive. I hear Bachmann are making a Diesel model...interesting review when it appears!
I think the Cab footsteps on Percy must have been over the footplate at some point. I've seen loads of iterations of Percy with the footsteps over the footplate (e.g the Large ERTL Percy).
@zipandzug - just something which stands out to me as different to the norm. Given the pupils used in the television series and on most models, it is strange that the old ertls and the hornby models repeat this.
@speedracer456v - no, never. People always ask, and I always respond with the sincere and honest view that I wish to be taken seriously as a writer in my own right, and that my work is indeed separate from the good reverends. These reviews are helping to fund further episodes and that is all they are there for - aside from the obvious of helping parents/kids/fans pick their models based on the facts known.
@DiamondThomas - the wheel size difference is minimal. Thomas is much heavier and takes longer to get up to speed. Percy is very light and has a very low gearing, making it extremely fast.
@simierski well there are versions that do come without traction tires, my girlfriend has got the thomas passenger and goods set, and when i inspected the model, to my suprise it came without traction tires... quite odd actually...
When I played with Percy on my train set as a kid, it was so fast it flew off the table! Somehow to this day it still works!
It must be durable
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Ryan Davey man how old are you
Tim McFarland tvtftvtbubububububinubun
Awesome and which Percy Bachmann or Hornby
I think Percy is going to overtake Thomas
who would have ever thought that would happen! The little green underdog has some serious support
this may sound extreme, but i just watched the video response to this video and I really want to see the Marklin Thomas & Friends engines hard up against Bachmann and Hornby
Don't worry about the cost, just do it!
This is becoming addictive viewing
i love that line
'the bachmann packaging is going straight in the bin',... well from the looks of it the model should be with it
does bachmann have any plans on improving their motor set ups, this video really opens your eyes to the performance of hornby here.
Why are you buying in so many comments?
@Qrmodeller not so, there is still a huge difference between a model and a toy, usually defined by the detail, motor and price. the bachmann seem to be aligning themselves with the toy market while hornby are keen to release models
I'm surprised the Hornby Percy didn't fly off the curves on your layout.
Sonic just called, he wants a race with the Hornby Percy
*Sonic Loses the Race*
#1 - Most Discussed (Today)) - Education - United Kingdom
@mrmofojo5 this is the sort of comment which tells me this video is going to be a biggie, yes I agree this review ticks most of the important boxes which informs the audience which item to consider purchasing
two tubers are obvious those who chose Bachmann and could not hit the thumbs UP!
Thumbs UP this is the best Percy review
@PokelordEX good point you have here, I tend to agree the verbal is very similar to the Thomas V Thomas.
But some may feel comfortable seeing these videos done is a repeated format, you know they do that on TV all the time. It is a proven thing to do, sort of takes the guess work out of trying to figure out whats going on.
Seen one Top Gear, seen them all i say, they are expert at repeated formats
@simierski yes I am, Toby is one of my fav's but don't tell anyone
i wish those were still the prices now lmao the bachman percy is now 70
I'm pretty sure it's license markup, too, given the price hikes on all Thomas merch. Inflation and production costs don't explain it when comparable-quality products are substantially cheaper.
True
Now up to $121 in 2024. Wild.
$70… not even that… anymore…🥲
Inflation dawg.
i vote TOBY
again it looks like Bachnamm has yet another epic fail on it's hands, and I bet there will be plenty who will defend it, can't believe how poor it is at pulling rolling stock
and that number 6 looks like a number 9 upside down...FAIL
sorry clown faces are for the circus, not train Thomas train sets
the Thomas V Percy bit was stunning, Percy kisses the ballast
@Trainmodeler25 can you neatly stack that plastic packaging on your shelf?
@simierski now thats rivet counting at it's best!
i love a guy who knows his rivets on trains
@simierski well it would be nice if Hornby came to the party here, pretty obvious lots of people will decide Hornby after seeing this video, I just wonder if the larger Bachmann models will start to show some guts, all I have seen now is weak motors and clown faces
Sort of like a Stephen King read but the trains are the characters in the story
Pretty sure many tubers would not even consider this is costing you so much money to do, I'm just glad it's not me buying all these models.
@SecretTubeTips - there's more good in the overall shape of the Bachmann Thomas, that if the face hadn't been so bad, I would have happily forgiven the problems in speed and power as its also a very smooth runner. Percy on the other hand, was one step away from plunging into the bin. That chassis it has is incredibly smooth, but everyone else is so flawed and sub-par.
sure percy was on a bit of a simmer there for a bit but looks like the cook has entered the kitchen again
We need more of these again 10 years later
I think of the Bachmann rolling stock for Thomas & Friends is lightweight so the lack of power might not be an issue for people that buy those.
Doesn't really detach how weak Bachmann Percy is compared to Hornby.
@simierski on youtube i always say you make your own luck, and that basically starts with the video well before it is uploaded to the tube network
once it's uploaded your video is in the laps of the gods, literally anything could happen!
@SodorGr - thank you very much for your support - was there anything that really stood out for you in this video? Any nitpicks, etc?
@PokelordEX - a fair point, but I feel I covered that in that I stated clearly "the Hornby model is surprisingly close to the TV series model" - or something of that description. That can also be applied to Bill/Ben/Toby too I would have thought.
@SodorProductions - it's a very easy set of mods, and I'll explain it carefully in the James review. It's been done by other modellers elsewhere, it's just a case of careful application of paint, and choosing the correct paint in the first place.
@trainboy62 - yes you can. On DCC you can actually control both trains separately on the same track. On DC (the basic setup with a controller and power supply) the one controller puts power to the track, and the engines on the track respond at the same time, accordingly.
@ThomasPercyandToby2 - not sure, its a fair point. The motors are very different setups too, I will do a specific video on the motors used one day.
@TimeVortex97 - thats why I put the RRP on the videos every time. Of course, you can get discounts in the shops and retailers sometimes, but for the most part you won't get much of a discount.
I think that the seam on the top of the Bachmann Percy makes it look more realistic, because in real life the boilers are made in 2 parts.
They aren't....
9:38 “Ouch!” -Bachmann Percy
@DealAjani - it is a bit of a fail, but the license agreements for the states and UK are designed to prevent either market selling their wares in the other territory.
@bignos29 - thing is, the "back to backs" (the distance between the wheels, i.e. axle length) should be identical as OO used HO wheel spacing and rail type. It's not likely that your models have some difference, because as far as I'm aware, the same gauge is agreed upon for both scales.
@trainboy62 - it requires a little soldering, but yes you can DCC fit any of the models in the thomas range, with a DCC chip.
@PokelordEX - it's going to be a standard format, but I do take your point on repeated phrasing. I'll try to mix it up a little next time ;)
@tidmouthmilk12 well thats very interesting to know
i think i prefer power to clown eyes
LOLs are in order here, chap. I love how this review feels more "energised" than the Thomas video, especially in terms of voiceover. Fantastic work yet again - now I'm very tempted to see how an Edward review would go down here... XD
Still, it's a shame no one has thought of combining both the Hornby and Bachmann Percy models; namely piecing together the better features from each and scratch-build the "ultimate" Percy loco. Just a thought.
Great Review! I'm looking forward to the next one!
(If all Bachmann/Hornby engines will compete, I don't care which one you do next.)
@MikeD57s - two are safety valves, not whistles (the brass turned attachments).
Very interesting to watch again Simon. Glad you lowered on the narration during the Speed Test segments. Considering the strange quality of the Bachmann HO Percy, have you ever taken a look at the Large Scale model of him? It's quite neat, as most of the criticism you had is fixed in said Large model. Once again Simon, one of the fairest comparisons I've seen in the Bachmann/Hornby discussion. I'd personally like to see you tackle Henry or Gordon next; both being models I own.
@BurlingtonNorthernRy - it is a good little engine. Under the hood its a standard hornby loco, but the bodyshell and overall look is very pleasing. It's the difference between a toy and model, the Hornby Percy is somewhere inbetween, and the quality is surprisingly good for what is a very basic machine.
@buttercupline - don't forget to pop by the BRWS episodes and have a look - these review videos will help to fund the next episode in the series to some degree! :)
@MikeD57s - I know that, but you asked for all of the votes so I complied...!
James is more than likely next, but I have had trouble with one of the James models. At present, the Bill & Ben video is coming along nicely and may pip James to the post. My aim is to get James out before Bill & Ben, mind!
@IdoNotRunAjamFactory - a very fair point! The two models mind, are based on the TV series model (so much for Hornby's "closer to prototype" lark!
This goes to Simon or anyone else, which of these models are better for their price and/or are good runners
Bachmann:
Percy - Seen for around £40
Jinty - £53
Hall Class - £82
@tidmouthmilk12 - to be fair it changed from grey to black and back again so many times in the series, I tended to ignore it...!
My bachmann packing is fine to re-use- just trim the sealed blister edging off the bottom and sides up to the line of the "box" and you can "fold" it open and closed.
I have to say, I had no idea you were into the Thomas models. I'd like to see how James comes out next- review the first threee bachmann models would be nice I think...
Toby next
please!
@Zorran202 - Trust me on this - the edward video has a very clear cut answer in it, the James models, less so...!
@disneyrangerblue02 - I've had literally four Emily votes over two videos. I may or may not review her at some point, it may or may not do well!
@trainguy111 - oh absolutely. I dread to think what I'd have to say about the Hornby model...!
@Gameking53 - I am sure Bachmann knows this already. But you don't normally retool a model like this extensively. The Hornby Thomas, for example, uses pretty much the same mechanism it has always used, same for the Hornby Percy actually.
@MikeD57s - counting them up, on comments here, and via PM;
James - 53
Bill & Ben - 47
Gordon - 43
Edward - 21
Henry - 14
Emily - 11
Toby - 4
Donald & Douglas - 2
Duck - 1
Oliver - 1
Pikachu (wtf) - 1
Salty - 1
Spencer - 1
And I got one PM telling me to very firmly NOT review the Mavis model. WHY?!
@leokimvideo - the hornby models both have supremely good performance, whether this is down to the motor or traction tyres is another matter.
@Lightninging63 - thats interesting, another vote for a truck or freight car. Thanks for spotting the references, I am going to try and throw a few references into the next one too :)
@leokimvideo - its funny because all the videos I've now seen suddenly pop up in response to this video (including one set where the video description is simply "Take that simierski!" - hilarious), make no mention of the manufacturing or design defects of the Bachmann Percy, at all. The model has some serious issues in terms of quality control, and people are straight up ignoring it.
The Hornby Percy is a design which is now reaching its fourth decade on sale, and has stood the test of time!
@SignoreBoy - thanks chris! It's a step up, definitely. If you took the face off the Hornby percy, and rebuilt the rear bunker on the Bachmann Percy, you could have a pretty good model, but I'd also want to erase the mould lines, add in 3-link couplings and generally just detail it to death...!
I vote for Gordon to be next, I'm curious if he can break the speed record, lets see if he is just as fast as his television counterpart claims ;)
My only nitpick is that you've repeated a few lines from the Thomas review (such as the look of the packaging), but then I understand why as they are the same and must be addressed.
Another great review, I enjoyed it, and look forward to more, well done to you =)
@DevonExpressLtd - 1. Mid 2011 with any luck.
2. Depends on votes, currently looks like James or Gordon.
@Whizzer1 - yes, I think so! At least the first six or seven characters I can actually compare, thereafter who knows...!
I myself am also a fan of Edward.May I ask a few questions?
1. In the show, it's remarked that Edward and James are the same size. I disagree. Although Edward is a mix traffic medium sized engine such as James, I've noticed that Edwards cab stops where James has an arch? Know what I mean?
Are they the same size?
@toby070 - I tell you what, the Henry review will be very interesting when I get around it...!
@Gameking53 - given its a model which had been sold for 15 years longer than the Bachmann model, its bizarre that Bachmann could make so many mistakes with the Bachmann Percy. Rushed to market perhaps?
@zachinger - both ranges have their ups and downs. It's just a case that the first two, both bachmanns are firmly in the "down" category!
@pennyf9 thats starting to sound very expensive, he'll need more than a pretty penny to pay for all that!
@leokimvideo - sorry, missed off the end of the last post!
... a letter explaining the RRPs and why to some extent they're too expensive for what they are. I am going to cover this in a future episode, real expose!
@Gameking53 - thanks very much :)
What did you think of the missing coupling hook? Bizarre!
Ok I'll say Bachmann Henry vs Hornby Henry :) I'd very much like to see how they perform as their shapes are entirelly different :)
i am going to have to say hornby percy due to front couple, face, scale
and to me it feels like percy ....
WHAT? you are crazy the other Percy is better it looks better
+joe summer WHAT? You now that hornbys aim was to look like the real engines and bachmanns was to look like tv models.
joe sumner Face-ist
I Pick The Newer Version Of Hornby Percy, But With A Face Change
Hi there
Hornby Percy did very well, but can understand you going for the Bachmann one due to it being a smooth runner.
If I had to choose which engine to be compared to, it would have to be... James
Euan
@SodorProductions - the "Greg" model (in maroon) and the GWR liveried one, both had tensions locks at front and back - so we know it was possible for Percy/Thomas to have them! The eye mech was indeed kept but the eyeballs not put in.
Personally, only the smooth running chassis of the bachmann Percy avoided it a fate on my scrap heap!
My Hornby Percy derails every time I put it at full speed. How did your Percy not derail?
@tidmouthmilk12 - the moving eye mechanism doesn't account for that much loss in power though, the actual mechanism has a very strange gearing and a tiny motor.
Interesting review. The bit at the end was hilarious: no matter how many times people put him down for hogging the camera, Thomas was, and still is, number 1. At some things anyway :P
@TimeVortex97 - thanks very much - and Edward v Edward noted! :)
@Damocles178 - thanks chap. It's breathed a new lease of life into this channel in many ways.
If you all want to see more videos, share this video with everyone, comment, generally watch them and ask for more! And I will respond in kind by making more.
@pennyf9 - very expensive! But I do have the Gordon/Henry/James combinations awaiting review. The Edward models are yet to be purchased...!
@leokimvideo I think the main reason for bachmann's low power is the space taken up on the inside with the moving eye mechanism.
@TrainzXtreme - fair point, I think it is shared with the Ertl models too?
@simierski I think it's because of more weight in the back of the engine, but the front is lighter.
For a great model Thomas HO/OO set you should get Hornby: Thomas Gordon Henry and James. Bachman: Edward Toby Duck Oliver Spencer Salty Emily Donald Douglas Bill Ben Rosie Skarloey Rheneas and Diesel. For the rest you should try to make custom models or leave it be. Percy is kinda hard to choose. For rolling stock it's your choice.
Jonathan Mason Thank You!
@modelrailwayguy9 - thanks very much! Anything that particularly stood out for you?
Someone diagnosed that Bachmann's first three locos suffer from having been based off of the promotional art commonly distributed to merchandisers in the early 2000s instead of directly referencing show images. This can be seen in Thomas and Percy's cursed faces (they're off-model (due to inexperience) renditions of the promo art's _already_ off-model faces), all three having headlamps when in the show only Thomas carries one by default, Percy's gray bunker, and James' abomination gray wheels.
A couple years back I learned about a trick of upcycling weaker motors by using neodymium magnets to supplement the existing magnets. I wonder if that would improve Bachmann Percy's power.
As for Hornby Percy... I wonder if anybody makes replacement valve gear for the Hornby 0-4-0T chassis. Because you're right that Bachmann Percy's _actual_ Allan straight-link gear wins him back a lot of points in the comparison.
That's some motor that Hornby Percy has. Were it not for the chassis itself being reused it would be nearly perfect :) Even before you stated the times in the race I could see the Hornby percy's incredible take off in the video and thought this one's bound to win :) Once again an outstanding view; my only regret is you weren't on the scene sooner as these reviews have everything you could ask for :)
TOBYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
@mrmofojo5 - thank you, means a lot to hear that! :)
@trainchugger53 - Stirling Single no.1 and 60114 W.P. Allen actually ;)
In the case of the single - it was Emily - and in the case of Allen, it's not a Tornado model, but a model of the first Peppercorn A1. I do have a Tornado model, I will get it out for the next video as a background character. :)
This isn't a complaint but something I've noticed, in both reviews you mention Hornby's aim is to produce the models close to the engines they are based on, Hornby Thomas is based on the London E2 but Hornby use a mould close to the Jinty, and as documented Percy is supposed to be an Avonside, and yet both models go for the TV look.
Maybe in future reviews, perhaps you could mention the prototypes to see how Hornby compare, just a thought, still loving this series very much =)
@TheRyanCarMan - they don't actually use decals, it's interesting as they use the standard process for high detailed modes - "printed" paint. If the Hornby one had a white running plate, and a few other painted details, it would score higher. The bachmann model had excellent overall colour, but the detailing was poorly done.
@TimeVortex97 - yes indeed, now you see the true cost of a review video in some ways! Videos cost money to make money, it's something very few people seem to grasp sadly.
Think on it this way - the Bachmann Gordon, even with import fees, was cheaper by £30.
@legofan605 - yep, we will definitely be coming to those models when they arrive. I hear Bachmann are making a Diesel model...interesting review when it appears!
dare say two tubers bought the bachmann percy
@cainman02 - sorry, no - using them for future reviews and comparisons. Working models you know, they have to make me a living! :)
I think the Cab footsteps on Percy must have been over the footplate at some point. I've seen loads of iterations of Percy with the footsteps over the footplate (e.g the Large ERTL Percy).
@hornbyfan97 - yes, if you pay for it, its postage, its packaging, and the inevitable taxation for exporting to another country....!
@zipandzug - just something which stands out to me as different to the norm. Given the pupils used in the television series and on most models, it is strange that the old ertls and the hornby models repeat this.
@speedracer456v - no, never. People always ask, and I always respond with the sincere and honest view that I wish to be taken seriously as a writer in my own right, and that my work is indeed separate from the good reverends.
These reviews are helping to fund further episodes and that is all they are there for - aside from the obvious of helping parents/kids/fans pick their models based on the facts known.
And from this day forth Hornby Percy stay the fastest TTTE loco on the line.:3
@captainofthetitanic - you got it at a retail price - RRP is different.
@DiamondThomas - the wheel size difference is minimal. Thomas is much heavier and takes longer to get up to speed. Percy is very light and has a very low gearing, making it extremely fast.
@simierski well there are versions that do come without traction tires, my girlfriend has got the thomas passenger and goods set, and when i inspected the model, to my suprise it came without traction tires... quite odd actually...