@sirrliv - the speed trials and tug of war only happen when I am comparing two similar models. The high spec tornado from bachmann and hornby will do all of the above.
I'm really glad I watched this review having been bought this model as a Christmas present. I wondered why there was no detailing pack first I assumed it was because of the budget price but did question this as there are slots for the various parts. Having now found out where Hornby hide the pack I can now go and add them at some point. Most of the items you mentioned lacking on the Hornby can easily be remedies and I like this less expensive range.
@donaldengine9 - the comparison will be between the special edition hornby one and the bachmann one. This is just a one of review of the Railroad model ;)
@GinGinStu - just to add - have added an annotation to the video to correct it. Thank you for your timely post, I don't like putting out misinformation and I am happy to correct my videos as and when required.
Good observations that are honest enough,even to the point where the reviewer is willing to own up to his own mistakes.Worth buying one for my little boy anyway.
@No1thomasfan2010 - it's called the "recommended retail price" and the price at the vendor may be lower. The RRP is what I give, and I did say "shop around" in the video.
@LNER4771 - pacifics and most locos with a rear truck arrangement tend to do that - pacifics do it because as they move forward, the weight shifts onto the cartazzi, and the front wheels lift slightly.
@trainmaster844 - my only two reservations are the plastic buffers (horrible, changed them on mine) and the lack of painting the smokebox door straps. That's literally it, for a budget model of 60163 I think it's rather smart.
@Damocles178 - the four wheel coaches do have a prototype, but it's not caledonian! The 0-4-0 is a class 0F Caledonian Pug, one of which (or a similar one) exists in preservation somewhere, off the top of my head.
Well done, Simon! I was hoping for this review to come out and I think the Hornby Railroad "Tornado" is pretty good, considering it's low budget production.
@simierski Thank you for the information :) I wasn't very clear when I said that and I apologize; the set was called Caledonian Local and I can understand the confusion it caused with the similiarly named Caledonian Belle as the locos in both sets are different :) I've always wondered about it because my first Hornby Trainset had an engine like it and it was red and said Queen Mary on the side.
Just got my R3070 L/E version of this model & I would honestly say Hornby deserve applause for this.If anyone reading this can still get their hands on the more detailed Hornby,get yourself one,cos there really isn't a massive amount in terms of looks between that & a Bachmann. I must say I'm damn lucky I paid £76 for what should be a £100 model locomotive.
@UnionPacific7004 - we shall see on that score. I'm somewhat perturbed by the plastic buffers, rather hoping this is not repeated on the super detail model.
@TheMoylesyRockin - the Bachmann one is excellent in its own right mind. If you don't care for millimetre pinpoint accuracy, it's more than acceptable, and a good runner too. I personally think the paintwork and detailing is excellent.
Heres a thought Simon, The railroad range is also reviving the LMS midland compound locomotive. I'd think its time to see if hornby have done any improvements to the engine, in terms of detail, strength and power. The new generation vs the old generation!
I have the Bachmann Tornado, brilliant model. And seeing how much better detailed it is compared to the Hornby Railroad one, I must say I love it even more than i did before i watched this video, definetly worth the money for accuracy, detail and power.
@HughTheB12 - it is a pretty model, isn't it? I think both Hornby and Bachmann versions will have their place, and people will buy one, or the other, and in my case, both for various reasons! The quality of the metal castings and the paintwork made me buy the Bachmann model - not accurate to extremes like the Hornby one, but still terrific quality all the same.
Good review mate. I like your style of reviewing showing a bit on the real thing, then comparing it to its rivals, and of course testing etc. Good job mate
An excellent review as always, Simon. Very interesting how this budget still holds up so well against its more expensive counterparts, even if it does have to sacrifice some detail. I noticed though that unlike your Thomas reviews, this one didn't include a speed trial. Why was that? Was it because there was nothing to compare its speed to, or because you were worried about damaging the model as you did in your Spencer review, or did you not want to risk seeing Tornado flying off the table?
@simonthebailey - not too shabby! I am sure with the standard Bachmann coaches it could have been a different story (they are heavier). The simplicity of the Hornby MK1s is that they are freely available, cheap, and for the most part, similarly weighted to one another.
A very comprehensive review there Simon. Good to see that the Railroad range is still able to hold its own, despite some minor downgrades in comparison to the higher-spec models. For a "one-of" model by Hornby, it seems they've gone all out with getting the correct shape of the A1, together with it's modern alterations. Could we be seeing a LNER/BR Peppercorn A1 in future to compete with Bachmann's, perhaps? And btw, what is the "Mountain" arrangement locomotive that Tornado passes at the end?
@simierski I Agree its a good runner but it derails on My Layout. Its probably the tightness of the corners. Im hopin to do a double header run with her and Sister A1 60115 Meg Merilles on the LNER Maroon Carrages. She is a usefull loco to the operational fleet on the Wellchester Steam Railway. Apart when she is out on Mainline.
@No1thomasfan2010 - I am very fond of my Bachmann one - they are both great models in their own way. I do think the green on the Hornby model is too dark, there again the Bachmann one is too olive coloured. Apple green seems to be a supremely difficult colour to get right.
ehattons is now selling the Bachmann Tornado in Apple Green (complete with detailing pack and etched brass nameplates) for £93 to customers in the UK, and £72 for customers in the USA (no VAT).
Hi Hollpoll. Got my Tornado from Hattons , here in Queensland last Tuesday , took 3 days . The Video is incorect , it comes with detail pack ,lamps , vac hose and brake lines, it is hidden in back of foam box, so look for it , bits are small ,care needed on fitting. Very tight fitt in box take care removing it , put fingers through holes in back.
I really like your smoke effects. Took the plunge and got the Hornby one today. Could you put a link to your video under my little review, although I think it will appear in the side bar automatically.
nice, I like the idea of railroad range models, and when I buy (which I haven't done) an engine for my railway it'll most likely be from the railroad range but i don't think it'll be Tornado. Once nice reveiw and looking forward to more.
@ewoutro - dunno about greedy, the cost of manufacturing and the cost of materials has gone up markedly the last few years. It's still half as much again as the nearest German or French models in price, we're still getting a good deal.
Strangely some of these Railroad Models are pretty close to the equivalent price you would've paid for a Normal Hornby Model ages ago. I remember ages ago you could buy an A4 for £80.00 but now in recent years it has skyrocketed to over £100....The current Railroad A4 is about £71.99 which isn't too far off. Still the Railroad Range are very impressive models and I rather like that Tornado model; cheers for reviewing it :)
A very good review sadly mine was despatched from Hattons to come here to Australia on the the 3rd June and I'm still waiting. It now takes airmail parcels three times as long to get here as it did ten years ago. (Ash clouds permitting) Not sure about those moulded buffers though hollpoll
At 6:24, the loco next to the line closest to the camera looks kind of like a 9F, but only has 4 driving axles and has gained a trailing axle, making it a 4-8-2. I wasn't aware Britain had/made any... What is it?
@TitanicBuff1 - put it this way Mitchell, I will never have a motive power crisis on my model railway! Far too many to count, sadly with the size of layout I have, many don't get used to their full potential. Hoping to fix that with my next incarnation of "Copley Hill".
While I completely agree with the review simon has made i do think it is important to point out my experience with this model. i was sold on the look (with exception to the smoke box door) the running is however questionable. Upon receiving i noticed 2 problems while running in the locomotive.the front tendon lock and motion was broken and bent this was fixed easterly. however the motor had a tendency to jolt for unknown resigns, causing the loco to derail everywhere unless running in reverse.
@dankerthanclanker renumber it? tornado hasnt changed numbers just colours and tender logos. no i have ordered the hornby tornado in brunswick green with coaches pack then getting that fitted with sound
Both 60163 tornados are very beautiful and look like the real thing. But I'd go for the American Bachman 60163 tornado since it has more detail than the also stunning Hornby tornado.
Lovely review, but you should've compared the Railroad and the Bachmann Tornado models in both power, speed, and strength. I would've loved to see a tug of war between these two.
Actually - nit picking really - but both the A4 and A1 whistles on Tornado are original, from Golden Eagle and Kestrel. Other than that, I agree - everything else is more or less brand new, made from scratch.
I have watched your videos with great interest. And I have noticed you have many locomotives on your layout. Out of curiosity, how many locomotives do you currently own? Sincerely, Mitchell Edmonton, Canada
@trainguy111 - it is a modified Emily - it's going to be the "no.1" if I can finish it...!
@moory27 - it is "currently" painted in Brunswick green, it has been in apple green for two years previously.
@sirrliv - the speed trials and tug of war only happen when I am comparing two similar models. The high spec tornado from bachmann and hornby will do all of the above.
I'm really glad I watched this review having been bought this model as a Christmas present. I wondered why there was no detailing pack first I assumed it was because of the budget price but did question this as there are slots for the various parts. Having now found out where Hornby hide the pack I can now go and add them at some point. Most of the items you mentioned lacking on the Hornby can easily be remedies and I like this less expensive range.
@kjnic3 - no, they went all out to get Tornado's shape right. Tornado has many detail differences to the other A1s, this is the point I was making.
I was not sure to get a Hornby tornado but this review has change my mind thank you and keep up the good reviews
@donaldengine9 - the comparison will be between the special edition hornby one and the bachmann one. This is just a one of review of the Railroad model ;)
@GinGinStu - just to add - have added an annotation to the video to correct it. Thank you for your timely post, I don't like putting out misinformation and I am happy to correct my videos as and when required.
@hollpoll - the moulded buffers were the first thing I replaced on my repaint and rebuild of my model...!!!
@steamie58 - this is the build up to the main event - the Hornby Special Edition Tornado VS the Bachmann Tornado... ;)
@FireWizard1000 - nah, I do enjoy running the tests, but I wanted to compare top spec against top spec for the Tornado models.
@FireWizard1000 - in the full spec Hornby Tornado VS Bachmann Tornado I will have the time trial back, this review was just for the railroad model.
Good observations that are honest enough,even to the point where the reviewer is willing to own up to his own mistakes.Worth buying one for my little boy anyway.
@No1thomasfan2010 - it's called the "recommended retail price" and the price at the vendor may be lower. The RRP is what I give, and I did say "shop around" in the video.
@LNER4771 - pacifics and most locos with a rear truck arrangement tend to do that - pacifics do it because as they move forward, the weight shifts onto the cartazzi, and the front wheels lift slightly.
@trainmaster844 - my only two reservations are the plastic buffers (horrible, changed them on mine) and the lack of painting the smokebox door straps. That's literally it, for a budget model of 60163 I think it's rather smart.
@Damocles178 - the four wheel coaches do have a prototype, but it's not caledonian! The 0-4-0 is a class 0F Caledonian Pug, one of which (or a similar one) exists in preservation somewhere, off the top of my head.
Well done, Simon! I was hoping for this review to come out and I think the Hornby Railroad "Tornado" is pretty good, considering it's low budget production.
@simierski Thank you for the information :) I wasn't very clear when I said that and I apologize; the set was called Caledonian Local and I can understand the confusion it caused with the similiarly named Caledonian Belle as the locos in both sets are different :) I've always wondered about it because my first Hornby Trainset had an engine like it and it was red and said Queen Mary on the side.
@ejcmoorhouse - it has to be said, I've been working on my tornado for a few hours now, and it is looking the part rather nicely.
Nice, unbiased look at the Hornby loco. I beleive that Hornby would do well to increase it's buget range in the current financial climate
Just got my R3070 L/E version of this model & I would honestly say Hornby deserve applause for this.If anyone reading this can still get their hands on the more detailed Hornby,get yourself one,cos there really isn't a massive amount in terms of looks between that & a Bachmann.
I must say I'm damn lucky I paid £76 for what should be a £100 model locomotive.
@hiesler - nope, I have a spare one for that! ;) The 4-8-2 is my new PW staff comp model, to replace no. 20000.
@UnionPacific7004 - we shall see on that score. I'm somewhat perturbed by the plastic buffers, rather hoping this is not repeated on the super detail model.
I really like your style of review! I wish you'd review every locomotive available on the market!!!
@TheMoylesyRockin - the Bachmann one is excellent in its own right mind. If you don't care for millimetre pinpoint accuracy, it's more than acceptable, and a good runner too. I personally think the paintwork and detailing is excellent.
Heres a thought Simon, The railroad range is also reviving the LMS midland compound locomotive. I'd think its time to see if hornby have done any improvements to the engine, in terms of detail, strength and power. The new generation vs the old generation!
Very nice, I've just ordered the Tornado set direct from Hornby. I thought your video was very good indeed. Thanks.
I have the Bachmann Tornado, brilliant model. And seeing how much better detailed it is compared to the Hornby Railroad one, I must say I love it even more than i did before i watched this video, definetly worth the money for accuracy, detail and power.
@turbo1431 - it'll be in the full Hornby VS Bachmann review.
@bluecoatscheesypoofs - note the annotations chap - a mistake long since found and corrected! ;)
@Nictrain123 - I do have one of the hot wheels delorean models, a golden set that fascinated me when I saw them the first time.
@HughTheB12 - it is a pretty model, isn't it? I think both Hornby and Bachmann versions will have their place, and people will buy one, or the other, and in my case, both for various reasons! The quality of the metal castings and the paintwork made me buy the Bachmann model - not accurate to extremes like the Hornby one, but still terrific quality all the same.
@zachinger - will appear in the full hornby vs bachmann review.
Good review mate. I like your style of reviewing showing a bit on the real thing, then comparing it to its rivals, and of course testing etc. Good job mate
@XShadowx78 - it's definitely a very good budget range, that is for certain.
An excellent review as always, Simon. Very interesting how this budget still holds up so well against its more expensive counterparts, even if it does have to sacrifice some detail.
I noticed though that unlike your Thomas reviews, this one didn't include a speed trial. Why was that? Was it because there was nothing to compare its speed to, or because you were worried about damaging the model as you did in your Spencer review, or did you not want to risk seeing Tornado flying off the table?
@simonthebailey - not too shabby! I am sure with the standard Bachmann coaches it could have been a different story (they are heavier). The simplicity of the Hornby MK1s is that they are freely available, cheap, and for the most part, similarly weighted to one another.
@TheNw1218 - it's a case of "do you want accuracy?" or "do you want detail?" Splits the market I think.
When, the detailled Hornby version is released, it would be brilliant if you did a Bachmann Hornby comparison.
A very comprehensive review there Simon. Good to see that the Railroad range is still able to hold its own, despite some minor downgrades in comparison to the higher-spec models.
For a "one-of" model by Hornby, it seems they've gone all out with getting the correct shape of the A1, together with it's modern alterations. Could we be seeing a LNER/BR Peppercorn A1 in future to compete with Bachmann's, perhaps?
And btw, what is the "Mountain" arrangement locomotive that Tornado passes at the end?
@willtilston567 - I was tempted, but I want to leave those two tests for the full spec models against each other.
Coming back to watch this and seeing the prices and comparing to how they’ve shot up in recent years is depressing indeed.
@gwsr55 - it will probably be a few months down the line (pun intended!) - when the Hornby special edition variants are available, I would guess.
@deano91209 - RRP is at the end of the video - £70 something pounds, can't remember off the top of my head!
@JustInn014 - absolutely, I did exactly that on my own one.
yes i have been waiting for this one for ages! thanks for bringing it out simon :D
@eddierools - I do like my Bachmann one too - it's not perfectly accurate, but it captures the essence of the real thing.
I am a huge fan of TOPGEAR and as soon as I saw the episode of the train race with the peppercorn I wanted a model strait away
@simierski I Agree its a good runner but it derails on My Layout. Its probably the tightness of the corners. Im hopin to do a double header run with her and Sister A1 60115 Meg Merilles on the LNER Maroon Carrages. She is a usefull loco to the operational fleet on the Wellchester Steam Railway. Apart when she is out on Mainline.
I'd buy both the Hornby and Bachman tornados and some rolling stock. American rolling stock. Sounds like an experiment...
@Damocles178 - don't forget, the railroad Mallard is better technically than the A4s you could for £80 ten years ago...!
Indeed. Hornby are making bon Accord in express passenger blue for their special trainset this year.
Say Simon, do you think tornado will be decorated for Christmas? Cause that would be a killer Christmas video...
I really like the Bachman 60163 tornado. It's more detailed than the Hornby model, and looks more like the real engine.
@No1thomasfan2010 - I am very fond of my Bachmann one - they are both great models in their own way. I do think the green on the Hornby model is too dark, there again the Bachmann one is too olive coloured. Apple green seems to be a supremely difficult colour to get right.
ehattons is now selling the Bachmann Tornado in Apple Green (complete with detailing pack and etched brass nameplates) for £93 to customers in the UK, and £72 for customers in the USA (no VAT).
i just got one of these railroad tornado engines on ebay for £45 and its a grate engine and for a railroad engine i would give it a 9 out of 10
@BhanuHabbo - try Hattons - they normally do good competitive prices and decent shipping.
Hi Hollpoll.
Got my Tornado from Hattons , here in Queensland last Tuesday , took 3 days .
The Video is incorect , it comes with detail pack ,lamps , vac hose and brake lines, it is hidden in back of foam box, so look for it , bits are small ,care needed on fitting.
Very tight fitt in box take care removing it , put fingers through holes in back.
Excellent review, very clear and covers the relevant points, Congratulations.
@RASDV - thank you very much :)
I really like your smoke effects. Took the plunge and got the Hornby one today. Could you put a link to your video under my little review, although I think it will appear in the side bar automatically.
nice, I like the idea of railroad range models, and when I buy (which I haven't done) an engine for my railway it'll most likely be from the railroad range but i don't think it'll be Tornado. Once nice reveiw and looking forward to more.
@ewoutro - dunno about greedy, the cost of manufacturing and the cost of materials has gone up markedly the last few years. It's still half as much again as the nearest German or French models in price, we're still getting a good deal.
Tornado is a national treasure. Not to mention it was a star on Topgear.
Don’t forget The Flying Scotsman
Strangely some of these Railroad Models are pretty close to the equivalent price you would've paid for a Normal Hornby Model ages ago. I remember ages ago you could buy an A4 for £80.00 but now in recent years it has skyrocketed to over £100....The current Railroad A4 is about £71.99 which isn't too far off. Still the Railroad Range are very impressive models and I rather like that Tornado model; cheers for reviewing it :)
Man she looks good!! :D I'd love to get her!
A very good review sadly mine was despatched from Hattons to come here to Australia on the the 3rd June and I'm still waiting. It now takes airmail parcels three times as long to get here as it did ten years ago. (Ash clouds permitting) Not sure about those moulded buffers though
hollpoll
I've REALLY gotta get round to seeing the real deal
@JesusBlack14 - thanks very much! :)
Lovely review Simon, this has been an engine of my interests, as well as the 2P. Will definitely consider.
@C0BO - I will certainly have a think about that.
That's a DEFINATE one for my collection! Time to save up for it methinks :)
@FAZER00432 - it depends what you buy, and how much you buy! ;)
At 6:24, the loco next to the line closest to the camera looks kind of like a 9F, but only has 4 driving axles and has gained a trailing axle, making it a 4-8-2. I wasn't aware Britain had/made any... What is it?
It's a nice model indeed but I'm gonna wait for the brunswick green pack to be released. Nice review!
Matt
@UltimateKiller75 - thanks! :)
Great Video cant wait for the full review do you know when you will post it?
@penninefilms - thank you kindly chap :)
I see - I thought I'd heard Golden Eagle's A4 whistle before actually, I own a fair few steam documentaries on DVD.
@Rdodo67 - extremely smooth. Best Pacific I've had for years.
@SnowflakeTH - just seen that the 2P has had another price rise - what are Hornby thinking?! Thanks for the kudos chap, appreciated :)
did I see a Gresley W1 in brunswick green at some point in the video
@TitanicBuff1 - put it this way Mitchell, I will never have a motive power crisis on my model railway! Far too many to count, sadly with the size of layout I have, many don't get used to their full potential. Hoping to fix that with my next incarnation of "Copley Hill".
While I completely agree with the review simon has made i do think it is important to point out my experience with this model. i was sold on the look (with exception to the smoke box door) the running is however questionable. Upon receiving i noticed 2 problems while running in the locomotive.the front tendon lock and motion was broken and bent this was fixed easterly. however the motor had a tendency to jolt for unknown resigns, causing the loco to derail everywhere unless running in reverse.
@simierski Yeah, but I saw Edward uploaded earlier than expected.
@dankerthanclanker renumber it? tornado hasnt changed numbers just colours and tender logos. no i have ordered the hornby tornado in brunswick green with coaches pack then getting that fitted with sound
Iv got the Bachmann Tornado. Im gutted that hornby are bringing out their own version. If i had waited i chould have got that.
You didn't do the tug of war? only Joking thank you for that review i always wondered how the Hornby Railroad ranged compared to a regular model
Both 60163 tornados are very beautiful and look like the real thing. But I'd go for the American Bachman 60163 tornado since it has more detail than the also stunning Hornby tornado.
How about its slow speed capabilities? What is the motion like, smooth or do the wheels wobble about?
Thanks for the video.
@BhanuHabbo - it does look good, doesn't it? :)
@dankerthanclanker yes i do :) had it for ages but getting a hornby one fitted sometime
Lovely review, but you should've compared the Railroad and the Bachmann Tornado models in both power, speed, and strength. I would've loved to see a tug of war between these two.
@TrainzMovieTheatre - thanks very much :)
@HereYouGoDev - already in development! Have to stay one step ahead of the game, you know...!
Actually - nit picking really - but both the A4 and A1 whistles on Tornado are original, from Golden Eagle and Kestrel. Other than that, I agree - everything else is more or less brand new, made from scratch.
@TMRReturns - or try Hattons - no affiliation here, just a very satisfied customer.
I have watched your videos with great interest. And I have noticed you have many locomotives on your layout. Out of curiosity, how many locomotives do you currently own?
Sincerely,
Mitchell
Edmonton, Canada