The (US Sherman) tank in your trainset is appropriate. 50000 of them were made in total. Yours is appropriate to the British army 1943-1944 and the train might be delivering equipment to staging areas before D-Day or re-supply needed after D-Day.
Hornby actually once made a deluxe train set, the Orient express set R1073 with Clan Line, three lighted pullmans a double oval and a select controller, so I could see them doing it again.
Interesting concept Sam, and if I may say so one that actually shows your knowledge of the hobby. I agree with all your choices and reasoning. The price of the Princess / Pullman set (not sure I would call “Midland Pullman”, people will think they were getting a Blue DMU) would be high but I believe would sell in the “Premium intro to hobby” market. Only thing I would add; a modern take on the 08 set with premium wagons / loco.
Many thanks Adam, that's very kind of you! Yeah true actually... Midland Pullman was a bad name... can't say I put too much thought into the namings! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Great concept here Sam. When they took out TT120 I asked Simon Kohler if a shunting puzzle train set with an 08 would be worth exploring, with track included to do a basic Inglenook challenge. I think it’s past time to rethink the ‘basic oval’ concept. Maybe two sets of points in a set and ditch the controller. Let people buy their own. What’s the view of others?
You're absolutely right actually - an incredibly good point - an in-line shunting layout, or an inglenook would be fantastic! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Some that I’ve set up on my layout that could work as train sets: - Milk Express: Hornby Royal Scot in LMS postwar lined black, 3 Hornby Express Dairy Milk tank wagons and an LMS passenger brake (based on a real photo from 1937) - Maintenance Marvel: Hornby BR Class 08 shunter, 1 Hornby Sea Lion ballast hopper and 1 Hornby Shark ballast plow - Commuter Classic: Hornby LMS Stanier 2-6-4 tank with 3 Hornby LMS suburban non-corridor coaches (open brake 3rd, open 3rd, open brake composite)
I'm so glad someone has finally discussed the problem with modern hornby train sets. The Railroad range models in train sets are okayish but there's zero creativity in how they're done now as it's just a generic fictional livery Caley pug / 101 tank / D Class tank with a boring pair of wagons like the ex-troublesome truck with the step boards and a 4 wheel coach. They never try something like a BR black loco with BR maroon 4 wheel coaches in a rake of 2 or 3 coaches or even a plain tank loco with a matching rake of grey wagons and a brake van! Its also interesting to think that say 20 years ago, the current Railroad range *would* have been the main range from Hornby so it'd make more sense today that these high end locos would be in train sets of their own. Another creative video Sam well done
Thank you!! You're right - there's no creativity/variety is there? And exactly - I just think they're missing a trick by not giving a taste of their new products in some of their sets! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Would sort of like to see build your own train set bundles. You could pick and choose what you want in it online and they could have an algorithm to apply appropriate savings based on how much you bundle together.
My ideal train set.... Accurascale manors with chocolate and cream coaches or if it had to be Hornby then probably a Merchant Navy with a short mixed goods train - tankers warwells, CCTs all kinds!
@@SamsTrains Didn't Roco have a mining & logging set, some years back? There was an 0-4-0T engine (or 4-wheeled Diesel), and a bunch of mine and other cars. HO scale, running on N gauge track.
Fantastic ideas Sam! I've had similar thoughts myself during lockdown and just ended up making up ideas for train packs Hornby could potentially do. Here are a few rough ones I've made up for train packs. A King's Farewell: Replicates the Farewell to the Kings Tour in 1963 hauled by King Class 6018 King Henry VI. The set would contain 6018 as she looked on April 28th 1963, a MK1 brake coach (Carmine & Cream) and two MK1 Maroon Second Open coaches. Cumbrian Mountain Express: Sticking with your theme of preserved steam, this set replicates the kind of tours you'd often see on the Settle & Carlisle. The set would contain Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class 35018 British India Line and a rake of MK1 Maroon coaches. Capital for Cardiff: I wanted to include the Capitals United Express because I think it is a severely overlooked and it celebrated Cardiff becoming the Capital of Wales. The set would include a Cardiff Canton based King (E.A. 6003 King George IV or 6028 King George VI) and a rake of Chocolate & Cream MK1s. (Headboard should certainly be featured!) Channel Island Boat Train: My inspiration is The Cunarder train pack, I thought that the Channel Island Boat Train would be easier to add onto as its usually MK1 stock. The set would include a rake of BR Green MK1s and Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class 34062 17 Squadron (the motto of 17 Squadron was Excellere contende - 'Strive to excel' and they operated from Brittany before returning to the UK and the Channel Islands) I have dozens more but these are just a few I came up with. I found from my own experience that Kings and Bulleid Pacifics worked best so I wanted to utilise them into these ideas.
Sam,your imagination is super,and I hope the Hornby management sees this production,as it would be definitely thinking outside the box(bad pun)! Creative thinking,and definitely an eye for color! Thank you! 😇! Made my weekend!! Thanks 😊!
Alright, here's my suggestion; the "Padstow Perisher". This is based on a real train (the 3.13 Padstow-Exeter) which carried perishable goods on the regular stopping passenger train. Consisting of a T9, two Maunsell coaches and two or so Southern passenger vans. Hornby has all of these in their range and it could be in either Southern or BR livery.
I think you have the wrong spelling ... According to my late uncle (who died last week (see you arround Nunkie)) the people of Cornwall call it Padstein.
A Kent and East Sussex Railway themed train set would be nice. “Rother Valley” would be a nice name with a Hornby A1 Terrier, either Rolvenden or Bodiam with one or two passenger wagons, a few goods wagons and a break van too.
I have an Idea for a another train set Sam. Why not a dockyard train set, similar to southampton docks. Hornby have a e2 model so that might be a good idea. Cheers Jasper & Willow
Personally, I would like a Torbay Express set. One with a Castle and three Great Western coaches, and it would still have the third radius curves wnd siding. I would also add a Torbay Express headboard you can attach to the locomotive, just to add a little more to the set. I hate to think of the price, but it's a set I would love to see nontheless.
14:24 I believe that tank is some sort of M4 Sherman used during WW2 and Proacted by the US. Some where transferred to the UK before D-Day to be Used in Europe later on in the war so I think that it would work well with the train set.
Really neat ideas here. Hornby Dublo started the trend towards having modern up-to-date models back in the 1950s, and left the 'historical' bit to the mature enthusiasts who could build and paint kits. But I would have adored being able to start out with one of those gorgeous pre-grouping sets. You will of course need to include an SR 12-ton van, with its distinctive roof profile, in your wartime set. Hornby's range includes these.
Great ideas! I always lean more towards branch/suburban, so I especially loved the pre-grouping suggestions, but any and all of these would be great additions to the Hornby repertoire :-)
My ears perked up as soon as you said 'Milkman.' In my area of New Jersey (USA) They ran milk trains up until the 1960's. They were usually a few milk cars put into a small passenger train (freight trains were too sporatic and slow for milk service.) In the late steam era, most of the milk trains ran behind 4-6-2 Pacifics and also carried mail cars on the morning runs. This was a great idea for a video, putting together possible/logical train sets.
You are an "influencer" Sam. With 138K subscribers the manufacturers undoubtedly monitor your channel. Hopefully Hornby (and others) will give some serious consideration to your suggestions. Many thanks for another inspiring video.
Hi Sam, absolutely brilliant,I would purchase all of your suggestions for Hornby train sets, I have five grand children and I would give them one each and keep one for myself. three of them are girls, but amazingly I have had to create a Hornby Jinty in their chosen livers with their own names on them! I only hope that Hornby will see your channel and acknowledge what an asset you would be to them to take you on board in an advisory capacity. I am 79 this year and I specialise in ‘O’ gauge DCC sound but still purchase ‘OO’ gauge, I just love trains and your channel. Regards from Ron 🚂🚂👍😃🚂🚂
I wish Bachmann still made trains sets, they were just like this! The one I have from them is the "Midnight Metropolitan", which as a London Transport 57xx, a 3 plank wagon, an iron tippler and a pillbox brake van, all "premium" models. Think it was £80ish from Monk Bar Models many a year ago.
Great video Sam! The one Hornby train set which was, in my opinion, a very premium yet affordable set, is their most recent (2019/20 I think) Hogwarts Express set which contained a very highly detailed (albeit with a simpler mechanism) Hall Class and what seemed to me to be Hornby Railway range Mk1 Coaches which I thought was a fabulous set in general and was quite affordable for the detail included!! I don’t see why they can’t do something like these sets!! Also the sets always give amazing value when compared with the buying from the RailRoad Range individually which shows that Hornby sell their products for higher than they have to meaning a Railways Train Set (especially like The Milkman and The Miner’s Marvel ones you have) are very feasible for around £150! Brilliant ideas Sam and as always, fantastic video!
Sam, great video. Took me back to the days of Tri-ang and their Sets that used the top locos because they did not have a cheaper range. Sets with Steam locos and Sets with Diesels, Passenger and Freight. Ah, those were the days. I like your ideas and for a set I would take inspiration from one of the sets of the 60's called the "Freightmaster." A 31 class loco with 5 freight wagons and a Guards Van. It only came with a large oval of track but with your included siding would really give a purpose to the shunting of wagons in and out of the train.
Hi Sam, love your imagination! I do remember Hornby train sets in the 1970s and there were some wonderful sets available. The current fayre is drab at best. No controller though when I was a child, and one year my main Christmas present was a H&M duette controller so I could go two track - all my crimbos came at once with a 2nd radius outer circuit being introduced. A good train set is how people get hooked into the hobby. I would by your 'Edwardian' along with a couple of R601s to get a station in. I would create a GWR suburban with a prairie and three Collett suburban coaches, siding & R603 long straights with a platform included. Seeing some of the insanely cheap premium Hornby locos & rolling stock available it is clear they can be produced at a reasonable cost. Cheers!
Thanks so much David - yeah a lot of their original sets were fantastic weren't they? The tri-ang ones were wonderfully varied. Thanks for sharing your story! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a volunteer on a heritage railway I sometimes get to see some interesting trains. Last week we ran a photographic special of an ex-GWR prairie tank engine, two 6-wheel milk tankers and a 50ft passenger brake van, which was an interesting but plausible combination. Something similar would make an interesting train set using the BR standard Class 2MT 2-6-0 instead of the prairie and suitable for almost any region.
I like the look of the two industrial sets. I'd be tempted to include enough track for two sidings, so that the train either has somewhere to start and somewhere to go, or there is more flexibility to create a small goods yard scene. I'd probably also include some simple, printed card buildings. These could be cardboard facsimiles of other Hornby buildings, so that people can upgrade and know how much space they'll need. I wonder if there's also an opportunity to have cross-themed sets. As well as the industrial "Milkman" having a big train set with an express loco, three more milk tanks (which were passenger-rated stock) and a passenger-style brake vehicle (either a BG or a brake second). Connect the two sidings end-to-end between the ovals, so the Ruston can drop off its two tanks and these can be added to the milk train. Or the milk train can drop off tanks for the Ruston to collect. It could be called something like "Dairy Express". You could do a similar thing with the Peckett and coal wagons, with a bigger goods loco, more wagons and a brake van. Finally, the train sets with the pre-grouping locos and small coaches are lovely.
For my proposed set, it would be LNER/GER themed. It would be a DCC set including 2 locomotives, 2 coaches, and 3 wagons. The locomotives would be the J15, and the B12, with the coaches being LNER Teak’s, and the wagons being 2 open wagons, and a box van. I think this would be a great set for those who are serious DCC modelers, and want to try something more ambitious. The two teak’s instead of 3 I feel make sense as it will help cut down on costs. Great video as always Sam! Keep up the amazing work!
These are some really great ideas, and you've inspired me and my mate to try and come up with our own ideas. I've even got a few in mind as I'm typing this. Cheers Sam!
Some great ideas there! Hornby should offer you Simon Kohler's job!! Other train sets could be: a Hastings Express set with Schools class and Maunsell coaches; an overnight sleeper set with MK1 sleepers; a container train set with container wagons and a crane. Some cardboard building kits might add interest.
I really like this series where you create sets, please make more! Pre-Grouping is so elegant but I would love to see some diesel-era sets; they're rarely produced by the actual brands with steam or modern electric the preferred options
Hmm.... I have two ideas now; both of them are steam sets in East Anglia; the "King's Parley", consisting of a J15 and two Gresley suburban coaches operating on a 'Parley' (a local passenger train that by law has to provide very cheap tickets); and the "Daily Dropper", again consisting of a J15, but with let's say, two open trucks, a closed van and a brakevan, to represent the daily 'pick-up goods'.
Train Set Idea #1: The Heritage Belle A set themed after the sort of rolling stock one is likely to see on a modern heritage railway. Locomotive: A 4-6-0, either an LMS Black 5, SR King Arthur, or GWR Hall Class, in BR Lined livery Rolling Stock: 2 Maunsell coaches in BR Green, BTK & TK, and 1 BR Mk.I TSO in Blood & Custard. Rarely do you see coaches in matching liveries or types on heritage railways, and I think this should be represented. I would even keep the Southern Region coaches even with a Midland or Western Region engine as heritage railways rarely have the luxury of keeping trains 100% prototypical; it's more whatever they could get their hands on. A Deluxe version of this pack might even include a Pullman or two, or even a Mk.I in Pullman livery as many heritage lines offer dining train experiences. Included track: For the base version, the same as Sam's base 3rd Radius Oval W/ Siding. For the Deluxe version, I would include a second set of points and enough straight track to form a passing loop. This would expand the size of the layout considerably, but it would allow even more operational possibilities including simulating run-round operations. Estimated Price: Base Version £300, Deluxe Version £350-400 Train Set Idea #2: Diesel Gala Same idea as the above, but replace the steam engines with heritage diesels. Locomotive: A Class 31 or 37 in BR Green Rolling Stock: Maunsell Open Third in BR Green, BR Mk.I BCK Maroon, BR Collett 57' in BR Maroon. Once more, the random mix of region coaches, plus an addition of non-corridor stock. Included Track: Base Sam 3rd Radius Loop w/Siding Estimated Price: £250 Train Set Idea #3: Demonstration Goods Ending the Heritage Railway Series, the highlight of every gala event is of course the demonstration goods train. Locomotive: I'd have two versions, one with an ex-GWR 51xx Class Large Prairie 2-6-2t in BR Lined Green, another with ex-LNER J36 Class 0-6-0 (easily one of Hornby's finest modern models) in BR Unlined Black Rolling Stock: Here I'd actually think a bit out of the box. 5 goods wagons + brake van, but I'd randomize the selection so that no two sets get the exact same wagons. Within some parameters, obviously; only 4-wheel wagons, at most 1 wagon from Era 6-8 if that, no niche or gimmick wagons like the Beatles or Coca Cola branded tat, specialty wagons like the Loriot machinery wagons might be possible but very rare. Basically a way to offer a variety while also clearing excess stock from the warehouse. Included Track: Base Sam 3rd Radius w/Siding Estimated Price: £300, a bit extra for including double the normal train set amount of wagons.
Years ago, in an electronics magazine, there was a thing for a long single track with loop at one end where train would go along straight then around loop and back down the straight. Facing opposite direction without stopping.
Decent video here Sam, I have today just got a few good locomotives to my fleet these being the new class 91 and DVT from hornby in the intercity Swallow and one of the new tool class 37s from bachmann this one being 37430 Cwmbran, both are really good models.
Spot on. Certainly some very good ideas to consider. It's no secret that Hornby has consistently used older tooling in their Train Sets but as Hornby introduces new models the difference in quality has just kept widening over the years. At one time a model in a Hornby Train set probably (barring a few details) felt just as good as something in the main range since the tooling was much the same. A Class 08 in a trainset from Hornby didn't feel outdated initially but once the new retooled Class 08 in the mid 00's arrived; the difference was night and day. No doubt back in the day Hornby trainsets were more innovative too.
The western branchline. Sticking with railroad items and bringing back some old tooling. A dual train set comprising of the 14xx and autocoach, along with their 2721 pannier with either the railroad collett coaches or appropriate gwr wagons and toad. Far more interesting when having to operate 2 Locos and have the track set allow for 2 sidings. And being "duck and oliver" from thomas would surely have a big audience, just gwr has a fairly big audience, which never really seems utilised by hornby.
When I started collecting 2nd time round my first train set was a light southern pacific merchant navy class - super detailed with 3 super detailed pullmans with lit table lamps, this must have been in the naughties.
Genius, I am now retired and I had intended to try getting into model trains as a new hobby. When I visited local,shops I was gobsmacked at the prices and lack of a proper starting point, other than what I would describe as toy quality sets. I would certainly have been interested in the Pullman set, and I could have afforded it. To late now unless a manufacturer has been watching. Well done Sam.
Coming from nothing to a decent sized layout I'd say it's possible if you look for stuff second hand sure it's used but it's better than buying from proper model shops as that will set you back £350 for one model train I would never willingly spend that much on a loco that I know I could buy second hand but obviously if its a rare one and I had the funds sure I would get it.
Thanks a lot for sharing! Yeah exactly - that's the idea behind these sets - they're not toys, but also not too ludicrously expensive! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Good afternoon Sam!! As I’ve probably told you before, I’m in the process of returning to the world of the digital control system. Of course, the layout is round about Dad’s Army and the locomotives Southern Railway. The exact location of Walmington-on-Sea is a small seaside village called Yealmington, which is between Brighton and Southampton, in West Sussex. I have visited Yealmington three times so far!!
This was an amazing video and I really enjoyed it. If I were to do a selection of train sets, they would probably all be Industrial sets. A W4 Peckett (Daphne) with a flatbed wagon, a 7-plank open wagon and a LB&SC four-wheel coach for a preservation era set. Another train set would be on that includes a B2 Peckett, a ballast wagon, a 5-plank open wagon and a vent van. Both of these would include two set of points and so that it would resemble an Inglenook layout but with a full loop of track on top of the yard.
Hi Sam great ideas Hornby did try something like this only a couple of years ago called the Signature Collection which contained 3rd radius oval with a siding, HM2000 controller & a Super detailed loco/rolling stock and I did get a couple of them however they were pretty boring as they only did BR themed Steam sets, o diesels or Big four sets at all. I think that's what killed that idea as the variety was poor and sometimes they'd put basic wagons in the goods sets which wasn't great. I would like to see them try it again the pre-grouping idea sounds great.
Yeah you're right - but they were boring, and too expensive as a result of using larger/pricier locos... these industrial sets could be equally premium but cheaper! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Here's my train set . Loco Terrier in LSWR livery with 3 LSWR 4 wheel coaches (with lights) . Standard oval of track with a siding long enough to take the train. I would also include the HM 6000 controller. Lights and Bluetooth kids would love it.
These are fantastic ideas. I think specifically for the more expensive train sets that might appeal to the more experienced, it would be cool to see these train sets even in train packs, without transformer or track, and have a track package with controller available separately. The only problem is that they’ll still want to charge a fortune! Great video as always, thanks for sharing!
Especially seeing these on retail shelves. Engines alone for $200 or a cool train pack for $250-300, that would feel like a deal to the consumer and set people over the edge to decide to buy. I know it would for me!!
Hi Sam. Some Great Ideas here especially the pre-grouping and short goods sets. I love making up these "Imagination" sets too. A few thoughts... 1) Your freight sets are all made without a brake van which, given how many Hornby make, might be an oversight. 2) Price wise the Terrier one might be a tad optimistic given H want £217 for a Terrier with 3x 4 wheelers. 3) On the pre grouping ones I suggest a mix of 6 and 4 wheeled coaches as this gives more variety and potential routes for expansion. 4) I often think small/mid sized locos are the way to go (like your Q1 set) as these give a more realistic train behind the engine than the old "Big Loco and 3 coaches" formula. With that in mind some other options jump up, the 61xx Large Prairie for example. Maybe there is potential for a part 2 of this type of video? Keep up the good work 😊 Thanks, Luke.
Not sure if anyone's mentioned this as an idea - but, for a pre-grouping train, a Hornby LNER J15 (aka a GER Y14, and painted in GER blue livery - *very* eye-catching, take a look at pictures of the preserved loco at the North Norfolk Railway) along with a couple of 4/6 wheeled coaches and/or wagons.
Love the pre-grouping set Sam.I would be tempted by an LD & ECR set,though it would have to come with a set of paints to convert to Great Central,and a cardboard cut out of Bolsover tunnel which leaks water
The Milkman set is a great idea. I would give the flatbed some milk churns like you said, include a matching milk tanker, and a matching van. It would be neat to see a little platform included as some Bachmann USA sets come with a station kit as well as signs, signals, and figures. the Miner's Marvel could potentially be an NCB set, with one wagon being in a different NCB livery from the rest (or each having a different NCB livery). I would totally buy the South Coast Rambler! Passenger train starter sets are my favorites, as complete passenger trains aren't as easy to assemble from separate-sale items like complete freight trains. I got a Santa Fe Super Chief set at a garage sale, and I ended up adding lights to all the cars. I like your idea of a WWII-era train set. There were quite a few few war and military-themed train sets in America. From the Cvil War sets to more modern fictional ones with cannons and launchers. Bachmann USA still makes the Strike force set. I do like train sets modelling preserved equipment from one site. Bachmann USA does that with their Durango and Silverton set. It would be amazing to see something like a Bluebell Railway train set. A set I'd like to see hornby do is a freight train with a 9F and nine cars, like Bachmann's Overland Limited. Obivously that will need a larger oval and would be pretty expensive, but I've seen quite a few people start model railroading with a long freight train set.
Almost anything in under represented eras is pretty good addition. i am sortof hoping someone will just do run of Stephenson's or Thewick locomotion vehicles to clear first generation steam because those were some crazy steamers.
There are tracks from TillIg which have dual gauge, OO(HO)/HOm(TT) and OO(HO)/ OO-9(HOe){N} and there are some track builders in the UK who will build any combo you can imagine by providing a basis or sketch.
hi Sam, great video with some interesting ideas, I'd like to see Hornby release a small Inglenook type shunting set, something that people can play and not get bored with, an 08 shunter, a van, a few plank wagons, a tank and a brake van etc.
Great idea, an "Inglenook shunting puzzle set" could be assembled on a table and family members could compete against one another, just like we used to with board games.
Fantastic selections for these sets. Looks like the search for a new "Mr Hornby" only needs to look in one direction! My only comment is that the siding is a bit short for some of the bigger sets so could do with an extension. Will you be looking at some extension packs, for example some buildings to go with the era of the trains?? Great video as always.
Hi Sam some very nice combinations there, i talked about something similar in one of there videos, they brought out the rovex trains set in 2020 with a princess elizabeth and 2 period 3 coaches which were much better quality than the standard train set rolling stock, i want them to bring out a set similar to the ones they had in the 90s when i was a kid, sets used to come with coaches and wagons so you could either have 2 seperate trains or a mixed train and often came with a goods shed or loco shed to give the wagons a shunting purpose, i think that would make the sets less boring as u correctly pointed out, having a few accessories, keep up the good work. Tom
This is a great video Sam and some great ideas. Hornby seems to have lost why they do train sets. This is your first step into the hobby and they always used to be priced accordingly. I remember in the 80s you clearly were not paying for the controller or the track.
Excellent video Sam, some wonderful ideas. Fyi, tomix N has an affordable trainset. What's interesting is it's a trainset with no oval: siding and straights. Reason why I mention this is your industrial tank set could consist of the familiar 2 turnouts and a bunch of straights for an inglenook. Compact space saver, industrial themed (maybe including some cardboard cutout industrial buildings) solely for shunting, included in the instructions the inglenook puzzle. Love the idea of the pre grouping sets. Ironically of course in 1920 Hornby kicked off with pre grouping trainsets: only then of course they were modern image! I think your WWII themed set is well on the mark, a variation of yours for a set might be a gunpowder van, or possibly a 17lb artillery piece instead of the Sherman (17lb is very British!)? Don't Hornby make a WD 2-8-0 8F? Best set for me the Edwardian, that's just a beautiful set.
Good choice, may I add some ideas to your own ? Here we are : -A Northeastern local freight, BR4 or 5, with a K1, a van, a tank wagon and an open coal wagon, 7 planks or a 16 tons steel (don't know if Hornby has one), and a brake van; -A School time train, with their SR school class, their SR van, and two SR coaches -A passenger period 4 train, with the Standard 4MT, and three blood and custard Mk1 -Why not a shunter's paradise ? Let's do it with a J50, two or three assorted wagons, and a brake van, period 3 to 5 -Some diesels ? Class 31 in BR green our early railblue, and two possibilities : assorted period 5 to 6 wagons, 2/3 units and a brake van, or passenger local, brown Mk 1 coaches, or early railblue; -Mixed traffic GWR, with a 4900 class and a mix with 2/3 GWR wagons, a GWR coach and a brake van, one toad from Oxford Rail would do the trick. The 6 wheels one is the best choice for me; -Something interesting would be a dedicated LMS single unit wagon train, with their forthcoming Black Five, and rake of three tank, van or cattle wagons, and a brake van; -And, final thought, a full BR freight, with three assorted BR patterns wagons period 4 or 5, a brake van and a 9F if they replace the motor with another one decent. I base my choice on Hornby models I have, and what seems to be interesting proposals. Take your pick if you are interested !
Hi Sam! I'm not exactly an expert in ww2 , but i know this tank fits perfectly with the train set! This tank is an american M4 "Sherman" tank, that was widely used by all of the allied nations from world war two The interesting thing about this train set is that it's an huge opportunity to integrate with other hornby-owned companies, such as airfix You made some suggestions that i'd really like to see, specially the pre-grouping and ww2 train sets!
As a really out there idea, I think a OO9 Ffestiniog heritage set from PECO and Kato (the two companies collaborated with some models recently) would be pretty neat. It would feature the "Prince" model that the two companies made together (both are 0-4-0ST+T locos that inspired the creation of Duke from the Railway Series) along with a rake of four four-wheeled coaches. It would also have 1st radius curves to keep it compact, which most 009 rolling stock can handle anyway, and a station. As an aside, there's something funny about famous Welsh locomotives being made in Japan (Kato is a Japanese company). Of course, there is a UK-themed park in Japan that has the Shuzenji Romney Railway, so I guess it isn't that odd.
Observation 1 - the WW2 themed train set lacks any form of guards a omadation! Although the lack of a guards facility is fine for private railways serving mines docks or factory sites, once out on the mainline railway a Gauard would ALLWAYS be required and as such they need something to ride in. As such I would suggest that rather than using the gangwayed luggage van (which has no guard accomadation) you would want to look at the R4535A Hornby ‘Bogie B’ van produced by Hornby which does have a guards compartment Observation 2:- If the last pack is designed to represent a rail tour setup as seen out on the mainline then you would be better ditching one of the pullmans for a Mk1 brake coach representing the locos ‘support coach’ which accommodates members of the owning group and provides messing, a small workshop facility, a limited selection of parts hoses for linking up to road tankers at water stops etc. I would also ditch the Pullman brake coach - the only mainline registered fleet of proper Pullman’s does not feature such a vehicle and the inclusion of a Mk1 brake vehicle would technically provide somewhere for the guard to ride (even though on the real thing there are Pullman liveried Mk1s which proved such a facility) Observation 3:- The last pack is a bad fit for a Heritage railway based theme - The Princess class loco is so large and costly to run they can only recoup the overhaul money by hauling long trains with lots of passengers - and that means doing charter work on the mainline. Yes there have been the occasional visits to Heritage Raikways but this is very much in the minority. Also the pullmans a bad choice for this theme too - not many Heritage railways have genuine 1920s /1930s Pullman cars (as opposed to nicely painted Mk1s) and as such the combination of a ‘visiting’ princess loco with pullmans is a very unlikely combination. Observation 4:- In real life the LMS did not operate Pullman cars - and neither did the GWR with both railways preferring to build their own luxury stock. By contrast the LNER and SR were heavy users of Pullman cars so in terms of ‘fit’ the use of a LNER or SR loco would be better as then you could pitch the last set as a real historical train pack as well as a modern charter set or a heritage railway environment.
Oh yes, a set with a 48ds (48 hp Diesel Shunter) would be great. After your reviews of the 48ds I've just bought a Grant Rail livery version from TMC for under £65 (I wouldn't have paid full price as they should have included some lighting at full price). It is a fab little loco (apart from the iffy electrical connection between the loco and the wagon) really nice crawl at 7 using my HM6000 (after running in). Of course the HM6000 app works well with my ChromeBook. I will confess that my HM6000 came with the R1271M iTraveller 6000 Train Set that I bought this year. I was looking at a tt120 set but as you can only get them direct they need to come down in price first! I wonder how many other potential buyers feel the same? Of course Hornby are missing a trick, what they could and should do is a tt120 track pack before Peco does. The longer they take the more likely people might get fed up with waiting and go down to N gauge. Of course this highlights the dangers of doing a TV series which is what got me interested in model railways again.
You seriously need to be employed by Hornby marketing. The Southern rambler and Edwardian I'd want for certain. Great ideas... I had always wanted to do an entire WW2 theme dockyard shunting layout, with military equipment on flat cars, warships and troop ships painted on the backdrop, buildings with blackout curtains and blast tape on the windows and sandbags around the entrances, military vehicles everywhere etc
Hi Sam, interesting video thanks. I certainly agree that Hornby should update their train sets so as to offer a greater variety than is available at present. Train sets are the best way for Hornby to increase their customer base and share of the market being the main way of introduction to the hobby. With train sets mainly aimed at children I feel that the inclusion of a QR code in the box linked to a Hornby RUclips video showing how the basic set could be expanded gradually into a basic layout would help maintain the interest. Having said that due to the finely detailed models these days initial parental supervision is essential. Regards Barry
Terrier usage not too much of the South Coast as per your thumbnail set, but London Suburban usage was their design task. To quote Wikipedia: Originally known as 'A' class, these diminutive tank locomotives were designed in 1870 to haul commuter trains on the heavily congested lines in South and South-East London. These included routes from London Bridge to both East and West Croydon, London Victoria to Sutton and the line from Victoria to London Bridge via Peckham Rye and Denmark Hill, as well as operating on the East London Railway under the Thames through the Thames Tunnel designed by Marc Isambard Brunel. Six locomotives were built for these services during 1872, and were successful thanks to their high acceleration between the closely spaced station stops and the use of lightweight trains. A further 44 were built between June 1874 and September 1880 to complement the original six. I would hope model railways perform a usful task to educate rather than mislead about history. But others have different ideas.
An alternative to a round and round is a straight line with two run round loops (four switch tracks), In TT 12mm have you compared tracks from Hornby v Tillig v Peco v BEMO(12mm HOm) and the trackworks available?
I absolutely agree with you putting together the train sets. The first two would be beautiful train sets. The models that you are using for the third set would certainly be relevant to a Dad’s Army layout. Could you please provide some details of model numbers that I could buy?!!
Excellent showreel as an application for what might still be a vacancy. Hope you’ve checked with Chloe whether she’s happy to move to Margate! Love your suggestions though I’d like to see a set which reflected today’s railway. One of Hornby’s best models is their Class 60. Perhaps this could be matched with two or three Container wagons, which are also highly detailed, good value and colourful?
Great idea and good set combinations, apart from the LMS princess and pullman coaches - the LMS didn't run pullman services, apart from in Scotland up to the mid 1930s with ex Caledonian Railway pullmans. So it is very unlikely that they were ever hauled by a princess.
I think industrial train sets are a great idea, they could have a small shunter like a ruston or plymouth or bagnal, and they could have different wagons like like gondola cars, hopper cars, flatbeds, coal cars or others. I also like the idea of a terrier and a rake of stroudly coaches.
Nice idea for a video. The Sherman in your military set is very much WWII. I bought the same locomotive for Southern coaches as a troop train. I didn't realise until I saw this that Hornby made some SECR coaches.
From what I've seen they don't make SECR Coaches, but it would be neat to include them as exclusive to the set, would put 3-4 in for that reason though.
@@modelrailwaynoob I missed the genesis coaches as well, so I'm hoping they ether make more or some come up second hand, as I'd like some LBSC, SECR, LNWR and possibly some GWR. I also am looking forward to the LSWR, Midland and Caledonian ones that are coming soon.
Hornby used to make something called "Red Box" sets. One of them was the Venice Simplon Orient express with light up pullman coaches, and another was the Royal Train. Perhaps your last set in the punch inspire them to recreate the be box sets. :)
@@gamerfan8445 No, the P2 never made it into the red box trainsets. These were extremely expensive luxury sets. In the VSOE set, it came with two loops of track, a rebuilt merchant navy, three fully lit pullmen coaches, and a DCC controller. It was the last set to be produced under the Reb Box sets. Each set was sold at RRP of over £300 in 2011-14 I think.
What got me hooked wasn't just the wide-eyed wonder I experienced one Christmas morning when I got my first set - a simple freight one. No, it was the clever addition by Grandpa of an operating wagon. Sthg that I could make do things. Even better, it was a Circus box car housing a giraffe and with careful positioning of the actuator, the giraffe wd duck down into its wagon as the train passed under a bridge. What little kid wouldn't want sthg as magical as that? Therefore, I'd suggest a circus train set with operating something or other.
I really like the terrier set, and if Hornby made it, I'd definitely buy it. In my opinion though, a super cool set would be "The LNER Experiment", featuring the Hush Hush with an exclusive dynomometer car, and two super detailed teaks. Another cool idea would be a super detailed Scotsman st with teaks, or perhaps a set with an LSWR M7 and some LSWR 4 & 6 wheel coaches. That's just my opinions though.
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If Hornby would make a WW2 or even a WW1 themed train set I’d buy it in a heartbeat
If you are into the continental stuff, Bachmann Lilliput has a WW2 train set (no rails included)
Oh and hornby did the same with an 0-4-0 engine in a set
What do you think would be nice components for a WW1 set ?
I just can’t help but adore the beauty and nostalgia of a pre-Grouping train set. These are real beauties.
The (US Sherman) tank in your trainset is appropriate. 50000 of them were made in total. Yours is appropriate to the British army 1943-1944 and the train might be delivering equipment to staging areas before D-Day or re-supply needed after D-Day.
Same with the Q1, the Sherman and the Q1 were both designed in 1942
You had me exited for a sec there , sam 😂
Hornby actually once made a deluxe train set, the Orient express set R1073 with Clan Line, three lighted pullmans a double oval and a select controller, so I could see them doing it again.
They did all the Red Box sets mine was the Black 5 with coaches still runs fine today just put a hm7000 decoder and power bank into it.
Interesting concept Sam, and if I may say so one that actually shows your knowledge of the hobby.
I agree with all your choices and reasoning. The price of the Princess / Pullman set (not sure I would call “Midland Pullman”, people will think they were getting a Blue DMU) would be high but I believe would sell in the “Premium intro to hobby” market.
Only thing I would add; a modern take on the 08 set with premium wagons / loco.
Many thanks Adam, that's very kind of you! Yeah true actually... Midland Pullman was a bad name... can't say I put too much thought into the namings!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Royal Pullman would work I think.
An interesting concept that Hornby have done before - look up "Hornby Signature train sets"
Great concept here Sam. When they took out TT120 I asked Simon Kohler if a shunting puzzle train set with an 08 would be worth exploring, with track included to do a basic Inglenook challenge. I think it’s past time to rethink the ‘basic oval’ concept. Maybe two sets of points in a set and ditch the controller. Let people buy their own. What’s the view of others?
You're absolutely right actually - an incredibly good point - an in-line shunting layout, or an inglenook would be fantastic!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Yes, yes and thrice yes! Although a premium set with a premium controller (H&M perhaps?) would be ok
Get rid of the controller, but say that there isn't one included. The Hornby Controllers suck...
Fantastic video Sam, been away for a weekend so haven't been able to comment but I'd definitely buy all of these!
I really love the idea of the vid Sam. We need more interesting train sets!
Some that I’ve set up on my layout that could work as train sets:
- Milk Express: Hornby Royal Scot in LMS postwar lined black, 3 Hornby Express Dairy Milk tank wagons and an LMS passenger brake (based on a real photo from 1937)
- Maintenance Marvel: Hornby BR Class 08 shunter, 1 Hornby Sea Lion ballast hopper and 1 Hornby Shark ballast plow
- Commuter Classic: Hornby LMS Stanier 2-6-4 tank with 3 Hornby LMS suburban non-corridor coaches (open brake 3rd, open 3rd, open brake composite)
I'm so glad someone has finally discussed the problem with modern hornby train sets. The Railroad range models in train sets are okayish but there's zero creativity in how they're done now as it's just a generic fictional livery Caley pug / 101 tank / D Class tank with a boring pair of wagons like the ex-troublesome truck with the step boards and a 4 wheel coach. They never try something like a BR black loco with BR maroon 4 wheel coaches in a rake of 2 or 3 coaches or even a plain tank loco with a matching rake of grey wagons and a brake van!
Its also interesting to think that say 20 years ago, the current Railroad range *would* have been the main range from Hornby so it'd make more sense today that these high end locos would be in train sets of their own.
Another creative video Sam well done
Thank you!! You're right - there's no creativity/variety is there? And exactly - I just think they're missing a trick by not giving a taste of their new products in some of their sets!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, you and Ryan of Numpty Pootis could go a long way toward making our hobby brilliant and i am 79 regards Ron.
Would sort of like to see build your own train set bundles.
You could pick and choose what you want in it online and they could have an algorithm to apply appropriate savings based on how much you bundle together.
My ideal train set.... Accurascale manors with chocolate and cream coaches or if it had to be Hornby then probably a Merchant Navy with a short mixed goods train - tankers warwells, CCTs all kinds!
Good video Sam keep it up. I love your industrial train set ideas
Thank you!! I'd really love to see one of those done! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrainssame
@@SamsTrains Didn't Roco have a mining & logging set, some years back? There was an 0-4-0T engine (or 4-wheeled Diesel), and a bunch of mine and other cars. HO scale, running on N gauge track.
Fantastic ideas Sam! I've had similar thoughts myself during lockdown and just ended up making up ideas for train packs Hornby could potentially do. Here are a few rough ones I've made up for train packs.
A King's Farewell: Replicates the Farewell to the Kings Tour in 1963 hauled by King Class 6018 King Henry VI. The set would contain 6018 as she looked on April 28th 1963, a MK1 brake coach (Carmine & Cream) and two MK1 Maroon Second Open coaches.
Cumbrian Mountain Express: Sticking with your theme of preserved steam, this set replicates the kind of tours you'd often see on the Settle & Carlisle. The set would contain Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class 35018 British India Line and a rake of MK1 Maroon coaches.
Capital for Cardiff: I wanted to include the Capitals United Express because I think it is a severely overlooked and it celebrated Cardiff becoming the Capital of Wales. The set would include a Cardiff Canton based King (E.A. 6003 King George IV or 6028 King George VI) and a rake of Chocolate & Cream MK1s. (Headboard should certainly be featured!)
Channel Island Boat Train: My inspiration is The Cunarder train pack, I thought that the Channel Island Boat Train would be easier to add onto as its usually MK1 stock. The set would include a rake of BR Green MK1s and Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class 34062 17 Squadron (the motto of 17 Squadron was Excellere contende - 'Strive to excel' and they operated from Brittany before returning to the UK and the Channel Islands)
I have dozens more but these are just a few I came up with. I found from my own experience that Kings and Bulleid Pacifics worked best so I wanted to utilise them into these ideas.
Really like those ideas!
Sam,your imagination is super,and I hope the Hornby management sees this production,as it would be definitely thinking outside the box(bad pun)! Creative thinking,and definitely an eye for color! Thank you! 😇! Made my weekend!! Thanks 😊!
Hornby have done it before, it's called the "Hornby Signature" train sets
Sam. Can you review a Hornby APT train (old or new)... How good would that look running round your layout?
Alright, here's my suggestion; the "Padstow Perisher". This is based on a real train (the 3.13 Padstow-Exeter) which carried perishable goods on the regular stopping passenger train.
Consisting of a T9, two Maunsell coaches and two or so Southern passenger vans. Hornby has all of these in their range and it could be in either Southern or BR livery.
I think you have the wrong spelling ... According to my late uncle (who died last week (see you arround Nunkie)) the people of Cornwall call it Padstein.
A Kent and East Sussex Railway themed train set would be nice. “Rother Valley” would be a nice name with a Hornby A1 Terrier, either Rolvenden or Bodiam with one or two passenger wagons, a few goods wagons and a break van too.
I have an Idea for a another train set Sam. Why not a dockyard train set, similar to southampton docks. Hornby have a e2 model so that might be a good idea.
Cheers Jasper & Willow
Ahh fantastic - and those are railroad locos so even cheaper!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
That is a good idea, even just so there is more variety in the railroad sets. You are defiantly on to something there!
@@modelrailfan37agreed
Personally, I would like a Torbay Express set. One with a Castle and three Great Western coaches, and it would still have the third radius curves wnd siding. I would also add a Torbay Express headboard you can attach to the locomotive, just to add a little more to the set. I hate to think of the price, but it's a set I would love to see nontheless.
I just saw Boxhill in the NRM today, so it’s nice to see a Terrier model set.
14:24 I believe that tank is some sort of M4 Sherman used during WW2 and Proacted by the US. Some where transferred to the UK before D-Day to be Used in Europe later on in the war so I think that it would work well with the train set.
You should work for Hornby! These sets are incredible!
Really neat ideas here. Hornby Dublo started the trend towards having modern up-to-date models back in the 1950s, and left the 'historical' bit to the mature enthusiasts who could build and paint kits. But I would have adored being able to start out with one of those gorgeous pre-grouping sets.
You will of course need to include an SR 12-ton van, with its distinctive roof profile, in your wartime set. Hornby's range includes these.
Great ideas!
I always lean more towards branch/suburban, so I especially loved the pre-grouping suggestions, but any and all of these would be great additions to the Hornby repertoire :-)
My ears perked up as soon as you said 'Milkman.' In my area of New Jersey (USA) They ran milk trains up until the 1960's. They were usually a few milk cars put into a small passenger train (freight trains were too sporatic and slow for milk service.) In the late steam era, most of the milk trains ran behind 4-6-2 Pacifics and also carried mail cars on the morning runs.
This was a great idea for a video, putting together possible/logical train sets.
You are an "influencer" Sam. With 138K subscribers the manufacturers undoubtedly monitor your channel. Hopefully Hornby (and others) will give some serious consideration to your suggestions. Many thanks for another inspiring video.
Hi Sam, absolutely brilliant,I would purchase all of your suggestions for Hornby train sets, I have five grand children and I would give them one each and keep one for myself. three of them are girls, but amazingly I have had to create a Hornby Jinty in their chosen livers with their own names on them! I only hope that Hornby will see your channel and acknowledge what an asset you would be to them to take you on board in an advisory capacity. I am 79 this year and I specialise in ‘O’ gauge DCC sound but still purchase ‘OO’ gauge, I just love trains and your channel. Regards from Ron 🚂🚂👍😃🚂🚂
I wish Bachmann still made trains sets, they were just like this! The one I have from them is the "Midnight Metropolitan", which as a London Transport 57xx, a 3 plank wagon, an iron tippler and a pillbox brake van, all "premium" models. Think it was £80ish from Monk Bar Models many a year ago.
That sounds really cool! If they brought that back I would definitely get it!
Same. I had the “local freight”
GWR pannier tank. 5 plank wagon. Conflat and toad brake van. Plus track / controller. £100
I enjoyed this video. When I used to work at a hobby shop, we used to enjoy making up our own starter sets / train packs
Great video Sam! The one Hornby train set which was, in my opinion, a very premium yet affordable set, is their most recent (2019/20 I think) Hogwarts Express set which contained a very highly detailed (albeit with a simpler mechanism) Hall Class and what seemed to me to be Hornby Railway range Mk1 Coaches which I thought was a fabulous set in general and was quite affordable for the detail included!! I don’t see why they can’t do something like these sets!! Also the sets always give amazing value when compared with the buying from the RailRoad Range individually which shows that Hornby sell their products for higher than they have to meaning a Railways Train Set (especially like The Milkman and The Miner’s Marvel ones you have) are very feasible for around £150! Brilliant ideas Sam and as always, fantastic video!
Sam, great video. Took me back to the days of Tri-ang and their Sets that used the top locos because they did not have a cheaper range.
Sets with Steam locos and Sets with Diesels, Passenger and Freight. Ah, those were the days.
I like your ideas and for a set I would take inspiration from one of the sets of the 60's called the "Freightmaster."
A 31 class loco with 5 freight wagons and a Guards Van. It only came with a large oval of track but with your included siding would really give a purpose to the shunting of wagons in and out of the train.
Great ideas Sam! I would certainly be tempted by the Peckett and the Edwardian 🙂
Hi Sam, love your imagination! I do remember Hornby train sets in the 1970s and there were some wonderful sets available. The current fayre is drab at best. No controller though when I was a child, and one year my main Christmas present was a H&M duette controller so I could go two track - all my crimbos came at once with a 2nd radius outer circuit being introduced. A good train set is how people get hooked into the hobby. I would by your 'Edwardian' along with a couple of R601s to get a station in. I would create a GWR suburban with a prairie and three Collett suburban coaches, siding & R603 long straights with a platform included. Seeing some of the insanely cheap premium Hornby locos & rolling stock available it is clear they can be produced at a reasonable cost. Cheers!
Thanks so much David - yeah a lot of their original sets were fantastic weren't they? The tri-ang ones were wonderfully varied. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
As a volunteer on a heritage railway I sometimes get to see some interesting trains. Last week we ran a photographic special of an ex-GWR prairie tank engine, two 6-wheel milk tankers and a 50ft passenger brake van, which was an interesting but plausible combination. Something similar would make an interesting train set using the BR standard Class 2MT 2-6-0 instead of the prairie and suitable for almost any region.
I like the look of the two industrial sets. I'd be tempted to include enough track for two sidings, so that the train either has somewhere to start and somewhere to go, or there is more flexibility to create a small goods yard scene. I'd probably also include some simple, printed card buildings. These could be cardboard facsimiles of other Hornby buildings, so that people can upgrade and know how much space they'll need.
I wonder if there's also an opportunity to have cross-themed sets. As well as the industrial "Milkman" having a big train set with an express loco, three more milk tanks (which were passenger-rated stock) and a passenger-style brake vehicle (either a BG or a brake second). Connect the two sidings end-to-end between the ovals, so the Ruston can drop off its two tanks and these can be added to the milk train. Or the milk train can drop off tanks for the Ruston to collect. It could be called something like "Dairy Express". You could do a similar thing with the Peckett and coal wagons, with a bigger goods loco, more wagons and a brake van.
Finally, the train sets with the pre-grouping locos and small coaches are lovely.
What a absolutely wonderful video!
Way to go.
I completely agree with you on these sets.
For my proposed set, it would be LNER/GER themed. It would be a DCC set including 2 locomotives, 2 coaches, and 3 wagons. The locomotives would be the J15, and the B12, with the coaches being LNER Teak’s, and the wagons being 2 open wagons, and a box van. I think this would be a great set for those who are serious DCC modelers, and want to try something more ambitious. The two teak’s instead of 3 I feel make sense as it will help cut down on costs. Great video as always Sam! Keep up the amazing work!
Ahh fantastic - a GER set sounds lovely indeed! Been a while since we've seen a 2 loco set, and those are awesome! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, brilliant vid! I love the wartime workhorse! The steamer looks brilliant mate!👍
These are some really great ideas, and you've inspired me and my mate to try and come up with our own ideas. I've even got a few in mind as I'm typing this. Cheers Sam!
this could mean new track mats and track/building packs which would be amazing! I hope hornby sees this and does this.
Exactly! Imagine a tiny industrial-themed track mat… maybe not even a circuit… such fun 😁
17:26 I'd definitely see myself buying the terrier train set. I love those longer 040 coaches, and they look perfect behind a terrier 060.
Some great ideas there! Hornby should offer you Simon Kohler's job!! Other train sets could be: a Hastings Express set with Schools class and Maunsell coaches; an overnight sleeper set with MK1 sleepers; a container train set with container wagons and a crane. Some cardboard building kits might add interest.
I really like this series where you create sets, please make more! Pre-Grouping is so elegant but I would love to see some diesel-era sets; they're rarely produced by the actual brands with steam or modern electric the preferred options
Hmm.... I have two ideas now; both of them are steam sets in East Anglia; the "King's Parley", consisting of a J15 and two Gresley suburban coaches operating on a 'Parley' (a local passenger train that by law has to provide very cheap tickets); and the "Daily Dropper", again consisting of a J15, but with let's say, two open trucks, a closed van and a brakevan, to represent the daily 'pick-up goods'.
Someone get this man on the phone with Hornby! We need more people like him in the model railroad companies making the trains we buy.
I need the wartime workhorse! The q1 is my favourite class of steam train!
Train Set Idea #1: The Heritage Belle
A set themed after the sort of rolling stock one is likely to see on a modern heritage railway.
Locomotive: A 4-6-0, either an LMS Black 5, SR King Arthur, or GWR Hall Class, in BR Lined livery
Rolling Stock: 2 Maunsell coaches in BR Green, BTK & TK, and 1 BR Mk.I TSO in Blood & Custard. Rarely do you see coaches in matching liveries or types on heritage railways, and I think this should be represented. I would even keep the Southern Region coaches even with a Midland or Western Region engine as heritage railways rarely have the luxury of keeping trains 100% prototypical; it's more whatever they could get their hands on. A Deluxe version of this pack might even include a Pullman or two, or even a Mk.I in Pullman livery as many heritage lines offer dining train experiences.
Included track: For the base version, the same as Sam's base 3rd Radius Oval W/ Siding. For the Deluxe version, I would include a second set of points and enough straight track to form a passing loop. This would expand the size of the layout considerably, but it would allow even more operational possibilities including simulating run-round operations.
Estimated Price: Base Version £300, Deluxe Version £350-400
Train Set Idea #2: Diesel Gala
Same idea as the above, but replace the steam engines with heritage diesels.
Locomotive: A Class 31 or 37 in BR Green
Rolling Stock: Maunsell Open Third in BR Green, BR Mk.I BCK Maroon, BR Collett 57' in BR Maroon. Once more, the random mix of region coaches, plus an addition of non-corridor stock.
Included Track: Base Sam 3rd Radius Loop w/Siding
Estimated Price: £250
Train Set Idea #3: Demonstration Goods
Ending the Heritage Railway Series, the highlight of every gala event is of course the demonstration goods train.
Locomotive: I'd have two versions, one with an ex-GWR 51xx Class Large Prairie 2-6-2t in BR Lined Green, another with ex-LNER J36 Class 0-6-0 (easily one of Hornby's finest modern models) in BR Unlined Black
Rolling Stock: Here I'd actually think a bit out of the box. 5 goods wagons + brake van, but I'd randomize the selection so that no two sets get the exact same wagons. Within some parameters, obviously; only 4-wheel wagons, at most 1 wagon from Era 6-8 if that, no niche or gimmick wagons like the Beatles or Coca Cola branded tat, specialty wagons like the Loriot machinery wagons might be possible but very rare. Basically a way to offer a variety while also clearing excess stock from the warehouse.
Included Track: Base Sam 3rd Radius w/Siding
Estimated Price: £300, a bit extra for including double the normal train set amount of wagons.
Years ago, in an electronics magazine, there was a thing for a long single track with loop at one end where train would go along straight then around loop and back down the straight. Facing opposite direction without stopping.
Decent video here Sam, I have today just got a few good locomotives to my fleet these being the new class 91 and DVT from hornby in the intercity Swallow and one of the new tool class 37s from bachmann this one being 37430 Cwmbran, both are really good models.
That sounds awesome - how are those?? :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Spot on. Certainly some very good ideas to consider. It's no secret that Hornby has consistently used older tooling in their Train Sets but as Hornby introduces new models the difference in quality has just kept widening over the years. At one time a model in a Hornby Train set probably (barring a few details) felt just as good as something in the main range since the tooling was much the same. A Class 08 in a trainset from Hornby didn't feel outdated initially but once the new retooled Class 08 in the mid 00's arrived; the difference was night and day. No doubt back in the day Hornby trainsets were more innovative too.
The western branchline. Sticking with railroad items and bringing back some old tooling. A dual train set comprising of the 14xx and autocoach, along with their 2721 pannier with either the railroad collett coaches or appropriate gwr wagons and toad. Far more interesting when having to operate 2 Locos and have the track set allow for 2 sidings. And being "duck and oliver" from thomas would surely have a big audience, just gwr has a fairly big audience, which never really seems utilised by hornby.
When I started collecting 2nd time round my first train set was a light southern pacific merchant navy class - super detailed with 3 super detailed pullmans with lit table lamps, this must have been in the naughties.
Genius, I am now retired and I had intended to try getting into model trains as a new hobby.
When I visited local,shops I was gobsmacked at the prices and lack of a proper starting point, other than what I would describe as toy quality sets.
I would certainly have been interested in the Pullman set, and I could have afforded it.
To late now unless a manufacturer has been watching.
Well done Sam.
My recommendation is to buy second hand model’s they go for better prices.
Coming from nothing to a decent sized layout I'd say it's possible if you look for stuff second hand sure it's used but it's better than buying from proper model shops as that will set you back £350 for one model train I would never willingly spend that much on a loco that I know I could buy second hand but obviously if its a rare one and I had the funds sure I would get it.
Thanks a lot for sharing! Yeah exactly - that's the idea behind these sets - they're not toys, but also not too ludicrously expensive!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Good afternoon Sam!! As I’ve probably told you before, I’m in the process of returning to the world of the digital control system. Of course, the layout is round about Dad’s Army and the locomotives Southern Railway. The exact location of Walmington-on-Sea is a small seaside village called Yealmington, which is between Brighton and Southampton, in West Sussex. I have visited Yealmington three times so far!!
This was an amazing video and I really enjoyed it. If I were to do a selection of train sets, they would probably all be Industrial sets. A W4 Peckett (Daphne) with a flatbed wagon, a 7-plank open wagon and a LB&SC four-wheel coach for a preservation era set. Another train set would be on that includes a B2 Peckett, a ballast wagon, a 5-plank open wagon and a vent van. Both of these would include two set of points and so that it would resemble an Inglenook layout but with a full loop of track on top of the yard.
That's so cool, didn't know that existed!
Hi Sam great ideas
Hornby did try something like this only a couple of years ago called the Signature Collection which contained 3rd radius oval with a siding, HM2000 controller & a Super detailed loco/rolling stock and I did get a couple of them however they were pretty boring as they only did BR themed Steam sets, o diesels or Big four sets at all. I think that's what killed that idea as the variety was poor and sometimes they'd put basic wagons in the goods sets which wasn't great. I would like to see them try it again the pre-grouping idea sounds great.
Yeah you're right - but they were boring, and too expensive as a result of using larger/pricier locos... these industrial sets could be equally premium but cheaper!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Here's my train set . Loco Terrier in LSWR livery with 3 LSWR 4 wheel coaches (with lights) . Standard oval of track with a siding long enough to take the train. I would also include the HM 6000 controller. Lights and Bluetooth kids would love it.
These are fantastic ideas. I think specifically for the more expensive train sets that might appeal to the more experienced, it would be cool to see these train sets even in train packs, without transformer or track, and have a track package with controller available separately. The only problem is that they’ll still want to charge a fortune!
Great video as always, thanks for sharing!
Especially seeing these on retail shelves. Engines alone for $200 or a cool train pack for $250-300, that would feel like a deal to the consumer and set people over the edge to decide to buy. I know it would for me!!
Hi Sam. Some Great Ideas here especially the pre-grouping and short goods sets. I love making up these "Imagination" sets too. A few thoughts... 1) Your freight sets are all made without a brake van which, given how many Hornby make, might be an oversight.
2) Price wise the Terrier one might be a tad optimistic given H want £217 for a Terrier with 3x 4 wheelers.
3) On the pre grouping ones I suggest a mix of 6 and 4 wheeled coaches as this gives more variety and potential routes for expansion.
4) I often think small/mid sized locos are the way to go (like your Q1 set) as these give a more realistic train behind the engine than the old "Big Loco and 3 coaches" formula. With that in mind some other options jump up, the 61xx Large Prairie for example. Maybe there is potential for a part 2 of this type of video? Keep up the good work 😊 Thanks, Luke.
Not sure if anyone's mentioned this as an idea - but, for a pre-grouping train, a Hornby LNER J15 (aka a GER Y14, and painted in GER blue livery - *very* eye-catching, take a look at pictures of the preserved loco at the North Norfolk Railway) along with a couple of 4/6 wheeled coaches and/or wagons.
Love the pre-grouping set Sam.I would be tempted by an LD & ECR set,though it would have to come with a set of paints to convert to Great Central,and a cardboard cut out of Bolsover tunnel which leaks water
The Milkman set is a great idea. I would give the flatbed some milk churns like you said, include a matching milk tanker, and a matching van. It would be neat to see a little platform included as some Bachmann USA sets come with a station kit as well as signs, signals, and figures.
the Miner's Marvel could potentially be an NCB set, with one wagon being in a different NCB livery from the rest (or each having a different NCB livery).
I would totally buy the South Coast Rambler!
Passenger train starter sets are my favorites, as complete passenger trains aren't as easy to assemble from separate-sale items like complete freight trains. I got a Santa Fe Super Chief set at a garage sale, and I ended up adding lights to all the cars.
I like your idea of a WWII-era train set. There were quite a few few war and military-themed train sets in America. From the Cvil War sets to more modern fictional ones with cannons and launchers. Bachmann USA still makes the Strike force set.
I do like train sets modelling preserved equipment from one site. Bachmann USA does that with their Durango and Silverton set. It would be amazing to see something like a Bluebell Railway train set.
A set I'd like to see hornby do is a freight train with a 9F and nine cars, like Bachmann's Overland Limited. Obivously that will need a larger oval and would be pretty expensive, but I've seen quite a few people start model railroading with a long freight train set.
Almost anything in under represented eras is pretty good addition.
i am sortof hoping someone will just do run of Stephenson's or Thewick locomotion vehicles to clear first generation steam because those were some crazy steamers.
There are tracks from TillIg which have dual gauge, OO(HO)/HOm(TT) and OO(HO)/ OO-9(HOe){N} and there are some track builders in the UK who will build any combo you can imagine by providing a basis or sketch.
A small end to end set would be appealing for those with very limited room, especially using the train in the first set.
Great ideas, Sam. The freight would look great with a Southern ZTO brake van added!
hi Sam, great video with some interesting ideas, I'd like to see Hornby release a small Inglenook type shunting set, something that people can play and not get bored with, an 08 shunter, a van, a few plank wagons, a tank and a brake van etc.
Great idea, an "Inglenook shunting puzzle set" could be assembled on a table and family members could compete against one another, just like we used to with board games.
Great video Sam many thanks hope your keeping well
Fantastic selections for these sets. Looks like the search for a new "Mr Hornby" only needs to look in one direction! My only comment is that the siding is a bit short for some of the bigger sets so could do with an extension. Will you be looking at some extension packs, for example some buildings to go with the era of the trains?? Great video as always.
Hi Sam some very nice combinations there, i talked about something similar in one of there videos, they brought out the rovex trains set in 2020 with a princess elizabeth and 2 period 3 coaches which were much better quality than the standard train set rolling stock, i want them to bring out a set similar to the ones they had in the 90s when i was a kid, sets used to come with coaches and wagons so you could either have 2 seperate trains or a mixed train and often came with a goods shed or loco shed to give the wagons a shunting purpose, i think that would make the sets less boring as u correctly pointed out, having a few accessories, keep up the good work. Tom
This is a great video Sam and some great ideas. Hornby seems to have lost why they do train sets. This is your first step into the hobby and they always used to be priced accordingly. I remember in the 80s you clearly were not paying for the controller or the track.
Interesting choices you have created Sam. I would definitely like see Hornby make these sets come true.
For me personally I built up my collection with hornby/Bachman train sets. I bought like 5/6 train sets and would love too see these sets in stores
Excellent video Sam, some wonderful ideas.
Fyi, tomix N has an affordable trainset. What's interesting is it's a trainset with no oval: siding and straights. Reason why I mention this is your industrial tank set could consist of the familiar 2 turnouts and a bunch of straights for an inglenook. Compact space saver, industrial themed (maybe including some cardboard cutout industrial buildings) solely for shunting, included in the instructions the inglenook puzzle.
Love the idea of the pre grouping sets.
Ironically of course in 1920 Hornby kicked off with pre grouping trainsets: only then of course they were modern image!
I think your WWII themed set is well on the mark, a variation of yours for a set might be a gunpowder van, or possibly a 17lb artillery piece instead of the Sherman (17lb is very British!)?
Don't Hornby make a WD 2-8-0 8F?
Best set for me the Edwardian, that's just a beautiful set.
Ive just posted the very same shunting idea! Just noticed your post.
Good choice, may I add some ideas to your own ? Here we are :
-A Northeastern local freight, BR4 or 5, with a K1, a van, a tank wagon and an open coal wagon, 7 planks or a 16 tons steel (don't know if Hornby has one), and a brake van;
-A School time train, with their SR school class, their SR van, and two SR coaches
-A passenger period 4 train, with the Standard 4MT, and three blood and custard Mk1
-Why not a shunter's paradise ? Let's do it with a J50, two or three assorted wagons, and a brake van, period 3 to 5
-Some diesels ? Class 31 in BR green our early railblue, and two possibilities : assorted period 5 to 6 wagons, 2/3 units and a brake van, or passenger local, brown Mk 1 coaches, or early railblue;
-Mixed traffic GWR, with a 4900 class and a mix with 2/3 GWR wagons, a GWR coach and a brake van, one toad from Oxford Rail would do the trick. The 6 wheels one is the best choice for me;
-Something interesting would be a dedicated LMS single unit wagon train, with their forthcoming Black Five, and rake of three tank, van or cattle wagons, and a brake van;
-And, final thought, a full BR freight, with three assorted BR patterns wagons period 4 or 5, a brake van and a 9F if they replace the motor with another one decent.
I base my choice on Hornby models I have, and what seems to be interesting proposals. Take your pick if you are interested !
Hi Sam!
I'm not exactly an expert in ww2 , but i know this tank fits perfectly with the train set!
This tank is an american M4 "Sherman" tank, that was widely used by all of the allied nations from world war two
The interesting thing about this train set is that it's an huge opportunity to integrate with other hornby-owned companies, such as airfix
You made some suggestions that i'd really like to see, specially the pre-grouping and ww2 train sets!
As a really out there idea, I think a OO9 Ffestiniog heritage set from PECO and Kato (the two companies collaborated with some models recently) would be pretty neat. It would feature the "Prince" model that the two companies made together (both are 0-4-0ST+T locos that inspired the creation of Duke from the Railway Series) along with a rake of four four-wheeled coaches. It would also have 1st radius curves to keep it compact, which most 009 rolling stock can handle anyway, and a station.
As an aside, there's something funny about famous Welsh locomotives being made in Japan (Kato is a Japanese company). Of course, there is a UK-themed park in Japan that has the Shuzenji Romney Railway, so I guess it isn't that odd.
Observation 1 - the WW2 themed train set lacks any form of guards a omadation! Although the lack of a guards facility is fine for private railways serving mines docks or factory sites, once out on the mainline railway a Gauard would ALLWAYS be required and as such they need something to ride in. As such I would suggest that rather than using the gangwayed luggage van (which has no guard accomadation) you would want to look at the R4535A Hornby ‘Bogie B’ van produced by Hornby which does have a guards compartment
Observation 2:- If the last pack is designed to represent a rail tour setup as seen out on the mainline then you would be better ditching one of the pullmans for a Mk1 brake coach representing the locos ‘support coach’ which accommodates members of the owning group and provides messing, a small workshop facility, a limited selection of parts hoses for linking up to road tankers at water stops etc. I would also ditch the Pullman brake coach - the only mainline registered fleet of proper Pullman’s does not feature such a vehicle and the inclusion of a Mk1 brake vehicle would technically provide somewhere for the guard to ride (even though on the real thing there are Pullman liveried Mk1s which proved such a facility)
Observation 3:- The last pack is a bad fit for a Heritage railway based theme - The Princess class loco is so large and costly to run they can only recoup the overhaul money by hauling long trains with lots of passengers - and that means doing charter work on the mainline. Yes there have been the occasional visits to Heritage Raikways but this is very much in the minority. Also the pullmans a bad choice for this theme too - not many Heritage railways have genuine 1920s /1930s Pullman cars (as opposed to nicely painted Mk1s) and as such the combination of a ‘visiting’ princess loco with pullmans is a very unlikely combination.
Observation 4:- In real life the LMS did not operate Pullman cars - and neither did the GWR with both railways preferring to build their own luxury stock. By contrast the LNER and SR were heavy users of Pullman cars so in terms of ‘fit’ the use of a LNER or SR loco would be better as then you could pitch the last set as a real historical train pack as well as a modern charter set or a heritage railway environment.
Oh yes, a set with a 48ds (48 hp Diesel Shunter) would be great. After your reviews of the 48ds I've just bought a Grant Rail livery version from TMC for under £65 (I wouldn't have paid full price as they should have included some lighting at full price). It is a fab little loco (apart from the iffy electrical connection between the loco and the wagon) really nice crawl at 7 using my HM6000 (after running in). Of course the HM6000 app works well with my ChromeBook.
I will confess that my HM6000 came with the R1271M iTraveller 6000 Train Set that I bought this year. I was looking at a tt120 set but as you can only get them direct they need to come down in price first! I wonder how many other potential buyers feel the same? Of course Hornby are missing a trick, what they could and should do is a tt120 track pack before Peco does. The longer they take the more likely people might get fed up with waiting and go down to N gauge. Of course this highlights the dangers of doing a TV series which is what got me interested in model railways again.
That tank you showed is an M4 Sherman. It was extensively used by the Americans and the British, so it’s perfect.
You seriously need to be employed by Hornby marketing. The Southern rambler and Edwardian I'd want for certain. Great ideas... I had always wanted to do an entire WW2 theme dockyard shunting layout, with military equipment on flat cars, warships and troop ships painted on the backdrop, buildings with blackout curtains and blast tape on the windows and sandbags around the entrances, military vehicles everywhere etc
Hi Sam, interesting video thanks. I certainly agree that Hornby should update their train sets so as to offer a greater variety than is available at present. Train sets are the best way for Hornby to increase their customer base and share of the market being the main way of introduction to the hobby. With train sets mainly aimed at children I feel that the inclusion of a QR code in the box linked to a Hornby RUclips video showing how the basic set could be expanded gradually into a basic layout would help maintain the interest. Having said that due to the finely detailed models these days initial parental supervision is essential. Regards Barry
Terrier usage not too much of the South Coast as per your thumbnail set, but London Suburban usage was their design task.
To quote Wikipedia:
Originally known as 'A' class, these diminutive tank locomotives were designed in 1870 to haul commuter trains on the heavily congested lines in South and South-East London. These included routes from London Bridge to both East and West Croydon, London Victoria to Sutton and the line from Victoria to London Bridge via Peckham Rye and Denmark Hill, as well as operating on the East London Railway under the Thames through the Thames Tunnel designed by Marc Isambard Brunel. Six locomotives were built for these services during 1872, and were successful thanks to their high acceleration between the closely spaced station stops and the use of lightweight trains. A further 44 were built between June 1874 and September 1880 to complement the original six.
I would hope model railways perform a usful task to educate rather than mislead about history. But others have different ideas.
An alternative to a round and round is a straight line with two run round loops (four switch tracks), In TT 12mm have you compared tracks from Hornby v Tillig v Peco v BEMO(12mm HOm) and the trackworks available?
I absolutely agree with you putting together the train sets. The first two would be beautiful train sets. The models that you are using for the third set would certainly be relevant to a Dad’s Army layout. Could you please provide some details of model numbers that I could buy?!!
Many older train sets come with lots of stuff like this wish more new ones came with more than just train and track
I do too - I've seen lots of vintage train sets that were so varied and interesting!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Excellent showreel as an application for what might still be a vacancy. Hope you’ve checked with Chloe whether she’s happy to move to Margate!
Love your suggestions though I’d like to see a set which reflected today’s railway. One of Hornby’s best models is their Class 60. Perhaps this could be matched with two or three Container wagons, which are also highly detailed, good value and colourful?
Bugger I got right excited 😂 great idea Sam 😎👍🏻
Some really smart ideas there Sam !
Thanks Michael! :D
Great idea and good set combinations, apart from the LMS princess and pullman coaches - the LMS didn't run pullman services, apart from in Scotland up to the mid 1930s with ex Caledonian Railway pullmans. So it is very unlikely that they were ever hauled by a princess.
Sam mentions it likely being set in preservation, with it as a Railtour or on a preserved line.
I think industrial train sets are a great idea, they could have a small shunter like a ruston or plymouth or bagnal, and they could have different wagons like like gondola cars, hopper cars, flatbeds, coal cars or others.
I also like the idea of a terrier and a rake of stroudly coaches.
I agree - I think the industrial ones would make a lot of sense!! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Nice idea for a video. The Sherman in your military set is very much WWII. I bought the same locomotive for Southern coaches as a troop train. I didn't realise until I saw this that Hornby made some SECR coaches.
From what I've seen they don't make SECR Coaches, but it would be neat to include them as exclusive to the set, would put 3-4 in for that reason though.
@ModelRailwayFan38 I missed the Genesis bit. I'd like some of those when they appear on the 2nd hand market. I have some grey SECR locos.
@@modelrailwaynoob I missed the genesis coaches as well, so I'm hoping they ether make more or some come up second hand, as I'd like some LBSC, SECR, LNWR and possibly some GWR. I also am looking forward to the LSWR, Midland and Caledonian ones that are coming soon.
Hornby used to make something called "Red Box" sets. One of them was the Venice Simplon Orient express with light up pullman coaches, and another was the Royal Train.
Perhaps your last set in the punch inspire them to recreate the be box sets. :)
I recall, one of the sets was a P2?
@@gamerfan8445 No, the P2 never made it into the red box trainsets. These were extremely expensive luxury sets. In the VSOE set, it came with two loops of track, a rebuilt merchant navy, three fully lit pullmen coaches, and a DCC controller. It was the last set to be produced under the Reb Box sets.
Each set was sold at RRP of over £300 in 2011-14 I think.
Great idea sam really enjoyed that would definitely love to those in production, noticed the buffer on your ruston is broken 😭
What got me hooked wasn't just the wide-eyed wonder I experienced one Christmas morning when I got my first set - a simple freight one.
No, it was the clever addition by Grandpa of an operating wagon. Sthg that I could make do things.
Even better, it was a Circus box car housing a giraffe and with careful positioning of the actuator, the giraffe wd duck down into its wagon as the train passed under a bridge.
What little kid wouldn't want sthg as magical as that?
Therefore, I'd suggest a circus train set with operating something or other.
A most enjoyable and worthwhile exercise, Sam.
Aaaaah that controller!! My eyes!! Lol 😂❤
I really like the terrier set, and if Hornby made it, I'd definitely buy it. In my opinion though, a super cool set would be "The LNER Experiment", featuring the Hush Hush with an exclusive dynomometer car, and two super detailed teaks. Another cool idea would be a super detailed Scotsman st with teaks, or perhaps a set with an LSWR M7 and some LSWR 4 & 6 wheel coaches. That's just my opinions though.