Now as much as I like Gresley’s Corridor Tenders, any engine with a Stanier Tender just looks iconic, the Black Five and the 8F are prime examples of this
Love the black five LMS locomotive!!! It was used in the railway series aka Thomas and friends for the new shape of the rebuilt green 💚 engine,#3 NWR Henry
I seriously do love the Black Five. It’s got such a lovely shape, and that belpaire firebox makes it looks so wonderful. I wish I could’ve seen it in more liveries…
Looks lovely Sam,last year i purchased a Hornby Black 5 built in 1978.It is tender driven with a Ringfield motor.It had never run,the chap who's Father owned it just displayed it,it cost me £45 i bloody love it :)
Hello Sam, I am fortunate to have the TTS sound version of this engine. It is an incredible asset to my railway! I have now had mine for two years having bought it on a trip to Sydney with my family. I have always dreamed of owning a black five, and I enjoy how she looks, perform and sounds. There is no running sessions without this engine! I highly recommend it to anybody. Kindest regards Benjamin Setter Townsville Australia.
My favourite loco! Workhorse for passenger and freight duties, in my youth. Not used to seeing the real thing in pristine condition, these busy engines usually wore their 'workclothes' when I saw them. Brings back a lot of memories every time the name 'black 5 ' is mentioned.
I have had Had a Black 5 for 40 years, which is now the railroad version. My mother bought me one about 12 or 13 years ago and it cost £80. Two years ago I bought another for £85 secondhand but barely run. I agree about the weight, that it is too light. But it was built before the advent of cast running plates. You could always do what I had to do with my Tri-ang Britannia 60 years ago, which is to add lead weight in the boiler. I also agree about the price for a 20 year old model I wouldn't pay that much for one with the level of detail within the cab. It is still a good model and the mechanism is good. Thanks for the review.
A few months back I purchased one of these I had wanted one for so long and then I found one on Amazon. At first like you I thought I was ripped off . But when I ran and put it through it’s paces like you I was impressed. Now I enjoy running it . Great video cannot wait for your next live stream.
Beautiful model Sam! These are my favorite LMS engines and Henry is my favorite tender engine! I’d say these are the most successful LMS engines! 842 is a huge amount produced and 18 is a healthy amount of preserved examples! So far only 4 of the preserved examples have yet to be restored!
Haven't watched this, but I have this loco. I love it. it's a fantastic runner and superb quality, also, I think Stanier designed the most attractive seam locos in history.
Speaking as one who does not own a model train or layout, and yet enjoys watching model train videos. Why is it that some enthusiasts will show you the realism of their layout with its station platforms and signal boxes, the level crossings and bridges, the tunnels and the village with its railway shunting yard, the green hills and the farm with the sheep and cattle in the pastures, the low stone walls and perhaps the river that flows and looks so realistic. And of course the little model people everywhere. Everywhere that is until the steam train comes down the line and there is no driver or fireman on the train's platform! Am I taking this too seriously do you think?
It does vary some modellers want extreme detail to create a realistic layout based on a railway they may have lived near when they were growing up or give a accurate look at a railway history from the early start of the railways to modern day railways. Some people will also tend to like doing the detail and landscape work of a layout compared to detailing the locomotives up. Some people just like to run trains without a lot of detail on their layouts. I would like to get my layout to a stage where it has scenery details but it won't be hugely detailed like the show layouts.
Really beautiful locomotive, I have really really really wanted a Black 5 for ages, they're just pretty expensive... It looks amazing, it's a shame that the mechanism wasn't as good as it could be... Great video Sam, stay safe and take care :)
I have a black 5 dating to 3014 with factory DCC sound. It is still the sweetest sounding steamer I’ve ever had. It does struggle with 5 coaches on my 2% grades unlike a King class which will pull 6-7 with ease. Rob
I have just bought an R3161, arrived today, second hand, so I haven't run it yet. It looks perfect. When I lived in Manchester during steam days, Manchester and Lancashire were awash with them. But we trainspotters called them "Mickeys"-for mixed traffic loco,, not black 5s. In fact I never heard the expression Black 5 in those days
Hi Sam, don’t know whether you read comments from a 3 years ago review, but here goes, I’ve just purchased one of these brand new from Hereford model centre for £153, they had 2 in stock, I loved your review 👍🏻and love the black 5, they were my dad’s favourite when he was a fireman,and now really looking forward to the locomotive arriving
This looks a great loco, perhaps the performance can overcome the let down in detail for now. I wonder if the additional weight from a cast metal running plate, or anything to make it heavier, would affect this performance (regardless of the improvement in pulling power). Hopefully there will be a new one along soon...?
I do like the Black 5 esp after seeing No 5000 up close in the National Railway Museum which looks awesome. ... I bought mine a while back when they were 'Newish' - Managed to get the NRM special edition '5000' to match.. As you say - runs like a dream. .. If I remember this was the beginning of the return to proper detail after years in the wilderness of 'toys'.
I bought this model (actually R2257) when it was first issued in 2002. It cost me £73 (£106 in 2021 prices: £128 in 2024) In the 22 years since, this model has been my absolute favourite. It still runs like you have shown in this video and believe me, it has had a LOT of use. I believe that Hornby will be releasing a new Black Five this year. It will need to be exceptional to beat this one!
Excellent and, as always, totally honest review. It's not surprising the Black 5s were so good -- Stanier trained at Swindon under the great G J Churchward, who among other notes of genius originated the taper boiler principle. Swindon only ever bothered to build one Pacific loco, because the Great Western's 4-6-0s were at least as good as other railways' 4-6-2s.
Hornby Black 5 yeah I'm generally happy with mine performance has always been good. The only issues I had with mine on 2 out of 3 of them were the cab doors in reverse on 3rd radius cures they would catch on the tender derailing it all the time if fact on my LMS one I cut off half the cab door just to solve the issue, however my newest version didn't have that problem which was weird. Thanks for the review & yeah I agree the model/tooling is getting on a bit needs updating.
Biggest advantage I can think of for compensation in the axles is for power pick up. Your contacts can't do anything if the wheel is in the air on uneven track. More important in smaller locos, without the tender but always good to see. If done well it can also help with the pulling power :) Good review, had one on my list for a while
Hi, sam. It has been quite a while since i last wrote. Very nice loco. Excellent runner; especially at crawling. I will count it in the wish list for future trips to the UK. I love this piano jazz music that you chose for introducing the video. Thank you, sam. Cheers!! Paul.
I've got the same ! One of my first UK OO engine bought after I left N gauge two and an half year ago. Mine costed 150 € from Amazon, the first one I've bought had to be replaced due to broken drivetrain... I agree with you, it's an outdated model, especially the coupling thing, but nice. Over GBP 120 RRP, it's too expensive. A correct puller for me too, with a real good Hornby drivetrain. Just add a flywheel and that would be heaven. Needs also 150 g more of weight in my opinion, but it's a decent pull-all go-everywhere engine as is.
Hi Sam. Enjoyed your review of the Black 5, they are my favourite locos of all time. I have 2 of these Black 5's dating from about 2008, they are also excellent runners. I'm currently trying to fit a Hornby TTS sound chip to one of them, but it don't have the modified tender to take the speaker.
I have a named one, in lined BR black: Ayrshire Yeomanry. Its slightly older, but the same tooling, with the DCC socket in the loco and has the old tender with the pickups and the "whisker" draw-bar under the cab. Obviously mine was under 100GBP.
Hi sam great review, really glad you featured this loco as I bought the limited edition br 45379 same overall quality issues and overpricing, did have to do some minor repairs out of the box to make it run right, but all is forgiven as it runs so beautifully 👍
Great video sam. Please could you do a review on the hornby pullman observation car. They are well worth a buy if you ask me. Keep up the great work though.
I've got BR unlined black 45455 with dome and top feed which I bought 2nd hand (without its plough included), and BR lined black 45156 Ayrshire Yeomanry with just the dome (albeit with a plain BR black tender, which I was told that if I could fix it, I could have it. I had to replace some parts like the smokebox dart and some handrail holders because they were missing, but the issue was wiring and dirty wheels/pickups). Both are earlier versions, I think both have loco mounted 8 pin sockets, also pretty sure both use the airfix-style couplings too. I was after a black 5 for ages, then two turned up on my door within about a month. Performance isn't too bad, but for any decent load I do need to double head, and then the leading loco pulls the front bogie off the trailing loco, which is annoying. I could do with a LMS/BR liveried 8f (my Stanier 8f is a LNER o6) as well as a Stanier mogul, but I've got other things on their way soon that I need to save for, plus I'm making 0 gauge progress atm (doubling the length of the garden railway, but I need more track and roofing felt, and also my local model shop (Sunderland Station Models) has 2 more 16T wagons in stock for me to buy).
I got one of these 5 or 6 years ago for around 50pounds without VAT. Always been a good runner with a nice crawl and still is to this day. It really is a shame how the manufacturers try to palm off old models at new model prices. They really should drop them down to tier 2 pricing so for Hornby they should sell around the Railroad Plus costs (I think that's what they called the "better than Railroad" ones that were not up to the top tier models) Nice review Sam 👍
LMS Black Five!! I really love the looks of the black 5. The tender design is fantastic too, and the downwards sloping boiler gives it a really cool look, especially paired with that bell-paire firebox. The detailing on the model is pretty fantastic too! Although I am not a model train expert so I can’t really render too much judgment on the model’s detail. What’s funny is that recently I’ve been researching the Ivatt 2MT (not tank engine, tender!) and the Stanier 8F! Nice little LMS coincidence! XD! I love the model, Sam, shame about the price tag. Nice video! Thanks!
So... it’s either that 0-8-0 in the background at the near beginning of the conclusion or the Great Western City Class near the end of the conclusion that’s the odd one out. My reasoning is that it’s either separated by railway company or firebox since the city was Great Western and all the locos except the 0-8-0 have Bell-Paire fireboxes.
I have had a good experience with mine. Nice running loco, you are right not the most detailed Hornby engine but is a good runner. The pricing issue seems to be getting worse. I have been able to get locomotives at good prices (running out though) but Hornby has definitely been raising prices in 2021. in the US it like anywhere from 20% to 40% for the same models as 2020.
I happened to find a limited edition gloss black second-hand Black 5, it's so nice :D The only issue I've had is a bogie wheel fell off in the box somehow when I got it!
personally one of my favorite liveries for these locomotives is the BR Black with red and white lining, additional red ribbing down the boiler and a late BR crest.
My brother brought a second hand black 5 in BR livery with extra detailing including realistic coal, weathering and added crew, unfortunately it is missing the smoke box dart and Hornby in their wisdom don't include the fine breakable detail parts on their parts lists.
Ahh fantastic Ben - pity about the smokebox dart, can you not buy replacements on Ebay? I got some once which were half decent! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam - did you actually try fittiing the front coupling, as not only is it not NEM, but I think you will find that it cannot be fitted with what comes in the box. As Black 5s did pull trains tender first (and still do on heritage lines) not being able to use a front coupling is an annoyance
Ahhhh I’m so happy you enjoy this model! I have this same model and it’s one of my favorites! I would love to see Hornby give this model the same updates they’re giving the A1/A3 locos! Now that would be awesome!
I never knew that there were 842 black 5vs wow. I love the stanier tenders because they’re easier to make LEGO train tenders out of with a power functions battery box. The details may be outdated with lightweight plastic construction but the performance is the shining star because of that 5 pole motor. Without a flywheel the crawl is still great but because of the lightweight the model version isn’t a good mix traffic hauler with that pathetic pulling power. Is the odd one out at 25:55
Hi Sam, I have one of those !Black 5s," bought in the 2010s for considerably less than you paid for yours. It's just as good a runner as yours and is my favourite loco, I love "Black 5s." Love your reviews. Other youtubers don't do reviews as "in depth" as you do. Please keep up the good work. Regards Alan.
When Henry was first built, he was actually a mix between an A1 pacific, and a C1 Atlantic. He had a hard time building up enough steam. As a result, he was given a special type of coal, which highly improved his performance. However, in 1934 he had an accident with the flying kipper, and he suffered moderate damage, so he was rebuilt into an LMS black 5, which is what he still is, to this day, working on the NWR.
I just got this myself a few weeks ago. Very impressed with it overall. Did you ever figure out a way to attach the front coupler to the loco? The screw hole has no threads. Also, did you attach the steps to the front? I'm a bit hesitant to do it in case it can't take some curves.
I got this engine a couple weeks ago as a gift and then a week later I had to take my layout off the spare bed. My family didn’t like the idea of the guest staying at a hotel close by
I have to say, my one, released a year later than this one takes off like a concorde, even when the controller is slowly increased to 50%, whilst wheel slipping everywhere (level straight track) It is smooth once it's stopped accelerating and slipping though. Love the video as always :)
Also, I have R2392 (44666, weathered) and it is a bit useless, as the linkage is so fragile it broke and the condition of the bodywork is so bad I think ill have to replace it. Turns out the triple 6 in the number caught up with it 😂 Also it uses the same tooling as yours here
:O you keep reviewing models I have. Great vid Sam. Glad to see yours performs as well as mine. They are amazing crawlers and mine has been going strong for a long time now, beautiful models. Thanks for the good vid :D
@@SamsTrains yes for sure, you didn't show it, but run her over some points and there is a chance it may derail because of the cab guards. But otherwise great performance. :)
I would advise some caution when ordering any Hornby locomotive from Amazon. I ordered the exact same locomotive as you, Sam, And I was appalled by lack of protective wrapping and not even a box. Basically, it came in the Amazon plastic bag. I was suprised that the only part that broke off was the rear brake pipe.
Wow that's shocking - thanks for the warning- no doubt I'd be sending that straight back with a snotty email if that was me! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As far as my model goes, yeah. It runs beautifully. Though, mine doesn't have a thumb mark on it, or any noticeable glue marks, so, it seems there's some inconsistencies in the assembly of the models. Fitting DCC was a bit fiddly, but not impossible. My favourite thing about it is how much poise it has, even when you put it next to other engines (I had mine between my Bachmann Compound and Hornby Edward, yesterday) and it looked amazing.
@@SamsTrains I was on to Amazon customer services right away. Took a picture of how I found it and they refused to refund it, claiming that the piece "May have been made to come off." It isn't, and we all know this, but Amazon don't hire don't hire experts in certain retail fields. I went from being "a little miffed," to swearing the roof off my flat in what felt like 0.02 seconds. There is a good ending to this story, however. About a week later, my step-dad is very skilled with glue application. And he managed to glue it back on with no excess glue marks. So, it still looks fantastic. It's my second favourite model on my layout (Behind the Peckett w4, which I bought after watching your review).
I would advise the same. I would look out for the seller Jadlam Models on Amazon as I purchased the limited edition 100 years anniversary van and they didn't send it in a plastic bag but a box with proper protection.
You know, it's basically quite clear to everyone that officially read the official 6th Railway Series book titled Henry the Green Engine in my own official story collection book where the officially well-knowingly obviously obvious illustration on page 2OO features Henry the Green Engine's own official complete rebuild from Crewe following the accidental crash with the Flying Kipper due to the weather conditions by colliding with a brake van certainly happens to basically be very shockingly surprisingly obviously based on the officially well-known L M S class 5MT Black Five steam-driven railway tender locomotive designed in the year of precisely 1934 respectfully by William Stanier himself!
Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that I seriously just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known L M S class 5MT Black Five steam-driven railway tender locomotives from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on the front of the locomotives alongside on the rear of the tender to allow 'em to pull American-origin rolling stock with ease @ no complete trouble whatsoever!
Have you seen the Bachmann Class 20 in London Transport colours? It looks beautiful. I think that it's only available from the London Transport museum, though. It's named 'Sherlock Holmes', and is a model of a real engine, which looks astonishing in dark crimson and gold.
I like the Black 5s very much. I know they were never an LNER loco, but under BR, they worked on the East Coast Main Line, particularly in the North-East. Where they serviced very well. I do own 3 of them, but they are still all in the UK in two locations. One day I will have the money for shipping them here. (This Year?) A nice review of an overpriced example which could of been a lot better with just some more attention to details. Martin. (Busy printing 3D stone built cottages in Thailand)
I was a little nervous buying this one a few months ago since it was the first loco I purchased without first watching a Sam'sTrains review on it. Even I noticed the lack in weight and quality, but it does look nice down on the track and it runs so well that I keep running it again and again.
A good decent model from one of Hornby's better time periods, I got the 1:1 collection version in Hornby's shop closing down sale last summer and quite pleased with it.
Ooh cool a black 5. Great review. I don't know why but I like the LMS lined black prefer some other liveries but I still like it. Why are prices usually high now??
That is a lovely loco Sam. I could be tempted if I find it on offer sometime. I do need a Black 5 in my collection. I have a Bachmann BR 5MT which is great but I don't think you can have a model railway without a black 5.
Wow, that crawling. I'm speechless. That's a big thumbs up. It's very close to Fleischmann prices this. Mind you, Fleischmann have all diecast chassis in one cast. Just the plastic body clicks in place over it. The same goes for Märklin for steam. Both very easy to maintain. But no way those brands can even touch that crawl. Wow! But fair enough, detailing doesn't even touch the expectation for the close to premium price.
@@atlasthenumber5msr440 As I remember he needed good Welsh steam coal! Which the Fat controller ordered specially. Maybe he was modified by Sam Ell at Swindon and given a G.W.R. Firebox it’s a thought isn’t it?
Now I really want some of these locos. The only LMS loco I have is the recent Princess Royal in BR Green "Queen Maud". Can't wait to get one of the famous Black Fives for myself...
While this is undoubtedly in need of an update it really is an absolute delight to see in action. Unless people were looking closely they'd hardly notice the models age on a massive layout but even so if Hornby insists on charging this for an old model. What might sweeten the deal is if it actually came pre-fitted with a DCC chip. Those DCC chips aren't particularly cheap.
Hi Sam for a large loco being so light I think it it done very well indeed smashing even though the price is far too high. great review once again Sam. Thank you
Love the Black 5s. The members I know are Bahamas, Galatea and Jessica. Although, in terms of this model, It’s ironic how this Black 5 is lighter than the Bachmann class 4. Different tooling, materials and mechanism, maybe.
Great review! I agree with your assessments! I couldn't stomach the RRP either, so I bought one weathered and one pristine black 5 in as new cond for £85 each as preloved items from Hattons.
Great model just a bit pricey, but great review as always - Talking of Black 5's GCR has just announced they are not willing to run the LMS back 5 - 45305 at the First Hurrah (4,5 June) Has they have found a blackbird nesting inside the cab, Bless them GCR - good call :)
Good review - I don't have a Black 5 yet, mainly because the tooling is quite old and due an update and am hoping Hornby bring out a new one in the next few years, especially for such a popular model. However I do have an LMS Royal Scot (R3517 'Seaforth highlander)' which is part of the 'Final Day' collection. I went for that instead as I like the fact it has a name plate. I believe only five Black 5's were named. It's a very similar looking loco from a 2007 tooling. This review could double for that model too, with level of detail being much the same, although it's a bit heavier at 369g. Too be honest with the black liveried locos I think you can get away with the detail level as it doesn't show up as clearly anyway.
It's a nice looking model, but definitely in need of a retool now. To me, the front end never looked quite right (I'm not sure why) and there are issues with the tender such as the fairing below the running plate which isn't there on the real thing. It is good that Hornby have the different boiler variants in their range though, which for a 20 year old model is impressive. I'd like to see Bachmann or maybe Accurascale have a go at it if Hornby don't redo it in the next few years.
Sam, you do not understand how long I have been waiting for this
haha I know - sorry it took so long! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Now as much as I like Gresley’s Corridor Tenders, any engine with a Stanier Tender just looks iconic, the Black Five and the 8F are prime examples of this
You can't not love a Black 5. I think the Hornby model is showing it's age a bit now and I wouldn't be surprised if it is on the retool hit list soon
Love the black five LMS locomotive!!! It was used in the railway series aka Thomas and friends for the new shape of the rebuilt green 💚 engine,#3 NWR Henry
Back in the day this was one of the most detailed and best performing models - it's amazing how far Hornby have come
I can definitely imagine that... their newest stuff definitely blows it out of the water!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I seriously do love the Black Five. It’s got such a lovely shape, and that belpaire firebox makes it looks so wonderful. I wish I could’ve seen it in more liveries…
The last door banged, the guard showed his green lamp, the flying kipper was ready to go!
haha love it!! :D
@@SamsTrains haha :D
@@radzieckigraczproductions3 lol i was thinking the same thing
@@cheesekay7314 lol
To my Yankee eyes this looks like a real, proper steamer--it has its valve gear where it belongs, on the outside. ;-p PS. Nice crawl!
haha yeah - it's a classic steamer isn't it? I'd agree!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Man your videos are getting me closer and closer to getting back into modeling again Sam. Any more great videos from you and that'll become reality.
Nice to see a review of Henry's basis! I've heard that Black 5s are still in working order to this day!
Thanks a lot Joshua - some of them certainly are! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There are 18 preserved and yes, most of them are in perfect working condition.
Looks lovely Sam,last year i purchased a Hornby Black 5 built in 1978.It is tender driven with a Ringfield motor.It had never run,the chap who's Father owned it just displayed it,it cost me £45 i bloody love it :)
Hello Sam, I am fortunate to have the TTS sound version of this engine. It is an incredible asset to my railway! I have now had mine for two years having bought it on a trip to Sydney with my family.
I have always dreamed of owning a black five, and I enjoy how she looks, perform and sounds. There is no running sessions without this engine!
I highly recommend it to anybody. Kindest regards Benjamin Setter Townsville Australia.
My favourite loco! Workhorse for passenger and freight duties, in my youth. Not used to seeing the real thing in pristine condition, these busy engines usually wore their 'workclothes' when I saw them. Brings back a lot of memories every time the name 'black 5 ' is mentioned.
I have had Had a Black 5 for 40 years, which is now the railroad version. My mother bought me one about 12 or 13 years ago and it cost £80. Two years ago I bought another for £85 secondhand but barely run. I agree about the weight, that it is too light. But it was built before the advent of cast running plates. You could always do what I had to do with my Tri-ang Britannia 60 years ago, which is to add lead weight in the boiler. I also agree about the price for a 20 year old model I wouldn't pay that much for one with the level of detail within the cab. It is still a good model and the mechanism is good. Thanks for the review.
A few months back I purchased one of these I had wanted one for so long and then I found one on Amazon. At first like you I thought I was ripped off . But when I ran and put it through it’s paces like you I was impressed. Now I enjoy running it . Great video cannot wait for your next live stream.
Beautiful model Sam! These are my favorite LMS engines and Henry is my favorite tender engine! I’d say these are the most successful LMS engines! 842 is a huge amount produced and 18 is a healthy amount of preserved examples! So far only 4 of the preserved examples have yet to be restored!
Thanks very much Ryno - great to hear so many have received attention!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Your welcome Sam! :)
henry: the rain will spoil my green paint and red stripes
Haven't watched this, but I have this loco. I love it. it's a fantastic runner and superb quality, also, I think Stanier designed the most attractive seam locos in history.
I 100% agree most of my locomotives are stanier engines
Speaking as one who does not own a model train or layout, and yet enjoys watching model train videos. Why is it that some enthusiasts will show you the realism of their layout with its station platforms and signal boxes, the level crossings and bridges, the tunnels and the village with its railway shunting yard, the green hills and the farm with the sheep and cattle in the pastures, the low stone walls and perhaps the river that flows and looks so realistic. And of course the little model people everywhere. Everywhere that is until the steam train comes down the line and there is no driver or fireman on the train's platform! Am I taking this too seriously do you think?
It does vary some modellers want extreme detail to create a realistic layout based on a railway they may have lived near when they were growing up or give a accurate look at a railway history from the early start of the railways to modern day railways. Some people will also tend to like doing the detail and landscape work of a layout compared to detailing the locomotives up. Some people just like to run trains without a lot of detail on their layouts. I would like to get my layout to a stage where it has scenery details but it won't be hugely detailed like the show layouts.
It was that exact 2002 Black Five that got me back in to railway modelling about 2003. An absolute beauty.
Oooh fantastic - I can see why! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Really beautiful locomotive, I have really really really wanted a Black 5 for ages, they're just pretty expensive...
It looks amazing, it's a shame that the mechanism wasn't as good as it could be...
Great video Sam, stay safe and take care :)
I love your content Sam
Ironically I’m on a train too watching this
Thank you so much!! Ahh very nice - have a safe journey! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Henry: The rain will spoil my lovely green paint with red stripes.
haha, poor Henry! :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Henry I swear to dog if you hide in your tunnel again I’ll use your smoke box as an ash tray!
I have a black 5 dating to 3014 with factory DCC sound. It is still the sweetest sounding steamer I’ve ever had. It does struggle with 5 coaches on my 2% grades unlike a King class which will pull 6-7 with ease. Rob
I have just bought an R3161, arrived today, second hand, so I haven't run it yet. It looks perfect. When I lived in Manchester during steam days, Manchester and Lancashire were awash with them. But we trainspotters called them "Mickeys"-for mixed traffic loco,, not black 5s. In fact I never heard the expression Black 5 in those days
Have you considered trying customising it into the livery of Henry the green engine?
*UnluckyTug intensifies*
@@THEDRIFTER823 Exactly
@@Ben23TheAltHero why?
Hi Sam, don’t know whether you read comments from a 3 years ago review, but here goes, I’ve just purchased one of these brand new from Hereford model centre for £153, they had 2 in stock, I loved your review 👍🏻and love the black 5, they were my dad’s favourite when he was a fireman,and now really looking forward to the locomotive arriving
This looks a great loco, perhaps the performance can overcome the let down in detail for now. I wonder if the additional weight from a cast metal running plate, or anything to make it heavier, would affect this performance (regardless of the improvement in pulling power). Hopefully there will be a new one along soon...?
I do like the Black 5 esp after seeing No 5000 up close in the National Railway Museum which looks awesome.
... I bought mine a while back when they were 'Newish' - Managed to get the NRM special edition '5000' to match..
As you say - runs like a dream.
..
If I remember this was the beginning of the return to proper detail after years in the wilderness of 'toys'.
Thanks again Sam, another great review. Have you thought about doing a blow-by-blow comparison between the Railways and Railroad versions? Thanks
The Black 5 is one gorgeous Steam Loco!
Such a beautiful engine! I love your video's Sam! They're always fun to watch
How wonderful to get a new loco that ticks so many boxes Sam with it's performance so impressive. Great review...Bob.
I bought this model (actually R2257) when it was first issued in 2002. It cost me £73 (£106 in 2021 prices: £128 in 2024) In the 22 years since, this model has been my absolute favourite. It still runs like you have shown in this video and believe me, it has had a LOT of use. I believe that Hornby will be releasing a new Black Five this year. It will need to be exceptional to beat this one!
Excellent and, as always, totally honest review.
It's not surprising the Black 5s were so good -- Stanier trained at Swindon under the great G J Churchward, who among other notes of genius originated the taper boiler principle. Swindon only ever bothered to build one Pacific loco, because the Great Western's 4-6-0s were at least as good as other railways' 4-6-2s.
Man i love the Black Five, looking so smart and elegant
Hornby Black 5 yeah I'm generally happy with mine performance has always been good. The only issues I had with mine on 2 out of 3 of them were the cab doors in reverse on 3rd radius cures they would catch on the tender derailing it all the time if fact on my LMS one I cut off half the cab door just to solve the issue, however my newest version didn't have that problem which was weird. Thanks for the review & yeah I agree the model/tooling is getting on a bit needs updating.
Biggest advantage I can think of for compensation in the axles is for power pick up. Your contacts can't do anything if the wheel is in the air on uneven track. More important in smaller locos, without the tender but always good to see. If done well it can also help with the pulling power :) Good review, had one on my list for a while
That's a good point Ricky - mind you, with pickups in the tender too, you should never see any brown-outs!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
5:00 I saw that same coupling on a yellow truck
Ooooo I love the black 5. Defo one of my all time favourites thanks for the review! Might go take a look and see how much they’re going for...
Me too mate - sure why not!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yay! You finally reviewed the hornby LMS black five!
Yeah I did - it's about time!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi, sam.
It has been quite a while since i last wrote.
Very nice loco. Excellent runner; especially at crawling.
I will count it in the wish list for future trips to the UK.
I love this piano jazz music that you chose for introducing the video. Thank you, sam. Cheers!!
Paul.
I've got the same ! One of my first UK OO engine bought after I left N gauge two and an half year ago.
Mine costed 150 € from Amazon, the first one I've bought had to be replaced due to broken drivetrain...
I agree with you, it's an outdated model, especially the coupling thing, but nice. Over GBP 120 RRP, it's too expensive. A correct puller for me too, with a real good Hornby drivetrain. Just add a flywheel and that would be heaven. Needs also 150 g more of weight in my opinion, but it's a decent pull-all go-everywhere engine as is.
Hi Sam. Enjoyed your review of the Black 5, they are my favourite locos of all time. I have 2 of these Black 5's dating from about 2008, they are also excellent runners. I'm currently trying to fit a Hornby TTS sound chip to one of them, but it don't have the modified tender to take the speaker.
I have a named one, in lined BR black: Ayrshire Yeomanry. Its slightly older, but the same tooling, with the DCC socket in the loco and has the old tender with the pickups and the "whisker" draw-bar under the cab. Obviously mine was under 100GBP.
Hi sam great review, really glad you featured this loco as I bought the limited edition br 45379 same overall quality issues and overpricing, did have to do some minor repairs out of the box to make it run right, but all is forgiven as it runs so beautifully 👍
This Hornby LMS Black Five Steam Locomotive Is Fabulous. Thanks Mate. X
Great video sam. Please could you do a review on the hornby pullman observation car. They are well worth a buy if you ask me. Keep up the great work though.
Thanks so much Ryan - I'd love to actually, I missed out on the last batch which I regret :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I've got BR unlined black 45455 with dome and top feed which I bought 2nd hand (without its plough included), and BR lined black 45156 Ayrshire Yeomanry with just the dome (albeit with a plain BR black tender, which I was told that if I could fix it, I could have it. I had to replace some parts like the smokebox dart and some handrail holders because they were missing, but the issue was wiring and dirty wheels/pickups). Both are earlier versions, I think both have loco mounted 8 pin sockets, also pretty sure both use the airfix-style couplings too. I was after a black 5 for ages, then two turned up on my door within about a month. Performance isn't too bad, but for any decent load I do need to double head, and then the leading loco pulls the front bogie off the trailing loco, which is annoying.
I could do with a LMS/BR liveried 8f (my Stanier 8f is a LNER o6) as well as a Stanier mogul, but I've got other things on their way soon that I need to save for, plus I'm making 0 gauge progress atm (doubling the length of the garden railway, but I need more track and roofing felt, and also my local model shop (Sunderland Station Models) has 2 more 16T wagons in stock for me to buy).
I got one of these 5 or 6 years ago for around 50pounds without VAT.
Always been a good runner with a nice crawl and still is to this day.
It really is a shame how the manufacturers try to palm off old models at new model prices.
They really should drop them down to tier 2 pricing so for Hornby they should sell around the Railroad Plus costs
(I think that's what they called the "better than Railroad" ones that were not up to the top tier models)
Nice review Sam 👍
LMS Black Five!! I really love the looks of the black 5. The tender design is fantastic too, and the downwards sloping boiler gives it a really cool look, especially paired with that bell-paire firebox. The detailing on the model is pretty fantastic too! Although I am not a model train expert so I can’t really render too much judgment on the model’s detail. What’s funny is that recently I’ve been researching the Ivatt 2MT (not tank engine, tender!) and the Stanier 8F! Nice little LMS coincidence! XD! I love the model, Sam, shame about the price tag. Nice video! Thanks!
So... it’s either that 0-8-0 in the background at the near beginning of the conclusion or the Great Western City Class near the end of the conclusion that’s the odd one out. My reasoning is that it’s either separated by railway company or firebox since the city was Great Western and all the locos except the 0-8-0 have Bell-Paire fireboxes.
I have had a good experience with mine. Nice running loco, you are right not the most detailed Hornby engine but is a good runner. The pricing issue seems to be getting worse. I have been able to get locomotives at good prices (running out though) but Hornby has definitely been raising prices in 2021. in the US it like anywhere from 20% to 40% for the same models as 2020.
I happened to find a limited edition gloss black second-hand Black 5, it's so nice :D
The only issue I've had is a bogie wheel fell off in the box somehow when I got it!
personally one of my favorite liveries for these locomotives is the BR Black with red and white lining, additional red ribbing down the boiler and a late BR crest.
I have two of these as backup power for Condor container train. They run really nice, but as you point out they are a bit long in the tooth.
My brother brought a second hand black 5 in BR livery with extra detailing including realistic coal, weathering and added crew, unfortunately it is missing the smoke box dart and Hornby in their wisdom don't include the fine breakable detail parts on their parts lists.
Ahh fantastic Ben - pity about the smokebox dart, can you not buy replacements on Ebay? I got some once which were half decent!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam - did you actually try fittiing the front coupling, as not only is it not NEM, but I think you will find that it cannot be fitted with what comes in the box. As Black 5s did pull trains tender first (and still do on heritage lines) not being able to use a front coupling is an annoyance
Ahhhh I’m so happy you enjoy this model! I have this same model and it’s one of my favorites! I would love to see Hornby give this model the same updates they’re giving the A1/A3 locos! Now that would be awesome!
Thanks a lot mate - yeah it's lovely isn't it? A few upgrades would be epic to see! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I never knew that there were 842 black 5vs wow. I love the stanier tenders because they’re easier to make LEGO train tenders out of with a power functions battery box.
The details may be outdated with lightweight plastic construction but the performance is the shining star because of that 5 pole motor. Without a flywheel the crawl is still great but because of the lightweight the model version isn’t a good mix traffic hauler with that pathetic pulling power. Is the odd one out at 25:55
I know - it's crazy isn't it? haha yeah - they are pretty boxy aren't they? ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, I have one of those !Black 5s," bought in the 2010s for considerably less than you paid for yours. It's just as good a runner as yours and is my favourite loco, I love "Black 5s." Love your reviews. Other youtubers don't do reviews as "in depth" as you do. Please keep up the good work. Regards Alan.
It’s the real Henry!
Yeah it is!! :D
If you paint it green, then it will be Henry.
@@EerierFish17 Yeah, and add the number 3 on the tender.
*adds them* BOOM
When Henry was first built, he was actually a mix between an A1 pacific, and a C1 Atlantic. He had a hard time building up enough steam. As a result, he was given a special type of coal, which highly improved his performance. However, in 1934 he had an accident with the flying kipper, and he suffered moderate damage, so he was rebuilt into an LMS black 5, which is what he still is, to this day, working on the NWR.
I just got this myself a few weeks ago. Very impressed with it overall. Did you ever figure out a way to attach the front coupler to the loco? The screw hole has no threads. Also, did you attach the steps to the front? I'm a bit hesitant to do it in case it can't take some curves.
I got this engine a couple weeks ago as a gift and then a week later I had to take my layout off the spare bed. My family didn’t like the idea of the guest staying at a hotel close by
I have to say, my one, released a year later than this one takes off like a concorde, even when the controller is slowly increased to 50%, whilst wheel slipping everywhere (level straight track) It is smooth once it's stopped accelerating and slipping though. Love the video as always :)
Wow that's very interesting - so maybe they changed the motor? Thanks mate, appreciate it!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Also, I have R2392 (44666, weathered) and it is a bit useless, as the linkage is so fragile it broke and the condition of the bodywork is so bad I think ill have to replace it. Turns out the triple 6 in the number caught up with it 😂
Also it uses the same tooling as yours here
Ahh sorry to hear that - yeah I have heard quite a few stories like that actually, pity about that :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I bought two Hornby Henrys 3 years ago and both had faulty coupling rods that jammed straight out of the box. GRRH
:O you keep reviewing models I have. Great vid Sam. Glad to see yours performs as well as mine. They are amazing crawlers and mine has been going strong for a long time now, beautiful models. Thanks for the good vid :D
haha fantastic! Yes the performance is really great isn't it? A lesson to other manufacturers!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains yes for sure, you didn't show it, but run her over some points and there is a chance it may derail because of the cab guards. But otherwise great performance. :)
I would advise some caution when ordering any Hornby locomotive from Amazon. I ordered the exact same locomotive as you, Sam, And I was appalled by lack of protective wrapping and not even a box. Basically, it came in the Amazon plastic bag. I was suprised that the only part that broke off was the rear brake pipe.
Wow that's shocking - thanks for the warning- no doubt I'd be sending that straight back with a snotty email if that was me!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As far as my model goes, yeah. It runs beautifully. Though, mine doesn't have a thumb mark on it, or any noticeable glue marks, so, it seems there's some inconsistencies in the assembly of the models. Fitting DCC was a bit fiddly, but not impossible. My favourite thing about it is how much poise it has, even when you put it next to other engines (I had mine between my Bachmann Compound and Hornby Edward, yesterday) and it looked amazing.
@@SamsTrains I was on to Amazon customer services right away. Took a picture of how I found it and they refused to refund it, claiming that the piece "May have been made to come off." It isn't, and we all know this, but Amazon don't hire don't hire experts in certain retail fields. I went from being "a little miffed," to swearing the roof off my flat in what felt like 0.02 seconds.
There is a good ending to this story, however. About a week later, my step-dad is very skilled with glue application. And he managed to glue it back on with no excess glue marks. So, it still looks fantastic. It's my second favourite model on my layout (Behind the Peckett w4, which I bought after watching your review).
I would advise the same. I would look out for the seller Jadlam Models on Amazon as I purchased the limited edition 100 years anniversary van and they didn't send it in a plastic bag but a box with proper protection.
Hornby, have you been taking pricing suggestions from Bachman?
You know, it's basically quite clear to everyone that officially read the official 6th Railway Series book titled Henry the Green Engine in my own official story collection book where the officially well-knowingly obviously obvious illustration on page 2OO features Henry the Green Engine's own official complete rebuild from Crewe following the accidental crash with the Flying Kipper due to the weather conditions by colliding with a brake van certainly happens to basically be very shockingly surprisingly obviously based on the officially well-known L M S class 5MT Black Five steam-driven railway tender locomotive designed in the year of precisely 1934 respectfully by William Stanier himself!
BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!
EXCELLENT WORK WITH THIS OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR SURE!
Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that I seriously just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known L M S class 5MT Black Five steam-driven railway tender locomotives from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on the front of the locomotives alongside on the rear of the tender to allow 'em to pull American-origin rolling stock with ease @ no complete trouble whatsoever!
❤
BRAVO! BRAVO!
My grandpa has had this one for a while except I'm pretty sure his is numbered 5055 from my experience it's a very nice one
Ooh fantastic - good idea to have it renumbered too, makes it unique! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I’ve got this model, it looks great and is an amazing tool for over 10 years old,
Sorry mine is 5055 r2257, still similar and nice proportioned
Yeah! I agree - aspects of it still look great today! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Have you seen the Bachmann Class 20 in London Transport colours? It looks beautiful. I think that it's only available from the London Transport museum, though. It's named 'Sherlock Holmes', and is a model of a real engine, which looks astonishing in dark crimson and gold.
I like the Black 5s very much. I know they were never an LNER loco, but under BR, they worked on the East Coast Main Line, particularly in the North-East. Where they serviced very well. I do own 3 of them, but they are still all in the UK in two locations. One day I will have the money for shipping them here. (This Year?) A nice review of an overpriced example which could of been a lot better with just some more attention to details. Martin. (Busy printing 3D stone built cottages in Thailand)
Hi Sam - Does use of "Electrical Contact Cleaner' on the motor brushes help performance ?
I was a little nervous buying this one a few months ago since it was the first loco I purchased without first watching a Sam'sTrains review on it. Even I noticed the lack in weight and quality, but it does look nice down on the track and it runs so well that I keep running it again and again.
Ahh no problem - it's not perfect, but I think I can just about give it the seal of approval! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i love the slow cruel sam
makes the loco come alive lol
thx ben :)
Me too Ben - very impressive isn't it?? :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What’s with the cow on the well-wagon behind the Stanier Coaches!?
A good decent model from one of Hornby's better time periods, I got the 1:1 collection version in Hornby's shop closing down sale last summer and quite pleased with it.
Thanks very much Rob - ooh fantastic - is that the one with the glossy finish??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam, I’d love to see a comparison of the RR black 5 and Railways Black 5. Maybe even a Silver Seal one too (if you have one). Thanks
Ooh cool a black 5. Great review. I don't know why but I like the LMS lined black prefer some other liveries but I still like it. Why are prices usually high now??
That is a lovely loco Sam. I could be tempted if I find it on offer sometime. I do need a Black 5 in my collection. I have a Bachmann BR 5MT which is great but I don't think you can have a model railway without a black 5.
Another great video from sam and i love the black fives
Thanks so much King - I do too!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I just love the black 5, it just looks amazing!
Me too - it sure does!: D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Wow, that crawling. I'm speechless. That's a big thumbs up. It's very close to Fleischmann prices this. Mind you, Fleischmann have all diecast chassis in one cast. Just the plastic body clicks in place over it. The same goes for Märklin for steam. Both very easy to maintain. But no way those brands can even touch that crawl. Wow! But fair enough, detailing doesn't even touch the expectation for the close to premium price.
Henry: i am stornger
Black five: (pulls more train)
Henry: i am a failur:[
haha! Henry is literally stronger! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains oh but when he was build he didnt work really good and no problem
@@atlasthenumber5msr440 Help! Save me! Go away! It’s okay.
lol
@@atlasthenumber5msr440 As I remember he needed good Welsh steam coal! Which the Fat controller ordered specially. Maybe he was modified by Sam Ell at Swindon and given a G.W.R. Firebox it’s a thought isn’t it?
What a nice 4-6-0. I model PRR and the G5s side by side would be an interesting comparison.
They may have built 842 of them but there were over 100 more of their distant predecessor, the LNWR DX Goods. Some of those survived to LMS days.
Now I really want some of these locos. The only LMS loco I have is the recent Princess Royal in BR Green "Queen Maud".
Can't wait to get one of the famous Black Fives for myself...
Your profile pic is so adorable
@@nicholassammons3881 Thanks. The Pokemon itself is one of my favourites.
While this is undoubtedly in need of an update it really is an absolute delight to see in action. Unless people were looking closely they'd hardly notice the models age on a massive layout but even so if Hornby insists on charging this for an old model. What might sweeten the deal is if it actually came pre-fitted with a DCC chip. Those DCC chips aren't particularly cheap.
Oh yeah no doubt - the performance takes years off the design doesn't it? ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam for a large loco being so light I think it it done very well indeed smashing even though the price is far too high. great review once again Sam. Thank you
hands down the best Mixed traffic locomotive ever built in Britain
Love the Black 5s. The members I know are Bahamas, Galatea and Jessica.
Although, in terms of this model, It’s ironic how this Black 5 is lighter than the Bachmann class 4. Different tooling, materials and mechanism, maybe.
Ahh fantastic - love that some have names too!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
A proper loco! Cheers for all the interesting videos Sam!
nice review Sam I’m a fan of these black 5s sad I don’t have a hornby one though but I’ll try to get one
Thanks a lot mate - for the right price they're decent models! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Great review! I agree with your assessments! I couldn't stomach the RRP either, so I bought one weathered and one pristine black 5 in as new cond for £85 each as preloved items from Hattons.
Interesting video Sam. A beautiful locomotive, one of STANIER'S FINEST. Thank you for the video Sam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🚄🚅
Thanks a lot Mark, I agree, and it's my pleasure! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Very happy to see a cameo from the 4mt!
Great model just a bit pricey, but great review as always - Talking of Black 5's
GCR has just announced they are not willing to run the LMS back 5 - 45305 at the First Hurrah (4,5 June) Has they have found a blackbird nesting inside the cab, Bless them GCR - good call :)
Good review - I don't have a Black 5 yet, mainly because the tooling is quite old and due an update and am hoping Hornby bring out a new one in the next few years, especially for such a popular model. However I do have an LMS Royal Scot (R3517 'Seaforth highlander)' which is part of the 'Final Day' collection. I went for that instead as I like the fact it has a name plate. I believe only five Black 5's were named.
It's a very similar looking loco from a 2007 tooling. This review could double for that model too, with level of detail being much the same, although it's a bit heavier at 369g. Too be honest with the black liveried locos I think you can get away with the detail level as it doesn't show up as clearly anyway.
It's a nice looking model, but definitely in need of a retool now. To me, the front end never looked quite right (I'm not sure why) and there are issues with the tender such as the fairing below the running plate which isn't there on the real thing. It is good that Hornby have the different boiler variants in their range though, which for a 20 year old model is impressive.
I'd like to see Bachmann or maybe Accurascale have a go at it if Hornby don't redo it in the next few years.
I agree - I'd like to see that done 100%!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)