I really love how the Merchant Navy looks. It's kind of what I'd expect a bunch of 2021 engineers and industrial designers to come up with if you held them at gunpoint and told them to build a steam engine. It just looks sleek, simple and confident without all the exposed pipes and valves of most steam engines.
Beautiful and awesome model Sam! Healthy amount preserved! Dont forget of the 5 yet to be restored, one of them is being restored to as built condition with the air smoothed casing!
I don't do model railways , although my father did hornby in the 1950's , but your comprehensive review on this locomotive is terrific . Anyone who is a model enthusiast will glean all they need from this feature.
The valve gear on these was miniaturised Walschearts driven by chains in an oil bath, designed to be low maintenance... The oil baths cracked and the chains streched, but these were the least of the problems; the oil splashing around at high speeds got into the boiler lagging (insulation) and caught fire with sparks from the brakes on more than one occasion! The wheels are the "Boxpok" design - stronger and lighter than the traditional spoked design.
Not Boxpok but BFB. From Wikipedia on Boxpok wheels : The term "Boxpok" is also sometimes used to describe the Bulleid Firth Brown (BFB) wheel in use on British railways at that time, but this is incorrect; while the BFB is similar to the Boxpok, one side of each box section is left open, so is not a true box structure unlike the Baldwin, Boxpok and Scullin drivers. The Wikipedia on bullied Firth brown wheels also points out the difference. I expect it was inspired by the Boxpok but sufficiently different to avoid the Southern paying licence fees or importing Boxpok wheels from the USA.
Hi Sam, brilliant review, it's good to hear really positive comments about a Hornby locomotive. As yourself, my favourite livery for this loco is the BR blue. Glad to see that Hornby have designed the model to the correct dimensions and not simply used a West Country with new livery and name and number like all other have done before them as you quite rightly say, the light pacific is smaller in every respect. Did you know that Bullied initially designed this loco as a 2-8-2 (presumably from his association with Sir Nigel Gresley's P's) but was voted down by the Southern Railway Board in favour of a pacific. What a shame that was, imagine this model as a Mikado. Keep up the good work with your videos.
Thanks a lot Keith - yes you're right, great to see they did start from scratch with these! I did not know these were intended to be 2-8-2s... what strange locomotives those would have been! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, yes Bullied was Gresley's assistant for a while during the development of the P1 and P2. He was convinced that a Mikado would be right for the heavy trains on the Southern after taking advice from Chapelon where, in France, dozens of 2-8-2s were in service. Bullied was offered the post of CME for the Southern Railway and decided to take it, otherwise he would have succeeded Gresley at the LNER. Instead they got Thomson, a very controversial character.
Omg what an amazing mechanism. These are my favourite locos in real life and I'm so glad that they have made an excellent job of the model. Thank you Sam for another great review
Well the chain valve gear was also in a 40 gallon oil bath which was very annoying to maintain and even dangerous at times since the locos had a chance to catch fire while on the move. Although this rarely happened.
The Hornby Merchant Navy series was introduced in 2017. There are 4 different body styles on the same running gear. The two Dublo versions coming later in the year are metal bodies on the same chassis.
While they look like Boxpok wheels, the BFB (Bullied Firth Brown) wheels were a single casting rather than fabricated from sections, so quite different in construction.
Absolutely wonderful model, now if only my layout was big enough to justify getting one! I once again wanted to thank you for getting me back into model railways, just set up my DCC set today and got to run my West Country for the first time, and it made me feel like a kid again :D
Honestly Sam, I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years and you never fail to disappoint. I can’t believe you’ve not got 100k yet! Hopefully we will have it for next video!
Ah shoot Sam! I just bought the older rebuilt Merchant Navy, and now I think it’ll need a companion in this loco! My wallet is starting to groan right about now...
Actually, there is a project going on to unrebuild a rebuilt Merchant Navy class. I don’t recall the exact locomotive, but it is one that was saved from Barry, and not a new build project (of course). It should be interesting!
Phew... I just got back from a heart wrenching finale of a show. This is just what I needed after what I just saw. Thanks Sam. You know what would’ve been cool? If a select few of these loco models be given a special mod for wheelslips lol
OK, you convinced me, mine is now on order. Let me know when they do a revised version of the West Country/Battle of Britain class and I’ll save room on the layout for one of those too.
Mine arrived on Friday and I had not had a chance to run it before this review came out. Saw this, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best! Thankfully it looks like I have a real gem... fantastic!
Hi Sam, just purchased this after reading your review, And totally agree with your assessment, Hornby really has got this right this time, my only gripe is the name plate also, why spoil it on such a small detail! Will try and get a metal / cast one. Good review. Eddie
Thanks for the review Sam, what loco! Hornby have used a similar quality of mechanism and motor used in their international ranges. I think the reason they don't have working lights is there is a general view amongst the UK manufacturers that the UK market is more price sensitive and there isn't much appetite for locos costing £250, unlike in the US or Europe where steam loco models with working lights are normal.
Triang had working lights as far back as the fifties for their transcontinental range. Sam has tested the 1958 design R159 double ended Diesel in blue and gold with lighted cab and headlight at each end. R54, R55, R155, R159, R253 and R257 from Triang all had headlights from memory. A few more also, the RDC Budd rsil car had interior lights. Helped Triang put the Liverpool Hornby company out of business.
When I was a kid I saw an OO gauge Graham Farish blue Merchant Navy in their showroom in Westbourne (Bournemouth) and have hankered after one ever since. I couldn't wait for this version to appear from Hornby and bought one of the original batch of green Hornby ones with a view to repainting it. Now I won't have to do that! It is a fabulous model . . . .
Getting back into the world of trains in general has been quite fun for me, I always liked them as a kid but just like with planes I've forums myself liking them again for the engineering and design side and not just "ooooh cool metal box with wheels" anymore
Well that was a lot of fun, Sam in his element.... Your view on the paint finish is very interesting. I am starting to paint more and more models, and at least in N gauge, gloss finishes are not common. I have heard the term “colour scaling” mentioned often, I wonder then if more shiny finishes would “look” better in 0 gauge? To my eyes at least, the finish on this loco was fine, but is that because I am looking through a screen? Of course I respect your views, if we all thought the same life would be very dull! Best as always.
Hi Sam. Many moons ago I had a large mainly Wrenn layout . Wrenn in those days were the bees knees, and living where I do the layout was B.R. Southern Region. This allowed me to aquire all their Bullied Pacific’s both un-rebuilt and re-built. Needless to say there was a blue one amongst them, which I have to admit became my favourite loco, so to see this one and all it’s attributes just amazes me. What a beauty . Sam, have you ever come across Trix Twin railways? It was these that I cut my teeth on in model railways. All the best. Mick.
Ahh fantastic Mick - I own several of the Wrenn Bullieds too, and they are absolutely amazing... worth a lot of money now too! If you still have them, take good care of them!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
This very locomotive is a gorgeous piece of kit. Please note that the real thing still runs on some heritage trains, mostly on Southern Region. The trip it does most is a run to Southampton, sometimes on the Boat Train.
Hey Sam Can't wait for my Order to turn up. Hattons have totally sold out so I hope they will get a resupply from Hornby!... Those Pony flanges are mighty in keeping the Loco on track not to mention the all electrical pickups on Tender and Loco!! Thanks again for your "warts and all" reviews you are becoming world famous for. ;-)
Oliver Bullied was a pioneer of welding railway stock as far back as his LNER days when he persuaded Gresley to allow welding on carriages. British Rail devised standard liveries for Loco's and stock from 1948 but it seems anything 8P allowed variation. They also had early experimental liveries on some locomotives so that they could judge which was best before finalising the standard liveries.
Really good detailed and informative review Sam. I have finally added one to my steam fleet. It is one of the recent releases in BR Brunswick Green with Early Crest and is named Holland America Line. All I can say is Wow what a stunner. Take care and stay safe. Best regards Gary.
Just revisiting this test as I've just purchased one from TMC - good price. Excellent report of an apparently excellent model - looking forward to receiving it. Al.
Yeah the Unrebuilt Merchant Navy was the last of Hornby Bullied Pacific’s , so it is relatively new . They had released Southern and BR green ones before , but many people have been waiting for the blue one . I think the delay is because the original factory the MN was made in closed as the the proprietor retired , so they had to find another factory to make it . So it’s at least 2 years late ! It is supposed to be the same BR blue as is on A4, A3, Duchess , Princess and King
Thanks Russell - yes I hear 2017 for these (first time around) Yes I've heard that too about the factory - understandable I suppose! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i'm very late to this, but there is a fully restored unrebuilt Merchant Navy in Peterborough :) 34081 '92 Squadron'. always lovely to see the engine making some steam in a siding when i visit
Never been a big fan of the BR express passenger blue but this loco looks stunning in it. Should look superb with a rake of Pullmans. Thanks, Sam, for giving us a great intro to this model.
I have always wanted a Bulleid pacific. I technically already have a Battle of Britain, but it is an old 1980s Hornby one that needs a replacement X03, and I have not found one yet. The 2016 Hornby Modeler's Guide discusses the development of this model, the Q6, and the B12 and I had always wondered how this turned out.
It’s a shame that there were never any of the original streamlined Merchant Navy locomotives left in main line service after their rebuilds or in preservation, but to have it in model form looks incredibly special for many model railway enthusiasts, and it’s absolutely beautiful, and probably one of my favourite locomotives along with the other Bulleid Pacific’s.
The rebuilt Merchant Navy was produced by Hornby first. The rebuilt Merchant was Hornby's change into quality produced locomotives but it was over 20 years ago. The more the detail there are connected, the more there is the probability of them becoming damaged.
I think the paint application and especially the lining is near perfect. I agree the blue would look better with a slightly higher sheen. I've got the new Hornby Dublo diecast version on order. I expect that to have the sheen you are looking for. Hopefully, someone at Hornby will have seen your comment and take note for future batches
Sam, you made me laugh - knocking off a full star on 'Detail for the 'plastic finish' and half a star on Quality for the exact same reason. - Am I being too harsh you ask? ;)
Well it wasn't just the plastic finish - it was a number of plastic details such as the pipework and safety valves etc... I do think all of this justifies knocking off 1.5/25 stars for that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Many years ago at Didcot among the Green Locomotives with their spartan OPEN cabs... There was a Westcountry. Us Staying overnight got a chance to try a bit of cabbing, You had CHAIRS!!! with padded bits. All the lighting was Electric via switches hence all the lamps in place. Unfortunately the Washing Idea did not take off as Locomotives got more oily than Coaches. Think washing your pans first then go onto Glasses. Must get one of these. D and L.
What an absolutely stunning model - thanks for sharing. Takes the flywheel debate to the extreme - too much inertia and difficult to 'crawl', but really smooth. I'm like you and really love the Bulleid pacifics - 'mixed freight / passenger' of course .... !! I suppose it's one of those models which is so good, you want etched brass / lost wax / turned brass pipes and fittings, but it would probably add quite a bit to the price. I did like seeing those cursed brake rods already fitted, and that the baseplate comes off as one with the 'plunger contact' system used. My 'waiting list' is quite large, but has me thinking!! Al.
Had to add I received a near-complete locomotive - both sides of brake rods had 3 points disconnected. I always use superglue on Bulleid brake rods - do it once ... all sorted now!
This is a very fine model Sam, it runs very well, but I think the Eggshell finish in 00 Gauge, looks about right to me...Another excellent review from you Sam....Bob
Fantastic model, Sam! Also it's funny that you mentioned the Q1 class in the beginning, since I recently ordered one off of ebay(which was quite tricky because I'm in America), as well as a Terrier off of Amazon, meaning they will be my 2nd and 3rd locos! Once again, great review!
Hi Sam, Enjoy the videos. I feel that the crawl while important for shunters, which spend most of their time at slow speeds, is less so for main line Loco’s. These of course are more likely to spend their time at higher speeds, pulling the trains that the shunters have built.
Thanks a lot Chris - yes that's fair - I only do the crawl tests for consistency, and to show the capability/quality of each mechanism! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Whilst the box says it was drawn in 2015, it's was only reliced for the first time around the time of the review, a stunning model, especially in the blue
The unrebuilt Light Pacifics were one of my favourite loco designs back when I was very young, and so I have a very soft spot for them. This model reinforces that, and I wanna get one god dammit aaargh why is it out of my price range at this time IT'S SO COOL
Thanks for the review Sam. Not normally a fan of BR blue but it definitely suits this with the red nameplates. I like the simplified valve gear and imposing large character compared to the light pacific. Fantastic to see a large flywheel and quality mechanism. As you say the finish could be a little better, though I love the cab and the fact the glazing is painted with the frame - more [all] models need this. Interested to see if the finish improves on the Hornby Dublo range. The pricing on those is somewhat questionable to say the least at over £250 without sound. You can get accurascale DDC sound locos for similar. I assume you don't have one on order due to the price and that you've gone for this.
I have to agree about the meachnism on this, I was amazed when I ran mine straight out the box. The only thing that was a let down about mine was that the whistle is missing. Didn't even know there was any detail down the chimney till this video, so I'm gunna have to revisit having a look over it. The tender's actually longer (though not by much) on this than the last two versions they did a couple years ago. They still look fantastic in the Southern green too.
Yeah very much so - they're incredible aren't they? Hmm, contact your retailer or Hornby about the missing whistle - no room for errors at this price point! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I do have to admit that separately fitted stuffs on this loco dose look impressive, i personally (as per usual) dislike its colour but the glossiness / mattness of it dose not bother me - i reckon it may be either different in person or just a personal preference. Glad to see fairly high quality levels of the model and performance, hopefully all releases and new series of older models will step up to this level to make everyone get good value.
I have the recent, original condition “Royal Mail.” The only disappointment is that the lamps do not work, that would really have been an over the top feature! One can hope for future runs. It is a very nice model, it sure looks great pulling a rake of Pullmans.
Yes that's fair - for the money, not unreasonable to expect lights these days! It sure does - I did that with mine yesterday! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Fantastic loco. The household ended up with two after the Hattons Cancellations fiasco from two other retailers. Took to the loco quite a bit so I'm buying it off my father and renaming and renumbering it to save on confusion about whose is whose loco!
It’s pretty much prototypical for this type of locomotive. Only Asiatic Line and one other had the cab tender like that model. The other one is the normal Southern Green.
well you did it I again. I just ordered the New honrby Merchant Class from Hattons. What a beautiful engine. Hope you got the pics I sent of the little river railcar.
Sam: I could count the number of locos that run better than this on my fingers. Me: *cries* Mine arrived and it is an absolutely beautiful model, but unfortunately, the motor is incredibly faulty. At slow speeds, it cogs by up to around 20 degrees which is ridiculous, especially considering the flywheel. After about a minute of running it would continuously slow down drastically until eventually it would slow to a stop, then start, then stop, then start etc on 50%. With the number of models I have, I was going to encounter such a motor at some point and am surprised it took this long. Have enquired about a replacement and can't wait for it to be sorted. Loved the video as always :)
One of these thundered past me when I was a boy. As far as I can remember, the blue livery on the model looks fine. In service, the livery faded, and got dusty, looking lighter in tone. Thanks for the video.
Lucky to get one from Hattons! By all accounts it was another hattons cockup (yet again) with pre orders (most other model shops will price match hattons anyways and actually deliver on their promise)
This will be the downside of ordering one off the major know big retailers as the manufacturers are starting to reduce the amount of models available probably due to production costs and recently due to Covid and shipping issues.
Only a Country that produced Stonehenge could breath life into such an enigmatic Locomotive, Three cheers for OB! And Three cheers for Hornby! Love the colour, love the performance and not a bad price! And Three cheers for you Sam and a spiffing review!
What a fantastic model, it's very beautiful (IMO), especially the wheels and valve gear are fantastic and I don't mind the overall looks even if they are slightly odd. An exceptional model of a great prototype.
Hi Sam. The reason this slipped under your radar is it’s a brand new release. Hornby have never modelled the original condition / unrebuilt Merchant Navy before. This model was announced in 2015 and then delayed many times before finally turning up now
The very original version was released two or three years ago . I purchased 21C1 Channel Packet R3434. This was in the short lived 1941 condition and livery.
You will be pleased to know - I am - that one of these is being 'recreated'. It's not a new build, an original rebuilt MN is being returned to it's original look. How long that will take? But I guess less than ten years? Completely agree about the paint finish by the way.
Hornby SERIOUSLY put a lot of thought in upgrading this locomotive. I agree that the finish could be better along with more metal parts, but otherwise it's a very beautiful engine. I love that blue livery, the name plates, and the details in the Bullied design of this locomotive. Beautiful locomotive, and a great review, I'll be certain to buy one when I can. :)
Very nice Sam, looks like i will have to buy this one, its a beauty, your my go to man for recomendations on what to buy and what to stay away from, thanks for the effort you go to on your videos, much appreciated, cheers Alan.
Thanks a lot Alan - sure, if you're after one, there's nothing to stop me recommending this! Really appreciate the kind words mate, Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Have got the very same loco in N Gauge, and that blue is rather dark in comparison to the farish version in the unboxing though now that I look at it in the close up, might just be the lighting. Still a lovely model and Great video as always Sam!
@@SamsTrains It's a very good runner in my experience, I've had no issues with it going around sub-radius two curves and quite heavy at 96.5g and no traction tires that I can see. Detail wise it is nearly on par with the one you've got, though the detail in the chimney isn't there, but all the Bulleid wheel detail and cab detail is there too. Main downsides I can think of is just being fiddly to place on the rails and a very slight bit of paint that has missed being on the whistle, but it's only just noticeable close up, given the size and average viewing distance you would not see it. The price is however comparable to the OO gauge one at about £130, but it is a Bachmann product after all.
Hi Sam, General Steam Navigation is being rebuilt to unrebuilt specification, so we will have one of these running again hopefully! As far as this model goes - I see they are still using the same gold paint for the nameplates that they did for the Lord Nelson class. I would have to change them out for something legible.
Hi Sam, what a lovely model is this! The finish isn't a problem for me. The only thing I would say is that the connecting wires from the loco to the tender look unrealistic, that's all. The flywheel makes all the difference, doesn't it? Seriously, I am tempted by this but must be careful with my pennies. Shall I?..........Shan't I?...........Hmm. Best, Pete.
As a non steam fan, I quite like these Southern region locos. The super slow speed crawl isn't really a big deal, you're unlikely to ever operate the loco in that way on a layout in my opinion. With a bit of weathering the paint finish would look better too - locos were never brand new looking after a day in service. More diesel reviews please Sam.
Glad to hear that Chris - no the crawl isn't important in itself, but a good one signifies a good mechanism, hence why it's important! Sure, weathering would work a charm on these! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What I like about the merchant navy class, is learning about the shipping companies they’re named after, as well as the ships that they owned, both famous and infamous.
I have a feeling the term, 'air-smoothed' casing, was more likely to have come from Southern's publicity department than from the man himself as my understanding is that Bulleid's concept for the casing was so that the loco's exhaust would be lifted to clear visibility and also that it could be cleaned using the existing carriage washings facilities. The bluff front of the unrebuilt (I love that intrinsically reduntant term...) Bullieds would mitigate against any aerodymamic benefits of air-smoothing. (cf. the fronts of A4's and Coronations)
Hi Sam, it’s truly wonderful to see such great locomotive being reviewed in such a positive way. I love the colour of it too. I was surprised that you knocked the big flywheel when you opened the locomotive up, as you are always ready to criticise locomotives for not having flywheels. Surely this is an example of exactly how to do it? Well done you for giving it such a high score. I may have to get one. Keep up the good work! Stay safe! Very best wishes, Adrian
Thanks a lot Adrian, glad you liked it - I didn't knock the flywheel, I was amazed by the size of it, and praised it immensely! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks Sam, “Ridiculously huge”, (flywheel) sounded negative to me. My apologies if I misunderstood you in this regard. Apart from that point, this was the best review I think I’ve seen you make. Well done. Best wishes, Adrian
Aaaaaaaaahhh!!! You got it!!!🤯🤯🤯🤯 I disagree I like the glossy paint job of some of Hornby models like the A3 but also i like the matted paint job as it eliminates camera glare as well as generally realistic because the loco's exhaust would have matted the paintjob with ash anyway whether if its paintjob was glossy or satin. I love the model and the middle lamp iron missing doesnt detract the beauty of this model. Great review as always😄.
One of the preserved Merchant navy’s (35011 General Steam Navigation) is planned to be restored in it’s original air smooth casing.
Hornby are making it (maybe not in the exact condition the real one will be restored as) in the new dublo range with a diecast body
This is fantastic - I hadn't put two and two together on that one... great news!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Is your profile pic at the Severn valley
I think this is one of the best models I have seen, practically perfect in every way. Can't see any negatives about it at all.
I agree Ian - it's way, way up there!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Apart from being a funny colour...
I just love that flat dark blue
It just look stunning mixed with black plating and white stripes
I really love how the Merchant Navy looks. It's kind of what I'd expect a bunch of 2021 engineers and industrial designers to come up with if you held them at gunpoint and told them to build a steam engine. It just looks sleek, simple and confident without all the exposed pipes and valves of most steam engines.
almost streamlined except its not aerodynamic but i just someone had a bigger merchant navy as a 4-8-4 northern type with a 12 axle tender
Yeah me too... and that's exactly what it's like, lol! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There will be an Unrebuilt Merchant Navy eventually. 35011 is currently being restored to as-built condition
i just wish someone had a bigger merchant navy as a 4-8-4 northern type with a 12 axle tender
That's amazing - what good news! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Beautiful and awesome model Sam! Healthy amount preserved! Dont forget of the 5 yet to be restored, one of them is being restored to as built condition with the air smoothed casing!
Thanks so much Ryno, yes very much so... that's true!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I don't do model railways , although my father did hornby in the 1950's , but your comprehensive review on this locomotive is terrific . Anyone who is a model enthusiast will glean all they need from this feature.
The valve gear on these was miniaturised Walschearts driven by chains in an oil bath, designed to be low maintenance... The oil baths cracked and the chains streched, but these were the least of the problems; the oil splashing around at high speeds got into the boiler lagging (insulation) and caught fire with sparks from the brakes on more than one occasion!
The wheels are the "Boxpok" design - stronger and lighter than the traditional spoked design.
Not Boxpok but BFB. From Wikipedia on Boxpok wheels :
The term "Boxpok" is also sometimes used to describe the Bulleid Firth Brown (BFB) wheel in use on British railways at that time, but this is incorrect; while the BFB is similar to the Boxpok, one side of each box section is left open, so is not a true box structure unlike the Baldwin, Boxpok and Scullin drivers.
The Wikipedia on bullied Firth brown wheels also points out the difference. I expect it was inspired by the Boxpok but sufficiently different to avoid the Southern paying licence fees or importing Boxpok wheels from the USA.
@@johnd8892 Similar in concept, though, right?
Hi Sam, brilliant review, it's good to hear really positive comments about a Hornby locomotive. As yourself, my favourite livery for this loco is the BR blue. Glad to see that Hornby have designed the model to the correct dimensions and not simply used a West Country with new livery and name and number like all other have done before them as you quite rightly say, the light pacific is smaller in every respect. Did you know that Bullied initially designed this loco as a 2-8-2 (presumably from his association with Sir Nigel Gresley's P's) but was voted down by the Southern Railway Board in favour of a pacific. What a shame that was, imagine this model as a Mikado. Keep up the good work with your videos.
Thanks a lot Keith - yes you're right, great to see they did start from scratch with these! I did not know these were intended to be 2-8-2s... what strange locomotives those would have been!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, yes Bullied was Gresley's assistant for a while during the development of the P1 and P2. He was convinced that a Mikado would be right for the heavy trains on the Southern after taking advice from Chapelon where, in France, dozens of 2-8-2s were in service. Bullied was offered the post of CME for the Southern Railway and decided to take it, otherwise he would have succeeded Gresley at the LNER. Instead they got Thomson, a very controversial character.
All I got to say is wow. This is why you need proper fly wheels.
I feel bad for Sam. He must toss and turn at night thinking of new adjectives to put in these titles.
lol
He needs to have a look at Cracking the Cryptic - they are experts!
Lmao
haha I certainly do, lol! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Omg what an amazing mechanism. These are my favourite locos in real life and I'm so glad that they have made an excellent job of the model. Thank you Sam for another great review
Thanks Matthew - yeah they did a really really good job of this one! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Well the chain valve gear was also in a 40 gallon oil bath which was very annoying to maintain and even dangerous at times since the locos had a chance to catch fire while on the move. Although this rarely happened.
Yes absolutely - the more you learn about that design, the crazier it seems!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Hornby Merchant Navy series was introduced in 2017. There are 4 different body styles on the same running gear. The two Dublo versions coming later in the year are metal bodies on the same chassis.
Duly noted Jack - that's about as expected then!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Pronounciation of "ASIATIC"= A-ZEE-AT-TIK 🙂
The driving wheel style is called "Boxpox". They were quite popular in America.
haha thanks for that - my bad! Thanks for the info!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
While they look like Boxpok wheels, the BFB (Bullied Firth Brown) wheels were a single casting rather than fabricated from sections, so quite different in construction.
@@jamestalbot4900
Okay I was going on looks rather than structure.
Absolutely wonderful model, now if only my layout was big enough to justify getting one! I once again wanted to thank you for getting me back into model railways, just set up my DCC set today and got to run my West Country for the first time, and it made me feel like a kid again :D
Thanks a lot mate - ahh it's a pleasure, great to hear you're getting stuck in! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Such a stunning model, golden age of steam engines.
I agree Henry, very much so!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains more navy class
Honestly Sam, I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years and you never fail to disappoint. I can’t believe you’ve not got 100k yet! Hopefully we will have it for next video!
Well he hit 100k
@@diesel10rules23 YAYYY
The cab detail is phenomenal. You can see the actual numbers on the gauges!
It actually is - stunning!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Holy cow, this might be the most impressed I've ever been by a loco you've reviewed- magnificent!
It actually is - really really good! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Ah shoot Sam! I just bought the older rebuilt Merchant Navy, and now I think it’ll need a companion in this loco! My wallet is starting to groan right about now...
haha I think so too... do it do it do it! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Actually, there is a project going on to unrebuild a rebuilt Merchant Navy class. I don’t recall the exact locomotive, but it is one that was saved from Barry, and not a new build project (of course). It should be interesting!
Oh wow really? I didn't know this - I'd love to see that! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
General Steam Navigation 35011 from memory !
Mine has just arrived after a year of shopping around. I’m absolutely speechless on how good this model is. ❤
Phew... I just got back from a heart wrenching finale of a show.
This is just what I needed after what I just saw. Thanks Sam.
You know what would’ve been cool? If a select few of these loco models be given a special mod for wheelslips lol
haha what show did you watch? That would be epic to try actually! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Did you watch Bfb?
OK, you convinced me, mine is now on order. Let me know when they do a revised version of the West Country/Battle of Britain class and I’ll save room on the layout for one of those too.
It's the kind of model I look at and think "maybe i should get back to OO gauge". It does look amazing.
haha I don't blame you.... do it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Mine arrived on Friday and I had not had a chance to run it before this review came out. Saw this, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best! Thankfully it looks like I have a real gem... fantastic!
Ooh fantastic - I think you do have a real gem, enjoy!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, just purchased this after reading your review, And totally agree with your assessment, Hornby really has got this right this time, my only gripe is the name plate also, why spoil it on such a small detail! Will try and get a metal / cast one. Good review. Eddie
That's grand to hear Edward - they sure did get this one right! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What a beautiful locomotive. Looks real good in that blue livery!
I agree with you - it totally does! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains 😊
Thanks for the review Sam, what loco! Hornby have used a similar quality of mechanism and motor used in their international ranges. I think the reason they don't have working lights is there is a general view amongst the UK manufacturers that the UK market is more price sensitive and there isn't much appetite for locos costing £250, unlike in the US or Europe where steam loco models with working lights are normal.
Triang had working lights as far back as the fifties for their transcontinental range. Sam has tested the 1958 design R159 double ended Diesel in blue and gold with lighted cab and headlight at each end. R54, R55, R155, R159, R253 and R257 from Triang all had headlights from memory. A few more also, the RDC Budd rsil car had interior lights. Helped Triang put the Liverpool Hornby company out of business.
I could have watched that flywheel in action all day. A beautiful loco that I have definitely added to my birthday shortlist!
When I was a kid I saw an OO gauge Graham Farish blue Merchant Navy in their showroom in Westbourne (Bournemouth) and have hankered after one ever since. I couldn't wait for this version to appear from Hornby and bought one of the original batch of green Hornby ones with a view to repainting it. Now I won't have to do that! It is a fabulous model . . . .
Getting back into the world of trains in general has been quite fun for me, I always liked them as a kid but just like with planes I've forums myself liking them again for the engineering and design side and not just "ooooh cool metal box with wheels" anymore
Very glad to hear that - welcome back!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Love the BR blue on this locomotive. The detail is great on this model as well
Me too Ben - it's epic isn't it? :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Ive been waiting for mine in wartime black for almost two years now!!!
I know!! Been a long time coming.. the SR black looks stunning actually!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains absolutely stunning I agree!
Great review Sam. A side by side size comparison with a West Country would have been interesting. 😉 🇦🇺
Thanks a lot Kenny - that would be good to try actually!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Well that was a lot of fun, Sam in his element....
Your view on the paint finish is very interesting. I am starting to paint more and more models, and at least in N gauge, gloss finishes are not common.
I have heard the term “colour scaling” mentioned often, I wonder then if more shiny finishes would “look” better in 0 gauge? To my eyes at least, the finish on this loco was fine, but is that because I am looking through a screen?
Of course I respect your views, if we all thought the same life would be very dull!
Best as always.
A merchant navy, absolutely love these things, may get one myself
Awesome!! I'd go for it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam. Many moons ago I had a large mainly Wrenn layout . Wrenn in those days were the bees knees, and living where I do the layout was B.R. Southern Region. This allowed me to aquire all their Bullied Pacific’s both un-rebuilt and re-built. Needless to say there was a blue one amongst them, which I have to admit became my favourite loco, so to see this one and all it’s attributes just amazes me. What a beauty .
Sam, have you ever come across Trix Twin railways? It was these that I cut my teeth on in model railways. All the best. Mick.
The Wrenn bullieds would have to be worth a small fortune now if had kept them, especially the air smoothed versions.
Ahh fantastic Mick - I own several of the Wrenn Bullieds too, and they are absolutely amazing... worth a lot of money now too! If you still have them, take good care of them!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
This very locomotive is a gorgeous piece of kit. Please note that the real thing still runs on some heritage trains, mostly on Southern Region. The trip it does most is a run to Southampton, sometimes on the Boat Train.
That colour looks great on that locomotive, hope your keeping well Sam great video as always
Thanks a lot Harry, I agree - hope you're doing well too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thats a beautiful runner, i think the benchmark has been set for performance, meet it or fail from now on
Thanks a lot Ian - I think this too!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam
Can't wait for my Order to turn up. Hattons have totally sold out so I hope they will get a resupply from Hornby!... Those Pony flanges are mighty in keeping the Loco on track not to mention the all electrical pickups on Tender and Loco!! Thanks again for your "warts and all" reviews you are becoming world famous for. ;-)
Thanks mate - hope you can get one soon! Appreciate it mate, that's very kind of you,
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Very impressed they are an unusual looking locomotive just something about them
I agree - love locos like this! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Oliver Bullied was a pioneer of welding railway stock as far back as his LNER days when he persuaded Gresley to allow welding on carriages. British Rail devised standard liveries for Loco's and stock from 1948 but it seems anything 8P allowed variation. They also had early experimental liveries on some locomotives so that they could judge which was best before finalising the standard liveries.
Thanks a lot for sharing - it sure does sound that way!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
IM GETTING MINE NEXT WEEK!!!
I’m very excited I’ve been waiting for this for 3 years!!
Amazing!! Really hope you enjoy it mate!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Really good detailed and informative review Sam. I have finally added one to my steam fleet. It is one of the recent releases in BR Brunswick Green with Early Crest and is named Holland America Line. All I can say is Wow what a stunner. Take care and stay safe. Best regards Gary.
Just revisiting this test as I've just purchased one from TMC - good price.
Excellent report of an apparently excellent model - looking forward to receiving it.
Al.
Yeah the Unrebuilt Merchant Navy was the last of Hornby Bullied Pacific’s , so it is relatively new . They had released Southern and BR green ones before , but many people have been waiting for the blue one . I think the delay is because the original factory the MN was made in closed as the the proprietor retired , so they had to find another factory to make it . So it’s at least 2 years late ! It is supposed to be the same BR blue as is on A4, A3, Duchess , Princess and King
Thanks Russell - yes I hear 2017 for these (first time around) Yes I've heard that too about the factory - understandable I suppose!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i'm very late to this, but there is a fully restored unrebuilt Merchant Navy in Peterborough :) 34081 '92 Squadron'. always lovely to see the engine making some steam in a siding when i visit
Never been a big fan of the BR express passenger blue but this loco looks stunning in it. Should look superb with a rake of Pullmans.
Thanks, Sam, for giving us a great intro to this model.
That's fair enough Dave - yes it certainly would do! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have always wanted a Bulleid pacific. I technically already have a Battle of Britain, but it is an old 1980s Hornby one that needs a replacement X03, and I have not found one yet. The 2016 Hornby Modeler's Guide discusses the development of this model, the Q6, and the B12 and I had always wondered how this turned out.
It’s a shame that there were never any of the original streamlined Merchant Navy locomotives left in main line service after their rebuilds or in preservation, but to have it in model form looks incredibly special for many model railway enthusiasts, and it’s absolutely beautiful, and probably one of my favourite locomotives along with the other Bulleid Pacific’s.
The rebuilt Merchant Navy was produced by Hornby first. The rebuilt Merchant was Hornby's change into quality produced locomotives but it was over 20 years ago. The more the detail there are connected, the more there is the probability of them becoming damaged.
I made the Playtrains print and stick container downloaded from Hornby's website and it actually doesn't look too bad.
I think the paint application and especially the lining is near perfect. I agree the blue would look better with a slightly higher sheen. I've got the new Hornby Dublo diecast version on order. I expect that to have the sheen you are looking for. Hopefully, someone at Hornby will have seen your comment and take note for future batches
Sam, you made me laugh - knocking off a full star on 'Detail for the 'plastic finish' and half a star on Quality for the exact same reason. - Am I being too harsh you ask? ;)
Well it wasn't just the plastic finish - it was a number of plastic details such as the pipework and safety valves etc... I do think all of this justifies knocking off 1.5/25 stars for that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains LOL
Many years ago at Didcot among the Green Locomotives with their spartan OPEN cabs... There was a Westcountry. Us Staying overnight got a chance to try a bit of cabbing, You had CHAIRS!!! with padded bits. All the lighting was Electric via switches hence all the lamps in place. Unfortunately the Washing Idea did not take off as Locomotives got more oily than Coaches. Think washing your pans first then go onto Glasses. Must get one of these. D and L.
That sounds very interesting - wish I could have seen that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What an absolutely stunning model - thanks for sharing.
Takes the flywheel debate to the extreme - too much inertia and difficult to 'crawl', but really smooth.
I'm like you and really love the Bulleid pacifics - 'mixed freight / passenger' of course .... !!
I suppose it's one of those models which is so good, you want etched brass / lost wax / turned brass pipes and fittings, but it would probably add quite a bit to the price.
I did like seeing those cursed brake rods already fitted, and that the baseplate comes off as one with the 'plunger contact' system used.
My 'waiting list' is quite large, but has me thinking!!
Al.
Had to add I received a near-complete locomotive - both sides of brake rods had 3 points disconnected. I always use superglue on Bulleid brake rods - do it once ... all sorted now!
This is a very fine model Sam, it runs very well, but I think the Eggshell finish in 00 Gauge, looks about right to me...Another excellent review from you Sam....Bob
Thanks a lot for sharing Bob, appreciate it!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Fantastic model, Sam!
Also it's funny that you mentioned the Q1 class in the beginning, since I recently ordered one off of ebay(which was quite tricky because I'm in America), as well as a Terrier off of Amazon, meaning they will be my 2nd and 3rd locos!
Once again, great review!
Thanks a lot mate - ahh fantastic, they're amazing models, hope you enjoy! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, Enjoy the videos. I feel that the crawl while important for shunters, which spend most of their time at slow speeds, is less so for main line Loco’s. These of course are more likely to spend their time at higher speeds, pulling the trains that the shunters have built.
Thanks a lot Chris - yes that's fair - I only do the crawl tests for consistency, and to show the capability/quality of each mechanism!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Dang, I've always wanted one of these, I'll get one eventually..
Great video, stay safe and take care :)
I got one! I got the Southern Black 21C7 a couple months ago!
Whilst the box says it was drawn in 2015, it's was only reliced for the first time around the time of the review, a stunning model, especially in the blue
The unrebuilt Light Pacifics were one of my favourite loco designs back when I was very young, and so I have a very soft spot for them. This model reinforces that, and I wanna get one god dammit aaargh why is it out of my price range at this time IT'S SO COOL
Great to hear that dude, I can definitely see why! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What a brilliant model, I’m surprised you don’t remember them being released. I thought they were quite popular, still a good looking engine.
Yeah I'm surprised too... can't understand how I managed to miss them?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Merchant Navy class looks beautiful in any livery! Black, Red, Blue, you name it.
It sure does actually - good point!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks for the review Sam. Not normally a fan of BR blue but it definitely suits this with the red nameplates. I like the simplified valve gear and imposing large character compared to the light pacific. Fantastic to see a large flywheel and quality mechanism. As you say the finish could be a little better, though I love the cab and the fact the glazing is painted with the frame - more [all] models need this.
Interested to see if the finish improves on the Hornby Dublo range. The pricing on those is somewhat questionable to say the least at over £250 without sound. You can get accurascale DDC sound locos for similar. I assume you don't have one on order due to the price and that you've gone for this.
Wooo! That model looks fantastic, thanks for bringing us a new video Sam!
Thanks Sushi, it's a pleasure! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have to agree about the meachnism on this, I was amazed when I ran mine straight out the box.
The only thing that was a let down about mine was that the whistle is missing. Didn't even know there was any detail down the chimney till this video, so I'm gunna have to revisit having a look over it.
The tender's actually longer (though not by much) on this than the last two versions they did a couple years ago. They still look fantastic in the Southern green too.
Yeah very much so - they're incredible aren't they? Hmm, contact your retailer or Hornby about the missing whistle - no room for errors at this price point!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I do have to admit that separately fitted stuffs on this loco dose look impressive, i personally (as per usual) dislike its colour but the glossiness / mattness of it dose not bother me - i reckon it may be either different in person or just a personal preference.
Glad to see fairly high quality levels of the model and performance, hopefully all releases and new series of older models will step up to this level to make everyone get good value.
Such a stunning loco! The BR Blue really suits it. Great video as always! 😁
Thanks mate - yeah I agree, it sure does suit this!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Imagine if it was yellow call cough Rebekah cough cough
It’s actually called express passenger blue
I have the recent, original condition “Royal Mail.” The only disappointment is that the lamps do not work, that would really have been an over the top feature! One can hope for future runs.
It is a very nice model, it sure looks great pulling a rake of Pullmans.
Yes that's fair - for the money, not unreasonable to expect lights these days! It sure does - I did that with mine yesterday!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Fantastic loco. The household ended up with two after the Hattons Cancellations fiasco from two other retailers. Took to the loco quite a bit so I'm buying it off my father and renaming and renumbering it to save on confusion about whose is whose loco!
Ahh very cool - glad it worked out right then!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It’s pretty much prototypical for this type of locomotive. Only Asiatic Line and one other had the cab tender like that model. The other one is the normal Southern Green.
well you did it I again. I just ordered the New honrby Merchant Class from Hattons. What a beautiful engine. Hope you got the pics I sent of the little river railcar.
haha amazing George - I really hope you enjoy yours, I assure you this is a good one! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam. you could make an update video showing how satin clearcoat sprayed on improves the models look.
Sam: I could count the number of locos that run better than this on my fingers.
Me: *cries*
Mine arrived and it is an absolutely beautiful model, but unfortunately, the motor is incredibly faulty. At slow speeds, it cogs by up to around 20 degrees which is ridiculous, especially considering the flywheel. After about a minute of running it would continuously slow down drastically until eventually it would slow to a stop, then start, then stop, then start etc on 50%. With the number of models I have, I was going to encounter such a motor at some point and am surprised it took this long. Have enquired about a replacement and can't wait for it to be sorted. Loved the video as always :)
I first read about this in around 2016/7 in Hornby Magizen it's so cool that the MN has got on self's!
Fantastic - yes that's around the time when they were first released - good stuff!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
One of these thundered past me when I was a boy. As far as I can remember, the blue livery on the model looks fine. In service, the livery faded, and got dusty, looking lighter in tone. Thanks for the video.
Blimey Malcolm - not something you'd forget easily then! Yes I hear the BR blue wasn't a great success in real life!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Lucky to get one from Hattons! By all accounts it was another hattons cockup (yet again) with pre orders (most other model shops will price match hattons anyways and actually deliver on their promise)
This will be the downside of ordering one off the major know big retailers as the manufacturers are starting to reduce the amount of models available probably due to production costs and recently due to Covid and shipping issues.
Thanks for the comment Peter - doesn't sound like this was Hatton's fault from what I can gather!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Only a Country that produced Stonehenge could breath life into such an enigmatic Locomotive, Three cheers for OB! And Three cheers for Hornby! Love the colour, love the performance and not a bad price! And Three cheers for you Sam and a spiffing review!
haha I agree with you - wonderful locomotives! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What a fantastic model, it's very beautiful (IMO), especially the wheels and valve gear are fantastic and I don't mind the overall looks even if they are slightly odd.
An exceptional model of a great prototype.
I agree with you! Yeah I'm a big fan of Bullied's wheels too!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
This is a beautiful loco. Thank you for persuading me to get mine. Couldn’t find a blue one, but the BR Green one looks just as beautiful!
Hi Sam. The reason this slipped under your radar is it’s a brand new release. Hornby have never modelled the original condition / unrebuilt Merchant Navy before. This model was announced in 2015 and then delayed many times before finally turning up now
The very original version was released two or three years ago . I purchased 21C1 Channel Packet R3434. This was in the short lived 1941 condition and livery.
You will be pleased to know - I am - that one of these is being 'recreated'. It's not a new build, an original rebuilt MN is being returned to it's original look. How long that will take? But I guess less than ten years?
Completely agree about the paint finish by the way.
Hornby SERIOUSLY put a lot of thought in upgrading this locomotive. I agree that the finish could be better along with more metal parts, but otherwise it's a very beautiful engine. I love that blue livery, the name plates, and the details in the Bullied design of this locomotive.
Beautiful locomotive, and a great review, I'll be certain to buy one when I can. :)
They sure did - it's a huge step up from their Light Pacific - amazing!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Very nice Sam, looks like i will have to buy this one, its a beauty, your my go to man for recomendations on what to buy and what to stay away from, thanks for the effort you go to on your videos, much appreciated, cheers Alan.
Thanks a lot Alan - sure, if you're after one, there's nothing to stop me recommending this! Really appreciate the kind words mate,
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The southern “Merchant Navy” class are quite strange looking, but they are still very powerful. Most locomotives look amazing in early BR Blue
Have got the very same loco in N Gauge, and that blue is rather dark in comparison to the farish version in the unboxing though now that I look at it in the close up, might just be the lighting.
Still a lovely model and Great video as always Sam!
Very interesting - I have 0 experience of the N gauge ones - are they any good then?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It's a very good runner in my experience, I've had no issues with it going around sub-radius two curves and quite heavy at 96.5g and no traction tires that I can see.
Detail wise it is nearly on par with the one you've got, though the detail in the chimney isn't there, but all the Bulleid wheel detail and cab detail is there too.
Main downsides I can think of is just being fiddly to place on the rails and a very slight bit of paint that has missed being on the whistle, but it's only just noticeable close up, given the size and average viewing distance you would not see it.
The price is however comparable to the OO gauge one at about £130, but it is a Bachmann product after all.
Hi Sam,
General Steam Navigation is being rebuilt to unrebuilt specification, so we will have one of these running again hopefully!
As far as this model goes - I see they are still using the same gold paint for the nameplates that they did for the Lord Nelson class. I would have to change them out for something legible.
That's fantastic news - I'd totally love to go and see that! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Just bought this after watching your review, top notch loco cheers for the heads up 😀
Hi Sam, what a lovely model is this! The finish isn't a problem for me. The only thing I would say is that the connecting wires from the loco to the tender look unrealistic, that's all. The flywheel makes all the difference, doesn't it? Seriously, I am tempted by this but must be careful with my pennies. Shall I?..........Shan't I?...........Hmm.
Best, Pete.
As a non steam fan, I quite like these Southern region locos. The super slow speed crawl isn't really a big deal, you're unlikely to ever operate the loco in that way on a layout in my opinion. With a bit of weathering the paint finish would look better too - locos were never brand new looking after a day in service. More diesel reviews please Sam.
Glad to hear that Chris - no the crawl isn't important in itself, but a good one signifies a good mechanism, hence why it's important! Sure, weathering would work a charm on these!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What I like about the merchant navy class, is learning about the shipping companies they’re named after, as well as the ships that they owned, both famous and infamous.
Yeah that's true actually - I love locos with interesting names!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have a feeling the term, 'air-smoothed' casing, was more likely to have come from Southern's publicity department than from the man himself as my understanding is that Bulleid's concept for the casing was so that the loco's exhaust would be lifted to clear visibility and also that it could be cleaned using the existing carriage washings facilities. The bluff front of the unrebuilt (I love that intrinsically reduntant term...) Bullieds would mitigate against any aerodymamic benefits of air-smoothing. (cf. the fronts of A4's and Coronations)
Thanks very much for sharing - that's a very interesting thought!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, it’s truly wonderful to see such great locomotive being reviewed in such a positive way. I love the colour of it too. I was surprised that you knocked the big flywheel when you opened the locomotive up, as you are always ready to criticise locomotives for not having flywheels. Surely this is an example of exactly how to do it? Well done you for giving it such a high score. I may have to get one. Keep up the good work! Stay safe! Very best wishes, Adrian
Thanks a lot Adrian, glad you liked it - I didn't knock the flywheel, I was amazed by the size of it, and praised it immensely!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks Sam, “Ridiculously huge”, (flywheel) sounded negative to me. My apologies if I misunderstood you in this regard. Apart from that point, this was the best review I think I’ve seen you make. Well done. Best wishes, Adrian
I wonder what a British made Big Boy locomotive 4-8-8-4 would look like? A extended A3 or a longer 9F?
One cool looking locomotive in real life and as a model, and I agree with your score. Now I have to check my billfold to see if I could afford one.
Thanks a lot Peter - haha yeah that's the trouble isn't it?? :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Aaaaaaaaahhh!!! You got it!!!🤯🤯🤯🤯 I disagree I like the glossy paint job of some of Hornby models like the A3 but also i like the matted paint job as it eliminates camera glare as well as generally realistic because the loco's exhaust would have matted the paintjob with ash anyway whether if its paintjob was glossy or satin. I love the model and the middle lamp iron missing doesnt detract the beauty of this model.
Great review as always😄.