I have said several times! Model manufacturers should do a custom section for some of their models! We don't want steam punk but we want to name our own locos select a unique livery!
Well if you use the existing tooling for locos and tenders. You could swap locos and tenders around and paint it all different, etc. kinda like Hornby gets a bare body in and they do the painting, lining, etc will be done locally in England. Sort of like Ruff cars and maybe like BMW custom executive line where it goes on a special line in the factory
I still can't believe that Hornby seriously thought they could get away with doing their own Titfield Thunderbolt models, and the fact that they're still going to release a normal Lion tells me that they're still a bit salty and jealous that they weren't the ones who got the rights from StudioCanal. Where did Hornby go wrong? It'd be fascinating to know how all this mess (and their arrogance) started. The way they treat their retailers, customers and fans is just disgraceful and unforgivable.
haha yeah - it was so clear right from the start that they had no right to do it... it's an insight into how utterly clueless Hornby can be about basic things. I'd love to know how it happened too! Obviously it isn't Hornby's decision to create Lion that's the problem (even though it's a poor idea, and more than likely motivated by Rapido's), it was them using IP that doesn't belong to them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nah, they were aware of the copyright issue before. What they were doing is what they did to Cavalex on the 91. Announce early and put the smaller manufacturer off. Whether they expected they could go along to StudioCanal and make a better offer for the rights of anybody's guess. Rapido will still need to partly recoup development costs from producing other Lion models, with Hornby out there it may put Rapido's calculations in doubt and screw them over. This is about Hornby keeping other manufacturers from getting too big and competing with them. I know they say never ascribe to malice that which can be explained by incompetence. In this case I think Hornby are cold and calculating.
I've said it on their twitter and i'll say it again "You know for a company who's name is literally 1 letter off from the word "Horny" they really can be kind of a turnoff."
If Hornby wanna be taken seriously, they’re gonna need to REALLY pull their act together. One thing I’d suggest hat would improve their PR are the Talyllyn engines in 009, as the closest thing we got (that I know of) are the Bachmann Skarloey fleet. Would be cool to see. Also the GT3 is coming back! Awesome!
Absolutely David - it's going to take a lot of work on their part if they're ever to be taken seriously... most people see them as the laughing stock they've become now! And that would be great - 009 is awesome :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Outside their brand Hornby, they have finally succeeded to deliver, one year late, the Rivarossi Gr. 835, I've just received mine this morning. The DB BR 56 from Rivarossi is announced for end 2023/beginning 2024. So, Q2 or Q3 2025 if the actual trend of the Hornby group is followed. I agree, when you see the overall botched job they do with the Hornby brand (have not seen that on Rivarossi and Arnold, the two other brands of the Hornby group I buy), it's clearly a joke. Bachmann is pricey, with some old overpriced outdated designs reissued (interesting in 1 or 2 years when discounted below GBP 100 due to disastrous sales, got my eyes on the small prairie for instance), but they don't splosh paint all over their models, glue the details with brick mortar or have motors that don't work properly, if they work at all...
I'd love to see the Talyllyn fleet, but I could also see Hornby ruining their press further by selling the Talyllyn locos without giving any of the money to the railway or giving them a deal to sell the models in their shop, and thus riling folks up further.
One of the advantages of Rapido's Lion/Thunderbolt, is that it will have a nem coupling which means it won't be confined to hauling specialised and expensive wagons. Mine will probably haul short coal trains and hornby 4 and six wheeled coaches from the later Victorian Age. My railway and my imagination can answer why. What if she had been preserved and used for special occasions earlier or what if she had been sold to a different concern in the 1870s?
Totally agree with you as most people used nem coupling means you can put the train and rolling stock with ton of train. Plus the inside of the train and coaches look amazing. Can't wait to get my one.
Marklin did one of their early locomotives in both a NEM version (with normal buffers) and one with the original fittings. Which is historically correct as that one was converted to modern couplers
@@CymruJedi biggest mistake Hornby have ever done. They literally dug their own grave by hiring Simon back. The man is rude, a liar and is more interested in promoting himself rather than the products. Honestly, Hornby are finished and its his fault!
It's hard to say who's making the bad decisions at Hornby - there's a huge team of people behind all of their products... cock-ups like this are a collective failure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It is regrettable to see how badly Hornby are managing themselves. I love a lot of their products but I'm not at all impressed with their management and marketing team and their business plans. While they do have the right to make Lion (as long it's not got the Titfield Thunderbolt marketing), releasing it at around the same time as Rapido's is just not a good look. Hornby could have avoided the whole fiasco altogether if they actually made something unique that nobody else was doing - like maybe introducing a new 00/OO9 Narrow gauge range or maybe Iron Duke - maybe doing something like this will help to rebuild their image somewhat, but ultimately I have a feeling the current management is too busy focusing on short-term gains rather than innovation or inspiration. As regards to the stock issues - it would be so much better if Hornby just simply communicated to everyone as to why they are cutting stocks on retailers rather than just leaving people guessing. Even if it turned out it was something like supply issues that is causing the cutbacks - you know they could always tell us - sure people will be disappointed but at least we are not being left wondering in the dark.
Regrettable indeed! Yes the way they're operating at the moment is shocking - upsetting people left, right and centre... the opposite of what they're supposed to be doing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks for the update Sam! Good to see there are multiple companies producing good model rail stuff, bad to see Hornby deteriorates even further... You summed it up very well and diplomatic, haha!
It is so good to see other companies filling the void that Hornby used to fill - safe to say the hobby will be fine without them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
If a company states in writing that they'll provide retailers with XYZ items, but then to say they won't, that to me is a breach of contract. Maybe more retailers should be putting more pressure on that company.
Hornby SHOULD be boycotted!!!!!! They are bringing shame to our hobby! Simon should be removed!! He is destorying Hornby and is out right lying and is very rude to Hornby customers!!!!
I have cancelled about £4500 of orders with them over the last 2 years. HST and class 800 sets cancelled as well as not a single steam engine bought from them. I think they are a disgrace and you cannot run a business like this. They are bullying their customers.
@@maringarvanovic8011 I feel for you. I did the same. Although my preorders were not in the thousands 😂 I have nothing against Hornby as a brand. But Hornby is being seriously mismanaged. I mean who in their right mind would want to buy from a company that treats breach of copyright like a joke??? I have met Simon and all I can say is that he is rude, condescending and more interested in talking about how he saved Hornby (which isn’t even true!).
I think it speaks volumes when I saw Hornby in 2019 at Ally Pally and people were welcoming Simon back and shaking his hand. I predicted that they would need security the next time they went to a show. What happened this year?. They didn't even turn up!.
@@maringarvanovic8011 lets be honest,at this stage its a good thing they didn’t show up, cause nothing they made passed 2012 is worth spending money on 😂
Something you didn’t mention that Rapido has over Hornby with their Lion is that you can buy the locomotive individually at a significantly lower price
Good to see hornby caught doing these shady moves to make more money, maybe they’ll actually start making some good model choices when it comes to the price and quality along with how they treat their customers
It is good to see them publicly humiliated like this - I hope it makes them think twice in the future, and hopefully it's shown them that they're not invincible, and they can't just do what they like! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Any investor with a financial stake in Hornby must be at their wits end. Their management seem hell bent on the absolute destruction of customer loyalty and brand value through their illegal use of copyright material, dishonest and misleading product advertising and price gouging. Heads need to roll or Hornby will be a part of this country’s history before long.
Oh very much so - just take a look at the Hornby share price... lol! It's been made very clear to Hornby that this sort of practice just isn't cricket... and they've continued regardless... not much hope of them fixing things is there? :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It hurts seeing Hornby become so blatantly scummy like this. Defend pricing if you like, but everything else they’ve been doing is so monumentally stupid, and could be easily avoided, but no, they’re Hornby! They can do what they want, cause they’re Hornby, right? We can rush a lion to production because another company is making one, but locos we announced years ago are still months if not years away… why would they focus time finishing those when there’s pesky other manufacturers we can go after! I wonder if Hornby know what they are doing is scummy, or are they just ludicrously naive?
Exactly! I'm still waiting for their Standard 2MT, announced January 2020 and expected for the December, a year and a half later they still aren't here!
@@lukeslocomotives looked on the website, they are listed as not due until autumn… next year. Have they even shown off a sample yet? Oh, and a lot of Hornby’s range for this year has silently been pushed to next year. Good to see where their priorities are, I guess
Wow honestly I'm impressed with Horby's ability to stick to their guns and try and force higher prices, break laws and generally ignore the distinct disappointment from the customer. Either they're oblivious or extremely determined to ruin themselves or the hobby if they can. Not that I would be buying many European models living in the states but I am most certainly avoiding Hornby until something changes. This behavior is deserving of nothing less
They're suffering from short-termist thinking... Hornby were losing money hand over fist; since they've banged their prices up & started treating their customers and retailers like idiots, they've restored profitability to the company.... but at what cost? The name "Hornby" has huge good-will within the UK, due to it's long history - but they've always struggled to maintain profits - hence being sold & resold many times. The current owners are clearly willing to cash in all that good will (which, once gone, will be gone forever) for a few short years of profits; then they'll either try to sell the brand again, or it'll just whither and die. Which would be sad - only those who remember the name but aren't involved in the hobby will mourn their passing.
You know, I love Hornby, they have provided my best loved and fun products for years in the past, but in the last year or so, things seem to be going off the rails a bit in terms of quality issues, poor customer care and of course, tremendous price hikes. It makes me wonder if this is the result of a new cut-throat business model. which, for a hobby company, will easily annoy their customers, who in the main develop a deep sentimental connection to their hobbies and the suppliers they deal with. Like all relationships in which emotion plays a big part, there is a fine line between love and hate, and Hornby should remember that (to paraphrase) "hell hat no fury like a modeller scorned."
Having the inspired by thing probably sounded like a cheeky way to avoid getting the license and a quick one over Rapido. Luckily hornby didn't get sued and think Mr Kohler needs to think about his actions a bit more.
Great news video Sam, the accurascale 89 is definitely one I’m going to get hold of, I already have a silver fox version but if I don’t get an accurascale one I will definitely regret it, it’s one of my favourite electric locomotives.
2:49 id get this engine for the coal bunker! such a unique looking part and something I haven't seen on a tank engine before. odd thing to like I know but that's just how my mind works
Sadly I think Hornby's troubles are financial, and the headless chickens in the boardroom are desperately trying to get more money for what they produce - reducing availability to retailers (who buy at much lower prices, and are able to offer significant discounts) yet still offering direct purchases at inflated prices. Things like "Steampunk" (using existing products with 'bits' stuck on), and the 'Trains on Film' (without getting the necessary licencing) show the panic kneejerk recations that are happening behind the scenes. The shame is that Hornby have gone round buying up their opposition (including Oxford), just like British Leyland did, and in a similar vein are heading in the same direction - closure.
Hey Sam I’m sure you’ve heard but Rapido announced that they’ve got the rights to do the Titfield Thunderbolt set! It was mentioned in the most recent Rapido UK newsletter.
Sadly I received a damaged deltic which took several emails to get Accurascale to even mention a return, they would prefer me to use superglue (most likely to spoil the warranty). Put an honest review on their website which was deleted due to low star rating so wrote another with a 5 star to check and it went through fine, quite sneaky on their part.
That's very disappointing - did they really delete your honest review? They have no right to ask you to make your own repairs - if faulty in any way, you had the right to return it! Maybe I regret what I said now :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It certainly seems that way, I was quite surprised by the lack of willingness towards returning the loco. Do not feel bad because as far as you knew they had been extremely helpful.
£320 for an A4?? I remember seeing Tornado and Flying Scotsman train sets being listed for £99 each. So you could get 3 large tender engines, 3 full circuits of track and 6-9 coaches with some left over for some scenery or wagons... all for the same price as one A4??
I have take a look at some Piko G scale kits this night (I had a severe bout of insomnia, so I did something constructive this night), and you can get a set with a steam engine (yes, a 0-6-0T, but with sound and smoke), two two-axle coaches, a circle of track and a transformer for the same price. GBP 320 for a Pacific, you are in German territory here : look at the Brawa BR 01, a little bit above for the price, and tell me if the A4 is at this level of quality...
Hornby's Contempt for its core base never ceases to amaze. I cannot see them lasting another decade unless they move from high production crap to smaller volume quality.
It is genuinely astonishing isn't it? They have the most self-defeating attitude I've ever seen... absolutely fascinating to watch them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains The problem is, they still have a lot of brands in continental Europe to keep them afloat while knacking their UK OO business : Arnold (N and TT scale), Electrotren, Jouef, Rivarossi and Lima (Spanish, French and Italian HO trains). They have also the Bassett-Lowke, Corgi and Scalextric brands. I can't answer for the cars models, but it seems they are not knacking their continental HO and N business like they do for the UK OO. For now...
@@trevordickenson3196 Thanks to remind me of this. I don't know if they are botching their business the same way with those brands. Humbrol was the reference of enamel model paints when I was a kid in the 1980s, and Airfix a good contender to Matchbox and Revell in model kits. Don'y know if it is the same today.
Hornby is still the mainstay of many model shops' business. The move to their web site and/or Amazon is utterly counter productive; being able to visit model shops, talk to people, looking at other ranges and picking up information and small items is part of what the hobby is about. At least Bachmann still (I think) believe in retailers. Funny old world.
Very interesting. Specially the Deltic has been proven very impressive during your review. And good to see that motorised pantographs have found their way into OO as well, initiated by Rapido we thought in close collaboration with ESU, although they did have some niggling teething problems which by now hopefully are resorted. As for Hornby, their first utmost priority of course has been to turn the company around financially as they almost went under a few years ago, reporting a tiny profit this year at least again. Somehow H’s costs have been very high, having seen their latest published report. Revolving everything around money and pennies first is a sign of short-term-thinking. However, once back on their feet, one will have to see what true visions and ideas for their future they unfold, which are then to be facilitated financially...
Agreed! Its hard to be magnanimous when teetering on the edge of insolvency. As such, my way to support Hornby during this difficult time is to purchase directly from Hornby, via their website. Then, they need not split any fee. In consideration of the relatively minor price differential between Hornby list price and the discount tier'd retailer, I'm happy to support Hornby. Purchasing direct also means that there is less of a chance of having an allocation affect the purchaser. Hornby can and will service their direct pre-orders, before all the tier'd vendors. Meaning, those who scrap and tumble for a discount may or may not get what they want. Certainly, missing out when ordering direct is still possible, but less probable than those seeking a discount.
This might just be the opinion of one man, but from what I've been hearing around and about, it's a top-down problem at Hornby, so I think that if they want to stop the bleeding and start trying to fix the damage, Kohler has to go, first thing.
@@thejohnler8358 assuming they are HIS plans...then yes I agree. I don't think they get benefits by pushing doddery Simon kohler onto the public at every opportunity. He gives a very unprofessional image. Almost a "please please buy our stuff and help us keep our jobs" front. From someone who has always been a hornby fan and wants to be...but finding this cringeworthy
Im really excited about the KR Models announcement, the previous ones were 199.99 including the Blue one - which runs amazingly. The fixed bogies came as standard with mine and not had any issues, looks gorgeous with some Blue/Grey coaches. I love the 'what if' ideas for liveries, theres nothing stopping other manufacturers doing it either, cant decide if I want a BR Black or Green one, the same dilemma I have for choosing the Kerosene Castle and GT2 RoS ones, I like the look of both! But giving that option just allows more creativity and flexibility for people and thats great.
Another great video, maybe one month you won’t believe what you are telling us as it’s that good!!! Keep up the great work, looking forward to some running sessions and tips for great running. All best Marc
Great video as always and nice to see what's going on in the model world across the pond. It's a bit interesting to see how model in the US and UK generally differ since in the states, fictional what if liveries for locomotives isn't anything new and if anything it's actually the norm.
Here's the thing. We are running out of new models to make. Every mainstream and many sideline prototypes have been done, and well . The market can only reduce...
What's really crazy is that even though it's been cancelled since the 5th (so a week now), there are still a few retailers listing Hornby's Trains On Film packs for pre-order, what the Hell is going on there?
Great video Sam. Wth are Hornby playing at? And the quality of their models keeps going down. All I can say is 🤦. They're just an infinite source of entertainment!
Hi Sam. I'd like to see a review of Accurascale's Chaldron wagons. They look to be very good, but a more seasoned opinion than mine would be helpful. Bee
Frank Hornby must be fuming 😡 at the current twit in charge of Hornby. Unfortunately I have sat through a couple of their “Corporate “ videos, and the ethics of the companies ( don’t forget Hornby is one of the many) strategies for the future. Just before lock down, Hornby focus was being pushed towards the “Collectors” and to move away from making Trains for modelling railway’s. High detail, the reason they still put motors in the model is only till they develop the all singing and dancing sound/light chip which will then make the the static super detail model. A bit like those awful plastic things on plinths. Thanks for the update Sam. Always good to know you have the pulse of the community covered.
Hornby: *announces that they’re producing Lion and hints at films sets related to it* General public: Hey, don’t do that StudioCanal: Hey, don’t do that. Rapido: Hey, don’t do that. Hornby: *does it anyway*
I know probably not important to british modelers, but Bachmann has shown off their new NYC Hudson and gave some details and a price, which looks awesome btw and isn't a bad price at all.
Don't see you cover Factory direct hobbies. They provide modelers with engines that may not be like locally available so that may help other train enthusiasts. I just purchased a Union Pacific Big Boy from them ho scale so you may want to take a look at it.
I remember getting my first loco from the model shop in Bourton-on-the-Water. It was a GWR 101 class in a fictional green sporting an Irish Railways crest. It was new and my Grandpa paid about £18.00 back in 1999. Dare I say it, about five years ago at Alexandra Palace, Hornby were giving similar locos with a different body, away for a fiver. We forget that the bottom line is these are mostly mass produced locos with vacuum formed body shells. Our hobby is amazing and it should be accessible for all. £23.99 for a plastic wagon with a plastic load is disappointing, if not shameful and only highlights that a large majority of the market takes place on second-hand stalls, online or at car boots to name a few. Surely to replace those modellers that have past, encouraging younger enthusiasts is the way to go - not by blowing their mind's and asking £200+ for a loco and some wagons, when you can pick up new Hornby track on eBay for as little as £5. Hopefully a new manufacturer could make some robust, colourful and tastefully priced models for everyone, from the new-to-the-hobby to those wishing to customise and make it their own - bring back the Bachmann Junior range!
@@thebritfarmer Depends why you're buying it: If it's going in the loft, unopened in its box, as an investment - then you'd be cheesed off if they made 10,000 after promising to only make 100.... That said, "investing" in limited edition model railway locos seems like a high-risk low-reward strategy at the best of times! So yeah.... I agree.
I enjoyed your review of the Accurascale Deltic. There is a new advert in the August Railway Modeller for this product by Accurascale. When you access their website they appear to be sold out already. So why advertise?
I had The Lady and The Lamp trian pack on order. Having pondered my options, I have recently gone for a Rapido Lion on its own, complete with a promised healthy discount by purchasing it through my local preserved railway's shop. If some kind of image had been shown for the contents of The Lion pack then I might have stuck with the Hornby one. One thing I struggle with is that Rapido trucks are very expensive and yet the prices of their engines are less extreme. It is a shame that Hornby are getting themselves into all sorts of fixes at the moment. I know that Simon K tends to polarise opinion. The first Hornby TV series was quite enjoyable and so should help to stimulate interest in the hobby. I hope the forthcoming second series about them does not become so excessively and clinically marketed and blatantly biased in all respects.
I just don’t think it’s very newsworthy - nobody I’ve talked to seems interested in it - what does it offer that the other gauges don’t? Sure, more accurate scaling would be great, but establishing a new gauge isn’t easy, and it’ll take years of investment and product releases before it’s appealing/practical for new/existing modellers to adopt. Can the manufacturers involved afford to pump money into the gauge until it’s widely adopted? I sure hope they can!
@@SamsTrains not really a new scale triang bought TT out in the late 50s ending it late 60s as prices were almost the same as 00 gauge and n gauge came along.but triang scale was 1:100 ,new TT will be the same as euro TT 1:120 which might put people off but gives us more wagons to use from loads off suppliers in Europe I hope it does get given a go just for variety.and corgi steam engines are to euro TT scale Hornby just needs to motorize them.fingers crossed it works,but I doubt it if no mentions it.
Shh! Don't let Hornby know that they are entertaining us! They'll charge for that too! In all seriousness, I can confirm that the cutbacks affect more than just the Dublo range. My preorders for both Evening Star and Channel Packet were cancelled as well. Excited for the nrw batch of GT3s, preordered one the moment I daw them relisted.
haha that's true - and you're right about the cutbacks being more wide reaching than that, I've heard much the same! The GT3 is very cool :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As I do both OO and N gauge, I've very torn with the class 89 as revolution announced a N gauge version which didn't really go far so the accurscale one is pulling me in to buy just trying to work out how to pay for one as have few other items ordered at present that im awaiting
Sad to see what is happening at Hornby. As an import and distribution partner of over 30 years for a number of leading European manufacturers (totally different hobby sector), point of difference, benchmark innovation, stand-out quality, integrity, and customer responsiveness (end-user, and retail partner) are the key factors to success and maintaining a loyal customer base. I applaud Hornby's move to better quality in their 'Railways' range, while maintaining (to an extent) affordability by means of their 'Railroad' range, but the rest of it seems to becoming more and more a shambles at the moment. I just hope they by whatever means necessary, get their collective act together before it is too late. Hornby have seen crises before, and it has taken a management shake-up to fix - time for another it seems, or at least, a big 'wake up - what are we doing' reality check ........ Supply issues are one thing (and when you rely on production in China, you really expose yourselves, meanwhile companies like Peco just increase their UK production capacity - another wake-up call .....). Let's hope for the hobby in general, that Hornby do not kill themselves off - after such a long history and legacy, that would be a sad day indeed! Thank you Sam, for another well-rounded and informative update - you do it very well!!!
Hornby must be buying aloe in bulk, because they seem to receive impressive burns every time you review them! Hopefully they realize it's more expensive in the long run to ruin their reputation. Still, if they ruin their reputation enough, maybe I'll finally be able to afford one of their little Pecketts. On a side note, any recommendations on something older that's as compact and hard working as the Pecketts? I'd really like to get myself a proper little pug, but I don't know of any 0-4-0s other than the expensive Pecketts and the cheap trainset locos.
I think i saw a small manufacturer 'cavelax?' Offering a new OO gauge class 56 loco. This has been produced by other companies before. I think they have missed a trick, re-tool it and produce the class 69?, of which 5 have entered service, all in different liveries!
Hornby Railways became independent again in the 1980s, and became listed on the London Stock Exchange, but due to financial troubles reported in June 2017, is currently majority owned by British turnaround specialist Phoenix Asset Management. yay sounds great no wonder crappier models are becoming more expensive
hilarious that oxford are doing a new batch of pilchards whilst their 2018 announced class A and B 35t tanker wagons are still "coming soon." frustrating as Heljan haven't produced any more from their original run from about the same time.
The only reason after getting back into this hobby I’ve bought hornby is because they are the only ones make the particular loco I wanted. I’ve got all except one now so I’ll not be buying from hornby again.
Hi sam Hope you are well Wow that was short I will be getting hornby lion set and rapido one by it self. Both hornby and rapido are doing lion in 1930s condition No sister loco thro. Keep safe arp
Cutting down on the numbers supplied to tier 1 retailers and others,makes me wonder if there is a shortage of available skilled labour in China,there is no way that that they will be box shifting that same number on their own site at those prices.
So, it's time for them to near-shore their factories. Come on, Poland, Slovakia, Romania (Roco and Fleischmann already manufactured there) and Bulgaria, can provide skilled workers at a competitive price. And the logistics is simplified, Bucharest is at only 2000 km from Margate, while Shangaï is five times this distance away !
DCC operated pantograph?!? That’s pretty darn impressive I would have to say. That would be awesome if I see that technology being applied to US electric locomotives (like the Milwaukee Road boxcabs or the great northern electrics) 😁
In other words Hornby pre sold these locos on their website so decided not to let the dealers have them. They really are a disgrace and in the long term this is going to come back and bite them.
As a meme of the hornby club, I like others get the discount by ordering from them. So it’s the same price if not slightly cheaper than ordering from model shops.
Couldn’t wait for this one as soon as i read the hornby announcement i thought has to make the news for sure great as always and good to see the gt3 making a comeback with new livery’s its not on my list but still a great unusual looking loco
Thanks Sam. I have an intriguing, but probably way too expensive, idea for a video for you. How about a head-to-head review and comparison of both the Rapido lion and the Hornby lion when they are both released? Perhaps some raffle or superchat could pay for the (*ahem*) Folly of such an undertaking?
Well, I've ordered both. Rapido Lion (only, not the movie versions) and Hornby Lion with some L&MR coaches. Which ever is the more pleasing to me, shall retain the name. The lesser will be renamed Tiger. And yes, I know that Tiger never had the copper cover over the firebox.
haha very much so! I still feel Bachmann is pretty overpriced much of the time... but at least they deliver quality models now, there's no doubt about that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
If they have already carried out the development work on the Lion with mechanism and mouldings, there is no reason why Hornby can't bring it out as a model. It is likely that it was already in planning but were out thought by Rapido. They could also bring out other historical named locos of the same class. Personally, I wouldn't have bought the Rapido set, not because there is something wrong with it, but the film was a mix and match set of running stock put together for the film and it doesn't appeal to me.
I think the Hornby Lion should sell well. I will probably buy the Hornby version as I am not familiar with Rapido. I have been very pleased with the new Rocket mail train.
After all Sam has been revealed about Hornby unsavoury business practice, you are still going to validate their actions by buying their products just because you are not familiar with the alternative? That's a bit...
@@Samuussman hahaa that's a silly argument. You think I should take a punt with my money because other people say so? I have a brain. Sam and most other people still buy Hornby. I would be very surprised if Hornby sell fewer Lions than Rapido. That's why they are making money. Think about it before commenting. It is pretty obvious. Noone is forced to buy anything. If you look back, Sam has commented on Bachmann price increases. As for Hornby favouring some shops over others, it is up to them. It doesn't make sense to me unless there is a supply issue and so some have to go without but it isn't my business and I don't know of all the considerations. People say that it is harming their reputation but they still sell products. Go figure!
@@modelrailwaynoob Honestly, I find it hugely problematic that people still condone their actions by buying their products. Even more if you are aware how they have been acting; the recent months have proven that they do not respect their customers, business partners, nor the law. I give a pass to those that are not following what is going on. As for Sam, he is a professional reviewer and it makes sense for him to review their products. It's its job In this precise case, Rapido has a good reputation. If you don't know Rapido and are afraid of the quality of the model, you can always wait for reviews to see what things. I would definitely not buy the product sold by the company that tried to illegally use copyrighted material.
@@Samuussman Like I said before, I have my own mind. Don't buy Hornby if you are unhappy with them but don't try to tell me who to buy from. I have no loyalty to any brand but I will most certainly buy from Hornby again as long as I can afford this expensive hobby.
I think it’s obvious Hornby are trying to make as much money as possible from their reducing customer base. They evidently have a brand driven marketing department of highly qualified people who have no clue at all about the grass-roots hobby that has supported their business for decades. Otherwise how could they be so lacking in imagination that they try to steal competitor brands new launch enthusiasm and make copy products? It’s frustrating that Hornby lack the competence to design and make products that real enthusiasts aspire to own. Hornby must assume their customers are older wealthy individuals who care more about buying the *same brand* toys in their adulthood as they did or aspired to buy in their childhood. This would be a good business model for designer clothing, high end cars or collector grade Swiss watches. The problem is they haven’t reckoned that an awful lot of their models are bought by real enthusiasts. Not brand suckers. Many of these real enthusiasts are on pocket money budgets and so Hornby are now pricing themselves out of their traditional marketplace. I don’t see how older boys (mature adult collectors, who are the suckers Hornby is going after) are going to keep buying Hornby when Rapido, Dapol & Accurascale are making such good stuff. Rails of Sheffield stopped selling new Hornby a while ago; clearly this said something significant when the highly successful, trusted, decades old retailer stopped selling new Hornby. The main market for Hornby junk now is the wealthy grandparents attempting to buy classy toys for their grandchildren and wealthy men having a midlife crisis trying to reconnect with their childhoods. Hornby; for heavens sake start having some respect for your own name, do your homework as to your real marketplace, and start designing really good models that nobody else does, and do it well. If you don’t; you’ll go bankrupt! Okay?!
I think there needs to be a changing of the guard at Hornby as the current executive in charge is driving the company closer to ruin, all while angering their customers and retail partners.
No, it makes sense... what’s the point of making money if you’re angering the customers that support you and making their lives difficult in doing so. It’s a logical question to ask how long that sort of practice can be sustainable!
@@SamsTrains The market decides. If they are selling models and making a profit, who are they angering? Customers that can no longer afford their models or the ones that clearly can, evidenced by their return to profit.
I'm really looking forward to the G5. It is one on my purchase list and outside of my region (WR) but just love the look of them so have to have one. Which livery though 🤔
When the railway fans demands for Titfield and Lion to be in the Model Trains. Fans: “Give me the Titfield Here!” Hornby: “It will be Ready, when It’s Ready!” When it’s realization: “I get it… I don’t get it.” Oliver: “Same.” Titfield: “Same.”
I have said several times! Model manufacturers should do a custom section for some of their models! We don't want steam punk but we want to name our own locos select a unique livery!
Absolutely - that'd be super cool! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The amount of investment in extra tooling/printing costs would push prices up even further. Nice idea though.
HE’S A GENIOUS!!!!
Well if you use the existing tooling for locos and tenders. You could swap locos and tenders around and paint it all different, etc. kinda like Hornby gets a bare body in and they do the painting, lining, etc will be done locally in England. Sort of like Ruff cars and maybe like BMW custom executive line where it goes on a special line in the factory
The loco name are displayed in name plates simular to mallard or the flying scottsman
£320 is insane, no wonder this hobby is dying. I've been so put off getting back into model trains thanks to prices like that.
The best place for decent prices is eBay. I never buy brand new unless it’s something that I really want.
Well there's always Used, or Roco, Piko , Dapol, scaletrains, walthers. etc.
I still can't believe that Hornby seriously thought they could get away with doing their own Titfield Thunderbolt models, and the fact that they're still going to release a normal Lion tells me that they're still a bit salty and jealous that they weren't the ones who got the rights from StudioCanal.
Where did Hornby go wrong? It'd be fascinating to know how all this mess (and their arrogance) started. The way they treat their retailers, customers and fans is just disgraceful and unforgivable.
Hornby announced Lion along time ago. It follows that they would do Lion as they did Rocket
haha yeah - it was so clear right from the start that they had no right to do it... it's an insight into how utterly clueless Hornby can be about basic things. I'd love to know how it happened too! Obviously it isn't Hornby's decision to create Lion that's the problem (even though it's a poor idea, and more than likely motivated by Rapido's), it was them using IP that doesn't belong to them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I can't help but wonder if there was a good reason Hornby offed Simon Kohler before...
Maybe this would have been a good chance to write it off (due to ip issues) and do another early engine like Planet instead.
Nah, they were aware of the copyright issue before. What they were doing is what they did to Cavalex on the 91. Announce early and put the smaller manufacturer off.
Whether they expected they could go along to StudioCanal and make a better offer for the rights of anybody's guess.
Rapido will still need to partly recoup development costs from producing other Lion models, with Hornby out there it may put Rapido's calculations in doubt and screw them over.
This is about Hornby keeping other manufacturers from getting too big and competing with them.
I know they say never ascribe to malice that which can be explained by incompetence. In this case I think Hornby are cold and calculating.
I've said it on their twitter and i'll say it again "You know for a company who's name is literally 1 letter off from the word "Horny" they really can be kind of a turnoff."
haha and that's a very good point excellently made... well done sir xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
More of a compliment than Haymarket47 probably realises; Liverpool is top craic whatever the weather. I agree - made me chuckle.
If Hornby wanna be taken seriously, they’re gonna need to REALLY pull their act together. One thing I’d suggest hat would improve their PR are the Talyllyn engines in 009, as the closest thing we got (that I know of) are the Bachmann Skarloey fleet. Would be cool to see.
Also the GT3 is coming back! Awesome!
Absolutely David - it's going to take a lot of work on their part if they're ever to be taken seriously... most people see them as the laughing stock they've become now! And that would be great - 009 is awesome :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
They could improve with some international stock. They could try do an Irish Mark 3 using existing tools!
@@SamsTrains Outside their brand Hornby, they have finally succeeded to deliver, one year late, the Rivarossi Gr. 835, I've just received mine this morning. The DB BR 56 from Rivarossi is announced for end 2023/beginning 2024. So, Q2 or Q3 2025 if the actual trend of the Hornby group is followed.
I agree, when you see the overall botched job they do with the Hornby brand (have not seen that on Rivarossi and Arnold, the two other brands of the Hornby group I buy), it's clearly a joke. Bachmann is pricey, with some old overpriced outdated designs reissued (interesting in 1 or 2 years when discounted below GBP 100 due to disastrous sales, got my eyes on the small prairie for instance), but they don't splosh paint all over their models, glue the details with brick mortar or have motors that don't work properly, if they work at all...
@@twinboo529 Quoting The Unlucky Tug, more Scottish engines AND rolling stock. Please, Hornby.
I'd love to see the Talyllyn fleet, but I could also see Hornby ruining their press further by selling the Talyllyn locos without giving any of the money to the railway or giving them a deal to sell the models in their shop, and thus riling folks up further.
One of the advantages of Rapido's Lion/Thunderbolt, is that it will have a nem coupling which means it won't be confined to hauling specialised and expensive wagons. Mine will probably haul short coal trains and hornby 4 and six wheeled coaches from the later Victorian Age. My railway and my imagination can answer why. What if she had been preserved and used for special occasions earlier or what if she had been sold to a different concern in the 1870s?
Absolutely - NEM is just so much more practical, I'm quite glad about that too!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains yes much more than fiddly plastic pieces with a mind of their own!
Totally agree with you as most people used nem coupling means you can put the train and rolling stock with ton of train. Plus the inside of the train and coaches look amazing. Can't wait to get my one.
Marklin did one of their early locomotives in both a NEM version (with normal buffers) and one with the original fittings. Which is historically correct as that one was converted to modern couplers
I think Kohler's departure is long overdue, I also think that they need to make significant changes within and soon.
who's kohler?
@@johndelaney5197 Hornby boss man, he quit then they brought him back
@@CymruJedi biggest mistake Hornby have ever done. They literally dug their own grave by hiring Simon back.
The man is rude, a liar and is more interested in promoting himself rather than the products. Honestly, Hornby are finished and its his fault!
@@lukegauci1159 Agreed, Kohler needs to be sacked and it needs to be permanent.
It's hard to say who's making the bad decisions at Hornby - there's a huge team of people behind all of their products... cock-ups like this are a collective failure!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It is regrettable to see how badly Hornby are managing themselves. I love a lot of their products but I'm not at all impressed with their management and marketing team and their business plans. While they do have the right to make Lion (as long it's not got the Titfield Thunderbolt marketing), releasing it at around the same time as Rapido's is just not a good look. Hornby could have avoided the whole fiasco altogether if they actually made something unique that nobody else was doing - like maybe introducing a new 00/OO9 Narrow gauge range or maybe Iron Duke - maybe doing something like this will help to rebuild their image somewhat, but ultimately I have a feeling the current management is too busy focusing on short-term gains rather than innovation or inspiration.
As regards to the stock issues - it would be so much better if Hornby just simply communicated to everyone as to why they are cutting stocks on retailers rather than just leaving people guessing. Even if it turned out it was something like supply issues that is causing the cutbacks - you know they could always tell us - sure people will be disappointed but at least we are not being left wondering in the dark.
Regrettable indeed! Yes the way they're operating at the moment is shocking - upsetting people left, right and centre... the opposite of what they're supposed to be doing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks for the update Sam! Good to see there are multiple companies producing good model rail stuff, bad to see Hornby deteriorates even further...
You summed it up very well and diplomatic, haha!
It is so good to see other companies filling the void that Hornby used to fill - safe to say the hobby will be fine without them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
If a company states in writing that they'll provide retailers with XYZ items, but then to say they won't, that to me is a breach of contract.
Maybe more retailers should be putting more pressure on that company.
I cant believe hornby still think they can get away with deceiving customers while putting the price up
Hornby SHOULD be boycotted!!!!!!
They are bringing shame to our hobby!
Simon should be removed!! He is destorying Hornby and is out right lying and is very rude to Hornby customers!!!!
I have cancelled about £4500 of orders with them over the last 2 years. HST and class 800 sets cancelled as well as not a single steam engine bought from them. I think they are a disgrace and you cannot run a business like this. They are bullying their customers.
@@maringarvanovic8011 I feel for you. I did the same. Although my preorders were not in the thousands 😂
I have nothing against Hornby as a brand. But Hornby is being seriously mismanaged. I mean who in their right mind would want to buy from a company that treats breach of copyright like a joke???
I have met Simon and all I can say is that he is rude, condescending and more interested in talking about how he saved Hornby (which isn’t even true!).
I think it speaks volumes when I saw Hornby in 2019 at Ally Pally and people were welcoming Simon back and shaking his hand. I predicted that they would need security the next time they went to a show. What happened this year?. They didn't even turn up!.
@@maringarvanovic8011 lets be honest,at this stage its a good thing they didn’t show up, cause nothing they made passed 2012 is worth spending money on 😂
As a modelling Community we need to set an example to hornby buy standing up to them by not buying any hornby or hornby related products
Something you didn’t mention that Rapido has over Hornby with their Lion is that you can buy the locomotive individually at a significantly lower price
Good to see hornby caught doing these shady moves to make more money, maybe they’ll actually start making some good model choices when it comes to the price and quality along with how they treat their customers
It is good to see them publicly humiliated like this - I hope it makes them think twice in the future, and hopefully it's shown them that they're not invincible, and they can't just do what they like!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hornby making good choices! I don't think that'll ever happen again
Any investor with a financial stake in Hornby must be at their wits end. Their management seem hell bent on the absolute destruction of customer loyalty and brand value through their illegal use of copyright material, dishonest and misleading product advertising and price gouging. Heads need to roll or Hornby will be a part of this country’s history before long.
Oh very much so - just take a look at the Hornby share price... lol! It's been made very clear to Hornby that this sort of practice just isn't cricket... and they've continued regardless... not much hope of them fixing things is there? :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It hurts seeing Hornby become so blatantly scummy like this. Defend pricing if you like, but everything else they’ve been doing is so monumentally stupid, and could be easily avoided, but no, they’re Hornby! They can do what they want, cause they’re Hornby, right?
We can rush a lion to production because another company is making one, but locos we announced years ago are still months if not years away… why would they focus time finishing those when there’s pesky other manufacturers we can go after!
I wonder if Hornby know what they are doing is scummy, or are they just ludicrously naive?
Exactly! I'm still waiting for their Standard 2MT, announced January 2020 and expected for the December, a year and a half later they still aren't here!
@@lukeslocomotives looked on the website, they are listed as not due until autumn… next year.
Have they even shown off a sample yet?
Oh, and a lot of Hornby’s range for this year has silently been pushed to next year.
Good to see where their priorities are, I guess
Wow honestly I'm impressed with Horby's ability to stick to their guns and try and force higher prices, break laws and generally ignore the distinct disappointment from the customer. Either they're oblivious or extremely determined to ruin themselves or the hobby if they can. Not that I would be buying many European models living in the states but I am most certainly avoiding Hornby until something changes. This behavior is deserving of nothing less
They're suffering from short-termist thinking... Hornby were losing money hand over fist; since they've banged their prices up & started treating their customers and retailers like idiots, they've restored profitability to the company.... but at what cost? The name "Hornby" has huge good-will within the UK, due to it's long history - but they've always struggled to maintain profits - hence being sold & resold many times. The current owners are clearly willing to cash in all that good will (which, once gone, will be gone forever) for a few short years of profits; then they'll either try to sell the brand again, or it'll just whither and die. Which would be sad - only those who remember the name but aren't involved in the hobby will mourn their passing.
You know, I love Hornby, they have provided my best loved and fun products for years in the past, but in the last year or so, things seem to be going off the rails a bit in terms of quality issues, poor customer care and of course, tremendous price hikes. It makes me wonder if this is the result of a new cut-throat business model. which, for a hobby company, will easily annoy their customers, who in the main develop a deep sentimental connection to their hobbies and the suppliers they deal with. Like all relationships in which emotion plays a big part, there is a fine line between love and hate, and Hornby should remember that (to paraphrase) "hell hat no fury like a modeller scorned."
Having the inspired by thing probably sounded like a cheeky way to avoid getting the license and a quick one over Rapido.
Luckily hornby didn't get sued and think Mr Kohler needs to think about his actions a bit more.
Great news video Sam, the accurascale 89 is definitely one I’m going to get hold of, I already have a silver fox version but if I don’t get an accurascale one I will definitely regret it, it’s one of my favourite electric locomotives.
Thanks David - yes it looks good that, hope you enjoy! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Enjoyed that sam, goodbye to hornby accurascale is one to watch now 👍
2:49 id get this engine for the coal bunker! such a unique looking part and something I haven't seen on a tank engine before. odd thing to like I know but that's just how my mind works
Sadly I think Hornby's troubles are financial, and the headless chickens in the boardroom are desperately trying to get more money for what they produce - reducing availability to retailers (who buy at much lower prices, and are able to offer significant discounts) yet still offering direct purchases at inflated prices. Things like "Steampunk" (using existing products with 'bits' stuck on), and the 'Trains on Film' (without getting the necessary licencing) show the panic kneejerk recations that are happening behind the scenes. The shame is that Hornby have gone round buying up their opposition (including Oxford), just like British Leyland did, and in a similar vein are heading in the same direction - closure.
Hey Sam I’m sure you’ve heard but Rapido announced that they’ve got the rights to do the Titfield Thunderbolt set! It was mentioned in the most recent Rapido UK newsletter.
Sadly I received a damaged deltic which took several emails to get Accurascale to even mention a return, they would prefer me to use superglue (most likely to spoil the warranty). Put an honest review on their website which was deleted due to low star rating so wrote another with a 5 star to check and it went through fine, quite sneaky on their part.
That's very disappointing - did they really delete your honest review? They have no right to ask you to make your own repairs - if faulty in any way, you had the right to return it! Maybe I regret what I said now :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It certainly seems that way, I was quite surprised by the lack of willingness towards returning the loco. Do not feel bad because as far as you knew they had been extremely helpful.
£320 for an A4?? I remember seeing Tornado and Flying Scotsman train sets being listed for £99 each. So you could get 3 large tender engines, 3 full circuits of track and 6-9 coaches with some left over for some scenery or wagons... all for the same price as one A4??
haha yeah it's crazy - they have a diecast body and suddenly that doubles the price? haha!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I have take a look at some Piko G scale kits this night (I had a severe bout of insomnia, so I did something constructive this night), and you can get a set with a steam engine (yes, a 0-6-0T, but with sound and smoke), two two-axle coaches, a circle of track and a transformer for the same price.
GBP 320 for a Pacific, you are in German territory here : look at the Brawa BR 01, a little bit above for the price, and tell me if the A4 is at this level of quality...
and a load of bread was 3/6 🤭
Hornby needs to get their act together
Can the retailers sue hornby for breach of contract?
Hornby's Contempt for its core base never ceases to amaze. I cannot see them lasting another decade unless they move from high production crap to smaller volume quality.
It is genuinely astonishing isn't it? They have the most self-defeating attitude I've ever seen... absolutely fascinating to watch them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains The problem is, they still have a lot of brands in continental Europe to keep them afloat while knacking their UK OO business : Arnold (N and TT scale), Electrotren, Jouef, Rivarossi and Lima (Spanish, French and Italian HO trains). They have also the Bassett-Lowke, Corgi and Scalextric brands. I can't answer for the cars models, but it seems they are not knacking their continental HO and N business like they do for the UK OO. For now...
@@OlivierGabin You missed out Airfix construction kits and Humbrol paints in your listing of Hornby owned brands
@@trevordickenson3196 Thanks to remind me of this. I don't know if they are botching their business the same way with those brands. Humbrol was the reference of enamel model paints when I was a kid in the 1980s, and Airfix a good contender to Matchbox and Revell in model kits. Don'y know if it is the same today.
I enjoyed the video Sam and I’ve got a suggestion how about you review a level crossing and add it to your layout just as a suggestion cheers :)
That sounds great Paul, thanks for the suggestion!
Cheers,
Sam :)
@@SamsTrains your welcome and happy to help :)
Hornby is still the mainstay of many model shops' business. The move to their web site and/or Amazon is utterly counter productive; being able to visit model shops, talk to people, looking at other ranges and picking up information and small items is part of what the hobby is about. At least Bachmann still (I think) believe in retailers. Funny old world.
Very interesting. Specially the Deltic has been proven very impressive during your review. And good to see that motorised pantographs have found their way into OO as well, initiated by Rapido we thought in close collaboration with ESU, although they did have some niggling teething problems which by now hopefully are resorted. As for Hornby, their first utmost priority of course has been to turn the company around financially as they almost went under a few years ago, reporting a tiny profit this year at least again. Somehow H’s costs have been very high, having seen their latest published report. Revolving everything around money and pennies first is a sign of short-term-thinking. However, once back on their feet, one will have to see what true visions and ideas for their future they unfold, which are then to be facilitated financially...
Agreed! Its hard to be magnanimous when teetering on the edge of insolvency. As such, my way to support Hornby during this difficult time is to purchase directly from Hornby, via their website. Then, they need not split any fee. In consideration of the relatively minor price differential between Hornby list price and the discount tier'd retailer, I'm happy to support Hornby.
Purchasing direct also means that there is less of a chance of having an allocation affect the purchaser. Hornby can and will service their direct pre-orders, before all the tier'd vendors. Meaning, those who scrap and tumble for a discount may or may not get what they want. Certainly, missing out when ordering direct is still possible, but less probable than those seeking a discount.
This might just be the opinion of one man, but from what I've been hearing around and about, it's a top-down problem at Hornby, so I think that if they want to stop the bleeding and start trying to fix the damage, Kohler has to go, first thing.
Just remember he is the main salesman. He's not at the top.
Lyndon needs to go
@@thejohnler8358 not sure about that because look how well he made and grew Oxford
@@gs425 his strategies for Hornby haven't been too popular
@@thejohnler8358 assuming they are HIS plans...then yes I agree.
I don't think they get benefits by pushing doddery Simon kohler onto the public at every opportunity. He gives a very unprofessional image. Almost a "please please buy our stuff and help us keep our jobs" front. From someone who has always been a hornby fan and wants to be...but finding this cringeworthy
Im really excited about the KR Models announcement, the previous ones were 199.99 including the Blue one - which runs amazingly. The fixed bogies came as standard with mine and not had any issues, looks gorgeous with some Blue/Grey coaches. I love the 'what if' ideas for liveries, theres nothing stopping other manufacturers doing it either, cant decide if I want a BR Black or Green one, the same dilemma I have for choosing the Kerosene Castle and GT2 RoS ones, I like the look of both! But giving that option just allows more creativity and flexibility for people and thats great.
Don''t understand why Hornby didn't go via this route in the first place, it compliments their Rocket model far better.
I agree - it's all a bit dumb isn't it? Ahh well!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
They were making Lion from the beginning.
Another great video, maybe one month you won’t believe what you are telling us as it’s that good!!! Keep up the great work, looking forward to some running sessions and tips for great running. All best Marc
Great video as always and nice to see what's going on in the model world across the pond. It's a bit interesting to see how model in the US and UK generally differ since in the states, fictional what if liveries for locomotives isn't anything new and if anything it's actually the norm.
Thanks a lot Tony - yes that's true, the "what if" liveries haven't been seen in the UK for quite a while!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
00:03:36 - Wow! Look at those shapes. Circles and Rectangles.
Nice to see you again Sam! July gonna be good 👍
And you!! I think so too :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Here's the thing. We are running out of new models to make. Every mainstream and many sideline prototypes have been done, and well . The market can only reduce...
A fair point, but companies make millions/billions on the fact we discard perfectly good, serviceable and adequate items for the latest incarnation.
What's really crazy is that even though it's been cancelled since the 5th (so a week now), there are still a few retailers listing Hornby's Trains On Film packs for pre-order, what the Hell is going on there?
Sam's Trains goes 90s with the intro!
hi sam, do you get that feeling hornby will be joining the Titanic soon.the spares back up is appauling ! whats Montana paid to do ?
I just wish there was some actual manufacturers who did cheap models not like bad runners but not highly detailed just average that would be great
it's called Hornby Railroad
Great video Sam. Wth are Hornby playing at? And the quality of their models keeps going down. All I can say is 🤦. They're just an infinite source of entertainment!
haha good question - they've lost the plot haven't they? Absolute nutters
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
What, Hornby or Sam's videos?
@@JP_TaVeryMuch Both! :)
Hi Sam. I'd like to see a review of Accurascale's Chaldron wagons. They look to be very good, but a more seasoned opinion than mine would be helpful. Bee
The LNER G5 Company are still ongoing of building a replica locomotive of the class at Shildon Workshops...
Frank Hornby must be fuming 😡 at the current twit in charge of Hornby. Unfortunately I have sat through a couple of their “Corporate “ videos, and the ethics of the companies ( don’t forget Hornby is one of the many) strategies for the future. Just before lock down, Hornby focus was being pushed towards the “Collectors” and to move away from making Trains for modelling railway’s. High detail, the reason they still put motors in the model is only till they develop the all singing and dancing sound/light chip which will then make the the static super detail model. A bit like those awful plastic things on plinths. Thanks for the update Sam. Always good to know you have the pulse of the community covered.
Hornby: *announces that they’re producing Lion and hints at films sets related to it*
General public: Hey, don’t do that
StudioCanal: Hey, don’t do that.
Rapido: Hey, don’t do that.
Hornby: *does it anyway*
I know probably not important to british modelers, but Bachmann has shown off their new NYC Hudson and gave some details and a price, which looks awesome btw and isn't a bad price at all.
Don't see you cover Factory direct hobbies. They provide modelers with engines that may not be like locally available so that may help other train enthusiasts. I just purchased a Union Pacific Big Boy from them ho scale so you may want to take a look at it.
I remember getting my first loco from the model shop in Bourton-on-the-Water. It was a GWR 101 class in a fictional green sporting an Irish Railways crest. It was new and my Grandpa paid about £18.00 back in 1999.
Dare I say it, about five years ago at Alexandra Palace, Hornby were giving similar locos with a different body, away for a fiver.
We forget that the bottom line is these are mostly mass produced locos with vacuum formed body shells. Our hobby is amazing and it should be accessible for all. £23.99 for a plastic wagon with a plastic load is disappointing, if not shameful and only highlights that a large majority of the market takes place on second-hand stalls, online or at car boots to name a few. Surely to replace those modellers that have past, encouraging younger enthusiasts is the way to go - not by blowing their mind's and asking £200+ for a loco and some wagons, when you can pick up new Hornby track on eBay for as little as £5.
Hopefully a new manufacturer could make some robust, colourful and tastefully priced models for everyone, from the new-to-the-hobby to those wishing to customise and make it their own - bring back the Bachmann Junior range!
I wonder if KR models will up the production number if their limited edition models start selling very well.
Oh wait... only Hornby would do that lol
haha! If they weren't advertised as limited edition with a specific number, then that would be fine I think!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Not sure why people get all pissy about this. If it is a loco you wanted and got it who cares if there are 100 or 10,000 more of them.
@@thebritfarmer Depends why you're buying it: If it's going in the loft, unopened in its box, as an investment - then you'd be cheesed off if they made 10,000 after promising to only make 100.... That said, "investing" in limited edition model railway locos seems like a high-risk low-reward strategy at the best of times! So yeah.... I agree.
@@thebritfarmer Becusse we can sue them. The value of an item is higher if there’s less of that item.
@@cocaptainbluesgaming6999 🤣🤣🤣 let me know how that works out for you
I enjoyed your review of the Accurascale Deltic. There is a new advert in the August Railway Modeller for this product by Accurascale. When you access their website they appear to be sold out already. So why advertise?
I had The Lady and The Lamp trian pack on order. Having pondered my options, I have recently gone for a Rapido Lion on its own, complete with a promised healthy discount by purchasing it through my local preserved railway's shop. If some kind of image had been shown for the contents of The Lion pack then I might have stuck with the Hornby one. One thing I struggle with is that Rapido trucks are very expensive and yet the prices of their engines are less extreme.
It is a shame that Hornby are getting themselves into all sorts of fixes at the moment. I know that Simon K tends to polarise opinion. The first Hornby TV series was quite enjoyable and so should help to stimulate interest in the hobby. I hope the forthcoming second series about them does not become so excessively and clinically marketed and blatantly biased in all respects.
Hi Sam, Nice news roundup, summer must be round the corner, looks quite good, All the best Brian 😃
I think you should check out another Hornby LowMac, Sam to check the wheel issue!
Sam I'm absolutely the G5 for my layout, They look Lovely
Cheers Jasper & Willow
Awesome! They do look very very good now
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Honestly, I'm tempted to get one. Seems a nice model, you're in for a test ?
You didn't mention heljan bring TT gauge back to the UK. It would be nice to
hear someone mention it.
I just don’t think it’s very newsworthy - nobody I’ve talked to seems interested in it - what does it offer that the other gauges don’t? Sure, more accurate scaling would be great, but establishing a new gauge isn’t easy, and it’ll take years of investment and product releases before it’s appealing/practical for new/existing modellers to adopt. Can the manufacturers involved afford to pump money into the gauge until it’s widely adopted? I sure hope they can!
@@SamsTrains not really a new scale triang bought TT out in the late 50s ending it late 60s as prices were almost the same as 00 gauge and n gauge came along.but triang scale was 1:100 ,new TT will be the same as euro TT 1:120 which might put people off but gives us more wagons to use from loads off suppliers in Europe I hope it does get given a go just for variety.and corgi steam engines are to euro TT scale Hornby just needs to motorize them.fingers crossed it works,but I doubt it if no mentions it.
Shh! Don't let Hornby know that they are entertaining us! They'll charge for that too!
In all seriousness, I can confirm that the cutbacks affect more than just the Dublo range. My preorders for both Evening Star and Channel Packet were cancelled as well.
Excited for the nrw batch of GT3s, preordered one the moment I daw them relisted.
haha that's true - and you're right about the cutbacks being more wide reaching than that, I've heard much the same! The GT3 is very cool :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam you should also consider a discord server for your channel!
I should! Thanks for the suggestion my friend :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice you got Hornby to update the photos of the Coca Cola wagon XD hehe!
Do you know where to find a 009 model of Talyllyn Railway's number 9 and 10 carriages, or at least their type?
As I do both OO and N gauge, I've very torn with the class 89 as revolution announced a N gauge version which didn't really go far so the accurscale one is pulling me in to buy just trying to work out how to pay for one as have few other items ordered at present that im awaiting
Sad to see what is happening at Hornby. As an import and distribution partner of over 30 years for a number of leading European manufacturers (totally different hobby sector), point of difference, benchmark innovation, stand-out quality, integrity, and customer responsiveness (end-user, and retail partner) are the key factors to success and maintaining a loyal customer base.
I applaud Hornby's move to better quality in their 'Railways' range, while maintaining (to an extent) affordability by means of their 'Railroad' range, but the rest of it seems to becoming more and more a shambles at the moment. I just hope they by whatever means necessary, get their collective act together before it is too late. Hornby have seen crises before, and it has taken a management shake-up to fix - time for another it seems, or at least, a big 'wake up - what are we doing' reality check ........
Supply issues are one thing (and when you rely on production in China, you really expose yourselves, meanwhile companies like Peco just increase their UK production capacity - another wake-up call .....).
Let's hope for the hobby in general, that Hornby do not kill themselves off - after such a long history and legacy, that would be a sad day indeed!
Thank you Sam, for another well-rounded and informative update - you do it very well!!!
Hornby must be buying aloe in bulk, because they seem to receive impressive burns every time you review them! Hopefully they realize it's more expensive in the long run to ruin their reputation. Still, if they ruin their reputation enough, maybe I'll finally be able to afford one of their little Pecketts.
On a side note, any recommendations on something older that's as compact and hard working as the Pecketts? I'd really like to get myself a proper little pug, but I don't know of any 0-4-0s other than the expensive Pecketts and the cheap trainset locos.
I think i saw a small manufacturer 'cavelax?' Offering a new OO gauge class 56 loco. This has been produced by other companies before. I think they have missed a trick, re-tool it and produce the class 69?, of which 5 have entered service, all in different liveries!
Bachmann is doing the class 69, they announced the model last year.
Great comments about Hornby!!!!
Very interesting updates. Definitely worth my time for snooping around just seeing what I can find
Hornby Railways became independent again in the 1980s, and became listed on the London Stock Exchange, but due to financial troubles reported in June 2017, is currently majority owned by British turnaround specialist Phoenix Asset Management. yay sounds great no wonder crappier models are becoming more expensive
hilarious that oxford are doing a new batch of pilchards whilst their 2018 announced class A and B 35t tanker wagons are still "coming soon." frustrating as Heljan haven't produced any more from their original run from about the same time.
The only reason after getting back into this hobby I’ve bought hornby is because they are the only ones make the particular loco I wanted. I’ve got all except one now so I’ll not be buying from hornby again.
I like black BR and the maroon gas turbine, would look great on any layout.
Hi sam
Hope you are well
Wow that was short
I will be getting hornby lion set and rapido one by it self.
Both hornby and rapido are doing lion in 1930s condition
No sister loco thro.
Keep safe arp
Hope you're well too Adi - should be interesting to see how the two models stack up!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
KR Models site is back online and the GT3's are priced for £199
You forgot about the new Heljan BR 10800 "Wonder Locomotive"
Cutting down on the numbers supplied to tier 1 retailers and others,makes me wonder if there is a shortage of available skilled labour in China,there is no way that that they will be box shifting that same number on their own site at those prices.
So, it's time for them to near-shore their factories. Come on, Poland, Slovakia, Romania (Roco and Fleischmann already manufactured there) and Bulgaria, can provide skilled workers at a competitive price. And the logistics is simplified, Bucharest is at only 2000 km from Margate, while Shangaï is five times this distance away !
DCC operated pantograph?!? That’s pretty darn impressive I would have to say. That would be awesome if I see that technology being applied to US electric locomotives (like the Milwaukee Road boxcabs or the great northern electrics) 😁
It sure is! Hopefully we see a bit more of that :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
In other words Hornby pre sold these locos on their website so decided not to let the dealers have them. They really are a disgrace and in the long term this is going to come back and bite them.
The G5/NER O is the only thing i really need for my layout
As a meme of the hornby club, I like others get the discount by ordering from them. So it’s the same price if not slightly cheaper than ordering from model shops.
Couldn’t wait for this one as soon as i read the hornby announcement i thought has to make the news for sure great as always and good to see the gt3 making a comeback with new livery’s its not on my list but still a great unusual looking loco
Thanks Sam. I have an intriguing, but probably way too expensive, idea for a video for you. How about a head-to-head review and comparison of both the Rapido lion and the Hornby lion when they are both released? Perhaps some raffle or superchat could pay for the (*ahem*) Folly of such an undertaking?
Well, I've ordered both. Rapido Lion (only, not the movie versions) and Hornby Lion with some L&MR coaches. Which ever is the more pleasing to me, shall retain the name. The lesser will be renamed Tiger. And yes, I know that Tiger never had the copper cover over the firebox.
I order my g5 years and I do wonder if there ever come out
Hi Sam, any comments on Pecos TT-120 scale launch?
Is there any updates on the Bachmann Ryan
Ooh GT3 In BR green! green is my favourite color
That one does look very cool! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam,that coke cola lowmac,isn't that the world most expensive piece of rollingstock,lol
Sam do think that hornby and bachmann switched as if hornby is sometimes ok but expensive while bachmann is also expensive but is amazing
haha very much so! I still feel Bachmann is pretty overpriced much of the time... but at least they deliver quality models now, there's no doubt about that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains you think bachmann has come a long way
Hey Sam, have you got a younger sibling who can focus on N gauge model railways?
I like the Lionell’s and Hambys and I don’t have Annie model trains😞
Hi Sam, are you going to do a review on the Lionel Mini Model Hogwarts Express or Polar Express train sets as they appeal to a younger audience?
If they have already carried out the development work on the Lion with mechanism and mouldings, there is no reason why Hornby can't bring it out as a model. It is likely that it was already in planning but were out thought by Rapido. They could also bring out other historical named locos of the same class. Personally, I wouldn't have bought the Rapido set, not because there is something wrong with it, but the film was a mix and match set of running stock put together for the film and it doesn't appeal to me.
Still waiting for BR class 28, and also OO9 scale.
I am going to keep waiting.
I think the Hornby Lion should sell well. I will probably buy the Hornby version as I am not familiar with Rapido. I have been very pleased with the new Rocket mail train.
After all Sam has been revealed about Hornby unsavoury business practice, you are still going to validate their actions by buying their products just because you are not familiar with the alternative? That's a bit...
@@Samuussman hahaa that's a silly argument. You think I should take a punt with my money because other people say so? I have a brain. Sam and most other people still buy Hornby. I would be very surprised if Hornby sell fewer Lions than Rapido. That's why they are making money. Think about it before commenting. It is pretty obvious. Noone is forced to buy anything. If you look back, Sam has commented on Bachmann price increases. As for Hornby favouring some shops over others, it is up to them. It doesn't make sense to me unless there is a supply issue and so some have to go without but it isn't my business and I don't know of all the considerations. People say that it is harming their reputation but they still sell products. Go figure!
@@modelrailwaynoob Honestly, I find it hugely problematic that people still condone their actions by buying their products. Even more if you are aware how they have been acting; the recent months have proven that they do not respect their customers, business partners, nor the law.
I give a pass to those that are not following what is going on. As for Sam, he is a professional reviewer and it makes sense for him to review their products. It's its job
In this precise case, Rapido has a good reputation. If you don't know Rapido and are afraid of the quality of the model, you can always wait for reviews to see what things. I would definitely not buy the product sold by the company that tried to illegally use copyrighted material.
@@Samuussman Like I said before, I have my own mind. Don't buy Hornby if you are unhappy with them but don't try to tell me who to buy from. I have no loyalty to any brand but I will most certainly buy from Hornby again as long as I can afford this expensive hobby.
I think it’s obvious Hornby are trying to make as much money as possible from their reducing customer base. They evidently have a brand driven marketing department of highly qualified people who have no clue at all about the grass-roots hobby that has supported their business for decades. Otherwise how could they be so lacking in imagination that they try to steal competitor brands new launch enthusiasm and make copy products? It’s frustrating that Hornby lack the competence to design and make products that real enthusiasts aspire to own. Hornby must assume their customers are older wealthy individuals who care more about buying the *same brand* toys in their adulthood as they did or aspired to buy in their childhood. This would be a good business model for designer clothing, high end cars or collector grade Swiss watches. The problem is they haven’t reckoned that an awful lot of their models are bought by real enthusiasts. Not brand suckers. Many of these real enthusiasts are on pocket money budgets and so Hornby are now pricing themselves out of their traditional marketplace. I don’t see how older boys (mature adult collectors, who are the suckers Hornby is going after) are going to keep buying Hornby when Rapido, Dapol & Accurascale are making such good stuff. Rails of Sheffield stopped selling new Hornby a while ago; clearly this said something significant when the highly successful, trusted, decades old retailer stopped selling new Hornby. The main market for Hornby junk now is the wealthy grandparents attempting to buy classy toys for their grandchildren and wealthy men having a midlife crisis trying to reconnect with their childhoods. Hornby; for heavens sake start having some respect for your own name, do your homework as to your real marketplace, and start designing really good models that nobody else does, and do it well. If you don’t; you’ll go bankrupt! Okay?!
I think there needs to be a changing of the guard at Hornby as the current executive in charge is driving the company closer to ruin, all while angering their customers and retail partners.
Actually they have been making a profit!
@@modelrailwaynoob That same profit being a short term gain at the cost of long term support.
@@Blur4strike I didn't know you could see into the future. Very impressive. You can make money with that skill and buy more trains.
No, it makes sense... what’s the point of making money if you’re angering the customers that support you and making their lives difficult in doing so. It’s a logical question to ask how long that sort of practice can be sustainable!
@@SamsTrains The market decides. If they are selling models and making a profit, who are they angering? Customers that can no longer afford their models or the ones that clearly can, evidenced by their return to profit.
I'm really looking forward to the G5. It is one on my purchase list and outside of my region (WR) but just love the look of them so have to have one. Which livery though 🤔
Fantastic!! I don't blame you for really looking forward to it- they look amazing :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
is there any news on The Fell from KR models
When the railway fans demands for Titfield and Lion to be in the Model Trains.
Fans:
“Give me the Titfield Here!”
Hornby:
“It will be Ready, when It’s Ready!”
When it’s realization:
“I get it… I don’t get it.”
Oliver:
“Same.”
Titfield:
“Same.”