As a Swiss that mainly grew up with Märklin and got a Hornby starter set just two years ago on a school trip, I'll pick Hornby. They have some very affordable models like the Railroad range that I absolutely love. I find British locomotives so fascinating, mainly because of the different liveries, colours and the individual companies before becoming BR. Bachmann is just too expensive for my tight wallet, but they do make some amazing models. Interesting comparison as always, Sam 👍 ;) Also I decided to join your channel Membership to support your great work

It's weird how Thomas the tank engine can mould you into a model train enthusiast

Every time I start to watch one of your videos, my wife shouts 'Hello Sam' from the other room!

I found your channel recently and I truly admire your effort in making these videos :) I'm also a model-railroader and I find all these British locos so different from our continental European ones! Greetings from Poland :)

As a beginner model-er, this will definitely help out as I JUST began to think to make of an railway. Definitely based around the time where steam engines were waay more common than diesels, around when they just began.

This is what I wanted to see since 2017

Really excellent review. Well researched and very thorough. Pointed out many things I was totally unaware of and will be very helpful in making future purchases. The manufacturers could watch and learn a lot her - and I hope they do! Thanks a lot for sharing.

This is very helpful! Im planning to start making custom model engines and a model railway myself! This is very helpful, Thanks Sam!

Very informative Sam. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your reviews!

This was a great comparison video, good job man

Am delighted to have found your channel Sam. Your commentary is thorough and educational. Thanks.

One of Sam's best videos. Lots of info packed into it and footage of loco innards rather than the carpet or slippers :-)

Great site Sam, I'm 77 & used to have model trains years ago. So what I wold like to ask you is for complete run down on the best loco for each class related to my time train spotting days at Bournemouth in I think it was 1960 I think ?? & I decided to change to aviation (where I have been lucky to work within most of my career) A GREAT site Sam & only recently found it.

Another interesting video Sam. I think if, I was modelling 00 (I have N gauge) I'd go for Hornby. I hope the manufactures watch your reviews.

One of your best videos! Would be great to see a similar video looking at the other manufacturers!

One of your best comparisons Sam,. Very useful indeed. Thanks

Also at least Hornby understands their audience by Doing a Railroad range and premium one so customers can experience a good range of products without paying a fortune 🙂🙂

Great comparison Sam if I’m honest I would say that all models that are made are great

12:48 That’s the best tender engine I’ve ever seen 😂 Great review sam!

That was well put together Sam..nice one. I enjoyed that.

Another profesional informative video from young Sam, well done! The price comparison is quite fluid between the two but I think that part of that pricing structure includes shipping costs from Europe and China. Still, with regard to quality and value it's like anything else these days, you get what you pay for.

Personally I prefer Hornby over Bachmann as you can easily replace loco parts for a bargain and The prices of their products are considerably cheaper especially with their mechanism Thanks for this Sam I have been waiting for this 🙂🙂

Sam, you really are the Best thing that's happened in our Hobby for years, your Reviews are second to none, giving so much useful information to help people with future purchases, which at the prices of items these days, is becoming so important. You are unbiased in your views, and I, as one of your thousands of followers, are extremely grateful, for your invaluable help...Keep up the Great work...Bob

Hey, sam great review! lots of people's reviews are biased or not in-depth but u made sure that ur viewers would be satisfied great job!

"So if we kick off with an 0-6-0 tender engine..." *shows off tank engine*

Great stuff Sam. Love to see a diesel comparison too including Heljan.

I'm new to this and really appreciate your videos, thank you.

This is spot on consumer information, and proof that both companies can produce good products when challenged. Watching and reading reviews of the Bachmann and Heljian (providing you get a later example) narrow gauge engines are good examples of two companies working out of their normal comfort zone. From what I've seen you seem to get very well engineered and well thought out tiny models. Considering how much of a slating Heljian get for build quality it is proof that when they do it right they really do it right.

Wonderful video Sam! I wonder if you could do something crazy and buy like a Roco or Trix or perhaps a Piko locomotive. It would add some nice variation to your reviews, and I find them quite impressive in terms of performace and detail! Some are quite expensive though.

Seeing the hornby 08 reminded me, for the love of all things model railways you have to try a hornby 08, they are just amazing! Would love to see a review of that!

Interesting video, thanks Sam. The Bachmann mechanism info really surprised me especially given their generally higher.

Thank you for this post. Lots of important info.

Sam you goofed at 12:49 (called a tank engine a tender engine) but apart from that good video.

Hi sam, Great video! Quick question, do bachmann trains work on hornby DC or DCC controllers? Considering they work on the other track

Sam did not let quarantine bore him

Great video, very informative, your video's are so useful to reference, before purchasing a model. Thanks very much Sam. You've become an expert!

Very interesting I remember when Bachmann first came on the scene in this country Everyone raved about them and said ‘ why can’t Hornby be like this?’ It seems as though there’s a complete turn around I heard that both manufacturers are using Chinese factories at one point I believe the same factory This huge discrepancy in price and quality is unbelievable I’m very disappointed to be honest How are most people going to know what they’re getting? Keep making these videos they’re really good 👍😊

This I why I stopped collecting model trains, was how expensive they were getting couldn't afford it anymore 😔, still enjoying the vids by the way

Imagine Hornby and Bachmann having a collab. Hornby's quality mechanism with bachmann's beatiful detail

Very interesting stuff Sam. Thanks for that.

The 4F wasn't Dapol, it was Airfix :)

Bachmann: thomas and friends show models Hornby: counter part thomas models

Hello SAM! Firstly ...great job and thank you for your work for the hobby. Secondly, I would consider interesting mentioning the wheels materials (hornby of late are plastic) as well as the doc interface. Finally, if I may add, you should certainly continue with this series yet, also, I think you ought to visit other brands such as heljan, hattons... Best wishes, D.

Hii Sam! As always, another great video! ;-)

I'd like to add two points... 1.hornby try to be all things to all men. From cheapo train set locos right up to amazing top detailed stuff . And yes I agree it's not always made clear what market each loco is aimed at. 2. Bachmann diesels are great, but so many of their steam locos woddle down the track like an angry duck!

Apparently Bachmann is completely different in the UK, here in the states the are the cheaper option, and aren't that reliable, or good pullers, or well detailed. Just kinda MEH here in the states, but the prices don't mirror that, a Spectrum DCC 4-8-4, be it a Daylight, or a N&W J-Class. Are around $300 plus if you can't find them on sale.

Great video as usual Sam!

Hi Sam. loving your work. Just an observation - Whenever I've heard you say that a certain loco is a bit noisy, when running, it's usually a Bachmann. keep up the great work.

The way I see it: Hornby- Better with steam locomotives Bachmann - Kings of the diesel, electric and DMU segments EMU's - No way to tell However, the lack of spare valve gear for certain Hornby locos like the rebuilt Merchant Navy is a massive turnoff.

Here’s an aspect you left out: who sells out quickest? My vote’s for Hornby.

Very fair comparison, Sam. Top work!

Excellent idea for content, more please!

I like how bachmann doesn’t include tender pick ups and when they do,they have the effectiveness of someone hitting you with a wet noodle

They have 1 similarity *mmmmmmmmmmmm yees t R a I n*

I found this very interesting , I have some very old Tri-ang railway stuff in my loft some of it has grey track with 3 lines. I also have the O gauge Stephensons Rocket "real steam" train and track plus extra track only ever run once and then put in loft.

Very informative; really enjoyed this. I think doing a Diesel Hornby vs Bachmann video would be a splendid idea especially when Bachmann has certainly tackled Diesels Hornby hasn't such as the Peaks. I actually am genuinely intrigued with the difference between the 08's too. I know Hornby's Class 08 did have some rather nice but unexpected surprises such as opening doors. No doubt when it comes to choosing between both ranges one may just offer a class of loco that the other doesn't or they simply have a better version.

wow i like this now im thinking of getting both my first sets from both hornby and bachman thanks

Thumbnail takes me back but i can’t put my finger on it😂 Neverthenonetheless, great vid Sam!!

I don't have a model railway, I'm more into the prototypes. What I like about this channel is how clearly you speak. It seems quite rare to encounter a KZfaqr who knows how a sentence is going to finish from the start. No 'I'm' or starting each new thought with 'so...'.

Hi Sam. I have been a supporter of Hornby since i first started in model railways but i have bought a few Bachmann locos such as the Crab and the 43xx and i really like them. the detail is good and the running is great but deep down im still a hornby fan. Thanks Liam

A very informative video Sam, TY. Would love to see the rumoured diesel variant . :)

Interesting Stuff. Thanks for sharing.

I had my first loco at 7 now 35 :-( and my intercity 225 runs like a dream with the original ringfield and thanks to your servicing videos just as good and quiet as new out the box so always a hornby fan and whenever i search for a loco always look at hornby products first something just seems that bit extra nothing against the other brands but they always feel a bit more especially with the name and legacy also having relatives who lived in hornbys home helps too 😂😂

Nice one! I like both, but I usually stay with Hornby because I use rail master

Cool comparing video sam keep it up

Congratulations Sam. A fascinating video. Very informative. I like Bachmann but love Hornby.

Hi again great video you are doing a good job

Great video Sam , please can you do a video on the diesels too ? Thanks!

Hi Sam, Thanks for this comparison video. It’s very useful. Now I’ll have to watch all your videos to see if the models are any good! Oh, I see what you did there! 8-) Regards, Jim

Great vid Sam. I wish I’d known some of that information earlier . When I switched from N to OO a couple of years back, I was of the impression that Bachmann were superior to Hornby.🤔 I only have one steam loco, which is a Bachmann Tornado a lovely model, but the lack of tender pickups is frankly quite shocking⚡️I’ve since added some & she runs really well. Thankfully she was a secondhand buy so I can’t moan too much.... Keep up the good work, I enjoyed the Schools class double tender monster vid too👍👍👍😄 Cheers & stay safe John B 😷

Great video Sam. Generally a great summary. Very surprised you don't have a Hornby 08 diesel shunter. They are fabulous. Great low gearing and will pull anything. Treat yourself!

Great video as always and a interesting one at that.I think id rather have an engine that worked better and lasted longer,than one that looked better and had more detail.I dont have any Bachmann engines mine are all Hornby and one Oxford Rail Janus Shunter that was bought in a Hattons bundle with three wagons.

This is awesome content!

This year I got a real good price on a Bachman train set, online it’s around 350, I got it in a store for 160! [ it was an HO scale ]

very informative review, Room for thought before purchasing chosen loco.

Thanks for the advice il go for the Hornby one .

9:12 Track record! :D 3:59 great! good to see the internal details!? or the plastic moulding details. ;-)

This is very good information for anyone who wants to join the model train hobby.

Great video. One gripe I have about Bachmann is that their interior lights (cab lights, EMU and railcar interior lights) are always light orange LED's and I've had to go around and substitute the ones on my Bachmann stuff with warm white LED's instead.

really good video mate i really want to see more of this difference videos soon-100k

Hi Sam,you are awesome,I love the channel

Haha! ‘Track Record’ 😜 Awesome video Sam

A very good statement on the differences between the two manufactures would be interesting to know on how the two compare on Train packs or sets.

Investigative journalism at it's best!

Great video Sam very on the ball with the key differences. One aspect I was surprised you didnt mention because you often do in reviews of individual locos (eg the Bachmann V2) are the loco-tender connections. On balance is Bachmann or Hornby better (ie easier to connect/disconnect etc) in your view?

Great video very interesting

I've always wanted to get some HO/OO scale locos, and this helps a lot to see what's the difference between Hornby and Bachmann. But if I were to ask you Sam, which one do you prefer the most? Because I would love to know if you prefer Hornby over Bachmann or the vice versa? Also, if I were to get started with a HO scale set, which one do you recommend anyone to get from each company?

A really like seeing these types of videos Have a good one Sam!

Based on the Thomas range... I’ve noticed that Bachmann is more accurate than powerful such as with the Gordon model. The Gordon of Bachmann’s detail is superb, as compared to the Hornby model which is oversized and with a lot of the proportions wrong. However due to the larger tender, the Hornby Gordon is able to house the motor in its tender and that gives it more power and more tractive force with less effort. The way I understand it with my minimal knowledge of physics is that with the Bachmann model, the engine has the motor and the pulling power is all at the front, meaning the load at the back is heavier. With the Hornby model the tender pushes the locomotive instead of the loco pulling it. So the weight at the back is decreased while the weight at the front is increased. This is better because it is easier to push something rather than to pull it. So the Hornby models are stronger. Also I think the Bachmann model has a tiny motor crammed into the engine which is less powerful than the bigger Hornby motor in the big tender. So if you’re looking for durability and power, then the Hornby models are the ones for you. If you’re more of a serious collector or somebody who wants accuracy over power such as a filmmaker or someone, then the Bachmann models are the ones for you. These are just my thoughts.

Thanks for this video, when im older i wanna start an english model railway but the Class V2 is only Bachmann and the West Country is only hornby Edit: i have the mallard and flying scotsman that i got ages ago but they both have small issues, and the mallard doesnt run properly anymore :/ only fully functioning train i have is an SDJR Tank engine no. 24

Some of the prices you quoted were different to those shown on the screen, I noted. Maybe there have been updates since? If I had to choose between the two, I think Hornby would get the nod really. Better mechanisms including far greater use of 5 pole motors swings it for me. Oh, and price is a significant factor, especially these days when people's livelihoods are in the balance due to Covid-19.

Man i like this kind of review can you do more viedos like this

Also, great video,as usual!

Jolly good video sam

Very interesting video today Sam I got a hornby turntable today I was wondering how do I get it to work any advice

I’m so used to the British Railway Stories and I think another one of those W.P. Allen models is used but with a face.

Hi Sam. I own 2 Hornby super detailed 08's. Both are superb models, very well detailed (on a par with my Dapol O gauge 08's) and run extremely well. They cope very well with points and their slow speed is faultless which makes them perfect for shunting my lay out. They are better than the Bachman versions in both of these departments and I can highly recommend them.

Great video Sam! That was a very interesting comparison! Dare I ask it, but who do you prefer!?

Nice vid sam!

Great video and good comparisons, another plus for Bachman is that you can get their new products from Rails without issue but I cannot get any new Hornby products (2020+ onwards) from Rails (with their possible fallout between both parties ). A minus for both is that their new releases are costing more and more money every year pricing potential buyers out of the market / hobby.