That title had me worried for a second. This is a perfect little tank engine. Dapol keeps on improving in OO scale.

You asked, Did you get carried with your review? No. I don’t think so at all. This is an absolutely spectacular model in just about every way as you so eloquently put in this fantastic video. Arguably the best model you can get!! So glad Dapol did such a variety of liveries as I am getting multiple, especially after your rave review! I really think other of the big manufacturers (Hornby, Bachmann) need to up their game…. This just proves there are no excuses on a multitude of levels. Great video as always! Thank you Sam. :)

As an ex-Hawthorn Leslie engineer, this makes me feel so proud. What a little beauty! But, now living in Indonesia, owning one is just a pipe dream.

I always wondered which version of the Hawthorn you would get Sam. That blue lined yellow is absolutely gorgeous Looks like you’ll be replacing your annual Peckett video with an annual Hawthorn Leslie video now 😂

Another high-quality model from Dapol and at a price that doesn't break the bank. We need more of that please!

Good lord man. If I was a UK modeler id go out and buy 10 of these as fast as possible. What an incredible model.

Hornby: *creates a lovely peckett* Dapol: "thats cute... hey, check out my saddle tank!" Hornby and literally everybody: 🤯😍

Such an amazing product, Dapol should proud! You didn't get carried away Sam, you just spilled out truth...

Amazing review as ever Sam! I took a big gamble pre-ordering one of these last year, making it the first ever model I had pre-ordered, but the gamble paid off! In the two days I've had it, it has already become one of my favourite in my fleet. Just an all-round exceptional piece of work from Dapol!

Always happy to see dapol improving, from the days of engines that derail and can barely pull themselves along, to this, it’s lovely to see! Keep it up guys!

Forget the pug, and get this even if its £30 more.

As an American, this model honestly almost makes me want to add some British locos and wagons to my layout. It's almost perfect. The detail and features are perfect for serious modelers, but the price is perfect for even beginners. It really is an almost perfect all-around model.

I too am speechless. If I wasn’t in the U.S. and waiting for my paycheck, I would buy one of these in a heartbeat.

Wow. Someone doing small locomotives beautiful and sturdy. Usually manufacturers make tank or small diesel shunters as cheap as possible. Now I want something from Dapol into my collection :) Thank you for a fantastic rewview!

Your selection of music is very timely for the loco you present, and I like that. The song, "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" was written by Edwards & Madden in 1909 and the Leslie Hawthorn was built around that same era. I don't know if you are just getting lucky or you plan these things out but it's brilliant. As for the locomotive, I was already blown away with the detail and then you hit use with the lit fire box, BOOM! You are on the mark with your assessment of this locomotive, and I may have had it score a half a star higher. Absolutely a great video, Jersey Bill

I got the Marston, Thompson and Evershed, as mentioned on one of your previous videos. If this makes you lost for words then the Marston Model will leave you speechless.

This loco absolutely deserves the rave review you've given it Sam. I was blown away when I got mine as well. Everything about it, from the decoration to the performance is fantastic (Asbestos in the lined green is beautiful). Did you notice that the firebox looks like a dual tone flicker, its not just a steady light? Compared to my Rapido Hunslet its brighter at slow speed too. The named ones come with etched nameplates too. I'm pleased to say my one arrived without any damage or blemishes, although i would say the packaging makes it awkward if you need to put it away often. Really hope Dapol do more of this. Thanks for another great review Sam.

Great video Sam! I'm just starting to build my first model railway having rediscovered my childhood passion for locomotives. I had no idea which locomotive to purchase without breaking the bank. And then you came along with this fantastic in-depth review of this quality crafted little saddle tank from Dapol. I'm hoping to find one this weekend thanks to your recommendations. Your video was extremely helpful and keep it up!

Small is beautiful... and in this case near perfection! Wonderful to see a little engine that ticks all the boxes model railroaders like and want. I want one. Thank you Dapol and thank you Sam for this very enthusiastic review... and I admit to share your feelings. Regards, Filip

That’s the same livery I went with, although mine had its roof on.

Received mine in USA on 7/9/24 via Rails of Sheffield. I was already aware of the fixing to the acetate sheet in a foam void...and I was worried.. I have had several diecast models with models fixed on a base, protected within a void.. At least two were completely destroyed in the mail. The problem is that packages are shaken in transit and in this type of packaging one is totally dependent on every single detail item separately fixed actually staying in place, and not just the two screws and spacers in the bottom. IMHO the model still has to be wrapped to support fixing points and avoid shaking damage. IMHO Rapido clamshell packaging is the best. Nevertheless, Dapol have chosen sturdy packing materials well, notably included metal (not plastic..) spacers under the loco. Unfortunately my roof arrived detached too. All parts were found but the roof has a slight imperfection to one edge, (perhaps during transit?). The magnets and the fantastic Port of London Authority brass plates were glued in place using E6000. It was a challenge to fix the manufacturer's plate the right side up though LOL. Definitely not a complaint, as these plates are fully finished with no "sprue" left on. They could have been an etched sheet for us to cut out! This model is awesome. The detail and finish are faultless. The boiler back head detail is amazing, and firebox flicker, a nice surprise on my model too... The price is fantastic. My example ran very well straight out of the box. FYI The instructions indicate that running in is not required. I would not be surprised to hear they are all already sold out. flic.kr/p/2q3ptFa

I remember as a child of the 50's our local Couthaulds factory had 2 of these and we used to go and watch them working on their large industrial sight Claribel and Rosabell as I remember 1

The Hawthorn Leslie locomotive from Dapol is a fantastic model because of the details and superb performance thanks to its quality mechanism. Plus, it is a reasonably priced model from both Dapol and the retailers Sam.

I got the Footplate of Kidderminster exclusive and love the model, will definitely look into getting another

Hi Sam, what a little beaut! Dapol are to be congratulated and I love em. Value, quality, fidelity. Wonderful features. I don't need one but I want. You could play with this all day on a shunting layout. Cheers as always.

What an endearing model. It just shows what they really can do. Absolutely no corners were cut. It would be a godsend if Dapol made a new L&Y Pug too. Weren't they the ones that made the L&Y Pug tooling Hornby still uses? It really would be befitting if Dapol outdone their own tooling with a new version at long last and under their own name to boot. Still very impressive for when it was made but with today's tech they can go well beyond the old 80's tooling.

First video I’ve seen of yours in a bit, and I have to say your videos are just as amazing as I remember!

You could argue that you were a bit harsh when it came to the speaker not coming pre-fitted, as you didn’t have a problem with it, but this is just a gorgeous little tank engine. If I actually ran OO and owned a layout of some sort, I’d easily be scrambling to get one of these for myself.

Dapol did a fantastic job on this model Sam, it's miles better than the A1x terrier. I'll be getting the NCB version, and I can't wait for it to come in. Cheers Jasper & Willow

Delicious? You're not supposed to eat it, Sam! What a great loco for the price!

Just bought one before the review had even finished, was holding off but this tipped me.

Hey Sam! Did you know one of the liveries of this model is of a locomotive that served in australia? The maroon one named "Wallaby" apparently served its working life in australia, and whilst not operational, I believe it still exists today

Great loco and a great review, it's so good to see a manufacturer go the extra mile to produce a quality model at a great price. Thanks Sam for all your hard work. God bless

Like most here I find it stunning, industrials not my chosen scene but tempted by this

What a wonderful loco this is Sam. It just goes to show what can be achieved at such a reasonable price. This model should fly off the shelves, no problem. Best, Pete.

I own a Hornby Peckett and that even surprised me! It's a shame the magnets in the roof broke.

lol I thought I was seeing things, when it was going round the track, but now confirmed by you, it does have a fireboxglow!

I have already got one which is fantastic, absolutely love it runs to perfection😊

I wouldn't fault the slightly bendy handrail. Industrial locos get banged around and so for all practicality, the handrail wouldn't be perfectly straight in reality. What I would fault is the gap inbetween the sections of the chimney, because that's a glaring, eye catching fault. We should praise the crankpins however, because while they dont look as good as Ultrascale, or Alan Gibson ones, they are far better than Hornby's large bolt heads. Also, the reason why the crosshead looks so good is because all of it is well cast to look imperfect, but those imperfections preserve verisimilitude to the look of a real cast crosshead. Id also say that the Hornby J36 put up an equal performance. Thanks as always Sam.

Cracking review as always Sam but i wonder as a modeller and over 50 years of scratchbuilding etc' from OO to 5" live steam what would you like to see to get top marks lol

Lovely little loco; on your recommendation, I now have the open back Henry, and will be getting the ModelU crew to populate and be illuminated by the firebox glow! Looking forward to this becoming the go-to shunter!

Yep it looks terrific , performance brilliant , packed with features. , a delight! Well done Dapol

I have Marston, Thompson & Evershed Ltd -no.3 as my second one on order and if they get discounted I would pick up Asbestos

I absolutely love this model Sam. I'll be getting one of these for sure. Cheers Jasper & Willow

Looks and runs awesome ..I'm saving for this I need a good little steam engine ..thanks for the review Sam ...

Wow!!! Great video Sam! I think I might pick one up!

very nice...I reckon if you don't need sound then you could fit a suitable stay alive capacitor where the speaker would go

Great review Sam. Nailed it! So very well done Dapol. Interesting mix of technology with old school split chassis and DCC with some refinement. I do love the presentation base of transparent acrylic.

Wow.... I think this is the most excited I've seen you about a model in a very long time Sam. To be fair, it is quite a superb piece of kit.

this is definitely going Best Model Trains of 2024

DON'T use superglue to reattached the magnet. It gives off vapours which will attack the surrounding plastic.

Hi Sam I bought a pair of these. The PLA and Invincible. When they arrived the regulator handle had fallen off one and one of the magnets had come off the roof of the other. Both issues easily fixed. Apart from that fantastic locos. The firebox flicker is controllable in DCC using F1. I'm sure you will be buying more as you get hooked ? Try Invincible it's beautiful in lined maroon.

Bravo Dapol. What a beautiful, stunningly executed little engine.

Great review. I’ve got the exact same colour and am so impressed with the detail and quality. Problem now is trying to resist buying one of each colour to make a complete set

I've been away for a while. Looks like I picked a good video to come back on! Still a wonderful channel!

I’ve chosen “invincible” and I got one.

I don't think I would have knocked it down for not having a speaker given the size and the price. Good to be consistent but yeah I would rather not have the speaker fitted because I wont be DCC fitting it....if I get it. Not a criticism just feedback! :)

I went with the same livery, Sam. An amazing loco, probably the best tank engine I own, and I still think really highly of my Hattons GWR Barclay.

What a superb model! So much detail, so much wonderful painting and lining.😃

One little point picked up by someone who knows more than I - the little cocks on the front of the cylinders are upside down! They are for oiling the cylinders not draining them. Oil goes into the cups. I don't think I am up to turning mine over though. Superb locos

+1 on that fantastic piping color. The detail on this unit are a very pleasing and impressive. In Macro, it's very good, but at arm's length it's simply amazing.

Super excellent review of the Dapol Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 saddle tank 👍 I myself was super impressed by the details & performance of the model loco, however I never thought that the packaging was updated let alone a first for OO that a plastic plate under the loco was used. I personally prefer staying with the plastic packaging instead as that won’t course worrying damage. However I send my back to Rails as the handrail was loosened and I want one in the same livery with out loose detail.

Absolutely stunning value. If I was a steamer, I'd buy all the liveries. And also, Continental manufacturers take note! You'd probably being paying over €250 for a model of this quality.

Sam, thank you for this review. What a great model ! Having waited so long, now I fear I have to order one. No need to worry about the colour as I have a soft spot for blue ones... Are you going to review the Bachmann Quarry Hunslet in 7mm NG soon ? Best wishes Dirk

My loco arrived a few days ago ,but I have have not had time free to run it in yet. I'm very glad to see this review, I chose the PLA version too.

Curious about the "Wallaby" livery one - if its prototype actually is Australian it's not going to play completely nice with most Australian models, which are modelled in HO!

Several times lately, shortly after ordering a loco, and even before it arrives, (a week or more to the US) you have put out a new review, basically mashing the product, and making me wonder about my judgement, if any. Those reviews have helped me avoid disasters like the Fell, and stop others in time - the Hornby Black 5. Once again, I find my latest purchase is in transit, and ShaZam! there's another Sam review. Only this time, it looks like when the new baby arrives, I have a winner. You have made my day! I would suggest that the builders put keep-alives in 4 wheel locos, to reduce the points problem.

Saw your review and ordered!! Bet they go fast. Usually go for WR but never mind that. NCB were everywhere in the day.

Thanks Sam for your 'as usual' unbiased, informative video. Magazine editors do really need to get their reviewers to write the truth instead of 'Excellent', 'Outstanding' 'Very Good' when there are obvious faults - but we must not upset the manufacturers must we? As far as this loco is concerned, it does seem like it is an excellent loco, as others have said Hornby and Bachmann need to up their game. 0-4-0. I'd have reservations about buying one as there are issues with short wheelbase locos when negotiating points. Running under DCC, if there's space for stay alive capacitors then slow running over points might be possible. It's good that there's a space for a speaker. Thanks once again Sam, keep up the good work.

Amazing video today Sam what a beautiful locomotive I really wanna get one wasn’t expecting the fire box flicker

The number and builder's plates are a nice tuch! I like the livery! Shame about the magnets coming adrift in transit!

Dapol have produced some real quality recently, need to get some dapol locos

I love your reviews Sam, they’re absolutely how a review should be. However, when you find something you really like and are genuinely moved to happiness through that, it’s even better to watch. :) Brilliaht.

I heartedly concur with your ratings. Mine arrived last week, also the PLA version, and it’s every bit as good as you say. Good times!

I think weve reached model nirvana having watched a load of your videos Sam this is the nearest to perfection so far. Was a genuine pleasure to watch and am sorely tempted to buy one as a result. The Dapol LSWR B4 is on my wishlist as well.

Massive W for Dapol. I'm genuinely sitting here wondering if I should get one and I don't even do OO.

Totally agree Sam! Superb. I went all in with DCC sound and very impressed with it. No damage on mine however, refitting the base is a faff, having to align loco, spacers base and screws. Might glue spacers to base to improve that bit. Otherwise perfect. Hope the my pre-ordered 14xx is at this standard. 😊

Mr. Sam's trains finds himself the perfect locomotive? well he is at least completely over the builder's plate on this, very glad to see this is still even possible. It dose prove as said in video that when the loco maker wants to they CAN make things work great. (now it is possible that could be undercutting price offcourse but until i see any proof of that i will go under assumption that they are not trying to cripple themselves financialy). very glad things might be moving in good direction for the hobby.

Top quality little model 😎 The usual superb review. Just remember, "objective", not "gushing" for science. Nice one Sam, very entertaining 😃

Inside frame detailings?! These models are getting more and more advanced as time goes on!

Mine arrived this morning - utterly amazing loco for the price. Even goes over my insulfrog points without any problem - I have a Bachmann 2.6.2T which can't manage that. Don't think twice, just buy it. Now Dapol, it's time for a Saint

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these now. Was a bit hesitant before as I can't afford many new models nowadays, but this has absolutely moved up the list of upcoming purchases. Hopefully they have the livery I like in stock again by the time I get to snag one.

This is an astoundingly good quality loco.

A very happy Sam.

I bought one just now, Sam you're a terrible influence 😅 Only joking, thoroughly enjoyed this review, can't wait to run this in 😁

I'm tempted to get the Wallaby livery. Though, Australian freight wagons in OO don't really exist.

Just saw this and now getting one😂

The history of how Hawthorne Leslie ended as a phone maker is uncannily similar to the eventual fate of the arguably largest US builder of industrial locos H.K. Porter Co. which still exists as a suppier of plumbing parts of all things...they built their last lococ in 1950, when the loco division was sole to Davenport in Iowa.

Hi Sam - just a note; judging from the video at least, I see none of the lateral wobble that often plagues small models. This one is clearly very well-balanced! Also - given the very large & ever-growing number of digital layouts both here & abroad, have you given a thought to performance-testing DDC-ready models like this with decoders fitted? I realise there are many different decoders, but if you were to choose just one popular chip for each pin-size and used them consistently with stock CV settings, you'd maintain a base level on which to judge performance. It would certainly be an opportunity for much more video material, since you could revisit some or all of the models you've only tested on analogue - and I'm pretty sure there would be some real surprises in there. It would also perhaps bring in a new flood of DCC-only subscribers..

I treated myself to four of these beauties, including the exclusive version from Footplate. Really glad I did too, the detail is just amazing, especially for the price. And I love the acrylic plate, although not sure how well it'll work on a shelf as the screws aren't flush with the base of the plate. Shame about the roof with your one, all of mine were perfectly fine.

I love my Peckett but this is something else. Beautiful. Thanks Sam

I think this is the best Loco you have reviewed in a long time.....

Well, I'd be darned. Finally, your review and honestly, nope, you are as impressed as I am. I didn't know they had a firebox light, something I only have one my Dublo Scotsman. I pre-ordered the Peckett in green, but it seems that this specific order is in great danger. I don't have a detailed tank engine yet with the exception of the Bachmann Jinty (kinda meh) and the 1F (pretty decent). I want a 0-4-0 just for the sake of it and this thing is mightily impressive. It would justify a higher price than Hornby's offering, but the fact that it's a touch cheaper is absolutely mindblowing. Well done Dapol, well done Sam. Just what I needed after a busy day. I may get this one or the green one with wasp stripes DCC sound fitted, to enhance the experience. Though it doesn't seem to have room for a stay alive, this thing may actually not need one it's this good.

I was lucky to preorder mine when it was first announced. Back then it was priced at just under a hundred pound

What a great looking steam engine Sam. Very nice.

What a stunner. A Dapol Black Label product in everything but name !

Great review Sam! I'm in need of an 0-4-0t in my fleet. Once I can allocate money to model trains again I think this will be the one to pick up.

Great review. Great looking and running loco. Although from the states, I am happy because I believe Dapol manufactures domestically. It’s great to see.

Ive been looking at these for a while not sure to get one or not. I definitely will be now.

Amazing model, i will be buying one if not two. Great review.