This level of model is important to the next generation. Not just because it’s cheap but also because it’s more robust. Everyone should be doing everything they can to encourage the entry level railway modeller

There really is a market for these lower priced models. Fine for older modellers like myself - we were brought up at a time when much of our modelling consisted of upgrading and detailing the basic models of the time. So much more fun IMHO than spending a fortune on a super detailed model with nothing you can customize for yourself. Did you see Jenny Kirk’s update of the Railroad Plus class 37? She was able to get a really nice model at the end with a little work.

I would really like to see more in the railroad range to encourage youngsters into the hobby.

That's a West Highland Terrier, Sam. 6 months ago i got a 15yo Bachmann 47 of ebay, beautiful runner, 21 pin dcc, directional lights. And no traction tyres, about £60 as well.. which is a better deal i think. Good review

In my honest opinion, I think the overall rating should be a bit higher - I have a class 37 and class 47, with the mechanism, although the same as this, they are very smooth and quiet. And I guess these models aren't supposed to be detailed, so their cheaper and better value for money - great video as always sam!

Hi Sam. I saw far too many Class 47s in my youth to warrant having more than one on my layout - an ageing Bachmann green version of the last diesel-hauled York-Bournemouth train on the Great Central line. As for the odd-one out, I think we’re supposed to say it’s the Class 92. But I’m opting for the Class 52 as that’s a Diesel Hydraulic transmission whereas all the rest have some variant of electric transmission.

I own one of these. When I started the hobby at 13 years old I couldn't afford a €200 loco, so I picked up this little guy and it does the job. Great that there are still affordable models out there!

As my interest in UK prototypes has grown, I’ve begun to seek out models for my collection. Being based in the USA, I’m not familiar with the manufacturers that make UK railway models, so I appreciate your brutal honesty in your reviews. I think your methods are consistent and detailed. Thank you for your work.

Thanks for a fair review, Sam. As an operator I don't want superdetailed models - I need something that can stand up to a lot of handling without damage - trains are normally set up, run just once according to the timetable on my layout and then are removed before being replaced by the next one... Tiny, fiddly details will not stand up to this. As for the couplings - the modern NEMs are not reliable enough and often will not couple when shunting on a curve - I prefare the large, old fashioned D couplings purely for reliability. My ideal locos are the ones manufactured forty or more years ago - they're cheap, reliable and easy to modify - I often bash them into something else. So to paraphrase your good self - I can pay £200 plus and get all of the detail that I DON'T want or buy something much cheaper that does the job. The only thing stopping me buying the class 47 is that my layout is set in the 1915 to 1918 period. Once again, thanks for a thorough and unbiased review, I'll certainly look out for suitable Railroad-plus models in future.

Nice to see Hornby going for the budget market as other manufacturers don't do so. Hornby are stocked through Argos again and have started to list the Flying Scotsman train set for £150 which is a bargain but seems to be out of stock in most places.

The West Highland Terrier was the logo for Glasgow Eastfield depot & they used to apply big stickers of it to locos allocated there

This was a blast from the past. I had many Lima 47s quarter of a century ago. The body seems unchanged since then, the chassis and motor changes are a mixed bag; it’s good to see it’s quieter, has more pickups and is easily chipped for DCC, but the original motor was geared far more appropriately and was far more serviceable (all my Lima models still run). The paint jobs were on par or a bit better back then too. Given the choice I’d probably look for a good used Lima than buy a new Hornby model for similar or less money. In practice, I’ll keep saving for the new Bachmann offering.

If these Railroad "Plus" locos were no more than around £40-50 I think they'd be far better value for money, their current RRP is stretching too far into the triple figures and I dont think a lot of people on a very tight budget will want to spend that kind of money on a loco that is more "toy grade" than "model grade"

I've been waiting nearly a year, but the long wait has very much been worth it. As you agreed with me, happiness comes to those who wait.

Good videos. That 47 is a ex Lima model which most of the Railroad ones are. You can tell by the buffer removal to take body off. Nice space on front to shine a led bulb through 😉 Hornby put Scalextric motors in them....

I like Railroad Plus locos - a good price and better quality finish. If they added basic directional lights at a slightly higher price of around £120 they would be perfect for the budget modeller. As to the weight I add weight and its fine given the price. I also replace the D couplings with the narrow profile couplings.

Good review of the railroad+. I have a couple of locos in this range which are fitted with DCC chips. On my layout they perform better on DCC than on dc. End of the day the cost is driving my hobby. I do have high end locos and rolling stock too. Great channel Sam always enjoy your videos.

The decoration on the old LIMA models was good as the Railroad+ model. Also the reliable pancake motor runs better and will last a long time and is easy to service. Personally I would buy an old LIMA 47. They do still hold a good price of around the £30 mark.

Coupling size is a good design feature as folks who will buy this loco will also probably buy older rolling stock (secondhand) with large D couplings. I applaud Hornby for bringing lower detailed lower priced locos to the market.

Being in the US, the craziest thing about this model for me is how it is DCC ready with an 8 pin socket and even a speaker housing...but it doesn't have a single headlight despite the body shell being more or less a big box of open space! In something like a Walthers Trainline locomotive, you won't get DCC compatibility but you'll definitely at least get a working headlight in both directions as a standard feature.

The dog is a West Highland Terrier. It was the mascot of Eastfield depot on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Nice review Sam! I definitely think one can get their money's worth much better with locos such as those in the Athearn RTR, Atlas Trainman, and/or Walthers Mainline range.

At a few feet away you cannot notice the lack of detail but you can see the smart colour scheme and although simple the mechanism is a tried and tested one, so I definitly think this is a good loco at a good price. Horses for courses, as they say, so in that respect it's a winner 🙂

I am glad the review came out I am thinking about getting it

I always enjoy your videos👍

Good to see you reviewing a model from this range, thank you. We had a young lad come to our club the other week and it's nice to see a range we could potentially recommend to his parents at reasonable money. Do you, or other commenters who might have one of these, know if the Hornby RR+ chassis is compatible with the old Lima Class 47 body shells?

Hornby Railroad locos, where the old Lima toolings. Class 20s 31s 37s 40s 47s 55s 66s, 73s 87, 101 and 121 156.

One of my favourites! You need to do more like this.

Nice review, my hornby class 47 railroad plus had different labelling on the end (R30040TTS) and it had etched name plates in a accessory pack.

👍👍Good review , Thanks

Cool Sam it looks good I’m going to buy the br green class40

Awesome video today Sam really nice locomotive today

Eagerly awaiting a video of all the times you said hornby railroad and railroad plus 😁👍🏻

hi sam that's very nice of you to review a hornby railroad plus model I just bought the new Midland and great northern o4o side tank

Awesome video Sam's trains

Hi Sam love your videos

After this year's SVR spring diesel gala I really fancied a ScotRail class 47, and the only options were a £300 bachmann one or a £90 Hornby railroad plus model, so I went for the latter, separate detail is non existent but it has a fantastic livery, and for me that's fine for the price

Looks very nice my friend. Not bad this one. Keep being awesome my friend. Ur the best. I still have to wait to get payed for a new train. Ill keep u updated

I will say this about railroad diesels, I have a lima/limby hybrid class 40, basically a lima body on a hornby chassis and it didn't run great at all, however with an added 200 odd grams of lead inside it has transformed how it runs. Its smooth and quiet and very powerful. With a super detailed nose it doesn't look out of place against bachmann versions.

Nice review sam

i glad that you saw it this time

I went to a train show last weekend, I did a little shopping. I think I mentioned once that SMT Mainline had made a Christmas train by gluing on some mini Christmas lights, I was thinking about making some Christmas cars with lights glued on and giving them to you as a Christmas present so you can run them in your Christmas running sessions and Christmas live streams

IMPRESSIVELY INCREDIBLE DESPITE EACH OF THE OFFICIAL ISSUES THAT YOU'VE ADDRESSED INCLUDING THE MECHANISM FOR SURE!!!!

For April Fools next year, you should try a Hornby Minus Railroad engine.

Great value great product for the tighter budget 👏🏻

Corgi indeed! Got my West Highland Terrier sitting next to me here. If I recall it denotes Eastfield depot near Glasgow.

For Halloween, I did make a moke up of a ghost well tried to it runs, though, so I can't complain. But I would like to see Sam have a go at making one, which will be a pretty good to see his take on a ghost train

10:35. “Loco Snob” you say? NO you’re not!!! And not a “Carpet Snob” either😂. That’s why I love your channel. Unbiased, fact based analysis aimed at improving the hobby for ALL! Great work! Thank you Sam!

Hi sam great review as always I picked up an nwse railroad plus 47 for 60 euros which is around 50 pounds new didn't really want it but at that price couldn't resist I put some extra weight in and some sound deadning in the hollow of the shell it did state on the box it was railroad plus got some etched name plates also 😂

Great video Sam I have seen this loco in real life this year. I have a Lima model of 47 306 and had a cab ride in it’s real life counter part 😀

Found my old Hornby 47 in intercity colours which I had bought in about 1989 for £19.99 ( still had the old price label attached!) still a runner but needs a good service!

I bought the ROG class 47 with sound and it's pretty good. The new Deltic with HM7000 sound looks good too. I tend to add sound and sometimes light packs. When they are running, they look fine as long as not asked to pull too much.

Great review Sam as always. it’s a West Highland Terrier on the body to show that it was once an eastfield machine 👍

The NSE version is great, I just put lights and sound into it and total cost was £85 all in, 👍

Have a class 37 cepheus and the chassis looks identical with prices of things now at least a better motor and less like a f1 car would have been nice but cheap price runs nice but does struggle with a load at lower speeds have heard with a dcc decoder fitted that it does improve them! Great video as always😊

@Sam's trains can you do a 3D printed tal y llyn railway loco personally my favourite number 2 dolgoch

Great video sam 👍 yes the loco looks passable from a distance very basic. Maybe a bit of weathering would add detail. Keep up the good work sam 👏

Yeah, I have a Railroad Plus Class 40. The detail is honestly not bad considering it's a budget model - but it has disappointing pulling power: it struggles to haul 3 coaches on anything other than straight and level track. And of course, there will be people who started out with this model: I'm worried that they'll be discouraged from buying further ones!

Hello Sam! Bit of an interesting one for you here, some 47s are still in service to this day too. On the ECML we have around 1-2 Class 47s and a 57 on thunderbird duties, so if a train fails they will go and rescue (As did one of the 47s a few weeks ago when a 66 failed with around 1300 tonnes of freight behind)

Really fair review. For the price it is ok. As you say this is the old Lima model with improved motor and mechanism, which is pretty much the same as their class 37, 59 and 66. I replaced all my old Lima Ringfield driven locos with the new chassis and mechanism and compared to those, the mechanism is brilliant. Obviously not as good as a Bachmann but then as you say a Bachmann is well over £200. If you just want to run trains perfectly ok. I am like you, I like fitted lights and no traction tyres, but as I say for the price, perfect. Lets face it you can always add your own lights later.

Hi Sam according to the Hornby catalogue this loco is now fitted with a 3pole motor

These are great for anyone on a budget or who want a more robust model e.g. kids or older modellers whose eyesight and hand co-ordination aren't what they were. Also people like me who are mainly steam fans but would like a few early diesels but don't want to pay £200+ for one. They one thing that would really improve it is some basic lights like the Railroad HST.

nice video can you make a video about the class 20 ,class 67

As always many thanks Sam. Got to say full price not a chance. What you paid thou I would have to think about. I thought I would give these a go at the begining of the year. I bought 2 class 37s. A Network Rail and a Europhoenix. I went to fit their chips and was stunned that there was no interior cab at all. Nothing!. I didn't even run them. Straight back to the shop. I think it is better to just buy a better product that is second hand.

I usually buy the TTS fitted locos, as very cheap, fit lighting and super detail front ends, add extra weights and hey presto, a very good model...they run well too, better than the higher priced products...I have found ;?they are fitted with pickups on all wheels , a 5 pole motor is also fitted.. They will happily run through Peco Bullhead points.. The coupling on the latest models are the standard NEM design... If you want a big fleet, these are the answer... P.S. the dcc fitted models really do preform well, a very slow creep is really achievable, TTS sound is excellent, which I have now retro fitted to all my locos Hornby , Bachmann , etc..

I got the HM7000 version of this brand new for 100 quid. Cannot complain about that.

West Highland Terrier is the little dog on the side. As this model repersents a Scottish based locomotive!

I have some Lima 47s in my shop. They are still very well painted even by modern standards

The mech, and the 2 driven axels, is very typical of Lima / Hornby Railroad. Almost all the early 80's and earlier models had that setup. The usually work pretty well for what they are. It's a cheap, Raolroad + model, it's not going to have the mechanism that the expensive models have. It may have been a nice to have, but they are simple, the work. A lot of the old Ringfield motors, which are all plastic gears, are still running strong now, around 50 years later. I am not that disappointed with the way this one was made for the price and the segment it is designed to fit into.

Came here to see if lighting is fitting as have just bought the TXS fitted version in Hornby's sale. Shame about the lights - wonder if there is a retrofit kit available since they managed to fit them on another RR+ model

A bit of a throwback to Lima / Jouef days aimed at small budgets and kiddies, and great so see H does serve them quite well actually. She definitely should have deserved a higher rating Sam but your scoring system seems to be designed towards highest expectations stuff. We gave a 7.5; for under a 100 it's an overall rather very decent offer. Lights should have been added though (simple none directional LEDs with some basic voltage reduction circuitry cost almost nothing). On Hornby's site the 'plus' only shows in pictures of products and isn't explained whatsoever, which is rather odd and confusing. Evidently, model train companies such as Märklin/Trix update their stuff regularly and simply code it with a higher version number in the library but communicate to costumers by 'updated version' which is at least crystal clear. Oh well, the loco is a very decent offer we thought. Cheerio.

Hey Sam, You should customize a Class 40 diesel into D199, ya know like from Thomas the tank engine. You can add a face if you want but if you dont want to thats ok but it will be interesting!

You should check out the class 40 empress of railroad plus

Interesting review Sam, for the price it's a good model. Large logo livery has to be one of the best on a class 47. I saw a Railroad Plus class 20 in green recently but dismissed it as not up to the standard of my Bachmann 20s, but having seen your review of the 47 perhaps I should reconsider?

I’ve bought a few of these Railroad Plus models (the 66s are Railroad Plus, imo) for £50 to 60 or £100ish DCC Sound prefitted and like them. They run well, pull a reasonable load and look colourful on the track all for a modest price. They are robust but how long the motor will last is imponderable. On the other hand, it should be easy and inexpensive to swap as it’s in a single module. These models will never shine using your review method as you score against an absolute value (a comment not a criticism)….a quality v cost adjusted system would bump up the score. While writing, may I take the opportunity to say how much I enjoy your vids, value your detailed reviews, and thank you for the wacky 3d prints I have bought off you. John

Railroad,Railroad Plus, Main Range , just Simon Kohlers hopeless marketing . Forget all these labels . At half price from a Bachmann loco , even less at £66 this is good value for money and what the hobby needs as an introduction . I think it’s great . I have the previous issue one that was TTS but with sound removed and it’s a lovely smooth runner . I also have a Bachmann one ( not the latest issue) and to be honest I use them together without issues .

Hello Sam, I have on for you, I have two Bachmann Class 25's, both are identical, same running number, both weathered. both have same production number, but one states it is 21 pin DCC ready. The other is 21 pin ready , but nothing on the I D label on the end of the box Your video's are very informative Looking forward to the next. Mick

A reasonably good looking loco for those who have an existing Lima model and want to replace it. The motors on those old Lima locos tend to get noisy with age, so that's where this offering from Hornby Railroad comes in. Thanks for another Sam's Train's review in your inimitable style!

Hi Sam, thanks again for another good review. I am fairly new to the hobby and I just don’t get the obsession with the having super detailed locos that you can only appreciate when they are still and viewed with a macro lens, so why pay the silly prices that manufacturers charge for this detail! A lot of people like myself need reading glasses to even read the loco number, let along the tiniest of detail. I would also speculate that most peoples layouts are also not finished to this level of detail, so why have locos that are, As you might guess I am a big fan of the railroad plus range especially DCC with the TTS and now TXS sound. My layout is standard hornby set track with 1st and 2nd radius curves (a school boy error) but the Railroad plus locos can handle these and the standard points without any issues but my Bachmann locos struggles on the curves and derails on the points. It depends on your priorities but if you are looking for a reliable, nice looking loco at an affordable price then Hornby’s railroad plus range can’t be beaten.

Not gonna lie, I quite like this concept. Maybe giving their steam locos a painted cab and the full fonts, I would be quite interested in one. In fact, I'm looking to get the 14xx when it comes back in the full decoration to replace my ageing Airfix one from 1980. I like the Railroad range and this one, considering the very lovely decoration, is something I can see being a success for Hornby especially if the price isn't too bad like this one, less an 100£. Definitely want to see more Railroad and Railroad Plus reviews. I know Hornby is guilty of re-branding Railroad models in Railways packaging, Class 92, 66 are the two you mentioned. I have a 4F, 2P, L&YR Pug and to some extent the P2 which are guilty of this. However, I think we should wait and see if Hornby changes this attitude I can't think of any model in their range today that is guilty of this. Great review, Sam 👍👍 Edit. Having seen your rating on the mechanism, I find it a bit harsh. The five pole motor deserves two stars I think. The rest looks fine to me.

Alternatively Buy a Lima Class 47 with the indestructible Ringfield Motor or upgrade it to a CD Motor and it will still work out cheaper.

Wouldn't the Railroad models be for younger members? Since they can be handled roughly as theres no bits to break off, and the older members can buy the bachmanns version with all the little details and whatnot, and working lights. Still i would like a bargain but if i choose between the Hornby Railroad class 66 or Bachmanns(or Accurascale) one? I'll stick with the bachmann (or the new Accurascale).

What happed to the etched nameplates we were promised were included with 'all' Railroad Plus engines?

Ex Lima model offers a very good base for adding further enhancements if you want to, a much better model than the Hornby tooled class 47 from their original range. They are not up to the same standard as other manufacturers offerings but still a good model for the price.

If I’m buying a 90 quid Lima model I want the weight, the sound and smell a Lima comes with.

Great the Honby railroad range,a great opportunity to have British locos at a low prices big like 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Its the evemodel wagons!! I got their box van its nice

Hi Sam. I bought this exact same engine at the revamped Hornby Visitor Centre "Wonder Works" where they had it on sale for £63.99. The only difference between yours and mine is I got etched name plates with mine. Otherwise it was the same.

I got one discounted looks good does what it should I like it for money

I would have improved the rating, especially with the mechanism. I'd have given 1* for the 5-pole motor with a 2nd * for the quietness of operation. If you take the DCC socket away, it is literally the Lima model of 35 years ago.

I got a railroad plus 47 mine actually did say it on the box it runs actually better with a dcc chip fitted

Sam just to let you know the dog on the side is a West Highland Terrier otherwise known as a Westie or Scottie dog. Makes sense as the train is Galloway Princess as Galloway is an area in south Scotland. This is the kind of dog Greyfriars Bobby was.

Interesting about the weight, because my Lima 47 from the 80s is one of the heaviest locos I have.

Im not even that big-a-fan of the large logo models, but wouldn't say no to this model, if only to add extra details & weighting it down. Nice decoration too

Sam it’s just a Lima model, as are all locos in the railroad range. Catch up at the back.

Hi matt nearly all locos that were from the Eastfied depo in Scotland had a dog on the sides I believe it to be a Scottie dog .cheers

Nice to see Galloway Princess scaled down, I've seen her quite a few times now in real life! I would say it's probably worth it and I do like a class 47 Hope you are doing well Sam, and as always great video :) (Also sam i think the dog is a Yorkshire Terrier, that is put on quite a few BR diesel locomotives but im not to sure why, i will have to look into it)

Hi Sam. My recent purchase of the Deltic TXS does say that is from the railroad plus range. I also purchased the Hornby bubblecar in the railroad plus range which was stated on the side of the box. These railroad plus models seem to be around the £100 mark. Well Sam ,called me old fashioned but at a £100 I expect a decent paint job plus a little bit more. Perhaps some basic lighting and an up to date coupling system. I notice that Hattons have the TXS version of the class 47 for £112. I suppose it is unlikely that Hornby will offer steam tender locos in the railroad plus range.

Who knew that 47593 was actually an A1A-111? 😁

i glad you heard me god bless you