As an OO modeller in the USA you have helped me so much. Thanks for that man.

Of course the O2 is the worst, the O standing for Obscene, and the 2 meaning ‘I paid 2 much!’

4:17 - is that a naked man sitting on the steps on the overbridge?

That thumbnail just screams "Percy Runs Away" Yes, I know the black locomotive in the thimbnail is not an A0/A3.

I quit OO gauge a wee while back, but after seeing how many people- especially you- were so excited about the Hatton's Barclay, I'm going out of my way to get one and get it running. It just looks so good!

Seeing him go from completely bashing coreless motors to his latest review of the 03 shunter praising them, it’s been a wild ride.

Hope you get a million soon

This is so typical of why I enjoy your reviews Sam...No amount of reading magazines or looking at static models in shop displays, can provide you with essential information to prevent you buying a bad locomotive, but thanks to your reviews Sam, it gives a prospective purchaser the confidence to make a sound purchase...Many thanks as always....Bob

Thanks Sam. Really appreciate the honesty of your reviews, and the accuracy as a result your considerable experience with 'OO' model locos! I always check your reviews now before committing to a new loco purchase. Looking forward to your 2019 line-up...

Hope your Christmas went well, Sam! My birthday is tomorrow (at the time of writing this) and I’ll be visiting the Hornby Visitor Centre on Saturday as a treat. I’ve been looking back at your videos, particularly your Getting Started with Model Railways, and some are really helpful!

Good to see the Hattons locos up at the top there - I especially love that industrial Barclay loco, the real life locos are everywhere in the UK and they have a lot of character. I was definitely not surprised by the O2 though, and the DJ Models J94 was *very* deserving of its spot. I was really excited about that little 0-6-0, since the Dapol tooling is getting a bit old, and they... Sorta missed the whole point of an Austerity designed saddle tank loco that can run anywhere. Great video as always! Happy Holidays! (Oh - And I managed to nab and repair a Dean 4-2-2 this year, hehe)

Your videos are always terrific - I often watch them on the early morning Class 90 intercity into the City!

Awesome video Sam and hope you had a great Christmas

A good selection all round, and the Peckett is my favorite there. I see you have a camera slider/roller now? Good choice either way!! :-D

Great job Sam! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :D

The gloss A1 looks great, I’ve got the gloss P2 it’s my pride and joy! Definitely worth a look!

Hi Sam - how about the bachman Atlantic you did a while back?? Great review though, and a happy New year to you, Terry.

Amazing video really enjoyed it Sam!!🙂

Very interesting list Sam, obviously due to your experience with the Heljan 02 it’s not surprising it ended up where it did. (Yours was literally in pieces) My experience with mine so far has been ok, no real issues performance wise but build quality is an issue for sure, fortunately I bought mine in the Hattons Sale so a small price to pay. But then again I have 4 bachmann 9Fs to take up the slack when mine gives up the ghost ;-) I’m surprised you didn’t include the Duchess? That was a truly great model. If I may make a recommendation to you for 2019 try a bachmann 9F, you won’t be let down. Obviously new ones are pricey but most 2nd hand ones average at £90-100 on a certain online market place and they’re worth the money in my opinion. Anyways thanks for a great video and sharing your thoughts on the models...... Now I must look into the packetts had my eye on them for a while as now I’m very tempted. Cheers Ross.

what steam and passengers locomotives would you recommend. I wish to expand my layout and are thinking I would like a freight loco and a passenger one. dedicated to the role if possible. and possibly some ideas for rolling stock if possible. I do only have one loco from a train set.

I predict that by May 2021 you'll crack 100K subs Sam. 'I have the power'.....keep up the great posts !

Very interesting comparison of models Sam. Enjoyed your comments. Have you reviewed. The Dapol Y 1 loco yet?

Amazing locos! Unfortunate that some really cool ones performed poorly. And good to see that some of the little engines ( like the 0-6-0’s and 0-4-0’s ) performed great! :) I also have only read the book on the Railway Children and never seen the movie so I guess I can’t argue with that one! 😉 again, great job and have a happy new year Sam! Edit: I am also very exited that I got a Hornby LBSCR E2 Tank Engine! In my opinion it is very cool! ( I also don’t have that many expensive engines so I was very happy )

Hi Sam great video as always sorry to bother but I do have a quick question. I am looking to get the Hornby DCC Somerset Belle Set as I have many DCC locos but nowhere to run them in my house. Do you know if the Hornby select controller would also be able to work with other DCC locos not made by Hornby? Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks :)

Excellent video, Good work. Also, perhaps the O2 would make a good scrapyard engine?

Your thumbnail reminds me of the story "percy runs away" when Percy's nearly avoids getting ran off the rails by gordan Ps your videos are AMAZING!

hi sam great vid , on Christmas i got a tender driven schools class,but i don't know how to keep it running smooth :) James

Nice video Sam it's nice to see your favourite and least favourite models of this year

Yes and well done wishing you a happy new year!

Great vid Sam keep up your good work

Excellent video , and Happy Boxing Day. Sam.

Just got my first train set! Two actually, a tornado A1 and a Caledonian bell

Fabulous video!!

Great video Sam. Food for thought till pay day.

My christmas present was bachmann troublesome truck #1 and #2! :D Great video sam!

Hey Sam. Have you thought about doing a top 10 worst models for your entire channel history? There's a thousand reviews out there, and I'm oddly curious as to what you'd say are your absolute worst in your collection.

i got a railroad version of flying scotsman from a hornby model shop in holsworthy and the price was only 68£ i don't know if the shop is still going because when my dad bought me a mallard and evening star loco from the shop after finding out they had worn out motors. the shop shutdown i think..

Compliments of the Season Sam. My observations on the subjects of your presentation. Cheers, Bob Woolwinder = collectable! Look after it. Keep receipt in box! (and a copy if it’s on thermal paper as that will fade). SECR Locos, fabulous. Peckett fabulous - time will tell on MaZak castings.

Great vid Sam hope you had a great Christmas I got the br green tornado.express set with 2 pullman coaches Works amazingly best train I have

I have taken a look at all of these now and have to say that your assessment of each is bang on.... for me what I want is an "elegant " looking machine, because often that's what these steam locos were, really beautiful pieces of heavy, very heavy, engineering, so yes for me your assessments were bang on and I cannot fault the choices you have made.

I agree with the Peckett choice. Simply stunning...I'm adding an industrial siding to justify this exquisite model. Sadly, Hornby also produced the worst loco I have purchased in the last couple of years; Schools Class "Epsom" was in pieces in the box when I unpacked it. Thankfully the retailer was accommodating and gave me a partial refund when they said they couldn't get another. I have glued the parts back on and it seems ok, but I'll always feel a bit dubious about this one. Happy New Year to you and your viewers, Sam.

Are there unpainted/build your own models? I'm getting into model airplanes and cars, but once I get the space I would love some trains. Might look into restoring old models actually. It'd be neat to build them though!

I got the railroad Scotsman in a set from my aunt back in very early 2000’s. I think it was my first actually. It still runs despite never being serviced. I don’t mind seeing it on here too much, understandable. Not sure if that one was but mine is tender driven and quite loud. But obviously it’s got lots of emotional importance.

Nice video sam! Unfortienatlly I didn't get any bachmann thomas trains for christmas this year :'( Maybe I'l get some for birthday or next year...

Man I felt sad when Scotsman ended up on the list. I mean, I understand because here in the US it costs almost $1,000. But one day I’ll get it and have in in my hands. Also, I’m not surprised that the O2 was on the list. Three words for that: “NEVER TRUST PLASTIC!” Anyway, cheers Sam! Take care! You Friend, Sai

Personally, my top 5 favorite locos that your reviewed have to be the: 5: Hornby LNER P2. While its motor is kind of sub-par and it's a little rigid, the P2 Is my favorite Gresley Design and the TTS sound really makes up for the flaws! 4: Hornby Duke of Gloucester: Again, while it does have a sub-par motor, the Loco's detail is very good for the price. Also the Duke of Gloucester is my favorite British Steamer. 3: Hornby LNER A4 Mallard. Great detail and awesome packaging as well as smooth running. 2: Hornby Princess Coronation. Another superb model made by hornby! Excellent paint and detail. It is also my favorite British streamliner. 1: Hornby GWR King Class. Hornby could not have done better with this design than they did. With Superb Detail and Paint, Great Motor, and TTS Sound, Hornby really did justice to my favorite GWR Engine!

I agree with you on the O2 being the worst. I had been thinking of getting it, but after hearing what you said about the poor quality, I decided not to get one. The Hatton's engines and even the Peckett though are the ones I really want in my collection. Keep up the amazing videos, and I look forward to seeing more videos from your railway.

Thanks Sam, can you also tell me what is the best DCC controller. Thanks

What are your thoughts regarding Oxford Rail? I'm just curious since I've seen it around my local town's model centre.

'Worst locos of 2018' Not a surprise the Tango was on the thumbnail! I have a request for a review. I got a model of Adderley Hall for Christmas, and it is really good value for money on Hattons at the moment at £49, please can you have a look at a review?

I got my dad a DJ models J94 for Xmas! From the photos I saw it looked better than the hornby one. We've yet to run it so I hope it performs well! A very good review list :-)

A very good review and I would not disagree with your choices.....looking forward to what the coming year might bring....

Thank you for doing this Sam, I know what trains to buy or not to buy.

You once mentioned doing something to the O2 if it was still the bottom engine, and I suggest taking out its motor and gears, weather it to make it look like it's been in a scrapyard, and place on a siding!

Great Video Sam And I've Built A LEGO 2011 UPS Van

As for your best locomotives you've looked at this year for 2018, the one that I liked the most is the A1 Woolwinder with the gloss finish because I love the gloss finish on the A1 locomotive. It makes him stand out a lot when he's running.

I quite agree about the DJM Austerity, it is a huge let down. I got a Weymss livery one in the Hattons sale, and it cannot pull more than about 2 or 3 coaches. The motor is not powerful enough, and lacks a flywheel, which means power is reduced. The overcomplicated gear system also adds drag which reduces the power, and the solid connecting rods limit the side play in the wheelsets, which adds yet more strain in the corners. I am either going to build a new chassis or modify the existing one next year, as the model has so much more potential.

I have the gloss livered a3 (similar to yours) which I got for £95 brand new never opened, it's pretty much now the best engine I own. I also can't wait for the new j36 from Hornby. As from what I've seen the boiler, running board and reversing rod are all metal and di cast. Might be one to look out for!

How do you build and what do you use for your layout materials?

This is random but I want to tell you my favourite locomotive :D It’s the Ivatt Class 2 (with the tender) -sam

Merry Christmas/holiday. I got the Hornby Mixed Frieght.

A noob question, Were did you get that Hornby DC speed controller?

For Christmas I got the Duchess of Hamilton. It is an amazing engine. I just wanted you to know that your videos inspired me to get it!

Great video Sam The heljan tango I think is a beginner detail loco but I do agree in your review that it is way too overpriced

Hey Sam! If you ever were to manufacture locomotives what would your first prototype be?

Sam, you should get a Kato locomotive for your layout. I have Kato n scale and it has a really really good crawl. Kato is know for having the quietest and really nicest trains. I usually get Kato from Train World. Go get Kato now!!!!

Hi Sam, I'd fully agree with you there! Think the Heljan 02 was a disgrace really it was, would love one of the Hattons tanks having heard your comments. P class lovely and the Peckett wonderful, runs like a dream also. No diesels mate? lol all the best. Mike

Hello Sam hey just wondering if you mind if i kinda use the whole top five best and worst idea on a video im recording???

Ever review N gauge? Be interesting to do a compare and contrast! Your A1 ran beautifully, really smooth,

Tried out my Dean goods, very good runner, my favourite loco now. Didn't realize how small they were though!!!!

Another great video, Sam; very interesting! I didn't see the O2 review so I thought the J94 would have been the worst model; sounds like it was garbage! 😆 Glad to see the Peckett came out on top; very deservingly the best loco of the year! Also, I emailed my wall of fame photo to you titled, "Wall of Fame Photo: Santa Fe 3751", I was wondering if you received it without any problems (I recently had a possible issue with it)? Please let me know... Cheers and happy Boxing Day! LOL 😂 👍

Hey Sam's trains also can you please do a unboxing video of the triple x locomotive?

Great video!!!

Yesterday I got the Bachmann ww1 ambulance train for Christmas and it is AMAZING!!!!!! I love it!

I got a Hornby Thomas set (and a Rare Bachmann Percy set that a model trains shop near me had for $80) for Christmas. :) also use tango for crash test during your Thomas videos, it deserves it.

Hi Sam's train it's me again, merry Christmas and happy new year

Cool List Sam, you did great job on the list

One of sam’s pickings is my favorite the flying Scotsman and the j95

Hi Sam, top marks again. Love the top five. I only go 4, so it would be top 2. All the Best Brian 🤗

Agreed with the Barclay. I had bought one, and it is a real jewel : excellent running quality, with an excellent mecanism inside, and everything else is above top notch. GBP 99, you've got the best possible for the money. Same for the Peckett, I also have one. Only drawback on this last one, the 4-pins DCC proprietary decoder by Hornby... But also a must-have !

Would you do another top 10 favorite models last one you made was in 2017 and since then you've experienced over 60 new models :-)

I know! I know! I comment too much! I can't help it! Anyway, I would actually give The Flying Scotsman a LOWER rating because of the performance, though, it could be the set itself, or my old track pieces! I'm not sure, apart from that, I COMPLETELY agree with your ratings! Nice job, Mate! Keep up the brilliant work, and I REALLY hope you hit a million soon! -Tyler (Hope you don't mind all these long comments! Haha!)

hi my name is Arthur I am 8 years old and I am just starting out. I would like to know which oil is the best to use on my locomotives. Also which is the best DCC controller. Thank you.

Hello sam, will there be like a bachmann hiro, philip, connor, caitlin, flying scotsman(thomas and friends version), ryan, and mike? It might be in the future but some videos show some custom thomas and friends. I would like if it is totally real

Excuse me, how did you make Bullman the Christmas Cow?

I'm not sure what my worst five models of your collection would be, but I think I can pick out my top five models if only because I love watching them run so much. So here goes nothing. Top 5 Models on Sam's Layout 5. Mallard 4. Flying Scotsman 3. Thomas the Tank Engine 2. Olton Hall 1. Broome Manor Those five are all great performers on your layout. Could you show these five running together please? I'm sure you'd agree they all deserve 20 out of 10. Make no mistake. I haven't a bad word to say about them. Thomas is my favourite childhood hero, and I'm obsessed with him and his friends to this day. Happy steaming, you five wonderful engines and to you, Sam. I mean that.

Great video, Sam! And of course, the O2 is such a disgrace, I suggest you throw it out of a skyscraper! wait.... there is a Bullman Shirt!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Wow, that glossy A1 is the bomb!

Based on what I bought last year, my best would be the h class and the birdcage coaches, got them for great prices in the December sales. The complaints about the j94 put me off buying one, I'll stick with the Hornby one and put an rt models chassis on it I expect as I model in p4.

Sam I was surprised by some but I do agree sadly the price knocks down a lot of models.

Hey Sam's trains have you done a in boxing video but with the union big boy

Please can you make a video of your favourite Locomotive’s

hay sam it me agine i was wondering if i could you could do 2 vids one on southern 4501 and on 630 and i mean the american southern rail way one you dont have to but if you want do it

I have one in each group :) Good content Sam

I love your layout

The Bachmann J72 was originally a Palitoy Mainline starter set loco in 1978 so saying that the tooling is very old is an understatement. If it was a motorcycle or car, it would be classified as "historic" by the DVLA and therefore not require an MOT or road tax.

I got tornado starter set yesterday and mallard loco and intercity express today I also got track pack b and c

Went to the great central yesterday

Good points on all models, Sam. I agree with your winner.

I got the Railroad Scotsman for £55 brand new. It ran well, looked great. Definitely worth a buy if you're on a budget.