The Oldest GWR 4-6-0 Available! | Hornby Star Class | Unboxing & Review

I literally picked up Lode Star two weeks ago second hand for 110£. Tremendous model, but the lack of bearings suck. Its also so fast that it derailed itself in a third radius curve at full power. Still, I wish Hornby brings this and the Grange back. Especially with Beton Grange now, the Grange has gained some public attention again. I've seen Lode Star at the museum in York last year. She's a true beauty. I think it's great that you revisit older models like this, Sam. To show that second hand models are a solid option nowadays.

At least it didn't get an "F" so that is something, but the price is also something! Great review and video, Jersey Bill

A hornby product that hasn't gotten a fail wonderful

Seeing them all lined up like that you get to see what a beast the firebox was in the king's.

I looked it up, and there are several images of the Star Class in it's original 4-4-2 wheel configuration

The Star was always planned to be a 4-6-0, but was built as a 4-4-2 for direct comparison with the french compound design, of which I believe Churchward bought two. Having decided his simpler design was better, he proceeded with his plans and, having no further need for any 4-4-2s, converted them to 4-6-0s, which was easy as they were built for that wheel arrangement in the first place.

This may be the oldest GWR 4-6-0 available currently, but back in 1986, Hornby did make the father of all standard GWR 4-6-0s, the Saints, a 2-cylinder type from which the Stars were developed. I'm honestly surprised Hornby never updated the Saints as part of the Railroad Range, or indeed as a whole new model. Either way, I've got a couple of Hornby Stars, and both are absolutely excellent in every way, shape and form, for the time at which it was produced. Thanks Sam, always good to see this loco out and about on your layout.

I almost bought a Star when Rails were knocking them out for £100 about a year ago. I hesitated because of the performance issues you had Sam with the King. I'd love to see this stunning loco retooled (Dapol or Accurascale please note). Nonetheless what a beautiful looking and unmistakable GWR express locomotive. Hornby - pricing, come on. I want you to stay in the market but all my preorders are from other manufacturers. Cheers.

You really need to do the new hornby flying scotsman with the steam generator. It does not have a flywheel but you will be impressed with the new connection between the engine and tender

I don’t know how Sam does it, but every one of the models (including this one) that he reviews, somehow end up with small bits of fluff and carpet fibers on them; they’re quite noticeable under magnification. You can see one there on the running board close to the Fireman’s side of the cab at 11:45 in the video. 😮

It still might be 21 pin. The most recent hornby A4 were labeled as 8 pin and actually had a 21 pin socket. In the reverse, the Hornby A3 harvester was supposed to have a 21pin according to the box but had an 8 pin inside

do appreciate these reviews of older models, much of what I get is second hand or refurbished in some way to aid the cost issue. nice to see these older ones that really are in the good enough category.

I personally love great western steamers - they just have such a charm! That price tag is a bit pricey I've got to say, but in my opinion It's a good model and id say it's worth it! Great video as always sam 😊

I love my Japan n gauge layout but I have been watching Sam for so long ! I want to do a Brit layout to now!

The issue that our (mine at least) payment didn't followed even nearly the increase of the prices of these models, and British train models went from "good value" for money to "poor value"; and if I add the import taxes that came with the BRexit, 00 stuff in not even worth to look at it, when getting even a used Hornby loco costs as much as a mid range H0 one in the EU, or even from the US. And finding a retailer in the EU that offers international shipping and sales 00 trains is as rare as a lottery winner.

Ah, the Star class: a hugely significant loco for the GWR in particular and UK loco development in general. Mine - Lode Star - is an NRM special edition that I acquired a few years ago for £60-odd. I don't think it had ever been used. It looks superb in its "as preserved" condition/livery and runs very well. It does, however, have a warped running plate. An excellent review, Mr Sam. I think I'd have been slightly kinder to it, but then again, I am a GWR fan...

Awesome video Sam's trains 😊

They ought to have sent you a replacement tender body. I also noted that one of the small tender steps is broken off on the back of the tender!

Hi Sam, I just got a bachmann Baldwin 4-4-0 in the Southern green yesterday, and I absolutely love it. It's such a fantastic runner and I got it at a great price, now it's one of my favorite models. Cheers Jasper & Willow

Yeah, I got Lode Star a couple of years ago for £129.99. It is a nice model, but doesn't have any premium features - so I certainly wouldn't pay £200+ for it! Still, if you can pick it up for under £150 (as I did), then I'd recommend it.