James May Builds His Own Model Train! | Reassembler

James May is back in his workshop and ready to slowly reassemble history! He explores the intricacies and marvels of engineering as he pieces iconic objects back together from their hundreds of component parts.

In this episode, James will be reassembling his favourite childhood toy, the Hornby Flying Scotsman with realistic chuffing sounds, which James originally ripped open on Christmas day 1972. This toy would change James' life and send him on a path of mechanical intrigue and reassembly. From the motor's magnets to some thrilling wheel quartering we'll watch James rebuild his 40 plus year old toy, which we've also seen featured on Toy Stories!

[Frostfly]

This is the show that tells us why of the Top Gear Trio, James is the most human and relatable. He loves old stuff, but doesn't look down on new stuff. he's interested, but not a fanatic in things. He understand enough to hold a conversation, but doesn't push too deep into the silly details. He's a Truly renaissance man of the modern era.

[cool]

i like how there is no music, no wierd camera angles, just james narrating what he is doing and giving a history/teaching lesson

[BadQualityStudios]

I love the Flying Scotsman with the realistic chuffing sounds, truly a fan favorite! 👍

[NextEevolution]

I remember binge watching this series in 2018 and I might just do it again. I was disappointed it was such a short series as I find James so easy and funny to watch.

[captaindagron]

You're telling me that I can watch James May rebuild things in excruciating detail? Yes yes yes!!!

[atilllathehun]

James May could talk about pencils for an hour, and I would still be fascinated.

[marty]

Love his little bit at 12:30 about the advancement of technology. Goes to show you can embrace the present and the past at the same time without having to be exclusionary.

[thatfordguy]

I think James would be such a cool guy to hang out with.
He's polite and educated but also a big kid at heart. 😎👍

[jonah]

I have never seen an older person have that mindset of "new things bad", instead james may finds enjoyment of what he had and doesnt put down the new things of today. It really makes me appreciate that there are some who dont shun younger people for being into technology.

[newportsteve]

That look of both shock and pure happiness on James' face at the end as the train starts to move is just incredible. What a wonderfully genuine human being. Love this!

[gro]

Riveting. How engrossing to watch JM slowly methodically resassemble his beloved Flying Scotsman. I was lucky enough to have my first train set at 6yo, a Hornby oval and siding layout with small steam engine and goods wagons, which thanks to very generous Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles rapidly expanded to many engines, coaches, wagons, bridges, tunnels and viaduct! Very fond and great memories. Sadly one day I stupidly asked my mother to sell it as I didn't want it any more. I think it's time to buy another one 😊

[The_Real_bubbazaneti]

Brings back eve!....My Grand Mother and Grand Father handing me the package with the train kit!, my Grand Father helping me assemble it, and hearing those wheels for the first time, seeing the train move...first slowly...then faster and can totally relate to getting tears in your eyes James....just had that moment, when you started it up and the train for bringing me back down memory lane! 🙏🏻 much appreciated!

[ednammansfield]

What I really like about watching these videos by James May is his enthusiasm of what he does and is both enjoyable to watch and educational at the same time for young and older people alike. Well done James in what you do.

[moosecat]

I'm 52, almost 53. As i was watching this, down in front of my monitor are recent additions I've bought for MY train set, which I've been collecting since I was 7.
I completely understand the joy that James felt when he saw his train working again, as I've experienced that a time or two, myself.

[igroku]

Your nonstop commentary is what makes this show great. You're a fount of information and insights.

[andystocks]

James May is just a brilliant explainer and engager! Puts Clarkeson and the other one in the shade! Legend!

[MITSI]

I was born in the 90s and grew up with pokemon and the gameboy and so on. But there was something about model trains thats just grabbed my attention. Im nearly 31 and ive got my own layout for my lionel locomotives. Everything from postwar to prewar. Many of them restored and completely rebuilt by me. Theres something about bringing back these old toys thats so satisfying.

[genetomblin]

I really like watching James May's delivery he's real and personal in his communication, right down to the odd sound effect.

[buckduane]

Here in America, the lead wheels are called “pilot” or “point” truck that guide the locomotive into a curve. The “trailing” or “pony” truck supports the weight of the cab and firebox. Locomotives without a pilot or trailing truck tend to have the best tractive effort as all of their weight is on the drive wheels; however, the downside is then the locomotive “hunts” around between the rails a lot or “waddles” like a duck, as the pilot and trailing truck provide lateral stability compared to the motion of the pistons pushing the piston and side rods out and back. Steam locomotives are truly amazing rolling science stations.

[Legoman]

Awesome dude. My first job in 1981 was repairing small mechanical typewriters. I live in Australia and I worked for a German company called Adler. I was studying electronics engineering at TAFFE. Our spare parts department had every tool you could imagine. All I had to do was requestion something and it was mine. I moved on to more electronics based machines after I finished TAFFE but I still have all my tools from Adler. I still have tinny spanners that start at 2.5mm and several locking screwdrivers both Phillips and flat blade. Older now, I love small electro mechanical devices so much more than electronics.