All New Bachmann Caledonian 812 Class | Unboxing & Review

A full review of the all new Caledonian 812 Class from Bachmann and Rails, also known as Donald and Douglas from the Railway Series!

Thanks for watching!

0:00 Intro
4:09 Unboxing
9:15 Class History
10:20 Detailing
20:12 Mechanism
24:21 Performance
29:46 Haulage Testing
36:24 Ratings
40:19 Conclusion

[Paraffinmeister]

Still strange seeing 828 in miniature when I know the real thing so well (I helped on and off with her last overhaul, I've spent countless hours cleaning and polishing her and firing). Stunning model that really does her justice. Fun little story, I was one of the first people to pre-order it when the project was launched at MRS back in 2018 and the woman dealing with the order forms got wind of the fact I knew the real loco quite well and instantly latched on to me saying can you tell me what the differences are between "as built" and "as preserved"?". Thankfully I was able to fill her in on most of the differences (different pipework and details besides just the shade of blue).

Re price: It's worth remembering that some of the money goes towards the real 828's next overhaul.

Another excellent video and a good start to the year, keep up the good work.

[joshuapboston]

Nice to finally see a model version of Donald and Douglas's basis! The class 812 looks absolutely beautiful!

[sableveil]

Not only is it (Decently) detailed, It's a pretty decent runner. It hauls a pretty good amount of coaches. Overall, I think Bachmann did a good job on this.

[joshuaW]

I’m excited to get them when I come back to railway modelling. And since the 812 is out, the Unlucky Tug is now planning to make models of Donald and Douglas.

[iceeblueburst]

I like the look of the Caledonian 812! I absolutely love the Caledonian blue livery too, it’s quite a smart look! Definitely getting some Donald & Douglas vibes out of this since they were also in blue, not just black.

[speleokeir]

An excellent review Sam. Fairly typical for Bachmann: looks gorgeous, mechanism not the best, over priced.

The way I always think about it is this: What else can I get NEW for £200? e.g.
- An Oxford Rail J27 and say 5 new wagons or 4 railroad coaches.
- An OR J27 plus a second new loco such as a Peckett, Terrier, K1 or one of a variety of 4-6-0s which several model shops currently have on sale for around £100.
- Or a big 4-6-2 Paciific loco.

I guess it depends whether you have your heart set on that particular loco and there's no doubt it's a beauty.

However when you see what Oxford Rail can do for a far lower price tag you do wonder how much of a mark up Bachmann and Hornby are making. If Bachmann said they were giving a percentage of their profits to the Trust for the original it would be an easier pill to swallow.

Seriously though normally it makes more economic sense to sell a large number of units at a small profit each time and grow your market than make a large profit on each item, but only cater to a more exclusive well-off market. It would be nice if Bachmann and Hornby published their profit margins to prove we're not being ripped off and justify their prices.

For Hornby now they've bought Oxford Rail it would be sensible to take a long hard look at how OR managed to have manufacturing costs that allowed them to produce such good value models and adopt some of the same methods and practices for their own production.

[denz]

Donald and Douglas would be proud to see one of their siblings on the screen (I haven't commented on your vids in ages)

[atlantaman]

I bought the served blue version with sound. Good runner, good sound and lovely finish featuring excellent attention to detail: Hornby - eat your heart out, from my recent experience (lousy W1 and Rocket) you ain’t capable of rising to this level. Very pleased with my 812, Sam.

[andrewguttry]

Good honest review as always Sam. I imagine the excessive cost is down to economies of scale and limited production numbers, being as it's a Rails exclusive. Had it been mass produced for the general market in higher numbers, I reckon you could knock around £50 off the RRP. Being a Southern Region modeller it won't be added to my collection, nice as it is.

[MachRacer]

I’ve got three of them. The CR light blue, the as preserved CR dark blue, and the BR late crest black. They’re nice running engines. Worth the money to get the factory sound fitted versions.

[davidstrains]

Great review Sam the locomotive looks great and I definitely think it is worth the money especially as I have seen other reviews on this locomotive, bachmann have done a great job.

[DarkGlobeProductions]

Got mine last week. Absolutely beautiful model 😁 having lived near the Strathspey Railway I always wanted a locomotive of 812 and 419 so that's one down and one more to go to have the 3 surviving caledonians all modelled up

[metaltiger]

Got mine about two weeks ago, the preserved livery and was hoping you’d do a review of this, I think it’s one of the best models currently out there and Bachmann have done amazingly well with it despite the long wait but totally worth it, glad your pleased with yours and awesome review, keep up the good work.

[AbduLhi]

I love the Caledonian 812 design, especially in that stunning blue livery .I also have one of these but it took a while to arrive but, overall, It's an amazing loco.

[billmmckelvie]

Wow, that is a superbly detailed model, it looks like it just come out of the painter's livery shop, the lining is almost perfect and enhances the Royal blue livery to another level. It is almost crying out to be bought due to the excellent locomotive presentation.

[sixsmallwheels]

812 is honestly one of the nicest models I’ve ever seen . I might get one even

[ashleywalton]

Yes! Been waiting for this since mine arrived. Gorgeous loco desperate for more caledonian models. Great video Sam!

[TheRealEasyA]

Ah yes! The Caledonian 812 is one of my favorite locomotives! I'm really glad you got to review this thing. I also love the color.

[SimJackson]

Yay! Been looking forward to a review of this from you since I heard about itlast year! Looks absolutely beautiful in the Caledonian blue!

[jorgemartinpaez]

the engine that Railway series /Thomas and Friends characters were used for the Scottish twins Donald 9, and Douglas# 10, on the NWR, thier original numbers had fallen off.. love these engines locos, maquinas de vapor! great video! now i have the themes of the Scottish twins playing in my mind! awesome mate lol