A Pointless Model? | Heljan's "Upgraded" Class 35 | Unboxing & Review

[@chompette_]

One of the Hymeks' signature features were their raised aluminium numbers, which D7058 retained until its demise, a shame £178-£209 doesn't buy you some etchings or metal transfers like you'd find in a model car kit. The silver paint transfers just look a bit naff..

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing - yes I'm surprised it doesn't have that too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

Well, if I seriously were in charge of all the process of makin' more of the officially well-known models, it's basically quite clear to me that I seriously do personally just suddenly think 'bout completely remanufacturin' each of 'em with the officially well-known BETTER interior detail alongside official completely advanced outer details alongside official DCC sound already fitted alongside more than enough force to pull/push various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever on an official complete American-origin train set with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that their own official performance certainly would basically be very shockingly surprisingly impressively much better than expected!

[@timboyle3114]

I have one of the original release when they first came out. Was out of date even then with the incandesant bulbs. Once I get my layout up a running (one of these years!), I was going to rip the board and lights out and do my own LED solution! The DCC guy does some great video's on old US Proto2000 E8 locos on how to do that with 3rd party 21pin boards and ebay leds.

[@trainman86trainstramsandmore]

When I saw "Heljan" and "Class 35" I knew things were gonna be good

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly! ;D

[@davidbarr9343]

Ho, ho, ho!😂

[@MarshallRedmon01]

I just see D7101 aka Bear

[@kelvinkerr9077]

⅞​@@SamsTrains

[@floydfan27]

Absolutely love your reviews Sam. They’re always really honest. Will you be reviewing the Accurascale class 31 and 37. Would love to see those reviews. Especially a comparison between the Bachmann 37 and the accurascale one.

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Interesting review. Some people think that accurate model lighting should be dim to be realistic but surely it has to be exaggerated to make it noticeable at all. This loco looks like one for the bargain bin in a few months!

[@crouchingtigerhiddenadam1352]

Looks identical to the Triang Class 35. If only chassis update kits existed.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it's not too far away is it?!? ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bennickss]

I have D7016 in blue. On DCC, the lights are no problem, they illuminate the headcode panel perfectly

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

Also, apparently for another awesomely excellent well-knowingly obviously obvious fact is basically that I personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly obviously clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll basically be very shockingly surprisingly impressively able to move various types of American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly extremely pleased to happily know that officially 1 of the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic hymek locomotives( the official D71O1 respectfully) seriously will basically be officially named Bear SIMPLY due to the growls that he made as mentioned in the officially well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself!

[@TIMMEH19991]

The light on the right should light up white, which I noticed doesn't at all. I'm sure my first issue one from 2002ish does light up!

[@brianfearn4246]

Great review Sam, i have 3 heljan locos cl 58,33,86 dating back to around 2011 and they were all around £50 / 100 from hattons. I haven't bought anything new for a while but it seems that the older models are a better quality with a bit less detail.. i would prefer bachmann models as they seem to have the right amount of detail and quality 😊

[@oesypum]

One of the things that I noticed; the yellow panels appear to have colour bleed around someofthe edges, the other, ithat the yellow panels appear to exagerate the window pillars, making them look vasty oversxale

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they do a bit - not quite as tidy as on some, that's for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Mog435]

Speaking as an old guy who did have a Hornby Hymek from new back in the 20th century I still am yet to see a convincing 00 gauge Hymek . And the Hornby version I had never seemed to fit in with the other locomotives scale wise . Loving the channel Sam

[@volvoolympianforever]

I think what makes it worse is that only Heljan produces OO scale class 35s now (unless you get the old Hornby one). This means that modellers wanting to create a Western Region scene for OO scale would have no choice but to buy theirs. Until another manufacturer invests in a new tooled class 35, I doubt Heljan would be willing to invest in a brand new model for the Hymeks.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. You're such an optimist (yes, I know it's your job)! You have reviewed and panned Heljan models so many times that they never fail to disappoint; so much so that I vowed to never buy one of their models (I couldn't anyway as I model in N gauge [and now TT:120]). When coupling to the coaches, I notice the loco did so at quite a "high speed". I guess that purchasers of Heljan products never watch your reviews! Will Heljan never learn? Come on, Heljan - wake up a smell the coffee! Their website says "supported by our consultants in the UK who assist with product development, research and design"; I think Heljan need to cut their consultants loose!

[@LarsPW]

A quite good analogue controller should do the same as a digital decoder in the loco and provide pulse width modulated (PWM) DC for the motor. So there should not be any difference unless the frequencies play a role and differ, too.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Lars - I have noticed slightly better performance on DCC because the power supply (decoder) is in closer proximity to the motor and therefore fewer losses occur. Otherwise it's just the lighting that'd be different on digital, with full power going to the LEDs at all time, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

A great video Sam as always, I model ‘O’ & ‘OO’ and I have never bought a Heljan model and I never Will there has always been a problem with them for all sorts of reasons .

[@brlsm9141]

So glad somebody is calling the manufacturers out on their pricing which is just getting silly... Your 35 review is the only thing I have found that's more criminal than when I was looking at Bachmanns 37 a couple of months ago... Came across one that was £279 and thought oh this will be the DCC sound fitted competitor to Accurascales sound fitted model... So browsed Futher on the page to find no sound fitting...... This was actually the Standard model.... At £110 more than Accurascales highly detailed base 37 model.... I then made the mistake of been curious to see how much Bachmanns sound fitted 37 equivalent and was immediately horrified. I felt my heart sink with a thump whilst my ghost jumped out my throat and screamed at the sight of the £379 price tag.... I would buy 2 base Accurascale 37s which I have no doubt will be just as good, if not better in detail and have change to spare out of that price of what is a common everyday Locomotive... Not a rare unique loco such as DP1. I would like to think the retailers have applied huge discounts to them since because they are not shifting but frankly I have placed my order with Accurascale, I am happy to wait and seriously reconsidering if I should be supporting such daylight robbery and never buying anything from Bachmann again!

[@vizmortlock]

30% uplift for most things is now par for the course. All of my insurances have done that and in one or two cases even higher still. I think it's called taking the micky or profiteering on the back of inflation. I understand costs are up and inflation running at around 10% so could possibly bite that bullet in some instances, but not as a blanket uplift for little reason. I've said it previously, my spend is well down now overall. Lastly, there is only so much that can be 'upgraded' or 'new tooled' so maintaining sales (cashflow for any business is crucial) is vital. With done to death models, where erlse or how do manufacturers survive? (discuss)

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Brian! :D

[@briandesens144]

@@SamsTrains you're welcome 😊

[@marcod1600]

Class 35 hymek my favorite!

[@hughoconnor9172]

£40 extra for TOPS code, overhead flashes and a shedplate - I don't think so. The livery also looks pretty dark to me as well. Good review (as usual).

[@Olivers-trains]

I can say with confidence that the accurascale class 37 is defiantly better than this loco. Mine is perfect and for less than some of my other older locos its brilliant. Also, the accurascale class 37 looks not to have a pre fitted speaker but I can confirm it has a small sugarcube speaker pre fitted as yesterday I fitted mine with a sound decoder which came without any speaker

[@SamsTrains]

I agree completely - in fact every accurascale model I've tried so far has been! And yes they do all have speakers as far as I know! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@LiamsLocos]

Have you got your hands on an accurascale class 37 Sam? Would like to see you review one

[@TheLoachman]

Excellent and informative review as always, Sam, but a disappointing subject. That's a pity, as I want(ed) one. The Hymek has always been a favourite, and I have an old Tri-ang one that's been in a box in storage for decades. I'm wondering if it should be resurrected, but little of the original would survive the process.

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam I hope accurascale do make this model

[@SamsTrains]

I really hope so too - I love the class, but not this model! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@grahamariss2111]

It would be an ok model if the price was more reasonable but it is at RRP nearly twice the price it should be avaliable for to be good value.

[@richardprestidge7573]

Am i missing something. At the beginning you talk about the earlier bachmann/efe hymek but the review is of the Heljan version?

[@mikeking2539]

Some of Heljan's models, E.G Hymeks, Class 58s, are Branded under EFE Rail, and sold through Bachmann. I emailed them about their EFE Class 58, and they (Bachmann) said that they are indeed made by Heljan

[@Studio23Media]

I'm very confused by the very beginning. That is a Bachmann model, not Heljan. Are Bachmann and Heljan now somehow related or am I missing something??

[@simong9067]

No, it's a Heljan model. The confusion arises because it was sold through Bachmann's EFE brand recently, but presumably Heljan retained the rights to it.

[@norbertnedsworth7172]

What indeed is the point? The point is frozen, the beast is late out of Paddington, the point is taken.

[@bbej2016]

The EFE box says Bachmann on the lid.i can't see Bachmann buying heljan models.

[@SamsTrains]

Nahh Bachmann just did the distribution - it was still a Heljan loco, Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robertlucido3686]

Did you get those kadee couplers I sent you last Christmas

[@SamsTrains]

I did thank you so much! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

If you think that class 35 is expensive, then you’re gonna hate the American market for models.

[@Alpha-oo8]

I wonder… does heljan have a dedicated fan base who love them and ignore the competition?

[@SamsTrains]

haha maybe! I do think the competition would be hard to ignore if a new tooled 35 cropped up from someone else! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@retrorambles517]

What's the point in heljan Overpriced trains with so many basic problems It's a nice looking model but unnecessary and way way overpriced

[@JohnBoyAdvance]

train went zoomies :)

[@colinmeredith7114]

Cheers Sam, appreciate your update...preventing sensible people from buying such absolute rubbish!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Colin - glad to have been of help - not one I'd recommend unfortunately! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@cmdrflake]

I have to give you credit. You’re spending real money on a model which is clearly not a good value. So, you’re probably doing your viewers a favor. Thank you. Class 35’s are often paired so, if your class 35’s operate together, you can use them accordingly.

[@SamsTrains]

haha all part of the service! And that's a great idea - thanks for that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@darreno9874]

Not very impressed for so much money. Really enjoy your videos

[@thetrainloverdk]

How do you not go bankrupt of buying so many models?

[@agentM1991]

First thing that came to mind when I saw Heljan? Another disappointing locomotive by our friends over at Heljan. They don't have the best track record when it comes to good-quality locomotives.

[@contralt2374]

Made in China ?

[@azuma892]

Sam are you working on a huge project or something? 😉

[@SamsTrains]

Why do you ask?!?

[@azuma892]

First again? :)

[@modelrailfan37]

You beat me by several seconds, great job Azuma!

[@azuma892]

Haha just lucky.

[@Oddly1970]

No one cares.

[@modelrailfan37]

@@Oddly1970 it’s just for fun, don’t worry about it. It’s good to communicate with others that have similar interests.

[@azuma892]

But you replied to my stupid comment, so you cared. 🤣

[@stephendavies6949]

Telling it the way it is & holding manufacturers to account: nobody does it better, Sam. Once again a very authorative, forensic, informed and excellently presented review. "Caveat Emptor" after watching this. As you say, it's not that it's an expensive model, it's just such very, very poor value for money. Don't think Heljian is going to get any of my hard earned cash anytime soon. It seems like Accurascale & Dapol are where it's at nowadays.

[@stormus65]

The words "Heljan", "High Quality" and "Value For Money" never go together in the same sentence it seems.

[@billywindsock9597]

You can join them with ‘isn’t,’ or ‘can’t be,’ or ‘won’t be.’ Helping.

[@modelrailfan37]

@@billywindsock9597 lol

[@SamsTrains]

haha very true - and excellent solution Billy! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@wainwrightstudios]

Try a Heljan Class 33. I have 2, they cost £175 from Kernow I believe and are phenomenal bits of kit

[@modelrailfan37]

I have been meaning to try one as I’ve heard their good, but that price scares me. This hobby is becoming far too expensive I’m afraid…

[@SamsTrains]

Sounds great - I'll have to look into that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@steve_dangerous]

But I want to see the Class 35 reviewed because I want a 35.

[@harryjones1692]

I’ve got the class 33 weathered finish, it’s a fantastic locomotive!!

[@modelrailfan37]

@@steve_dangerous this is a review on the 35.

[@ianmacaulay4936]

Hi Sam, I have always loved the 35 Hymeks (and 52 Westerns) since watching them blast past my primary school playground back in 1970. A couple of years later on a visit to Swindon works open day, there was a Hymek on the scrap line with a sign saying "help yourself to any parts you want", so my brothers and I took one of the cab doors off, lugged it home (very heavy) and it then sat in our back garden for a few years. I have one of the EFE rail 7016, which has very poor lighting even on DCC, I was hoping that this new Heljan version would have better lighting. So I think I'll wait until they come down in price a bit and then maybe do my own lighting mods to improve things. Thanks for the review Ian

[@leelishman7137]

Lightning on Heljan has long been a problem. From dim lights on class26s/27s and 33s to the strange, centre light unintentional "headlamp" on class 17s.

[@Sparky-Tim]

When will ALL the manufacturers start gearing locos for prototypical speed, giving us a better slow torque instead of lighning speed, which is totally unrealistic. Thanks for the review Sam. 👍

[@alantraish3368]

When I first came across Heljan brand it was the class 52. Well impressed I got 3. Then all the other long gone diesels no one dared bother with, all good bar the couplings! Spares has been a problem to find. I used to move their headcode panel lights into the cab area and being bulbs this was quite effective ! I got the 1st batch of this from around 2013 fraction of this price still going strong. Amp draw can be high so fit suitable decoder for dcc. Their most recent offerings (gas turbine a& pwm) are poor quality even on dcc. The forthcoming 104 dmu ive earmarked so got high hopes and the new tooled 47. Comprehensive review

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Alan - I heard that there were issues with the gas turbine, so I steered clear of that one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

I seriously do personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks diesel-hydrualic locomotives from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each end of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll specifically wonderfully officially be very shockingly surprisingly able to pull American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that 1 of 'em certainly will basically numbered D71O1 with the officially well-known nickname of Bear who's basically featured in the officially well-knowingly obviously famously well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself printed in official nameplates on each side of the locomotive!

[@SamBarr-cx5er]

Having had and changed my Heljan turntable with a Fleischmann turntable, due to the poor construction and reliability, I no longer purchase Heljan products. Ive only watched half of this review so far and am already wondering if its worth continuing to watch it. Its not your reviewing but the lack of product quality that is why. I thought cab lights had to be extinguished when the loco is moving? On your paperwork I read earlier that the start voltage is 2.5V. One credit to the loco, it didn't derail. I now will only buy locos that are DCC fitted with Sound. Accurascale, Dapol and Oxford rail. The coupling was no where near the correct height. Your 5.82 score says it all.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I’m sorry to say that I certainly think Heljan is taking advantage of the cost of living situation by changing so much for a locomotive of this quality!!

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam I hope you are well This is worrying for the tango o dear Great honest review Keep safe ARP

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Adi - haha yeah - only time will tell whether those are truly improved too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mavikchen10]

I got a hattons sale efe BR blue one for £95ish a couple weeks ago and is fine for that price, but was wandering if i should have got the LED fitted version instead, very glad i didnt now ive watched this, thanks Sam! 😊

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I think for anything less than £100 it's a perfectly good and affordable model. Paying almost £100 more just for the LEDs definitely wouldn't be a good move in my opinion - think you did best really! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

I think Sam that heljan were really lazy with this model. I don't heljan will ever learn ;) Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

I think they were too - why did they put the price up so much!?!? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Alpha-oo8]

Ah yes, I love it when a loco costs 200 quid and has no sprung buffers for no reason. I know they aren’t necessary, but that’s why you pay the big bucks, isn’t it?

[@dsingh412]

how many items of rolling stock can this haul before it become to much for the locomotive (Sam)?

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Crawling is surely not what a Hymek was designed for. They were designed to be a good express passenger locomotive in the Western Region.

[@SamsTrains]

That's true - but a £200 loco should be able to do everything including the dishes! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains Agreed. We should have 90 mph at 80% throttle (my "aviation setting", the engines of a commercial airplane run at this setting in cruise. 100% is takeoff power), and a decent low speed for the price. You can't get out of Paddington or Temple Meads at full engine power.

[@Blur4strike]

So it boils down to adding an updated DCC socket, dim LED's instead of bulbs, and in increase in price. Not exactly what I'd call a worthwhile purchase for such a minimal effort on Heljan's part.

[@linesided]

You know that when Sam says "hopefully" three times in one sentence it's gonna bomb hard :)

[@CrowsWoodRailway]

I think Heljan have issues with figuring out lighting. My Class 33/0 has barely noticeable lighting but the 33/1 has a collapsed star at each end which probably causes my retinas to burn out every time it passes. The 33/2 I have is somewhere in the middle with its lights. The 35 in this video seems pretty poor so it's a wonder as to how they've not figured it out yet.

[@ciaranburke3243]

New and improved sam 210 pounds 😂 100 pound loco all day long, great review as always 👍

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - crazy isn't it?!? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@pkmntrainerdennis90]

Too bad it's so expensive, if it had a more resonable price, it whould be nice as a more budget model but yeah... too bad the price often ruin a model.

[@everythingproductions2004]

Hey Sam, have you ever heard of the Thomas character that’s exclusive to the books that’s based on this class “Bear”?

[@OlivierGabin]

The usual question with Heljan is : what did they botched this time ? Answer : the Q/P ratio, by issueing a model minimally upgraded (DCC socket and LED lightning). I won't put more than GBP 100 in such a model, acceptable price for an Hornby Railroad model. A 21 pin DCC socket or equivalent is a standard by now, like LED lights on engines having lights. When you see what Dapol makes for a retailer's price of of GBP 180 as a steam engine (Manor anyone ?), you don't want to buy that. I'm glad to have bought 2 Dapol Hymeks in N... By the way, Dapol have in N many models botched in OO by other brands, including the Hymek. I would be interested by their models if they make a 9F, Britannia, Hymek or BoB Class in OO (models available in N from them). Accurascale is also welcome to do such models by the way, I feel that they would be more interested by the diesels, why not a class 17 from them besides an Hymek ?

[@andrewphippsphillips1455]

Im quite lucky I got a pre-owned Heljan 3507 quite cheap from someone a long while ago. I mainly bought it because I wanted a smaller 4-axle model & liked the livery of D7040 (blue with white cab surrounds & yellow panel). Its performance & weight are marvellous (it hauls a big rake if needed). But I do agree the lights are lame/weak. If you just want a classic blue loco for pulling some grey/blue coaches, this isn't bad at all. But I agree the price is stupid if you want improvement on the original. Other than dedicated Cl35 fans, I would say its not worth the outlay. Its pulling power & weight are positives, plus I would say I love mine in its unusual blue livery, but would find something else if I was going to spend £180+ on a diesel model

[@lapiswake6583]

What an amazing loco! All I have to say is, there's a reason 2 of my 3 hymeks are Triang, the other being a slightly later Hornby one.

[@stephendavies6949]

Me too!

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha! Well said - can't go wrong with those! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Mariazellerbahn]

All £100 worth locos are now £200. I won't be touching any of them. I wanted the 18100 / E2001 / 10800 / 89001 / ES1 / and a few others BUT I'll be buying NONE of them and getting rid of all the locomotive models I already have. I'm done with buying overpriced crap just for display.

[@ChaileyLeavers11]

A bit harsh given if you want a 35 it's the only game in town. Mine is a really good runner on my end to end layout with generous curves, creeps well and as you noted very smooth and quiet. Loads of details to add to the buffer beams (which I will leave off) and nice finish. I paid £140, yes it could be improved but I call fair value. Most important to me is how well they run and traverse points etc, and this loco performs. Compared to my Hornby ringfield version.................it's a Rolls Royce!

[@adamswindells1]

I've been put off Heljan by the only loco I've ever bought from the brand, granted it was 2nd hand and cheap because of slight damage but during the repair of the body it cracked from the bottom part way round the roof so I had to repair that too. Then during paint prep removing hand rails a huge Chunk of body splintered away with the hand rail. I emailed them as I believed the body was defective with how brittle it is and Heljans response was to look for a second hand body off ebay. Class 33 by the way

[@beckyjohnson6798]

If the real Hymeks were numbered D700 - D7100, than Bear (Thomas & Friends Railway Series) would've been the next in line going by number.

[@AntoekneeDE]

What a joke, if you want to add the accessories detail, have to paint them yourselves 🤦‍♂️ not being funny but anybody spending two-tonne on an analogue diesel in RTR isn’t doing it to have to get their paint brushes out, not knocking RTR consumers or kit builders, it’s just that this is neither…

[@andressanchez4517]

Sam Strains..if Heljsn are rubbish don't buy them... Simples.. It's not much better than the old Hornby Hymek

[@Noodlewerfer]

What a ripoff, could they really not have rotated the LEDs so you can see them? I can't wait for them to "upgrade" the 1361 class!

[@That1Redhead28]

It's crazy to me that the same manufacture made the amazing class 07 which i got because it is Salty from Thomas. A shame that the class 35 isn't the best as I would have loved to have that for the character, Bear

[@sapphirejunction8993]

Most of Heljan's models are pretty pointless and overpriced rubbish with an array of tooling & livery errors across the board, I personally give them a very wide berth.

[@andrewwilbraham6875]

Ever since the Tubby Duff, I’ve always looked at anything from Heljan sideways and pushed back on buying anything from them (except the Class 58). However, the new Class 86 has changed my mind. Would love seeing you do a review of the new Class 86/2s when they come out and see if that might make you finally think something from Heljan has some quality.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Andrew - I'll keep an eye out for the 86, appreciate the suggestion! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@levidarling5107]

If Heljan really wanted to make this a true updated version, at least have some bearings and sprung buffers, they don’t have to be metal. though at least sprung plastic buffers are adequate quality, yet still no sprung buffers. *sigh* sometimes I think I can make a plastic gauge one Thomas toy that is better quality for such a better and far lower price than Bachmann’s Ho Thomas models. Well, at least there is Hornby/Rivarossi with engines with good quality.

[@levidarling5107]

Well, good video Sam, see you later pal.

[@NTSCuser]

As long as people are willing to pay these prices, manufacturers will keep charging them. And I don't see signs of a slowdown anytime soon.

[@soheiltrains]

One star on value is incredibly generous! (in my opinion.)

[@AllensTrains]

The first loco I ever had was a Hornby Hymek with magnahesion, so this was a nostalgic video for me! I think if you did want a Hymek to replace the old Hornby model, then this offering is a good substitute! Thanks for uploading.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

That was my first too. Part of a set with a few container wagons and a container crane.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing guys - would that be the Tri-ang one then if it had the Magnadhesion? I know the one you mean - lovely old models those! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AllensTrains]

@@SamsTrains R758 is the one I had with magnahesion. It is a Triang model sold under the Hornby marque. R355 has traction tyres and compares favourably with the Heljan example reviewed in this video.

[@timharrison2894]

I didn't know Heljan had any connection to EFE/Bachmann. Thought they were competitors

[@Wreckedftfoxy]

sam figure out how to gear it down you would get more low end because of the speed would be lessened for torque which solves the issues

[@bb32112]

Please review the Hornby Class 800s when you can! For £500, I wanna know before I buy 😬

[@allanmorton6022]

I feel this is a really poor effort. Bigging up the lighting as a new feature yet implementing it in the worst way I've seen. Shocker.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I’d like to see it after a few months of use. My similar locomotive is going to be put on the club layout at the Hoddesdon Model and Railway Club.

[@SamsTrains]

I'll definitely report back if there are any issues after a few months - usually no issues with Heljan locos if they work initially though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@chrisatye]

Are you sure the headcode panels don’t have a protective film over them? That film would get scratched - you need to remove it.

[@PrimevalParadise]

Remember when we used to say about Heljan that although their steam locos were naff, the diesels were top notch? I'm not so sure that statement holds any water now

[@MartinsTrainsAdventures]

Why are heljan models so bad and have they tried to improve them?

[@jamtart606]

I know I tend to slate Hornby a lot for the poor manufacturing & quality control but dear god Heljan are probably one of the most inconsistent manufactuers of British locos that I know of. They make Dapol look like quality which is laughable!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they are pretty inconsistent... except with the quality of their locos ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

By the way, Dapol goes better and better as time goes by, they have an upward trend here. Just replace the couplers...

[@jamtart606]

​@@OlivierGabin I think all Dapol need to do is start improving on their drive mechanisms, I've had issues with my 121 driveshafts slipping before and the process to fix it required me to desolder the PCB which is not something I really like to do! Plus like Hornby, they need to improve on getting their colour shades correct, I've noticed with N gauge in particular that the colours they use for their HST sets can be chronically poor.

[@Tombola1993]

AKA, “Bear” (D7101) from the Railway Series.

[@railthefox1857]

Heljan's is geting as bad as honrby for over top prising for not well bilt crap

[@kimcason8764]

Does the Heljen name Stand for 'Hell Generally a Rip off..!' 😂

[@davidford85]

A Class 35 from Accurascale, now there's an idea 🤞🤞

[@alfiewenn9440]

not even the tooling cost excuses this time the 33 is ok from heljan they can keep the rest

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

I seriously do personally wanna point out that Bear(formerly known as D71O1) certainly happens to basically have been officially well-knowingly obviously based on the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic locomotives!

[@Madonsteamrailways]

It’s a pretty decent looking model, but is it a good one? For my Dad’s Army layout, it would certainly look out of place!!

[@SamsTrains]

haha it certainly would do! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

Hay Sam, 2 months later - there are only 2 non-damaged Hymeks in the uk. Two of the preserved class 35 (D7017 & D7018) trains were at the West Somerset Railway. They were fixing one at Williton when it suddenly shunted off and bumped into the other one parked infront of it and damaged the other one as well as it’s self

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

I love the west Somerset railway 😊

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

@@Gatherleymodeller. It’s my local heritage railway

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

@@fredstrainandbusvids. Same. I live in Taunton so I can easily see heritage and mainline action!!

[@hawnyfox3411]

@@Gatherleymodeller. = I don't If they can smash up TWO preserved Loco's thru sheer negligence AND sheer stupidity... I would leave them unattended with my car, never mind 2 x preserved engines It's like those "clowns" that trashed the Avro Vulcan's engines ( silica gel bags : Ooops ! ) Bunch of rank amaturers - Yeah, TWO smashed loco's = Impressive NOT

[@Jimyjames73]

Oh dear - all that money for what??? 😐🚂🚂🚂