Heljan Car Carriers - 3 Minute Review

[@tonypetts6663]

These vehicles are a memory from my childhood, not because I ever travelled on a motor rail train but because I lived 300 yards from Kensington Olympia station until I was 20.

[@jules52mtb26]

I look forward to you doing a Heljan vs EFE comparison of these, as I'm undecided which to go for ATM!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice set 👌. During our regular summer trips to Devon in the 70's my Dad often wondered if he should book a Motorail service to enable us to get our Hillman Avenger to Dawlish. In the event though, we took a regular train instead. I loved those holidays - it was like a fantastic train journey with the seaside as the end 😊. Edit: I believe the roof comes off for the transportation of mint imperials 👍

[@9501599]

I just bought 2 from Hattons, they were on special so the budget let me afford 2. I've enjoyed your review, I like your sleeper train and I might emulate this.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good evening Mr Train man from Tenerife 😊 I agree with the cost especially as it’s only a box on wheels 🤔 But as always your description and knowledge of railway vehicles is amazing and very interesting 👍🏻 I can remember these vehicles when I was a train spotter in the 70s and still interested in trains 😊 When I eventually start my layout after moving house it’ll only be small so no room for these car carrying carriages. But on a bonus note I do live with the West Coast main line in my back garden 🪴 just north of Preston 🤩 Can’t wait for a layout update 👍🏻

[@Wallsrail]

In my early driving career I used trash up and down the WCML Crewe to Carlisle (later Mossend) with Liner trains. Occasionally car carriers not these though, cartic 4's! Will be getting a set when those announced by Revolution Trains come to market 😃

[@tulyar1043]

Thank you for posting this video. Very good looking models of a much needed prototype. How much did the kit version cost you? Remember seeing these in the 1970s. One Sunday mornig, near Essendine Top a Deltic hauled train from Scotland came tearing past the gang I was working in, timed it between two mileposts that were visible ( 90&91) it took just 29 seconds so the driver was doing around 120mph albeit down a 1 in 200 gradient.

[@Wallsrail]

The Southern Pride kits were about £35 a piece and bought 5. They build up nicely but some of the dimensions are a bit out unless I made an error in construction, which is entirely possible 😬 I'll be giving them away or part ex'ing them in some way soon?

[@patstrainsuk1]

A full history and running life would be fantastic 👍

[@MrPaulhopkins]

Very nice. Hopefully they might also make these in O gauge.

[@Wallsrail]

I wouldn't bet against that! Might get one for Fathers 0 gauge layout 🤔

[@maestromanification]

Looks an excellent model , can't really find an excuse to run them on my 1960s Norfolk layout though. Did they ever do ferry work as they have markings and equipment for it. My mate Jane's G has gone to work with you. Cheers Russ

[@Wallsrail]

Fitted for through working to the continent but, as many sources say, never went! Just because they never worked to Norfolk in real life shouldn't mean you can't run a set on a fictitious Stirling Norwich Service 😜 There was a Parkestone Perth Motorail in the 70's (Curtailed to Cambridge then Ely due to union meddling) although that Service was with GUV's earmarked for Motorail services. Yes, have met and worked with Mr G, seems like a nice enough chap 👍

[@maestromanification]

@@Wallsrail I'm tempted with a fictitious service as I've built a car loading dock on Cley to load motor rail flats although I've not actually ran these yet. James boys like to come round and run the layout Didn't that Ely Perth service also have sleeping cars . Mark who works at Ely was telling me about shunting sleepers in the 70s

[@ringmastermodels]

Lovely vans it must be said.. but oof, it’s a lot of cash for something so simple! I do approve of the magnetic roof however - if these were normal coaches, that’d be a godsend for lighting and passenger figures. The included couplings are nice too, but I think the Hornby examples are a lot more effective in their appearance. If only kits of such things were easier to find these days. I’ve found myself swearing by kitbuilding and bashing lately not just to save money but because, rather oddly, I prefer to own or run something that’s been built rather than manufactured. Your Southern Pride example is still an excellent representation and is the kind of thing that makes me drool at a club stall!

[@thebritfarmer]

I think they should have fitted skylights instead of just painting them.

[@berwicksfinest]

You opened your wallet ??? Did the model shop have a crowbar, or did you take your own ???😂

[@roberthill6216]

Wow, those are expensive vans.