Heljan NBL 10800 - A delightfully detailed diesel!

Today we're taking a look at a bit of a diesel dinosaur, a loco from an era gone by when diesel still remained an untested and unsure prospect. How does Heljan's NBL 10800 fair? Let's take a look!
It's been a tough week for the hobby, we've lost Warley and Hattons, both big players in the scene in the UK, a big thanks goes to both for their service to the hobby over the past few decades. I am sorry to see them both go.
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[@geordielad9636]

Hello Hylton. Many thanks for producing this superb review of the NBL, it provided me with just what I was looking for? a loco to go with my ventilated vans, so I ordered one and it came today. Not so good was I had to pay £170 that was the cheapest I could find from Gaugemaster, with free express delivery. What is good is just as you said, it's a beautiful machine and runs perfectly, again as you said it's a bit slow, but it's perfect for what I require, hauling goods wagons. If I was a coach passenger I would be complaining, will I ever get their? The wagons I was looking for a loco to haul? are for my Bachmann 38-083A 12 ton Southern ventilated van in GWR grey, the loco being black with the really dark grey vans looks a perfect match, although it does look a bit like a stealth machine! The wagons are really cheap for quality Bachmann wagons, £12.95 from TMC and £11.99 from Kernow if you fancy some? Again thanks for doing the video I am really pleased with my loco, Bill.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Bill! My goodness that is a first for me, someone making a purchase based on my review! I am actually very honoured. I am glad you were able to see enough to make an informed purchase and will try to make sure my reviews improve as time goes on. I am sure it will look brilliant with your ventilated vans! Did you get the all black version? I must take a look at TMC and Kernow for some stock, it is one thing desperately missing on my layout. Thanks Bill, kindest regards, Hylton

[@geordielad9636]

Hello again Hylton, I bought the all black version HN1082. I didn't like the sliver on the bogies of other version. As regards your review I thought it was very professionally done, I have just found out you only restarted in this hobby a few months ago. So I would rate your video as good as Charlie Bishop and Jenny Kirk, Bill.@@Proper_Chuffed

[@petercarey7783]

A delightfully presented diesel!

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you Peter 😊

[@RedcarRichard]

Hi Hylton Many thanks for this video. I'm an old fashioned Dublo 3 railer and your vid has inspired me to scratchbuild a 10800 in plasticard using a modified HD class 20 3R chassis to motorise it. This vid has really helped me with certain details, especially the ends and bonnet tops, that I couldn't make out from drawings and pictures. Sincere thanks. Rich.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Rich, that’s awesome, I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and saw enough to want to build something so demanding! Would love to see your progress and how it goes, sounds like a fascinating build! 😊

[@user-sy5du1nn8k]

Thank you for a well-researched and informative presentation. I share your enthusiasm for pioneering diesel locomotives. It was a huge challenge for the designers, basically striving to compress the mechanics of USA and European designs to fit within the smaller British loading gauge. At the same time, the ready availability of coal in the UK and the reliability of existing steam locomotives (evidenced by the Bullied pacifics) extended their lifespan. And the Heljan model is brilliant representaion in it uresulted in klinterest

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Peter. Thank you for your kind words, I do my best to get the history and info on these locomotives as right as possible. I’m no expert by any means and as such I can sometimes make mistakes. But I am almost enjoying learning about them as I am running them. I love the design style of the 10800, it’s quickly become a firm favourite of mine! Great info you provided there. Thank you so much. Keep well, Hylt

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

Lots of young people will get into the hobby life will get in the way and they will return later. I didn't get into trains until my early 30s. I believe the choice available today is as good as ever. It's sad to see shops closing but this is nothing new. I think the hobby has bright future. You have a lovely locomotive. The early diesels are very interesting. Thanks for showing. Regards Paul.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks for popping in Paul, always good to see you. Agreed on this, I think the future of the hobby is in good hands and the fearmongering click bait is just that. Here’s to a bright future indeed. Keep well Hylt

[@alantraish3368]

I have many Heljan diesels dating back to 2007 when I first came across them. Their bo bo & co co big diesels are superb like this. Their smaller shunters however like the class 14, the PWM are dirge.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Alan, nice to see you again, agreed, they seem very solid! I had actually considered a 14 late last year, glad I didnt move on it. Keep well sir! Hylt

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I too was saddened to hear of Hattons' closure. For the record, I live in New Zealand, and I've bought loads of models from them between 2018 and 2024. They were one of my go-to retailers for models that I just couldn't find in domestic shops. One of my favourites from those acquisitions is Heljan's model of the Class 16. You ought to pick one up if you can find one, since the 16 looks like a slightly modernised version of 10800. (10:41) - Slight correction on the pronunciation of Loughborough. The first syllable (Lough) is pronounced as if it were spelt as 'Luff'.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello! It’s a real honour to have you here, have enjoyed your videos for quite some time, trust me to have forgotten to subscribe 😂 done now. Indeed really sad, especially for people like you and I in the southern hemisphere, they were always ace with shipping, getting stuff in less than 2 days was a total dream. Thank you for the correction, definitely realized my mistake, a few people pointed it out 😂 I’ll take a look at the 16 definitely 👍

[@petertate5741]

Great review Hylton.Lovely quirky loco. All the best 👍

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Peter 😊 thank you for the kind words, yes she is rather different. I like how brutalist she is in many ways, very raw. Thanks for popping in. Hylt

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

What a beauty! Looks like an American Road Switcher.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Exactly, such an oddball for BR, but I love the design. Thanks for stopping by! Hylt

[@themodeltrainshop174]

And another nice video, thank you. Loco looks very similar to Alsthom, with 'h' back then, class 24/2500 for dutch state railways.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you Rinke, yes, it does seem very similar to that design. I really like the shape of it!

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

first time on your channel and subscribed. im also a fan of anything weird, quirky, and more importantly, underrated and forgotten locomotives

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Edward, thank you so much for watching and subscribing, it means a lot to me 😊 yes indeed, I love that manufacturers are now exploring these forgotten machines! I’ll hopefully be adding to the quirky little fleet soon! Cheers Hylt

[@torchednova1249]

What a Gorgeous loco! Defiantly going to keep an eye out for one of those. Great to see how your layout is coming along and great video as always!

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks so much mate, appreciate it! Yeah she’s a real beauty! 😊 they are well priced for the quality in my opinion.

[@EE12CSVT]

That's a good price for a loco like that. I've also found Heljan machines to be excellent runners.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I thought so too, given current pricing, I thought this was quite a steal really. But I guess the argument should be that 140 odd pounds should be the price from the start! Thanks for popping in and for your comments! Hylt

[@kellypaws]

They do run well. Bit of a tendency to have ‘corrosion ready’ wheels that needs cleaned a lot. This one seems to have that fixed. But they do definitely seem to buy their motors from the top shelf, not some Ali-Baba ‘pound for a dozen’ supplier. They are generally great runners. Sometimes simple is just fine, and Heljan tend to keep it quite simple.

[@petercole2092]

The problem with this hobby is it's far too expensive with loco' s selling for £200 plus ,coaches heading towards £60 and wagons at £30 each I have no idea how they expect young people to afford such prices. I have been doing this hobby for a few years now I have never known a hobby were prices go up so fast in such a small space of time. The demise of Hattons and Wharley show is a warning to manufactures to do something but given what I have seen of Hornby's announcement lessons they have not been learnt. On the subject of VAT the UK rate is 20% which does not help with pricing with anything not just the hobby.

[@michaelhart895]

No difference as to when I was a boy. I loved my Wren locomotives wagons etc ,but they were only available to me as a main Christmas present or Birthdays , hence I only ever had three along with a few wagons and Pullman coaches . My first first train set wasn’t even a set as mum and dad couldn’t afford one , it comprised of a Triang Hornby Pannier Tank and a couple of wagons with enough track to make a circle . I can never understand why people expect a product to be priced to suit them rather than priced to actually make it financially viable . Did anyone bat an eyelid when Hornby shipped production to China ,the workforce thrown out of work . No , probably not just so long as they put a few extra pounds in their pockets due to cheap Labour. I would love an Aston Martin or a Lotus but unfortunately neither company’s will play ball when I contacted them and said they should be priced so as I can afford one .

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I hear you Peter, as I said, I guess I have come into this hobby at this price point, and personally (do take this with a pinch of salt) I think those prices are fair for the quality of product received. HOWEVER I can absolutely understand the gripe folks have given they have seen an almost three fold increase in prices in the past 10 years. Perhaps if I had been modelling for longer I would feel equally upset with it. Thanks for your thoughts, genuinely appreciate it, it's great to discuss this stuff! Hylt

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Michael, a good point you make here, as I said in response above, personally I see the value, but am also VERY new to the hobby. I feel like I should be more critical of prices but have no baseline to build from. It has got me all thinking. Thanks again. Hylt

[@GregPalmer1000]

I was on the Bachmann site the other day & noticed there x MK1 pullman 2nd parlour in Blue Grey as a FO 79 pounds...when first introduced 25 pounds tripled in price....

[@Proper_Chuffed]

That is rather scary Greg, I understand loco pricing to an extent, what with all these bells and whistles, but rolling stock I agree, is WAY too steep. Thanks Hylt

[@neiljosephbennett9119]

It fares really well, Hylton! The losses in the UK have shattered me too - I was a frequent Hatton's customer.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

It really is rather sad Neil, I have placed an order with Rails of Sheffield, so let’s see how they do in comparison. Hylt

[@jackcieslawski1076]

great video , thank you! Mine , with silver bogies , arrived from UK few days ago , did not have a chance to look at it yet. Yes , it is sad with Hattons closing down. I love their Trunk service and fast via DHL delivery. Since Qantas introduced direct flight from Heathrow to Perth DHL delivery takes 3 days to Perth. Yes , much faster to get a loco from UK than from Eastern States and also , in most case , cheaper. Rails of Sheffield use Royal Mail , a bit more expensive than DHL and slow...very slow , it takes weeks , sometimes months....

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello! Awesome, I am sure you will be rather happy with the purchase! Indeed, rather sad about this, they were very efficient. I am trying Rails now, and using their expedited shipping Parcelforce, quite a bit more expensive so I am hoping to receive it as quickly. Will update. Thanks for the kind comment and all the best.

[@jackcieslawski1076]

Hello, @@Proper_Chuffed I just ordered 2x new EFE Rail Bulleid Boosters ( one grey + one black ) from Rails. Yes, I also love unusual locos and train vehicles. Happy to run HO with OO , Shinkansens with early days steam "boomboxes". Warn regards from the West jack

[@AndrevwZA]

Beautiful loco. Enjoy her.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks Andrew, she’s really quite unique and different and I like that about her. Thanks for watching! Hylt

[@Melbournelost66]

I'm new to the hobby myself. Rediscovered the hobby recently since a kid. There is a very similar engine to this that is preserved in Australia. Victorian Rail museum Seymour.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello there 😊✌️ it’s such a wonderful hobby, welcome back to it! Do you know the name/class of the loco in Aus? I see the Dutch also had similar designs on their railways. Thanks for popping in! Hylt

[@Melbournelost66]

Regards Michael

[@DonningtonCastleModelRailway]

Loving the detailed reviews of your new arrivals. Your point about bringing new people into the hobby is a very pertinent one given recent news. I think there are lots of under represented demographics who could add lots to this hobby. But the comments section isn’t the place for that debate! Looking forward to the next video.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Martyn, thank you very much for that. I am still struggling with the descriptorial element of reviews, simply because I am not super well versed with individual parts of the real prototypes, but learning as I go. Agreed, a very important thing to try and bring the hobby to light for more eyes. Thanks again, Hylt

[@hughoconnor9172]

Heljan generally produce good models from the reviews I have read, though I must say £170 is way out of my (and probably most peoples) price range. Regarding Hattons, many have thought that they aren't as good as they used to be but even so the loss of an outlet is to be regretted. Incidentally Loughborough is pronounced luffboro in the UK😁😁😁

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hahaha, thanks for that Hugh, noted. Despite English being my first language, the UK names never cease to throw a curve at me! Agreed, one would argue it should be 140 pounds at most. I will say though, it really is a very well built little machine. Thanks for your input as always. Hylt

[@kellypaws]

Lovely video and extremely tasteful background music.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback Kelly, it means a lot! Glad you like the music! Hylt

[@kellypaws]

@@Proper_Chuffed I kid not, if you can pick background music like that regularly, I'm a fan for as long as you need. Your taste is perfect. As a bonus, I do find your videos relaxing, paced gently, spoken very articulately and with a very pleasant accent on the ear. I do hope your channel does as well as it deserves, which is far better than most.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Kelly, you are incredibly kind to say that, I am very much a greenhorn with much to learn, but that kind of encouragement really does make my day. I will do my best to improve always. Glad you like the music too, I tend to play around with background music quite a bit, but try to keep it as easy on all ears as possible! Thank you again. Hylt :)

[@kevinblakeman8858]

A good review hylton, a lot of stock from hattons is being taken on by rails of Sheffield and they post world wide

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks so much for watching Kevin 😊 appreciate it! I have placed an order with Rails. So will be curious to see how they fare in comparison with delivery 👀

[@trainguy93]

I remember my late Grandad telling me that these modern models are getting to much detail to run them and are better off in display cabinets.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

There's some truth to that I agree, I suppose it's good that companies like Hornby offer a value range with more room to play and make mistakes with them! Thanks for stopping by!

[@Tauraco00]

Well done Hylton, all the best🚂🚃🚃🚃💫🌟⭐

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you for the kind words, channel launch soon? 👀 I’m keeping an eye out!

[@Tauraco00]

@@Proper_Chuffed yes soon🚂🚃🚃🚃💫👌

[@EE12CSVT]

One of my lecturers in college worked on the Hawk project at Brush

[@Proper_Chuffed]

That is incredible! What a special piece of history to be a part of, I looked everywhere for old footage of it, but only ever found stills sadly.

[@EE12CSVT]

@@Proper_Chuffed He's in one of the photos of it at Brush. I've not seen any film of it after conversion to Hawk.

[@StarWarsJay]

Great video mate. Very informative and entertaining. I love that loco. Does it come in BR green blue?

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hey Jay, yeah I believe it comes in green? Though haven’t seen one in that livery in some time, they are out there though! Hylt

[@StarWarsJay]

@@Proper_Chuffed sorry man. I meant blue, not green blue. I cant even blame the pub for that one. Yeah I’ll check it out. I really like that loco.

[@geordielad9636]

Hylton, I posted two replies which you may not have noticed? so but both together here. ALSO I noticed you were asking for a good UK retailer to supply you in SA. I have used mainly Rails, TMC. Kernow I found very quick on deliveries considering I am near to Scotland and Kernow is way down south. I mentioned I bought my NBL from Gaugemaster I ordered it early Monday it arrive 24 hours later with free express delivery. Gaugemaster is quite a big retailer mainly associated with controllers and Heljan, might be with.worth having a look at them PREVIOUS COMMENTS Hello again Hylton, I bought the all black version HN1082. I didn't like the sliver on the bogies of other version. As regards your review I thought it was very professionally done, I have just found out you only restarted in this hobby a few months ago. So I would rate your video as good as Charlie Bishop and Jenny Kirk, Bill Hello once more Hylton, As regard growing up around railways. I had my first model railway at ten years old. The second after getting married, Continental Fleischmann, superb locos. This was sold as children on the way, a familiar story in this hobby. The third and final when I retired in 2003, yeah 20 years ago, and it's still not finished. The annoying part is the main depot for steam and diesel locos along with goods yard was only 1/4 mile away. I wasn't interested in the REAL thing till I retired🙄 The main line is still 1/4 mile away where I regularly see Biomass, Nuclear flask, 100 ton oil tankers, HSTs, class 800 LNER, so I'm really spoilt. If I can help you as regards advice on model railway I am very willing to help, I use DC analogue only and my layout is 18' x18' modern (ish) all diesels about 80 of them, no kettles😀, along with all kinds of modern rolling stock. Keep up doing your most informative videos and good luck building your layout, Bill.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Bill, my apologies for the delayed response, I do my best to get to messages as quickly as I can 😊 thank you for the suggestion, I have made an order with Rails, so waiting to see how that goes but also reached out to Kernow and they have assured me they can sort out DHL. Which is great! I did check Gaugemaster, they sadly only offer Royal Mail. Thank you for the very kind words, to be put into the same sentence as Charlie and Jenny is an honour in itself as they are both incredibly seasoned experts. So thank you. It sounds a great childhood, frankly you are lucky to be around railways period, I long to visit the UK again and experience your railroads with fresh eyes! Thank you for reaching out and for the offer with assistance and advice, I may very well do so sir! How is your 10800 running after a few days? Best regards, Hylt

[@geordielad9636]

Hello once more Hylt, The 10800 is going fantastic as all Heljan locos do, much better than my recent Accurascale additions! The triple lights on the front of locos I'm really impressed with. Heljan's older locos only had bulbs and unless loco was going at full speed on DC the lights were hopeless, much better with LEDs. I'm intrigued to know what Hylt has bought from Rails? maybe the ES1 in green? I'll probably find out when you do a review. Thanks for the reply and all the best for the future, Bill.@@Proper_Chuffed

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

Loughborough - try pronouncing it 'Luff-ber-ra'.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I shall do better next time 😂 sorry and thank you for the pronunciation help 😊

[@geordielad9636]

Forgot to mention in my previous comment. If you like unusual locomotives this fits the bill. Heljan North Eastern Railway ES1 this loco is exclusive to Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Railway Museum in Shildon, there are a few variations. (I live in NE England and these loco's ran only a mile from here) I have three of them and they are equally as good as the NBL, they have been reduced from the original price. While I am writing I received a email saying VIEW PINNED COMMENT but cannot read it! I am nearly 80 so a dinosaur on computers. What do I have to do to read your reply? Bill.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello again Bill, I have taken a look at your suggestion, it is indeed right up my alley! I love the way it looks splendid, especially in green! I may just have to make a plan to get one in the near future! I think you are so lucky to have grown up around railways! You should be able to see my response just below yours? Don't worry, I am grateful you popped in :) Kind regards, Hylt

[@geordielad9636]

Hello once more Hylton, As regard growing up around railways. I had my first model railway at ten years old. The second after getting married, Continental Fleischmann, superb locos. This was sold as children on the way, a familiar story in this hobby. The third and final when I retired in 2003, yeah 20 years ago, and it's still not finished. The annoying part is the main depot for steam and diesel locos along with goods yard was only 1/4 mile away. I wasn't interested in the REAL thing till I retired🙄 The main line is still 1/4 mile away where I regularly see Biomass, Nuclear flask, 100 ton oil tankers, HSTs, class 800 LNER, so I'm really spoilt. If I can help you as regards advice on model railway I am very willing to help, I use DC analogue only and my layout is 18' x18' modern (ish) all diesels about 80 of them, no kettles😀, along with all kinds of modern rolling stock. Keep up doing your most informative videos and good luck building your layout, Bill.

[@EE12CSVT]

The marker lights are prorottpically dim. They're not headlights or driving lights. Same with the cab lights. A big bugbear I have is that model lighting is far too bright cares to prototypes.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I hear you, and think you are spot on with that comment. It looks far more natural so I am pleased with it.