Heljan's new Class 47 - What a disaster...

[@BritishRail60062]

Thanks for this video. In light of this. I will stick with the Bachmann 47's instead.

[@bramelsheretan]

I'm glad I purchased a nice Lima on eBay for £35, well worth it

[@azuma892]

Nice to see Heljan still living up to their reputation! 😅

[@stuartaaron613]

Just found your channel, interesting video. How does this model compare to the new Bachmann Branchline version?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Bachmann is far far far superior is all respects, even the earlier editions, no comparison really, must admit I won't pay the price bachmann want for their new ones, I don't see the point in gold reflective windscreens, rotating fans etc etc, I just want a good model. In short - absolutely no contest! Bachmann win. Glad you found us, hope you approve

[@formidable38]

Like night and day. Bachmann version far superior. Its not perfect bit it's just alot better.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@formidable38 yep got to agree, I wanna see accurascale do a 47

[@Mariazellerbahn]

5:34 to be fair, dripping oil is prototypical.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Not in model form it isn't lol 😂

[@bramelsheretan]

🤣🤣🤣

[@eekamoose]

🤣

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

So strange as you would have thought that before it went into production that there would be lots of opportunities to check these things in tooling samples etc. Granted there might be some who wouldn't pick up these things (although even to a layman that head code box looks oversized), but a lot of them can easily be checked such as the number of roof doors !

[@MisterHampshire]

The first thing I saw was - to me - just how 'wrong' the windscreens looked, let alone the wipers.

[@PaulWright]

unfortunately Malcolm, Heljan UK were informed about ALL of these issues, except the dripping oil, when the engineering examples and pre-production models were made available. We were told these issues would be sorted, but they obviously weren't.

[@DeanPark]

Good video. Glad to see you came across the same issues as I did in my review. Cheers. Dave

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Yes Dave, we didn't dwell too much on the faults as you yourself had pretty much covered the same discrepancies in your own review, hence why we directed viewers to your own channel to see and hear what you thought about it. Thanks for watching Dave Best wishes John, Jamie and Lewis.

[@sandrapowell-m7z]

Had the same issue of having to break off the vacum pipes to get to the nem plug, on heljan class 86. I have never been happy with the 86.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@sandrapowell-m7z now I didnt know of that problem, nearly bought a heljan 86 last month for posterity sake having driven the real thing - 86214 Thanks for that info and your comment

[@sandrapowell-m7z]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway Compared to the bachmann 85, it did run a bit rough. It has eased out a bit now, and runs ok.

[@StormmyStormmy]

Sorry to see your issues with this loco, I have a Bachmann class 47 which is very good indeed, cab lights are a cool detail along with the engine room lighting, the motorised fans are some of the best I’ve seen, I’ve seen way too many bad Heljan locomotive reviews so I steer clear of them along with Bachmann steam locomotives, I hope you get your issues sorted or your money back, thanks for sharing.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Some people like the added features what I call gimmicks and that's fine, we all have our own individual preferences, and manufacturers have obviously been asked to include these features , my self I think they are clever but not contributing to the performance , I appreciate to some they enjoy them and I have no problem with it, when it affects cost I think you have to decide what's right for your individual needs. Thanks for your comment.

[@DOCTORDROTT]

Shame there are so many errors. Worked on the full size versions for nearly 50 years at Canton

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Wow - whst an achievement Sir, if anyone would know anything, then it has to be you, brilliant memories of the 85 open day at Canton, one of the best I ever attended, thank you for your service to the 47s and congratulations on a great work record

[@kevinbradley1112]

Im also dissapointed with the 2 57s i bought 57601 and 57311 a big feature of the is the top headlight doesn't work and you can't fit the snow ploughs because the bogies protrude to far and the footsteps prevent them being fitted anyway and the 3 link coupling are just awful as previous false bits of plastic luckily i didn't pay any where near full rrp cos i too would be p**sed off

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Oh how annoying for you, I feel your pain, thankfully I have 57601 in Porterbrook Livery by Bachmann, and have no complaints about it, these manufacturers seems to be knocking out models willy nilly just to beat competitors and yet they have numerous faults, not good for us or them - thanks for your comment

[@modelrailfan37]

What a piece of tat! I don't care too much about accuracy as long as the model is close to the prototype, but that front end looks hideous! I find it so funny that Heljan think they can charge 212 - 249 pounds on that model considering the Bachmann is available for the same price or cheaper. I also find it exceptionally bad that there is oil leaking out, as that indicates a gap in between the bogie and base plate which will attract dust and hair, and it looks like the bogies and body are clipped together as well which is an absolute nightmare for servicing, especially with the way Heljan usually do that... You also should not have to send it to Denmark, Heljan need a UK office that returns can be shipped to and then from there they can pay for the international postage... Out of curiosity how did the loco run?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I never even ran it, in case Heljan made the excuse of its been run so we are not taking it back. Gaugemaster are the main UK agent for spares for Heljan but dont accept returns on their behalf, Heljan didn't refund the postage either.

[@modelrailfan37]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway understandable why you did not run it. Did you end up having to pay the international postage?

[@Simon-Davis]

The trouble is that people fawn over Heljan models as if they can do no wrong, which sadly legitimises them. Its almost like an attitude where the real things are wrong because they don't match the Heljan models. I've seen comments online stating that the Bachmann model should be corrected because its buffers doesn't line up with the Heljan model. Strange considering the Bachmann 47 measures out near spot on in key dimensions, but thats what you are up against.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I completely agree with you, yet Heljan in my opinion are one of the poorest manufacturers of British Outline in OO, I do have an O gauge 50 and 56 of heljan, and my only complaint is that the models are flimsily constructed from nasty thin plastic, they should've use thicker material, my other concern is parts usually fall off in transit, my friend has an O gauge 47 of theirs and took me 4 hrs to reattach everything off just 1 bogie! I'd prefer an older heljan OO 47 to this poor offering, they're cheap enough, mind you, so are early bachmann 47s too

[@alanrobertson9790]

Main thing I like about Heljan is that they do more unusual classes like 05, 07, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 26, 27, 33, 76, 77 and three prototypes Falcon, Lion, Kestrel.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@alanrobertson9790 and yet on attempt 3 they still can't do the 47 any justice

[@alanrobertson9790]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway Agreed. You would think in this world of 3D scanning they could get things exactly right. Well saved me £200 any way. Can save for a 323 instead.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@alanrobertson9790 yes regret really is no excuse in today's day and age, dare I say it, even Hornby 3D scan the real thing, as do Accurascale, Revolution trains and Bachmann. The whole heljan class 47 project has cut so many corners, it's not even octagon shaped, it's circular, they've gone around and around and around cost cutting and made an absolute lash up, David Jones should stand down, or at rge very least apologise to customers for his company's failings, there is nobexcuse acceptable other than sloppy work

[@MrRonan3]

Had one of these on order. Could not wait to see it. Cancelled it and purchased a Bachmann version. so disappointed with Heljan,

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I'm glad you managed to cancel your order, but if you'd havevswen it you would not have been happy

[@LennixAlexander]

I noticed the inaccuracies really early on with this model. I suspect they will all be heavily discounted very soon so might become a great opportunity for some people to grab some 47s for cheap if they aren't too fussy about the look

[@LennixAlexander]

I've 3D modelled a class 47 and I will admit it's a very difficult train to get right because of the shape. But you'd think a major model train manufacturer like Heljan would have the right talent in their team to get the model right?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@LennixAlexander school leavers no doubt with no interest in British outline models

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

More useful for spares 😂

[@rowlinsonpj]

Thanks for the honest review. Pity the mainstream magazines didn’t in the main pick up these errors

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Probably coz they darn't tell a manufacturer their models are awful, they seem to prefer "sucking up to them" and can see no wrong, or rather they fear them . Thanks for your comment

[@robd2184]

Andy York in BRM did

[@rowlinsonpj]

Sorry I would have missed that as I no longer buy BRM since the price went up to nearly £10 after they bound Traction Magazine inside

[@jonathanlake6053]

Why would they? advertising revenues speak volumes! @rowlinsonpj

[@formidable38]

@hortoncommonmodelrailway Agreed. I don't believe you can trust magazines reviews, too concerned with losing revenue from advertising manufacturers.

[@andywhite40]

Just found your channel - many thanks for this review as it's saved me a lot of money!! The DCC sound version is priced pretty much on par with bachmann but there's no way I'd buy this, I'm glad I held back TBH.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Welcome to our channel, glad we helped

[@jamesgilbart2672]

I have an older Bachmann class 47 that I bought second-hand. It looks a lot more convincing than your Heljan version and runs well too.

[@photography94]

I really don't get why they have dcc ready/dcc sound on same loco makes absolutely no sense same with 57s lol

[@kennethmcintyre2847]

Enjoyed your presentation. The problems with Heljan's models explain why I do not have any of their models in my collection of 384 locos. Having watched Sams Trains for years and his problems with their models, is why I do not have any.

[@stretchedits]

Hi, not come across your channel before, going to have a look after writing this. Your right, there is something wrong with the front of the new 47, and I think it appears less noticable on your BR green version then on some other liveries..............I think I will stick with my 17 year old Heljan 47 from the earlier version, even if it is too wide. I actually do like Heljan Diesels and have quite a few, most bought second hand I must say, but there is a problem with this one, such a shame. Anyway, all the very best Dave.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Hi, thanks for commenting, glad you found us - we don't normally do reviews but this had to be done to warn other Modellers, like you I'm happy with my earlier 47s, this is beyond belief at a price that makes you shudder - I'm more annoyed my son was made to pay in Danish Króna and not UK £ - a dirty trick and I still think it's illegal to use Danish currency in the UK

[@stretchedits]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway Oh wow, that does seem wierd, I'd have gone elsewhere to buy in £'s..............Well as it happens, not bought at all..............but many times you do hope the rumours aren't true about a new model. Then I guess other times, they are!

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@stretchedits that was at Key World NEC too

[@1tonyboat]

I have to agree ,my Heljan class 47 in DRS livery from 15 years ago still looks and performes well !

[@grootsan]

Wauww Dave, that wasn't all too positive was it ? Did you check how well it runs ? What I also don't like are the floating centre axles/wheels, they should at least have a spring on the axle to keep in touch with the rails. I have a recent Bachmann BR Blue Large Logo 47711 from TMC in high gloss finish with DCC Sound. TMC also attached bufferbeam details and a coupling at one end. Lovely loco but far from cheap. However I am happy to pay for good quality. It's windscreens seem smaller than this Heljan and the tapering seems less or is that my imagination ? Bit hard to judge without the Heljan next to it, but I have an idea which 47 is better ........... Cheers, Jan, Australia

[@BritishRail60062]

Same here. The Heljan 47 is like a cartoon model compared to the Bachmann model. Also the Cavalex 56 has the same driveline as these models too. I wish Hornby would update their 56 and 60 model in terms of detail and cab lights etc.

[@grootsan]

@@BritishRail60062 My Bachmann 47711 looks great, has all axles driven and the factory sound is good ! I have one other Bachmann 47404 Hadrian from 2008 with factory which I even prefer above this Heljan. Although initially it was very annoyingly tilting to one side like a motorbike in a curve. Fortunately that has been fixed. Hornby has made a terrific Class 87 electric that I have with very good Legomanbiffo sound. No need to go to Denmark except for a Holiday 😆🤣

[@chrisrichmond403]

I remember when Heljan brought out 47843 Vulcan in Virgin Livery . I purchased one from my local model shop at the time, I made the mistake because i thought brand new loco i won’t check it .. Got home and after a bit of lunch came to look at my new purchase , Opened the box , Got the loco out i had the biggest shock of all , On one bogie missing its middle wheelset , Looked fully in the box no sign of it , Took it back to my model shop , The owner was shocked but fuming at Heljan , How could it pass quality control ? Got a replacement & before heading home checked that one in the shop .

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Wow what a shock - good job you dud check, Heljan are bad for quality control, but Hornby is far far worse

[@chrisrichmond403]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway That’s very worrying that quality control is even worse on Hornby , With higher prices that ourselves the modeler has to pay the quality control should be higher prior to us taking out of the box for the first time no matter what manufacturer we have purchased our latest investment in .

[@Mike-kc8rl]

I seem to remember seeing it should also have a magic wand for the lights? In this day and age of the CAD design, its difficult to make these kind of mistakes, surely? I also see it has the wrong type of wipers that look as long as broom handles! It is not as good looking as a Lima 47 and thats fourty odd years old?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Yes the wipers are ridiculously out of scale, when you think back to Lima, the only ones to make a class 50, a decent 47, correct detailed 37, 33 was never right, and the only AC class 87, and we were happy! I've got problems now with Heljan as they've received the model back in Denmark but arnt keen to refund the money paid, so this could be another video to make.......won't go well for them.

[@TrainsBigandSmallUK]

Fundamentally it doesn't look like a 47. Good video. Thank you.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Thank you for your comment glad you approve of the video

[@timharrison2894]

Ouch that's a roasting. Pleased with my Heljan 33 which had all that buffer beam detail that I had to cut off in order to haul trains. Other end, had to remove nem pocket to avoid interaction with the fitted detail. It's mad, but I got it from Rails with huge discount and like I say looks great with smooth running, light are a bit dim tho. Got a 20yo bachmann 47 that I won't be replacing for this!

[@jonathanlake6053]

I have had to do exactly the same, why did they go to the trouble of fitting all the detail if you can't run it on some track?

[@paulkandi]

I own 12 old Lima / Hornby Railroad and Bachmann 47s / 57s and every one is better than this...and NO NEM couplings...what.????

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

It does have NEM sockets, but the couplers and snow ploughs wernt there when I opened the box, so that wasn't a good start! It went steadily down hill from there on and got worse and worse

[@alfiewenn9440]

27 lima 47 2 heljan and the 2 heljan are some of the worst runners in my collection of over 400 locomotives just sit in storage

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@alfiewenn9440 sadly I've got 1 which has obvious mazak trouble and is starting to split the body, I must try and get the body off and dispose of the chassis - non of my Heljan locos run properly, same problem as you sadly - I feel your pain - thank you for your comment. I even swapped wheels to coach wheels, they worked but back to backs kept moving

[@alfiewenn9440]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway ive lost 3 to mazak so far wont buy anything heljan anymore

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@alfiewenn9440 so sorry to hear that, you must be gutted

[@GarthDavies-cd5oh]

The front view reminds me of the old Farish N gauge model from the 80s .It has the same overly narrow look .

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

That's a very valid point - I remember those, thanks for that, stirred my memory, cheers for your comment

[@cannadineboxill-harris2983]

Hi There Again my real Name is Mr Cannadine T. Boxill-Harris, I have another interesting idea for most of us Class 507, Class 508, Class 313, and Class 314 and that also includes those interesting Class 315 Fans out there, rather than scrapping most of those Class 507, Class 508, Class 313's Class 314 including the Class 315's maybe you guys can convert them. Including the refurbishment into the Volvo TD102KF Engine, Leyland 680 Engine, Volvo B10M Engine, Scania N112 Engine, Cummins M11 Engine, Gardner LG1200 Engine, Gardner 6LXB Engine, Gardner 8LXB Engine, Class 507, Class 508, Class 313's, Class 314's and the Class 315's and convert all of them into a 2 Carriages and Three Carriages of the Class 313's, Class 314's and that is including those Class 315's for most of us Class 314 and Class 315 Diesel Train Fans Pretty PLEASE? Are you still going to do this interesting type of Project for all of us out there Please.

[@HeritageGardenModelRailway]

I pre ordered one from my local model shop, went to pick it up, but as soon as I looked at it, and compared it to the bachmann 47, I cancelled it straight away and purchased a Bachmann class 37 instead.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Just no comparison to a Bachmann 47 is there? The faults on the heljan model just scream at you, especially the roof, makes you wonder how on earth did they manage to get it so wrong??? Thanks for your comment, glad you changed your mind.

[@allegheny1633]

Thank you for an honest review of this so-called “model”. I take it that you drove these in real life? I’m no expert but after a one second glance at it, I was horrified and aghast. Heljan have inflicted another piece of absolute rubbish on the British modellers. I thought Ben Jones was supposed to be cleaning their act up? Why some people fawn over this company beggars belief.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Hi and thanks for your comment. Yes I did drive these in real life, and the 47s have always been one of my favourite classes to have driven. Ben Jones is conspicuous by his absence and I tried several times to contact him directly but to no avail. He doesn't seem to appreciate criticism at all, be it constructive or otherwise and prefers to bury his head in the sand, many many people have told him the model was wrong but he ignored all of us, what further irritates me is a certain magazine named after a manufacturer of model trains, fails to admit these models are wrong and suck up to Heljan like they're God's gift when in fact nothing is more glaring of a complete no go than this horrible incorrect poorly researched model, this to me is simply unacceptable on all counts. Prices are increasing and us Modellers need to voice our approval or rejection of models that are not correct, and further vote with our wallets and not purchase such models in my honest opinion.

[@allegheny1633]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway Hear, hear! Thanks for the update on Mr Jones, I have found the very same thing. All that can be done is spread the word about these models and explain to the world how awful they are. I had a feeling you were a driver! Sadly I’m not, I failed some paperwork tests in Manchester, at least I tried! All the best, John

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@allegheny1633 Funnily enough, someone wrote " you're talking too much and should show the model running"......Ermmmm ...why???? It's a review - I'm.reviewing how bad it looks and is, I don't care how it does or doesn't run, it's going back- and it did@ There's always 1 isn't there out of over 3,000 views! Needless to say I deleted his posting. Cheers- Dont worry, in this day and age you wouldn't wanna be a Driver - glad I'm not now I left prior to privatisation - good move too.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Blimey I thought it looked all wrong when I saw the photos, this just highlights it. Loved their first ones. Hmm just wait for one of the big channels to declare it the best 47 ever lol

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

In which we will definitely know that some back handers have been lavishly been dished out - this model has, without a doubt, got to be THE Worst attempt at a class 47, next to MTK white metal kits, which themselves were a nightmare. Sam from Sam's Trains makes so many mistakes and his lack of knowledge shines through, basic things he doesn't know, for a man of such fame he has no excuse, good old Charlie would I feel have no quarms ripping them to pieces, as he has in the past to Hattons and Accurascale, he has no loyalties and can be totally ruthless, Hornby Magazine are too scared to say a peep, Dean Park Railway can only report slight inaccuracies, hmmmmmm, suspect comments there.

[@cedarcam]

​@@hortoncommonmodelrailway Dean Park Dave's review pointed out most of what you said and also felt it not worth buying. He showed a few things wrong that you didn't as well so all together between you a huge amount wrong with it. I saw them on their stand and was put off getting one. That huge headcode box and narrow front really put me off. I like Heljan smooth running and powerful class 26 and 27's but my old Bachmann 47's will not be joined by this model.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@cedarcam yes I appreciate I didn't comment on some things, the reason behind thus being, as you say it was covered in the Dean Park review, if I had seen the loco first I wouldn't have entertained it, sadly my son, who hasn't had the experience I have just thought -Wow , a new 47 for Dad, he meant well and I appreciated that but felt awful having to tell him it wasn't right nor worth the money - but he is a lot happier now he has a refund! Thanks for your comment

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Hornby Magazine and the weak team have already praised it, showing they are totally afraid of these manufacturers and didn't stand up for the Modellers - a team who have too many fingers in too many pies, to sing their own praises, whilst piggy backing on the hard work of others more deserving - I have no time for them, nor accurascale who have staff full of themselves. I applaud their products but sone of their "management" make me cringe. Thanks for your comment, good point you made.

[@cedarcam]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway It was good of your Son to do that Just a shame Heljan let him down. Glad you got a refund.

[@kevvynolan8753]

You saved me a load of money!! 👍🏻

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Very glad that we did! Thanks for your encouraging comment

[@raymondleggs5508]

This is why I only buy old locomotive, and this is also why so many Uk modelers go US or continental.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Not always the best option, mazak rot holds no boundaries, and you may end up with a scrap loco, however I fully understand your position there, personally I'd never divert to Continental or US outline models- thanks for your comment

[@beeble2003]

I think the reasons depend on what aspect of modelling is interesting to you. I model American stuff because I find current British trains to be utterly boring, operationally: it's just fixed-formation trains running backwards and forwards or round and round. For what I have the space to model, realistic operations would be: DMU enters terminus; DMU waits three minutes; DMU leaves terminus; wait 57 minutes; do it again. Even if you compress the timeframe, it's still just train enters, train waits, train leaves again. The only way to get something I found operationally interesting was to go 40+ years into the past or look abroad, and I'm not particularly interested in historical stuff.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@beeble2003 very good comment, interesting reading, at the end of the day its all about enjoyment and I'm sure you have many great times with yiur layout, thanks for your very informative comment.

[@delphjunction1168]

Hi ya. Just found your channel. I can understand you're disappointment. Mem couplings should come as standard. Looks like quality control were having a day at the seaside in this nice weather. With the unboxing I do show me taking it out the box because people want to see how it's protected. Just did a Heljan class 15 unboxing and it even had couplings.👍 Thanks for sharing buddy. Same as you I would be fuming. Thanks again. .... Pete....

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Hi glad you found us. Firstly, there are nem coupling pockets on the model, but there wernt any couplings to fit that I could see in the box, nor snowploughs. I don't bother with the unboxing because I assume everyone by now knows how each manufacturer packs their locos, Hornby and Bachmann are identical, still find it puzzling how 2 companies share the same Kader factory? Heljan have caught up and using the ice pack packaging and Dapol, so everyone's doing it the same way. Of course the new Hornby packaging is larger for the latest models, but I wouldn't be able to afford those at their prices, in some ways I think Hornby have gone backwards with the packaging of the 4 VEP, could be far superior. Thanks for your comment.

[@raymondshaw5685]

those headcode boxes are far too big

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

French Patio Doors with Broom Handles as windscreen wipers 😂

[@brblue6839]

I was very disappointed when I saw the first samples of the Heljan 47. I cancelled all my pre-orders. It just fails to capture the look of the prototype. You just know if looks wrong before you figure out why and where all the numberout dimensional errors are. It is no where near as accuracte as the previous Bachmann 47 let alone the new one. The Lima model is better. I thought the market could support 2 different manufactures doing a top spec 47 but Bachmann is the only option now. Once seen, the errors in the Heljan model cannot be unseen.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Well said !! Hejan seen to have a fair number of fans and haters but aren't alone. AS Class 37 - a beautiful model but with issues - wonder how many they got back and how many customers 'fixed' some of the issues - unless we reject all the manufactures will continue to bring out subpar items at ever higher prices.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Quality checking/ control simply doesn't exist anymore. When I worked at Hornby back in the 90s, quality control was hot! I remember the whole batch of Hornbys 92s which had been done as a test from their new factory in China get rejected - all 2000 models, everyone had faulty wheel sets, they were rubbish! Nothings changed over 2 decades later lol 😂

[@Shauniboy1984]

Great review, I watch tons of model railway channels and I dont understand why Heljan dont get more of a bashing, all of the products seem like over-priced garbage to me. I had an 05 suposedly one of their best efforts... goodness their worst must be really bad. Cheers Shaun

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Glad you approve, I definitely thought they needed roasting over this poor quality effort.

[@christinerobottom9444]

The accurascale 55 knocks it into a top hat.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Indeed it does, that's whst happens when you design a quality product

[@nickdsnik]

It's a duff.

[@arthurmatthews9321]

The old Heljan 47 was ok . Apart from the body being to wide , but the front of the cab was correct width I don’t understand why they have narrowed the cab , it didn’t need it, it just widened out to much . The older copper wheel ones had electrical pickup problems but the black wheel ones were ok. And we all know about the dreaded mazak rot. I wonder if that’s been solved?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Personally, I didn't mind the original 47 of theirs, the wheels I replaced with Bachmann 4 hole coach wheels, simply putbthem.on the Heljan axles, worked a treat. The dreaded mazak rot - still previlant today on early bachmann Warships, Hornby class 31, schools class, 9f and pony trucks of the first Merchant navies. I've now got further issues with Heljan as they have received the model back and won't refund - so.looks like I'm going to have to make an even more scathing video on heljan and their dodgy sales habits in the UK, and take possible legal action to recover the money paid. Thanks for your comment.

[@chris_3636]

​@@hortoncommonmodelrailwayAside from the obvious design quality issues, my biggest gripe with them is their nearly non existent spares support. Sure Howes, and since then gauge master have been their approved UK spares suppliers, but all the popular spares on the old models, ie non brass wheel sets, glazing and countless other spares are unavailable, and spares support for the "new" 25s, 47s, 57s, and now these 47s, are non existant. They could learn a lesson from Bachmann's spares support, which is excellent by comparison. Heljan models are a last resort for me now, I just wish that someone would produce an alternative Class 33.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@chris_3636 probably on Accurascales list in due time, their designs are good, their quality, good body wise, but running wise very poor at present, but theybdo produce far better detailed items at prices far lower than Hornby or Bachmann

[@beeble2003]

I was a keen trainspotter as a kid in the 1990s but haven't had much to do with British railways since then. Even I can tell that front end looks wrong!

[@MusiGigs]

Bachmann perfected the class 47, the SFX with rotating fan has perfect sound profile, brake character and distance etc, even the uncoupling cycle is perfect, this one looks two generations older

[@garlicmustard]

Surely not even a Class 47 in this livery but a Brush Type 4?

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Originally built they were indeed known as a Brush Type 4, after TOPs came in on 1972 then they were known as class 47, today they are more commonly referred to as a class 47, just as Westerns were 1000s they're more commonly known as Westerns or Class 52s, all depends on age I think, I'm 62 but to me will always be class 47

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

When first built they were indeed known as Brush Type 4s, following the introduction TOPs in 1972 they were reclassified as class 47 today they are more commonly known as Class 47, enthusiasts are getting younger and wouid be known as either a Brush, Brush 47 or class 47. Westerns were 1000s, but when reclassified known as Westerns or Class 52s, and so it goes on, I think it all depends on which era you knew them as. When I trained on them.they were known as Class 47

[@locomotionlotion779]

“How they draw out videos is beyond belief! - Before we go to the model…”

[@photographerjamie]

You had to have some positives somewhere, that manual might be the only thing worth mentioning 😂

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I know, I think it's rather insulting our intelligence! They only do it to spin out time so they can make more money from KZbin, but they treat viewers like idiots.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@photographerjamie think you're right

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

But I didn't take 10 mins out of your life did I? So next time just scroll on......thanks for the comment, slightly amusing.

[@harryfaber]

I am very happy with my Triang Hornby 47. It pulls everything I hang behind it.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

A reliable model but sits too high on the bogies, removing 2mm from each of the height lugs either side of the bogie and a further 2mm off the conical cone makes it sit much lower and not only looks better but performs better - but that's just my opinion and I take no responsibility for anyone trying it out themselves who then decides they dont like the look

[@fieldshuntcontactor8163]

What a lemon this loco is, in fact a lemon would be more useful. I bought one, mail order, obviously sight unseen, at least I got the detail pack and couplers in mine. But in order to put a coupler of any description on I had to carve off all the hoses or you won't get anything on. Forget about going round corners otherwise. What clown thought it would be a good idea to glue all the hoses in place on the buffer beam, because you pull them off, they have to be cut. So that was a waste of money for a start. And don't take the body off, the first thing to fall out was the cab pillars. And as for the plugs on the circuit board for the lighting, etc, I disconnected them and the sockets came of the circuit board, and because they're so bloody tiny, forget about soldering them back on. So I direct wired the motor to the bogies, at least it runs, but no lights now. Nothing but a gift wrapped bag of manure. Don't buy one, and if you're given one, give it back !.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Well, sounds you had a hell of a job with yours! Yrs fixing on detail at both ends seem ridiculous to me, someone said the lights operated via wand? I never had a wand with mine, buy perhaps you can tell.me if that's right or wrong please? I take it you missed a comment made last night by someone, which I later deleted coz the guy was clearly a graduate of the "Miserable Sod Society", and using his words about me:- "You expect too much, and a model costing 200 Euro blah blah blah. I've had 47 yrs of experience with model railways and I don't care about your disposition, you expect too much." After telling him I had 17 yrs experience with the real class 47, and experiencevwith two model railway manufacturers including within the design of models, and 55 yrs experience in the world if model railways was the final straw for him lol 😂 Thanks for your entertaining comment.

[@fieldshuntcontactor8163]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway No wands with the loco, the lights operated in direction of travel, i.e. headcode and white marker going forward, red tail light.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@fieldshuntcontactor8163 thanks for the confirmation, I thought it so wrong that Heljan have virtually told Modellers that they have to use DCC in order to have full control of the lighting functions, I have up on DCC as it was getting too stupid and expensive for words in my honest opinion, yet bachmann and hornby have switches for the purchaser to choose from - very strange

[@garrymartin6474]

Thanks for the heads up !

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Just didn't want anyone to make the same mistake for such a grotesque model.

[@Nimboid-20]

The Class 47 bodyside is surely the easiest on the planet to measure accurately! The cab nose looks rather too flat as well. I wonder if the Brush drawings will ever end up in a museum so we have a chance of trying for ourselves, like the kettle enthusiasts can?

[@placemats1598]

Oh dear.I've ordered a 47,maybe going to cancel.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I wouid definitely recommend you cancelling any order with them for their new class 47

[@paulmoore6345]

Yes avoid!

[@petersmith4455]

hi there, i am amazed, i thought heljan was top company, my met loco is ok, awaiting green hornby cl 47 in the railroad range. as for your loco take it back to the shop

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Was sent back to Heljan in Denmark 🇩🇰

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

Awesome video 👏😁

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Thank you, glad you approved

[@georgemartin408]

Ridiculous price for a diesel that doesn’t even look right. Solution: buy an old Lima for under £50. They look very good, can be detailed (if you really need to) and very easily converted to dcc without having to change the motor. I have 2 running superbly on Hornby’s HM7000 Bluetooth system and wouldn’t swap them for this over-priced rubbish.

[@fredphipps9452]

Good video, too much negligence from manufacturers

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Sadly yes you're right, today's manufacturers think we will just accept anything these days and be grateful, but thankfully we are not "starved" of better quality from.other manufacturers, the playing field is now open to everyone. Thanks very much for your comment

[@paulmoore6345]

The cab door handles should not have a raised bead around them

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Well spotted - correct

[@paulmoore6345]

@hortoncommonmodelrailway I have to say yours is the best review so far I have watched. I think you have been very accurate. Its also a bit messy round the buffer beam cowling to be honest they could and should have done better. I know my 47s have driven them from 1986 until freightliner stopped using them and you get used to how things should look.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@paulmoore6345 yes indeed Paul, I drove them in the 80s and 90s and you get yo know them "personally" thank you for your kind words, I had a post who said I was shall we say, incorrect with my definitions, as in Monstrous and Abomination, and should be more lierate - "It's the vocabulary Police Whoop whoop" lol - 😂 some people should simply stop counting rivets and move on, glad you enjoyed the review, hope it was useful

[@raymondleggs5508]

Battery operated train set level bogies.

[@MadesignUK]

Well doing a PRESS NEWS - ASAP !!! Seems now Rivet counters, realise that rivets are correct, but someone else never used a real BRUSH for years. I'm not talking about the correct RAL Colours, for brushing the paints of a 47 XXX Ps i always say my 47 XXXIsh.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Nice one - gotta love a 47 I think 😂

[@minos5548]

there be back as a starter toy at about £80.00🤣

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I certainly won't be buying any

[@sapphirejunction8993]

Where's Wally???...I mean Ben Jones from Heljan 😂 How he works for Heljan is beyond me, I would be so embarrassed and quit!

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I've got such a big smile on.my face after reading your comment - I couldn't possibly respond to that 😂

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

When you started I thought, "Oh! No, another whinger." But by halfway through, I could see why you're so frustrated with Heljan. Glad, I don't model in OO anymore.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Didn't mean to whinge but glad you realised my dilemma - mind you, it was well worth whinging about I thought 😂- thanks for your comment, I will be more careful in future lol.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway sometimes we all need to give companies a verbal dressing down. Hope you get your money back.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 yes we got it back, buy not in full, because they sneakily and illegally charged in Danish Króna at the NEC where my son bought it, they refunded on the daily exchange rate - naughty naughty naughty - highly suspect

[@Bop7324]

I have no idea what Heljan are currently thinking…..

[@markabbott358]

Did you not thinkl to unbox and check it on the Heljan stand, before you bought it ? You would have then seen all the issues you describe.. I get the impression tthat this is not the first time a Heljan model has dissappointed you ? Re the roof panels I beleive other manufacturers have also failed to clealy show the 4 section roof panels as well so not just a Heljan issue. I agree that Heljan should be responding in a more constructive m,anner re your concerns but Buyer Beware is a saying for a reson.

[@photographerjamie]

Hi there Mark, the model wasn't bought by himself, it was bought by me as a gift. It was a decent price and looked okay at my initial assessment as well as some of the reviews by Hornby magazine. However after getting it home and doing some further research I learnt otherwise so that'd be my fault 😅

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

If you listen carefully to the video, I clearly state that the model was bought for me as a present so I could hardly check before purchasing it when I didn't buy it in the first place. No this is not a regular occurance, no I havnt beenndiappointed before by a heljan class 47, I have over 20 of the older models with only 1 suffering mazak rot. Hope that answers all your queries.

[@markabbott358]

I did listen to what you said, you said it was purchased the at the NEC show (Key Model World Live ?) from the Heljan trade stand, you did not mention that it was bought for you ! In which case I happily withdraw my observation, as I assumed (wrongly) that you had bought it for yourself, in which case my observations remain correct. I do not disagree with your overall findings so much as your tabloid approach to how you report your findings. Unfortunately the alternate (and I agree better) Bachmann models are now selling at a similar price to the Heljan units both new and s/h and the SFX versions are very rare. Lioke toy I hope Cavalex or Accurascale are doing a similar project in the backjground. As you suggest if they do not sell the price will drop and if the discount is big enough may tempt some modellers, who cannot find a recent Bachmann version. PS I do like your content normally so am now a subriber !

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Apologies then Mark, from me to you, I honestly thought I'd stated it was bought for me. Yes indeed, the prices are comparable with bachmanns, personally I think all these "gimmics" are getting silly, gold reflective windscreens, rotating fans, I dont see how it is necessary, all reflected in the price of course, it wouid be great to see accurscale produce a 47 in direct competition, their prices are I feel justified for a basic model, I'm sure the detail would be more down to the tiny things. Incidentally I forgot to include that the engine room detail is simply printed onto the small engine room windows! I'd added engine room detail to a few 47s myself way back in the 1990s using thin plastic rod to replicate pipework and affixed to the inside bodyshell after appropriate painting, there were also engine room detail kits available I seem to remember, buy can't remember who by, for class 47s, now it seems the tiniest of derail sky rockets priced. Thank you for subscribing and for your informative comment, oncevagain, please accept my sincere apologies for the incorrect statement by myself.

[@kellyparkstone3520]

That's a shame, we know that Heljan can do a good job, look at the Class 33.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Its very disappointing, I've got 7 class 33s which is ironic as I hated driving them lol 😂 Thanks for your comment

[@kellyparkstone3520]

There's actually nothing wrong with the older Bachmann version of the Class 47. I have Two, at least they look like a 47.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@kellyparkstone3520 yes they are good models

[@class66]

I noticed the heljan chap was very nervous in one of the promo vids a few months back.. he must've known .. no official feedback from Heljan yet.. it is a great shame.. And a waste of time

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Ben Jones, Heljans puppet. Doesn't listen to anyone, can see no wrong in the company he presents, dispute bad review after bad review, as for that ridiculous shirt he wears with a Heljan logo on the collar - reminds me of "Harry Hill" - never seen such an utterly stupid place to put a logo, like it was produced by a visually impaired person, or an alsation dog on steroids.

[@grahamariss2111]

In the age of digital scanning and so many 47s in preservation there is no excuse to make errors of this size and to no economic advantage.

[@jonathanlake6053]

Down to costs no doubt, it costs a considerable sum of money to properly scan something even after being granted the necessary permission from the owner.These are toys at the end of the day & not true scale models.

[@raymondleggs5508]

no NEM, wrong details and body profiles, overly lubricated. Locomotive costs as much as a utility payment or a third of a rent payment yet it's so flawed.

[@jonathanpyle1375]

Not a good review at all, very unbalanced and off hand. I get you don't like it, but your review comes across as if the Heljan model is a disgrace, when it's not. I have one and it's power and track presence fully embody the size and might of the 47

[@bobtudbury8505]

all heljan are way over priced

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Yes I'm afraid I have to agree with you

[@Rocketed12]

Ridiculously, unacceptably overpriced

[@kevvynolan8753]

Im sticking with Bachmann

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

In a nutshell - yeah me too from now on.

[@jontaylor1652]

Maybe you should have looked at it before parting with your money.

[@97wolffang]

People really need to stop buying Heljian models.

[@markdrury4287]

Even if it looked right, it'd still be a duff 😜

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

😂

[@robertmarsh3588]

Entertaining criticism of some poor body detail choices. I wont be buying one. Shame you didn't actually test the model, though. For some of us, how a model runs is also an important criteria.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

My son didn't think of that as bought at NEC and no test facility on Heljan stand, so simply wasn't possible - you can't put a young head on old shoulders, and unless it looks right it wouldn't get the chance to run on our layout, it was never powered up, simply put in it's box and returned, some of us Modellers are more concerned about value for money and looks first, and as for testing a loco as to running quality at an exhibition???? Tell me who has test tracks on their stands then?? However I think you have raised a very valid and excellent point, which manufacturers should take on board and traders - why are there no test facilities available prior to purchases? There's a trader down here, who is notorious for selling models thar don't work, yet he advertises them as serviced and runners - caught me once, didn't get chance to do it again, and I will no longer purchase from him, my youngest son bought a loco of him at an exhibition, only to discover the model was broken when he got it home and non applicable parts added to details that had come off - traders like him should be stopped from attending shows I feel. I shall indeed keep a lookout now and see if any traders have test tracks available prior to purchase of models - thanks for your comment.

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

We need accurascale to buy heljan 🎉

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Honestly can't see that happening, but could see Bachmann buying Hornby!

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway that would be really interesting, but I bet Hornby's prices would rocket 🚀. Could see an improvement in quality though!

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@Gatherleymodeller. wouldn't be Hornbybtho would it if Bavhmann bought them.out, it'd be Bachmann lol - but they've got way over inflated in their wildest dream prices a terrible AI marketing manager who has no idea how to speak when conducting a review, sounds like a child lol 😂

[@AnthonyAnthony-o4v]

It's so wrong on every level. 😮

[@billywindsock9597]

Don’t have Heljan or Dapol on the track. Not worth the hassle.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I've not had any problems with Dapol - at the moment that is.

[@Simon-Davis]

@@hortoncommonmodelrailway There is good reason I refer to them as Crapol. Although I will concede that they have improved significantly since Dave Jones (of DJM bankruptcy and taking peoples money for unfulfilled projects fame) left the building, I still refuse to buy any of their products. My uncle bought a class 22 and sent it to me to DCC sound fit, easy plug and play job...except for the shite PCB component tolerance mismatching which made trying to sort out motor control a complete nightmare. I wound up stripping out the PCB and fitting a board in sourced from Athearn Genesis as they supply decent quality NMRA compliant spare parts that actually work with pretty much all decoders out of the box with no fuss (not just your own brand crap), even if shipping from the US costs a bit of a premium.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@Simon-Davis that was very interesting reading, quite a few things there I didn't know and its always nice to learn sinething new and worthwhile thanks for your most informative comment.

[@waldenhouse]

What a shame. It’s a plastic toy after all……….. Triang were even worse, but it looked ok.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

I most certainly wouldn't call any Locomotive over £200 a plastic toy, nor would I spend that amount on a "plastic toy" Scale model is more of a better description I think, except this wasnt even to scale - thanks for your comment, tri-ang Hornby didn't produce a 47 for a while, when it came out it was under the "Silver Seal" label, but it was far more accurate than heljans current offering,

[@formidable38]

Its a job to know where you begin with this thing. The old tubby duff they did over 20 years ago was better!!! Theres hardly anything right on this. Must be the worst model of recent years. I bet Bachmann are peeing themselves.😅

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

And yet according to a viewer of the channel yesterday, - "I expect too much for a 200 Euro loco" - I expect it to be right - I dont call that expecting too much. Yes I think lots of bachmann staff in hospital due to split sides and strained stomach muscles from laughing lol Thanks for you comment

[@formidable38]

@hortoncommonmodelrailway """expect too much?""" Jesus H christ, for the money these things command now, I think we're in our right to expect a model to be somewhere like it but this latest effort is so far wide of the mark, its embarrassing. Heljan have form for this sort of thing. They were told early on about the issues this had in the CAD'S etc, but they do what they always do, they ignore the advice and this is the result.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Get your money back and buy a Bachmann one. Far superior in every respect! Good review of a poor model.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

Got the refund but not what was paid, they refunded at exchange rate of Danish Króna to GBP which I think is disgusting - to be charge 1590 Króna in England, at the Key World Model Event at NEC by Heljan Marketing manager himself David Jones is disgraceful, I'm sure it's illegal to trade in a foreign currency out of the home country especially as we are now out of Europe with Brexit and for them to refund at a lower rate is just plain theft! Certainly won't ever purchase Heljan ever again

[@headsup2433]

That model is terrible, it seems Heljan are going backwards in their model quality.

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

@@headsup2433 It certainly dors cause concern that on the 3rd attempt the model is clearly one of the worst representations of such an iconic Locomotive, with manufacturers now scanning the real thing, it begs the question, how did they manage to get it so wrong? Thanks for your comment

[@mpoverello]

Whahahaha 😂

[@pmb9172]

Recall their first class 47 , it was a porker and was generally rubbish .

[@hortoncommonmodelrailway]

It was far better than what they're offering now by a long shot, admittedly it was wrong but passable I thought, I have several, but dont run them as I've changed my era. Thanks for your comment