Is The EFE Rail Hymek Worth The Money? | Unboxing & Review

Taking a close look at the EFE Rail Class 35 Hymek, but does it meet modern standards?
Become a Sam'sTrains engineer here: / @samstrains
Get your Sam'sTrains merch: teespring.com/stores/bullmane...
Thanks for watching!
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: / samstrainsofficial
Facebook: / samstrains
Twitter: / samstrains
0:00 Intro
5:44 Unboxing
10:36 Prototype History
11:51 Detail
20:08 Mechanism
25:16 Performance
33:20 Haulage Testing
36:33 Ratings
41:04 Conclusion

[@sullivanrachael]

The theme is Western Region Diesels - or maybe Diesel Hydraulics; in which case the Diesel Electric Class 45 is the odd one out

[@SamsTrains]

Very well spotted - great job!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@randa200771]

Peaks were very regular runners to the Western region on interregional services to the North .

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

@@randa200771 thats pretty neat

[@ultimateventus712]

I love my Hornby Hymek, and despite how dated it is it still runs beautifully and does everything I ask of it without a fuss

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah exactly... it's a basic model, but the RRP isn't £159.95 ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ddragxn]

When I clicked on the video and saw the forty-three minute mark I suspected I was in for a ride. Three minutes in I hear "manufactured by Heljan" and oh boy this is gonna be fun

[@cheapbastardmodeltrains7210]

Sam don't hold back. We pay good money for these trains and look to folks like you who gives it to us straight.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh sure, I'll never hold back... I just want to be less snarky... though no promises! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@colinedwards9874]

@@SamsTrains If you are anything like me, then I don't think you will be able to reign it in, because if its in your nature then its in your nature.

[@avlisk]

Athearn was a good decade behind the rest of the industry in switching to LED's. My hypothesis about the bulbs instead of LED's: They had a wearhouse-full of bulbs and the "bean-counters" insisted on using them up.

[@SamsTrains]

Really? So when did Athearn switch to LEDs? That's very possible - there must be tonnes for surplus bulbs about these days! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@avlisk]

@@SamsTrains As I say, it's only my hypothesis. I think it was only about 5 years ago that their Genesis line (premium products) went to LED's. BTW, we don't do OO scale here in the USA, but I find your reviews and your channel very enjoyable.

[@Poliss95]

@@avlisk There is, or was, an American OO gauge. Produced between 1934 and 1954. It was 1/76th scale running on 19mm track.

[@sailormatlac9114]

@@Poliss95 Also, some 19th century steam locomotives were built to OO scale (using HO gauge track) in the 1960s and early 1970s to get enough space for the motor. The old Rivarossi/AHM 4-4-0 & Bowker and Mantua/Tyco 4-6-0 & 4-8-0 were 1:76.

[@sailormatlac9114]

The Athearn bulbs were so annoying, particularly when you had to replace them in highly detailed model with ditch lights!

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

Fun fact. As I confirm if it is Bear’s class, I found out that The Rev. Awdry actually used a Hornby Class 35 as a reference to the character I mentioned in The Railway Series. He also used a Hornby Duplo Class 28 as a reference to BoCo.

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting - got to love the old Hornby 35! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@QJ89]

Fascinating! You may remember, too, that the Hornby Hymek tooling was used for for their own Bear / D7101 model. Despite carrying his old livery, he's still a match for our subject here, apparently!

[@bennickss]

dublo, not duplo

[@sinistregoth]

Great review as always! - In other news(feeds) I'm being bombarded with notifications showing the Acurascale DELTIC is released- I def think a Sams Trains review is in order! 👍

[@davidbugler4597]

Given that in the 21st century lighting is pretty much a standard feature in 00 models, and your reviews have a standard format, it might be worth considering adding a routine 'in the dark' segment in every review to see how each loco behaves in this regard. 10 seconds or so should normally be enough to show viewers the lighting performance with the room lights turned off. Or give it 30 seconds, and we can also listen to the thumps and screams as our favourite reviewer falls down the staircase in the dark. Er... Anyway, thanks for an honest and interesting review.

[@stratman9449]

good idea....lighting is always an "issue" worth evaluating...

[@SamsTrains]

That's a fine idea David - I might try that!! Maybe not the falling down the stairs part though ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@paulweston8755]

Another fabulous review, thanks Sam 👍😁

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Paul! :D

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Great video Sam I liked this Diesel engine you have reviewed here. I not a big diesel fan I only have about 6 of them but ifI had some extra money I might have purchased one. Keep these great videos coming.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Sam you do a great job!!!! You save people headaches

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - that's definitely what I try to do! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@homeofthehotwheellegends2876]

Hi, i haven't watched you in a while idk if you remember me, but glad to see your doing well!

[@tinplategeektoo]

Love a good episode of "Sam's Rants" 😁

[@dasmann3904]

I’ve had a great day (just got a Bachmann V2) and this has made it far better!-Das Mann

[@SamsTrains]

haha awesome! Are you pleased with the V2? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dasmann3904]

@@SamsTrains it’s a bit bitter sweet. The engine is great! But I only got it because the shop I got it from was closing and everything was 30% off.-Das Mann

[@lizziewyatt219]

I have bought one of these Hymeks and can tell you when run on DCC, it runs fine and can perform a very good controlled crawl when you set up the CV’s. Sam you need to start reviewing locos under DCC as well as quite often your reviews become invalid on some models as they work so much better under DCC

[@sailormatlac9114]

I agree. DCC shines because it can control the motor much better and most recent models since a decade (if not more) are designed to perform under DCC rather than DC. I'm always surprised seeing how many Brits still run under DC power. Here in North America, DC is almost extinct, except among people collecting vintage models or some people starting in the hobby.

[@Amboberry]

Ye s must agree, I run one of these on DCC and the low speed is excellent. Also the lights are on at a constant and are quite bright enough. Thanks Sam

[@trafficface]

I'm still in love with it

[@marksinthehouse1968]

2004 I got my heljan hymek from the signal box in Rochester ,Kent a sadly missed shop fir £59 in BR blue .

[@jackstrains4468]

Hi Sam, another amazing video. Lovely locomotive, a real classic. Perhaps try an n scale layout? Always love ur videos, been subbed for ages!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot! Yeah N scale would be awesome to try one day! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joshuaW5621]

Haven’t seen a Class 35 in a while. Nice to see it again, now that my life is getting better.

[@SamsTrains]

It was nice to see a 35 again, that's very true! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mangleytown]

So far the only thing of intetest for me from EFE has been a network rail wagon ! We need someone to challenge Hornby and start making Intercity 125's !

[@tmcg972]

Great review as usual, Sam. No wonder a lot of people do videos about enhancing and brushing up old stock. You can buy light upgrades for these for little money, and they are not, well, bulbs... What a joke! Thanks so much!

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah no wonder! It would be a fun loco to upgrade, that's for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jeffreysmith156]

Yet another very informative review.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jeffrey! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewhead6267]

I still have a Hornby 1977 Hymek - cost £6 back then. Still looks like a Hymek, good performer an runs on scale 4foot 1 inch gauge.

[@bennickss]

i have one of these (d7016 in br blue to be precise) and it's an excellent model! quiet as anything and the headcode blinds are the perfect brightness! had no box and cost me a hornby 40 in a direct trade, but saving £160 and getting rid of a crappy loco i don't want anymore? yes please!

[@josh4740]

The one thing I prefer on the EFE class 35 is that EFE have grabbed the heljan body and just made the headcodes bigger and I think it looks much nicer

[@AlongPreservedLines]

Originally I was going to make a comment about EFE being the new Heljan… turns out that would be somewhat correct lol. great review as always sam, can’t wait to see more! -TIDS

[@SamsTrains]

haha yep - called it, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@anglingsteve]

I have got the Hornby hymek and it runs really well

[@Marco-xz9sc]

Twin flywheels are normal on diesel locos. To be honest the assembly reminds me of some Athern models. The bulbs, while they stuck in brightness, the color is excellent and very prototypical

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

Hi Sam, I remember when EFE released these. As you said, the original model is over 10 years old. But, when EFE released it, they added £50 to the original Heljan price! So the high price through Bachmann (EFE) rather than Heljan themselves. I am looking forward to the new releases from Heljan though. I hope that they will be LED fitted. But on a prototypical note, the head code boards were never that bright in real life, as they were normally only used at night to illuminate the train number for the signalmen. I have a couple of Heljan's class 33s and love the fact that even on DCC the lighting looks correct. Great revue & looking forward to the next one. Boa

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for the comment Boa - absolutely terrible value for money as you say... and all so another company gets another slice of the pie! That's true that they weren't very bright... but presumably the light would have been visible at the very least... which is only true at maximum speed on this model! On DCC the lighting would look correct, as the decoder delivers full voltage to the bulbs at all times :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joginns778]

Heljan have said the hymek lights will be led,

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

@@SamsTrains During the daytime doubtful, bulbs on locos etc. were only 70v (battery voltage) so during daylight were barely noticeable. They only came in to their own at night or poor visibility.

[@michaelcudby787]

Yes.Agree there.LEDs are nice & dandy,but, they have to look protypical, in colour & brightness.

[@michaelcudby787]

At the very least,the bulbs should have been constantly lit,which shows the quality.Pretty sure, they would have been constantly lit on DCC,but not on DC.

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Hey Sam I just got a lner j15 and she is wonderful, and a very nice runner Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - yes those are wonderful runners! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Abdu11L4hi]

Hey Sam Amazing review and I do think it is good that you are reviewing locos that aren’t that great to try something new is amazing.I also do recommend you to try the Hornby Class 31 if you haven’t already.Keep up the amazing work, Scotsman

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - you never know if something's good until you try! The Hornby 31 may be a little redundant now, as Accurascale have announced a new tooled one for less money... I know which I'd rather buy! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Abdu11L4hi]

@@SamsTrains Oh yeah thank you for reminding me ,I almost forgot about the Accurascale one, it'll probably be amazing

[@davidtucker8724]

I remember when efe announced these. Got me scratching my head, it's exactly the same as the heljan hymek but £30 more expensive?? So I picked up a heljan hymek for just over £100.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah exactly - I conclude that they just don't give a damn about value for money! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@joginns778]

Is it the shipping cost heljan Denmark efe bachmann China that's why efe cost more,

[@zippingcruises7712]

Love the look of it. I just visited the museum of American railway, great experience if your ever in the states.

[@SamsTrains]

Oh fantastic - did you have a good time? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@zippingcruises7712]

@@SamsTrains yes i did

[@TIMMEH19991]

I think it was about 2002 that Heljan released that model, and it's not been altered at all since. It was £70 when it was new back then which was very expensive at the time! Also you mentioned the side doors not being well moulded, but the real thing has very fine flush mounted doors than fit almost perfectly and don't show up at all well, so you can't really mark the model down as it's being faithful to the prototype.

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle

[@marcod1600]

One of my favorite loco. She is a beauty.

[@SamsTrains]

It sure is a great class! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lukegreen5341]

10:36 It's My Birthday Today Sam'sTrains Mate. X

[@odenviking]

nice loco and color. heljan could use a drive shaft to both boggies instead of a complex gear system. but i got a small idea on to as to why the crwal is bad. i think it has to do whith the dcc. the chip act like a computer box in your car where as in a dcc loco the chip controls the motor and other functions. so i think that the dcc chip in the loco controls the motor. but in dc you got the controller . to bad that heljan did not do a more service friendly loco. keep up the good work Sam. 👍👍👍👍👍😀😀😀😀

[@matthewneleigh567]

I'd absolutely expect dual flywheels on a diesel like this. The rest of the powertrain does look a bit suspect, but it seems to work out... reasonably well, if not perfectly.

[@nameless5413]

Honestly the light bulb is likely far more expensive than LED (partly due to the lack of large scale production), i wonder if this has been chosen because someone has boxes of the stuff still lying around and can not soak up costs of disposing of it in any other way. Modern prizes for decade out of date model, that is how certain companies make their money alas. it only takes few Sir Cheapo's locomotive finds to get bottom of the barrel filled up .)

[@SamsTrains]

That's what I think too actually - though more likely they just haven't been bothered to update the design... and you're right... many many companies do make their money that way! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@fatboymb1864]

Keep up The Good Work Sam'sTrains You Should a Thomas and Friends Shunting Challenge For Your Next Video And You Should Used Bachmann Percy, Hornby Edward For The Shunting Engines and Bachmann James, Hornby Gordon and Hornby Henry To Pull The Trains That Have Been Arrange

[@Simon-Davis]

By and large, this was one of Heljans best diesels...20 years ago! I do have to say that those lights are among the best in appearance headcode lights around. By pure fluke of using 20th century technology instead of LEDs. I only wish that LED lit headcode lights could look as dim as the real thing was, they take so much work to tone down that you risk to invalidate any warranty. As it stands, LED headcodes are so ludicrously bright that they're comically unrealistic. The lack of a red tail light isn't too bad either, the real things in green livery were under instruction to use a tail lamp and NOT the locomotive tail lights, so it is entirely correct for there to be no red light...Don't get me wrong though, this is about the only defence I can think of for this model. Regarding the torque, hook it up to an ammeter and see what the current draw is. I remember DCCing one of these donkeys years ago and it blowing decoders with a 1.5A rating...tested the model and found it to draw a MASSIVE 1.7A!!! At the right price its a good model, but not at premium level price.

[@TTTEFan84]

We need you to review the Heljan Class 28 diesel

[@datguymiller]

I'd love to see you print a pacific of your own design

[@SamsTrains]

I would too - that'd be great fun! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrShepardDog]

Just as a point of reference regarding "quality" from a manufacturer. For quality, detail and value, 6 of the top 10 locos that Sam has reviewed in the last two years are made by Hornby. 9.63 Hornby J36 0-6-0 Old Maude 9.54 Hornby B2 Peckett 9.30 Hornby J50 0-6-0 funny looking Tank 9.25 Bachmann C1 Atlantic 9.20 Dapol Class 22 9.19 Bachmann Class 37 9.07 Bachmann Johnson 1P Tank Engine 8.88 Hornby Class 31 and/or Class 56 8.85 Hornby J36 Small black engine 8.84 Hornby B12 LNER 4-6-0

[@SamsTrains]

Wow, thanks for doing this - such a fantastic list of models! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@alantraish3368]

I have the original Heljan release of this at the then cheaper price ( forget what it was) . So I’ve had it years . Mines DCC fitted so it’s a different animal . I actually like the bulbs fitted to this and tons of other Heljan Diesels I have. Why? I came up with the idea of moving them from their route indicator light positions to cab interior lights which is simple to do( blue tack ). Gives very effective albeit dim cab lights. Also I like the ease of body removal these and their 52s have (off in seconds ) . The couplings on these Heljans are sh*t. Beautiful runners ( again DCC difference) and can pull a house . I’ve even fitted cheapo Lais decoders in mine and none miss a beat. (Their 128 railcar is an absolute weight ) It’s too expensive at this new price so I say buy a 2nd hand one but they like all Heljans are better suited to DCC

[@TheTWRModeller]

Out of all the diesels featured in this video, the blue Class 44, 45 or 46 is one of them. Now can I has cookie, plz? Raspberry 'n' White Chockie one I like da best!

[@michaelfeldman-budarick9295]

I love hymeks, especially in the br green,

[@SamsTrains]

I do too! :D

[@owenalexander3814]

As a toddler I was OBSESSED with trains and now I’m getting back into them! Any suggestions of where to order nice models/props?

[@SamsTrains]

That's fantastic!! You're best to shop around - I use Ebay, Amazon, Hatton's, Model Railways Direct, Derails Models and The Model Centre most of all! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

I'd also suggest, if you have a local "bricks and mortar" model shop near you to use them rather than online ordering. after all, they need all the support we modellers can give them too.

[@tmcg972]

Owen, before you order anything, check Sam's and other folk's reviews to "avoid disappointment" (as they say) for every loco you fancy...

[@darren25061965]

@@BoaFilmsPlc My local independent model shop never have sales, instead they give discounts per individual customer based on how often you do business with them. They also offer proper advice and also do repair and servicing. Additionally they run a 2nd hand service, tell them what you would like, and an idea of the price YOU can afford and they will do all the leg work for you, no need to constantly search ebay etc. Its only a small husband and wife team in a small shop but they have been there for decades, while major retailers and model brands have come and gone. Their doing something right, and clearly have a loyal local following.

[@9501599]

Hi Sam I've enjoyed this review 😊and I think you are right. I have an EFE class 58 58011, have you reviewed this locomotive?? I think it's a great locomotive but I'd be very interested to hear your candor on this. I must check out that review of that EFE steamer you did 😉. Cheers 🍻

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Guy - I've reviewed the Heljan Class 58 which is more or less the same thing as I understand it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@H_chapman17]

Great Review Sam, I'd rather get a Hornby class 35 for the cheaper price, with nearly the same amount of detail. This is like tge beattie tank and the other efe steam loco cheap and tacky. However the EFE underground stock is very good I hear. Many thanks Harry

[@SamsTrains]

haha for once I'd rather do that too - both basic models, but the Hornby one is priced as such... (sort of)... Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@martinpattison1567]

@@SamsTrains But the 1938 stock did not come out without its faults.

[@jasonadams5971]

Hey, this locomotive looks EXACTLY like Bear from the Railway Series! Bear used to be called D7101 and he came to Sodor on trial along with another Diesel engine numbered D199.

[@QJ89]

The only difference is the front-ends: Bear's is full yellow, but you could always put yellow cards (or even the face from the Horny Bear) on top of the display numbers.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Given all those gears in the bogies, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Class 35s were diesel-mechanical instead of diesel-hydraulic. I can't understand why the mechanism is designed that way, and I remember in your Class 17 video you invited Heljan to essentially come forward and explain what's going on. I'd love to see how that'd turn out if they ever do respond to your invitation.

[@SamsTrains]

I can't understand it either - you only need that many gears when space is tight. Here, there's plenty of room, so fewer larger gears could have been used if designed correctly! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@michaelcudby787]

Hello fellow Kiwi.

[@ecidaho]

Nice looking loco. Construction looks like older American Athearn locomotives, with heavy frame but plastic trucks and nylon gearing with clips rather than screws.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yes it's similar to how Athearn build their locos... though they're higher quality than this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gc7820]

Don’t be polite for politeness sake - give it both barrels when it’s due! That said I never bought the heljan hymek the first time round when it didn’t cost anything like what it does now although I remember it being very well received by the railway press at the time. BTW, I’m sure EFE is an acronym for ‘Excessively F*cking Expensive.’

[@veselinkrushkov338]

In Bulgaria we also have the Ludmila diesel locomotive , a 6 axle unit built in Lughansk Ukraine.

[@Tombola1993]

Hymeks are of my faves.

[@capmodesty]

I'm hoping that EFE will eventually pick up the Class 28, missed out on that Heljan release and now they are stupid money

[@rottenroads1982]

Next should be the Heljan class 28. Sam should also start a OO9 scale layout.

[@SamsTrains]

I'd love that - those are quite hard to find though aren't they?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@annanowak2868]

Nad sam, could you get a Polish loco? Like a TY23 or class 12 or that BIG tank engine that is on all the Polish train merch?

[@annanowak2868]

AND, NOT NAD

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Sam great video as usual. I like the looks of this engine and the way it runs . I am not a big diesel fan I have only a hand full of them but if I had the extra money to purchase one I might look to one of these..

[@davidhinks8384]

Thanks Sam, as always. My mum used to say if you can't say something nice, don't say anything. The lighting is shocking. Therefore I'm not saying much. It does look very nice though. Like most manufacturers it's overpriced.

[@randytaylor1258]

You pay the money, you're entitled to the say the truth. It's a business, not a friendship.

[@SamsTrains]

Agreed David! And Randy is right too - I'm entitled to tell the truth... and I always will do... I'll just try to do so in a less snarky manner! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidhinks8384]

@@SamsTrains I totally agree, and you are always honest and balanced in your reviews which is why I enjoy your channel. It was more a reflection on me and the manufacturers making me cross! Keep up the good work. 👍😉

[@Poliss95]

Your mum would never have made a prosecution lawyer. 😁

[@davidhinks8384]

@@Poliss95 Oh, but she could be scary! 😨Cheers!

[@robdingwall03]

Dear Sam. Confused here. Does EFE stand for anything? It is a Heljan product but the box says Bachman. How does all this work?

[@class28studios78]

The odd one out is the class 45 in the background because unlike the other diesels it's not a Bobo

[@Mariazellerbahn]

Odd one out because it isn't Western Region ?

[@star86703]

looks really nice

[@pauljohansson4934]

I like the Deltic myself.

[@Sumalee21]

The Beattie well tank was actually made by Dapol

[@off2geo]

I think the paint is really good on this. I prefer the satin look.

[@tangerinedream7211]

Think all the first Hymeks up to and including D7017 didn't have the small yellow panel ex works.

[@bluepretsels]

LOVELY VIDEO.

[@horatioyen256]

32:09 yes

[@mauricemannion1311]

Hi Sam, Excellent video on the EFE hymek, the EFE branding has done this model no favors..! Much too expensive by far, as you say bulbs..! No screws..! Though on a good note the Heljan branded hymek loco's are actually very good smooth running loco's with good pulling power for there size. EFE or Bachmann loco's just a price rip-off really, a sad sign of the times we live in Sam..!

[@darknut9696]

i guess a few manufacturers build the models to be running in the back ground like in a large diorama/ layout on a constant loop

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I guess so - this'd probably be quite good for that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mooncraftt]

Sam maybe could you buy a Murphy models Ireland train? It will make a great extension to your layout and army of trains!

[@joshuaW5621]

That would be a cool addition to the railway.

[@SamsTrains]

I have done! Their 121 - and it got a very good score! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@horatioyen256]

26:28 looks like the IV26 lights up

[@paulmoore6345]

The original Heljan 35 and 47 were DIY detail packs. The EFE ones are a direct copy. The paint finish on the original Heljan class 35 did not include painted buffer beam cowlings or buffer beams in br greeen. Think Heljan released them in 2006 or 2007

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Paul - that's as I understood it too! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@samuraifool912]

For that amount of Dosh. The least they could have Done was Added Sprung metal Buffers. Or just Metal the plastic Looked Awful. Nice from a Distance if you Close one Eye and Dim the Lights..!! Great Review Sam. Tell them how ya Really Feel..! E. F. E. sounds like their Last School/College assessment in Engineering..!! They wont be getting any of my Dosh..!! Cheers kim in Oz. 😎

[@TheSteamdriver]

Interestingly I have heard that the class 35s hymeks where more powerful than the class 37s but because BR wanted to standardise their diesel fleet and chose the diesel electric design over the hydraulic the 35s where withdrawn early one can only imagine what would have happened if it was the 37s that went early

[@roberthill6216]

Weren't the 35's one of the more successful diesel hydraulics?

[@lukeslocomotives]

@@roberthill6216 I think so

[@TheSteamdriver]

@@roberthill6216 I believe so

[@SamsTrains]

That sounds about right - a lot of fantastic designs ended up getting scrapped because they weren't standardised or practical to maintain - a real pity :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Poliss95]

@@roberthill6216 Successful is a relative term. Their heating system was incompatible with the new coaches that were coming into service for one thing.

[@kennethhume8628]

Never hold back on your views when reviewing any locos or rolling stock , I consider that you are very fair and always tell the truth .

[@SamsTrains]

Oh no - I'll never hold back, don't get me wrong... I'll just try not to be as sarky... no promises though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kennethhume8628]

@@SamsTrains , I think it’s sheer frustration that these manufacturers are taking us for an expensive ride makes it almost impossible not to be sarky , keep up the good work .

[@Jimyjames73]

Hiya - @ 2613 - Try Turning off some of your main room lights - then you might see the lights on the Loco better!!! 🤔🚂🚂🚂

[@gordonpacific04]

Was surprised that this was manufactured by Heljin. Heljin’s Diesel engines are awesome, however it seems that they’re actual Class 35 was INFINITELY better. I bought a Heljin class 35 for a decent price and loved it. I don’t know how they got messed up with EFE rail.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I've heard the actual Heljan branded ones have more features - is that the case then? If they've knowingly downgraded/reverted this model to an earlier revision, then that really sucks for the price! Will try a Heljan one soon! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TIMMEH19991]

@@SamsTrains I'm sure the Heljan ones have LEDs including red tail lights and sprung buffers too. I will check and get back to you on that.

[@Poliss95]

I've never heard of them being called Class 35's before. I've always known them as Hymek's. Bulbs?! I've got 15 year old locos with LEDs. The pickups on all your locos will be made from phosphor bronze, which is a copper alloy.

[@Aengus42]

Re the lights. I'm pretty sure that removing the bulb & holder and then using a resister & an LED might solve the brightness problem. I'd get hold of a KZbinr called "Big Clive" & ask him about the problem. I'm sure he'd love to collaborate if you send him the model. You might want to include some opening instructions for the bodywork!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh sure - that would work fine - it's a very easy modification to make - which begs the question why it wasn't done at the factory! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Aengus42]

@@SamsTrains I agree, about the factory. A warm white LED, to match 1960's lighting, would've made much more sense. Also, how are the flywheels attached to their spindles? Could you remove one easily? Sam, i enjoy watching. I had OO train sets for xmas (born in 64) when i was small that turned into a drop down 6ft x 4ft G.W.R. layout in my bedroom. So it's nostalgia mixed with "I wonder what the hobby is doing now?" that brings me here. That track on the carpet tiles, is it pinned to stop it moving? Do you get fluff problems? So many questions! 😆

[@FellowManofAggieland]

It’s Bear from the Railway Series!

[@mickd6942]

You sound like James brown in the blues brothers “do you see the light “ unlike the reverend brown in the film I can barely see the light lol

[@janeswift9961]

One thing to bear in mind Sam is that when running on DCC those lights will probably be at 100% illumination, but as you say, not using LEDs is a poor choice, in terms of intensity and reliability. If LEDs had been fitted, then DC could have been done so that voltage protection could be applied, thereby getting a stronger light, all adds to the cost and complexity though. With regards to performance, I would expect that most manufacturers will design things to be run under DCC these days and the chance is that with PWM and maximum voltage, low speed running would be better. I'm not sure I agree with your claim about resistance either. The windings are a constant and therefore so will be the resistance too until it starts to overheat. What is true though is that it seems to have insufficient low speed torque to spin the wheels when it has an obstruction (your finger). Finally, I guess I'm just an old git and a pedant, so please forgive me, I don't intend to be critical. You provide some great reviews and honesty and we would all be the poorer without them. Keep up the great work and cheers for now.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing! I think LEDs are probably cheaper than bulbs these days - and the only voltage protection needed would be a resistor... which costs pence! If this model was shipped with DCC fitted, then I'd agree with you... but if this mechanism was designed for DCC, then it should have been DCC fitted from the factory. As for the resistance claim - that wasn't an opinion - it's physics and fact. When a motor stalls, the lack of back EMF decreases resistance. A motor isn't merely a resistive load. If it was, you'd be correct! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@alfiewenn9440]

the 29 is a northern loco western region were class 35 42 52 powered by maybach engines the 29 had a man powerplant and were prone to catching fire

[@jake__sggr9732]

can you and review a class 47, I would like to see one for my curiosity.

[@TranscendentalAirwaves]

Could you upgrade that bulb with a compatible LED bulb?

[@DavidTheNickjrFan2003]

Can you do a review on the Hornby Oliver from Thomas and friends

[@multipreach2674]

Sam, my son has a 2016 version Hornby thomas 060 loco, he's managed to break 2 of the pickups off which mate up to the wheels. I see on Hornbys website they have the motors available for £5, are these interchangeable as I see these have the dcc connection on.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes they're all the same motors - you can even find them cheaper on Ebay, though you'd have to exchange the worm drive! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@multipreach2674]

@@SamsTrains cheers pal.

[@Jeremia252]

seriously you really need to try the Irish rail models A class diesel

[@davekirk100]

Can you change the headcode? For those into detail, it seems to limit the loco to one specific use

[@SamsTrains]

The model doesn't come with any alternative headcodes... but you may be able to change them if you produced your own! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@randytaylor1258]

No one buys a loco hoping that it runs poorly any more than you buy a model kit hoping that it doesn't fit properly. I always find your reviews candid and fair, particularly the value for money. The appearance of these locos is improving, which is what initially attracts a buyer. But when you get it home and discover the weaknesses, you feel ripped off and the brand-value is eroded. "Lights" is attractive but bulbs are pathetic. How many pennies were saved by not using LEDs? Body clips will eventually break -- why not screws? No bearings means excessive wear by the axles as will also be the case with all those plastic gears. You don't like bags of accessories because for the price, you shouldn't have to assemble your model. But I think it's great to be able to personalize the loco the way you want. So, value for money. It looks pretty so you buy it, but as it wears out and breaks down the last thing on your mind is buying another one. And the bad taste you're left with taints the brand name and even the general hobby. And plastic clips and bulb lights and plastic gears are just plain cheap. Tellit like is is, Sam. Cheers!

[@SamsTrains]

Agreed Randy - I genuinely believe that LEDs are probably cheaper to buy than those bulbs these days - or at least very similar - I suspect they just couldn't be bothered to make the tiny amount of modifications to the design needed for conversion to LEDs.... just lazy if you ask me! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@BrokenIET]

I've heard EFE Rail's 1938 tube stock is quite good, maybe you wanna give it a go?

[@SamsTrains]

I've heard quite a bit about that too... I didn't fancy it! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rubybrown3905]

Hey Sam, how long does a pair of slippers last you?

[@ciaranburke3243]

It is heljan throughout sam I have 4 heljan 47s that are over 20 years old the lights are like candles and inside is exactly the same although they run beautifully smooth, rip off 😀

[@TanVasinTrains]

Found a class 45 but it doesn’t run on the GWML

[@OlivierGabin]

I am interested by such a diesel, but the Heljan (un)quality does deter me from buying anything from them. First good point, the buffer beams are not forcibly detailed. DCC is 8 pins, not a problem for me, and even a solution, I can buy decoders in bulk at a lower price, and 8 pins are already the cheapest ones. 18 or 21 have the advantage to not being a drag to fit because you can only put them in the good direction, but that's not an issue for me anyway. The packaging is like the one of my DB BR 57 by Brawa, which means it's a good one. The model looks fine, I love it ! First drawback, the drivetrain : painfull to open for maintenance and crappy. And the body removal is a nightmare, I don't thanks EFE for the ease of installation of a DCC decoder. And an outdated bulb for lights, yipee... The performances are correct, except at low speed, that's the least we can expect... So, shitty drivetrain, near impossible to open, laughable electrics inside and turbocharged price, it's enough for a no-go for me. I would have accepted the rest if those points would have not being present. Over GBP 100 RRP for this, no ! Thanks to makes me save some money by giving good reason to not buy this one. Thing to buy : don't buy something new before Sam had tested it. Thanks for the test, I'm ready to wait for you to test the new class 20 by Bachmann, my next buy, and, of course, the new Heljan class 35.

[@tykedopwnz]

The Heljan Hymek overall is honestly a very good model If it's half the price, got mine for 80 pounds from Hattons with small damage to detail, and a "poor" runner status (the real fault for poor running was the decoder, fitted it to my B17 and had the same issues, Hymek ran perfect without a decoder). I still love it, cause I love Hymeks, so I'm biased Seek a used one for 90 pounds max. 160 is sooo overkill for such a model

[@johnthornton3467]

hadn't you considered testing the model's lighting in dimmer ambient lighting conditions?

[@europacifictradersltd3717]

hi sam. a nice model has every thing that a 20/25 year old model should have. price wise it should of reflected that period and not a little under todays pricing. pity that hobbyists like us have to pay greedy brand name companies.

[@toboldlygosmodelworks1973]

I didn't know there' s firebox flicker on a diseasel ;)

[@SamsTrains]

haha the chance would be a fine thing! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)