Is This The Most Locomotive Money Can Buy? Heljan LMS Beyer Garratt Unboxing and Review

[@rtman29]

Thank you for an excellent review, Jenny. Insightful, informative, and intelligently presented. This is the first time I've watched one of your video reviews. It certainly won't be the last. Keep up the great work!

[@lesliedickinson198]

A superb review Jenny and I totally agree on your views about value for money, I bought mine on pre order as soon as I found it available again and havent been disappointed and seriously thinking of buying the original bunker version also. I never saw them in real life but my dad fired my imagination about them as he did my passion for railways and associated modelling, I just wish he could have seen this as he would have had a grin from ear to ear lol. Ive seen another reviewer give discouraging remarks about axle ends and magnetic connections but i think they are petty items to mark down for and your scoring is a more accurate depiction,,,,,,,,, I love something different coming along,,,,,,,I would love a LYR hughes dreadnought or its tank equivalent 🙂

[@trainman07011]

Magnificent. Hatton's really deserves quite a bit of credit for raising the bar on UK locos.

[@ILikeTransport]

It's a Heljan model sold by Hattons.

[@ILikeTransport]

@@RobA500 Fair enough, I did make a bit of a mistake then.

[@M0Liv]

I really enjoyed this video! I'm super tempted to buy one for myself. I wish we used Garratts in the United States. The Garratt has a certain aesthetic that is all its own. I'm super interested to hear how a SoundTraxx UK Econami decoder would sound in this beauty.

[@patrickwebb7311]

Excellent review Ms. Kirk. It's changed my view on Heljan. I admit I've mostly associated them with the "infamous" 02 Tango, if you're familiar with Sam's Trains. Clearly they can and do make good models.

[@wyvernmodelrailway]

I'm glad you liked this loco. I have a black version, I think it is great.

[@jamesgilbart148]

It looks really impressive in photographic grey - the one I have in BR black looks more like a huge dark industrial machine! I'm not sure about those shiny conrods, sliders and axle ends - other manufacturers make them in dull metal these days which is more authentic. Also, it might have been good to have sprung buffers and possibly opening cab doors to allow some crew figures to be added. I wonder how the prototypes might have performed on the Settle & Carlisle or the Somerset & Dorset lines??

[@stretchedits]

Hi, Well you commented on the amazing hauling power of this loco, it's made by Heljan, enough said, it'll pull a house over if my experience of their diesels is anything to go by. They are one company, in my opinion, really making great, robust yet well detailed models. The LNER Garratt, you mentioned, was a one off because it was especially built to bank coal trains at Wath, so only worked over a couple of miles of track all the time. The Midland Railway interfeared with Bayer Garratt's design insisting on using their axleboxes which later became the weak point in the design as they kept overheating, which effectively meant two locos off the road each time not one, so they kind of lost popularity with the company for that. Oh and please, it's the Ashpan not the Firebox you removed to get at the DCC chip. Great review though, enjoyed seeing this beast running on Wear Yard. Best regards Dave.

[@stephendeakin2714]

My Great Grandfather drove those.

[@jamesmitchell3432]

cool

[@ralphwest8156]

18:36 'Serif fonts' are the typefaces that have the 'curly bits' on the characters, (Times, Plantin, Century etc.). Typefaces without 'Serifs' are 'Sans Serif' (Gill Sans, Helvetica, Futura etc.) ...I think Jenny is referring to the 'Drop Shadow' on the numbers which appear on the two tenders, typographically, the shadow 'lifts' the yellow characters. The LMS on the Cab is applied prototypically 'flat - without shadow. Great review, great model.

[@martinpattison4018]

A really great locomotive and well made. I wonder who might bring one out with the revolving Bunker, Nice Video Jenny. Martin. (Thailand)

[@Flymochairman1]

It's a cracking model Jenny. I can't remember seeing a Beyer-Garratt in model form but that's not unusual. This model is unusual and a fantastic amount of detail too. If either of my children are reading this...hint...hint...Chris...hint...mas? Cheers Jenny. Stay Safe and Keep Well.

[@stephenpike3147]

Hi Jenny, a great review, I had previously dismissed this model but now added to my bucket list! On dcc chip fitting that is so much easier than a lot of engines I have converted, it might be a new way of doing but much better than some! On cooling of chip I think if you look closer you will find there is loads of space, a tall box for heat to rise and dissipate in and a cool metal body, a big cable loom to absorb any minor heat from the chip too. I do urge you to ensure chip socket and dcc chip do not touch each other or the metal body - some insulation barriers needed on your installation. What is the recommended current rating of the dcc chip for the two motors average and peak? Thanks Stephen

[@JPoulAndersson]

A very lovely model Jenny, especially in the photo grey - love that livery! I have one from the first batch in LMS black, as well as owning two DJH kit-built Garratts; the Gresley U1 and a South African GCA class. Cheers Joachim

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

Hi Joachim. I too am fond of garratts I have the U 1 LNER plus two of these from first batch which took almost eight months to get to me from first order. Plus a couple of DJH Australian Garrett’s (kit built). And two ready to run AD 60 Garrett’s. Also have the William Francis 0-4-0+04-0 in kit form yet to be built. Do you find the fitting of two motors a current drain on controllers cos occasionally if I run double headed the response is very slow. Cheers. 🇦🇺🇦🇺👍

[@JPoulAndersson]

Michael Naisbitt Hi Michael, Nice, Garratts are an amazing piece of engineering! I don’t know about the double-headed running because I currently do not have an operational layout - I build dioramas or modules which I hope to assemble to a proper layout once I get the space hopefully. Cheers from Holland, Joachim

[@matthewbannister5951]

Excellent review, really interesting loco, I wish heljan had painted the axle ends though after going to the effort of making such a great model.

[@donharsh5469]

Awesome locomotive Jenny 😎❤️ it looks great loco.👍👍👍👍😎😎❤️

[@davidgibbon8927]

When we moved to Plymouth in 1986 there was an ex South Africa Garrett standing in the Plym Valley Yard. It was donated some years later to the rail Museum in the old North British Springburn (Glasgow) works - now museum where I believe it is still. So, there is one in preservation...

[@Kensart55]

That's A cool model Jennifer. I actually want one! K

[@SheltonDCruz]

These were also used in Australia!

[@alanhaynes4576]

Fortunately the Australian versions used the Beyer Peacock Axle boxes and lasted much longer. In Queensland where I live we had a 4-8-2 + 2-8-4 and I had the privelidge of riding in a passenger train hauled by it. It is preserved and is in working order although at the moment it is in need of some work. New South Wales had the AD60 which was the biggest in Australia with a 4-8-4 + 4-8-4 wheel arrangement. Although Standard Gauge it was small for a standard gauge loco as like most other states in Australia the loading gauges were small. Can't understand that in a country the size of Australia. There are 2 or 3 or more of them in preservation. The South African Garratts I think may have been even bigger even though they rode on 3' 6" gauge track they used a Standard Gauge Loading gauge more closely aligned with the USA. Here is a video showing the Eureka models AD60 and the first Heljan Garratts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5fWap1udtqUrM0 From DCC Concepts promoting their PowerBase product. Can you count the wagons behind the Heljan model? Speaking of the Heljan model; I have 2 of the 1st release but have not run them yet as no layout. How do I avoid the pitfalls, any suggestions please? Also do they have the same decoder setup as the new version?

[@charlesemerson6763]

I agree whole heartedly with you. Heljan locos are good and that they definitely don't deserve the rap they get. I have 3 of the Hattons Beyer Garretts and they all run fine, save one which has a dead lamp. I have ten of the Tango's and two night Owl's , all run with no problems. My only criticism would be the lack of paint on the Tango's boilers which appear just to be plan black plastic with a flat coat applied. I have just bought one of the little GWR 13XX saddle tanks and I'm going to put sound in this. I just hope it's not as much of challenge as fitting sound to a Hornby Terrier.

[@eddyweller4503]

Great review Jenny, its a locomotive I would love but just wouldn't fit my tiny layout with its tight curves. Keep up your great videos thanks for being entertaining. Stay safe Eddy xx

[@yakuza1333]

Many thanks for a really interesting review of this powerful beast. Were you about to say that there is another version without the revolving bunker? Hope you don't mind me pointing out that the lettering on the cab does have serifs- the wedges at the ends of the letters. The lettering on the water tenders has black shadowing.

[@thhseeking]

Nice loco, but the NSWGR AD60-class 4-8-4+4-8-4 Beyer-Garretts are very nice, and there are a few preserved. Be nice to see 6029 running on British rails :) A little trip to its birthplace :)

[@johnd8892]

I think far too big for the restrictive UK structure gauge. I wonder if there was any less restricted test track at the Openshaw Manchester Gorton works where an AD60 may have been tested prior to being sent to Australia.

[@JohnJohnson-cn9fh]

this looks amazing jenny,lovely loco.great review too,love n peace.jpj

[@VestedUTuber]

It's definitely a lot of locomotive for the scale. I wouldn't say it's the biggest locomotive to run on 16.5mm gauge track (that title probably goes to the Erie Triplex or something like that), but it's close to it. You won't get much more locomotive without moving to a bigger scale or scratchbuilding.

[@jamest1503]

Its a lovely model

[@rottenroads1982]

Considering the Fact that one of my Thomas & Friends OC’s is based off of the LMS Garratt, and His Livery is a Black livery with Grey Lining & Boiler Banding (Similar to my LMS Stanier class 8F OC), then I will get the Hattons/Heljan LMS Garratt in a Black Livery, and then Paint on the Grey Lining & Boiler Banding. Also, I will specify want the type without the rotary Coal Bunker.

[@jamesgilbart148]

Further to my previous comment I realise that you can detach the tender end (magnetically held in place) and expose the cab interior. However, there is a block which fills most of the cab space with the top below window level - maybe that houses the magnet? This means the boiler back wall and fire box door are largely obscured and there isn't much room for any cab figures. This is a bit of a detraction.

[@raymondleggs5508]

looks like they used the old 1970s Triang Davy Crockett chassis design for this, judging by the wheel design and spacing

[@jonemig8389]

hi Jenny from USA. Didn't know about oo scale til i found you. Your videos are wonderful. I wonder if there is any support for oo scale narrow gage?

[@LeslieGilpinRailways]

Look up Bachmann Europe for some 009 (00 on n gauge track) among others making 00 Narrow gauge

[@jonemig8389]

@@LeslieGilpinRailways Thank you!

[@johnd8892]

When a Garratt is mentioned I find it hard to resist these clips that every steam interested person are also pleased to see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4HTeGeqi62Gg7M And in near current preservation : kzbin.info/www/bejne/moKak61oo9-tqqc Hard to find any clips of an LMS Garratt to match these. The AD60 has had multiple models made in HO from the 1966 Model Dockyard/Kumata/PFM/Fulurex Japanese brass models, the 1980s Mansfield Horean Brass model, the 1990s Lloyds/DJH kit and the circa 2010 Eureka Chinese made ready to Run. Some in 0 (kits?) and also the ASTER 1/32nd scale live steam and electric versions. All a lot more expensive than the Heljan model that looks a near bargain compared to all of the above.

[@BeauMinnick]

Humm should I get one to go with my American simple articulated's?

[@richardswiderski4985]

Great video review and a great looking loco.Thats another model to add to my list,it's all your fault Jenny :-)

[@sparky107107]

wow Jenny. That is one amazing looking steamer. Question. and might seam silly but remember I am from over the pond. ' Hattons. are they a hobby store? are the a manufacturer ? or are they just a really big store, with a bit of punch in influencing the hobby?

[@GameHammerCG]

They started out as a hobby store and now they are one of the largest stores in the country for model railway stuff.

[@ILikeTransport]

They also manufacture some locos and rolling stock now.

[@sparky107107]

@@GameHammerCG ty

[@sparky107107]

@@ILikeTransport ty

[@willyoung4090]

Hi JK great vid as usual I have a question for you .Is it possible to convert a tender driven loco to loco driven ie Nigel Gresly .I have just dcc'd mine but on tight curves the push shoves it off the track where I think if i could convert the loco to pulling things would be a lot better. Regards Will

[@turbulanceism]

Imagine a princess class in this colour

[@MarchWestJunctionTMD]

Great review👍 a lot more positive than some other reviews. I think it’s time to get the wallet out👍 thanks for looking at it in a different and constructive light 👍

[@littlemumma2875]

What is the minimum curve range that this buyer garret would turn on? That track curve? Thanks

[@M0Liv]

What is the stall current rating of the motors?

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

Next a U 1. LNER Garrett. .??? Or. William Francis 040+040 hmmmmm

[@raymondleggs5508]

sams trains has had no good luck at all with heljan ho except for this loco

[@matthewesler5722]

In new Zealand we Garra tts

[@risingsun101ch]

I thought there was a Garrett in preservation in Manchester :O

[@boomerie]

Thats a African version

[@PuuberZ]

I think the colour makes it looks like an unfinished prototype. Not a pretty sight.

[@bobpaterson5845]

(Y) (Y) (Y) (Y) (Y) (Y)

[@phil36310]

On this review I frankly doubt your 'objectivity' and 'neutral point of view'. Several reasons. But the main thing is that Heljan Locos just are not reliable and prone to many problems. The first batch of this loco was a 'nightmare' for the owners ! It could have been of interest to COMPARE this new batch with the rubbish that came first ! Is it better ? I doubt !! NEVER AGAIN I WILL BUY ANY Heljan loco. And in my opinion its not even worth 150£. A cheap mold for this loco has NOT a lot of detail to start with ! What is the price of a motor in China ? NOT EVEN ONE $ !! Please be a bit more objective Jenny for I like your reviews. This one disappoints me completely, sorry. Greetings

[@MrDavil43]

Well, Filip 36, my Heljan GWR saddle tank is faultless. I'm not aware from guys at the Club about any problems with this manufacturer. hopefully their quality control is now working ok.

[@grootsan]

I 've seen a few reviews about Heljan loco's from another well known and good reviewer which were nice to watch for entertainment but there the fun ended. Long ago I had a Class 52 from Heljan that had to be send back because of faulty gears, the replacement loco had paint issues. Unfortunately to me Heljan is not synonymous with quality and I'd much rather go for the other "H" ..... Hornby or the best in O0 which I think is Bachmann.

[@davidwatts1871]

Just bought one of these from Rails of Sheffield, had to send it back, one of the valve gear rivets was missing. Also one of the sanding boxes had dropped off and quite a few of the sand pipes were bent. For £250 retail, £200 from Rails, so far I'm a little underwhelmed. heljan need to up their quality control.