New Heljan Class 57 Review. How bad is it......

New (Not new) Heljan class 57 review.
Why not New, well this models dates back to the early 2000s and has had very little done to update it.
Lighting is very very poor.
Running Quality Poor.
FGW colour scheme looks pretty good. Such a shame that heljan didn't go all out and do the lighting properly.
won't be keeping this model.

[@roberthill6216]

I think the Bachmann version of that model, 57605 in the FGW blue was a limited edition for Kernow Model Rail Centre. 57604 in the traditional GWR lined green was a limited edition for Rail Express magazine, under their Rail Exclusives range. I have both in my collection. I have bachmann versions of the current livery and the original green with a gold stripe and 601 in the porterbrook livery.

[@StormmyStormmy]

Hi, great honest review, I’m not a fan of Heljan locomotives because I’ve seen too many reviews of bad design and assembly, this is an issue with a few manufacturers in this unique hobby, Bachmann for me are a great manufacturer but there pricing structure is aimed at the mega rich in my opinion, this loco looks ok but that’s as far as it goes for me, I have a Bachmann class 57 which is an old model now but it’s still a gem, I hope Bachmann upgrade it and fit one of there very fit for purpose motorised roof fan units. Model railway companies look for way of cutting cost the increase their profit margins, Hornby are the masters of going into the old mould vaults and claiming the models are new, they don’t even change the huge outdated D link tension lock couplings because they think customers are blind! Pure laziness and lack of care, for those whom put up with this only encourage manufacturers to keep doing same thing, thanks for sharing.

[@christinerobottom9444]

Just wait a while I picked up the Bachmann 47 in railfreight livery £259 full sound, moving fans, weathered bargain.

[@darrelldeltic807]

Wow thanks for saving my money, was tempted by the FGW blue version but think I’ll give it a miss 🙈

[@jamtart606]

Worst part I find about these new batch of 57s is the Network Rail 57312 use completely the wrong front end type with no Dellner Coupler. They look good for the most part but they simply are not worth the price, especially when you can get Bachmann ones cheaper on the second hand market.

[@gwrdriver1660]

To be fair, the Bachmann 57 has the wrong lighting, the 2 marker lights don't show white, they only show as red tail lights.

[@kintyjunction5044]

I had to clean inside of the wheels in mines and bend the copper wiper connection and it works a lot better until changed the older copper type wheels for the newer steel ones it runs fine now

[@kevinbradley1112]

I too was unimpressed with the standard of the 2 of these i bought thank goodness i didn't pay anywhere near full rrp

[@headsup2433]

The thing is, new tooling is no where near what in cost 20 yrs ago. Computer driven machine tools can make a new die in hours. I really don`t understand why companies shy away from new tooling.

[@gordonhanning476]

It's very disappointing to see how poor this model is for the price. I have some really old models from other manufacturers that are better than this. I have a Heljan peak that is really good but this model is really really poor. Keep up the good work. Stay safe mate.

[@paulkandi]

Is it still too wide? Cab angled front looks to steep.?

[@davidnewby6095]

yikes i'd send it back mate

[@azuma892]

Just when I think Heljan is getting better... Weird because the factory Heljan uses in China has their own model railway brand and they produce some stellar models.

[@azuma892]

It's called 1435火车模型 if you are interested.

[@penrithroad7478]

What aload of rubbish from heljan. At least they could have upgraded the lighting for that price. Get your money back Chris

[@sapphirejunction8993]

Why did Heljan even bother??? Incorrect and ancient tooling & the top headlight doesn't even work plus the price is out of touch with the competition, not worth more than £110 at the most.

[@DungeWoodRailway]

Hello Im disappointed for you. I cant understand who at Heljan thought producing the 57 in this manner was a good idea. These days we don't accept this kind of poor quality, particularly for the prices being asked. I wouldnt pay £80 for that never mind £150+! I think some of the model firms need to start doing some proper research on what we want and expect from our models. Heljan seem to have done a decent job of the 47 so why is the 57 lacking so much. I think they have done themselves more harm than good with this move 💩. I hope you can find a Bachmann version. 🙂👍🖖

[@davepadfield9368]

Stick to bachmann that running like a bag of nuts and bolts

[@D402DDS]

Just wish I could a FGW one for a decent price. Saying that the Bachmann lights aren't 100% accurate but better than this. Let's hope they announce a new 57 and there 47s seemed to have gone well

[@Jonnyuk365]

Give it a few months and it will £110

[@D402DDS]

Agreed, said to shop keeper, rails will be selling them off for £100 by the summer

[@alanrobertson9790]

I would have bought a Heljan 57 but available funds allocated elsewhere. Got loads of other 57s. As an act of sour grapes I'm glad that the Heljan 57s got a few bad reviews as I'm not getting one. Still £110 would be good enough for me to reconsider.

[@paulkandi]

Still would not be worth buying...Hornby TTS better...

[@kevinbradley1112]

And you can't fit snowplows as they fowl either the footsteps or the protruding bogie sides 💩💩

[@paulkandi]

Junk....