A Pointless Model? | Heljan's "Upgraded" Class 35 | Unboxing & Review

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0:00 Intro
3:49 Unboxing
8:19 Prototype Info
9:28 Detail
16:47 Mechanism
22:09 Performance
29:41 Haulage
37:12 Ratings
40:57 Conclusion

[@chompette_]

One of the Hymeks' signature features were their raised aluminium numbers, which D7058 retained until its demise, a shame £178-£209 doesn't buy you some etchings or metal transfers like you'd find in a model car kit. The silver paint transfers just look a bit naff..

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing - yes I'm surprised it doesn't have that too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

Well, if I seriously were in charge of all the process of makin' more of the officially well-known models, it's basically quite clear to me that I seriously do personally just suddenly think 'bout completely remanufacturin' each of 'em with the officially well-known BETTER interior detail alongside official completely advanced outer details alongside official DCC sound already fitted alongside more than enough force to pull/push various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever on an official complete American-origin train set with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that their own official performance certainly would basically be very shockingly surprisingly impressively much better than expected!

[@stephendavies6949]

Telling it the way it is & holding manufacturers to account: nobody does it better, Sam. Once again a very authorative, forensic, informed and excellently presented review. "Caveat Emptor" after watching this. As you say, it's not that it's an expensive model, it's just such very, very poor value for money. Don't think Heljian is going to get any of my hard earned cash anytime soon. It seems like Accurascale & Dapol are where it's at nowadays.

[@ianmacaulay4936]

Hi Sam, I have always loved the 35 Hymeks (and 52 Westerns) since watching them blast past my primary school playground back in 1970. A couple of years later on a visit to Swindon works open day, there was a Hymek on the scrap line with a sign saying "help yourself to any parts you want", so my brothers and I took one of the cab doors off, lugged it home (very heavy) and it then sat in our back garden for a few years. I have one of the EFE rail 7016, which has very poor lighting even on DCC, I was hoping that this new Heljan version would have better lighting. So I think I'll wait until they come down in price a bit and then maybe do my own lighting mods to improve things. Thanks for the review Ian

[@jonathanchester5916]

You know that when Sam says "hopefully" three times in one sentence it's gonna bomb hard :)

[@leelishman7137]

Lightning on Heljan has long been a problem. From dim lights on class26s/27s and 33s to the strange, centre light unintentional "headlamp" on class 17s.

[@trainman86trainstramsandmore]

When I saw "Heljan" and "Class 35" I knew things were gonna be good

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly! ;D

[@davidbarr9343]

Ho, ho, ho!😂

[@MarshallRedmon01]

I just see D7101 aka Bear

[@kelvinkerr9077]

⅞​@@SamsTrains

[@timboyle3114]

I have one of the original release when they first came out. Was out of date even then with the incandesant bulbs. Once I get my layout up a running (one of these years!), I was going to rip the board and lights out and do my own LED solution! The DCC guy does some great video's on old US Proto2000 E8 locos on how to do that with 3rd party 21pin boards and ebay leds.

[@davidcarter7310]

Honest review Sam and entertaining.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@floydfan27]

Absolutely love your reviews Sam. They’re always really honest. Will you be reviewing the Accurascale class 31 and 37. Would love to see those reviews. Especially a comparison between the Bachmann 37 and the accurascale one.

[@pats-slots]

Thanks Sam you legend love the channel thanks for all the work you put into it you have helped me in my set up greatly your info is honest and justified you legend keep it up big fan first comment

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Interesting review. Some people think that accurate model lighting should be dim to be realistic but surely it has to be exaggerated to make it noticeable at all. This loco looks like one for the bargain bin in a few months!

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Brian! :D

[@briandesens144]

@@SamsTrains you're welcome 😊

[@crouchingtigerhiddenadam1352]

Looks identical to the Triang Class 35. If only chassis update kits existed.

[@SamsTrains]

haha it's not too far away is it?!? ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@alantraish3368]

When I first came across Heljan brand it was the class 52. Well impressed I got 3. Then all the other long gone diesels no one dared bother with, all good bar the couplings! Spares has been a problem to find. I used to move their headcode panel lights into the cab area and being bulbs this was quite effective ! I got the 1st batch of this from around 2013 fraction of this price still going strong. Amp draw can be high so fit suitable decoder for dcc. Their most recent offerings (gas turbine a& pwm) are poor quality even on dcc. The forthcoming 104 dmu ive earmarked so got high hopes and the new tooled 47. Comprehensive review

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Alan - I heard that there were issues with the gas turbine, so I steered clear of that one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

A great video Sam as always, I model ‘O’ & ‘OO’ and I have never bought a Heljan model and I never Will there has always been a problem with them for all sorts of reasons .

[@tobyyoder8350]

Great video Sam, I’d love to see a review on the Heljan 10800 Locomotive when it comes out

[@SamsTrains]

I'm thinking about it! They are just frightfully expensive though - so not sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AllensTrains]

The first loco I ever had was a Hornby Hymek with magnahesion, so this was a nostalgic video for me! I think if you did want a Hymek to replace the old Hornby model, then this offering is a good substitute! Thanks for uploading.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

That was my first too. Part of a set with a few container wagons and a container crane.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing guys - would that be the Tri-ang one then if it had the Magnadhesion? I know the one you mean - lovely old models those! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@AllensTrains]

@@SamsTrains R758 is the one I had with magnahesion. It is a Triang model sold under the Hornby marque. R355 has traction tyres and compares favourably with the Heljan example reviewed in this video.

[@lapiswake6583]

What an amazing loco! All I have to say is, there's a reason 2 of my 3 hymeks are Triang, the other being a slightly later Hornby one.

[@stephendavies6949]

Me too!

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha! Well said - can't go wrong with those! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bennickss]

I have D7016 in blue. On DCC, the lights are no problem, they illuminate the headcode panel perfectly

[@Mog435]

Speaking as an old guy who did have a Hornby Hymek from new back in the 20th century I still am yet to see a convincing 00 gauge Hymek . And the Hornby version I had never seemed to fit in with the other locomotives scale wise . Loving the channel Sam

[@mavikchen10]

I got a hattons sale efe BR blue one for £95ish a couple weeks ago and is fine for that price, but was wandering if i should have got the LED fitted version instead, very glad i didnt now ive watched this, thanks Sam! 😊

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I think for anything less than £100 it's a perfectly good and affordable model. Paying almost £100 more just for the LEDs definitely wouldn't be a good move in my opinion - think you did best really! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@trevortremethick720]

Hello Sam, I am new to your site. Thanks for this comprehensive review. I think you have talked me into an EFE one for the time being. What a pity these manufacturers seem to cut corners. Cheers, Trevor

[@davidhall5868]

The odd one out is the gwr red and cream railcar in the siding next to the pub on your layout but great review none the less

[@tidfordjunction]

I have bought one of these and yes Sam, your assessment is about right. However, I had to have one as an old git who saw the Hymeks when they were first introduced to BR and I have a Western layout. The original Hymeks did have very dim lights but I guess Heljan didn't intentionally replicate that. The rule is that if it doesn't run well on DC it won't run well on DCC. However, this loco seems to be the exception that proves the rule. I have sound fitted mine with a Zimo decoder and "boomer" speaker and it runs smoother than a cashmere codpiece!

[@markweightman3805]

Thats the quality of the Zimo Decoder for you...If you want to run Hornby X04/X03 motors under DCC fit Zimo , it really is amazing the jump in the performance quality.. 🙂

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I’d like to see it after a few months of use. My similar locomotive is going to be put on the club layout at the Hoddesdon Model and Railway Club.

[@SamsTrains]

I'll definitely report back if there are any issues after a few months - usually no issues with Heljan locos if they work initially though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@brianfearn4246]

Great review Sam, i have 3 heljan locos cl 58,33,86 dating back to around 2011 and they were all around £50 / 100 from hattons. I haven't bought anything new for a while but it seems that the older models are a better quality with a bit less detail.. i would prefer bachmann models as they seem to have the right amount of detail and quality 😊

[@zacsrailways8020]

Try a Heljan Class 33. I have 2, they cost £175 from Kernow I believe and are phenomenal bits of kit

[@modelrailfan37]

I have been meaning to try one as I’ve heard their good, but that price scares me. This hobby is becoming far too expensive I’m afraid…

[@SamsTrains]

Sounds great - I'll have to look into that! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@steve_dangerous]

But I want to see the Class 35 reviewed because I want a 35.

[@harryjones1692]

I’ve got the class 33 weathered finish, it’s a fantastic locomotive!!

[@modelrailfan37]

@@steve_dangerous this is a review on the 35.

[@andrewwilbraham6875]

Ever since the Tubby Duff, I’ve always looked at anything from Heljan sideways and pushed back on buying anything from them (except the Class 58). However, the new Class 86 has changed my mind. Would love seeing you do a review of the new Class 86/2s when they come out and see if that might make you finally think something from Heljan has some quality.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Andrew - I'll keep an eye out for the 86, appreciate the suggestion! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Interesting what you said about lights and new tooled models having contacts..... the new tooled Bachmann class 37 had four plugs for lights! I have an old Heljan Hymek. It's ok but I don't like the shape enough to want a new one (fortunately). Thanks for the review.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - I'd forgotten that about the Bachmann 37 with the lights - Bachmann are usually better than that, but no huge deal I guess! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@evangaines2303]

Awesome video, can you do a review of a Broadway Limited Imports Product? like a Locomotive or a piece of Rolling stock?

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam I hope accurascale do make this model

[@SamsTrains]

I really hope so too - I love the class, but not this model! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@paulsngaugechannel]

Hi Sam. Thanks for another great review. I quiet agree with you about analogue models. Manufacturers have for most of the time, jumped on to the gravy train ( pun intended ) about DCC and always build their models with DCC as the best, but still after 15+ years, they still have not been able to work out that a lot of modellers are of a general age of wanting analog or have too many locomotives to chip, and cannot afford to buy the extra . Personally, the only thing about dcc models is the ability to have multiple trains on a layout, but at a great expense. I like your channel as it’s for the normal modellers, who don’t want super expense and have layouts where dcc is too much, expensive, and no benefits. I don’t want sound, I don’t want super detailed models that leave parts of the model on the layout. Giving Hornby a tick, they have basic, medium and high detailed versions, a cross on their prices. Bachman still are producing reasonable detailed models but at a cost. The new boys on the block are doing well providing they don’t get greedy. Heljan have overstretched themselves from the first couple of years of production. Now they are producing basic models, poor quality, and expensive. Bad times - bad management. Thanks for being honest about models. But please please do the modellers a favour and send the expense items back for refunds (with your findings). Maybe they (all manufacturers) will make sure they give value for money. Or adjust their prices to reflect. Keep up the great work.

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

Hay Sam, 2 months later - there are only 2 non-damaged Hymeks in the uk. Two of the preserved class 35 (D7017 & D7018) trains were at the West Somerset Railway. They were fixing one at Williton when it suddenly shunted off and bumped into the other one parked infront of it and damaged the other one as well as it’s self

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

I love the west Somerset railway 😊

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

@@Gatherleymodeller. It’s my local heritage railway

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

@@fredstrainandbusvids. Same. I live in Taunton so I can easily see heritage and mainline action!!

[@hawnyfox3411]

@@Gatherleymodeller. = I don't If they can smash up TWO preserved Loco's thru sheer negligence AND sheer stupidity... I would leave them unattended with my car, never mind 2 x preserved engines It's like those "clowns" that trashed the Avro Vulcan's engines ( silica gel bags : Ooops ! ) Bunch of rank amaturers - Yeah, TWO smashed loco's = Impressive NOT

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

Also, apparently for another awesomely excellent well-knowingly obviously obvious fact is basically that I personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly obviously clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll basically be very shockingly surprisingly impressively able to move various types of American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly extremely pleased to happily know that officially 1 of the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic hymek locomotives( the official D71O1 respectfully) seriously will basically be officially named Bear SIMPLY due to the growls that he made as mentioned in the officially well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself!

[@adamswindells1]

I've been put off Heljan by the only loco I've ever bought from the brand, granted it was 2nd hand and cheap because of slight damage but during the repair of the body it cracked from the bottom part way round the roof so I had to repair that too. Then during paint prep removing hand rails a huge Chunk of body splintered away with the hand rail. I emailed them as I believed the body was defective with how brittle it is and Heljans response was to look for a second hand body off ebay. Class 33 by the way

[@DaiElsan]

We had Hymeks hauling minerals up the Ebbw Valley during the 70s

[@soheiltrains]

One star on value is incredibly generous! (in my opinion.)

[@marcod1600]

Class 35 hymek my favorite!

[@Sparky-Tim]

When will ALL the manufacturers start gearing locos for prototypical speed, giving us a better slow torque instead of lighning speed, which is totally unrealistic. Thanks for the review Sam. 👍

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Sam. You're such an optimist (yes, I know it's your job)! You have reviewed and panned Heljan models so many times that they never fail to disappoint; so much so that I vowed to never buy one of their models (I couldn't anyway as I model in N gauge [and now TT:120]). When coupling to the coaches, I notice the loco did so at quite a "high speed". I guess that purchasers of Heljan products never watch your reviews! Will Heljan never learn? Come on, Heljan - wake up a smell the coffee! Their website says "supported by our consultants in the UK who assist with product development, research and design"; I think Heljan need to cut their consultants loose!

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam I hope you are well This is worrying for the tango o dear Great honest review Keep safe ARP

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Adi - haha yeah - only time will tell whether those are truly improved too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@That1Redhead28]

It's crazy to me that the same manufacture made the amazing class 07 which i got because it is Salty from Thomas. A shame that the class 35 isn't the best as I would have loved to have that for the character, Bear

[@star86703]

Another traintaic video👍😊🤩

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Sam :D

[@jackdripper5675]

Recently an Accurascale rep answered a question on RMweb asking if they planned more steam locos. The answer was 12! We know what 2 of them are and it seems the first the Manor class is about to be air freighted. An important model for the company, hopefully, Sam will do a test with cutaway comparisons with the Dapol version.

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

I seriously do personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks diesel-hydrualic locomotives from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each end of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll specifically wonderfully officially be very shockingly surprisingly able to pull American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that 1 of 'em certainly will basically numbered D71O1 with the officially well-known nickname of Bear who's basically featured in the officially well-knowingly obviously famously well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself printed in official nameplates on each side of the locomotive!

[@BritishRail60062]

Hi Sam, Thanks for this video mate. You've helped me avoid buying this one. I may as well buy an older pre-owned one and update that with third party parts. Have you reviewed the newer Hornby Class 60 with the 21pin DCC board? I would be interested to hear your views on it and being a bigger channel than mine. I am sure I am not the only one thinking this too. Peter.

[@PrimevalParadise]

Remember when we used to say about Heljan that although their steam locos were naff, the diesels were top notch? I'm not so sure that statement holds any water now

[@Tombola1993]

AKA, “Bear” (D7101) from the Railway Series.

[@roycspary8923]

thank you for the warning. perhaps some of the price increase went to adding many un needed extra gears. and it is a masterclass in how not to use led technology for model lighting all frustrating for a hymek fan. thank you for saving me from a bad buy great work

[@LarsPW]

A quite good analogue controller should do the same as a digital decoder in the loco and provide pulse width modulated (PWM) DC for the motor. So there should not be any difference unless the frequencies play a role and differ, too.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Lars - I have noticed slightly better performance on DCC because the power supply (decoder) is in closer proximity to the motor and therefore fewer losses occur. Otherwise it's just the lighting that'd be different on digital, with full power going to the LEDs at all time, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@irishsixtysixfanGbrf66739]

Perhaps sam you could take out the old factory fitted resistor and try with a different one and see how that changes the lights intensity

[@SamsTrains]

That could be interesting! Though ultimately I think it's the positioning of the headcode LEDs that's responsible for the dimness - to drive them harder probably wouldn't make much difference, and I'd risk blowing them! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dekhrahahoon]

Great that someone (you, Sam) does honest reviews, which we don't get in the magazines that we pay a lot of money for. I got the Heljan 1366. After a great deal of investigating and minor alterations (minor, but took many days), it runs very well. But I resolved NEVER to purchase anything whatever from Heljan again. I had the strong impression that Heljan have two different design teams, the team that does the modelling (very good) and the team that does the operating parts (lazy, incompetent, slovely, not even bothering to test properly). The couplings were a load of tat. The stupid complicated design of the fitting made them hang way below the correct height, and then they had the temerity to put a DOWN step in the coupling itself. They passed completely below the coupling of a correct vehicle. I even noticed the same hang on your model today, but without the step down, and, because it managed to connect to an old clunker (very forgiving), you gave it a way undeserved pass. You politely ask what is the future of Heljan. My less polite answer: bankruptcy, and the sooner the better, to clear the field for better models from more deserving manufacturers. Every rotten manufacturer saps some sales from the good ones, if only by taking away from modellers' budgets, making further new models from better companies less likely.

[@nicholassammons3881]

I agree, the sooner heljan go bust the better!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much! I just think the fact that Heljan is making these models could deter other manufacturers from opting to produce them... which causes us all to lose out! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TIMMEH19991]

The light on the right should light up white, which I noticed doesn't at all. I'm sure my first issue one from 2002ish does light up!

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Crawling is surely not what a Hymek was designed for. They were designed to be a good express passenger locomotive in the Western Region.

[@SamsTrains]

That's true - but a £200 loco should be able to do everything including the dishes! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains Agreed. We should have 90 mph at 80% throttle (my "aviation setting", the engines of a commercial airplane run at this setting in cruise. 100% is takeoff power), and a decent low speed for the price. You can't get out of Paddington or Temple Meads at full engine power.

[@malcolmlucas6627]

Another interesting review Sam. I must ask- what do you do with the models you aren't struck on? Is there a bulging cupboard in your attic with a BR style "NOT BE MOVED" sign attached!!!

[@kimcason8764]

Great Reveiw Sam. As Always..! Of late you have been buying from the U.S. Have you looked at any Australian Loco's..? They look Kooky, but a Company called 'IDR' are producing some Great Stuff. Some are American with a Sprinkle of Oz thrown in. Some Aus built. Available in HO but Some Unusual looking stuff in DC & DCC. Next time you go to Spend on an Americian, think Aussie..! Maybe..!??? Cheers Kim in Oz.😎 Obviously. I have no Skin in the Game. I am not getting a Wedge for this Plug. 😂

[@dsingh412]

how many items of rolling stock can this haul before it become to much for the locomotive (Sam)?

[@Wreckedftfoxy]

sam figure out how to gear it down you would get more low end because of the speed would be lessened for torque which solves the issues

[@LiamsLocos]

Have you got your hands on an accurascale class 37 Sam? Would like to see you review one

[@CrowsWoodRailway]

I think Heljan have issues with figuring out lighting. My Class 33/0 has barely noticeable lighting but the 33/1 has a collapsed star at each end which probably causes my retinas to burn out every time it passes. The 33/2 I have is somewhere in the middle with its lights. The 35 in this video seems pretty poor so it's a wonder as to how they've not figured it out yet.

[@everythingproductions2004]

Hey Sam, have you ever heard of the Thomas character that’s exclusive to the books that’s based on this class “Bear”?

[@dutydruidfilms11]

It look okay, it work’s okay, it’s okay!

[@azuma892]

I got my EFE Hymek for under 100 pounds not too bad for that price.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah exactly - and it's pretty much the same thing too!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@modelrailfan37]

Wow, that’s even better than what I’ve seen them for!

[@mikeking2539]

@@SamsTrains They are the same things, I contacted Bachmann who sell the EFE Rail items and Bachmann's reply was Yes they are made by Heljan!

[@oesypum]

One of the things that I noticed; the yellow panels appear to have colour bleed around someofthe edges, the other, ithat the yellow panels appear to exagerate the window pillars, making them look vasty oversxale

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah they do a bit - not quite as tidy as on some, that's for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I’m sorry to say that I certainly think Heljan is taking advantage of the cost of living situation by changing so much for a locomotive of this quality!!

[@davidford85]

A Class 35 from Accurascale, now there's an idea 🤞🤞

[@Volksplane1]

BUT I Love the weight and running of these, cost is huge considering all things. Is it a numbers game number sold to price?

[@beckyjohnson6798]

If the real Hymeks were numbered D700 - D7100, than Bear (Thomas & Friends Railway Series) would've been the next in line going by number.

[@MickCampin-jp9kb]

Aren't the headcodes different at each end too????

[@ChaileyLeavers11]

A bit harsh given if you want a 35 it's the only game in town. Mine is a really good runner on my end to end layout with generous curves, creeps well and as you noted very smooth and quiet. Loads of details to add to the buffer beams (which I will leave off) and nice finish. I paid £140, yes it could be improved but I call fair value. Most important to me is how well they run and traverse points etc, and this loco performs. Compared to my Hornby ringfield version.................it's a Rolls Royce!

[@Grazzuk]

Well I have the original Hymek Class 35 from Heljan (pre EFE rebranding). After seeing this review I cannot see any reason to upgrade to the new one. My CL35 is running happily on an 8 pin DCC decoder and it would be a lot cheaper to change the bulbs with a third party LED upgrade kit.

[@irishsixtysixfanGbrf66739]

Looks like they set the resistance on the resistor less than 1k as its probably needs to set more towards the 2k to get it to give proper light

[@TIMMEH19991]

That would just make the lighting even dimmer though.

[@henriknilsson7851]

I have three of the light bulb/8pin Heljan Class 35s. I quite like them, having purchased them in the 75-99 pound range. I was really hoping this “updated” model would have etched grills and the likes, so I am massively disappointed with this model. I really hope Accurascale will create both Class 17 and 35 models. Who knows, maybe a 58 as well.

[@SamBarr-cx5er]

Having had and changed my Heljan turntable with a Fleischmann turntable, due to the poor construction and reliability, I no longer purchase Heljan products. Ive only watched half of this review so far and am already wondering if its worth continuing to watch it. Its not your reviewing but the lack of product quality that is why. I thought cab lights had to be extinguished when the loco is moving? On your paperwork I read earlier that the start voltage is 2.5V. One credit to the loco, it didn't derail. I now will only buy locos that are DCC fitted with Sound. Accurascale, Dapol and Oxford rail. The coupling was no where near the correct height. Your 5.82 score says it all.

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

I seriously do personally wanna point out that Bear(formerly known as D71O1) certainly happens to basically have been officially well-knowingly obviously based on the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic locomotives!

[@TheAntisocialTrain]

Could the odd one out here be that class 26 or 27 at 35:08, love the review.

[@vizmortlock]

30% uplift for most things is now par for the course. All of my insurances have done that and in one or two cases even higher still. I think it's called taking the micky or profiteering on the back of inflation. I understand costs are up and inflation running at around 10% so could possibly bite that bullet in some instances, but not as a blanket uplift for little reason. I've said it previously, my spend is well down now overall. Lastly, there is only so much that can be 'upgraded' or 'new tooled' so maintaining sales (cashflow for any business is crucial) is vital. With done to death models, where erlse or how do manufacturers survive? (discuss)

[@andrewphippsphillips1455]

Im quite lucky I got a pre-owned Heljan 3507 quite cheap from someone a long while ago. I mainly bought it because I wanted a smaller 4-axle model & liked the livery of D7040 (blue with white cab surrounds & yellow panel). Its performance & weight are marvellous (it hauls a big rake if needed). But I do agree the lights are lame/weak. If you just want a classic blue loco for pulling some grey/blue coaches, this isn't bad at all. But I agree the price is stupid if you want improvement on the original. Other than dedicated Cl35 fans, I would say its not worth the outlay. Its pulling power & weight are positives, plus I would say I love mine in its unusual blue livery, but would find something else if I was going to spend £180+ on a diesel model

[@europacifictradersltd3717]

hi sam. one really wonders what hell-jan means by upgraded ? were they referring to the model or pricing?. as the model goes for it to weigh 1 gram less than the previous one unless the bulb weighed more than the 21 pin socket all the extra wiring and the micro switches put together then where else could all this less weight go?. could it be that the moulded body parts are thinner? . pity that this company can get away with short changing us.

[@BrecknockValley]

This was a model I had been considering to add to my fleet but considering that they won’t be equal to recent Accurascale or Bachmann diesels it does make you wonder how this costs £209 rrp. I’ll have to see if Accurascale or Rapido do a Class 35!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - compared with what the other manufacturers are offering, it makes no sense to buy one unless you're desperate for a 35... fingers crossed for an Accurascale one! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

The usual question with Heljan is : what did they botched this time ? Answer : the Q/P ratio, by issueing a model minimally upgraded (DCC socket and LED lightning). I won't put more than GBP 100 in such a model, acceptable price for an Hornby Railroad model. A 21 pin DCC socket or equivalent is a standard by now, like LED lights on engines having lights. When you see what Dapol makes for a retailer's price of of GBP 180 as a steam engine (Manor anyone ?), you don't want to buy that. I'm glad to have bought 2 Dapol Hymeks in N... By the way, Dapol have in N many models botched in OO by other brands, including the Hymek. I would be interested by their models if they make a 9F, Britannia, Hymek or BoB Class in OO (models available in N from them). Accurascale is also welcome to do such models by the way, I feel that they would be more interested by the diesels, why not a class 17 from them besides an Hymek ?

[@Taggart00]

What type of cordless drill is that?

[@rmw6151]

Hi Sam, could you review the class 47 from Bachmann?

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Sam, I couldn't have said it better myself, (what's the world comming to) All the best Brian p

[@lukejackson8741]

Could the excessive speed be an attempt to compensate the lack of torque and a heavy train, That a side, I like the analogue reviews, I exclusively use DCC and base purchase off you’re reviews in the main, if it can perform on DC it’s only going to be better on DCC

[@thomaswalsh8726]

I do hope you might find a Heljan Class 28 in the future.

[@SamsTrains]

If I find one I will do! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thomaswalsh8726]

@@SamsTrains The models are hard to find now since they had been discontinued in 00 gauge.

[@chrisatye]

Are you sure the headcode panels don’t have a protective film over them? That film would get scratched - you need to remove it.

[@bb32112]

Please review the Hornby Class 800s when you can! For £500, I wanna know before I buy 😬

[@Oddly1970]

It’s very nice

[@SamsTrains]

It sure looks okay!

[@Alextrains502]

Odd one is the one next to the turntable

[@stormus65]

The words "Heljan", "High Quality" and "Value For Money" never go together in the same sentence it seems.

[@billywindsock9597]

You can join them with ‘isn’t,’ or ‘can’t be,’ or ‘won’t be.’ Helping.

[@modelrailfan37]

@@billywindsock9597 lol

[@SamsTrains]

haha very true - and excellent solution Billy! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@volvoolympianforever]

I think what makes it worse is that only Heljan produces OO scale class 35s now (unless you get the old Hornby one). This means that modellers wanting to create a Western Region scene for OO scale would have no choice but to buy theirs. Until another manufacturer invests in a new tooled class 35, I doubt Heljan would be willing to invest in a brand new model for the Hymeks.

[@ciaranburke3243]

New and improved sam 210 pounds 😂 100 pound loco all day long, great review as always 👍

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - crazy isn't it?!? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheLoachman]

Excellent and informative review as always, Sam, but a disappointing subject. That's a pity, as I want(ed) one. The Hymek has always been a favourite, and I have an old Tri-ang one that's been in a box in storage for decades. I'm wondering if it should be resurrected, but little of the original would survive the process.

[@leticiamatos6191]

is that bear from the rws

[@richardprestidge7573]

Am i missing something. At the beginning you talk about the earlier bachmann/efe hymek but the review is of the Heljan version?

[@mikeking2539]

Some of Heljan's models, E.G Hymeks, Class 58s, are Branded under EFE Rail, and sold through Bachmann. I emailed them about their EFE Class 58, and they (Bachmann) said that they are indeed made by Heljan

[@dialwright]

Are we able to buy your coal wagons yet, please?

[@brlsm9141]

So glad somebody is calling the manufacturers out on their pricing which is just getting silly... Your 35 review is the only thing I have found that's more criminal than when I was looking at Bachmanns 37 a couple of months ago... Came across one that was £279 and thought oh this will be the DCC sound fitted competitor to Accurascales sound fitted model... So browsed Futher on the page to find no sound fitting...... This was actually the Standard model.... At £110 more than Accurascales highly detailed base 37 model.... I then made the mistake of been curious to see how much Bachmanns sound fitted 37 equivalent and was immediately horrified. I felt my heart sink with a thump whilst my ghost jumped out my throat and screamed at the sight of the £379 price tag.... I would buy 2 base Accurascale 37s which I have no doubt will be just as good, if not better in detail and have change to spare out of that price of what is a common everyday Locomotive... Not a rare unique loco such as DP1. I would like to think the retailers have applied huge discounts to them since because they are not shifting but frankly I have placed my order with Accurascale, I am happy to wait and seriously reconsidering if I should be supporting such daylight robbery and never buying anything from Bachmann again!

[@JustinFrazier_360]

So cool

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelwhite8031]

What the Hel-jan are they up to !