There are a few threads relating to either issues with the older early release class 27 locomotives from Heljan, but I could not locate any recent threads in relation to this type. Hattons have the BR blue D5389 (London allocation) and BR green D5361 (Glasgow allocation) in limited numbers for GBP69.00.
I always avoided the class 26, 27 and 33 as I never knew if they had the older brass or later more user friendly metal wheels. I am hoping the releases above are from a recent batch and not brass wheeled.
Due limited instock numbers I picked up one of each and put my 'future order' for 'Lion' on hold as there are more stock available of that model. Shed allocation is not a priority for me so I am not overly fussed that the Glasgow allocated model might have ventured south for the winter.
I assume that the mechanism is basically the same as the class 26 and class 33 models so no doubt will be a strong, reliable drive. Apart from decoder and brass wheel power pickup issues there seems very little reported on this class of locomotive. Any reports of what may be expected quality wise on this type or any issues to look out for, please?
Heljan class 27
Re: Heljan class 27
Edit to above posting. The BR blue D5389 was actually allocated to the London Midland region where it was located when it received its BR blue livery at the start of 1967. It remained there until 1969 when it was allocated to Scotland. The cab number has a "M" under the number indicating it was a midland locomotive. It was transferred to Scotland at Eastfield at the end of 1969. The loco, "D5389 retained the livery (minus ‘D’ and ‘M’ adornments) until at least the summer of 1970, it being in ‘standard’ BR blue by the following year" (Rail Express review). The loco livery is unlike a typical 'BR blue' livery.
Info courtesy of a 2012 Rail Express review.
Thus it would seem that these two locomotives are from a relatively recent release and should have more user friendly wheels fitted, fortunately.
Info courtesy of a 2012 Rail Express review.
Thus it would seem that these two locomotives are from a relatively recent release and should have more user friendly wheels fitted, fortunately.
Re: Heljan class 27
I must say that legendary Hattons service does impress. When I placed my order the local Liverpool time would have been around 3 am. Within minutes of placing the order my package was processed, including the packer's name and an email sent to inform that my items were ready to go. Do Hattons staff work a 24 hour clock roster? The instore inventory stock listing on their site instantly reflected my purchases.
Re: Heljan class 27
Basically this is a case of 'no news is good news' from the mechanism side. The Buhler motor does draw rather more current than is the norm for comparable can motors from other makers, but provided the decoder can deliver the current it runs beautifully. Occasionally there is trouble with the decoder plug pins shorting on the chassis block under the socket. Never had this trouble, but a piece of insulating tape is belt and braces prevention. Sometimes a little grease does migrate onto the wheelbacks in transit, easy clean up thanks to the way the bogie sides simply pull off to give good access.GWR_fan wrote:... Apart from decoder and brass wheel power pickup issues there seems very little reported on this class of locomotive. Any reports of what may be expected quality wise on this type or any issues to look out for, please?
I think the better nickel silver wheels are likely on all new purchases now, it would be very old shelf stock that had the brass wheels; as the n/s wheelsets were introduced into production what must be at least five years ago. This said my first Heljan was a brass wheeled 27, (a cheapy offer from Hattons in about 2008) and modified to class 26/0 appearance. It has been trouble free on these wheels, nice bright shiny track on each tyre; it's a model performer on the layout. The recent release of the class 26/0 which I purchased quite recently is equally good.
About the only criticism I have of the 26/27/33 chassis (which is the same unit in terms of mechanism) is the NEM coupler pocket which rather than a simple solid moulding is all little fiddly bits and pieces, which tends to allow the inserted coupler to droop. (The class 23 has a thoroughly sensible solid NEM coupler pocket integrally moulded with the bogie baseplate, a welcome development.) There's also regular trouble reported on line by folks who find their chosen coupler fouls the factory fitted bufferbeam detail. Which brings us to the apparently troublesome concept of 'make your own decision on the compromise that satisfies your requirements': but I am sure that no such troubles will afflict us here.
Re: Heljan class 27
Bigmet,
many thanks. As the model is a 2012 release then no doubt has the better wheels. I am surprised at the body detail differences modelled between the 'Scottish' locomotives (tablet catcher and sliding windows) and the original 'English' allocated models.
many thanks. As the model is a 2012 release then no doubt has the better wheels. I am surprised at the body detail differences modelled between the 'Scottish' locomotives (tablet catcher and sliding windows) and the original 'English' allocated models.
Re: Heljan class 27
I think Bigmet said it all, really. I have one class 33 mechanism that whines slightly, where all of the others are dead silent, but all are extremely smooth and powerful runners. That also applies to most of the other Heljan locomotives, besides the 26/27/33 chassis types. For the record, I have six class 33s and one class 26 (don't ask!), where three of the 33s were early issues with brass wheels; I bought replacement wheelsets of the later type to fit to those and the early class 47 I owned.
My Heljan Western still runs on the original brass wheels but doesn't seem to suffer the same tarnishing problem that all the others did, for some reason.
My Heljan Western still runs on the original brass wheels but doesn't seem to suffer the same tarnishing problem that all the others did, for some reason.
Re: Heljan class 27
SRman,
many thanks.
many thanks.
Re: Heljan class 27
I'd have to tackle that. It's got to be something simple in one of the spur gear trains in a bogie. Could be a bit dry, could be one of the gears slightly 'pinched' by the structure and not turning as freely as it should. Always got itchy fingers to dismantle mechanisms, any excuse will do.SRman wrote:...I have one class 33 mechanism that whines slightly, where all of the others are dead silent...
Re: Heljan class 27
My two class 27 from Heljan arrived yesterday. The BR blue version ran beautifully out of the box. The green version has a slight whine. Also it arrived with the fuel tank/battery box moulding loosely fitted (one locating/mounting tang was missing and not to be found, requiring the moulding to be glued insitu)). Also the green one had a rattle sourced to a front window loose in the cab. Loco was disassembled and window refitted (I must have received a Friday afternoon build or last day before Chinese New Year break).