GWR 47xx Night Owl 2-8-0

[Hilux5972]

Hi all

Have just spotted this announcement in the warley news thread on another well known Forum. Due for release in 2016 and working in collaboration with the Team who are currently building No.4709. Hopefully they get it right and do not repeat any of the problems with the Garretts because I will be purchasing several.

[bike2steam]

As one who has seen 6 of the class in 'the flesh' as it were, with many happy days spent at places like Old Oak Common, Southall, and even Oxley sheds - I'd love to know where this 'Night Owl' comes from. But I will definitely have one in late BR livery - as I saw them.

[Mike Parkes]

Night Owl raised by their use on overnight trains.

[bike2steam]

Err yes, I know they were used on overnight heavy fitted freights, during the day they had their own siding just outside Old Oak shed where they were parked between use, but when did that name come into use, or as I suspect when the new-build was first thought of.

[sir hayden]

Err yes, I know they were used on overnight heavy fitted freights, during the day they had their own siding just outside Old Oak shed where they were parked between use, but when did that name come into use, or as I suspect when the new-build was first thought of.

I think only the trainspotters called them that? Well either way, this'll go great with the Hattons 14xx & the 2 GWR locomotive models I already have, now to decide what livery variant I want for my layout. Also, I asked Heljan on their facebook if they could set me up with a sound fitted one, I hope so cause that'd be amazing .

[bike2steam]

Don't forget the forthcoming new Bachmann 6400 .

[whynot]

Impressive locos, but I've never been able to get excited nor even think about anything that far in the future. Guess I'm just not the optimistic sort!

[GWR_fan]

I have the opportunity to purchase a model but given the failures with most Heljan product lines and relatively fragile steam mechanisms I just cannot press the buy button. No doubt it will not last as someone else will have less qualms than me.

[Bigmet]

It is not even released yet! I would play wait and see on this item, how is it performing for those who buy it to operate on their layout?

My experience with the Heljan O2 2-8-0 and two friend's B-G's, and this is from the perspective of a long time hobbyist who has successfully built loco kits including mechanisms, which run well. The construction Heljan use for their steam locos is miles distant from their simple well proven twin bogie diesel scheme; it is complex and in my opinion not really designed for user disassembly. As such I have abandoned my usual approach of taking a new model from an unfamiliar manufacturer to pieces on receipt and left well alone, as it runs and pulls very satisfactorily.

I will buy again, when they ever get around to the announced O2 versions with GNR cab and tender, but I'll see it run to the standard required on the retailer's premises before I take it, as DIY adjustment is not the easiest. I like the model I have; it had some silly errors to correct, but with these sorted and weathering, real coal, etc. added it looks the part and runs as it should. But I still feel cautious about future purchases.

[GWR_fan]

It is not even released yet! I would play wait and see on this item, how is it performing for those who buy it to operate on their layout?

.

A seller who specialises in shipping downunder is showing one available. I was a little perplexed as I had seen that Hattons expect it in around May. The seller normally shows a new item not instock as preorder, however, it is showing as available for $255.00.

[D605Eagle]

I have the opportunity to purchase a model but given the failures with most Heljan product lines and relatively fragile steam mechanisms I just cannot press the buy button. No doubt it will not last as someone else will have less qualms than me.

Having got my fingers well and truly burned with the Hatton Garret I'm with you on this one and I'm going to watch what happens with this one. I do have a couple of O2s which both run super smoothly but they are so delicate! You have to be so careful when you touch them.

[GWR_fan]

At one time I was prepared to be a beta tester of new product, however, of late steam outline from Heljan has been very fragile looking and I believe beyond my talents to repair should a failure occur. The B-G was the final straw for me when I saw the litany of problems in both design and assembly line construction. But for the multitude of collectors who will most likely will never run their B-G, in the real world there should have been a recall on the model.

[Bigmet]

... but when did that name come into use, or as I suspect when the new-build was first thought of.

I believe that's it, a 'promotional name' invented to help with the fund raising effort required to pay for the new build. Not really in the GWR naming tradition is it? Should be named for a building, possibly one noted for night time use: 'All Night Pharmacy' class?

[GWR_fan]

I am trying to justify the "need" for a 4700 class as I have several 2800 class. The 4700 class model would be 12 mm longer with driving wheels 4 mm larger in diameter. To me the classes look similar and effectively carried out similar duties. Do I really need the potential angst of an untried new model?

[Bigmet]

Only you can answer that! I would definitely wait and see on the mechanical reports before any buying decision gets made.

They were in very different employment from the other GWR eight coupleds, which were intended for slow mineral and general goods traffic, and rarely did much else. The 47xx were reserved for fast brake fitted goods trains, mostly scheduled to run overnight, and would see employment on passenger work, especially during the peak holiday season. As such they were a fast mixed traffic unit, comparable to the near contemporary LMS 'Crab' and GNR H4/LNER K3 2-6-0s, NER S3/LNER B16 and LSWR/SR S15 4-6-0s, rather than other eight coupled types.