EFE Class 58

[inoffapost]

I've been interested in acquiring a class 58 for some time and the in EWS livery it always looked especially good.

Seen an offer for some 58's from EFE at a 'bargain' price. There is no real information about the running gear on these models, so I'm interested to know if they have a decent set-up; central motor position, both bogies motorised, no traction tyres, decent power unit etc.

I know EFE are Bachmann's 'Railroad', second string offering but these locomotives retail at 184 quid so they can't, or shouldn't be too shabby surely?

Offer has them at 35% price reduction which makes this 58 even more attractive, but I have no experience of EFE or Bachmann locos to date.

As far as I can see this run of 58's was originally offered in 2020 so I wonder if any members have any knowledge of these EFE locos.

Happy New Year to everyone from a wet and windy Germany

MickH

[Bigmet]

This is actually a Heljan product*, and the drive is their standard centre motor arrangement driving the four outside end wheels on each bogie, plentiful traction thanks to a solid cast mechanism frame. Simple construction, easily serviced should that ever be required; not that this has been necessary yet on any of their BoBo models that I own.

*Heljan has limited distribution in the UK, the EFE branded versions of their products means they can be stocked by any model shop with a Bachmann account, offering them more market exposure.

The wet and windy blew through the UK on the the 1st, maybe today's calmer clear skies with much sunshine will reach you tomorrow?

[inoffapost]

Excellent feedback Bigmet, thank you!

I think I'll dip my toe and order one.The blue Mainline livery version is stunning, but the EWS livery is just too pretty and is also alittle weathered. Both fit the period of my layout, if the not the operating area, but hey, I was never intending to be prototypical anyway I'm only acquiring locomotives I had cab rides in, and now only the CoCo's as I have the opportunity to extend the layout and finally allow these beasts to run a little.

Despite the wind and rain we had 14 degrees today! However, temp is dropping by 7 tomorrow. A little sun would be nice. Think we have only seen it three or four times since before Christmas.

[Bigmet]

Earlier thread on the class 58:
https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/F ... 33&t=26613
There were quite a number of requests on forums various for further releases after the 2010 (or thereabouts) initial batch, but unless I am mistaken these EFE branded releases are the first since then.

[SRman]

Earlier thread on the class 58:
https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/F ... 33&t=26613
There were quite a number of requests on forums various for further releases after the 2010 (or thereabouts) initial batch, but unless I am mistaken these EFE branded releases are the first since then.

I wouldn't swear to it, but I thought there was a second batch from Heljan, but it has been some time since they released any class 58s. The EFE range adds some more variants, but at a dearer price than buying Heljan branded items. That is, unless they come on sale as bargains.

I have three of the Heljan originals and all are excellent runners. The lighting is a bit "ordinary", with some light bleed between head and tail lights, but that is fixable with a little black paint on the light guides.

[Bigmet]

...I wouldn't swear to it, but I thought there was a second batch from Heljan, but it has been some time since they released any class 58s...
The lighting is a bit "ordinary", with some light bleed...

That raised a smile; it's not so long ago there was little trouble remembering what had been released in RTR OO, because there wasn't very much of it!

As for lighting on OO D+E models manufactured in China, might it have been the original Heljan 47 released in 2001, that was the first to come with lighting fitted? (Never owned one of these, so don't have one to look at; but I 'ran in' several for friends to cure the draggy drive trains.) The lighting was somewhat basic on the first generation models, and much matt black paint, trimming of the function outputs and Pentel ink for colour adjustments has been my recourse. I think it was the Bachmann/NRM Deltic prototype model that was the first I had where simply turning down the wick on the decoder was all that was required; pretty clear that Bachmann had pushed the boat out on this specimen...

[inoffapost]

Again Gentlemen, thank you for the feedback and very helpful information.

As you correctly stated this locomotive is a re-issue from Heljan offered via EFE and is equipped as Bigmet indicated. I've confirmed same with Rails of Sheffield and taken the plunge. Brand new at 119 pounds and then another 25 for the decoder it still isn't too bad VFM if it performs as well as my Heljan 33's. It will be staying in it's box though while the layout is relocated and extended. So apart from 'chipping' and a bit of running in on the existing circuit it won't see much action until Q3 this year. I'm determined to build the new section with a clear plan this time and try to avoid the plethora of mistakes I made first time around. Every time I switch on I'm amazed it all works so I must have got something right, but even so, making it up as you go along isn't the best way. This time I shall be scouring YouTube for the right processes and best tips, not forgetting this forum, of course, which really does have the best 'modelling minds' out there!

MickH

[SRman]

Again Gentlemen, thank you for the feedback and very helpful information.

As you correctly stated this locomotive is a re-issue from Heljan offered via EFE and is equipped as Bigmet indicated. I've confirmed same with Rails of Sheffield and taken the plunge. Brand new at 119 pounds and then another 25 for the decoder it still isn't too bad VFM if it performs as well as my Heljan 33's. It will be staying in it's box though while the layout is relocated and extended. So apart from 'chipping' and a bit of running in on the existing circuit it won't see much action until Q3 this year. I'm determined to build the new section with a clear plan this time and try to avoid the plethora of mistakes I made first time around. Every time I switch on I'm amazed it all works so I must have got something right, but even so, making it up as you go along isn't the best way. This time I shall be scouring YouTube for the right processes and best tips, not forgetting this forum, of course, which really does have the best 'modelling minds' out there!

MickH

When adding the decoder, the body can be a bit stiff to get off the first time. It does simply unclip from the chassis - the footplates along the sides between the cabs are a part of the body moulding. I hope this helps a little.

[inoffapost]

Been a while since I started this thread but I finally got my hands on my EWS 'Bone' which I ordered from Rails back in January!

It had been sitting at my daughter's place in the UK waiting for someone to bring it out to me in DE and that was finally achieved earlier this week.
Very nice model, well packed and presented with light weathering to the EWS livery.

George Dent recently reviewed these EFE 58's in 'Model Rail' magazine and reiterated their 'bargain' value. Indeed, I've seen them now being advertised for 105 quid which is further reduction on the 119 I paid.
It is certainly a heavy model, one of the heaviest I have anyway. So thanks to Bigmet and SRMan for the input earlier in the year. This looks and feels like a good purchase!

MickH

[Hornchurch]

Been a while since I started this thread but I finally got my hands on my EWS 'Bone' which I ordered from Rails back in January!

It had been sitting at my daughter's place in the UK waiting for someone to bring it out to me in DE and that was finally achieved earlier this week.
Very nice model, well packed and presented with light weathering to the EWS livery.

George Dent recently reviewed these EFE 58's in 'Model Rail' magazine and reiterated their 'bargain' value. Indeed, I've seen them now being advertised for 105 quid which is further reduction on the 119 I paid.
It is certainly a heavy model, one of the heaviest I have anyway. So thanks to Bigmet and SRMan for the input earlier in the year. This looks and feels like a good purchase!

MickH

'


Forgive me for being a year late ( ! ), but I don't post much, nor visit often enough as I should.

Seeing your thread Mick reminded me of the three Heljan examples I bought on the approach to a certain Christmas.

My memory is a little jaded, but, IIRC, it would be around Xmas 2018 or possibly even 2019, but I favour the former ( 2018 )

Hattons had their craziest "Brand New" stuff SALE in a long while & those SALE prices were just crazy cheap.

Each week I was buying a new engine ( Large engines, too ), because the prices were just SO irresistible.

IIRC, the THEN retail price of a Heljan Class 58 was in the region of £125.00 to £129.00 each ( ? ).

They were selling them in this crazy sale at just £75.00 each, so, over a few weeks, I bought three.

Alas, I only bought one in the "rusty brown" scheme you mentioned - the scheme I favour = "E.W.S"

Dunno why, but, with mah 'knickers in a twist' (& probably half-pi$$ed !), I bought TWO of the "Mainline Blue"

That strange "Indigo Blue" scheme, but hey, @ £75.00 each they were definitely worth having as "brand new" fresh out the box.

Seeing your thread jogged my old beer addled brain cells & reminded me of one of my much earlier posts...


Being clueless, I opted for, what in hindsight turned out to be a good buy - Hornby's R.8211 "Rolling Road"


Back then, by chance, I wasn't sure I could adapt it for Diesels, as the blurb said "Suitable for Steam Loco's, BUT NOT DIESELS"

Most of my Loco' fleet ARE Diesels, but I thought, "If this goes Pear Shaped at least I've got a few Steam", so, not wasteful...

Jiggled about with it (after purchase) & to my great & eternally happy surprise, found that, by adding a 4th roller & a few screws...


https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/ ... 4#p669454


As you'll most probably notice, purely by chance, I tested it out using my (then) newly acquired Heljan "Mainline" 58

Digital cameras ARE notorious for giving differing interpretations of colour-shades, as seen here, on that thread link...

I was impressed, not only by the prices, but also just how "solid" those engines feel & it appears, worth every penny !!


Seeing that EFE are offering other Ex-Heljan types, I recently purchased TWO "Hymeks" & again, happy buyer, decent quality.

Having chanced upon your thread, it reminded me of those times when Hattons were still front runners in terms of sales.

It also jogged my memory that I'd taken ( fairly lame ) pix of those 58's you mentioned & just how much I like them.

Hindsight's a wonderful thing now, but, looking back, I wish I'd bought two of the E.W.S, instead of just the one...

Not clued-in like you hardcore folks on IRL branding, I know bugger-all about "Mainline" as a company.

Were they in business long ( ? ) - I ask as I also have a Bachmann 37 in that same Blue livery with 'silver' writing...

[SRman]

If it is of any help, Mainline was one of the three separate freight companies set up before EWS took over the whole lot. Mainline liveries were a mix of TT grey adapted with their logo in blue, and their aircraft blue with silver logos. Both schemes survived for some time under EWS with EWS logos pasted over the top.

[Bigmet]

...Seeing that EFE are offering other Ex-Heljan types, I recently purchased TWO "Hymeks" & again, happy buyer, decent quality...

I was a little surprised that this one appeared in the EFE range, as it has been consistently well rated for appearance, there simply isn't an alternative, and Heljan's full width body BoBo mechanisms are good. If EFE picks up the EE type 2 'Baby Deltic' (class 23) and offers it in all over BR green, I will be tempted to add another to sit alongside the original Heljan releases. Same applies to the early BRCW type 2, (class 26/0) both are 'neat and tidy' items.

I have fiddled around with the lighting and coupler mountings on all my Heljan diesel models: how does a brand based in HO land get the NEM coupler pocket positioning so wayward? ; but whatever, it's easy enough to tackle this kind of thing.

The notorious conservatism of the UK's model railway purchaser is your friend; it will take at least 10 years for the 'EFE' brand to establish, and in the meantime there could be value to be had! But be careful, because EFE is a very mixed bag, including steam models from the now departed unlamented DJM stable... Enquire as to model origins and reputations on original release would be my suggestion if anything of interest pops up.

[Hornchurch]

If it is of any help, Mainline was one of the three separate freight companies set up before EWS took over the whole lot. Mainline liveries were a mix of TT grey adapted with their logo in blue, and their aircraft blue with silver logos. Both schemes survived for some time under EWS with EWS logos pasted over the top.

P_20190117_214856_vHDR_On.jpg

P_20190926_221243_vHDR_On.jpg

P_20190117_215559_vHDR_On.jpg

First off "SRman" = Thank you very much for your potted explanation regarding "Mainline" & in answer to my question.

My first ever Bachmann Class 37 (after buying a few Lima), was a "Mainline" liveried version back in 2016

I bought it at (what at the time) seemed a very reasonable price of £85.00 brand spanking new

Bought it from that chap / dealer in Ipswich - You hardcore model-rail nutters will know who I mean !!

£85.00 might not seem cheap to (some) others who will no-doubt tell me of one they bought in 2004 for £50.00

Well, suffice to say that I "only got back into model railways as late as 2016 , after a long lapse of 45 years !!

I've always been FAR more into Military Aircraft since the age of 6 and in particular AIRFIX kits - still am.

But I'm rather proud of that short / brief burst that saw me acquire some juicy bargains in the '00' gauge world

Was literally SO impressed with my Bachmann "Mainline" 37, that I bought an "E.W.S" version, the following week

Again, was the marvellous fellow in Ipswich - He was knocking these two out on discount at the time.

I was SO smitten that I started "Hoovering up" ALL brand new Bachmann 37's I could lay my hands on, with discounts.

Ended up with a fleet of 37's & 47's - somewhere in the region of 26 of them, in various liveries.


Seeing your lush photo's "SRman" makes me appreciate my 'Indigo Blue' Class 58

And as you've now explained, "Mainline" absorbed into "E.W.S" & I understand, thence, to DB.Schenker ??

The very first time I saw any Class.66 IRL, was at the railroad junction @ Tennyson Ave.

I was utterly stunned at the sheer size of it - Up close & in my face, almost arm's length away. so it seemed,

I mention it, because that was wearing an "E.W.S" (or Ex-EWS) livery - Aggregate train from Middleton

The most recent one I saw (few months ago), was also @ Middleton, underneath the "Hopper-Loader"

That one (around May'24) had the overall "E.W.S" Brown/Yellow stripe scheme, with a Red "DB.S" cab logo**

( or suchlike, it's the same as the only Bachmann 66 that I own - scheme as above... )


So both of my wonderful "first two" Bachmann class 37's wear these liveries & also my Heljan class 58's too...

Thanks once again "SRman" for your explanation & lovely pix, it's much appreciated...

...Seeing that EFE are offering other Ex-Heljan types, I recently purchased TWO "Hymeks"
& again, happy buyer, decent quality...

If EFE picks up the EE type 2 'Baby Deltic' (class 23) and offers it in all over BR green, I will be tempted to add another

'


Hi Bigmet - Haven't spoken in a while, but I remember when I joined here back in 2016, you were helpful & welcoming

Now, it's funny that you mentioned the "Heljan Class 23 - Baby Deltic"

I knew bugger-all about these Locomotives, BUT - They were being knocked out @ £59.00 - (Hattons I believe ?)

At that price (silly cheap, looking back), I thought "Heck, why not ?" & I dived in deep

Beautiful if pugnacious looking engine - it shocked me as to just how darn heavy it was !!!!!

Holding it, you just couldn't help notice the heft & build quality & it inspired me to buy yet more Heljan

Still absolutely LOVE my Baby Deltic & indeed ALL of the 30 Heljan brand new engines I've purchased.

I did notice Sam (Sam's Trains) knock the Hymeks on their weak lighting, but it doesn't bother me, at all.

So yeah, "if" E.F.E were to knock out some more of the Heljan Locomotives, I wouldn't say no.

Lastly, just for reference : Those 2 x E.F.E Class 35 Hymeks I bought were just £89.00 each in July 2024

.

[SRman]

Hornchurch, thank you for the appreciative note. I did oversimplify a bit, but I really didn't want to go into the whole story: besides not being right up to date on it all, myself, it could fill a whole book.

You are correct that DB Schenker took over EWS operations, and, of course, many locos and their rolling stock lost their EWS logos and insignia, and gained the DB logos. It takes many years to repaint and rebrand everything into whatever the owner's livery is at any one time. Quite often, events overtake the process and the last in old liveries go into a new branding, bypassing the intermediate livery.

As for Sam's Trains, I like some of his reviews, but he isn't always correct. Some of his statements are personal opinions, and can differ from others. Regarding Heljan's lights, on older locomotives with headcode panels, or old style marker lights, the real ones were dim, and barely visible if on in daylight. In that regard, Heljan are actually more accurate than many other manufacturers. For more modern locomotives with separate headlights, or even LED lighting, the Heljan lights can be a bit dim, depending on the model. As an example, though, their 'Kestrel' model was probably the first of theirs with LED lighting, and it was way too bright. It took me a while to work out the necessary CV settings to dim them a bit (or actually, quite a lot!).