The 14’s were not shunting loco’s. They were built to replace Pannier tanks and main line work. They were strong reliable workhorses The work they were built for disappeared as they were being built with many going into industry.
This incorrect, Yes they were built to replace the Pannier Tanks, but the Class 14's were built built to BR's Specification for Shunters. This is why they had Dual Cab controls which face in the same direction and all the wheels are mechanically connected to each other in order to meet BR specifications. Class 15 to 20's which were more built as Branch line locomotives by contrast have their Dual Controls facing in opposing directions and all their axles are independently powered on articulating Bogies. The 14's being built as a shunter was also a draw back it as meant they weren't the most successful as branch line locomotives. whilst very powerful for shunting, They were underpowered to get the longer, and heavier trains up to speed which is why as sam says, they had to be run in pairs at Hull before been phased out. They also weren't the only Shunters built with potential Branch line work in mind 03's and 04's were designed with a top speed of 28MPH for this and occasionally were used for branch line work also until the Beechings Axe closed them down.
This just having black headcode boxes were prototypical as they didn't use them at the NCB if you look at their other class 14s they have headcodes displayed when appropriate
Not a shunter, Sam! A branch line and light freight loco with a top speed of 40mph. Many of them worked a NCB until the decline in coal mining in the 1980s.
Yup..I think they was a class of loco that NEVER should of been built. Designed to do branchline work (as you said) to replace the smaller steam locos doing the job. However by the time the Type 1 'Teddybears' where rolling off the line..Beaching was closing the branch lines. You could see these 'Type 1s' as one of the waisted of money projects that happen during UK railway's 'modernization plan'.
One thing I’ll praise Heljan for here is that they actually label the parts in the accessories bag in the manual! 👏 I wish all manufacturers of model railroad locomotives would put this in the manual (or maybe a small paper insert into the accessories bag itself.) 😊
Honestly speaking, the NCB blue livery on the Class 14 'Teddy Bear' diesel locomotives from Heljan looks good. Of course, Heljan still makes some of their models very awkward to disassemble properly, but this particular model has a pretty decent mechanism. Overall, this is a decent model from Heljan Sam.
Interesting loco. Oddly enough, we had freight loco vibes from it and the comments seem to confirm, lol. Well, anyway, a mixed bag indeed. Details in a bag on a spruce is Roco style for default economising. It shouldn't be an argument for a reduced review on details. It's what makes a rather very mild price possible. Overall quality shouldn't deserve 4 stars tough. The general balance of price and what you get isn't all bad but could be a tad better indeed. The overall score of 6.69 is spot-on actually. Cheerio.
I own one of these in BR Green Livery. It may not be an outstanding model, but it is a solid model. So fair play to Heljan, their Class 14's are models to be proud of. And this one in that blue livery also lives up to it. I wish we could say the same of their Class 17's...
As someone who really likes the Class 17, I do find it very funny, how the model mirrors the prototype's performance. That said, I wish there was a real quality model of the 17, out there.
@bavarianbanshee I have one of Heljan's Class 17's and...yeah it leaves a lot to be desired. A pity, I like the Class 17's a lot as well. But they could have avoided making it as inefficient as the real thing... Hopefully someone else does a good model of it one day
Sam, excellent review as usual. But I'd like to discuss running in. I spent 30 odd years building racing engines, which admittedly are not the same as model locomotives; however, the basic principle of running in on the dynamometer was to run with no load on the engine for around 20 minutes. This was to remove any serious high spots in the engine without causing damage. After that, the engine loading was increased in stages (as were the rpm) until running in was complete and the performance could be tested. This gradual increase in load was to ensure that all high spots were removed to the point where the engine was in a suitable state to let if fly. Different types of machine may require different running in techniques, but the basic principle is nearly always to gradually increase the amount of work being done. Now I know that just about all manufacturers state to run their locos in running light, but I disagree. Certainly start like that, but after a while I always add some wagons and then gradually increase their number over time. I also vary the speed when running in, starting relatively slow and increasing in stages (and sometime decreasing it). The motor and gear train will behave slightly differently under these changing conditions and this should ensure that they are bedded in to suit all types of running. Just a thought, and maybe someone has good reasons to run in at constant speed under no load.
Hi Sam fantastic review, i think they were very pleasing to the eye! I have one, think around 2016 at a swap meet in Bolton. It was a limited edition by Hattons and it was in a ficticious livery, Loadhaul! and was called Clive i think. Think it was numbered 14701.It looks great and runs pretty well although the forward lights are too bright. It has good hauledge power. It was preowned and came dc fitted with certificate no 2 and paid 100.00 pounds. As always enjoyed, hope your keeping well, cheers Nick.
Watching this review gave me the idea to make a video about the Class 14 in Train Simulator. Unfortunately, this NCB livery isn't in the game; only the original BR green. I've never seen a Class 14 in real life, but I still like this locomotive because of her unique design.
Hi Sam. Being a South Wales coal miner's son who can't resist anything NCB-related, I just had to buy this model. But like you, I was put off by the price, untilI I saw TMC selling it for £119. It was advertised as an 8 pin DCC Ready example, but a quick discussion with TMC confirmed it as a 21 pin, so I took the plunge. I agree with pretty much all you said: I found the brake shoes & sand boxes extremely fiddly to fit, but due to it's looks, performance and the priceI paid, I'd have been hovering between a Grade D & C rating. PS: another reason for buying it was that it was a diesel hydraulic...
The issue is not whether it needed them but whether it actually had them (some NCB Class 14s did, others didn't). Sam does not say what research (if any) he has done on the actual loco, but it would be unwise to make a negative comment that is not backed-up by fact.
@@northernblue1093 Its backed up from experience. Feel free to post a picture of an NCB class 14 in this livery with a headcode. It was an observation not a negative comment.
@@garrymartin6474 Google image search for "Class 14, NCB No.8 at Ashington c.1982" to see a headcode in use. But most other images show no headcodes which is what I would have expected having seen plenty of NCB locos when I was much much younger.
A very fair, if also very generous review. I've been after one for ages, as the smallest of the western region hydraulics, but none have cropped up for decent money when I've had funds available. For the money that you paid, I'd expect more in line with the more modern tooled class 07 you have there, and for the RRP I'd expect way more, including a spinning fan, a fully detailed full relief cab with a light, drive to the jack shaft, and more. I do have an 0 gauge one from Minerva, which is a lovely loco, geared a lot lower than this heljan one, but the light green isn't the right shade, and the headcodes are printed (slightly too large) on the rear of the instruction book so you have to cut it out to use them...
Interesting review. I have Heljan's Swedish T21, a centre-cab diesel, and to lift the bodies (after removing the cab), they have to be tilted forward - breaking the fibre-optics to the lighting! Heljan had glued them together and not thought about this when preparing the instructions! But at least you're having moderate success with the brand. Good luck!
Hi Sam, i love the Teddy Bears 🐻 the original clicked in curves and i found cerclips fitted on the jack shaft axle fixed this. One small point, these were designed to replace Pannier tanks and Praries, so not just shunting 😊
IF you are wondering what that 'indent' in the nearest engine bonnet door to the cab is used as a step so you can get to a 'steam age' water filler on top thats the opposite side of the engine exhaust.
I was watching IC82's video on this today, his model from the original batch does have supplied headcodes, and the headcode holders on the front were very bright. Interesting.
It seems like the NCB livery version specifically lacks headcodes as the NCB didn't use them. It's prototypically accurate, but means you're missing out on that feature with this paint scheme.
hi Sam……here’s a thought for a future video topic……..”Sam’s Best Loco Ever” made be each of the main manufacturers (Hornby, Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, Mainline, Wrenn, Rapido, Accurascale, etc)…….would be fascinating to hear your thoughts. I absolutely love watching your videos, and always view your reviews before considering buying any loco. Great work ! 👏👏
I got one of these some years ago, probably not long after they came out and I'm fairly satisfied with it. It runs well and looks good in general, mines BR Green. Some found their way up to work on the pit lines where I am in the NE. I saw one of these in action last year at the KWVR
2 things, the sloppy coupling hook and the slow running. Because the distance from the coupling hook to the nearest axle is larger then normal the arc of the coupling on corners is larger so either the whole coupling needs to move or just the hook. The gearbox has three gears visible. There are no bearings. The gear mesh will have 'float' so dependent on gear loads the mesh will change with load and direction..
Wow! I know I was congratulating Hornby for not horribly screwing up the Ruston only a few days ago, but this is much more nicely done. It’s kind of half way between LNER garter blue (supposed to be a bright, somewhat light blue unlike how Hornby does it) and LNER Marlborough blue (a light desaturated blue). Maybe kind of a desaturated Caledonian blue? I like it either way. Also Sam, you should try a Penbits sprung bogie kit for one of your diesels. In the finer gauges, I’ve seen them drastically improve tractive effort and track handling. Thanks as always.
Hi Sam, upon researching I found that NCB examples of the Class 14 had their headcodes removed so the way the model is depicted here is technically accurate. I have a model of a Class 14 in BR Maroon and that had its headcode pre-fitted from the factory.
I've always thought a good shunter should cost more as it needs a far better mechanism to achieve slow and smooth running. Not that that's what happens, but it should :)
I purchased one of these in BR Green. I took it back the next day! On my example from opening the box the horn/bonnet screw cover fell off and one of the cab steps was loose in the box. The other side cab steps fell off when I got it out of the box. I could not remove the cab as it had been glued on with a big gap between the bottom of the cab and the frame. There was so much side movement in the fake jack shaft that the coupling rods "flapped about". It was my first and last Heljan loco.
I have one in BR Green (weathered) and it runs very well, the headcodes work fine, . It came from a friend, so the chassis details had been fitted..... I think as your model is of one in NCB private ownership, I would guess that they filled/blanked off the headcode boxes, as they would not be required for this kind of duty!
Thanks for all the views and description if this. Some really important issues rule this out to me and also add to my poor opinion of Heljan products. Coupling pockets not meeting the NEM standard, assuming everyone uses couplings to that junk quality, dreadful glued accessibility to the motor and DCC plugs. One non issue for the NCB cheaper livery is that they did not use headcodes. However if the BR version does not supply head codes then that would be an issue.
Another Heljan, been a while, hasn't it? Always's a great review! I personally suggest you look at the Heljan class ''MY'' from Denmark, Heljan has been making those models for about 25 years at this point and in typical Heljan fashion, they try to batch it as new models, when the chassis and body is still the same with the only difference being updated liveries.
Hey Sam, a friend of mine has had some issues with a Heljan (swedish) T21 model, where its slow speed performance was very poor. He's isolated it to the DCC Blanking plate that Heljan was using. Might be worth taking it out, and testing with power direct to the motor.
Not to nit-pick but the class 14 wasn't a shunting loco as designed. It was meant to be used on short working frieghts (such as branch line worlings) and trip workings between local freight yards. They ended up shunting as their intended work dried up for various reasons.
The cab light issue is really difficult. If modelling daytime, no cab lights needed and would not be prototypical. If modelling night, nice to see inside the model (if the cab detail is good) but in prototype the cab is not lit as it wreaks the drivers vision and causes reflection which also does the same. The rail motors are a pest in this regard as they set the cabin light on at the front cab, rather than the back which might get used by crew other than the driver.
Looks freaking cool. It's salty. But he is blue. I love it. Keep being awesome my friend ur trains are the best. I want one as well. It looks very noice. U never disappoint. I might be considering to get one. But it looks better on ur layout
I am considering getting one of these to replace my hornby 06 pair if it works well on tight corners and if it could work well with a bachmann 03. In fact I want one in this colour scheme too haha
nice loco at last heljan have done it nice build quality. in sweden we got something bigger than class 14 we got the t44 diesel loco it can be used as a main line loco and as a shunter. some t44 are radio controlled, green cargo has som wiht rc. 👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
Hi Sam. I have watched most (if not all) of your reviews of Heljan products and I vowed to myself that I would never buy one of their models (to be fair, I wouldn't anyway as I don't model in OO). I have noticed in several of your reviews that you don't always mention (minor?) defects in the models - but that may be because we have a better view through your camera lens than you do by eye. There were quite a few defects in this model besides the ones you pointed out. Heljan has upped their game a little over the years, but they still have a way to go. What do you think?
After waiting for 3 YEARS for the release I finally got my €600 dcc sound+dynamic smoke loco a week ago, the lights broke, sound sounded like crap and a piece fell of within 12 hours. Went back to the store today and got a new one as replacement, I hope this one will survive at least as long as I waited for it....
Nice one and i have one also but in BR Green, and one of my favourite locos in the actual ones , as have been lucky to have crewed and looked after one of these at a heritage railway, where we used in on passenger trains and also what it had been built for with shunting and trip working and engineering trains and must say one of the best locos ive worked on , as long as you regularly check the engine coolent hoses and other parts with its 6 cly Paxman Ventura diesel engine as these engines were very high reving so engine hoses and fittings tend to get shaken lose , so in the cab I had some adjustable spanners, but brilliant loco 😊 that model company that i cant remember their name? Who make the 00 scale figure of yourself in 3d ,i might get one of me😂 and put it on the front steps of my heljan 14 as like i did on the real thing when shunting.
So, did I made the good choice to buy the Graham Farish model in N instead ? Accessories installed at random, not a good start... Add overall low specs for the price, old Bachmann style couplings (bad height) compounded with old Dapol quality, no separate bearings for the axles, the circonvoluted opening of the bonnet for the DCC decoder, and the green one at GBP 170 at Kernow. So, a no-go for me. Well, Dapol, you have a model to add to your range...
@@Madonsteamrailways nope, Hornby have never, ever made a class 14. Heljan are the only manufacturer of a 00 scale class 14, and it was originally commissioned by Hatton's of Liverpool and sold under their name, until now.
I was going to buy the Farish N Scale one but they screwed up the paint scheme. The BR version had a lighter shade of green on the cab section to the rest of the loco. Farish didn’t catch this unfortunately. I can remember seeing these at British Steel in Corby.
hi Sam, the coupling issue you mentioned actually is imperative they spring to center if you use kadee couplings. If the loco is a so called shunting loco then doesn't it make sense for center sprung coupling? however this is the whole point of your review so thanks for pointing it out and I won't be buying one. Heljan you have missed out on a sale and you really do have to listen to what we want at least the basics anyway. Well done Sam keep the vids coming!
Yeah they do need to spring to the centre - but when something is plugged into the socket the pocket can no longer move off-centre, so it doesn't matter too much - though not sure how a Kadee would behave in it,
A rather nice model, along with a crisp and professional review. Then on to a completely different aspect and this is perhaps a silly observation, probably answered ages ago as well, but I’ve been wondering for a long time… What is it with this craving (it’s almost an obsession) amongst many a 00-modellers for sprung buffers? Especially, since it doesn’t seem to be that many that run any buffer-to-buffer operations nor use other (more rigid) types of so-called close couplers like such from Fleischmann Profi, Märklin or Roco. Hence, sprung buffers on railway models are a feature that is rather meaningless. With greetings from Sweden
I totally agree. Even those 'scale' modellers usually only seen at exhibitions who use 3-link couplings don't really need them - rarely do you see the buffers touch, and if they are sprung, they would probably bounce the vehicles apart again. I'd sooner the the manufacturers didn't bother fitting them. Buy them as aftermarket parts if you really must have them. All stock with automatic couplings fitted to them keep the buffers at too great a distance, like a couple of feet or more.
Oh yes heard about that one .The one I had , had a ex 125 hst starter motor fitted so had to be careful when starting it as it drained the battery fast
I don't know why these locos aren't geared according to the prototype's full speed, which in this case in 40mph. It would probably make low-speed operations a lot smoother.
Sam you should start doing reviews with DC and DCC fitted as the loco will behave differently. You don't have to spend a fortune on DCC chips as you could have one of each chip and transfer it to the next loco that you review. This I believe would make your good reviews better and provide information for people who are thinking about DCC or use DCC.
Hi Sam's trains..samstrains! Well to be frank i have no interest in building a train set, but i find your videos enormously satisfying from just the model quality, price and performance..to that end you do a fine job. Maybe for a short video you might consider would be a beginners guide to the lexicon of models..ie: what is a poll motor what is a dcc chip..this would make a novice like me understand more the complexity of reviewed models. Well Sam, keep up your fine work and many thanks for the entertainment your videos provide.
Sam's Trains, i must apologise for my ignorance, i did indeed find your video on motors and that cleared up my questions, so sorry to have brought up my ignorance but now i enjoy even more your videos..oh what an "earnie" i was! Take care and hope to see another crazy speed record attempt one day.
Well, it seems to me that the cab floor is the top of a weight; since they said it was about 210 grams or so, and Sam measured closer to 250, you’d think Heljan could have milled down a couple more millimeters from the top of the weight, and gotten the weight of the model closer to the printed specifications, eh? Still, I’ll take the extra weight as long as it doesn’t overburden the electric motor. 😊 I’m with Sam on this one; one one hand, they did actually include screw-link couplings, but on the other, they didn’t fit the brake rigging? Someone at Heljan was asleep on the job that day. 😆
Have a Hattons 1st batch. Problems with the Jackshaft coupling clicking( Model railways unlimited fix). My can motor has been replaced and hard wired. Not one of their best.
Nice model - but it isn't really a shunter - it's more along the lines of a diesel branch line engine, the equivalent of a mid sized pannier tank engine. It would pull goods and local passenger trains, if need be, so it would have been a lot nippier than a shunter. If I had an NCB (40 years since the Miners' Strike, by the way) one, I'd have to apply some weathering. Lovely colour, but it would attract some dirt.
@@SamsTrains hello there I’m also a big fan of modeling, but I like to ask you a question have you ever thought about reviewing? Bachmann spectrum GE 45 Ton switcher/Shunter. DCC Item no. 85201
i suppose the reason yours doesn't have headcodes is because of the livery, when these locos were in BR service they'd need them but maybe when this one worked for the coal board, they did away with the blinds inside. I've always liked heljan locos, the bufferbeam detail is a nuisance but I think the class 26 is a fabulous loco, I loved the Heljan class 47s I had years ago, just a shame that price has gone one way & quality the other however I will say, they aren't shy to tackle more obscure prototypes like the Teddy Bears
Hi, Thanks for this nice review. But I have a question when you're talking of price. I live in Switzerland and my layout is on H0 (1:87). The manufacturer of my locos are principally Märklin and Roco. For me, a chep loco is around 250 CHF ( ~215 £). You find nothing (except toys for little kids) under this price. So I'm really shocked how cheap is medel railway in the UK and the exigence you have for a small price like that. For exemple, all the steam locomotive a have cost around 300 £, and that's a normal price. Have a nice day and sorry for my certainly incorrect Englisch ;)
Heljan does not have the facilities to be charging that much for anything they make other than the U1's. Must think they can get away with it since Hornby and the like are doing it too. I suspect sales this year might tell Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan that you can't just keep increasing prices whilst delivering average or sub-par models that nobody asked for from 10 year old toolings. Give us a new H1! And start using Accurascale as a pricing guide! I think for a top of the line model £160 is probably the perfect current price, it's enough for them to get away and make profit despite inflation but enough that you can justify spending it. Hopefully manufacturers don't forget to bring prices down in line with inflation and think they can get away with not changing it back.
The 14’s were not shunting loco’s. They were built to replace Pannier tanks and main line work. They were strong reliable workhorses The work they were built for disappeared as they were being built with many going into industry.
Most ended up as shunters or on privare industry branches. Sadly non standard DH also signed the end of them
I just pointed this out too 😂
Designed to take goods from yard to yard
Dan your absolutely right, they were a great looker too dont you think?
This incorrect, Yes they were built to replace the Pannier Tanks, but the Class 14's were built built to BR's Specification for Shunters.
This is why they had Dual Cab controls which face in the same direction and all the wheels are mechanically connected to each other in order to meet BR specifications.
Class 15 to 20's which were more built as Branch line locomotives by contrast have their Dual Controls facing in opposing directions and all their axles are independently powered on articulating Bogies.
The 14's being built as a shunter was also a draw back it as meant they weren't the most successful as branch line locomotives. whilst very powerful for shunting, They were underpowered to get the longer, and heavier trains up to speed which is why as sam says, they had to be run in pairs at Hull before been phased out.
They also weren't the only Shunters built with potential Branch line work in mind 03's and 04's were designed with a top speed of 28MPH for this and occasionally were used for branch line work also until the Beechings Axe closed them down.
This just having black headcode boxes were prototypical as they didn't use them at the NCB if you look at their other class 14s they have headcodes displayed when appropriate
Yes I can’t understand why Sam would find a problem with Heljan not supplying a headcode sheet that this NCB liveried loco would never have had.
I like that they attached the screw link couplings, as they can be looped back up to the hook (as they often are in practice) to add a NEM coupling.
Not a shunter, Sam! A branch line and light freight loco with a top speed of 40mph. Many of them worked a NCB until the decline in coal mining in the 1980s.
Yup..I think they was a class of loco that NEVER should of been built. Designed to do branchline work (as you said) to replace the smaller steam locos doing the job. However by the time the Type 1 'Teddybears' where rolling off the line..Beaching was closing the branch lines. You could see these 'Type 1s' as one of the waisted of money projects that happen during UK railway's 'modernization plan'.
I have no personal knowledge but Heljan's handbook that comes with the locomotive does say "the design remit was for a shunting locomotive..."
In NCB use (as per the livery reviewed) they were effectively shunting locomotives with no main line running.
One thing I’ll praise Heljan for here is that they actually label the parts in the accessories bag in the manual! 👏 I wish all manufacturers of model railroad locomotives would put this in the manual (or maybe a small paper insert into the accessories bag itself.) 😊
Honestly speaking, the NCB blue livery on the Class 14 'Teddy Bear' diesel locomotives from Heljan looks good. Of course, Heljan still makes some of their models very awkward to disassemble properly, but this particular model has a pretty decent mechanism. Overall, this is a decent model from Heljan Sam.
Interesting loco. Oddly enough, we had freight loco vibes from it and the comments seem to confirm, lol. Well, anyway, a mixed bag indeed. Details in a bag on a spruce is Roco style for default economising. It shouldn't be an argument for a reduced review on details. It's what makes a rather very mild price possible. Overall quality shouldn't deserve 4 stars tough. The general balance of price and what you get isn't all bad but could be a tad better indeed. The overall score of 6.69 is spot-on actually. Cheerio.
"Stylin' SAM !: Chloe did a great job in putting the fine white highlights in your hair !
I own one of these in BR Green Livery. It may not be an outstanding model, but it is a solid model. So fair play to Heljan, their Class 14's are models to be proud of. And this one in that blue livery also lives up to it.
I wish we could say the same of their Class 17's...
As someone who really likes the Class 17, I do find it very funny, how the model mirrors the prototype's performance. That said, I wish there was a real quality model of the 17, out there.
@bavarianbanshee I have one of Heljan's Class 17's and...yeah it leaves a lot to be desired. A pity, I like the Class 17's a lot as well. But they could have avoided making it as inefficient as the real thing...
Hopefully someone else does a good model of it one day
Sam, excellent review as usual. But I'd like to discuss running in. I spent 30 odd years building racing engines, which admittedly are not the same as model locomotives; however, the basic principle of running in on the dynamometer was to run with no load on the engine for around 20 minutes. This was to remove any serious high spots in the engine without causing damage. After that, the engine loading was increased in stages (as were the rpm) until running in was complete and the performance could be tested. This gradual increase in load was to ensure that all high spots were removed to the point where the engine was in a suitable state to let if fly. Different types of machine may require different running in techniques, but the basic principle is nearly always to gradually increase the amount of work being done. Now I know that just about all manufacturers state to run their locos in running light, but I disagree. Certainly start like that, but after a while I always add some wagons and then gradually increase their number over time. I also vary the speed when running in, starting relatively slow and increasing in stages (and sometime decreasing it). The motor and gear train will behave slightly differently under these changing conditions and this should ensure that they are bedded in to suit all types of running. Just a thought, and maybe someone has good reasons to run in at constant speed under no load.
Hi Sam fantastic review, i think they were very pleasing to the eye! I have one, think around 2016 at a swap meet in Bolton. It was a limited edition by Hattons and it was in a ficticious livery, Loadhaul! and was called Clive i think. Think it was numbered 14701.It looks great and runs pretty well although the forward lights are too bright. It has good hauledge power. It was preowned and came dc fitted with certificate no 2 and paid 100.00 pounds. As always enjoyed, hope your keeping well, cheers Nick.
Wow the shade of blue is so pretty
I do love that shade of blue! Great video Sam.
Watching this review gave me the idea to make a video about the Class 14 in Train Simulator. Unfortunately, this NCB livery isn't in the game; only the original BR green.
I've never seen a Class 14 in real life, but I still like this locomotive because of her unique design.
Hi Sam. Being a South Wales coal miner's son who can't resist anything NCB-related, I just had to buy this model. But like you, I was put off by the price, untilI I saw TMC selling it for £119. It was advertised as an 8 pin DCC Ready example, but a quick discussion with TMC confirmed it as a 21 pin, so I took the plunge.
I agree with pretty much all you said: I found the brake shoes & sand boxes extremely fiddly to fit, but due to it's looks, performance and the priceI paid, I'd have been hovering between a Grade D & C rating.
PS: another reason for buying it was that it was a diesel hydraulic...
As an NCB loco it would have remained on the colliery sidings and not have gone onto the main line so would have no use for headcodes.
Interesting - thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The issue is not whether it needed them but whether it actually had them (some NCB Class 14s did, others didn't). Sam does not say what research (if any) he has done on the actual loco, but it would be unwise to make a negative comment that is not backed-up by fact.
@@northernblue1093 Its backed up from experience. Feel free to post a picture of an NCB class 14 in this livery with a headcode. It was an observation not a negative comment.
@@garrymartin6474 Google image search for "Class 14, NCB No.8 at Ashington c.1982" to see a headcode in use. But most other images show no headcodes which is what I would have expected having seen plenty of NCB locos when I was much much younger.
A very fair, if also very generous review. I've been after one for ages, as the smallest of the western region hydraulics, but none have cropped up for decent money when I've had funds available. For the money that you paid, I'd expect more in line with the more modern tooled class 07 you have there, and for the RRP I'd expect way more, including a spinning fan, a fully detailed full relief cab with a light, drive to the jack shaft, and more.
I do have an 0 gauge one from Minerva, which is a lovely loco, geared a lot lower than this heljan one, but the light green isn't the right shade, and the headcodes are printed (slightly too large) on the rear of the instruction book so you have to cut it out to use them...
Interesting review. I have Heljan's Swedish T21, a centre-cab diesel, and to lift the bodies (after removing the cab), they have to be tilted forward - breaking the fibre-optics to the lighting! Heljan had glued them together and not thought about this when preparing the instructions! But at least you're having moderate success with the brand. Good luck!
Hi Sam, i love the Teddy Bears 🐻 the original clicked in curves and i found cerclips fitted on the jack shaft axle fixed this. One small point, these were designed to replace Pannier tanks and Praries, so not just shunting 😊
It's becoming more and more common for key detailing pieces to be left off a Loco. Needs running in to assist the poor slow speed performance
Fully ran this in during the video - final marks were given after running in! Most expensive models have key details fitted these days!
@@SamsTrains You need to see whats offered up where I live then
IF you are wondering what that 'indent' in the nearest engine bonnet door to the cab is used as a step so you can get to a 'steam age' water filler on top thats the opposite side of the engine exhaust.
I was watching IC82's video on this today, his model from the original batch does have supplied headcodes, and the headcode holders on the front were very bright. Interesting.
Jesus there's a name I haven't seen in a very long time, I'll have to have a look and see how he's doing xD
It seems like the NCB livery version specifically lacks headcodes as the NCB didn't use them. It's prototypically accurate, but means you're missing out on that feature with this paint scheme.
hi Sam……here’s a thought for a future video topic……..”Sam’s Best Loco Ever” made be each of the main manufacturers (Hornby, Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol, Mainline, Wrenn, Rapido, Accurascale, etc)…….would be fascinating to hear your thoughts. I absolutely love watching your videos, and always view your reviews before considering buying any loco. Great work ! 👏👏
A decent quality heljan loco?! I may have to pick one of these up if its for the right price...
Same here. I've wanted a Class 14 for a fair while, but haven't seen one at a reasonable price yet.
I got one of these some years ago, probably not long after they came out and I'm fairly satisfied with it. It runs well and looks good in general, mines BR Green. Some found their way up to work on the pit lines where I am in the NE. I saw one of these in action last year at the KWVR
2 things, the sloppy coupling hook and the slow running. Because the distance from the coupling hook to the nearest axle is larger then normal the arc of the coupling on corners is larger so either the whole coupling needs to move or just the hook. The gearbox has three gears visible. There are no bearings. The gear mesh will have 'float' so dependent on gear loads the mesh will change with load and direction..
Yeah - couplings are usually an issue with Heljan locos, and I really don't rate their mechanisms either
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Wow! I know I was congratulating Hornby for not horribly screwing up the Ruston only a few days ago, but this is much more nicely done. It’s kind of half way between LNER garter blue (supposed to be a bright, somewhat light blue unlike how Hornby does it) and LNER Marlborough blue (a light desaturated blue). Maybe kind of a desaturated Caledonian blue? I like it either way. Also Sam, you should try a Penbits sprung bogie kit for one of your diesels. In the finer gauges, I’ve seen them drastically improve tractive effort and track handling. Thanks as always.
Hi Sam, upon researching I found that NCB examples of the Class 14 had their headcodes removed so the way the model is depicted here is technically accurate. I have a model of a Class 14 in BR Maroon and that had its headcode pre-fitted from the factory.
I've always thought a good shunter should cost more as it needs a far better mechanism to achieve slow and smooth running. Not that that's what happens, but it should :)
I purchased one of these in BR Green. I took it back the next day! On my example from opening the box the horn/bonnet screw cover fell off and one of the cab steps was loose in the box. The other side cab steps fell off when I got it out of the box. I could not remove the cab as it had been glued on with a big gap between the bottom of the cab and the frame. There was so much side movement in the fake jack shaft that the coupling rods "flapped about". It was my first and last Heljan loco.
I quite like the color of blue on this engine which I see as very pleasing on the eyes.
I think so too!
I have one in BR Green (weathered) and it runs very well, the headcodes work fine, . It came from a friend, so the chassis details had been fitted..... I think as your model is of one in NCB private ownership, I would guess that they filled/blanked off the headcode boxes, as they would not be required for this kind of duty!
This 14 looks gorgeous and runs a bit faster than it should. Mine runs much more slowly and sounds wonderful!!
I had my 14 for £90. Good little loco. They are not shunters, they were built for short-haul goods on the mainline
Thanks for all the views and description if this. Some really important issues rule this out to me and also add to my poor opinion of Heljan products.
Coupling pockets not meeting the NEM standard, assuming everyone uses couplings to that junk quality, dreadful glued accessibility to the motor and DCC plugs.
One non issue for the NCB cheaper livery is that they did not use headcodes. However if the BR version does not supply head codes then that would be an issue.
Another Heljan, been a while, hasn't it?
Always's a great review! I personally suggest you look at the Heljan class ''MY'' from Denmark, Heljan has been making those models for about 25 years at this point and in typical Heljan fashion, they try to batch it as new models, when the chassis and body is still the same with the only difference being updated liveries.
I got a Class 14 built from a kit DJH I think at the time, have it in the normal green livery. They used a few in the North East of England.
Hey Sam, a friend of mine has had some issues with a Heljan (swedish) T21 model, where its slow speed performance was very poor. He's isolated it to the DCC Blanking plate that Heljan was using. Might be worth taking it out, and testing with power direct to the motor.
Not to nit-pick but the class 14 wasn't a shunting loco as designed. It was meant to be used on short working frieghts (such as branch line worlings) and trip workings between local freight yards. They ended up shunting as their intended work dried up for various reasons.
Hey Sam - No I don't think I've got any Locos in that Light Blue Livery either but I do have 2 Darker Blue BR Plymouth Switchers thou!!! 🤔😉🚂🚂🚂
The Epping Ongar Railway had a visiting Class 14 at the Diesel Gala weekend!!
The cab light issue is really difficult.
If modelling daytime, no cab lights needed and would not be prototypical.
If modelling night, nice to see inside the model (if the cab detail is good) but in prototype the cab is not lit as it wreaks the drivers vision and causes reflection which also does the same.
The rail motors are a pest in this regard as they set the cabin light on at the front cab, rather than the back which might get used by crew other than the driver.
Looks freaking cool. It's salty. But he is blue. I love it. Keep being awesome my friend ur trains are the best. I want one as well. It looks very noice. U never disappoint. I might be considering to get one. But it looks better on ur layout
I am considering getting one of these to replace my hornby 06 pair if it works well on tight corners and if it could work well with a bachmann 03. In fact I want one in this colour scheme too haha
nice loco at last heljan have done it nice build quality.
in sweden we got something bigger than class 14 we got
the t44 diesel loco it can be used as a main line loco and as a shunter.
some t44 are radio controlled, green cargo has som wiht rc.
👍👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
Hi Sam. I have watched most (if not all) of your reviews of Heljan products and I vowed to myself that I would never buy one of their models (to be fair, I wouldn't anyway as I don't model in OO). I have noticed in several of your reviews that you don't always mention (minor?) defects in the models - but that may be because we have a better view through your camera lens than you do by eye. There were quite a few defects in this model besides the ones you pointed out. Heljan has upped their game a little over the years, but they still have a way to go. What do you think?
After waiting for 3 YEARS for the release I finally got my €600 dcc sound+dynamic smoke loco a week ago, the lights broke, sound sounded like crap and a piece fell of within 12 hours. Went back to the store today and got a new one as replacement, I hope this one will survive at least as long as I waited for it....
Awesome video Sam's trains
Nice one and i have one also but in BR Green, and one of my favourite locos in the actual ones , as have been lucky to have crewed and looked after one of these at a heritage railway, where we used in on passenger trains and also what it had been built for with shunting and trip working and engineering trains and must say one of the best locos ive worked on , as long as you regularly check the engine coolent hoses and other parts with its 6 cly Paxman Ventura diesel engine as these engines were very high reving so engine hoses and fittings tend to get shaken lose , so in the cab I had some adjustable spanners, but brilliant loco 😊 that model company that i cant remember their name? Who make the 00 scale figure of yourself in 3d ,i might get one of me😂 and put it on the front steps of my heljan 14 as like i did on the real thing when shunting.
I think you're referring to Modelu...
Deceptively large locos. Was guarding Ernest on the ELR a few times in the past month.
Cab is like a sauna though.
I do love the class 14 which I have a Heljan one in br green
Great Review Sam , I'd love to see a Review on Heljans 10800 class locomotive, keep up the good work
So, did I made the good choice to buy the Graham Farish model in N instead ? Accessories installed at random, not a good start... Add overall low specs for the price, old Bachmann style couplings (bad height) compounded with old Dapol quality, no separate bearings for the axles, the circonvoluted opening of the bonnet for the DCC decoder, and the green one at GBP 170 at Kernow. So, a no-go for me.
Well, Dapol, you have a model to add to your range...
My Class 14 is a Hornby model from 1995. It is my very first DCC Sound locomotive and it came with a crew in the cab from its previous owners.
Never knew Hornby made a class 14. Do you have the R. Number for it from the box?
Heljan are the only manufacturer that has made a class 14.
@@CaseyJonesNumber1 That’s certainly the case NOW, but Hornby made one around seven years ago!!
@@johnd8892 Sorry!! I’ve lost the box, so I don’t have the R number anymore.
@@Madonsteamrailways nope, Hornby have never, ever made a class 14. Heljan are the only manufacturer of a 00 scale class 14, and it was originally commissioned by Hatton's of Liverpool and sold under their name, until now.
I was going to buy the Farish N Scale one but they screwed up the paint scheme. The BR version had a lighter shade of green on the cab section to the rest of the loco. Farish didn’t catch this unfortunately. I can remember seeing these at British Steel in Corby.
Cool. My god perents live there. It be nice to see a class 14 in Hull specific livery.😊
I never knew this class existed,nor it worked around the docks in hull!(My somewhat local area)
hi Sam, the coupling issue you mentioned actually is imperative they spring to center if you use kadee couplings. If the loco is a so called shunting loco then doesn't it make sense for center sprung coupling?
however this is the whole point of your review so thanks for pointing it out and I won't be buying one. Heljan you have missed out on a sale and you really do have to listen to what we want at least the basics anyway.
Well done Sam keep the vids coming!
Yeah they do need to spring to the centre - but when something is plugged into the socket the pocket can no longer move off-centre, so it doesn't matter too much - though not sure how a Kadee would behave in it,
Im always impressed with Heljan (obvs joke) but this one is actually quite good
A rather nice model, along with a crisp and professional review. Then on to a completely different aspect and this is perhaps a silly observation, probably answered ages ago as well, but I’ve been wondering for a long time… What is it with this craving (it’s almost an obsession) amongst many a 00-modellers for sprung buffers?
Especially, since it doesn’t seem to be that many that run any buffer-to-buffer operations nor use other (more rigid) types of so-called close couplers like such from Fleischmann Profi, Märklin or Roco. Hence, sprung buffers on railway models are a feature that is rather meaningless.
With greetings from Sweden
I totally agree. Even those 'scale' modellers usually only seen at exhibitions who use 3-link couplings don't really need them - rarely do you see the buffers touch, and if they are sprung, they would probably bounce the vehicles apart again. I'd sooner the the manufacturers didn't bother fitting them. Buy them as aftermarket parts if you really must have them. All stock with automatic couplings fitted to them keep the buffers at too great a distance, like a couple of feet or more.
The Teddy Bear at Bo'ness has the engine from a class 17. One of two 17s which were experimentally fitted with better Rolls Royce engines.
Interesting, thanks for sharing that fun fact
Oh yes heard about that one .The one I had , had a ex 125 hst starter motor fitted so had to be careful when starting it as it drained the battery fast
I don't know why these locos aren't geared according to the prototype's full speed, which in this case in 40mph. It would probably make low-speed operations a lot smoother.
Sam you should start doing reviews with DC and DCC fitted as the loco will behave differently. You don't have to spend a fortune on DCC chips as you could have one of each chip and transfer it to the next loco that you review. This I believe would make your good reviews better and provide information for people who are thinking about DCC or use DCC.
Hi Sam's trains..samstrains!
Well to be frank i have no interest in building a train set, but i find your videos enormously satisfying from just the model quality, price and performance..to that end you do a fine job.
Maybe for a short video you might consider would be a beginners guide to the lexicon of models..ie: what is a poll motor what is a dcc chip..this would make a novice like me understand more the complexity of reviewed models.
Well Sam, keep up your fine work and many thanks for the entertainment your videos provide.
Thanks very much for your kind words and suggestion - I'll look into doing that!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam's Trains, i must apologise for my ignorance, i did indeed find your video on motors and that cleared up my questions, so sorry to have brought up my ignorance but now i enjoy even more your videos..oh what an "earnie" i was!
Take care and hope to see another crazy speed record attempt one day.
Marketed just for Sam, as the box says Sprung Buffers - They know what Sam wants…😅
Looks at thumbnail: *ooooo pretty blue train*
Watches video: *typical Heljan tat*
Britain's answer to the Blue Goose!
Well, it seems to me that the cab floor is the top of a weight; since they said it was about 210 grams or so, and Sam measured closer to 250, you’d think Heljan could have milled down a couple more millimeters from the top of the weight, and gotten the weight of the model closer to the printed specifications, eh? Still, I’ll take the extra weight as long as it doesn’t overburden the electric motor. 😊
I’m with Sam on this one; one one hand, they did actually include screw-link couplings, but on the other, they didn’t fit the brake rigging? Someone at Heljan was asleep on the job that day. 😆
Have a Hattons 1st batch. Problems with the Jackshaft coupling clicking( Model railways unlimited fix). My can motor has been replaced and hard wired. Not one of their best.
I am suprised that no one has produced after market wheel bearings!
presumably the ncb didn't use headcode boxes anyway
The coupling rods are rather flimsy. That is why Brassmasters made replacements. Now available from London Road Models
Best RUclipsr 😊🎉
Approved
The dear old Class 14 diesel shunter is a good looking locomotive.
Will there be a possiblity that you might consider getting the Metrovic Class 28 Co-Bo as next Heljian diesel to review if given such chance?
You did the Heljan BR class 14.
However, I am waiting for the number of BR class that is 14 times 2.
I wish you could find a way to add N scale to your layout and make a livestream laying it, if you can’t do it i understand
That colour would look much better weathered
It’s Iris from Sodor:The Modern Years!!
Nice model - but it isn't really a shunter - it's more along the lines of a diesel branch line engine, the equivalent of a mid sized pannier tank engine. It would pull goods and local passenger trains, if need be, so it would have been a lot nippier than a shunter.
If I had an NCB (40 years since the Miners' Strike, by the way) one, I'd have to apply some weathering. Lovely colour, but it would attract some dirt.
The class 14s are some of the funniest looking diesels
Yeah it's a strange one isn't it??
@@SamsTrains hello there I’m also a big fan of modeling, but I like to ask you a question have you ever thought about reviewing?
Bachmann spectrum GE 45 Ton switcher/Shunter. DCC
Item no. 85201
i suppose the reason yours doesn't have headcodes is because of the livery, when these locos were in BR service they'd need them but maybe when this one worked for the coal board, they did away with the blinds inside. I've always liked heljan locos, the bufferbeam detail is a nuisance but I think the class 26 is a fabulous loco, I loved the Heljan class 47s I had years ago, just a shame that price has gone one way & quality the other however I will say, they aren't shy to tackle more obscure prototypes like the Teddy Bears
Headcodes would not have been used in NCB service. I suspect the balnk panels are correct.
Maybe, if you might add a little grease or oil it might help.
Hi,
Thanks for this nice review.
But I have a question when you're talking of price. I live in Switzerland and my layout is on H0 (1:87). The manufacturer of my locos are principally Märklin and Roco. For me, a chep loco is around 250 CHF ( ~215 £). You find nothing (except toys for little kids) under this price. So I'm really shocked how cheap is medel railway in the UK and the exigence you have for a small price like that.
For exemple, all the steam locomotive a have cost around 300 £, and that's a normal price.
Have a nice day and sorry for my certainly incorrect Englisch ;)
Your English is quite good. I could understand you and that is what is important … being understood.
And thank you for posting a comment, too.
@@csbenzo oh thanks you :))
I couldn't expect an answer like that.
The pleasure is mine.
I love hell-jan
Dunno about you but I don't want that teddy bear in my bed to snuggle with lol
Great video sam keep it up
That's an old Heljan box,they've updated that a few years ago. Old stock?
The mighty baby Western Hydraulic
The loco of Arsenal fans nightmares !!
Bobby Bacala and his fatal hobby approve of this locomotive
Heljan does not have the facilities to be charging that much for anything they make other than the U1's. Must think they can get away with it since Hornby and the like are doing it too.
I suspect sales this year might tell Hornby, Bachmann and Heljan that you can't just keep increasing prices whilst delivering average or sub-par models that nobody asked for from 10 year old toolings. Give us a new H1! And start using Accurascale as a pricing guide! I think for a top of the line model £160 is probably the perfect current price, it's enough for them to get away and make profit despite inflation but enough that you can justify spending it. Hopefully manufacturers don't forget to bring prices down in line with inflation and think they can get away with not changing it back.
Hey the Class14 looks a lot like the Indian shunter WDS4D
I emailed you about a new series a few days ago Sam!
Cheers Sam
Hey class92models 😊
@@Thatmodelrailwayboy hello 🤗
That's a good looking model.
is there some program or app to design a layout, or generate one given some dimensions of a room?
Not a shunter. They were built for trip workings between yards.
Huh, what a coincidence, I just saw a real class 14 today at dean forest
I have noticed the Ocean wagons have disappeared. Did the bank come by and repossess them? Is Sam financially embarrassed?
Salty is here