Sam. That is an amazing model, Heljans attention to detail is incredible. Not only have managed to make a model that looks very much like original, but they have managed to model the performance issues, build quality and 'ease' of access of prototype. Such attention to detail. lol
Anybody else enjoy listening to Sam absolutely rage at these large manufacturers? No? Just me? Also let’s appreciate that Sam put himself through all that just for us. I can’t tell you how much this video made me laugh. Thanks as always!
I bought one a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it. I now have two in the blue. It runs really well forwards and backwards and will crawl across my new Melbourne Military railway like a charm. I have just bought three more shunters from Heljan.
14:25 I have been with Sam's Trains since he had 5000 subs and I have never heard him sound that angry EVER before 😨😰😨😨 Great review Sam what a rubbish locomotive 😂
Ironically one of very few times a model train manufacturer managed to perfectly depict the real-life performance of the loco they're modeling. Pretty much every other model train tends to run faster and more reliably than their prototypes.
Sam: The class 17, is this an exceptional case of a locomotive that looks good performs well. I well remember seeing them immediately after construction, they really looked modern and very classic. To turn out such an operational disaster was a total shock and I was stunned to view them on scrap lines in Scotland within a few short years of operation, you have brought these memories back!
You are absolutely spot on here Sam . The class 17 was the first loco I remember seeing as a boy . Didn’t know what it was then but I remembered centre cab and it shunting up and down the yard as we waited for a bus . So it was probably the train that got me hooked . So when Heljan announced one I had to get it . The first batch had defective motors which Heljan acknowledged and replaced the whole chassis and motor units . Good but it took a year! And these new chassis perform just as you’ve seen . It is slow , very noisy . You at least found a way of getting the keeper plate off which I never did . Got the body off but lost a buffer in process . I think I stuck a replacement back on. And the body now lifts off . Overall one of the most infuriating models ever . It runs ok but I keep on expecting it to expire at any time . No confidence in it . So you are spot on in your review. I have a new Heljan 86 and in fairness it’s lovely and smooth . Chalk and cheese from the 17 . However it still has the buffer detail you have to cut off to fit a coupling . Really no idea why Heljan persist with this . Good video . Completely agree with findings .
Just bought one of these myself, and I just had to let everyone know that 3 years later... Not a dang thing has changed. Every problem Sam had in this video is still on the loco, save the derailing issues. It is working on my small radius curves better than Sam's did, but that's about all the praise I can give it. That, and the motor is quieter than I expected. I'm not upset about my purchase, for the record. I knew what I was buying. The class 17 has always been my favorite British diesel, mostly for aesthetics. It moves, it pulls cars, and it doesn't derail. I also got it off of Rails of Sheffield for half price, so for that price, I'm happy.
Am I the only one who finds it incredibly entertaining when a locomotive is of such poor quality it causes Sam to become borderline psychotic? It's almost like Top Gear, but with model trains.
Derek (went unnamed in the show) at some point recieved a rebuild after the events of "Double Teething Troubles" (his introductory episode and really his only appearance)
Hi Sam: I first saw these outside Derby Works around 1963 (presumably for painting), I was knocked out by their classy looks and central cab (unique at the time), I thought they would be cool. How wrong can you be! This was supposed to be an improvement on the 10800 prototype and classes 15 and 16 with better visibility. The twin Paxman engines were clearly underpowered, unreliable and prone to camshaft and cylinder head problems (better engines were available). They were used in Scotland on the supply trains for the London Midland Scottish Electrification and the next time I encountered them (around 1969) was in lines withdrawn outside a Scottish Motive Power Depot! Code Name Quantity 12A Kingmoor 7 52A Gateshead 18 64B Haymarket 39 66A Polmadie 53 Total: 117
Hi sam! Well, thank you for being so honest, straightforward and objective. This is a useful guide for not spending money carelesly. Good job, thank you.
Is it easier to cut away detail if you don't want it or fit it if you do? Rather than pulling it off with pliers its better to cut off only the half of the hoses that get in the way. I have a green and a blue one and recognise the slow running and couplings set too low. I'd say your review is accurate and yet strangely given the same facts I have a much better view of Heljan diesels and have one of most. Excellent running: 15, 16, 23, 26, 27, 33, 86, Kestrel, Falcon Adequate 05, 07, 14, 17, 28, 35, 58, 76, 77. I think the reason for our different perspectives is that Sam is asking which trains are the best and run well and I'm a modern image, diesel and electric modeller who had the goal of collecting one of each. Thanks to Heljan we have nearly all the diesel classes even things which would have been regarded as unusual 20 years ago and I'm grateful for that.
Lot of comments about the massive strain put on the motor traced to the gear towers in each bogie and how there is a thrust washer in each that needs filing down. Also remove the crap that passes for lubricant and lightly oil. Apparently works wonders. Pretty astonishing you have to do this on a brand new model...😕
Thanks for the review mukka... I notice the Claytons were built just down the road from you in Derby! I have a 'Helljan' class 76 electric loco... The first and only time I took it out of the box two of the air ventilation grills came off the bodyside! I never even bothered running it... I slowly put it back into the box with the grills and have buried it in a cardboard box with a few other non descript failures.
Thank you for another great review of a fascinating model. It seems Heljan has striven to provide a historically accurate running and maintenance experience!
Thank you Sam, saves me money, hassle and growing (more) grey hair! To avoid Heljan's coupling issues, I only got their Railbus and the Class 128 to run solo.
Notification hasn’t even popped up and I’m already seeing it in my feed! Anyway, I already knew what you thought about the loco the moment I saw the title.
I bought the Heljan 17 when they first came out in 2009. By the looks of your review problems twelve years ago are still there. Mine needed a new motor within a month of getting it.
ruclips.net/video/w4EOv4RhnB0B/видео.htmllimey... shocking that these problems *still* haven't been fixed after 12 years. They're well documented on the forums... so why haven't Heljan fixed them? Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Always liked the look of the Class 17. I have a Ian Allen spotters book somewhere which was bought for me in the early 1970's and I thought the Class 17 always looked futuristuc even then. The centre cab and large amounts of glazing gave it a contemporary look even then. Regarding Heljen, I had a Class 23 "Baby Deltic" which although a bit cheap in places was an excellent runner.
You Did it Again..! My First Giggle of the Morning goes to SAM Trains..!! Your Rage at the Buffers and Disassembly. Swiftly followed by the Speed at 50% comments. Had me in Stitches, so thanx Sam. Everything I have heard of Heljen is Confirmed. I love the look of Link Couplings and have some fitted to front of Loco's. But trying to use them is ''An Art I am not a Master of..!!'' Thx for a Great Video as always. Cheers kim in Oz.😎
Beautiful model Sam! Despite these being the most unsuccessful diesels in the UK, I actually think they’re cool! We’re lucky to have a preserved example! I always think of the Thomas character, Derek, when I see pictures of these diesels!
haha yep!! Perfect Heljan logic: fill a loco full of sponge to quieten it... and it turns out to be one of the loudest models I own! xD Thanks for watching - Sam :)
My clayton type 1 is number 8545, no D prefix and in the same blue as yours. It's an ok model, but the details are all moulded. I think it's down 2 buffers, can't remember how many bits of bufferbeam detail are still intact. I got it 2nd hand, but it seemed to run well out of the box (although quite slow, and just as noisy as yours), until it burned out about a year ago. And of course, I'll have to pay £20 plus postage from Gaugemaster (who heljan do spares through) for a new motor, which won't include the flywheels so I'll have to remove them and fit them to the new one myself. Plus that doesn't deal with why it burned out in the first place. So I haven't done that yet... It lasted longer than my 15 though (which has a similar amount of moulded detail), which I bought 2nd hand but as new, ran it in for half an hour in either direction, then added a bit of a load. Less than an hour later, it went poof. I've since fitted it with another motor, but I couldn't get one of the flywheels off the driveshaft so it's currently powered by 1 bogie only, and the motor runs very hot so I'm hesitant to run it much or DCC fit it. In stark contrast, the heljan 16 and 23 are newer toolings, much better details, much quieter runners, 21 pin sockets, better lighting (although they are headcode disc ones), and they are so powerful and reliable (except for the baby deltic sometimes derailing). The 47, kestrel, and falcon are all great locos too, although of the older style but with bigger motors. I had a 33 on loan for a week, which was a good loco too, so I'm thinking the next loco I buy in 00 should be a 33. And the 26s and 27s should be very similar to the 33s in terms of how it's put together. Apparently the north eastern region crews that operated them worked them really hard, on loads I'd usually expect for at least a type 2. Which explains why those up here would've been less reliable than other locos. I used to like 17s, then I got my own model of one...
Exactly - just impractical for most people in OO. The poll results support this too - so far over 80% said they prefer the NEMs! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
D8568 was at the Severn Valley Railway diesel gala recently, newly repainted in very early BR blue. Does look most attractive, I have to say. Its owners seem to have got it running reliably.
Hi Sam, great review as always. My class 17 is exactly the same - slow, noisy and fitting a chip is a NIGHTMARE ! There is hardly any space for the chip so getting the body back on was a horrible experience.
Thanks a lot mate - so sorry to hear that... yeah it's just a terrible design through and through isn't it? Fit for the bin straight from the factory... Thanks for watching - Sam :)
FAST FORWARD TO THE 2022 MODEL. Thank you Sam for a very accurate review. How do I know it’s accurate, because I’ve just bought one of the 2022 releases and NOTHING HAS CHANGED. Every point you raise is STILL evident in the new model except I didn’t remove the body as I’m DC. But why, did I hear you ask, did I buy this model? I have a few Heljans from several years ago and despite muttering on the net I was never disappointed and I *assumed* that I wouldn’t be disappointed here. But I was, and it was only THEN that I started doing my research and came across your very faithful review. If only I’d done my research first. I had ordered this model from stock of a well known box-shifter and pre ordered a Class 14. On receipt and inspection I have to say I was disappointed in every way you describe. I have written to both the retailer and to HELJAN. Heljan’s response was simply to say return it to the retailer. The retailer did offer to take my return. I did however decide to bite the bullet and keep the model even though at full price it isn’t what I would call good value. When the model is offered discounted I would probably have bought it so what the heck!! My pre-order for the Class 14 was immediately CANCELLED. Will I buy it when it eventually becomes discounted? Maybe. Maybe not. Thanks again for you review. I’ll be looking for you Class 14 review before doing anything.
Sam For a similar fate on the Class 17 look at the class 14. A great design which never went anywhwere (unless you count private enterprise which benefitted from their sale) Swindon Works erecting shop foreman George Cole quipped "We've built the Great Bear now we're going to build a teddy bear"
Seems like a fair review! I wonder if, for testing Heljan locos, you might fit a 3-link coupling to one end of a wagon ... or would that feel like conceding defeat?
“Heljen class 17” “runs surprisingly accurately” *Well we know where this is going* Also if it was around 60 MPH then it should be faster than a 57xx and a 08 shunter but it looks like both can easily outrun this 17 class easily as a 57xx goes around 45 MpH and an 08 shunter goes at 15 MPH
“Hello!” said the Diesel “I’ll soon sort this train out. You take the front and I’ll push from behind.” ( insert Bill and Ben’s baffled expressions ) “What fun!” . All was well as they set off. Great review as always, Sam - excellently researched and delivered. I’ve got one of the Bachmann ones which is rather slow and noisy - much like to prototype I suppose. Keep up the great work - Alex 🙂
A Bad Day for Sam's Trains Sam was feeling very low. His best friend Kelly saw how sad he was. "What's wrong?" asked the young lady concerned. "I bought this new diesel model from Heljan, and it's not working like it should," answered Sam in a broken voice. "Why don't you yell and put me out of my misery?" Kelly normally would have yelled, but she didn't. Instead, because she didn't have the heart to yell, she thought hard about how to put a smile on Sam's face again. An idea came to her, a very sensible one. She asked Sam if she might use a stepladder. "What for?" asked Sam puzzled. Kelly winked but wouldn't tell. Sam caught the hint and obliged her request. Carefully, the lady reached up and picked up a Bachmann steamy off one of the shelves. Sam watched as she climbed down slowly. What was she going to do? The young man found out soon enough. He felt his frown slowly turning itself upside down. He was beginning to smile. "If this doesn't cheer you up, I'll give you what for," teased Kelly. "I'm already smiling," giggled Sam. "What more do you want me to do?" The two laughed at their joke. Sam played Bachmann Steam Trains with Kelly very happily. Kelly had turned his bad day into a happier one. Broome Manor was chuffing along Sam's railway, with five Chocolate & Cream Mk. 1 coaches, faultlessly. Sam felt a pang inside of him. "Broome Manor," he said meaningfully, "I guess I misjudged you. Your performance is way better than Heljan's models any day." Kelly put her arm round him in agreement. Happy Days for Sam.
I saw the thumbnail and I was like 'haha Derek in BR blue', but no, Derek was one of my favorite diesels in Thomas and friends history. He's right up there with Salty, Mavis, and Rusty. Anyways, great video Sam
Never had a problem with mine. Wonder if that might improve on DCC? I’ve been in the cab of the remaining survivor when it was started up. Christ what power the place shook and that was only one engine !
I think you need to get a interview with Ben Jones who now runs Heljan operations in the UK as he is in the process of looking at updating old models in Heljans range and he once was a reviewer in one of the model railway magazine's.
That would be very interesting Ben - though updating this wouldn't do any good as the chassis is hopeless and the detailing is dated... best thing for it would be a retool, preferably by a more competent manufacturer! ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Slow running can be a consequence of too small a shaft or too large a bearing hole in the motor or gear train. The shaft can run reasonably freely at low speeds, but it will run eccentrically in the shaft in a planetary motion. The number of "orbits" per shaft rotation will be exceptionally high, so at high shaft speeds the "orbits" per shaft rotation can be astronomical and sap a great deal of the power output from a 12v motor and create a high pitch sound.
Enuo... My wife and I suffer from both ailments... a small shaft and too large a bearing hole. Been a long time since we orbited with the planets too! Hehehe... stay happy.
You know, the character known as Derek from Thomas & Friends certainly happens to basically be officially well-knowingly obviously based on the well-known B R class 17 diesel locomotive who'd been officially well-knowingly obviously seen in season 5 episode titled Double Teethin' Troubles alongside in the officially well-knowingly obviously good movie titled Calling All Engines during the official song titled Trying to do things better struggling up Gordon's Hill with a goods train! In fact, his own official case of teethin' troubles was basically due to his own official cooling system as to specifically explain why he constantly overheated when goin' over hills!!!
When I saw the title I smiled, I remember seeing these as a small kid and the main addition to the model to improve authenticity would be an OO gauge driver kicking the blasted thing and turned the air blue
When I worked for BR , i got talking to a old Scottish driver who had one explode on him ! One of the 2 engines decided to take it's self apart with with dramatic results 😂 he said worst loco except for the rebuilt class 21s that became the class 29s and based also in Scotland and another complete disaster
Jees, it's a good thing you don't hate this loco as much as Heljan's Tango or 1361, which I still think are far worse than the Class 17, but good lord you gave this loco absolutely no leeway and no chill at all. You can hate a loco by all means, and this loco is kinda garbage, the ratings are very accurate, but don't give this loco the Tango and 1361 treatment xDDD great video as always regardless, I enjoyed me sen, keep it up Sam
I have noticed that most oo engines have truck ( boggie) mounted couplers , is this prototypical ? Or is this done on models for sharp curves. Most US HO models have prototypical body mount coupling. Could this be done on your engines for better running. Thanks for the video.
I think that is just with models - the real couplings are usually buffer-beam mounted, which aren't normally part of the bogies! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Very generous score from you there Sam. I've had some second hand N scale locos where you have to unscrew the buffers to take the body off. A detail that was obviously not noticed by the previous owners as they broke off the body under the buffers. Even so, they were a simple screw fit. No messing about with pliers.
Early batches had a defective mechanism that would seize and overheat. Heljan supplied a replacement chassis to me, and the loco runs well now. In practice, these locos usually ran in pairs so you need to buy two! It would be great if Heljan sold a cheaper non-motorised dummy loco so that I don’t need to buy two full price
These 17s have such variable quality. My first one ran for about 10 minutes and then died. Dead as a dodo. Sent it back and the replacement ran - and still runs perfectly well. Decent turn of speed, decent pulling power, but a bit noisy. Now I’ve got a second one and it, too, runs fine. Weird how up and down they are.
Clayton is interestingly making a comeback in the UK. The Snowdon Mountain Railway bought a pair of hybrid diesels from them. They look to be going well, even with the recent pandemic delaying their public introductions. Tata Steel at Port Talbot bought a few large shunters from them, they've been performing well from what I've heard. These are also the largest UK built Locos since 2003. And Beacon Rail has ordered 15 shunter models like the Tata Steel ones to replace some of their 08s and 09s. They'll become the new BR Class 18, they're to start arriving late this year. These perform well enough, who knows, they could be the 08/09 replacements.
I have got a class 33, it is one best locomotives from Heljan I have got, bought it from Hattons for 49 pounds., I have left the three link couplings on it and put Shawplan plates on it
These were built in the village I grew up in, Hatton near Derby. There is nothing left of the site now, became a housing estate a few years back. No one locally knows these were manufactured there and very little is recorded about them.
I only have one Heljan model which is the W&M railbus. This runs fairly well but doesn't take kindly to not being used for a while, It needs running in again. Luckily for me, most of my requirements are satisfied by Hornby, Oxford and a few Bachmann models.
The way the side frame come off and the four clip bogie comes off is the way how the famous and respected company Athearn does it here in the US! The way the motor flywheels and drive train is structured is also reminiscent of how Athearn does it. Athearn also does it for companies it either makes locomotive for or licensed its architecture to, like Life-Like/Walters. If you fancy, I would investigate to find out if Heljlin has a deal with Athearn to make its locomotives for them or if they got a license to copy it from Athearn (assuming licensing is required) Athearn is considered a very respected model maker here in the US and has been using that way or similar to assemble its trucks for going on at least 60 years! No one here have complained about it as far as I know that is. As far as I know you are the first Modeler to complain about it, but it's perfectly understandable as to why since as a Brit you are not used to it!🙂 The foam, I am guessing, is partly for sound dampening, and I kind of like it when a diesel electric model makes that sound, like a natural mimic of prototype diesel prime mover noise.😊
Sam, what can I say other than THANK YOU! I've been thinking of getting one of these, or a Class 15 for a while. They LOOK very interesting, and as you say, the decoration is very good - the operation is another thing - very poor indeed! What a pity! Al.
I found a review of the Heljan Class 17 "O" gauge version of this loco. They conveniently made no comment on the performance. All the runbys were at modest speeds. They were sound equipped though and they had a great sound. They also kept the link and screw type couplers dangling at each end.
I recently got a WalthersProto SD45, it's RRP is 130 pounds ($163), it weighs 500~ grams, all metal construction as far as i can tell (minus a few details), it runs like a beauty, even on my hornby trainset controller, for just 25 pounds less, it's infinitely more dubious in quality.
This review was highly entertaining! The peak of Sam's ire was when he plowed into the wagons, in an attempt to couple the train. I was laughing my head off! I guess I'm easily humored. Good job on this one!
haha thanks Hans... yes I was losing control at that point! Glad you had fun anyway... more than can be said for me on this occasion!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Tbf to it, the driver in real life wouldn’t really run these fast anyways as if they did then their engines would overheat and you’d have to wait quite a while, hey were good for shunting though
Oh, Heljan. Must we do this trial again? If you like cool center cab diesels, Alco made one for us in America, The C415. Wasn't very popular, but it is really nice looking.
When i saw these running and on scrap lines my abiding memory was that they were in BR Green and certainly not this colour which seems to lean towards Prussian Blue.
Where I live in the United States, we call that a steeple cab. I’m unsure as to where the name steeple cab came from; although, if I had to guess, I’d say it was because of the cab configurations on early locomotives of this design resembling a church steeple.
When I saw the "runs surprisingly accurately" I thought it's motor would end up overheating, surprised it didn't but the other problems made up for my surprise. Gotta say great video.
If you like the center cab look, you might want to try a West German V100, V80, V90 or V60. They all look fairly nice and should have good models available.
I agree whith you i like the class 17 diesel loco. The class 17 is similar to the Swedish disel loco T44. The name that is stamped on axel lids is SKF it stands for Swdish Ballbearing Factory. The copmany has at factory in Gothenborg in Sweden. How disapointing Heljan has does it again. They have sadly not listend to the customers. Keep up the good work Sam It is bad that Heljan is a Dainish company. 👍👍👍👍👍
Oh, thank goodness, I was terrified Thomas was gonna wind up on the bottom of the years rankings... even so, from how frustrating it was for you, the score is surprisingly high... I hope it hasn’t put you off class 17 models... I hope there are better ones on the market you may try one day.
Oh wow, i've never seen such a thing before, meaning how complicated this thing is to disassemble. I've got a diesel made by Märklin, and that thing has one screw and the whole body comes off, no problem, and two screws for the bogie with the motor on it. That's that. Three screws and you've got the whole mechanism to work with, service, repair, whatever you wanna do.
It’s quite perplexing really, Heljan seems to be well-respected manufacturer externally but really has quite a few fundamental issues it can’t seem to fix. I’ve heard that their O Gauge is a bit better but overall, I can’t seem to make up my mind about them.
I think Helijan should take notes from the EFE Class 17 in N Gauge, the DCC socket (Next18 btw) is fitted in the fuel tank under the loco, no need to remove the body at all, just pop a single piece off, plop in the decoder, and plonk the fuel tank back on. Simple! Oh well, would hope that Helijan can at least get stuff in O Gauge right. Still a great vid Sam! ~James
![Megan Thee Stallion - Roc Steady (feat. Flo Milli) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HozPPyqW0dY/mqdefault.jpg)
“Runs Suprisingly Accurately” well well then we know where this is going
haha yes indeed! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Yep
That's what I thought... Lol
@@SamsTrains Can you review the HO scale Bachmann percy from Thomas And Friends?
*breakdowns in 5 seconds*
Sam. That is an amazing model, Heljans attention to detail is incredible. Not only have managed to make a model that looks very much like original, but they have managed to model the performance issues, build quality and 'ease' of access of prototype. Such attention to detail. lol
Anybody else enjoy listening to Sam absolutely rage at these large manufacturers? No? Just me? Also let’s appreciate that Sam put himself through all that just for us. I can’t tell you how much this video made me laugh. Thanks as always!
Really appreciate his honest judgements
"Oh grease and oil i wasn't expecting this hill"
-Derek
haha love it!! ;D
Haha I get it 😆. Poor Derek though 😔.
He must’ve had a nasty life before sodor with his teething troubles and the other diesels mocking him because of it.
Paxxman** that was his name in the script
@@datguymiller Derek was the name in merchandise though
Well at least Heljan did their research into the performance of the real thing 🤣🤣
haha that I can't deny! ;D
You don’t think they did this on purpose did they
@@scodeknight3178its a joke 💀
Heljan Class 17: Well, my motor failing is pretty accurate to my prototype!
(Derek slowly backs away embarrassed.)
haha don't worry Derek - this isn't your fault! xD
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hornby: TTS Sound.
Heljan: Ah yeah we just put some bees in there.
Oh a buzz box
haha I think this is accurate! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@RailwayBiscuitTinIntroducing the Revolutionary New Insect Sound Pak(TM), for authentic electrical noises!
Buzzimo maybe...?
i mean, they did get the nickname "buzzbox"
I bought one a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it. I now have two in the blue. It runs really well forwards and backwards and will crawl across my new Melbourne Military railway like a charm. I have just bought three more shunters from Heljan.
''I hope the new diesel doesn't cause even more trouble, hes Bound to have Teething Troubles.''
haha, sir Topham? ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Oh! my grease and oil! I wasn't expecting this hill!
14:25 I have been with Sam's Trains since he had 5000 subs and I have never heard him sound that angry EVER before 😨😰😨😨
Great review Sam what a rubbish locomotive 😂
haha yeah... this one irritated me... it's all so unnecessary!! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Title: “Runs surprisingly accurately”
Everyone:
“We all know where this is going.”
“So lets skip head shall we ?”
haha yep - who's surprised?? ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Ironically one of very few times a model train manufacturer managed to perfectly depict the real-life performance of the loco they're modeling. Pretty much every other model train tends to run faster and more reliably than their prototypes.
The preserved class 17 was running quite happily at the recent Severn Valley railway diesel gala
That's excellent to hear Steve... at least there is one that works well!! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
That could be because they replaced the engine and fitted a diffrent diesel's engine into the Class 17
Derek
"Runs surprisingly accurately"
Is that a pro or a con?
Wait and see! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Pro. People who payed like £140 for this will be surprised even though a hornby class 66 is £75 and runs like a beauty.
Well, if you want realism, then it’s a pro.
“Runs surprisingly accurately”, we all know what that means; he’s got a toothache
haha yep - very much so! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
*gives it 5% power*
*_breakdowns_*
Forget double teething troubles, this thing has quadruple teething troubles
Sam: The class 17, is this an exceptional case of a locomotive that looks good performs well. I well
remember seeing them immediately after construction, they really looked modern and very classic. To turn out such an operational disaster was a total shock and I was stunned to view them on scrap lines in Scotland within a few short
years of operation, you have brought these memories back!
Sams train: heljain make bad models
The diesel broke down
Sams train: see
haha pretty much! ;D
Hello there
You mean sam or me?
@@atlasthenumber5msr440 you
@@trainzloversstudios2508 oh ok
You are absolutely spot on here Sam . The class 17 was the first loco I remember seeing as a boy . Didn’t know what it was then but I remembered centre cab and it shunting up and down the yard as we waited for a bus . So it was probably the train that got me hooked . So when Heljan announced one I had to get it . The first batch had defective motors which Heljan acknowledged and replaced the whole chassis and motor units . Good but it took a year! And these new chassis perform just as you’ve seen . It is slow , very noisy . You at least found a way of getting the keeper plate off which I never did . Got the body off but lost a buffer in process . I think I stuck a replacement back on. And the body now lifts off . Overall one of the most infuriating models ever . It runs ok but I keep on expecting it to expire at any time . No confidence in it . So you are spot on in your review. I have a new Heljan 86 and in fairness it’s lovely and smooth . Chalk and cheese from the 17 . However it still has the buffer detail you have to cut off to fit a coupling . Really no idea why Heljan persist with this . Good video . Completely agree with findings .
This is the first time I've seen Sam genuinely mad and honestly, it's kinda scary when he's usually so friendly and cheerful.
Just bought one of these myself, and I just had to let everyone know that 3 years later... Not a dang thing has changed. Every problem Sam had in this video is still on the loco, save the derailing issues. It is working on my small radius curves better than Sam's did, but that's about all the praise I can give it. That, and the motor is quieter than I expected.
I'm not upset about my purchase, for the record. I knew what I was buying. The class 17 has always been my favorite British diesel, mostly for aesthetics. It moves, it pulls cars, and it doesn't derail. I also got it off of Rails of Sheffield for half price, so for that price, I'm happy.
Am I the only one who finds it incredibly entertaining when a locomotive is of such poor quality it causes Sam to become borderline psychotic?
It's almost like Top Gear, but with model trains.
Plus it will become the most requested model on live streams, just to annoy Sam
haha yeah... I need to work on those psychotic tendencies.... and I'm not looking forward to the next stream! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It is quite unique, design-wise. I’m glad there is still one left and running too.
Yeah very much so - good that one survived! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I'm more used to seeing Claytons dumped in a row on the "Kaputt" line at Haymarket. :-)
haha is that so?! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I can understand what Sir Topham Hatt was on about, as a kid (now 16) I never understood why that one diesel kept breaking down.
haha yep - this is why... Heljan must have designed it! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Derek (went unnamed in the show) at some point recieved a rebuild after the events of "Double Teething Troubles" (his introductory episode and really his only appearance)
Hi Sam: I first saw these outside Derby Works around 1963 (presumably for painting), I was knocked out by their classy looks and central cab (unique at the time), I thought they would be cool. How wrong can you be!
This was supposed to be an improvement on the 10800 prototype and classes 15 and 16 with better visibility.
The twin Paxman engines were clearly underpowered, unreliable and prone to camshaft and cylinder head problems (better engines were available). They were used in Scotland on the supply trains for the London Midland Scottish Electrification and the next time I encountered them (around 1969) was in lines withdrawn outside a Scottish Motive Power Depot!
Code Name Quantity
12A Kingmoor 7
52A Gateshead 18
64B Haymarket 39
66A Polmadie 53
Total: 117
That must have been superb to see Leroy! Thanks for sharing though - appreciate the extra info!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I saw ‘surprisingly accurate’ and Heljan, I knew the class 17s were bad.
Lovely video as always Mr Warwell
haha yep! Not the worst I've had from Heljan, but I think 'bad' still applies overall!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains what is the worst model you have?
That's because it wasn't a secret that they were infamous for breaking down or having teething troubles.
Hi sam! Well, thank you for being so honest, straightforward and objective.
This is a useful guide for not spending money carelesly.
Good job, thank you.
It's my pleasure - happy to take one for the team, haha!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Is it easier to cut away detail if you don't want it or fit it if you do? Rather than pulling it off with pliers its better to cut off only the half of the hoses that get in the way. I have a green and a blue one and recognise the slow running and couplings set too low. I'd say your review is accurate and yet strangely given the same facts I have a much better view of Heljan diesels and have one of most. Excellent running: 15, 16, 23, 26, 27, 33, 86, Kestrel, Falcon Adequate 05, 07, 14, 17, 28, 35, 58, 76, 77. I think the reason for our different perspectives is that Sam is asking which trains are the best and run well and I'm a modern image, diesel and electric modeller who had the goal of collecting one of each. Thanks to Heljan we have nearly all the diesel classes even things which would have been regarded as unusual 20 years ago and I'm grateful for that.
Might be a bit off topic, but I hope we soon get a class 68 or 88 in the close future, because I think they‘re some really pretty locos.
Lot of comments about the massive strain put on the motor traced to the gear towers in each bogie and how there is a thrust washer in each that needs filing down. Also remove the crap that passes for lubricant and lightly oil. Apparently works wonders. Pretty astonishing you have to do this on a brand new model...😕
I can see future requests of this pulling egg vans. Especially with those couplings.
BE THE ONE
Oh god - I can definitely see that too, haha!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
that was exactly what i thought when i saw the couplings XD
let's see what fails first
Thanks for the review mukka... I notice the Claytons were built just down the road from you in Derby! I have a 'Helljan' class 76 electric loco... The first and only time I took it out of the box two of the air ventilation grills came off the bodyside! I never even bothered running it... I slowly put it back into the box with the grills and have buried it in a cardboard box with a few other non descript failures.
Thank you for another great review of a fascinating model. It seems Heljan has striven to provide a historically accurate running and maintenance experience!
Thank you Sam, saves me money, hassle and growing (more) grey hair!
To avoid Heljan's coupling issues, I only got their Railbus and the Class 128 to run solo.
Notification hasn’t even popped up and I’m already seeing it in my feed! Anyway, I already knew what you thought about the loco the moment I saw the title.
haha, you're familiar with the real things I take it? ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains while reading about other diesels, came across this class. So yeah, I guess, but it’s mostly just browsing the wiki page lol.
I bought the Heljan 17 when they first came out in 2009. By the looks of your review problems twelve years ago are still there. Mine needed a new motor within a month of getting it.
ruclips.net/video/w4EOv4RhnB0B/видео.htmllimey... shocking that these problems *still* haven't been fixed after 12 years. They're well documented on the forums... so why haven't Heljan fixed them?
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam: “Runs Surprisingly Accurate”
Derek: *BRING ON THE TEETHING TROUBLES!!*
Always liked the look of the Class 17. I have a Ian Allen spotters book somewhere which was bought for me in the early 1970's and I thought the Class 17 always looked futuristuc even then. The centre cab and large amounts of glazing gave it a contemporary look even then. Regarding Heljen, I had a Class 23 "Baby Deltic" which although a bit cheap in places was an excellent runner.
“Careful, this new diesel has a toothache!” And Percy puffed away.
You Did it Again..! My First Giggle of the Morning goes to SAM Trains..!!
Your Rage at the Buffers and Disassembly. Swiftly followed by the Speed at 50% comments. Had me in Stitches, so thanx Sam. Everything I have heard of Heljen is Confirmed.
I love the look of Link Couplings and have some fitted to front of Loco's. But trying to use them is ''An Art I am not a Master of..!!''
Thx for a Great Video as always.
Cheers kim in Oz.😎
Beautiful model Sam! Despite these being the most unsuccessful diesels in the UK, I actually think they’re cool! We’re lucky to have a preserved example! I always think of the Thomas character, Derek, when I see pictures of these diesels!
Thanks a lot Ryno - yeah I think they're cool too! And definitely going to read up on Derek! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Your welcome Sam! :)
Sam: Wait… it’s all plastic?
Heljan: (Loads gun) Always has been.
haha!! ;D
1361: Am I a joke to you
The fraise that will echo through the annals of history: Why is the loco full of sponge
Well you get the answer later when you hear all of the noise coming from the motor. Did they think they could hide it with all of that sponge?
haha yep!! Perfect Heljan logic: fill a loco full of sponge to quieten it... and it turns out to be one of the loudest models I own! xD
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains You should get a dB meter and list the top 10 nosiest trains you own.
As will... "The fraise"! Try 'phrase' next time.
@@GaryNumeroUno My spelling prowess know no bounds, truely
My clayton type 1 is number 8545, no D prefix and in the same blue as yours. It's an ok model, but the details are all moulded. I think it's down 2 buffers, can't remember how many bits of bufferbeam detail are still intact. I got it 2nd hand, but it seemed to run well out of the box (although quite slow, and just as noisy as yours), until it burned out about a year ago. And of course, I'll have to pay £20 plus postage from Gaugemaster (who heljan do spares through) for a new motor, which won't include the flywheels so I'll have to remove them and fit them to the new one myself. Plus that doesn't deal with why it burned out in the first place. So I haven't done that yet...
It lasted longer than my 15 though (which has a similar amount of moulded detail), which I bought 2nd hand but as new, ran it in for half an hour in either direction, then added a bit of a load. Less than an hour later, it went poof. I've since fitted it with another motor, but I couldn't get one of the flywheels off the driveshaft so it's currently powered by 1 bogie only, and the motor runs very hot so I'm hesitant to run it much or DCC fit it.
In stark contrast, the heljan 16 and 23 are newer toolings, much better details, much quieter runners, 21 pin sockets, better lighting (although they are headcode disc ones), and they are so powerful and reliable (except for the baby deltic sometimes derailing). The 47, kestrel, and falcon are all great locos too, although of the older style but with bigger motors. I had a 33 on loan for a week, which was a good loco too, so I'm thinking the next loco I buy in 00 should be a 33. And the 26s and 27s should be very similar to the 33s in terms of how it's put together.
Apparently the north eastern region crews that operated them worked them really hard, on loads I'd usually expect for at least a type 2. Which explains why those up here would've been less reliable than other locos.
I used to like 17s, then I got my own model of one...
I like screw links and 3 link couplings on O gauge. It’s far too fiddly in OO though!
Exactly - just impractical for most people in OO. The poll results support this too - so far over 80% said they prefer the NEMs!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
D8568 was at the Severn Valley Railway diesel gala recently, newly repainted in very early BR blue. Does look most attractive, I have to say. Its owners seem to have got it running reliably.
Very cool - thanks for the info! Yes indeed - a lovely livery! Great to hear it's running well too,
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam, great review as always. My class 17 is exactly the same - slow, noisy and fitting a chip is a NIGHTMARE ! There is hardly any space for the chip so getting the body back on was a horrible experience.
Thanks a lot mate - so sorry to hear that... yeah it's just a terrible design through and through isn't it? Fit for the bin straight from the factory...
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
FAST FORWARD TO THE 2022 MODEL. Thank you Sam for a very accurate review. How do I know it’s accurate, because I’ve just bought one of the 2022 releases and NOTHING HAS CHANGED. Every point you raise is STILL evident in the new model except I didn’t remove the body as I’m DC. But why, did I hear you ask, did I buy this model? I have a few Heljans from several years ago and despite muttering on the net I was never disappointed and I *assumed* that I wouldn’t be disappointed here. But I was, and it was only THEN that I started doing my research and came across your very faithful review. If only I’d done my research first. I had ordered this model from stock of a well known box-shifter and pre ordered a Class 14. On receipt and inspection I have to say I was disappointed in every way you describe. I have written to both the retailer and to HELJAN. Heljan’s response was simply to say return it to the retailer. The retailer did offer to take my return. I did however decide to bite the bullet and keep the model even though at full price it isn’t what I would call good value. When the model is offered discounted I would probably have bought it so what the heck!! My pre-order for the Class 14 was immediately CANCELLED. Will I buy it when it eventually becomes discounted? Maybe. Maybe not.
Thanks again for you review. I’ll be looking for you Class 14 review before doing anything.
Heljan confuse me... I have to wonder how they keep afloat with such a spotty track record...
I wonder that too... they have their fans of course, and some are happy to pay for this level of quality... I'm neither!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam For a similar fate on the Class 17 look at the class 14. A great design which never went anywhwere (unless you count private enterprise which benefitted from their sale) Swindon Works erecting shop foreman George Cole quipped "We've built the Great Bear now we're going to build a teddy bear"
Seems like a fair review! I wonder if, for testing Heljan locos, you might fit a 3-link coupling to one end of a wagon ... or would that feel like conceding defeat?
Thanks Rick - would be good to test, but O gauge is fiddly enough... I can see OO being infuriatingly so!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Another classic video Sam. I love the title of the video, spot on. Thank you for saving me some money. Your a Gent. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🐖🚅🚄
“Heljen class 17” “runs surprisingly accurately”
*Well we know where this is going*
Also if it was around 60 MPH then it should be faster than a 57xx and a 08 shunter but it looks like both can easily outrun this 17 class easily as a 57xx goes around 45 MpH and an 08 shunter goes at 15 MPH
08 is 15mph. 20mph is the 09
Oh you better believe it! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
“Hello!” said the Diesel “I’ll soon sort this train out. You take the front and I’ll push from behind.” ( insert Bill and Ben’s baffled expressions ) “What fun!” . All was well as they set off.
Great review as always, Sam - excellently researched and delivered. I’ve got one of the Bachmann ones which is rather slow and noisy - much like to prototype I suppose. Keep up the great work - Alex 🙂
haha loving this - and thanks for the comment Alex! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
A Bad Day for Sam's Trains
Sam was feeling very low. His best friend Kelly saw how sad he was.
"What's wrong?" asked the young lady concerned.
"I bought this new diesel model from Heljan, and it's not working like it should," answered Sam in a broken voice. "Why don't you yell and put me out of my misery?" Kelly normally would have yelled, but she didn't. Instead, because she didn't have the heart to yell, she thought hard about how to put a smile on Sam's face again. An idea came to her, a very sensible one. She asked Sam if she might use a stepladder.
"What for?" asked Sam puzzled. Kelly winked but wouldn't tell. Sam caught the hint and obliged her request. Carefully, the lady reached up and picked up a Bachmann steamy off one of the shelves. Sam watched as she climbed down slowly. What was she going to do? The young man found out soon enough. He felt his frown slowly turning itself upside down. He was beginning to smile.
"If this doesn't cheer you up, I'll give you what for," teased Kelly.
"I'm already smiling," giggled Sam. "What more do you want me to do?" The two laughed at their joke.
Sam played Bachmann Steam Trains with Kelly very happily. Kelly had turned his bad day into a happier one. Broome Manor was chuffing along Sam's railway, with five Chocolate & Cream Mk. 1 coaches, faultlessly. Sam felt a pang inside of him.
"Broome Manor," he said meaningfully, "I guess I misjudged you. Your performance is way better than Heljan's models any day." Kelly put her arm round him in agreement. Happy Days for Sam.
I saw the thumbnail and I was like 'haha Derek in BR blue', but no, Derek was one of my favorite diesels in Thomas and friends history. He's right up there with Salty, Mavis, and Rusty. Anyways, great video Sam
28:23 “Warwells. Warwells, warwells.”
Never had a problem with mine. Wonder if that might improve on DCC? I’ve been in the cab of the remaining survivor when it was started up. Christ what power the place shook and that was only one engine !
So, does the title mean the thing spontaneously combusted for no reason? I hope you got that on camera!
Not yet - expecting it any moment!!
I think you need to get a interview with Ben Jones who now runs Heljan operations in the UK as he is in the process of looking at updating old models in Heljans range and he once was a reviewer in one of the model railway magazine's.
That would be very interesting Ben - though updating this wouldn't do any good as the chassis is hopeless and the detailing is dated... best thing for it would be a retool, preferably by a more competent manufacturer! ;)
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
"surprisingly accurately"
I'm assuming that means pre-rebuild with those nasty aluminium crankcases
haha not quite that accurate! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Slow running can be a consequence of too small a shaft or too large a bearing hole in the motor or gear train. The shaft can run reasonably freely at low speeds, but it will run eccentrically in the shaft in a planetary motion. The number of "orbits" per shaft rotation will be exceptionally high, so at high shaft speeds the "orbits" per shaft rotation can be astronomical and sap a great deal of the power output from a 12v motor and create a high pitch sound.
Enuo... My wife and I suffer from both ailments... a small shaft and too large a bearing hole. Been a long time since we orbited with the planets too! Hehehe... stay happy.
Thanks Sam for reinforcing my decision to avoid Heljan models.
I'm sorry if I've caused that for you, but I honestly couldn't recommend many of them with a clear conscience!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
You know, the character known as Derek from Thomas & Friends certainly happens to basically be officially well-knowingly obviously based on the well-known B R class 17 diesel locomotive who'd been officially well-knowingly obviously seen in season 5 episode titled Double Teethin' Troubles alongside in the officially well-knowingly obviously good movie titled Calling All Engines during the official song titled Trying to do things better struggling up Gordon's Hill with a goods train! In fact, his own official case of teethin' troubles was basically due to his own official cooling system as to specifically explain why he constantly overheated when goin' over hills!!!
Well done with this official video despite several issues that you've pointed out!!!!!!
But, nonetheless, great work with this official video as always for sure!!!!!
WOWSERS!!!!!
WOO-HOO-HOO-HOO!
Sam: Reciting how garbage the Class 17s were
Stop... it's already dead... :(
haha exactly! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I saw the title I smiled, I remember seeing these as a small kid and the main addition to the model to improve authenticity would be an OO gauge driver kicking the blasted thing and turned the air blue
haha love it... sounds like a worthy upgrade! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When I worked for BR , i got talking to a old Scottish driver who had one explode on him ! One of the 2 engines decided to take it's self apart with with dramatic results 😂 he said worst loco except for the rebuilt class 21s that became the class 29s and based also in Scotland and another complete disaster
Jees, it's a good thing you don't hate this loco as much as Heljan's Tango or 1361, which I still think are far worse than the Class 17, but good lord you gave this loco absolutely no leeway and no chill at all. You can hate a loco by all means, and this loco is kinda garbage, the ratings are very accurate, but don't give this loco the Tango and 1361 treatment xDDD great video as always regardless, I enjoyed me sen, keep it up Sam
I have noticed that most oo engines have truck ( boggie) mounted couplers , is this prototypical ? Or is this done on models for sharp curves. Most US HO models have prototypical body mount coupling. Could this be done on your engines for better running. Thanks for the video.
I think that is just with models - the real couplings are usually buffer-beam mounted, which aren't normally part of the bogies!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Very generous score from you there Sam.
I've had some second hand N scale locos where you have to unscrew the buffers to take the body off. A detail that was obviously not noticed by the previous owners as they broke off the body under the buffers. Even so, they were a simple screw fit. No messing about with pliers.
Early batches had a defective mechanism that would seize and overheat. Heljan supplied a replacement chassis to me, and the loco runs well now. In practice, these locos usually ran in pairs so you need to buy two! It would be great if Heljan sold a cheaper non-motorised dummy loco so that I don’t need to buy two full price
These 17s have such variable quality. My first one ran for about 10 minutes and then died. Dead as a dodo. Sent it back and the replacement ran - and still runs perfectly well. Decent turn of speed, decent pulling power, but a bit noisy. Now I’ve got a second one and it, too, runs fine. Weird how up and down they are.
Clayton is interestingly making a comeback in the UK.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway bought a pair of hybrid diesels from them. They look to be going well, even with the recent pandemic delaying their public introductions.
Tata Steel at Port Talbot bought a few large shunters from them, they've been performing well from what I've heard. These are also the largest UK built Locos since 2003.
And Beacon Rail has ordered 15 shunter models like the Tata Steel ones to replace some of their 08s and 09s. They'll become the new BR Class 18, they're to start arriving late this year. These perform well enough, who knows, they could be the 08/09 replacements.
Thank you Sam. You just saved me some money. That was a brilliant and thorough review, as always. Just the usual Heljan let down !!!
You should make Derek/Paxman from Thomas & Friends out of this one
I have got a class 33, it is one best locomotives from Heljan I have got, bought it from Hattons for 49 pounds., I have left the three link couplings on it and put Shawplan plates on it
These were built in the village I grew up in, Hatton near Derby. There is nothing left of the site now, became a housing estate a few years back. No one locally knows these were manufactured there and very little is recorded about them.
12:53 i'd definetly use the screwlink couplings ^^
Such a great model!!
Awesome! That's at least one vote for that then... will see what the rest choose! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I only have one Heljan model which is the W&M railbus. This runs fairly well but doesn't take kindly to not being used for a while, It needs running in again. Luckily for me, most of my requirements are satisfied by Hornby, Oxford and a few Bachmann models.
It's Derek the Diesel from "Double Teething Troubles"!
The way the side frame come off and the four clip bogie comes off is the way how the famous and respected company Athearn does it here in the US! The way the motor flywheels and drive train is structured is also reminiscent of how Athearn does it. Athearn also does it for companies it either makes locomotive for or licensed its architecture to, like Life-Like/Walters. If you fancy, I would investigate to find out if Heljlin has a deal with Athearn to make its locomotives for them or if they got a license to copy it from Athearn (assuming licensing is required)
Athearn is considered a very respected model maker here in the US and has been using that way or similar to assemble its trucks for going on at least 60 years! No one here have complained about it as far as I know that is. As far as I know you are the first Modeler to complain about it, but it's perfectly understandable as to why since as a Brit you are not used to it!🙂
The foam, I am guessing, is partly for sound dampening, and I kind of like it when a diesel electric model makes that sound, like a natural mimic of prototype diesel prime mover noise.😊
Sam, what can I say other than THANK YOU!
I've been thinking of getting one of these, or a Class 15 for a while.
They LOOK very interesting, and as you say, the decoration is very good - the operation is another thing - very poor indeed!
What a pity!
Al.
I found a review of the Heljan Class 17 "O" gauge version of this loco. They conveniently made no comment on the performance. All the runbys were at modest speeds. They were sound equipped though and they had a great sound. They also kept the link and screw type couplers dangling at each end.
11:06 it says:
Clayton
EQUIPMENT CO. LTD.
HATTON DERBY
I recently got a WalthersProto SD45, it's RRP is 130 pounds ($163), it weighs 500~ grams, all metal construction as far as i can tell (minus a few details), it runs like a beauty, even on my hornby trainset controller, for just 25 pounds less, it's infinitely more dubious in quality.
Who knew Derek would be useful on the layout.
This review was highly entertaining! The peak of Sam's ire was when he plowed into the wagons, in an attempt to couple the train. I was laughing my head off! I guess I'm easily humored. Good job on this one!
haha thanks Hans... yes I was losing control at that point! Glad you had fun anyway... more than can be said for me on this occasion!! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I have never seen this sammy.this was a great one.great job very enjoyable!!
Tbf to it, the driver in real life wouldn’t really run these fast anyways as if they did then their engines would overheat and you’d have to wait quite a while, hey were good for shunting though
Oh, Heljan. Must we do this trial again? If you like cool center cab diesels, Alco made one for us in America, The C415. Wasn't very popular, but it is really nice looking.
I love it when you review heljan Sam because you never know what your gonna get lol
haha really?! What I got was exactly what I expected... even though I tried to have an open mind ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
When i saw these running and on scrap lines my abiding memory was that they were in BR Green and certainly not this colour which seems to lean towards Prussian Blue.
Thanks for sharing Leroy - you reckon they didn't run in blue at some point then??
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Where I live in the United States, we call that a steeple cab. I’m unsure as to where the name steeple cab came from; although, if I had to guess, I’d say it was because of the cab configurations on early locomotives of this design resembling a church steeple.
When I saw the "runs surprisingly accurately" I thought it's motor would end up overheating, surprised it didn't but the other problems made up for my surprise. Gotta say great video.
From what I hear, other examples certainly do overheat!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
If you like the center cab look, you might want to try a West German V100, V80, V90 or V60. They all look fairly nice and should have good models available.
I agree whith you i like the class 17 diesel loco.
The class 17 is similar to the Swedish disel loco T44.
The name that is stamped on axel lids is SKF it stands for Swdish Ballbearing Factory.
The copmany has at factory in Gothenborg in Sweden.
How disapointing Heljan has does it again.
They have sadly not listend to the customers.
Keep up the good work Sam
It is bad that Heljan is a Dainish company.
👍👍👍👍👍
Oh, thank goodness, I was terrified Thomas was gonna wind up on the bottom of the years rankings... even so, from how frustrating it was for you, the score is surprisingly high... I hope it hasn’t put you off class 17 models... I hope there are better ones on the market you may try one day.
haha nope - he should get away with it fine... fingers crossed he won't be in thebottom 5!!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
This particular loco was built in 1963 with the works number CE 4365 U/36. Scrapped at Glasgow Works, February 1973.
Oh wow, i've never seen such a thing before, meaning how complicated this thing is to disassemble.
I've got a diesel made by Märklin, and that thing has one screw and the whole body comes off, no problem, and two screws for the bogie with the motor on it. That's that. Three screws and you've got the whole mechanism to work with, service, repair, whatever you wanna do.
Me neither... it's an eye-opener isn't it? Sounds like Marklin know what they're doing... same can't be said here! ;D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
It’s quite perplexing really, Heljan seems to be well-respected manufacturer externally but really has quite a few fundamental issues it can’t seem to fix. I’ve heard that their O Gauge is a bit better but overall, I can’t seem to make up my mind about them.
It certainly is perplexing... I just can't understand how this can continually happen!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I think Helijan should take notes from the EFE Class 17 in N Gauge, the DCC socket (Next18 btw) is fitted in the fuel tank under the loco, no need to remove the body at all, just pop a single piece off, plop in the decoder, and plonk the fuel tank back on. Simple!
Oh well, would hope that Helijan can at least get stuff in O Gauge right.
Still a great vid Sam!
~James