A Pointless Model? | Heljan's "Upgraded" Class 35 | Unboxing & Review 

Telling it the way it is & holding manufacturers to account: nobody does it better, Sam. Once again a very authorative, forensic, informed and excellently presented review. "Caveat Emptor" after watching this. As you say, it's not that it's an expensive model, it's just such very, very poor value for money. Don't think Heljian is going to get any of my hard earned cash anytime soon. It seems like Accurascale & Dapol are where it's at nowadays.

One of the Hymeks' signature features were their raised aluminium numbers, which D7058 retained until its demise, a shame £178-£209 doesn't buy you some etchings or metal transfers like you'd find in a model car kit. The silver paint transfers just look a bit naff..

Hi Sam, I have always loved the 35 Hymeks (and 52 Westerns) since watching them blast past my primary school playground back in 1970. A couple of years later on a visit to Swindon works open day, there was a Hymek on the scrap line with a sign saying "help yourself to any parts you want", so my brothers and I took one of the cab doors off, lugged it home (very heavy) and it then sat in our back garden for a few years. I have one of the EFE rail 7016, which has very poor lighting even on DCC, I was hoping that this new Heljan version would have better lighting. So I think I'll wait until they come down in price a bit and then maybe do my own lighting mods to improve things. Thanks for the review Ian

You know that when Sam says "hopefully" three times in one sentence it's gonna bomb hard :)

Lightning on Heljan has long been a problem. From dim lights on class26s/27s and 33s to the strange, centre light unintentional "headlamp" on class 17s.

When I saw "Heljan" and "Class 35" I knew things were gonna be good

I have one of the original release when they first came out. Was out of date even then with the incandesant bulbs. Once I get my layout up a running (one of these years!), I was going to rip the board and lights out and do my own LED solution! The DCC guy does some great video's on old US Proto2000 E8 locos on how to do that with 3rd party 21pin boards and ebay leds.

When I first came across Heljan brand it was the class 52. Well impressed I got 3. Then all the other long gone diesels no one dared bother with, all good bar the couplings! Spares has been a problem to find. I used to move their headcode panel lights into the cab area and being bulbs this was quite effective ! I got the 1st batch of this from around 2013 fraction of this price still going strong. Amp draw can be high so fit suitable decoder for dcc. Their most recent offerings (gas turbine a& pwm) are poor quality even on dcc. The forthcoming 104 dmu ive earmarked so got high hopes and the new tooled 47. Comprehensive review

Absolutely love your reviews Sam. They’re always really honest. Will you be reviewing the Accurascale class 31 and 37. Would love to see those reviews. Especially a comparison between the Bachmann 37 and the accurascale one.

Try a Heljan Class 33. I have 2, they cost £175 from Kernow I believe and are phenomenal bits of kit

Interesting review. Some people think that accurate model lighting should be dim to be realistic but surely it has to be exaggerated to make it noticeable at all. This loco looks like one for the bargain bin in a few months!

What an amazing loco! All I have to say is, there's a reason 2 of my 3 hymeks are Triang, the other being a slightly later Hornby one.

Looks identical to the Triang Class 35. If only chassis update kits existed.

Hay Sam, 2 months later - there are only 2 non-damaged Hymeks in the uk. Two of the preserved class 35 (D7017 & D7018) trains were at the West Somerset Railway. They were fixing one at Williton when it suddenly shunted off and bumped into the other one parked infront of it and damaged the other one as well as it’s self

I have D7016 in blue. On DCC, the lights are no problem, they illuminate the headcode panel perfectly

Honest review Sam and entertaining.

Also, apparently for another awesomely excellent well-knowingly obviously obvious fact is basically that I personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly obviously clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll basically be very shockingly surprisingly impressively able to move various types of American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly extremely pleased to happily know that officially 1 of the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic hymek locomotives( the official D71O1 respectfully) seriously will basically be officially named Bear SIMPLY due to the growls that he made as mentioned in the officially well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself!

I seriously do personally wanna point out that Bear(formerly known as D71O1) certainly happens to basically have been officially well-knowingly obviously based on the well-known B R class 35 diesel-hydrualic locomotives!

I've been put off Heljan by the only loco I've ever bought from the brand, granted it was 2nd hand and cheap because of slight damage but during the repair of the body it cracked from the bottom part way round the roof so I had to repair that too. Then during paint prep removing hand rails a huge Chunk of body splintered away with the hand rail. I emailed them as I believed the body was defective with how brittle it is and Heljans response was to look for a second hand body off ebay. Class 33 by the way

I seriously do personally just suddenly came up with the officially well-knowingly clever idea of completely building a new generation of the well-known B R class 35 hymeks diesel-hydrualic locomotives from scratch with modifications that officially include automatic knuckle coupling devices on each end of the locomotives to co-operate with various types of American-origin rolling stock with no complete trouble whatsoever meaning that they'll specifically wonderfully officially be very shockingly surprisingly able to pull American-origin rolling stock with ease! Plus, you'll be very shockingly surprisingly pleased to happily know that 1 of 'em certainly will basically numbered D71O1 with the officially well-known nickname of Bear who's basically featured in the officially well-knowingly obviously famously well-known Railway Series book titled Enterprising Engines written by the famously well-known Rev W Awdry himself printed in official nameplates on each side of the locomotive!

The first loco I ever had was a Hornby Hymek with magnahesion, so this was a nostalgic video for me! I think if you did want a Hymek to replace the old Hornby model, then this offering is a good substitute! Thanks for uploading.

We had Hymeks hauling minerals up the Ebbw Valley during the 70s

I got a hattons sale efe BR blue one for £95ish a couple weeks ago and is fine for that price, but was wandering if i should have got the LED fitted version instead, very glad i didnt now ive watched this, thanks Sam! 😊

The words "Heljan", "High Quality" and "Value For Money" never go together in the same sentence it seems.

I’d like to see it after a few months of use. My similar locomotive is going to be put on the club layout at the Hoddesdon Model and Railway Club.

Hi Sam. You're such an optimist (yes, I know it's your job)! You have reviewed and panned Heljan models so many times that they never fail to disappoint; so much so that I vowed to never buy one of their models (I couldn't anyway as I model in N gauge [and now TT:120]). When coupling to the coaches, I notice the loco did so at quite a "high speed". I guess that purchasers of Heljan products never watch your reviews! Will Heljan never learn? Come on, Heljan - wake up a smell the coffee! Their website says "supported by our consultants in the UK who assist with product development, research and design"; I think Heljan need to cut their consultants loose!

Great review Sam, i have 3 heljan locos cl 58,33,86 dating back to around 2011 and they were all around £50 / 100 from hattons. I haven't bought anything new for a while but it seems that the older models are a better quality with a bit less detail.. i would prefer bachmann models as they seem to have the right amount of detail and quality 😊

When will ALL the manufacturers start gearing locos for prototypical speed, giving us a better slow torque instead of lighning speed, which is totally unrealistic. Thanks for the review Sam. 👍

Crawling is surely not what a Hymek was designed for. They were designed to be a good express passenger locomotive in the Western Region.

It's crazy to me that the same manufacture made the amazing class 07 which i got because it is Salty from Thomas. A shame that the class 35 isn't the best as I would have loved to have that for the character, Bear

One star on value is incredibly generous! (in my opinion.)

Speaking as an old guy who did have a Hornby Hymek from new back in the 20th century I still am yet to see a convincing 00 gauge Hymek . And the Hornby version I had never seemed to fit in with the other locomotives scale wise . Loving the channel Sam

Ever since the Tubby Duff, I’ve always looked at anything from Heljan sideways and pushed back on buying anything from them (except the Class 58). However, the new Class 86 has changed my mind. Would love seeing you do a review of the new Class 86/2s when they come out and see if that might make you finally think something from Heljan has some quality.

A great video Sam as always, I model ‘O’ & ‘OO’ and I have never bought a Heljan model and I never Will there has always been a problem with them for all sorts of reasons .

Hi sam I hope you are well This is worrying for the tango o dear Great honest review Keep safe ARP

One of the things that I noticed; the yellow panels appear to have colour bleed around someofthe edges, the other, ithat the yellow panels appear to exagerate the window pillars, making them look vasty oversxale

AKA, “Bear” (D7101) from the Railway Series.

I’m sorry to say that I certainly think Heljan is taking advantage of the cost of living situation by changing so much for a locomotive of this quality!!

Hi Sam. Thanks for another great review. I quiet agree with you about analogue models. Manufacturers have for most of the time, jumped on to the gravy train ( pun intended ) about DCC and always build their models with DCC as the best, but still after 15+ years, they still have not been able to work out that a lot of modellers are of a general age of wanting analog or have too many locomotives to chip, and cannot afford to buy the extra . Personally, the only thing about dcc models is the ability to have multiple trains on a layout, but at a great expense. I like your channel as it’s for the normal modellers, who don’t want super expense and have layouts where dcc is too much, expensive, and no benefits. I don’t want sound, I don’t want super detailed models that leave parts of the model on the layout. Giving Hornby a tick, they have basic, medium and high detailed versions, a cross on their prices. Bachman still are producing reasonable detailed models but at a cost. The new boys on the block are doing well providing they don’t get greedy. Heljan have overstretched themselves from the first couple of years of production. Now they are producing basic models, poor quality, and expensive. Bad times - bad management. Thanks for being honest about models. But please please do the modellers a favour and send the expense items back for refunds (with your findings). Maybe they (all manufacturers) will make sure they give value for money. Or adjust their prices to reflect. Keep up the great work.

I got my EFE Hymek for under 100 pounds not too bad for that price.

A bit harsh given if you want a 35 it's the only game in town. Mine is a really good runner on my end to end layout with generous curves, creeps well and as you noted very smooth and quiet. Loads of details to add to the buffer beams (which I will leave off) and nice finish. I paid £140, yes it could be improved but I call fair value. Most important to me is how well they run and traverse points etc, and this loco performs. Compared to my Hornby ringfield version.................it's a Rolls Royce!

I have bought one of these and yes Sam, your assessment is about right. However, I had to have one as an old git who saw the Hymeks when they were first introduced to BR and I have a Western layout. The original Hymeks did have very dim lights but I guess Heljan didn't intentionally replicate that. The rule is that if it doesn't run well on DC it won't run well on DCC. However, this loco seems to be the exception that proves the rule. I have sound fitted mine with a Zimo decoder and "boomer" speaker and it runs smoother than a cashmere codpiece!

Remember when we used to say about Heljan that although their steam locos were naff, the diesels were top notch? I'm not so sure that statement holds any water now

The light on the right should light up white, which I noticed doesn't at all. I'm sure my first issue one from 2002ish does light up!

The odd one out is the gwr red and cream railcar in the siding next to the pub on your layout but great review none the less

Hello Sam, I am new to your site. Thanks for this comprehensive review. I think you have talked me into an EFE one for the time being. What a pity these manufacturers seem to cut corners. Cheers, Trevor

I think Heljan have issues with figuring out lighting. My Class 33/0 has barely noticeable lighting but the 33/1 has a collapsed star at each end which probably causes my retinas to burn out every time it passes. The 33/2 I have is somewhere in the middle with its lights. The 35 in this video seems pretty poor so it's a wonder as to how they've not figured it out yet.

Awesome video Sam's trains

Having had and changed my Heljan turntable with a Fleischmann turntable, due to the poor construction and reliability, I no longer purchase Heljan products. Ive only watched half of this review so far and am already wondering if its worth continuing to watch it. Its not your reviewing but the lack of product quality that is why. I thought cab lights had to be extinguished when the loco is moving? On your paperwork I read earlier that the start voltage is 2.5V. One credit to the loco, it didn't derail. I now will only buy locos that are DCC fitted with Sound. Accurascale, Dapol and Oxford rail. The coupling was no where near the correct height. Your 5.82 score says it all.

sam figure out how to gear it down you would get more low end because of the speed would be lessened for torque which solves the issues

Thanks Sam you legend love the channel thanks for all the work you put into it you have helped me in my set up greatly your info is honest and justified you legend keep it up big fan first comment

Im quite lucky I got a pre-owned Heljan 3507 quite cheap from someone a long while ago. I mainly bought it because I wanted a smaller 4-axle model & liked the livery of D7040 (blue with white cab surrounds & yellow panel). Its performance & weight are marvellous (it hauls a big rake if needed). But I do agree the lights are lame/weak. If you just want a classic blue loco for pulling some grey/blue coaches, this isn't bad at all. But I agree the price is stupid if you want improvement on the original. Other than dedicated Cl35 fans, I would say its not worth the outlay. Its pulling power & weight are positives, plus I would say I love mine in its unusual blue livery, but would find something else if I was going to spend £180+ on a diesel model

If the real Hymeks were numbered D700 - D7100, than Bear (Thomas & Friends Railway Series) would've been the next in line going by number.

Interesting what you said about lights and new tooled models having contacts..... the new tooled Bachmann class 37 had four plugs for lights! I have an old Heljan Hymek. It's ok but I don't like the shape enough to want a new one (fortunately). Thanks for the review.

Great that someone (you, Sam) does honest reviews, which we don't get in the magazines that we pay a lot of money for. I got the Heljan 1366. After a great deal of investigating and minor alterations (minor, but took many days), it runs very well. But I resolved NEVER to purchase anything whatever from Heljan again. I had the strong impression that Heljan have two different design teams, the team that does the modelling (very good) and the team that does the operating parts (lazy, incompetent, slovely, not even bothering to test properly). The couplings were a load of tat. The stupid complicated design of the fitting made them hang way below the correct height, and then they had the temerity to put a DOWN step in the coupling itself. They passed completely below the coupling of a correct vehicle. I even noticed the same hang on your model today, but without the step down, and, because it managed to connect to an old clunker (very forgiving), you gave it a way undeserved pass. You politely ask what is the future of Heljan. My less polite answer: bankruptcy, and the sooner the better, to clear the field for better models from more deserving manufacturers. Every rotten manufacturer saps some sales from the good ones, if only by taking away from modellers' budgets, making further new models from better companies less likely.

Great video Sam, I’d love to see a review on the Heljan 10800 Locomotive when it comes out

Recently an Accurascale rep answered a question on RMweb asking if they planned more steam locos. The answer was 12! We know what 2 of them are and it seems the first the Manor class is about to be air freighted. An important model for the company, hopefully, Sam will do a test with cutaway comparisons with the Dapol version.

A quite good analogue controller should do the same as a digital decoder in the loco and provide pulse width modulated (PWM) DC for the motor. So there should not be any difference unless the frequencies play a role and differ, too.

thank you for the warning. perhaps some of the price increase went to adding many un needed extra gears. and it is a masterclass in how not to use led technology for model lighting all frustrating for a hymek fan. thank you for saving me from a bad buy great work

The usual question with Heljan is : what did they botched this time ? Answer : the Q/P ratio, by issueing a model minimally upgraded (DCC socket and LED lightning). I won't put more than GBP 100 in such a model, acceptable price for an Hornby Railroad model. A 21 pin DCC socket or equivalent is a standard by now, like LED lights on engines having lights. When you see what Dapol makes for a retailer's price of of GBP 180 as a steam engine (Manor anyone ?), you don't want to buy that. I'm glad to have bought 2 Dapol Hymeks in N... By the way, Dapol have in N many models botched in OO by other brands, including the Hymek. I would be interested by their models if they make a 9F, Britannia, Hymek or BoB Class in OO (models available in N from them). Accurascale is also welcome to do such models by the way, I feel that they would be more interested by the diesels, why not a class 17 from them besides an Hymek ?

A Class 35 from Accurascale, now there's an idea 🤞🤞

Awesome video, can you do a review of a Broadway Limited Imports Product? like a Locomotive or a piece of Rolling stock?

New and improved sam 210 pounds 😂 100 pound loco all day long, great review as always 👍

Class 35 hymek my favorite!

If Heljan really wanted to make this a true updated version, at least have some bearings and sprung buffers, they don’t have to be metal. though at least sprung plastic buffers are adequate quality, yet still no sprung buffers. *sigh* sometimes I think I can make a plastic gauge one Thomas toy that is better quality for such a better and far lower price than Bachmann’s Ho Thomas models. Well, at least there is Hornby/Rivarossi with engines with good quality.

Very surprising to not see anyone saying this is Bear from the Railway Series. Usually when you review the basis of a Thomas character a comment will pop up to mention that pretty fast. 😂

how many items of rolling stock can this haul before it become to much for the locomotive (Sam)?

I do hope you might find a Heljan Class 28 in the future.

30% uplift for most things is now par for the course. All of my insurances have done that and in one or two cases even higher still. I think it's called taking the micky or profiteering on the back of inflation. I understand costs are up and inflation running at around 10% so could possibly bite that bullet in some instances, but not as a blanket uplift for little reason. I've said it previously, my spend is well down now overall. Lastly, there is only so much that can be 'upgraded' or 'new tooled' so maintaining sales (cashflow for any business is crucial) is vital. With done to death models, where erlse or how do manufacturers survive? (discuss)

Hey Sam, have you ever heard of the Thomas character that’s exclusive to the books that’s based on this class “Bear”?

Hi Sam, Thanks for this video mate. You've helped me avoid buying this one. I may as well buy an older pre-owned one and update that with third party parts. Have you reviewed the newer Hornby Class 60 with the 21pin DCC board? I would be interested to hear your views on it and being a bigger channel than mine. I am sure I am not the only one thinking this too. Peter.

I have three of the light bulb/8pin Heljan Class 35s. I quite like them, having purchased them in the 75-99 pound range. I was really hoping this “updated” model would have etched grills and the likes, so I am massively disappointed with this model. I really hope Accurascale will create both Class 17 and 35 models. Who knows, maybe a 58 as well.

Heljan? This is bound to be entertaining!

Awesome video today Sam I hope accurascale do make this model

So glad somebody is calling the manufacturers out on their pricing which is just getting silly... Your 35 review is the only thing I have found that's more criminal than when I was looking at Bachmanns 37 a couple of months ago... Came across one that was £279 and thought oh this will be the DCC sound fitted competitor to Accurascales sound fitted model... So browsed Futher on the page to find no sound fitting...... This was actually the Standard model.... At £110 more than Accurascales highly detailed base 37 model.... I then made the mistake of been curious to see how much Bachmanns sound fitted 37 equivalent and was immediately horrified. I felt my heart sink with a thump whilst my ghost jumped out my throat and screamed at the sight of the £379 price tag.... I would buy 2 base Accurascale 37s which I have no doubt will be just as good, if not better in detail and have change to spare out of that price of what is a common everyday Locomotive... Not a rare unique loco such as DP1. I would like to think the retailers have applied huge discounts to them since because they are not shifting but frankly I have placed my order with Accurascale, I am happy to wait and seriously reconsidering if I should be supporting such daylight robbery and never buying anything from Bachmann again!

Another interesting review Sam. I must ask- what do you do with the models you aren't struck on? Is there a bulging cupboard in your attic with a BR style "NOT BE MOVED" sign attached!!!

Fair good well review Sam. Perhaps though, the thought of price and features aren't correlated as you usually expect. There is much more to it... One of the main omissions we've noticed since years from British brands is manufacturing quality and consistency. Accurascale are indeed on top of details and features but do stand reminded that they've had their share of quality problems... At least Heljan is consistent internally but admittedly a tad cheapish botchy on current connections and light details, and some exterior visual aspects aren't exactly the pinnacle of the industry; even sloppy here and there. Not sure why sprung buffers should be such a thing; rather naff they are but should of course be sharply moulded and finished. Although Heljan have refocused on British outline for some years now, their H0 (Danish outline / DSB) usually are well good runners as well as their 3 rail versions. Mind you, their H0 can go close to ~3000 DKK / ~400 GBP... They've had problems though with overly browned wheels causing current problems but that has been resolved to our best knowledge. The retail price (never mind RRP) of this one is a bit stiff nonetheless for the OO market, also considering the sheer number of botch work... Some online retailers still carry its predecessor stock, now reduced by ~35% to just over 100 GBP...

It look okay, it work’s okay, it’s okay!

I can say with confidence that the accurascale class 37 is defiantly better than this loco. Mine is perfect and for less than some of my other older locos its brilliant. Also, the accurascale class 37 looks not to have a pre fitted speaker but I can confirm it has a small sugarcube speaker pre fitted as yesterday I fitted mine with a sound decoder which came without any speaker

I think where they struggle in OO the shine more in O scale cause if I remember when you reviewed the one o scale heljin it was actually pretty good

Hey Sam I have a question, does your b17's pickups have spring loaded contacts, or are they hardwired? Cheers Jasper & Willow

I think I'll just stick with my old hornby one at the minute

It’s a pretty decent looking model, but is it a good one? For my Dad’s Army layout, it would certainly look out of place!!

I didn't know Heljan had any connection to EFE/Bachmann. Thought they were competitors

I think Sam that heljan were really lazy with this model. I don't heljan will ever learn ;) Cheers Jasper & Willow

Well I have the original Hymek Class 35 from Heljan (pre EFE rebranding). After seeing this review I cannot see any reason to upgrade to the new one. My CL35 is running happily on an 8 pin DCC decoder and it would be a lot cheaper to change the bulbs with a third party LED upgrade kit.

Are you sure the headcode panels don’t have a protective film over them? That film would get scratched - you need to remove it.

I think what makes it worse is that only Heljan produces OO scale class 35s now (unless you get the old Hornby one). This means that modellers wanting to create a Western Region scene for OO scale would have no choice but to buy theirs. Until another manufacturer invests in a new tooled class 35, I doubt Heljan would be willing to invest in a brand new model for the Hymeks.

Ah yes, I love it when a loco costs 200 quid and has no sprung buffers for no reason. I know they aren’t necessary, but that’s why you pay the big bucks, isn’t it?

Odd one is the one next to the turntable

Great Reveiw Sam. As Always..! Of late you have been buying from the U.S. Have you looked at any Australian Loco's..? They look Kooky, but a Company called 'IDR' are producing some Great Stuff. Some are American with a Sprinkle of Oz thrown in. Some Aus built. Available in HO but Some Unusual looking stuff in DC & DCC. Next time you go to Spend on an Americian, think Aussie..! Maybe..!??? Cheers Kim in Oz.😎 Obviously. I have no Skin in the Game. I am not getting a Wedge for this Plug. 😂

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Watch the entertaining video.😊

BUT I Love the weight and running of these, cost is huge considering all things. Is it a numbers game number sold to price?

Another traintaic video👍😊🤩

I wonder if now they design engines to be good with DCC, while DC is an afterthought.

Have you got your hands on an accurascale class 37 Sam? Would like to see you review one

the packets now should be resealable as not everybody fits all parts

Aren't the headcodes different at each end too????

Could the excessive speed be an attempt to compensate the lack of torque and a heavy train, That a side, I like the analogue reviews, I exclusively use DCC and base purchase off you’re reviews in the main, if it can perform on DC it’s only going to be better on DCC

£40 extra for TOPS code, overhead flashes and a shedplate - I don't think so. The livery also looks pretty dark to me as well. Good review (as usual).