Sam managed to get through the whole review, without mentioning the oily fingerprints on the middle access doors on both sides. I guess they were put there by whoever washed the loco in oil when packing it.
How did Heljan reviews vanish from the channel for a year, then suddenly we are bombarded with one after another? I'm not complaining, Heljan reviews are always entertaining! 😆
Because there's only so long a person can take continual disappointment for before they need a break for a while I'm assuming. It's such a shame that Heljan's quality control is so hit and miss. They have so much potential to be a genuinely excellent manufacturer, but they keep missing the mark in such stupid ways.
@@karlyoung3275 1361 is definitely worse, the performance is around the same as the 1361, although this one is actually like, kind of almost half-decent quality.
@@gamingwithlukeJToH on the other hand, at least the 1361 didn’t cost 200 quid, and actually had die cast and sprung buffers on it… neither work properly, so goodness knows which one Sam prefers
@@Alpha-oo8 that's what it costed in 2020, putting inflation into account means the model would now cost around £196.84, which is nearly the same. not to mention the fact that basically all of the diecast on the model was horribly done.
Thats whats great about your reviews. The honesty. Magazine reviews very rarely now included negative comments. Whats that about? Even a faulty model gets a glowing review! I bet Kernow and Model Rail arn’t pleased they are involved in this model!
I love Model Rail as a magazine, but their reviews are rarely critical, and I refuse to believe so many models are pefect. Definitely something I've noticed of late.
On the contrary, Heljan’s Class 11 - also a Kernow/Model Rail project - is a fabulous model. I rarely buy new stuff these days but I went for one and it honestly blew my socks off. It’s well built, clean decoration, mechanically very sound with an excellent crawl and it has directional lights too. Puts the Hornby and Bachmann 08s to shame. Most of their other stuff is fit for the bin. It’s really odd!
So, I talked with Dekas (danish manufactor) CEO a few days ago, where we discussed the way Dekas run compared to Heljan, and he mentioned that Heljan had no passion for the hobby and were easy to say a locomotive wouldn't be profitable for them if they didn't sell at least 1500 of them. Dekas on the other hand will according to themselves make a model if they might be profitable in the long run, i.e after 3 or 4 batches and they know how annoying bad quality is. I know I sound like a PR person for them, but I do really recommend their models, really some of the most detailed and quality locomotives that I own in my collection.
I'd argue it's a healthier attitude for the hobby as well. It's an incentive to keep the product on the market; there's too many models that are one-run-and-done.
@@nigelnicholson7439 Techincally, no as their models are made to represent Denmark (Granted, danish company) and Sweden, but if you would count rolling stock currently at the Nene Valley Railway, you could argue that their new coaches (Sat to arrive in a few months, got to see a prototype a few days ago) which the Nene Valley railway actually has, you could say that they could fit a heritage layout. Also they're HO as that's the standard scale used in Denmark.
I’m from Denmark. It is not untrue what he says. Heljan have alienated much of the Danish market with too many bad models. I will never buy more of it. Dekas on the other hand is amazing stuff.
I'm trying to imagine the conversation in the main dungeon of Heljan head office now. Hel: Hey, I've just seen how many Sam's Trains reviews there've been recently complaining about Hornby peddling overpriced shoddily made tat! Jan: What?! That's unacceptable; Hornby are muscling into our territory! They're Titfield-thunderbolting us! We'll show them... everybody likes Hornby's cute little Rustons, we shall make a Ruston of our own which exemplifies everything Heljan is known for! Now... what more could we do, to go the extra mile for a really stand-out review...? Hel: Well, Sam did review a diesel shunter from AliExpress not long ago, we could maybe *try* to aim for that kind of standard, I suppose? Or we *could* maybe attempt to make a good model for a change instead.... ? .... Heljan: Hahahahaha.... no.
Once again Sam, I owe you a massive thank you for your review as you have saved me a lot of heartache. My preservation group owns one of these (The real locomotive not the model) and has since being a small ambition of mine to get an example of our collection in model form. I was immediately excited when I heard Heljan were making a model of these as I didn't think anyone would ever consider making a model of these locomotives with them being a non "mainstream" Shunter which never had a lot of presence. However the original price immediately put me off and like you I decided to wait until a significant discount was applied before buying one... I was just about place an order when I saw your review. To be honest, even at £50 I just couldn't live with buying this disaster.
I am 79 and I have never bought a Heljan model ( not even secondhand ). I have sent Sam a comment and told him that he need not apologise for his review as most of us really appreciate his honesty in his comments. Regards from Ron
I just love your reviews, even though I live in germany and am a Märklin h0 scale modeller. They're just so entertaining, especially the bad reviews. I just read the title and was like: I'm gonna love this one. So.. at least this model served one good purpose: To give me and many others a fun time while you reviewed it. Cheers!
Hey Sam, its a definite tribute to your presentation skills that I must have watched 50+ of your videos despite running AC gear (Marklin) on my own layout, so zero 'crossover' info really. I must say, it doesn't give me a lot of confidence in laying out high amounts of money (given it has to be shipped to Australia) to buy new models. I believe I've had less issues with 2nd hand 40 year old Lima AC models and even less issues with 40-50 year old Marklin/Fleischmann gear. Keep it up - the plethora of fans prove you're on the right track!
Great vid Sam! Shocking that Heljan still produce crap like this!! Sorry I've not been commenting of late I've just been very busy with college amongst other things!
Agree about Heljan. I have finally found a use for my Beyer garratt, that rarely worked, ripped the guts out, removed running gear, sprayed it rust, put it behind a Class 24 to tow it to scrap. Perfect.
I love how the previous video is a sam’s exlusive review of a newly built prototype model that has high detail and good motor. to THIS! A £160 model that barely works.
How do Heljian expect to sell such overpriced trash? When you compare this awful model at £200 to the two wonderful Accurascale diesels that you've recently reviewed at £169 each it really makes me think that Heljian deserve to go out of business. To be honest it's not even worth £100, I'd personally just send it back for a refund
Absolutely excellent review of the Ruston 165DE diesel shunter 👍 Now I can actually rant about the ridiculous price of this diesel model, I can’t believe this model cost about £200 while it SHOULD be £100 instead. The detail is ok, but the price is absolutely infuriating as most diesel shunters are cost much cheaper right around this price. It so shameless really with this model even it is slightly good, but the price is absolutely a joke especially the model is made of plastic.
And also I’m absolutely disgusted horrified that this model keeps on and oh and ON stopping. Really unbelievable that this model is nothing but ripoff really and I will be sorry for everyone who bought this dumpster fire model that keeps on stopping.
I am generally a fan of Heljan locos but this one takes the biscuit and I agree with your review. I am surprised that Kernow MRC wish to be associated with this model. I was considering buying one of these but no way, not even at the reduced prices on offer. I have several Heljan class 33s, 35s 47s and 52s which run really well. I have had to return class 17s, class 29s and GWR railcars as their motors were rubbish and failed within hours! I would be interested to see how well this loco runs with a Zimo decoder and stay-alive. I assume you will be returning this loco to the retailer?
I noticed the stripes on the "wasp stripes" on the back of the cab weren't painted straight either in the close-up at 13:06! It almost looks like whatever was applying either the black or the yellow stripes was slightly misaligned, which caused the two to slightly overlap when they shouldn't and green to show through where it shouldn't either. Just sloppy all around, I'm surprised it managed to avoid last place! I also feel like the rubber tube used as the drive-shaft of the motor, while it may be an interesting (if rather cheap) solution, I doubt it'll help the model's longevity in any way, especially since the rubber will inevitably harden over time. Though, given the 'quality' of the rest of the model, it might not last long enough to even make it that far!
How does Heljan stay in business pulling BS like that? When a _HORNBY_ model has better quality at a lower price, you're entering *BRADFORD EXCHANGE* levels of greed!
Holy hell, this is absolute rubbish and that's a big shame because I like the chonky design of it. The cab and the overall shape I do like. I thought ah for 140RRP and about 120ish it's a nice pick if it worked well, but unfortunately, if a loco doesn't run it has had it for me. I have a lot of vintage locos and I like to service them and see them run. But this thing runs terribly out of the box which probably means that in 5 years its dead. This is more expensive than the Bachmann shunter, more than the upcoming Accurascale J67 or any of thier huge diesels. I think it's pretty sad because it looks kinda cute I think. Hopefully you can find something better this week (Dapol's 0-4-0 Leslie tank dropped I'm certain that is better). You took another one for the team, which is nice (because it warns us what pain and suffering will occur should we buy this loco), but I didn't expect this tragedy to cost 200 quid new 😭
At 17:41 the wipers are pointing in such a variety of directions that having one touch a wheel is a case of luck, especially given the amount of sideways movement that the chassis offers
Thank You Sam for saving my money going to one of these waste of money heljan products but I do have 2 other heljan locomotives like the night owl steam engine and a class 07 diesel shunter. P.S.I don't buy heljan anymore as they have really shoddy workmanship and they should be put inn the sinbin in disgrace as what they produce is not as greater quallity as osme of the other companys making these model locomotives. etc + this thing would never suit his grace at all.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I saw it stop moving in the intro I knew this would be one of those reviews on the plus side it certainly would be best buds with the 1361 class as they share a lot in common 😂
O what a lemon! I'm surprised that any retailer still stocks this rubbish. Are you going to send it back for a refund, or will you just bin the thing? The Evil Scrapman would simply LOVE it...
While the Ruston is nice appearance wise, I say you've every right to be as genuinely angry as you are. Heljan used to make better-performing stinky diesel models than this shoddy machine. I've never seen you showing an angry look on your face properly, and I'd like to see it in jest. Take my advice and never buy from Heljan ever again. They're not reliable. If you feel the need to scream in rage, do so by all means. Just don't cause any explosions if you can help it. Don't be afraid to show how angry you truly are, yell if you want. You'll feel a lot better for doing so.
I can't believe all the oil when you turned it over. I think you were too generous with the grading points, but you are with the HellJam. Gret review, Jersey Bill
Sadly we are seeing more and more locos for crazy money that are frankly a load of crap hence why I stopped modeling far to expensive for what you get most of the time!
Cheap model trains have their place, but they need to be as described-cheap!-and they still have to work. Yikes. Heljan at it again… glad to be on the American side of the pond for this one😂
Got mine last Friday. After nearly having a breakdown while trying to run it in I contacted the retailer. I intend to return this rubbish as quickly as possible.
Great video Sam, not a loco to start the hobby , I think. I've recently bought a railroad P2 locomotive and some pullman coaches to begin with it, but I think having another loco would be great. Do you think buying pre-owned locos at retailers would be a good idea? Thanks and, again, awesome video.
Was excited for Heljan's CoBo upcoming release. Now after hearing all the negative reviews about Heljan's models, I'm going to wait and see what others think about it first.
Contrary to what you see online the vast majority of heljan models are perfectly fine and very good, I have a vast collection of models from them and not one has exhibited an issue at all, never had any trouble with them, the upcoming CoBo from them will be excellent when it’s released, if you want one just buy one, make your own decisions and stop being influenced by what others are saying, your experience of a particular model will be different to another persons experience.
Can't thank you enough, I'm looking into this hobby, and if I got this as a first loco, I would probably quit right away. I'm going with accurascale I reckon. Cheers again. : )
That reminds me, Rails of Sheffield recently discounted their stock of Heljan Class 33s, in the same manner as the Ruston 165. Dare I recommend reviewing a Crompton after this fiasco? As for the RRP of modern Heljan releases (not just this Ruston), I seriously question how they could possibly be so high.
Hmm......£189 for this tiny thing or £20 less for a large Accurascale diesel packed with detail and running superbly? I don't care if you _did_ manage to get it for half price, if Heljan have the cheek to quote £189 then that is the price by which it is to be judged in the same way that you have judged Accurascale by their quoted price.
Id pay no more than 50 usd, and would using it with a backup engine to keep things running when it fails. Personally I think it looks kinda neat. Of course im a sucker for a diesel with side rods
ooh, what has Heljan been up to this time? Nothing good is the default answer, and look at those hideous flanges on the wheels and the mismatching colours! Thanks as always Sam.
Hi Sam, I have not seen that type of silicon tube transmission since early US outline brass locos. If there is any angle or offset in the alignment, the tube becomes a big drain on power being absorbed by the continuous rotational bending of the tube. I would not be surprised if a lot of the problems in running were due to that cheap transmission.
Lima somehow made similar locos for much less and more reliable despite having a very simple mechanism, that German Wermacht 0-4-0 shunter comes to mind.
Model Rail magazine announced a while ago that they are doing the Class 11 and Class 12 shunters (predecessors to the BR 08 shunter). These are being made for them by Heljan. After this review, I'd rather wait for the new Bachmann Branchline 08, or find an older Bachmann or Hornby version instead.
Shame, because lil shunter diesels are my favs. Have a few Heljan locos and think I've just been lucky as never had any issues so far. Picked up the Class 17 recently and runs great. What I wanna know is what brakevan is attached at the back of the review-loco's train? I like the livery its got and not one I think I've seen before, but it wasnt on-camera enough to make it out.
Nice video Sam. It’s interesting how I know hundreds of people who speak highly of heljan but from my own experience and videos like this I do wonder what they are talking about some times though I do have good older items their newest releases appear to be as if they were dressing up hornby train set locos. Although I think it’s the Bachmann pricing scheme where the high prices make you think that they are high value products, which is not always the case. I’m guessing that most people don’t look closely at performance and general construction with the majority of newer releases.
I speak highly of heljan because the vast collection of locos that I have manufacturers by them have been some of the best, my collection ranges from some mainstream locos like the class: 47 (old version, not the new one just released) 28, 17, 45, 128 DPU, EM2/Class 77 electric, an EFE rail 58 which is the old heljan tooled one, I have one steam locomotive that one being a Garratt, other locos I have from them are pretty much every prototype locomotive they have made, locos like: DP2, D0280 Lion, D0260 Falcon, HS4000 Kestrel, 10800, Rails/Heljan 18000 and 18100 gas turbine locomotives, 18100 being my most recent loco from heljan, in this vast collection that I have not one has exhibited any issues, construction of them has been excellent with no parts falling off, performance has also been excellent for me even on DC, some are dcc fitted now since I got my first controller earlier this year, they are also fairly easy to service despite what some may say about that, I have serviced a fair few heljan locos and believe me if I can do it anyone can, the reason why I speak very highly of them is because I have never experienced a bad issue with any model from them also I know my experience of a model will be different to everyone else, a good example here is my class 17, Sam reviewed one years ago and it ran but it wasn’t the greatest running model but it didn’t stop me from buying one as a few months later I bought a 17 and it worked fine, it still works today plus it’s a second hand one, not every heljan model out there is a poor one and it’s about time many people started realising that, they also need to stop being influenced by what they are seeing online and broadening their scope especially when it comes to heljan models because what one person may call a poor model due to their experience someone else who has a different experience may call that same heljan model a good one.
@@davidstrains4910 good point. I must admit that I have had good runners in the past, but have not had much luck in recent times. I believe it has something to do with the rising cost of Chinese factories and presumedly a lowering quality control. Maybe some day with the rising importation costs we will see more companies moving production back to the uk as seen in Poland which has just reopened a HO car factory. For I think someone called something like suzki
The recommended price is just a crime! The motor is not a coreless motor but their standard 3 pole £2,- motor, so the information booklet isn't just faulty but contains right-out lies. In the past when you could pick up classes 26,27 and 35 for around £50-£60 they were OK for me, these do run better than this Rustop and for that money I was OK with having to refit some of the detail so that it sits straight. But I never bought another Heljan after you couldn't buy a diesel under £120.
Heljan (if you have real Terry Pratchett's books on Tiffany Aching series of using Slug Glue) look at Heljan! my former class 14 in OO & class 25 in O gauge could not stop falling apart! I hope for OO modelers that Hornby produce the 165 in O-4-O, since moving to O gauge I am waiting for the 48DS Heljan 😵💫 and the Accurascale 88DS 🤔. Heljan need to vasty to improve! Plus are the roof mounted horns right for a industrial livery?
I own a Heljan Class 17, 21, 26 &, 27, all of them run better than my Bachmann & Hornby locomotives by miles. Only loco in my collection that I can say comes close to the same performance is my Accurascale Class 66. Saw 3 of these Ruston shunters at the weekend running, ran just as good as the Bachmann & Hornby Class 08 with no problems haulage wise. Some Heljan models do have their problems, but not all of them or bad at the end of the day.
Really poor of Heljan. I've stopped buying their models. They are just too expensive for what you get and I have sold most of my other Heljan models. The can't compete against Bachmann and Accurascale
That is definitely not a coreless motor, but traditional 3 of 5 pole motor. I don't understand how Heljan is still in business. This model looks cheap. Every model I've seen of Heljan is poorly designed. I own a few, disassembled them and you wonder how they are getting away with it for so long.
What happened? I thought diesel locomotives were Heljan’s strongpoint. And here I thought their steam engines were a messy dog’s dinner that’s worthy of pig slop. My how the tables have turned. Plus it’s like the engine peed itself underneath.
Having photographed the real No45 at Askern colliery I was looking forward to this release. However its a disappointment, its not even the correct model of loco with the later design of cab. Why pretend it's something its not and then charge top dollar.
That looks absolute crap. I'm holding off on the Model Rail Class 11 and Class 12 (which I believe are Heljan) until the prices come down. Holding off though has pro's and con's ... I bought the 10800 at full price and miffed at the price reduction ... I held off on the CC1 and reaped the price reduction ... I held off on the HST prototype and missed out altogether.
I'd pay £50-60 for that and then thoroughly enjoy fettling it and sorting out the shocking paint job - the black wasp stripes were misaligned on there. The handrails being a different colour is correct on at least one real life example though as I have a colour photograph of it. I don't know how Heljan consistently screw up OO gauge when their O gauge offerings are absolutely superb in my experience and totally bomb proof.
When Heljan first entered the OO market with their 47, it was much more expensive (£89!) than the only competing models from Lima and Hornby, but it was at least better in some respects, despite being a scale 6" too wide. In the last 15 years they have gone for some really interesting prototypes but they keep screwing up with poor quality and silly prices. It is getting so frustrating, because I want a U1 but I feel like I'd be better off buying a DJH kit at this rate.
How do manufacturers/suppliers get round the "of merchantable quality" and fit for "purpose" parts of The Sale of Goods Act 1979? If these examples are so bad, and seeing the video, I cannot describe them as otherwise, why has no-one sued under the Act? I could not pretend to afford any of these models and so developing a hobby including model trains is not something I could return to after thirty years, hopelessly out of my range. Enjoyable videos, although I would like to see something of your layout in working display.
Interesting how the Horny Magazine channel couldn't fault this model at all.😄 Even though some of the things you pointed out (the warped step inlay for example) was clearly visible on their demonstrator. Is Heljan somehow related to Hornby?
Heljan get my business on account of the quirky locos they produce, but never close to full price. I recently bought a weathered Class 23 for 95 quid, which I much enjoy.
