Very good review of a nice looking model. I used to think leccie locos would be out of place on a layout without catenary but this looks so good, I changed my mind. After 2 tone green, the Inter City scheme is my next favourite. I remember these coming into and out of Preston.
The pantograph still sits to high off the top of the model. The real thing has it low to the roof. Hornby were able to do this with the class 87 so why can Heljan not
Great video, just for interest i have the virgin version heljan 86 and I found that the complete buffer assembly should just pull out enabling the fitting of couplings if you don't mind running without buffers while running a rake . You can just simply clip the complete buffer assembly back into place . I hope this is helpful.
Hi Jennifer Another nice video, just a quick 'top tip', try using some plectrums (guitar pluckers), to ease the tabs away from the chassis, when trying to get the body off, sometimes the thinner ones are better (for N gauge at least!) but if not try the slighty thicker ones. Available in bags of 20 or so from China (or a music shop!). Hope this helps
Jenny - great review. Sadly, it took 7 models for me to get one that didn't have the following issues: Broken handrail below cab windows at one or both ends of the model. Dim LED lights on plated headcode box at one of the loco ends. The lighting problem was experienced on analogue running as I do not have DCC. I also cannot understand why Heljan insists that customers like having the bufferbeam detailing factory fitted as this prevents the model from being instantly connected to rolling stock straight out of the box.
Hi Rob I don't know if you found on the heljan 86 you can remove the complete buffer beam assembly by gently pulling away with tweezers which comes away quite easily enabling you to attach the couplings with no interference if you don't mind having no buffers while running a rake . The complete buffer beams can simply be pushed back in . I have the virgin version and and it worked fine. I must say I found this by chance. I hope this is helpful
Now what a good model of an important Overhead Electric loco. A very good review. Good to see two large size flywheels whereas Hornby and Bachmann have reduced the size of the ones in their models. Now we need the 86/2 withe the flexicoils in BR blue circa 1978.
I have the AL6 version and I must admit I am very tempted by this 86/4 as well. Both models have one or two minor areas where the detail isn't spot on but from a distance they look excellent and the application of the Executive livery is exemplary. The colour match is excellent and the striping is spot on and very crisp. Just a pity they didn't bother with the cab lights as you say and the gutters on the cab side and glazing could be a little better, but a fine effort overall. Perhaps we well see those minor tweaks and enhancements added when they eventually get round to doing 86/2s (again). I'm not sure why Heljan persisted with the awkward clips instead of screws for the body though....thats a strange throwback to the old 86 they really should have got rid of!
Very nice review. Question on the lights: You mentioned you can choose on or off for the tail lights but how about the headlights? Can they be turned off so it could be used in push mode?
Very good and fair review … they’re lovely loco’s! I had saved for a while and purchased 5 of them … IC Exec is also my fave livery, but also RES, the two RFD, also the unique late 1980’s retro blue version. 👍
Excellent video and very good review Jennifer - this detailed class 86 from H.Jan is certainly worth investment for a detailed Class 86 (pairing with cheaper 86's / 87's from likes of older used models). Glad that H'Jan includes a decent and non-fragile Pantograph unlike the detailed Class 87 I got from Hornby (Plastic - bad show H/By!)
Agreed which is why I have chosen the Hornby BrBlue 87035 with a much more sturdy metal cross pantograph. Having said that this 87 is quite similar to this Heljan 86 like body removal, flexicoils and so on. Legomanbiffo sound in it and it ticks a lot of boxes.
The TDM cables are moulded then printed black, which is disappointing to be honest. I pointed this out on one of Heljan's posts on Facebook book, then they insisted that the were separate parts. Also the orange printing on them aren't great with the darker colour showing through them.
Great review, I still prefer extra detailing in the detail pack rather than pre-fitted options especially around the new pocket. The body removal in my opinion is rather retrograde, for GBP189 Heljan could surely come up with a better and less cumbersome way, literally levering the body away from the chassis albeit slight is fraught with potential damages as you found. If a couple of screws is to much than perhaps a specific tool to release the clips in a less agonising and edge of seat procedure. I believe one maker is putting the decoder under a removable roof panel? For me these issues realty bring its overall score lower ..... notwithstanding the issues there is a lot to like with this good looking and performing loco. ..Drew
Very good review of a nice looking model. I used to think leccie locos would be out of place on a layout without catenary but this looks so good, I changed my mind. After 2 tone green, the Inter City scheme is my next favourite. I remember these coming into and out of Preston.
Many people just erect the plastic dapol masts.....on plain line it looks good enough
The pantograph still sits to high off the top of the model. The real thing has it low to the roof. Hornby were able to do this with the class 87 so why can Heljan not
Thanks. It has just settled my mind on getting the RES liveried version.
Great video, just for interest i have the virgin version heljan 86 and I found that the complete buffer assembly should just pull out enabling the fitting of couplings if you don't mind running without buffers while running a rake . You can just simply clip the complete buffer assembly back into place . I hope this is helpful.
Awesome video Jenny
Hi Jennifer Another nice video, just a quick 'top tip', try using some plectrums (guitar pluckers), to ease the tabs away from the chassis, when trying to get the body off, sometimes the thinner ones are better (for N gauge at least!) but if not try the slighty thicker ones. Available in bags of 20 or so from China (or a music shop!). Hope this helps
Fantastic model Jenny,great review.
Jenny - great review. Sadly, it took 7 models for me to get one that didn't have the following issues: Broken handrail below cab windows at one or both ends of the model. Dim LED lights on plated headcode box at one of the loco ends. The lighting problem was experienced on analogue running as I do not have DCC. I also cannot understand why Heljan insists that customers like having the bufferbeam detailing factory fitted as this prevents the model from being instantly connected to rolling stock straight out of the box.
Hi Rob I don't know if you found on the heljan 86 you can remove the complete buffer beam assembly by gently pulling away with tweezers which comes away quite easily enabling you to attach the couplings with no interference if you don't mind having no buffers while running a rake . The complete buffer beams can simply be pushed back in . I have the virgin version and and it worked fine. I must say I found this by chance. I hope this is helpful
Thanks for the review Jenny. I have an IC Executive 86 on order, and am looking forward to running it under the wires on my layout.
Now what a good model of an important Overhead Electric loco. A very good review. Good to see two large size flywheels whereas Hornby and Bachmann have reduced the size of the ones in their models.
Now we need the 86/2 withe the flexicoils in BR blue circa 1978.
Brilliant Jenny. I’ve been looking for a video on the body removal that doesn’t skip the vital detail of shaking it free.
I have the AL6 version and I must admit I am very tempted by this 86/4 as well. Both models have one or two minor areas where the detail isn't spot on but from a distance they look excellent and the application of the Executive livery is exemplary. The colour match is excellent and the striping is spot on and very crisp.
Just a pity they didn't bother with the cab lights as you say and the gutters on the cab side and glazing could be a little better, but a fine effort overall. Perhaps we well see those minor tweaks and enhancements added when they eventually get round to doing 86/2s (again). I'm not sure why Heljan persisted with the awkward clips instead of screws for the body though....thats a strange throwback to the old 86 they really should have got rid of!
Very nice review. Question on the lights: You mentioned you can choose on or off for the tail lights but how about the headlights? Can they be turned off so it could be used in push mode?
Great review. Do you know what the extra detail parts in the accessory bag are for please?
Very good and fair review … they’re lovely loco’s! I had saved for a while and purchased 5 of them … IC Exec is also my fave livery, but also RES, the two RFD, also the unique late 1980’s retro blue version. 👍
Excellent video and very good review Jennifer - this detailed class 86 from H.Jan is certainly worth investment for a detailed Class 86 (pairing with cheaper 86's / 87's from likes of older used models). Glad that H'Jan includes a decent and non-fragile Pantograph unlike the detailed Class 87 I got from Hornby (Plastic - bad show H/By!)
Agreed which is why I have chosen the Hornby BrBlue 87035 with a much more sturdy metal cross pantograph. Having said that this 87 is quite similar to this Heljan 86 like body removal, flexicoils and so on. Legomanbiffo sound in it and it ticks a lot of boxes.
What coaches are running here? Mk2's and the odd Mk1? thanks!
wonderful video Jenny
Great review. Thanks for sharing. Roy.
Be great to see you fit cab lights Jenny....or a cab light at one end then a corridor light for the final spare function?
Nice video - thank you
The TDM cables are moulded then printed black, which is disappointing to be honest. I pointed this out on one of Heljan's posts on Facebook book, then they insisted that the were separate parts. Also the orange printing on them aren't great with the darker colour showing through them.
Great review, I still prefer extra detailing in the detail pack rather than pre-fitted options especially around the new pocket. The body removal in my opinion is rather retrograde, for GBP189 Heljan could surely come up with a better and less cumbersome way, literally levering the body away from the chassis albeit slight is fraught with potential damages as you found. If a couple of screws is to much than perhaps a specific tool to release the clips in a less agonising and edge of seat procedure. I believe one maker is putting the decoder under a removable roof panel? For me these issues realty bring its overall score lower ..... notwithstanding the issues there is a lot to like with this good looking and performing loco. ..Drew
Just a shame they didnt upgrade the lights further like the new class 26/1 with cab and engine room lighting in the side corridor
I approve of the 1980s.
Electric locos not my cup of tea, but as a model theres a lot going on here!👍
The pantograph still looks like it sits too high off the roof.